EP0506295A1 - Emballage refermable pour produits alimentaires - Google Patents

Emballage refermable pour produits alimentaires Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0506295A1
EP0506295A1 EP92302343A EP92302343A EP0506295A1 EP 0506295 A1 EP0506295 A1 EP 0506295A1 EP 92302343 A EP92302343 A EP 92302343A EP 92302343 A EP92302343 A EP 92302343A EP 0506295 A1 EP0506295 A1 EP 0506295A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
food
lug
cover
base
flange portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP92302343A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0506295B1 (fr
Inventor
Drew H. Moore
Daniel A. Thiemann
Francis Regis Finn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Oscar Mayer Foods Corp
Original Assignee
Oscar Mayer Foods Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Oscar Mayer Foods Corp filed Critical Oscar Mayer Foods Corp
Publication of EP0506295A1 publication Critical patent/EP0506295A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0506295B1 publication Critical patent/EP0506295B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
    • B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/72—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/321—Both sheets being recessed
    • B65D75/322—Both sheets being recessed and forming one compartment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
    • B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
    • B65D2543/00351—Dome-like
    • B65D2543/00361—Dome-like placed on a tray like container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
    • B65D2543/00398—Reinforcing ribs in the central part of the closure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
    • B65D2543/00527—NO contact
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00611—Profiles
    • B65D2543/0062—Groove or hollow bead
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00694—Segments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00722—Profiles
    • B65D2543/00731—Groove or hollow bead
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00805—Segments

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a food package having a base member, a cover member, a peelable seal for hermetically sealing the base to the cover and releasable locking means formed in the base and cover for reclosing the package after it has been opened. More particularly, it relates to a new and improved reclosable package having inter-engaging locking lugs with an improved depth and configuration to provide better reclosure performance after opening.
  • the packaged product is offered for sale in an evacuated or gas flushed, adhesively bonded or heat bonded, hermetically sealed condition.
  • a consumer grips a corner or flange on the base member in one hand and a flange on the cover member in the other hand and pulls them outwardly and apart to dislodge the base member from the cover member.
  • the base portion includes a raised pedestal portion which is telescopically received in the food receiving recess or compartment of the cover member.
  • the raised pedestal portion of the base includes a raised food-contact surface, a spaced planar peripheral flange extending generally parallel to the food contact surface, and a vertical sidewall surface extending between and interconnecting the base flange to the food contact surface.
  • the matable cover member includes a food receiving compartment which may be a central cylindrical or rectangular recess defined by an endwall and an upstanding sidewall.
  • a planar peripheral flange portion extends outwardly from the end of the cover sidewall, thereby circumscribing a generally circular or rectangular opening or entrance aperture to the cup shaped food-receiving compartment.
  • reclosable features in the form of cooperating concave and convex lugs are provided along the vertical sidewall portion of the base member and along a lower margin portion of the upstanding cover side wall adjacent the cover flange.
  • the package is closed by urging the base pedestal portion through the compartment opening so that it is telescopically received in the food-receiving cavity.
  • the lug formations provided in the sidewall portions of the base and cover are inter-engaged in the telescoping closure and the cover flange is disposed in overlying registration with respect to the base flange.
  • a seal is defined between the base and cover flange portions adjacent the food-receiving compartment area.
  • the present invention provides a new and improved reclosable food package comprising a pedestal base member.
  • the base member has a planar peripheral flange portion and a central food-contact platform.
  • the food-contacting platform is characterized by a raised major surface extending generally parallel to the peripheral flange portion in spaced relation therewith.
  • a vertical sidewall portion extends between and interconnects the food-contacting platform and the peripheral flange portion.
  • the new and improved reclosable package of the invention also includes a receptacle cover member provided with a generally planar peripheral flange portion.
  • the cover member also includes a body portion defining a food-receiving cavity.
  • a margin portion of the cover body adjacent its respective flange portion is configured to closely telescopically receive the raised platform and vertical sidewall portions of the base member when the base is urged into the cover until the flange portion of the cover is disposed in registering face to face contact with the flange portion on the base member.
  • the new and improved reclosable package is provided with releasable interlocking engagement means for retaining the cover member and the base member together in an assembled, food storage condition.
  • the releasable interlocking means include at least one lug projection extending outwardly from the vertical sidewall portion of the base member intermediate the height thereof.
  • Each of the lug projections has a generally hemi-elliptical cross sectional configuration including an upper radiussed portion, an intermediate flat portion, a lower radiussed portion and a chamfer portion.
  • the chamfer portion extends between the second radius portion and a lower end of said vertical sidewall adjacent the peripheral flange of the base.
  • the interlocking engagement means further includes at least one complementary lug-receiving recess defined in the margin portion of the cover member.
  • Each of the lug-receiving recesses has a corresponding hemi-elliptical cross sectional configuration and is dimensioned to substantially completely, telescopically receive a lug projection extending from the base.
  • Package 10 is of a well known type for storing sliced luncheon meats and cheeses for example in a vacuumized, hermetically sealed package. Often referred to as a "pedestal package” or a “bubble package”, package 10 includes a pedestal base member 12 and a receptacle cover member 14.
  • the pedestal base member 12 includes a planar peripheral flange portion 16 having a generally rectangular peripheral configuration.
  • a generally centralized, cylindrical food-contacting platform 18 defined by a major surface 20 extends in a raised position, spaced from flange portion 16 but extending generally parallel to flange 16.
  • a vertical sidewall portion 22 extends between major surface 20 and flange portion 16.
  • Vertical sidewall 22 is connected at its lower end 24 to flange portion 16 by a corner 26. As shown in Fig. 2, the angle between lower end 24 of sidewall 22 and flange 16 is preferably slightly greater than 90 degrees.
  • the vertical sidewall 22 is connected at its opposed upper end to major surface 20 by an upper corner 28.
  • a gradually sloping central recess or depression 30 may be defined in the surface 20 of food-contacting platform 18 as shown, to facilitate vacuumizing the package and to collect product moisture. Accordingly, the upper corner 28 preferably includes an angle slightly less than 90 degrees as shown.
  • the receptacle cover member 14 also includes a planar peripheral flange portion 32 having a generally rectangular peripheral configuration.
  • a body portion 34 extends upwardly from one side of the flange portion 32 to define a generally cylindrical food receiving cavity or package interior enclosure 36.
  • a plurality of horizontally extending mini-ribs 38 and vertically extending ribs 40 are defined in body portion 34 to improve vacuumization and package appearance.
  • the body portion 34 includes an endwall 42 capable of being molded to include various indicia to indicate the product source and an upstanding sidewall 44 extending between flange portion 32 and endwall 42.
  • Cover sidewall 44 includes a lower margin portion 46 adjacent flange portion 32 which is adapted to closely, telescopically receive the raised food-contacting platform 18 and vertical sidewall portion 22 of the base member 12.
  • Endwall 42 has a generally circular configuration having a diameter, a, which is slightly less than the diameter, b, defined at the entrance opening 48 (Fig. 2) to the food-receiving cavity 36 at the point where margin portion 46 intersects flange 32.
  • upstanding sidewall 44 of the cover 14 has a stepped configuration, as shown in the preferred embodiment in Fig. 2, sidewall 44 generally extends between endwall 42 and flange portion 32 at a slightly angled orientation so that the angle of sidewall 44 to flange 32 is slightly greater than 90 degrees.
  • the body portion 34 of the cover 14 and the raised food receiving platform 18 of the base member 12 are each provided with a slight or gradual frusto-conical tapering from the flange portions toward the endwall.
  • an improved releasable interlocking engagement means generally referred to by reference numeral 50, and including at least one lug projection 52 extending outwardly from base sidewall portion 22 at a point intermediate the height thereof and a complementary lug-receiving recess 54 defined in the margin portion 46 of cover member 14.
  • each lug projection 52 is specially molded to have a generally hemi-elliptical cross sectional configuration, as shown in section at the left hand portion of Fig. 2.
  • the longitudinal axis of the hemi-elliptical cross sectional configuration extends parallel to the height dimension of base sidewall portion 22, as indicated by dimension c.
  • Lug projection 52 includes a first upper radiussed portion 56 disposed at the upper end of lug projection 52 adjacent the major surface 20.
  • a lower, second radiussed portion 58 is spaced from the first radiussed portion 56 and extends adjacent the corner 26 in overlying relation to flange portion 16.
  • An intermediate flat portion 60 extends between and interconnects the upper and lower radiussed portions 56 and 58, respectively.
  • a chamfer portion 62 extends between and interconnects lower radiussed portion 58 and lower end 24 of sidewall 22.
  • the chamfer angle, g, of chamfer portion 62 may be varied between about 20 to 80 degrees a preferred angle g is between about 30 to 60 degrees. An especially preferred chamfer angle g is 30 degrees.
  • the lug-receiving recesses 54 are provided with a complementary hemi-elliptical cross sectional configuration also including an upper radiussed portion 66, a lower radiussed portion 68 and a flat intermediate portion 70.
  • Flat intermediate portion 70 has a length, e, which is slightly longer than the corresponding length, d, of flat intermediate portion 60 on lug projection 52.
  • the lower end of lug receiving recess 54 also includes an aligned cooperating chamfer portion 72.
  • the flange portions 16 and 32 are positioned in registering confronting relation to each other.
  • the raised food contacting platform 18 is disposed in the opening 48 to the food-receiving cavity.
  • the lower end portion of the margin 46 moves over the upper radiussed portion 56 of the projecting lug 52 to slide along flat intermediate surface 60 until it clears second radiussed portion 58.
  • the end portion is free to resile inwardly so that the chamfer 72 is in abuttingly aligned relation with chamfer portion 62.
  • the cover member 14 can only be dislodged from its engaged, closed or assembled condition on the base 12 by supplying a separation/withdrawal force sufficient to cause the margin portion 46 of the cover to move away from sidewall 22 by a displacement sufficient to override the profile of the lug member 52.
  • the magnitude of standoff or depth dimension, f, of lug 52 is important in providing improved reclosure performance properties after opening.
  • the base portion may be pressed back into a closed position in the cover in a manner providing an audible, and/or tactile pop or snap lock indication of effective reclosure. Thereafter, when the packages of this invention are gripped by the body portion and inverted, the base does not become dislodged from the cover even after shaking the package so that the food contents act as a hammer against the base platform in an effort to dislodge the base from the cover.
  • the invert and shake test is performed on prior art semi-circular lug packages, the base members were relatively easily dislodged and separated from their covers as compared with the improved packages of this invention.
  • the lug 52 and the lug-receiving recess 54 are each provided with a hemi-elliptical cross sectional configuration having an increased depth dimension, f, which provides better cooperative reclosure engagement of the base and cover members without increasing the cross sectional thickness of the base sheet.
  • the chamfered undercut portions 62 and 72 permit the parts to be vacuum form molded without the need for a complex mold (such as a side action mold) to provide satisfactory mold release characteristics for the product packaging.
  • the lug configuration also appears to reduce or eliminate distortion or deformation of the parts on original opening by the consumer to break the hermetic seal.
  • the chamfer portions 62 and 72 permit conventional molds with stripper plate technology to be employed without the need to resort to complicated, maintenance intensive and expensive complex molds, or to labor intensive secondary post-forming operations or to thicker part sections as has been proposed in the prior art.
  • the package parts may be made by conventional molding techniques, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,498,018; 4,411,122; 4,577,757; and 4,688,369, incorporated herein by reference.
  • These patents describe a method of forming a vacuumized, hermetically sealed package, such as package 10 shown in the figures.
  • a predetermined quantity of a product which is deformable is arranged in the bubble cover body cavity 36 in an upright mass on an inner surface of endwall 42.
  • the base peripheral flange 16 is hermetically sealed to the corresponding peripheral flange 32 of cover member 14.
  • the cover member is made of a semi-rigid, preformed thermoplastic material.
  • a glue pattern of adhesives is applied around the periphery of the package to form an hermetic peel seal.
  • the peel seal usually a circular band of from about 1/8 of an inch to about 1/4 of an inch in width is applied or formed by any means known to those skilled in the art.
  • the cover member 14 is placed in an inverted position and a sufficient quantity of product is placed in the food-receiving cavity 36 to substantially fill the cover member when the package is completed.
  • the base 12 is positioned at the opening 48 of the body cavity 36 so that the raised product panel 18 is positioned to be telescopically received in the margin portion 46 of the cover member 14.
  • the flange portions 16 and 32 margins of the base 12 and cover 14 are disposed in registration with each other. Mechanical pressure is applied to push the raised food receiving panel 18 into the cavity 36 and against the product placed therein.
  • the base member 12 forces the product into clone contact with the interior surfaces of the cover and base members to tightly pack the product within the interior cavity 36 and to substantially completely fill the space available between the package and the product while vacuumizing the assembly and adhesively sealing the package 10 in a hermetic manner.
  • the cover and base members 14 and 12, respectively, may each be made of the same or different resilient, semi-rigid thermoplastic food packaging material.
  • Illustrative thermoplastics include polyolefins, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyamides, cellulose esters and blends and copolymers of any of the foregoing thermoplastic polymers.
  • polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylic and/or acrylonitrile resins and copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate, alloys and blends or mixtures thereof may be used.
  • Polyesters such as polyalkylene terephthalates, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyacrylate esters may be employed.
  • polyamides nylons or polymers or copolymers containing nylon type monomers
  • Cellulose acetate materials might also be used.
  • Laminates of these materials may also be employed.
  • Preferred thermoplastics for use herein include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, SARANEX®-containing laminates and BAREX®-type modified polyacrylonitrile materials.
  • the adhesives for use in making the optional hermetic seal may be any of those known to those skilled in this art to be useful for this purpose.
  • Illustrative adhesives may include peelable adhesives based on polyvinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate, partially hydrolized vinyl chloride-vinyl acetates, styrene-butadiene resins and mixtures of any of the foregoing in printable formulations including suitable organic solvents, waxes, hydrocarbons, rosins and tackifiers.
  • These adhesives are well known to those skilled in this art and are commercially available from H.B. Fuller and Findley Corporation, to name but a few.
  • the new and improved releasable interlocking engagement lugs and lug-receiving recesses are each specifically designed to include a chamfered section to provide better reclosure performance and molding advantages in the parts enabling them to be mass produced in modern multi-cavity molds.
  • the depth, i.e., dimension f, of these lugs has been maximized but the sharpness of the undercut chamfer 62 on the lugs 52 has been made gradual so that the thermoformed parts may be easily ejected from a thermoforming mold using stripper plate technology well known to those skilled in this art.
  • Sharply formed lugs with a definitive undercut cannot be released from a multiple part mold without making a split mold. Otherwise these sharply formed lugs must be imparted in a secondary operation.
  • a split mold becomes impractically complicated and expensive for multiple units. Similarly, the material costs rise unacceptably as more space is provided for release mechanisms between multiple packages.
  • the new and improved lugs 52 and corresponding lug-receiving recesses 54 may vary in number from 1 to 24 or more and they may be intermittent or a continuous bead.
  • FIG. 3 an alternate embodiment of the new and improved food package of the present invention, generally referred to by reference numeral 100, is shown.
  • the releasable interlocking engagement means has been modified from the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-2 so that instead of providing an outwardly projecting lug on the base, such as lugs 52, an inwardly directed recess 102 is provided; and instead of providing a recess, such as recesses 54, on the cover margin portion 46, an inwardly directed projecting lug 104 is provided.
  • the hemi-elliptical interlocking configurations are used for the lug and recess portions of the interlocking engagement members 102 and 104, the hemi-elliptical elements are inverted so that, instead of having the chamfered portions 62 and 72 disposed adjacent peripheral flanges 16 and 32, chamfer portions 62a and 72a are disposed opposite the peripheral flanges 16 and 32 adjacent the food contacting surface 20 of the raised platform 18.
  • the beneficial advantages including improved reclosure performance after opening, improved lug and receptacle depth and mold release properties, are also provided by the modified releasable interlocking engagement structures shown in alternate food package 100.
  • Some of the samples were also tested for compressive reclosure forces required to effect interlocking engagement of the lug formations on the cover margin and base portion.
  • the cover endwall was placed on a fixed platen.
  • the base member was lightly placed against the opening of the cover member.
  • a movable platen having a diameter approximately the same as the pedestal was placed against the underside of raised food-contacting surface of the base. The machine was activated to urge the base into the cover member to a fully seated depth and the maximum load to reclose the package was recorded.
  • a number of 16 oz. (453.6g) food packages in accordance with this invention as shown in Figs. 1-2 and similar to those employed in Example 3 were filled with 16 oz. (453.6g) of luncheon meat and sealed in accordance with standard commercial procedures.
  • Samples of prior art packages having rounded semi-circular reclosable lug configurations, such as shown in U.S. 3,498,018, were tested for reclosure performance after opening.
  • the commercially sealed packages were opened by hand by gripping opposing corners of the flanges on the base and cover portions until the base was . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  • the present invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, modifications or changes may be made therein by those skilled in this art.
  • the benefits of the new and improved reclosable food package in accordance with this invention may be provided in a package made in generally any overall shape or configuration.
  • the shape of the food-receiving compartment or bubble portion may be substantially any desired shape and it may be the same or different from the peripheral shape of the outer flange portions.
  • a cylindrical food package adapted to receive circular sliced foods a rectangular, oval or teardrop shaped food package may also be prepared in accordance with this invention. All such obvious modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Jellies, Jams, And Syrups (AREA)
  • Cereal-Derived Products (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
EP92302343A 1991-03-26 1992-03-18 Emballage refermable pour produits alimentaires Expired - Lifetime EP0506295B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US67539891A 1991-03-26 1991-03-26
US675398 1991-03-26

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0506295A1 true EP0506295A1 (fr) 1992-09-30
EP0506295B1 EP0506295B1 (fr) 1995-05-17

Family

ID=24710310

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92302343A Expired - Lifetime EP0506295B1 (fr) 1991-03-26 1992-03-18 Emballage refermable pour produits alimentaires

Country Status (12)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0506295B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH0585542A (fr)
KR (1) KR920017921A (fr)
CN (1) CN1065251A (fr)
AT (1) ATE122636T1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2063201A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69202505T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2072705T3 (fr)
HK (1) HK3997A (fr)
MY (1) MY129930A (fr)
NZ (1) NZ242100A (fr)
TW (1) TW212781B (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0758614A1 (fr) * 1995-08-12 1997-02-19 Penlea Plastics Ltd. Joint étanche pour récipient et couvercle en plastique
EP0810162A1 (fr) * 1996-05-23 1997-12-03 Kraft Foods, Inc. Emballage rigide refermable pour tranches de lard
DE19859042A1 (de) * 1998-12-21 2000-06-29 Convenience Food Sys Bv Wiederverschließbare Kunststoffverpackung mit mindestens einer Noppe
WO2000037334A1 (fr) 1998-12-21 2000-06-29 Convenience Food Systems B.V. Emballage plastique refermable dote d'une fermeture auto-agrippante
WO2002087992A1 (fr) 2001-04-25 2002-11-07 Convenience Food Systems Wallau Gmbh & Co. Kg Emballage plastique comportant au moins un bouton scelle
WO2009043188A1 (fr) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Trisa Holding Ag Emballage-coque pour la présentation de brosse à dents
US10183766B2 (en) 2005-10-25 2019-01-22 Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc Method for forming a reclose mechanism on a reclosable package

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7172779B2 (en) 2002-09-27 2007-02-06 Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. Container for sliced and fluffed food products
US8911807B2 (en) 2009-11-06 2014-12-16 Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc Container for sliced and fluffed food products

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH421805A (de) * 1965-03-25 1966-09-30 Formvac Vormals Hydro Chemie A Kunststoffdose mit Schnappdeckel
US3315872A (en) * 1964-11-02 1967-04-25 Dow Chemical Co Hermetically sealed plastic containers
US3388827A (en) * 1967-03-30 1968-06-18 Pantasote Company Of New York Sealed reclosable food package
WO1984003079A1 (fr) * 1983-02-14 1984-08-16 Mayer Oskar Foods Emballage alimentaire et procede
EP0385565A2 (fr) * 1989-02-02 1990-09-05 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Conteneur refermable pour aliments

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3315872A (en) * 1964-11-02 1967-04-25 Dow Chemical Co Hermetically sealed plastic containers
CH421805A (de) * 1965-03-25 1966-09-30 Formvac Vormals Hydro Chemie A Kunststoffdose mit Schnappdeckel
US3388827A (en) * 1967-03-30 1968-06-18 Pantasote Company Of New York Sealed reclosable food package
WO1984003079A1 (fr) * 1983-02-14 1984-08-16 Mayer Oskar Foods Emballage alimentaire et procede
EP0385565A2 (fr) * 1989-02-02 1990-09-05 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Conteneur refermable pour aliments

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5795604A (en) * 1994-03-31 1998-08-18 Kraft Foods, Inc. Rigid reclosable bacon package
EP0758614A1 (fr) * 1995-08-12 1997-02-19 Penlea Plastics Ltd. Joint étanche pour récipient et couvercle en plastique
EP0810162A1 (fr) * 1996-05-23 1997-12-03 Kraft Foods, Inc. Emballage rigide refermable pour tranches de lard
DE19859043A1 (de) * 1998-12-21 2000-06-29 Convenience Food Sys Bv Wiederverschließbare Kunststoffverpackung mit einem Klettverschluß
WO2000037335A1 (fr) 1998-12-21 2000-06-29 Convenience Food Systems B.V. Emballage plastique refermable dote d'au moins une nope
WO2000037334A1 (fr) 1998-12-21 2000-06-29 Convenience Food Systems B.V. Emballage plastique refermable dote d'une fermeture auto-agrippante
DE19859042A1 (de) * 1998-12-21 2000-06-29 Convenience Food Sys Bv Wiederverschließbare Kunststoffverpackung mit mindestens einer Noppe
US6691886B1 (en) 1998-12-21 2004-02-17 Convenience Food Systems B.V. Resealable plastic packaging container with hook and loop closure
WO2002087992A1 (fr) 2001-04-25 2002-11-07 Convenience Food Systems Wallau Gmbh & Co. Kg Emballage plastique comportant au moins un bouton scelle
US7322473B2 (en) 2001-04-25 2008-01-29 Convenience Food Systems Wallau Gmbh & Co. Kg Plastic packaging with at least one welded knob
US10183766B2 (en) 2005-10-25 2019-01-22 Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc Method for forming a reclose mechanism on a reclosable package
US11034469B2 (en) 2005-10-25 2021-06-15 Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc Method for forming a reclose mechanism on a reclosable package
WO2009043188A1 (fr) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Trisa Holding Ag Emballage-coque pour la présentation de brosse à dents

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2063201A1 (fr) 1992-09-27
JPH0585542A (ja) 1993-04-06
MY129930A (en) 2007-05-31
ATE122636T1 (de) 1995-06-15
EP0506295B1 (fr) 1995-05-17
NZ242100A (en) 1994-01-26
KR920017921A (ko) 1992-10-21
DE69202505T2 (de) 1995-10-12
CN1065251A (zh) 1992-10-14
TW212781B (fr) 1993-09-11
HK3997A (en) 1997-01-17
ES2072705T3 (es) 1995-07-16
DE69202505D1 (de) 1995-06-22

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