CN116723983A

CN116723983A - Packaging configured to hold perishable products and methods of making and using the same

Info

Publication number: CN116723983A
Application number: CN202280010018.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 尼尔·D·沃森
Original assignee: Polye Inc
Current assignee: Polye Inc
Priority date: 2021-01-22
Filing date: 2022-01-20
Publication date: 2023-09-08
Also published as: EP4281376A1; CA3205375A1; AR125948A1; KR20230134541A; WO2022159954A1; TW202243969A; US20240017904A1

Abstract

A package formed from a film, the package comprising a first compartment and a second compartment. Each compartment may be sealed except for one or more unsealed portions between the first compartment and the second compartment. The first compartment may be configured to contain one or more perishable products. The second compartment may be configured to house at least one active member.

Description

Packaging configured to hold perishable products and methods of making and using the same

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63/140,639, filed on 1 month 22 OF 2021, entitled "packaging configured to preserve perishable PRODUCTs AND METHODs OF making AND USING SAME" (PACKAGE CONFIGURED TO PRESERVE PERISHABLE PRODUCT, AND METHOD OF MAKING AND use SAME), the disclosure OF which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The disclosed technology relates generally to packages for containing products, such as, but not limited to, food and/or perishable items, and/or methods for forming packages to utilize and/or enhance the effectiveness of active components, such as preserving the products therein and/or preventing contamination of the products.

Background

Various types of packages require or at least partially benefit from controlled environmental conditions. For example, some products require an environment within the package that is free of moisture or has a particular narrow window of relative humidity. Other products degrade in the presence of ethylene. In addition, other products, such as agricultural products like lettuce, may be at risk of exposure to contamination and will benefit from a means for addressing the contamination, for example by releasing antimicrobial compounds in the headspace of the package.

In the packaging industry, two types of form-fill-seal machines are widely used: horizontal form fill and seal machines (HFFS) and vertical form fill seal machines (VFFS). One difference between these two types of machines is the manner in which the product (e.g., food) is dispensed into the packages produced by these machines.

As shown in fig. 1-3, the prior art VFFS includes a roll 101 of film stock and a tube or cylinder 107a having an opening at its upper end to receive the product 112 therein and the film stock 101 thereon. The prior art VFFS also includes a vertical sealing strip 102a, a pair of opposed rollers or conveyors 103a, and a pair of opposed horizontal sealing strips or jaws 104a. The or each horizontal seal strip 104a includes a cutter or sharp interior 106a configured to pierce or cut through the film stock. The prior art VFFS produces a final package that may be in the form of a sealed bag or pouch, for example. Typical fields of application for VFFS include loose, granular, doughy or difficult to handle products 112. The prior art VFFS is directed to both the food and non-food markets. In contrast to prior art HFFS as described below, the film or laminate travels in a vertical direction through the prior art VFFS.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, a prior art HFFS may include or utilize a roll 101 of plastic film, a pair of opposing bottom seam seals or cleats 102b, a pair of opposing transverse seals or cleats 103b, a pair of opposing closure seals or cleats 104b, and a pair of opposing dividers 105b. The prior art HFFS was capable of making pouches (fig. 5) and/or spout and lid assemblies (fig. 4) from rolls 101 of stock film.

In prior art HFFS, the package is filled and sealed on the same apparatus, filling can be done through the open top of the pouch, and the machine fills in the same operation that forms and seals the pouch. Rather, the film or laminate travels through the machine in a horizontal direction. This process illustrates all parts of the manufacture of a complete pouch product from film unrolling, pouch formation, filling to sealing. The benefit of using prior art HFFS is that it optimizes the overall cost of ownership and gives more flexibility in size and shape in production. The prior art HFFS also provides manufacturers with overall control of their packaging processes. Other benefits include constant packaging rate, less expense compared to pre-formed pouches, increased production rate and reduced number of worker shifts, ease and speed of cleaning between production batches, and the ability to provide readable bar codes and product information.

The key distinction of which type of machine should be used generally depends on the type of product to be packaged. While prior art HFFS are best suited for products that are solid and easy to contain and handle (e.g., small toys or candy bars), prior art VFFS tend to be more suitable for loose, granular, dough-like or difficult to handle manually. Prior art VFFS are generally more suitable for packaging products such as sugar, liquids, and chips.

Various types of sealing methods may be used in either prior art HFFS or prior art VFFS. Exemplary seals that may be employed include heat seals, ultrasonic seals, and induction seals. The heat seal is resistance based and is low in maintenance cost. Ultrasonic sealing is based on ultrasonic frequencies and creates a hermetic seal. Induction sealing is based on electrical resistance and allows sealing and cooling to be performed in the same step.

Furthermore, various filling methods may be used in either prior art HFFS or prior art VFFS. Exemplary filling methods that may be employed include hot filling for heat treated products, clean filling for non-heat treated products, and ultra-clean filling for cold chain distribution.

Disclosure of Invention

While HFFS and VFFS have many benefits, these machines and the process of creating packages can be improved. For example, the prior art has not been able to preserve or extend the freshness of the product within the package formed by HFFS or VFFS. The above and other drawbacks of the prior art are overcome by the presently disclosed technology.

One way to address the need for controlled environmental conditions for packaging certain products is to provide the active member optionally in the form of a film having certain types of absorption, adsorption and/or release effectiveness or capacity. Such active members optionally may be entrained polymer films with an active agent, such as a desiccant polymer or an antimicrobial release polymer. Optionally, the entrained polymer film may also contain channeling agents to help regulate adsorption or release of a given material. It may be preferable if the active member does not and cannot directly contact the package.

To overcome the above and/or other deficiencies of the prior art, the presently disclosed technology optionally involves forming a package using a form-fill-seal machine (HFFS or VFFS) that includes at least one active member therein. In an optional embodiment, the active member may be placed in a compartment adjacent (e.g., horizontally or vertically) to the compartment containing the perishable product, wherein both compartments are isolated from the external environment, the product in one compartment cannot physically contact the active agent in the other compartment, but gas may flow between each compartment, thereby extending shelf life or preserving the product.

In an optional embodiment, the present application is directed to a method of forming a package with a form-fill-seal machine. The method comprises sealing the first portion of the film to itself using a pair of opposed horizontal first sealing strips or jaws. The method further comprises sealing the second portion of the film to itself using at least one second vertical seal or clamp. The method further comprises sealing the third portion of the film to itself using at least one third vertical seal or clamp. The third portion may form a partition extending between the first compartment of the package and the second compartment of the package. The separator may include one or more unsealed portions and one or more sealed portions. The method further comprises sealing the fourth portion of the film to itself to enclose the first compartment and the second compartment.

Drawings

The foregoing summary of the disclosed technology, as well as the following detailed description of the presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. To illustrate the disclosed techniques, various illustrative embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a VFFS in the act of forming a package, wherein product is fed into a partially formed package through a hopper and seals have been formed to create the sides and bottom of the partially formed package, and wherein certain components have been omitted for clarity only;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the VFFS shown in FIG. 1, with filling and sealing further performed in the process;

FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the VFFS shown in FIG. 1 with the filling and sealing continuing further in the process and having formed a complete package;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation of an HFFS according to the prior art;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an HFFS according to the prior art;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a package according to an optional embodiment of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a VFFS in accordance with an optional embodiment of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a VFFS in accordance with another optional embodiment of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an HFFS in accordance with an optional embodiment of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an HFFS in accordance with another optional embodiment of the disclosed technique; and

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an HFFS in accordance with yet another optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.

Detailed Description

Although the systems, devices, and methods have been described herein by way of example and embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the techniques disclosed herein are not limited to the embodiments or figures described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Features of any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., the mandatory sense). The terms "a/an" and "the" are not limited to one element, but rather should be construed to mean "at least one", unless specifically set forth herein. The terminology includes the words above mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

As used herein, the term "active" is defined as capable of acting on, interacting with, or reacting with a selected material (e.g., moisture and/or oxygen) in accordance with the disclosed technology. Examples of such effects or interactions may include absorption, adsorption, or release of selected materials. Another example of "active" is an agent that is capable of acting on, interacting with, or reacting with a selected material to cause release of a release material.

As used herein, the term "active agent" is defined as the following material: (1) Is not miscible with the base polymer and will not melt when mixed with the base polymer and the channeling agent and heated, i.e., its melting point is higher than that of the base polymer or channeling agent; and (2) act on, interact with, or react with the selected material. The term "active agent" may include, but is not limited to, a material that absorbs, adsorbs or releases a selected material.

As used herein, the term "active member" is defined as a structure that comprises or is formed from an active agent and possibly one or more other materials or substances (e.g., base polymer). Optionally, the active member may be in the form of an entrained polymer film.

The active agents of one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology are those that release antimicrobial gases, such as, but not limited to, chlorine dioxide gas. The active agents according to the disclosed technology may be in particulate form, such as minerals (e.g., molecular sieves or silica gel in the case of desiccants), but the disclosed technology should not be considered as limited to particulate active agents alone. For example, in some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging formulation may be made of a resin that acts as an active agent or as a component of an active agent.

The term "antimicrobial release agent" refers to an active agent capable of releasing a release antimicrobial material, for example in gaseous form. The active agent may comprise a formulation (e.g., a powdered mixture) comprising an active component and other components (e.g., a catalyst and a trigger) configured to release an antimicrobial gas. "Release antimicrobial material" is a compound that inhibits or prevents the growth and proliferation of microorganisms and/or kills microorganisms, such as chlorine dioxide gas. The releasable antimicrobial material is released by the antimicrobial release agent. By way of example only, the antimicrobial release agent may be triggered (e.g., by a chemical reaction or physical change) by contact with a selected material (e.g., moisture). For example, moisture may react with the antimicrobial release agent to cause the agent to release a releasable antimicrobial material. Optionally, the antimicrobial release agent is a chlorine dioxide gas forming agent, such as described in international patent application No. PCT/US2019/060937 and U.S. publication No. 2019/00335746A1, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. Disclosed in PCT/US2019/060937 is a chlorine dioxide gas forming agent with a carrier material within a polymer composition comprising preferably acidified silica or silica gel. Alternatively, the carrier material comprises polysulfonic acid. Alternatively, the carrier material comprises a phyllosilicate, such as kaolin. Optionally, the chlorine dioxide gas forming agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of: carrier materials (e.g., silica gel), active compounds, and moisture triggers. The carrier material preferably comprises an acidified silica gel having a pH of 1.4 to 3.1 and 50 to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the antimicrobial release agent. The active compound preferably comprises a metal chlorite and is 5 to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the antimicrobial release agent. The trigger preferably comprises a hygroscopic compound and is 2 to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the antimicrobial release agent. In an optional embodiment, the chlorine dioxide gas forming agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of, based on the total weight of the chlorine dioxide gas forming agent: 10 to 15% by weight of sodium chlorite, 5 to 15% by weight of calcium chloride and 70 to 80% by weight of silica gel. Preferably, the carrier of the chlorine dioxide gas forming agent has a pH of 1.0 to 3.5, optionally 1.4 to 3.1.

As used herein, the term "base material" is a component (preferably a polymer) that entrains active material, rather than active agent, which provides the structure of the entrained material.

As used herein, the term "base polymer" is a polymer that optionally has a gas transmission rate of the selected material that is substantially lower, or substantially equivalent to the gas transmission rate of the channeling agent. For example, in embodiments where the material of choice is moisture and the active agent is an antimicrobial gas-releasing agent activated by moisture or a water-absorbing desiccant, this transmission rate is a water vapor transmission rate. The active agent may comprise a formulation comprising an active component and other components configured to release an antimicrobial gas. In one embodiment, the primary function of the base polymer is to provide structure for the entrained polymer.

Base polymers suitable for use in the present invention include thermoplastic polymers, for example, polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutylene, polysiloxanes, polycarbonates, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-methacrylate copolymers, poly (vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyesters, polyanhydrides, polyacrylonitrile, polysulfone, polyacrylate, acrylic acid, polyurethane and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

Referring to such a comparison of the water vapor transmission rates of the base polymer and the channeling agent, in one embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least twice that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least five times the water vapor transmission rate of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least ten times the water vapor transmission rate of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least twenty times the water vapor transmission rate of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least fifty times the water vapor transmission rate of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least one hundred times the water vapor transmission rate of the base polymer.

As used herein, the term "channeling agent" is defined as a material that is immiscible with the base polymer and has an affinity to transport gas phase species at a faster rate than the base polymer. Optionally, when the entrained polymer is formed by mixing a channeling agent with the base polymer, the channeling agent is capable of forming channels through the entrained polymer. Optionally, such channels can penetrate the selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than in the base polymer alone.

As used herein, the term "channel" or "interconnecting channel" is defined as a passageway formed by channel formers that penetrate the base polymer and may interconnect with each other.

As used herein, the term "entrained polymer" is defined as a monolithic material formed from at least a base polymer, an active agent, and optionally also an entrained or bulk distributed channeling agent. The entrained polymer is thus at least two-phase (without channeling agent) or at least three-phase (with channeling agent). A "mineral loaded polymer" is a type of entrained polymer in which the active agent is in the form of a mineral, e.g., mineral particles such as molecular sieves or silica gels. The term "entrainment material" is used herein to connote a monolithic material comprising an active agent entrained in a base material, wherein the base material may or may not be polymeric.

As used herein, the term "monolithic," "monolithic structure," or "monolithic composition" is defined as a composition or material that is not composed of two or more discrete macroscopic layers or portions. Thus, the "monolithic composition" does not comprise a multi-layer composite.

As used herein, the term "phase" is defined as a portion or component of an overall structure or composition that is uniformly distributed throughout to provide the structure or composition with its overall characteristics.

As used herein, the term "selected material" is defined as a material that functions by or interacts or reacts with an active agent and is capable of being transported through channels that entrain polymer. For example, in embodiments in which a desiccant is used as the active agent, the material selected may be moisture or gas that may be absorbed by the desiccant. In embodiments in which the release material is used as an active agent, the material of choice may be an agent released by the release material, such as moisture, fragrance, or an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorine dioxide). In embodiments where the adsorbent material is used as an active agent, the material selected may be a volatile organic compound and the adsorbent material may be activated carbon.

As used herein, the term "three-phase" is defined to include a monolithic composition or structure of three or more phases. An example of a three-phase composition according to the present invention is an entrained polymer formed from a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent. Optionally, the three-phase composition or structure may comprise additional phases, such as colorants, but still be considered "three-phase" in view of the presence of the three main functional components.

The entrained polymer may be a two-phase formulation (i.e., comprising the base polymer and the active agent without the channeling agent) or a three-phase formulation (i.e., comprising the base polymer, the active agent, and the channeling agent). For example, entrained polymers are described in U.S. patent nos. 5,911,937, 6,080,350, 6,124,006, 6,130,263, 6,194,079, 6,214,255, 6,486,231, 7,005,459 and U.S. patent publication nos. 2016/0039955, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The entraining material or polymer comprises a base material (e.g., polymer) for providing structure, optionally a channeling agent and an active agent. The channeling agent forms microscopic interconnecting channels by entraining the polymer. At least some of the active agent is contained in the channels such that the channels communicate between the active agent and the exterior of the entrained polymer through microscopic channel openings formed at the exterior surface of the entrained polymer. The active agent may be, for example, any of a variety of absorbent, adsorbent, or release materials described in further detail below. Although channeling agents are preferred, the present invention broadly encompasses entrainment materials, such as two-phase polymers, optionally without channeling agents.

In any embodiment, suitable channel forming agents can include a polyglycol (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG)), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerol polyamines, polyurethanes, and polycarboxylic acids including polyacrylic or polymethacrylic acid. Alternatively, the channeling agent may be, for example, a water insoluble polymer such as propylene oxide polymerization product-monobutyl ether produced by Clariant, inc., such as Polyglykol B01/240. In other embodiments, the channeling agent may be a propylene oxide polymer product monobutyl ether such as Polyglykol B01/20 produced by the Clariant corporation, a propylene oxide polymer product such as Polyglykol D01/240 produced by the Clariant corporation, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon 6, nylon 66, or any combination of the foregoing.

Suitable active agents according to the disclosed technology include absorbent materials, such as dry compounds. If the active agent is a desiccant, any suitable desiccant may be used for a given application. Typically, physical absorption desiccants are preferred for many applications. These applications may include molecular sieves, silica gels, clays and starches. Alternatively, the desiccant may be a chemical compound that forms crystals containing water, or a compound that reacts with water to form a new compound.

Optionally, in any embodiment, the active agent may be an oxygen scavenger, e.g., an oxygen scavenging resin formulation. Optionally, in any embodiment, the oxygen scavenger may be green tea and/or carrot, as taught in International applications PCT/US2021/070240 and PCT/US2021/70237, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Optionally, in any embodiment, the active agent may be a melanosis inhibitor, such as green tea, as taught in PCT/US2020/038181, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Furthermore, the terms "package," "packaging," and "container" are used interchangeably herein to refer to objects that hold or contain merchandise, such as food products and foods. Optionally, the package may comprise a container having the product stored therein. Non-limiting examples of packaging, and containers include trays, boxes, cartons, bottles, containers (receptacle, vessel), pouches, and flexible bags. The pouch or flexible bag may be made of, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene. The package or container may be closed, capped, and/or sealed using a variety of mechanisms including, for example, lids, caps, seal-capping sealants, adhesives, and heat seals. The package or container may be constructed or constructed of a variety of materials, such as plastic (e.g., polypropylene or polyethylene), paper, styrofoam, glass, metal, and combinations thereof. In an optional embodiment, the package or container is composed of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer, optionally polypropylene or polyethylene, and preferably has sufficient rigidity to retain its shape under gravity.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, fig. 6 schematically illustrates a package or container, generally designated 130, which may be used in accordance with an aspect of the disclosed concept. The package 130 may optionally be designed to house, store, and/or otherwise hold the product 112 (schematically shown in fig. 6), such as, but not limited to, one or more perishable items, such as food (e.g., lettuce, vegetables, candy, etc.), or medicaments or pharmaceuticals. The package 130 may also optionally be designed to contain at least one active member 114. Optionally, the package 130 may be formed using a form fill sealer such as HFFS or VFFS with a roll of plastic film or preformed plastic pouches.

The package 130 may include a first compartment 116 and a second compartment 118. In one embodiment, the first compartment 116 is optionally larger than the second compartment 118. Optionally, each compartment 116, 118 is a sealed enclosure except that the partition optionally has one or more unsealed portions 120 and one or more sealed portions between the first compartment 116 and the second compartment 118. The first compartment 116 is configured to contain the product 112 and the second compartment 18 is configured to contain at least one active member 114.

In any embodiment, the divider and/or one or more unsealed portions 120 may optionally be located between one or more sealed portions. For example, the one or more sealed portions may be an imprint or seal, and the one or more unsealed portions 120 may be notches or holes formed in and/or between the partition separating the first compartment 116 and the second compartment 118 and/or the one or more sealed portions. Optionally, the divider and/or the one or more unsealed portions 120 may extend in a linear fashion and parallel to the sides of the package 130 and/or the longitudinal axis of the at least one active member 114. Alternatively, the one or more unsealed portions 120 may be at least slightly vertically offset such that the separator and/or the one or more unsealed portions 120 do not extend in a precisely linear manner, or the one or more unsealed portions 120 may extend at an angle or in a curved linear arrangement.

The separator and/or the one or more unsealed portions 120 allow at least one active member 114 to communicate (e.g., gas flow) with the product 112, but the active member 114 is unable to contact the product 112 due to the presence of a seal between the one or more unsealed portions 120. More specifically, the divider and/or the one or more unsealed portions 120 allow gas to flow between the two compartments 116, 118, which allows the at least one active member 114 to preserve and/or extend the freshness of the product 112. Optionally, the compartments 116, 118 are otherwise hermetically isolated from the external environment.

In an optional embodiment shown in fig. 6, the first compartment 116 and the second compartment 118 are laterally adjacent. However, the technology disclosed in the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first compartment 116 and the second compartment 118 may optionally be vertically adjacent. In an optional embodiment, at least one active member 114 may be inserted into the package 130 prior to forming or creating the one or more unsealed portions 120. Next, one or more unsealed portions 120 may be formed or created, thereby forming a second compartment 118 having at least one active member 114 therein. The product 112 may then be inserted into the first compartment 116, and the perimeter of the package 130 may be sealed. In such an arrangement, the second compartment 118 is vertically adjacent to and below the first compartment 116. In alternative optional embodiments, the second compartment 118 may be vertically adjacent to and above the first compartment 116.

In one optional embodiment, the active member 114 is in the form of a membrane. Optionally, the active member 114 is in the form of an entrained polymer film, optionally comprising a base polymer, an active agent, and optionally a channel forming agent. The disclosed technology is not limited to use with or in antimicrobial agents. For example, the active agent may optionally comprise at least one of an antimicrobial agent, a release agent, or a desiccant. Optionally, the active member 114 is rectangular or square in shape. However, other sizes, shapes, and/or configurations are possible in light of what is shown and described herein.

An optional method of the presently disclosed technology includes sealing portions of a membrane to form a first compartment adjacent to a second compartment. The compartments may be sealed simultaneously or consecutively. The method may comprise inserting at least one perishable product into the first compartment. The method may comprise inserting at least one active member into the second compartment. The method may comprise sealing a top of each of the first and second compartments to encapsulate the at least one perishable product and the at least one active member therein, respectively. One or more openings may be present within the package between the first compartment and the second compartment such that the at least one active member is configured to extend the shelf life or viability of the at least one perishable product.

Fig. 7 shows one example of a VFFS, generally designated 150, of the presently disclosed technique designed to form a package 130 (e.g., schematically shown in fig. 6) from a roll of film 101 that is unwound and reconfigured about a hollow tube or cylinder 107 a. The same elements between the present embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 3 and the prior art are identified with the same reference numerals, and a description of some similarities between the two may be omitted herein for the sake of brevity only.

In contrast to prior art VFFS, the VFFS 100 of the disclosed technology may include a first vertical seal or bead 102a, optionally one or a pair of opposing vertical rollers or conveyors 103a or other mechanism configured to move the film 101 downward relative to the cylinder 107a, a pair of opposing horizontal seal or clamp plates 104a, and at least one or a pair of opposing second vertical seal or beads 154.

By, for example, abutting opposite sides or ends of the film 101 against the tube or cylinder 107a and, for example, optionally applying heat and/or adhesive, the first and second vertical seals 102a, 154 may each independently and at separate locations seal the film 101 to itself (at least partially in the case of the second vertical seal 154). Each of the first and second vertical sealing bars 102a, 154 and the conveyor 103a may be vertically oriented such that the respective longitudinal axis extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 107 a.

Optionally, each conveyor 103a may include a belt extending over and around two spaced apart and parallel shafts. The longitudinal axis of each shaft may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 107 a. A cover (not shown) may enclose the conveyor and shaft for protection and/or aesthetic purposes.

The second vertical seal 154 may be configured to form one or more unsealed portions 120 separating the first compartment 116 and the second compartment 118 described above and shown in fig. 6. Optionally, the second vertical seal 154 may create or form one or more heat seals, ultrasonic seals, and/or induction seals at spaced intervals. The spacing may be sized, shaped, and/or configured to allow gas to flow around its periphery.

The second vertical sealing strip 154 may optionally be laterally and/or vertically separated or spaced apart from the first vertical sealing strip 102 a. For example, the second vertical seal 154 may be laterally spaced from the lateral edges of the first vertical seal 102a and/or the cylinder 107a distance equal to a desired width of the first compartment 116 of the package 130. Alternatively or additionally, the one or a pair of opposing second vertical sealing strips 154 (only one of which is visible from the perspective shown in fig. 7) may be located below the lower edge of the cylinder 107 a. When snugged together, the pair of opposing second vertical seals 154 may touch or mate (e.g., by moving radially inward) to form a spaced apart spacing of the packages 130. Optionally, the second vertical sealing strip 154 may be located vertically below the first vertical sealing strip 102a and vertically above a pair of opposing horizontal sealing strips or cleats 104 a.

Optionally, depending on the desired size of the finished package, the position of each second vertical seal 154 may be adjusted and/or moved between or during the production process to change the size of the first compartment 16 and/or the second compartment 18.

Optionally, each of the first and second vertical sealing strips 102a, 154 may be square or rectangular in shape. Optionally, the size, shape, and/or configuration of each second vertical sealing strip 154 may be slightly or substantially smaller or the same as the first vertical sealing strip 102 a. Each of the first and second vertical sealing bars 102a, 154 is not limited to the size, shape, and/or configuration as shown and described herein.

At least one active member 114 may optionally be attached to the inner surface of the second compartment 118 prior to sealing of the package 130. For example, at least one active member 114 may be adhered to an inner surface of the film 101 corresponding to the second compartment 114 before a pair of opposing horizontal sealing strips or cleats 104a are clamped together and one of the packages 130 is enclosed.

In a modified version, the film roll 101 optionally may be a preformed pouch made of film 101.

Fig. 8 shows another example of a VFFS, generally designated 170, of the presently disclosed technology designed to form a package, wherein a second compartment is vertically adjacent and lower than the first compartment. The VFFS shown in fig. 8 is substantially similar to the VFFS shown in fig. 7 described above. Like elements between the two embodiments are identified with like reference numerals, and a description of certain similarities between the two embodiments may be omitted herein for the sake of brevity only.

The difference between the two embodiments is that the second vertical sealing strip 154 is omitted, facilitating the vertical positioning of at least one or a pair of opposing second horizontal sealing strips or cleats 175 above or below a pair of opposing first horizontal sealing strips or cleats 104 a. In such a configuration, the second compartment 118 may be formed below the first compartment 116 of a given package. Optionally, at least one active member 114 may be adhered or otherwise attached to the inner surface of the membrane prior to the horizontal sealing strip or cleat 175 creating or forming one or more unsealed portions 120.

The second horizontal seal or cleat 175 may optionally extend across and beyond the width of the cylinder 107a and/or the package 130. The longitudinal axis of the second horizontal sealing strip or cleat 175 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first horizontal sealing strip or cleat 104a and/or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 107 a.

Optionally, the second horizontal sealing strip or cleat 175 may be adjusted vertically upward or downward relative to the cylinder 107a, the vertical sealing strip 102a, and/or an opposing pair of opposing first horizontal sealing strips or cleats 104 a. This adjustment may, for example, increase or decrease the size of the second compartment 118 of the package 130.

Fig. 9 shows one example of an HFFS, generally indicated at 180, in accordance with an optional embodiment of the disclosed technology. HFFS 180 of fig. 9 is designed and/or configured to form package 130 schematically shown in fig. 6. The same elements between the present embodiment shown in fig. 4 to 5 and the prior art are identified with the same reference numerals, and a description of some similarities between the two may be omitted herein for the sake of brevity only.

In contrast to prior art HFFS, HFFS 180 of the presently disclosed technology includes two pairs of opposing vertical sealing strips or cleats 103a, 182. The first pair of opposed vertical sealing strips 103b may be the same or similar to those employed in the prior art. A second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 (one of which is schematically shown in fig. 9) may be laterally separated (e.g., downstream) from the first pair of vertical sealing bars 103b and may be configured to form one or more unsealed portions 120 separating the first compartment 116 and the second compartment 118 described above and shown in fig. 6. Only one of the second pair of opposing vertical seal bars 182 is shown in fig. 9 for clarity and ease of illustration only.

In operation, HFFS 180 may be loaded with a roll of film 101 that may be used to form package 130. Possible materials for the film 101 may be heat sealable films with a single layer or double layers, such as PP-PP, PP-PE, PA-PE, PE-PET, BOPP and CPP. The film 101 is unfolded, then straightened along an axis, then folded in half, and then pulled or guided in a horizontal position, passing through various mechanisms that function to close the vertical seal, form the bottom of the package, and apply the final additional components to the package (e.g., a zipper for closing and opening the package).

In addition to a pair of opposing bottom seam sealing cleats 102b (only one shown in fig. 9 for clarity), a first pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 103b, and a second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 (only one shown in fig. 9 for clarity), HFFS 180 may optionally also include a pair of opposing upper or closure sealing bars or cleats 104b and a divider or cutting mechanism 105b. After cutting mechanism 105b, individual packages 130 may be placed or delivered, for example, onto an output or conveyor belt.

In an optional embodiment, a second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 is located downstream of the first pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 103b and upstream of the pair of opposing sealing bars 104 b. However, the disclosed techniques are not limited to such configurations, as the position of the second pair of opposing vertical seal bars 182 may be modified depending on the type, size, and/or configuration of package to be produced. For example, in one optional embodiment, the second pair of vertical sealing bars 182 may be located upstream of the first pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 103 b.

Optionally, a second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 may create or form one or more heat seals, ultrasonic seals, and/or induction seals, as described above with respect to the other sealing bars or jaws.

The product 112 and the active member 114 may be inserted into the partially formed package 130 simultaneously or sequentially. Optionally, both the product 112 and the active member 114 may be dispensed or delivered into the partially formed first and second compartments 116, 118, respectively. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, both the product 112 and the active member 114 are inserted into the partially formed first and second compartments 116, 118, respectively, after or at a lower stage of the second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 and at an upper stage of the pair of opposing upper or closing sealing bars or jaws 104 b.

Fig. 10 and 11 illustrate other examples of HFFS 190, 196 designed to form packages in accordance with an optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology, wherein the second compartment is vertically adjacent and below the first compartment. The HFFS 190, 196 shown in fig. 10 and 11 are substantially similar to the HFFS shown in fig. 9 described above. Like elements between the three embodiments are identified with like reference numerals, and a discussion of some similarities between the embodiments may be omitted for brevity and convenience only.

The difference between the embodiments is that the second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 from the embodiment shown in fig. 9 is omitted, facilitating the pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or cleats 192, 198 in the embodiment shown in fig. 10 and 11. The pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or cleats 192, 198 may be a third pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or cleats.

The pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or cleats 192, 198 shown in fig. 10 and 11 may be located upstream (see fig. 10) or downstream (see fig. 11) of the vertical sealing bar 103b, respectively. As shown in fig. 11, such a configuration may create a first compartment 116 above a second compartment 118 and separate it from the second compartment by one or more unsealed portions 120. The pair of opposed horizontal sealing strips or cleats 192, 198 may create or form one or more unsealed portions 120. At least one active member 114 may optionally be adhered to the inner surface of the film 101 used to make the package 130.

As shown in the embodiment of fig. 10, the pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or cleats 192 may optionally be vertically above the pair of opposing bottom seam sealing bars or cleats 102 b.

The following exemplary examples further describe optional aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are part of this detailed description. These exemplary embodiments are set forth in a format substantially similar to the claims (each group containing a numerical designation followed by a letter (e.g., "a", "B", etc.) but are not technically a claim of the present application.

A method of forming a package using a form-fill-seal machine, wherein the package includes at least one active member therein to preserve or extend the freshness of a product within the package. In an optional embodiment, the active member may be placed in a compartment adjacent to the compartment containing the perishable product, wherein the two compartments are isolated from the external environment but may be in proximity to each other, thereby extending shelf life or preserving the product.

2A. The method according to embodiment 1A, wherein the active member is placed in a compartment adjacent to the compartment containing the product.

The method of embodiment 1A or 2A wherein the two compartments are isolated from the external environment but are accessible to each other, thereby extending shelf life or preserving the product.

A method of preserving perishable food in a package, the method comprising forming two compartments in the package between which a gas can flow, wherein one of the compartments contains perishable food and the other of the two compartments contains an active member.

2B. The method of embodiment 1B, wherein the active member comprises an active agent.

A package formed entirely and/or solely of a film, the package comprising:

the first compartment and the second compartment, each compartment being sealed except for one or more unsealed portions between the first compartment and the second compartment, the first compartment being configured to contain one or more perishable products, the second compartment being configured to contain at least one active member, wherein a gas is able to pass through the one or more unsealed portions to retain or extend the lifetime of the one or more perishable products.

The package of example 1C, wherein the film and/or the package is translucent or transparent.

The package of example 1C, wherein the film and/or the package is opaque.

A method of forming a package with a form-fill-seal machine, the method comprising:

sealing portions of the membrane to form a first compartment adjacent to a second compartment;

inserting at least one perishable product into the first compartment;

inserting at least one active member into the second compartment; and

sealing the top of each of the first and second compartments to enclose at least one perishable product and at least one active member therein respectively,

wherein there are one or more openings within the package between the first compartment and the second compartment to enable gas transfer between the compartments such that the at least one active member is configured to extend the shelf life or viability of the at least one perishable product.

While the disclosed technology has been described in detail with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosed technology is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package formed from a film, the package comprising:

a first compartment configured to contain one or more perishable products;

a second compartment configured to house at least one active member having at least one of an absorption, adsorption or release efficacy or capacity, the combined first and second compartments being isolated from an external environment of the package; and

a partition extending between and separating the first compartment and the second compartment, the partition comprising one or more unsealed portions and one or more sealed portions,

wherein gas within the first compartment or the second compartment is capable of flowing between the first compartment and the second compartment through the one or more unsealed portions, such that the active member is configured to preserve or extend the life of the one or more perishable products,

wherein the one or more unsealed portions are sufficiently small that the one or more perishable products are not capable of moving from the first compartment to the second compartment through the one or more unsealed portions, and

wherein the one or more unsealed portions are sufficiently small that the active member is unable to move from the second compartment to the first compartment through the one or more unsealed portions.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the package is formed using a form fill seal machine.

3. The package of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more unsealed portions are spaced apart and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one active member.

4. The package of any of the preceding claims, wherein the combined first and second compartments are hermetically sealed except for the one or more unsealed portions between the first and second compartments.

5. The package of any of the preceding claims, wherein the package is formed from a roll of plastic film.

6. The package of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one active member comprises an entrained polymer film having a base polymer and an active agent.

7. The package of claim 6, wherein the entrained polymer film further comprises a channeling agent.

8. A system for preserving food, the system comprising:

a food;

at least one active member in the form of a membrane having at least one of an absorption, adsorption or release efficacy or ability; and

A package formed from a single roll of film, the package comprising a first compartment configured to contain the food, a second compartment configured to contain the at least one active member, and a separator extending between and separating the first and second compartments, the combined first and second compartments being isolated from an environment external to the package, the separator comprising one or more unsealed portions and one or more sealed portions,

wherein gas within the first compartment or the second compartment is capable of flowing between the first compartment and the second compartment through the one or more unsealed portions, such that the active member is configured to preserve or extend the life of one or more perishable products,

wherein the one or more unsealed portions are sufficiently small that the foodstuff is not able to move from the first compartment to the second compartment through the one or more unsealed portions, and

wherein the one or more unsealed portions are sufficiently small that the active element is not movable from the second compartment to the first compartment by the one or more unsealed portions,

Each compartment is sealed except for one or more unsealed portions between the first compartment containing the food and the second compartment containing the at least one active member.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one active member is rectangular in shape.

10. The system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one active member comprises an entrained polymer film having a base polymer and an active agent.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the entrained polymer film further comprises a channeling agent.

12. The system of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the at least one active member is attached to an inner surface of the rolled film.

13. A form-fill-seal machine configured to form a package with a film, the package comprising a first compartment configured to contain one or more perishable products and a second compartment configured to contain an active member that preserves or extends the expiration date of the one or more perishable products, the first compartment being separate from the second compartment.

14. The form-fill-seal machine of claim 13 wherein said active member is in the form of a film having at least one of an absorption, adsorption, release effectiveness or capacity.

15. The form-fill-seal machine of claim 13 or 14, wherein the machine is configured to create a partition between the first compartment and the second compartment, the partition comprising one or more unsealed portions and one or more sealed portions, the partition configured to allow gas to flow therethrough but to prevent the one or more perishable products and the active member from passing therethrough.

16. The form-fill-seal machine of claim 15, wherein the machine includes at least one sealing strip configured to form the separator, the at least one sealing strip configured to seal at least a portion of the film to itself.

17. The form-fill-seal machine of any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein said machine comprises two transversely spaced vertical sealing bars.

18. The form-fill-seal machine of claim 17 wherein one of said two laterally spaced apart vertical sealing bars is vertically higher than the other of said two laterally spaced apart vertical sealing bars.

19. The form-fill-seal machine of any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein said machine comprises two pairs of opposed vertical sealing bars.

20. The form-fill-seal machine of any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein said machine comprises at least three pairs of opposed horizontal sealing bars.

21. The form-fill-seal machine of any one of claims 13-18 wherein said machine produces said packages from a single roll of film.

22. A method of forming a package with a form-fill-seal machine, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) Sealing the first portion of the membrane to itself using a pair of opposed horizontal first sealing strips or jaws;

(b) Sealing the second portion of the membrane to itself using at least one second vertical seal or clamp;

(c) Sealing a third portion of the film to itself using at least one third vertical seal or clamp, the third portion forming a partition extending between a first compartment of the package and a second compartment of the package, the partition comprising one or more unsealed portions and one or more sealed portions; and

(d) A fourth portion of the film is sealed to itself to encapsulate the first and second compartments.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein step (b) is completed prior to step (c).

24. The method of claim 22, wherein step (c) is completed before step (b) begins.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the at least one second vertical sealing strip or cleat of step (b) comprises a pair of opposing second vertical sealing strips or cleats.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the at least one third vertical sealing strip or cleat of step (c) comprises a pair of opposing third vertical sealing strips or cleats.

27. The method of any one of claims 22-26, wherein step (d) further comprises cutting the film.

28. The method of any one of claims 23-28, further comprising placing a product in the first compartment and at least one active member in the second compartment.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one active member comprises an entrained polymer film having a base polymer and an active agent.

30. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein:

Gas can flow between the first compartment and the second compartment through the one or more unsealed portions, such that the at least one active member is configured to preserve or extend the life of the product,

wherein the one or more unsealed portions are sufficiently small that the product is not capable of moving from the first compartment to the second compartment through the one or more unsealed portions, and

wherein the one or more unsealed portions are sufficiently small that the at least one active member is unable to move from the second compartment to the first compartment through the one or more unsealed portions.