EP1751028A2 - Food product package, preserved food product and method for producing sterilisable and separable containers for said packaging - Google Patents

Food product package, preserved food product and method for producing sterilisable and separable containers for said packaging

Info

Publication number
EP1751028A2
EP1751028A2 EP05742899A EP05742899A EP1751028A2 EP 1751028 A2 EP1751028 A2 EP 1751028A2 EP 05742899 A EP05742899 A EP 05742899A EP 05742899 A EP05742899 A EP 05742899A EP 1751028 A2 EP1751028 A2 EP 1751028A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
container
containers
barrier
rim
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
EP05742899A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1751028B1 (en
Inventor
Terry Luxton
Luc Fevrier
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.)
RPC Group Ltd
Original Assignee
Carrefour SA
RPC Group Ltd
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
Priority claimed from FR0402752A external-priority patent/FR2867759B1/en
Priority claimed from FR0402753A external-priority patent/FR2867758B1/en
Application filed by Carrefour SA, RPC Group Ltd filed Critical Carrefour SA
Publication of EP1751028A2 publication Critical patent/EP1751028A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1751028B1 publication Critical patent/EP1751028B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65D81/2069—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere
    • B65D81/2076—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere in an at least partially rigid 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
    • B65D79/00—Kinds or details of packages, not otherwise provided for
    • B65D79/005—Packages having deformable parts for indicating or neutralizing internal pressure-variations by other means than venting
    • 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
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
    • B65D1/26—Thin-walled containers, e.g. formed by deep-drawing operations
    • B65D1/30—Groups of containers joined together end-to-end or side-by-side
    • 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
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
    • B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to 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
    • B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
    • B65D2577/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D2577/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers
    • B65D2577/2025—Multi-layered container, e.g. laminated, coated

Definitions

  • At least one aspect of this subject relates to the packaging of cooked food product (s) intended to be stored for a period of time greater than six months, and preferably more than twelve months, and even more preferably between eighteen and thirty-six months, at a temperature below 55 ° C, and typically at room temperature (i.e., usually between 10 ° C and 30 Approx. ° C and preferably between 15 ° C and 25 ° C).
  • a problem posed concerns r - the production of such packaging, with the optimum objective a shelf life comparable to a can, typically in a metal box or glass jar, under the conditions indicated above - the production packaging which would therefore be suitable for preferably long-term storage, which could allow the consumer to consume the product thus purchased in portions and / or possibly store separately what he wishes to consume immediately and what he wishes keep longer, and which ensures optimized manufacturing conditions (and in particular a cost).
  • the gas permeability of the packaging, the lid being sealed in the corresponding container be between 0.01ml and 0.001 ml of O 2 (typically less than 0.008 ml of oxygen) per container per twenty-four hours at substantially 23 ° C., and even favorably that this gas permeability of each container is equal to approximately 0.004 ml of oxygen per container by twenty-four hours, at 23 ° C, a neutral gas atmosphere and / or a vacuum relative to the ambient pressure preferably prevailing inside the container, once the can is closed.
  • O 2 typically less than 0.008 ml of oxygen
  • the gas permeability will preferably be measured with a relative humidity of 50% (“OXTRAN” control method).
  • the “per container” permeability indicates a measure of permeability for a container (when grouped together; see more far) that the ambient air penetrates through the wall of the container itself or from the seal.
  • the (each) container comprises walls made up of several thermoformed layers of material, several such containers preferably being linked together, in a separable manner, on at least one side by means of a peripheral rim, along a junction zone, the peripheral rim having a face upper and lower face, the material layers of the walls including: • internally and externally, including at the location of the upper face of the ' peripheral rim receiving the corresponding protective cover, a layer of polyolefin, or containing it, preferably polypropylene, or polyester, or containing it, and said barrier vis-à-vis the penetration of oxygen into the container, this barrier comprising a metal-based barrier layer and / or a ceramic-based barrier layer and / or a plastic-based barrier layer, the metal-based barrier layer comprising in its composition a metal or metal alloy from among aluminum, copper, iron and tin, the ceramic barrier layer
  • the invention relates to a process for obtaining an assembly comprising such a packaging filled with cooked food product (s) intended to be kept as already indicated.
  • the objectives are the same as those mentioned above, in alternatives or in combination.
  • thermoformable plastic containers are thermoformed, - and one obtains, along the junction zone between two adjacent containers, a portion having mechanical weakening to allow the containers to be separated from one another.
  • the area exhibiting mechanical weakening will be produced by cutting the rim, by laser or water jet, after the thermoforming step of the containers.
  • a pulse laser is preferred, producing a slit, here a notch, discontinuous with a depth greater than a third of the thickness e of the side walls of the container and sufficient for its bottom to reach or be immediately close to the layer (33). of oxygen barrier material interposed between said inner and outer layers (31,35).
  • an atmosphere of neutral gas and / or a relative depression that is to say a depression with respect to at atmospheric pressure
  • an oxygen permeability of the closed package preferably between 0.01 ml and 0.001 ml of O2 per container per twenty -four hours, always at 23 ° C, so that once the seal is sealed on the container we maintain this neutral gas atmosphere and / or this vacuum, at a temperature below about 55 ° C, and preferably at room temperature.
  • thermoform the (each) container - by providing this container with at least one said barrier against the penetration of oxygen, under the conditions already described, - and by defining for the container of particular height, volume and / or shape as claimed for four or two containers.
  • the sterilization step comprises sterilization (or pasteurization) HTST (high temperature short time).
  • the search for a preservation which can be long, with fairly rigorous sealing characteristics, including at the interface container / lid another characteristic advises that the (each) container has multi-layer walls comprising, from the inside to the outside of the container, and. from the face receiving the protective cover towards the opposite face, a first layer comprising polypropylene, a second barrier layer comprising an ethylvinyl alcohol (EVOH) and a third layer comprising polypropylene.
  • EVOH ethylvinyl alcohol
  • the seal it is also recommended, for the same purpose of efficient conservation and controlled production cost, that it includes, from its inner face coming into contact with the container concerned to close it, towards the opposite outer face, d firstly its inner layer which comprises polypropylene, a second layer comprising a polyamide and a third layer comprising polyester, the second and / or third layer defining said oxygen barrier.
  • the first layer of the cover comprises polypropylene, it is a polypropylene loaded with a powdery powder. not or not very sensitive to humidity (neutral mineral, such as crushed glass), to be weldable with the first layer of the container comprising polypropylene, while being peelable.
  • each container in a partition block will preferably be mechanically weakened along the junction zone between two adjacent containers by a slit with a depth greater than a third (and even half) of the thickness of the side walls of these containers, this depth (even if it is a discontinuous slit) then being sufficient for its bottom to reach, or be immediately close to, the layer of O2 barrier material interposed between said inner and outer layers.
  • the multi-layer walls of the containers will comprise, from the inside towards the outside of the container considered, a layer of, or comprising a homopolymer, a layer containing this homopolymer and a proportion of oxygen barrier material, a layer of the same oxygen barrier material, such as EVOH, and a layer of copolymer.
  • the layer or layers comprising the omopolymer will advantageously (together) be thicker than that comprising the copolymer.
  • this or these layer / layers comprising the homopolymer and that or layer comprising the copolymer will preferably comprise polypropylene.
  • a corollary problem to that of conservation at controlled cost for a production in very large series relates to the mechanical behavior of the container both during the sterilization / cooking of food and subsequently, when handling the packaging so that 'they are sold, or even more rd, when handled by consumers.
  • the following characteristics of mechanical and / or thermal resistance are therefore important.
  • each container concerned is based on plastic material, even if these materials may contain subsidiary amounts of metal or ceramic, in particular. The fact remains that here it is considered advantageous to be able to offer consumers the ability to heat the preserved food in different ways.
  • the packaging of the invention be devoid of a metallic mass such that this would prevent it from being placed in a microwave oven, so that its contents are heated there in order to be consumed hot and, preferably, the covers (s) and containers are transparent or translucent.
  • a sterilized canned product comprising at least one cooked food product contained in said packaging, itself sterilized, so as to be kept at room temperature for a period of several months, which can go up to several years, as already indicated, the packaging having for this all or part of the characteristics presented, such as at least one thermoformed container with the layers of material concerned, likewise for the sealed seal.
  • FIGS. 1, 2 and 8 are three perspective views of a package comprising respectively two, four and one, container (s) or portion (s), (a disposition of the containers in "camembert” would be possible), - Figures 3 and 5 are respectively a top view of Figure 1 and the Figure 2, - Figure 4 is a side view in the direction of arrow IV of Figure 3, - Figure 6 is a sectional view along line VI of Figure 5, - Figure 7 is a partial view in enlarged vertical section of materials consisting of a cover and a container, sealed together, this view corresponding to an enlargement in section of detail VII of FIG. 4, and FIG.
  • the packaging (respectively 1, 10, 100) may comprise one or preferably several containers, respectively 3.5; 7,9,11,13 and 2. Of course if there are several containers, they can be arranged in multiple rows (three, four ..), in camembert ...
  • Each container, as well as the assembly formed by these together have (s) an outer rim 15.
  • Each rim is located at the top of the side walls 17, opposite the bottom 19. It preferably has a thickness identical or similar to those walls 17.19.
  • the periphery of the rim considered for all of the containers joined together is bordered by a fallen edge 21 which extends it, this fallen edge having a priori intrinsically a mechanical resistance greater than that of the junction zone 20 of the rim 15 by which two adjacent containers are joined together ( Figures 1,2), this elongated junction zone having a mechanical weakness (which can be obtained by a slot 40) making it possible to break the junction between the containers at this point, in order to separate them.
  • a slit will preferably extend into the fallen edge 21, advantageously in the extension of the slit 40 of the rim, or adjacent to it.
  • each seal and each container is made of plastic material having, respectively, to seal them between them at the location of the rim 15, a contact layer 27, 31 (FIG. 7) made of polyolefin or polyester (this layer being called the inner layer).
  • a polypropylene layer is preferred, with even advantageously a powdery powder charge not or not very sensitive to humidity, to facilitate the peelable nature of the cover 25 which is a priori a film for reasons of cost, ease of use and handling.
  • the total thicknesses of the walls of each container and of the lid are preferably respectively between 0.3mm and 3mm approximately, and 35 microns and 150 microns, approximately.
  • each container preferably has semi-rigid multilayer walls (15,17,19) comprising from the inside of each container towards the outside and from the face of the edge receiving the lid towards the opposite face (lower face): layer 31 preferably made of polypropylene, then a barrier layer 33 and a third layer 35 made of polyester or again of polyolefin (polypropylene in particular).
  • the first layer 31 is thicker than the third 35, because the first layer is called to be in contact with liquid if the product contained in the container is bathed in such a liquid (juice).
  • the second layer / barrier layer 33 it is, as already indicated, a barrier vis-à-vis the penetration of oxygen into the container.
  • This layer may include a barrier based on metal, ceramic or plastic.
  • cover 25 it itself comprises in FIG. 7, from its inner layer 27 outwards, and in addition to this layer, a second layer 37 comprising a polyamide and a third layer 39 comprising a polyamide or polyester, layer 37 and / or layer 39 define an oxygen barrier.
  • Polyester is a non-stick during welding (container / lid sealing).
  • the oxygen barrier will comprise a silicon oxide (SiOx).
  • an AlOx can be used, in particular.
  • the barrier layer now will not prevent the predominantly transparent or translucent character of the walls of the container and of the cover.
  • the barrier is based on a metal compound, its thickness will advantageously be between 3 microns and 500 microns approximately, and preferably between 5 and 30 microns. If it is a layer comprising a ceramic, the thickness of the layer will be between 3 and 50 nm. In the hypothesis of a plastic barrier, the thickness will a priori be greater than 8-10 microns, and preferably between approximately 40 microns e ⁇ t 70 microns.
  • the metal layers can be produced by partial vacuum deposition, the ceramic layers by electro-deposition (in particular the technique called "electron beam evaporation" - evaporation with an electron beam).
  • each lid and the walls of the containers are linked together by bonding agents such as vinyl chloride copolymers, acetate copolymers of vinyl chlorur ⁇ s, polymerizable polyesters, pyricdin vinyl polymers, in combination with epoxy resins, phenolic resins, acrylic resins or organosilanes.
  • Adhesives could also be used such as polyester copolyamides, phenolic resins of the nitrile rubber type ("nitril rul ber phenolic resins”), or vinyl-ethylene acetate copolymers, in particular.
  • the preferred dimensions of the containers are the following: - set of four containers: common height h between approximately 35 mm and 65 mm, and preferably between 40 mm and 55 mm, each container has, at the place of its bottom, a width 1 between 20 mm and 80 mm, and preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, as well as a length L included between 60 mm and 120 mm, and preferably between 65 mm and 85 mm, - set of two containers: common height h ′ between approximately 20 mm and 65 mm, and preferably between 30 mm and 45 mm, each container present, at its bottom, a width l 'between 40 mm and 120 mm, and preferably between 65 mm and 85 mm, as well as a length L' between 75 mm and 120 mm, and preferably between 80 mm and 95 mm.
  • each container will be between 600 ml and 1200 ml, and preferably between 800 ml and 950 ml.
  • these include structural reinforcements along the abovementioned joining zone 20. These reinforcements, such as 35a, 35b, are formed by protuberances produced during the molding of the containers and therefore integrated into them.
  • thermoforming makes it possible to achieve the above dimensions and shapes, in particular in height, with the desired thicknesses (preferably constant thickness, including at the edge and the fallen edge 21) with an efficient quality and cost of manufacture. As can be seen in FIGS.
  • the reinforcements are formed in relief on the lower face 15a of the rim, on either side of the junction zone 20.
  • there are opposite corresponding recesses such as 37a, 37b, preferably of the same thickness as that of the rim which is itself then substantially constant, except in the central part. where the thickness is preferably less, in alignment or continuity with the slot 40, to facilitate the separation between several joined containers.
  • the raised / hollow reinforcements are advantageously located closer to the peripheral outer limit of the rim 15 than to the side walls of the adjacent containers concerned, this near the longitudinal ends of the corresponding zone or junction line 20.
  • a triangular (figures 3 and 5) or star (in the center figure 5) shape facilitates gripping of the cover, the triangle or star being split into two parts, on either side of the mechanical weakening 40 made along the joining strip 20, to allow separation between the containers concerned.
  • the container 2, 3, 5; 7, 9, 11, or 13 in question is plastic-based and is semi-rigid to support sterilization and / or vacuum.
  • each container is therefore also transparent or translucent, which makes it possible to verify the content (state of cooking, possible oxidation) and to avoid the drawbacks of the opaque walls (in particular metallic), likewise for the seal which is a flexible film, a priori peelable.
  • the closed packaging full, lid possibly still sealed
  • the heating can be carried out by double boiler if one wishes not to have to empty the container. to heat it with its contents.
  • each container is strongly recommended, allowing the use of the materials already mentioned and still presented below, with a well mastered manufacturing technique, in large series to make the cost and to obtain container dimensions (in particular in height) such that the height of the container (including if it is unique) is between 20mm and 120mm, and preferably between 25mm and 80mm, and more preferably between 30mm and 60mm.
  • the materials chosen for the containers and the lids also favor, in the thicknesses concerned, such HTST sterilization. If, as is preferred, a vacuum is established in the sealed container, it is recommended that this vacuum is therefore between 100b and 250mb. Any aspect of the lid curved outward would then be a sign of poor conservation.
  • the oxygen barrier effect of the containers, cover (s) and their sealing interface is important, for long-term preservation optimized at more than twelve months, and preferably more than eighteen months as already indicated. This is moreover to be compared to the faster sterilization / cooking which is planned to be ensured by carrying out a HTST sterilization / pasteurization beyond 121 ° C. and for a period of less than 20 min (or even less than 12 minutes, at maximum pressure and temperature).
  • the heating temperature reached by this precooked product which will therefore be sterilized with its receptacle where it was previously placed, will be between 123 ° C and 132 ° C, and advantageously between 125 ° C and 130 ° C, with a plateau at this temperature preferably between 3mn and 15mn, and advantageously between 4mn and 9mn, at a bearing pressure comprised (during this period) between 2000bars and 3600bars, and advantageously between 2400bars and 3200bars.
  • the time to reach the pressure / temperature level will be between 4mn and 15mn, and advantageously between 6mn and 12mn. This will be followed by a pre-cooling between 90 ° C and 100 ° C, for 3 to 7 minutes, with practically the same pressure, then a final cooling of approximately 15 to 25 minutes, to descend to 30-40 ° C and at ambient pressure.
  • a pre-cooling between 90 ° C and 100 ° C, for 3 to 7 minutes, with practically the same pressure, then a final cooling of approximately 15 to 25 minutes, to descend to 30-40 ° C and at ambient pressure.
  • polyester from the inside to the outside (the inside being the side of the container in contact with the product contained therein): - a layer of homopolymer 31a, polypropylene (PP, in particular), a layer, or under-layer, 31b, mixed of homopolymer (such as PP) and of regrind container material (therefore comprising a proportion of oxygen barrier material, such as OVOH), - a binder interlayer / adhesive, 34a, such as EVA, - the layer 33 of oxygen barrier material (of course then in the same material as that mentioned above), - another interlayer 34b of binder / adhesive, and - an outer layer 35 copolymer, such as again a polyolefin (PP) or polyester, the choice of polyester can also be that of the above-mentioned homopolymer inner layer.
  • a layer of homopolymer 31a polypropylene (PP, in particular), a layer, or under-layer, 31b, mixed of homopolymer (such as PP) and of
  • the two sub-layers 31a, 31b could constitute the layer 31 mentioned before.
  • layers either exclusively thus constituted, or mainly thus constituted, that is to say layers containing such a constituent.
  • the layer (s) located on the inner side of the oxygen barrier intermediate layer being favorably thicker than the outer layer of copolymer located on the other side, an asymmetrical multilayer structure will therefore be obtained, in the sense that the layer 33 of barrier material is not located in the middle of the thickness of the wall, but offset from the outside, the regrind obtained typically by scraps or by recycling being a priori only disposed on one side of the barrier layer 33 , precisely on the inside.
  • the thickness of the layer of barrier material 33 will be at least 16 ⁇ m, finished container (already therefore thermoformed), this thickness being favorably between 40 and 80 ⁇ m, on the original sheet, before thermoforming.
  • the total thickness of the wall e of each container it will favorably be between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm, and preferably between 1 mm and 1.4 mm.
  • Each binder / adhesive interlayer may have a thickness of the order of 1 to 2 ⁇ m.
  • plastic containers multi-layers, rigid or semi-rigid, obtained by thermoforming, a priori sterilizable in an autoclave, the containers being moreover therefore likely to pass in the microwave and let the consumer see, or guess, the product through the walls of the container.
  • These containers will also offer: - an oxygen barrier allowing them to keep the cooked product contained inside for several years, of course once the sealed heat-sealed seal on its rim, - and / or the possibility of obtain breakable containers, easy to separate, while having sufficient mechanical and thermal resistance, combined or separated.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to sterilisable packages for food cooked product(s) conservable at an ambient temperature for several years comprising sterilisable containers (3, 5) which are connected to each other in a separable manner, heat-formed and consisting of at least one polyolefine layer and an oxygen-barrier layer (EVOH), sterilisable caps comprising at least one oxygen-barrier layer, a flange (20) connecting the containers to each other and having a mechanically weakened section (40) which makes it possible to separate the containers from each other by breaking.

Description

EMBALLAGE POUR ALIMENTS, CONSERVE OBTENUE ET PROCEDE DE FABRICATION. DE RECIPIENTS STERILISABLES ET SEPARABLES, POUR UN TEL EMBALLAGE Au moins un aspect du présent sujet se rapporte au conditionnement de produit (s) alimentaire (s) cuit (s) prév (s) pour être conservé (s) pendant une durée supérieure à six mois, et de préférence supérieure à douze mois, et encore préférentielle ent comprise entre dix-huit et trente-six mois, à une température inférieure à 55°C, et typiquement à température ambiante (soit, habituellement, entre 10°C et 30°C environ et de préférence entre 15°C et 25°C). Dans ce contexte, un problème posé concerne r - la réalisation d'un tel emballage, avec pour objectif optimum une durée de conservation comparable à une conserve, typiquement en boîte métal ou en bocal verre, dans les conditions indiquées ci-dessus - la réalisation d'un emballage qui serait donc adapté pour une conservation de préférence de longue durée, qui puisse permettre au consommateur de consommer par portions le produit ainsi acheté et/ou de stocker éventuellement séparément ce qu'il souhaite consommer immédiatement et ce qu'il souhaite conserver plus longtemps, et qui assure des conditions de fabrication (et en particulier un coût) optimisé (es) . On voit donc que l'on peut considérer avoir là affaire à un problème multiple incluant plusieurs sous- problèmes que l'on peut classer en deux catégories : a)- ceux liés à un partitionnement de l'emballage, pour une consommation par portion du produit conservé, b)-ceux liés à la conservation longue durée. Ces deux séries de problèmes peuvent être traités en tenant compte de leurs synergies croisées (a+b ou b+a) . Dans ce qui suit, les caractéristiques liés à chacun de ces problèmes peuvent donc être considérées séparément et faire donc l'objet de protections indépendantes les unes des autres. Suivant une autre approche, on peut aussi constater un effet de synergie entre les caractéristiques relatives aux deux aspects conservation longue durée/partitionnement, par exemple en ce qui concerne la réalisation des récipients (thermoformage, caractère multicouche, stérilisation nécessaire, caractère transparent ou translucide...) tout ou partie des caractères liés à cet aspect ayant une influence en termes à la fois de conservation longue durée et de partitionnement . Ainsi, un tel choix de matériau favorise la longue conservation, permet une rigidité favorable à cette conservation, au stockage et à la manipulation, tout en permettant d'obtenir, par un process relativement simple et utilisable dans une fabrication très grande série, une solution de possible séparation entre plusieurs compartiment qui soit performante tout en offrant au consommateur la possibilité de voir le produit conservé, à travers le récipient de conservation, ce qui n'est par exemple pas le cas dans les conserves métalliques- Dans le but de satisfaire à tout ou partie des problèmes évoqués ci-avant, de préférence dans cette approche de synergie, on conseille en particulier de proposer un emballage sterilisable pour produit (s) alimentaire (s) cuit (s) prévu (s) pour être conservé (s) à température ambiante pendant une durée de plusieurs mois, pouvant aller jusqu'à plusieurs années, l'emballage comprenant au moins un récipient thermoformé et sterilisable, au moins un opercule protecteur, fermant le récipient, chaque récipient comprenant des parois constituées de plusieurs couches de matériau (x) incluant une barrière vis-à-vis de la pénétration d'oxygène dans le récipient, telle qu'une couche contenant de l'alcool éthylène-vinyl (EVOH), l'opercule comprenant lui-même au moins une barrière vis-à-vis de la pénétration d'oxygène dans l'emballage. Pour promouvoir la conservation longue durée, favorablement sur au moins un an, voir deux à trois ans, on conseille par ailleurs : - que la perméabilité gazeuse de l'emballage, l'opercule étant scellé au récipient correspondant, soit comprise entre 0,01ml et 0,001ml d'02 (typiquement inférieure à 0,008 ml d'oxygène) par récipient par vingt- quatre heures à sensiblement 23 °C , - et même favorablement que cette perméabilité gazeuse de chaque récipient soit égale à environ 0,004ml d'oxygène par récipient par vingt-quatre heures, à 23°C, une atmosphère de gaz neutre et/ou une dépression par rapport à la pression ambiante régnant de préférence à l'intérieur du récipient, une fois la conserve fermée. On notera que la perméabilité gazeuse sera de préférence mesurée avec une humidité relative de 50% (méthode de contrôle « OXTRAN ») La perméabilité « par récipient » indique une mesure de perméabilité pour un récipient (lorsqu'ils sont réunis par groupe ; voir plus loin) que l'air ambiant pénètre à travers la paroi du récipient lui-même ou de 1' opercule . Pour atteindre les conditions d' étanchéité en particulier vis à vis de l'oxygène ambiant, et donc de conservation indiquée ci-avant et/ou pour favoriser une sécabilité entre plusieurs récipients, on conseille que : le (chaque) récipient comprenne des parois constituées de plusieurs couches thermoformées de matériau, plusieurs tels récipients étant de préférence liés entre eux, de manière separable, sur au moins un côté par l'intermédiaire d'un rebord périphérique, le long d'une zone jonction, le rebord périphérique présentant une face supérieure et une face inférieure, les couches de matériau des parois incluant : • intérieurement et extérieurement, y compris à l'endroit de la face supérieure du 'rebord périphérique recevant 1 ' opercule protecteur correspondant, une couche de polyolefine, ou en contenant, de préférence du polypropylène, ou de polyester, ou en contenant, • et ladite barrière vis-à-vis de la pénétration d'oxygène dans le récipient, cette barrière comprenant une couche barrière à base de métal et/ou une couche barrière à base de céramique et/ou une couche barrière à base de plastique, la couche barrière à base de métal comprenant dans sa composition un métal ou alliage métallique parmi de l'aluminium, du cuivre, du fer et de l'étain, la couche barrière céramique comprenant dans sa composition au moins un oxyde choisi parmi les oxydes de silicium, oxydes d'aluminium, oxydes de fer, la couche barrière plastique comprenant au moins un polymère parmi de préférence les polyamides, chlorures de polyvinyli-dène (PVDC), polyoléfines, chlorures de polyvirαyle, copolymères acrylonitriles ou polyéthylène téréphtalate (PTFE) , ou encore alcool éthylène-vinyl (EVOH) , - la barrière de l' /chaque opercule comprenne est liée à une couche intérieure adaptée pour être fixée de façon sensiblement et anche à l'oxygène avec le récipient correspondant, à l'endroit dudit rebord, cette couche intérieure comprenant du polyester ou une polyolefine compatible avec la couche correspondante du récipient , - et le rebord présente, le long de la zone de jonction entre deux récipients adjacents, une -partie présentant un affaiblissement mécanique, pour permettre de séparer entre eux les récipients, par rupture de cette partie mécaniquement -affaiblie. A noter qu'on n'a pas ici considéré les autres fines couches de liants interposés pour la cohésio , en particulier. On n'y fera donc pas référence dans le texte, bien qu'elles existent, tant pour le récipient que pour l'opercule. Outre l'emballage en lui-même, l'invention se rapporte à un procédé pour obtenir un ensemble comprenant un tel emballage rempli de produit (s) alimentaire (s) cuit (s) prévu (s) pour être conservé (s) comme déjà indiqué. Les objectifs sont les mêmes que ceux précités, en alternatives ou en combinaison Ainsi, on cherche notamment à obtenir le conditionnement du produit dans l'emballage à coût compétitif, avec une garantie de conservation appropriée, sans avoir à recourir aux: conserves traditionnelles métalliques et en recherchant un possible partitionnement . Pour cela, il est conseillé de suivre le procédé revendiqué ci-après, dans lequel, en particulier : - on thermoforme plusieurs récipients stérilisables en matériau plastique, - et on obtient, le long de la zone de jonction entre deux récipients adjacents, une partie présentant un affaiblissement mécanique pour permettre de séparer entre eux les récipients. De préférence, on réalisera la zone présentant l'affaiblissement mécanique par une découpe du rebord, par laser ou jet d'eau, après l'étape de thermoformage des récipients. Est préféré un laser à impulsions réalisant une fente, ici une entaille, discontinue d'une profondeur supérieure au tiers de l'épaisseur e des parois latérales du récipient et suffisante pour que son fond atteigne, ou soit immédiatement proche de la couche (33) de matériau barrière à l'oxygène interposée entre lesdites couches intérieure et extérieure (31,35). Par ailleurs, on prévoit de stériliser l'emballage et a priori d' établir dans le/chaque récipient rempli avec ledit produit alimentaire cuit une atmosphère de gaz neutre et/ou une dépression relative (c'est-à-dire une dépression par rapport à la pression atmosphérique) comprise entre 5 et 500 mbars, et de préférence entre 100 et 250 mbars, avec donc une perméabilité à l'oxygène de l'emballage fermé préférentiellement comprise entre 0,01ml et 0,001ml d'02 par récipient par vingt-quatre heures, toujours à 23°C, de manière qu'une fois l'opercule scellé sur le récipient on maintient cette atmosphère de gaz neutre et/ou cette dépression, à une température inférieure à environ 55 °C, et de préférence à température ambiante. Selon un autre aspect, il est souhaité obtenir un récipient favorable aux opérations de stérilisation et de possible mise en dépression de l'intérieur de l'emballage, une fois l'opercule scellé, en favorisant la possible amélioration des qualités organoleptiques du produit conservé. Dans ce but, on conseille alors à nouveau de thermoformer le (chaque) récipient : - en pourvoyant ce récipient d'au moins une dite barrière vis à vis de la pénétration d'oxygène, dans les conditions déjà décrites, - et en définissant pour le récipient des hauteur, volume et/ou forme particulières telles que revendiqué pour quatre ou deux récipients. A noter qu'en particulier avec les hauteurs de récipient (s) prescrites, il va être possible de gérer favorablement les conditions de stérilisation (pasteurisation) avec l'objectif d'améliorer les qualités organoleptiques en limitant le temps de cuisson des produits lors de la stérilisation, ceci interférant avec la nature du matériau des parois et leur résistance mécanique et thermique, notamment. Ainsi, un fond à bourrelet arrondi permettra au récipient d'avoir une forme qui s'enroule en quelque sorte sur elle-même lors des variations de pression qu'il subit notamment lors de la stérilisation ou mise en dépression pour la conservation. Encore pour l'amélioration des caractéristiques organoleptiques du produit conservé, on conseille par ailleurs, en particulier dans le cas où les produits alimentaires sont des légumes, que l'étape de stérilisation comprenne une stérilisation (ou pasteurisation) HTST (haute température temps court) . Si l'on s'intéresse à nouveau aux caractéristiques de l'emballage en tant que tel, la recherche d'une conservation qui peut être longue, avec des caractéristiques d'étanchéité assez rigoureuses, y compris à l'endroit de l'interface récipient/opercule, une autre caractéristique conseille que le (chaque) récipient présente des parois multi-couches comprenant, de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur du récipient, et. de la face recevant l'opercule protecteur vers la face opposée, une première couche comprenant du polypropylene, une deuxième couche barrière comprenant un alcool éthylvinyl (EVOH) et une troisième couche comprenant du polypropylene . Tout particulièrement si le produit alimentaire baigne dans un jus, la première couche qui comprend alors du polypropylene sera plus épaisse que la troisième couche, assurant ainsi une protection à la couche barrière EVOH. Concernant l'opercule, on conseille par ailleurs, dans le même but de conservation performante et de coût de réalisation maîtrisé, qu'il comprenne, de sa face intérieure venant au contact du récipient concerné pour le fermer, vers la face extérieure opposée, d'abord sa couche intérieure qui comprend du polypropylene, une deuxième couche comprenant un polyamide et une troisième couche comprenant du polyester, la deuxième et/ou troisième couche définissant ladite barrière à l'oxygène. Dans le but de faciliter le retrait de l'opercule par l'utilisateur le moment venu, on conseille en outre que si la première couche de l'opercule comprend du polypropylene, il s'agisse d'un polypropylene chargé d'une poudre pulvérulente pas ou peu sensible à l'humidité (minéral neutre, tel que du verre pilé), pour être soudable avec la première couche du récipient comprenant du polypropylene, tout en étant pelable. Le rebord de chaque récipient dans un bloc à partitionner sera de préférence mécaniquement affaibli le long de la zone de jonction entre deux récipients adjacents par une fente d'une profondeur supérieure au tiers (et même la moitié) de l'épaisseur des parois latérales de ces récipients, cette profondeur (même s'il s'agit d'une fente discontinue) étant alors suffisante pour que son fond atteigne, ou soit immédiatement proche de la couche de matériau barrière à l'02 interposée entre lesdites couches intérieure et extérieure. En complément à ce qui précède, on dira encore que, favorablement, les parois multi-couches des récipients comprendront, de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur du récipient considéré, une couche d'un, ou comprenant un homopolymère, une couche contenant cet homopolymère et une proportion de matériau barrière à l'oxygène, une couche du même matériau barrière à l'oxygène, tel que l'EVOH, et une couche de copolymère. La ou les couche/couches comprenant l' omopolymère seront avantageusement (ensemble) plus épaisse (s) que celle comprenant le copolymère. Et cette ou ces couche/couches comprenant l' homopolymère et celle comprenant le copolymère comprendront cde préférence du polypropylene . A noter aussi, comme déjà indiqué, que, de part et d'autre de la couche (principale) de matériau barrière à l'oxygène, se trouvera a priori un liant dont la couche adhérera aux autres couches concernées. A nouveau pour les buts déjà affichés, avec en plus une qualité de présentation vis-à-vis du consommateur, on conseille par ailleurs que, dans le récipient rempli du produit alimentaire à conserver et fermé par l'opercule scellé, il règne sous l'opercule une dépression relative comprise entre 5 et 500 mbars, et de préférence entre 100 et 250 mbars, de sorte que l'opercule est tendu, avec une convexité vers l'intérieur du récipient. Un problème corollaire à celui de la conservation à coût maîtrisé pour une production en très g-rande série, se rapporte à la tenue mécanique du récipient tant lors de la stérilisation/cuisson des aliments qu'ultérieurement, lors de la manutention des emballages pour qu'ils soient vendus, ou encore plus t rd, lors de leur manipulation par les consommateurs . Les caractéristiques qui suivent de tenue mécanique et/ou thermique sont donc importantes Comme on l'a déjà indiqué, on prévoit, dans le cadre de la présente demande, que chaquie récipient concerné soit à base de matériau plastique, même si ces matériaux peuvent contenir des quantités subsidiaires de métal ou de céramique, en particulier. Il n'en demeure pas moins qu'il est ici considéré comme avantageux de pouvoir offrir aux cons ommateurs de pouvoir chauffer de différentes manières l'aliment conservé. C'est pour cela que l'on conseille que l'emballage de l'invention soit dépourvu d'une masse métallique telle que celle-ci l'empêcherait d'être placé dans un four à micro-ondes, pour que son contenu y soit chauffé afin d'être consommé chaud et, de préférence, les opercule (s) et récipients sont transparents ou translucides. Selon encore un autre aspect, on doit comprendre qu'est ici aussi concernée une conserve stérilisée comprenant au moins un produit alimentaire cuit contenu dans ledit emballage, lui-même stérilisé, pour être donc conservée à température ambiante pendant une durée de plusieurs mois, pouvant aller jusqu'à plusieurs années, comme déjà indiqué, l'emballage présentant pour cela tout ou partie des caractéristiques présentées, telles qu'au moins un récipient thermoformé avec les couches de matériau concernés, de même pour l'opercule étanche. Une description encore plus détaillée de 1 ' invention va maintenant être donnée en référence aux dessins d'accompagnement, correspondant à des modes précis et détaillés de réalisation, dans lesquels : les figures 1, 2 et 8 sont trois vues en perspectives d'un emballage comprenant respectivement deux, quatre et un, récipient (s) ou portion (s), (une disposition des récipients en « camembert » serait possible) , - les figures 3 et 5 sont respectivement une vue de dessus de la figure 1 et de la figure 2, - la figure 4 est une vue de côté dans le sens de la flèche IV de la figure 3, - la figure 6 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne VI de la figure 5, - la figure 7 est une vue partielle en coupe verticale agrandie des matériaux constitués d'un opercule et d'un récipient, scellés ensemble, cette vue correspondant à un agrandissement en coupe du détail VII de la figure 4, et la figure 9 donne plus détails sur une réalisation préférée de la paroi multicouche du récipient de la figure 7. Un aspect important concerne donc la conservation dans le temps du produit contenu dans l'emballage, sur une durée avantageusement comparable à celle d'une conserve actuelle: plus de douze mois, et de préférence dix-huit à trente-six mois, à température inférieure à 55 °C comme le prévoit la norme dans les conserves. Comme illustré figures 1, 2 et 8, l'emballage (respectivement 1, 10, 100) peut comprendre un ou de préférence plusieurs récipients, respectivement 3,5; 7,9,11,13 et 2. Bien entendu s'il y a plusieurs récipients, ils pourront être disposés en rangées multiples (trois, quatre.. ) , en camembert... Chaque récipient, ainsi que l'ensemble formé par ceux-ci réunis (figures 1 et 2), présente (nt) un rebord extérieur 15. Chaque rebord est situé au sommet des parois latérales 17, à l'opposé du fond 19. Il présente de préférence une épaisseur identique ou similaire à celles des parois 17,19. En limite extérieure 15', le pourtour du rebord considéré pour l'ensemble des récipients réunis est bordé par un bord tombé 21 qui le prolonge, ce bord tombé ayant a priori intrinsèquement une résistance mécanique supérieure à celle de la zone de jonction 20 du rebord 15 par laquelle deux récipients adjacents sont réunis entre eux (figures 1,2), cette zone de jonction allongée présentant une faiblesse mécanique (qui peut être obtenue par une fente 40) permettant de casser à cet endroit la jonction entre les récipients, pour les séparer. Il s'agit donc d'une zone frangible. Une fente s'étendra de préférence dans le bord tombé 21, avantageusement dans le prolongement de la fente 40 du rebord, ou de façon adjacente à elle. En périphérie du fond 19, on voit figures 3,-4 et 5 que chaque récipient illustré présente un bourrelet 23 périphérique continu convexe (arrondi) vers l'extérieur. On permet ainsi au récipient de "rouler" sur lui- même lors des variations de pression intervenant au cours de la stérilisation/pasteurisation ou lors d'une possible mise en dépression de l'emballage, sous l'opercule scellé qui ferme le (s) récipient (s) (schématisé en 25 sur les figures 4 et 7, au-dessus des récipients). Pour la conservation dans l'emballage fermé, d'autant plus à l'abri de l'air ambiant que la durée de conservation est longue, le (chaque) opercule et chaque récipient est à base de matériau plastique ayant respectivement, pour les sceller entre eux à l'endroit du rebord 15, une couche de contact 27,31 (figure 7) en polyolefine ou en polyester (cette couche étant appelée couche intérieure) . Une telle couche en polypropylene est préférée, avec même avantageusement une charge de poudre pulvérulente pas ou peu sensible à l'humidité, pour faciliter le caractère pelable de l'opercule 25 qui est a priori un film pour des questions de coût, facilité d'emploi et de manipulation. Concernant ce dernier point, les épaisseurs totales des parois de chaque récipient et de l'opercule sont de préférence respectivement comprises entre 0,3mm et 3mm environ, et 35 microns et 150 microns, environ. Comme illustré sur la figure 7, chaque récipient présente de préférence des parois (15,17,19) multicouches semi-rigides comprenant de l'intérieur de chaque récipient vers l'extérieur et de la face du .rebord recevant l'opercule vers la face opposée (face inférieure) : la couche 31 de préférence en polypropylene, puis une couche barrière 33 et une troisième couche 35 en polyester ou à nouveau en polyolefine (polypropylene en particulier) . La première couche 31 est plus épaisse que la troisième 35, car la première couche est appelée à être en contact avec du liquide si le produit contenu dans le récipient baigne dans un tel liquide (jus) . Concernant la deuxième couche/couche barrière 33, il s'agit comme déjà indiqué d'une barrière vis-à-vis de la pénétration d'oxygène dans le récipient. Cette couche peut comprendre une barrière à base de métal, de céramique ou de plastique. Concernant l'opercule 25, il comprend lui-même sur la figure 7, depuis sa couche intérieure 27 vers l'extérieur, et outre cette couche, une deuxième couche 37 comprenant un polyamide et une troisième couche 39 comprenant un polyamide ou du polyester, la couche 37 et/ou la couche 39 définissent une barrière à l'oxygène. Le polyester est un antiadhésif lors de la soudure (scellement récipient/opercule) . De préférence, tant pour le récipient que pour l'opercule, la barrière à l'oxygène comprendra un oxyde de silicium (SiOx) . En alternative un AlOx est utilisable, en particulier. Avantageusement, la couche barrière maintenant n'empêchera pas le caractère majoritairement transparent ou translucide des parois du récipient et de l'opercule. Si la barrière est à base d'un composé métall-±que, son épaisseur sera avantageusement comprise enti-re 3 microns et 500 microns environ, et de préférence entre 5 et 30 microns. S'il s'agit d'une couche comprenant une céramique, l'épaisseur de la couche sera comprise entre 3 et 50Onm. Dans l'hypothèse d'une barrière plastique, l'épaisseur sera a priori supérieure à 8-10 microns , et de préférence comprise entre environ 40 microns e~t 70 microns . Les couches métalliques peuvent être réalisées par dépôt sous vide partiel, les couches céramiques par électro-déposition (en particulier technique dite "électron beam evaporation" - évaporation avec fais ceau d' électrons) . Bien que cela n'ait pas été représenté, les différentes couches de chaque opercule et les parois des récipients sont liées entre elles par des agents de liaison ("bonding agents") tels que des copolymères de chlorure de vinyle, copolymères d'acétate de chlorur<s de vinyle, des polyesters polymérisables, polymères pyricdine vinyle, en combinaison avec des résines époxy, des résines phénoliques, des résines acryliques ou encore des organo-silanes. Des adhésifs pourraient également être utilisés tels que des copolyamides polyester, des résines phénoliques de type caoutchouc nitrile ("nitril rul ber phenolic resins"), ou encore des copolymères acétate vinyl-éthylène, notamment. Ainsi réalisé en particulier par groupe de quatre ou de deux comme illustré, les dimensions préférées des récipients de forme ici globalement rectangulaire à angles arrondis, sont les suivantes : - ensemble de quatre récipients : hauteur h commune comprise entre environ 35 mm et 65 mm, et de préférence entre 40 mm et 55 mm, chaque récipient présente, à l'endroit de son fond, une largeur 1 comprise entre 20 mm et 80 mm, et de préférence entre 20 mm et 40 mm, ainsi qu'une longueur L comprise entre 60 mm et 120 mm, et de préférence entre 65 mm et 85 mm, - ensemble de deux récipients : hauteur h' commune comprise entre environ 20 mm et 65 mm, et de préférence entre 30 mm et 45 mm, chaque récipient présente, à l'endroit de son fond, une largeur l' comprise entre 40 mm et 120 mm, et de préférence entre 65 mm et 85 mm, ainsi qu'une longueur L' comprise entre 75 mm et 120 mm, et de préférence entre 80 mm et 95 mm. En outre le volume de chaque récipient sera compris entre 600 ml et 1200 ml, et de préférence entre 800 ml et 950 ml. Pour la tenue mécanique des récipients réunis, ceux-ci comprennent des renforts structuraux le long de la zone de jonction 20 précitée. Ces renforts, tels que 35a, 35b, sont formés par des excroissances réalisées lors du moulage des récipients et donc intégrés à eux. Concernant ce moulage, on notera que le thermoformage permet d'atteindre les dimensions et formes ci-avant, en particulier en hauteur, avec les épaisseurs souhaitées (épaisseur constante de préférence, y compris à l'endroit du rebord et du bord tombé 21) avec une qualité et un coût de fabrication performants. Tel qu'on le voit sur les figures 3,5 et 6 en particulier, les renforts (notamment 35a, 35b) sont formés en relief sur la face inférieure 15a du rebord, de part et d'autre de la zone de jonction 20. A l'opposé, sur la face supérieure 15b, on trouve en vis-à-vis des creux correspondant tels que 37a, 37b, de préférence de même épaisseur que celle du rebord qui est elle-même alors sensiblement constante, sauf en partie centrale où l'épaisseur est de préférence moindre, dans l'alignement ou la continuité de la fente 40, pour faciliter la séparation entre plusieurs récipients réunis . Ces creux sont utilisés pour y glisser un doigt et retirer facilement l'opercule 25 correspondant, non scellé à cet endroit. Les renforts en relief/creux sont avantageusement situés plus près de la limite extérieure périphérique du rebord 15 que des parois latérales des récipients adjacents concernés, ceci près des extrémités longitudinales de la zone ou ligne de jonction 20 correspondante . Comme on le voit en particulier sur les figures 3 et 5, on ne' trouvera a priori les déformations 35a, 37a que vers ces extrémités. Une forme triangulaire (figures 3 et 5) ou en étoile (au centre figure 5) facilite la préhension de l'opercule, le triangle ou l'étoile étant scindé en deux parties, de part et d'autre de l'affaiblissement mécanique 40 réalisé le long de la bande de jonction 20, pour permettre la séparation entre les récipients concernés . Le récipient 2, 3, 5; 7 , 9, 11, ou 13 en cause est à base de plastique et est semi-rigide pour supporter la stérilisation et/ou la mise en dépression. De préférence, chaque récipient est donc en outre transparent ou translucide, ce qui permet de vérifier le contenu (état de cuisson, oxydation éventuelle ) et d'éviter les inconvénients des parois opaques (en particulier métalliques), de même pour l'opercule qui est un film souple, a priori pelable. De toute façon, on prévoit que l'emballage fermé (plein, opercule éventuellement encore scellé) puisse être placé au micro-ondes, encore que le chauffage puisse être réalisé par bain-marie si l'on souhaite ne pas avoir à vider le récipient pour le chauffer avec son contenu. Le thermoformage de chaque récipient est fortement conseillé, permettant d'utiliser les matériaux déjà évoqués et encore présentés ci-après, avec une technique de fabrication bien maîtrisée, en grande série à faire le coût et d'obtenir des dimensions de récipients (en particulier en hauteur) telles que la hauteur du récipient (y compris s'il est unique) soit comprise entre 20mm et 120mm, et de préférence entre 25mm et 80mm, et encore préférentiellement entre 30mm et 60mm. Les matières choisies pour les récipients et les opercules favorisent également, dans les épaisseurs concernées, une telle stérilisation HTST. Si, comme cela est préféré, une dépression est établie dans le récipient scellé, on conseille que cette dépression soit donc comprise entre lOO b et 250mb. Tout aspect de l'opercule bombé vers l'extérieur serait alors un signe d'une mauvaise conservation. Un opercule 25, avec localement un affaiblissement mécanique pour se diviser par parties en même temps que l'on sépare les récipients entre eux, ou plusieurs opercules disjoints, peuvent convenir en l'espèce, la séparation linéaire entre deux opercules/parties adjacences d'un même opercule à l'origine (lors de sa pose) s Opérant au droit des fentes 40. L'effet barrière à l'oxygène des récipients, opercule (s) et de leur interface de scellage est important, pour une conservation longue durée optimisée à plus de douze mois, et de préférence plus de dix-huit mois comme déjà indiqué. Ceci est d'ailleurs à rapprocher de la stérilisation/cuisson plus rapide que l'on prévoit d'assurer en réalisant une stérilisation/pasteurisation HTST au-delà de 121 °C et pendant une durée inférieure à 20 mn (voire moins de 12mn, en palier à pression et température maximales) . En particulier pour stériliser/pasteuriser des salsifis ou des haricots verts à maintenir de préférence légèrement « croquants », dans un récipient (ou barquette) qui peut être à base de polypropylene, la température de chauffage atteinte par ce produit précuit, qui va donc être stérilisé avec son récipient récepteur où il a été précédemment placé, sera comprise entre 123 °C et 132 °C, et avantageusement entre 125 °C et 130 °C, avec un palier à cette température compris entre de préférence 3mn et 15mn, et avantageusement entre 4mn et 9mn, à une pression de palier comprise (pendant cette durée) entre 2000bars et 3600bars, et avantageusement entre 2400bars et 3200bars. Le temps pour atteindre le palier de pression/température sera compris entre 4mn et 15mn, et avantageusement entre 6mn et 12mn. Suivra un pré-refroidissement entre 90 °C et 100 °C, pendant 3 à 7mn, avec pratiquement la même pression, puis un refroidissement final d'environ 15 à 25mn, pour redescendre à 30-40 °C et à pression ambiante. Pour tout détail complémentaire, on pourra se reporter à "dairy HTST" (basing design) de waukesha cherry-burrell, ou encore à l'article "valorisation et industrialisation de la détente instantanée", ABCAR-DIC Process; La Rochelle (France) ; information sur le site http : //perso . anadoo . fr/abcar/pdf/proc%E9d%E9s . pdf; voir également "bcm2d" sur le site www.gch.ulaval.ca/agarnier/bcm2d.htm (université de Laval-France) . On aura donc compris que la possibilité de stériliser/pasteuriser à chaud est ici important, le principe « d'auto-stérilisation » par exemple des fruits que l'on verse chauds dans leurs récipients récepteurs pour les y conserver, comme les confitures, n'étant pas ici une approche jugée convaincante ni suffisante, en termes de préservation longue durée. Pour détailler encore plus la réalisation multicouches des parois latérales, et donc entrer dans un plus grand détail que la figure 7, on trouvera favorablement sur chaque récipient (voir fig.9), de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur (l'intérieur étant le côté du récipient en contact avec le produit qui y est contenu) : - une couche d' homopolymère 31a, polypropylene (PP, en particulier) , une couche, ou sous-couche, 31b, mélangée d' homopolymère (tel que PP) et de matériau de récipients rebroyés (comprenant donc une proportion de matériau barrière à l'oxygène, tel que l'OVOH), - une intercouche de liant/adhésif, 34a, tel que l'EVA, - la couche 33 de matériau barrière à l'oxygène (bien entendu alors dans même matériau que celui précité) , - une autre intercouche 34b de liant/adhésif, et - une couche 35 extérieure de copolymère, tel qu'à nouveau une polyolefine (PP) ou du polyester, le choix du polyester pouvant également être celui de la couche intérieure homopolymère précitée. Les deux sous-couches 31a, 31b pourront constituer la couche 31 évoquée avant. Bien entendu, quand on parle de couches homopolymère, copolymère, polyolefine, polyester, ... on parle de couches, soit exclusivement ainsi constituées, soit majoritairement ainsi constituées, c'est-à-dire de couches contenant un tel constituant. La/les couches situées côté intérieur de la couche intermédiaire barrière à l'oxygène étant favorablement plus épaisse (s) que la couche extérieure de copolymère située de l'autre côté, on obtiendra donc une structure multicouche asymétrique, dans le sens où la couche 33 de matériau barrière n'est pas située au milieu de l'épaisseur de la paroi, mais décalée du côté extérieur, le rebroyé obtenu typiquement par les chutes ou par le recyclage étant a priori uniquement disposé d'un côté de la couche barrière 33, précisément côté intérieur. Très favorablement, l'épaisseur de la couche de matériau barrière 33 sera au minimum de 16μm, récipient fini (déjà donc thermoformé) , cette épaisseur étant favorablement comprise entre 40 et 80μm, sur la feuille d'origine, avant thermoformage. Quant à l'épaisseur totale de la paroi e de .chaque récipient, elle sera favorablement comprise entre 0,8 mm et 1,5 mm, et de préférence entre 1 mm et 1,4 mm. Chaque intercouche de liant/adhésif pourra avoir une épaisseur de l'ordre de 1 à 2 μm. Avec les caractéristiques qui ont été présentées ci-avant, on obtiendra donc des récipients en plastique, multi-couches, rigides ou semi-rigides, obtenus par thermoformage, a priori stérilisables dans une autoclave, , les récipients étant en outre susceptibles donc de passer au micro-onde et de laisser le consommateur voir, ou deviner, le produit à travers les parois du récipient. Ces récipients offriront en outre : - une barrière à l'oxygène leur permettant de conserver le produit cuit contenu à l'intérieur pendant plusieurs années, bien entendu une fois l'opercule étanche thermoscellé sur son rebord, - et/ou la possibilité d'obtenir des récipients sécables, faciles à séparer, tout en ayant une tenue mécanique et thermique suffisante, réunis ou séparés.  FOOD PACKAGE, CANNED PRODUCT AND MANUFACTURING METHOD. STERILIZABLE AND SEPARABLE CONTAINERS FOR SUCH PACKAGING At least one aspect of this subject relates to the packaging of cooked food product (s) intended to be stored for a period of time greater than six months, and preferably more than twelve months, and even more preferably between eighteen and thirty-six months, at a temperature below 55 ° C, and typically at room temperature (i.e., usually between 10 ° C and 30 Approx. ° C and preferably between 15 ° C and 25 ° C). In this context, a problem posed concerns r - the production of such packaging, with the optimum objective a shelf life comparable to a can, typically in a metal box or glass jar, under the conditions indicated above - the production packaging which would therefore be suitable for preferably long-term storage, which could allow the consumer to consume the product thus purchased in portions and / or possibly store separately what he wishes to consume immediately and what he wishes keep longer, and which ensures optimized manufacturing conditions (and in particular a cost). We therefore see that we can consider that we are dealing with a multiple problem including several sub-problems that we can classify into two categories: a) - those linked to a partitioning of the packaging, for a consumption per serving of preserved product, b) those linked to long-term conservation.  These two sets of problems can be treated taking into account their cross-synergies (a + b or b + a). In what follows, the characteristics linked to each of these problems can therefore be considered separately and therefore be the subject of protections independent of each other. According to another approach, one can also note a synergistic effect between the characteristics relating to the two aspects of long-term preservation / partitioning, for example with regard to the production of the containers (thermoforming, multilayer character, necessary sterilization, transparent or translucent character. ..) all or part of the characters linked to this aspect having an influence in terms of both long-term preservation and partitioning. Thus, such a choice of material promotes long conservation, allows a rigidity favorable to this conservation, storage and handling, while making it possible to obtain, by a relatively simple process which can be used in very large series production, a solution of possible separation between several compartments which is efficient while offering the consumer the possibility of seeing the preserved product, through the conservation container, which is not for example the case in metal preserves- In order to satisfy all or part of the problems mentioned above, preferably in this synergistic approach, we advise in particular to offer sterilizable packaging for cooked food product (s) intended to be preserved at room temperature for a period of several months, which can go up to several years, the packaging comprising at least one thermoformed and sterilizable container, at least one protective cover, closing the container, each container comprising walls made up of several layers of material (X) including a barrier against the penetration of oxygen into the container, such as a layer containing ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), the cover itself comprising at least one vis barrier -to the penetration of oxygen into the packaging. To promote long-term storage, favorably over at least one year, or even two to three years, we also recommend: - that the gas permeability of the packaging, the lid being sealed in the corresponding container, be between 0.01ml and 0.001 ml of O 2 (typically less than 0.008 ml of oxygen) per container per twenty-four hours at substantially 23 ° C., and even favorably that this gas permeability of each container is equal to approximately 0.004 ml of oxygen per container by twenty-four hours, at 23 ° C, a neutral gas atmosphere and / or a vacuum relative to the ambient pressure preferably prevailing inside the container, once the can is closed. It should be noted that the gas permeability will preferably be measured with a relative humidity of 50% (“OXTRAN” control method). The “per container” permeability indicates a measure of permeability for a container (when grouped together; see more far) that the ambient air penetrates through the wall of the container itself or from the seal. To achieve the conditions of tightness in particular with respect to ambient oxygen, and therefore of conservation indicated above and / or to promote breakability between several containers, it is advised that: the (each) container comprises walls made up of several thermoformed layers of material, several such containers preferably being linked together, in a separable manner, on at least one side by means of a peripheral rim, along a junction zone, the peripheral rim having a face upper and lower face, the material layers of the walls including: • internally and externally, including at the location of the upper face of the'peripheral rim receiving the corresponding protective cover, a layer of polyolefin, or containing it, preferably polypropylene, or polyester, or containing it, and said barrier vis-à-vis the penetration of oxygen into the container, this barrier comprising a metal-based barrier layer and / or a ceramic-based barrier layer and / or a plastic-based barrier layer, the metal-based barrier layer comprising in its composition a metal or metal alloy from among aluminum, copper, iron and tin, the ceramic barrier layer comprising in its composition at least one oxide chosen from silicon oxides, aluminum oxides, iron oxides,  the plastic barrier layer comprising at least one polymer, preferably polyamides, polyvinylidene chlorides (PVDC), polyolefins, polyvirαyl chlorides, acrylonitrile or polyethylene terephthalate (PTFE) copolymers, or ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), - the barrier of the / each cover comprises is linked to an inner layer adapted to be fixed substantially and reed with oxygen with the corresponding container, at the location of said rim, this inner layer comprising polyester or a compatible polyolefin with the corresponding layer of the container, - and the rim has, along the junction zone between two adjacent containers, a -part having a mechanical weakening, to allow the containers to be separated between them, by breaking this mechanically-weakened part . Note that we have not considered here the other thin layers of binders interposed for cohesio, in particular. They will therefore not be referred to in the text, although they exist, both for the container and for the cover. In addition to the packaging itself, the invention relates to a process for obtaining an assembly comprising such a packaging filled with cooked food product (s) intended to be kept as already indicated. The objectives are the same as those mentioned above, in alternatives or in combination. Thus, we seek in particular to obtain the packaging of the product in the packaging at competitive cost, with a guarantee of appropriate preservation, without having to resort to: traditional metallic preserves and seeking a possible partitioning. For this, it is advisable to follow the process claimed below, in which, in particular: - several thermoformable plastic containers are thermoformed, - and one obtains, along the junction zone between two adjacent containers, a portion having mechanical weakening to allow the containers to be separated from one another. Preferably, the area exhibiting mechanical weakening will be produced by cutting the rim, by laser or water jet, after the thermoforming step of the containers. A pulse laser is preferred, producing a slit, here a notch, discontinuous with a depth greater than a third of the thickness e of the side walls of the container and sufficient for its bottom to reach or be immediately close to the layer (33). of oxygen barrier material interposed between said inner and outer layers (31,35). Furthermore, provision is made to sterilize the packaging and a priori to establish in the / each container filled with said cooked food product an atmosphere of neutral gas and / or a relative depression (that is to say a depression with respect to at atmospheric pressure) between 5 and 500 mbar, and preferably between 100 and 250 mbar, with therefore an oxygen permeability of the closed package preferably between 0.01 ml and 0.001 ml of O2 per container per twenty -four hours, always at 23 ° C, so that once the seal is sealed on the container we maintain this neutral gas atmosphere and / or this vacuum, at a temperature below about 55 ° C, and preferably at room temperature. According to another aspect, it is desired to obtain a container favorable to sterilization operations and possible vacuuming of the interior of the packaging, once the seal is sealed, promoting the possible improvement of the organoleptic qualities of the preserved product. To this end, it is again advisable to thermoform the (each) container: - by providing this container with at least one said barrier against the penetration of oxygen, under the conditions already described, - and by defining for the container of particular height, volume and / or shape as claimed for four or two containers. Note that in particular with the container heights (s) prescribed, it will be possible to favorably manage the sterilization conditions (pasteurization) with the objective of improving the organoleptic qualities by limiting the cooking time of the products during sterilization, this interfering with the nature of the material of the walls and their mechanical and thermal resistance, in particular. Thus, a bottom with rounded bead will allow the container to have a shape which somehow rolls up on itself during variations in pressure which it undergoes in particular during sterilization or put under vacuum for conservation. Again for the improvement of the organoleptic characteristics of the preserved product, we advise by elsewhere, in particular in the case where the food products are vegetables, that the sterilization step comprises sterilization (or pasteurization) HTST (high temperature short time). If we are again interested in the characteristics of the packaging as such, the search for a preservation which can be long, with fairly rigorous sealing characteristics, including at the interface container / lid, another characteristic advises that the (each) container has multi-layer walls comprising, from the inside to the outside of the container, and. from the face receiving the protective cover towards the opposite face, a first layer comprising polypropylene, a second barrier layer comprising an ethylvinyl alcohol (EVOH) and a third layer comprising polypropylene. Especially if the food product is bathed in a juice, the first layer which then comprises polypropylene will be thicker than the third layer, thus providing protection to the EVOH barrier layer. Regarding the seal, it is also recommended, for the same purpose of efficient conservation and controlled production cost, that it includes, from its inner face coming into contact with the container concerned to close it, towards the opposite outer face, d firstly its inner layer which comprises polypropylene, a second layer comprising a polyamide and a third layer comprising polyester, the second and / or third layer defining said oxygen barrier.  In order to facilitate the removal of the cover by the user when the time comes, it is further advised that if the first layer of the cover comprises polypropylene, it is a polypropylene loaded with a powdery powder. not or not very sensitive to humidity (neutral mineral, such as crushed glass), to be weldable with the first layer of the container comprising polypropylene, while being peelable. The rim of each container in a partition block will preferably be mechanically weakened along the junction zone between two adjacent containers by a slit with a depth greater than a third (and even half) of the thickness of the side walls of these containers, this depth (even if it is a discontinuous slit) then being sufficient for its bottom to reach, or be immediately close to, the layer of O2 barrier material interposed between said inner and outer layers. In addition to the above, it will also be said that, favorably, the multi-layer walls of the containers will comprise, from the inside towards the outside of the container considered, a layer of, or comprising a homopolymer, a layer containing this homopolymer and a proportion of oxygen barrier material, a layer of the same oxygen barrier material, such as EVOH, and a layer of copolymer. The layer or layers comprising the omopolymer will advantageously (together) be thicker than that comprising the copolymer. And this or these layer / layers comprising the homopolymer and that or layer comprising the copolymer will preferably comprise polypropylene.  It should also be noted, as already indicated, that on either side of the (main) layer of oxygen barrier material, there will a priori be a binder whose layer will adhere to the other layers concerned. Again for the purposes already displayed, with in addition a quality of presentation vis-à-vis the consumer, it is further advised that, in the container filled with the food product to be preserved and closed by the sealed lid, it prevails under the '' covers a relative depression of between 5 and 500 mbar, and preferably between 100 and 250 mbar, so that the cover is stretched, with a convexity towards the interior of the container. A corollary problem to that of conservation at controlled cost for a production in very large series, relates to the mechanical behavior of the container both during the sterilization / cooking of food and subsequently, when handling the packaging so that 'they are sold, or even more rd, when handled by consumers. The following characteristics of mechanical and / or thermal resistance are therefore important. As already indicated, it is envisaged, within the framework of the present application, that each container concerned is based on plastic material, even if these materials may contain subsidiary amounts of metal or ceramic, in particular. The fact remains that here it is considered advantageous to be able to offer consumers the ability to heat the preserved food in different ways. This is why we recommend that the packaging of the invention be devoid of a metallic mass such that this would prevent it from being placed in a microwave oven, so that its contents are heated there in order to be consumed hot and, preferably, the covers (s) and containers are transparent or translucent. According to yet another aspect, it should be understood that here also a sterilized canned product comprising at least one cooked food product contained in said packaging, itself sterilized, so as to be kept at room temperature for a period of several months, which can go up to several years, as already indicated, the packaging having for this all or part of the characteristics presented, such as at least one thermoformed container with the layers of material concerned, likewise for the sealed seal. An even more detailed description of the invention will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, corresponding to precise and detailed embodiments, in which: FIGS. 1, 2 and 8 are three perspective views of a package comprising respectively two, four and one, container (s) or portion (s), (a disposition of the containers in "camembert" would be possible), - Figures 3 and 5 are respectively a top view of Figure 1 and the Figure 2, - Figure 4 is a side view in the direction of arrow IV of Figure 3, - Figure 6 is a sectional view along line VI of Figure 5, - Figure 7 is a partial view in enlarged vertical section of materials consisting of a cover and a container, sealed together, this view corresponding to an enlargement in section of detail VII of FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 gives more details on a preferred embodiment of the multilayer wall of the container of FIG. 7. An important aspect therefore relates to the preservation over time of the product contained in the packaging, over a period advantageously comparable to that of a current canning: more than twelve months, and preferably eighteen to thirty-six months, at a temperature below 55 ° C as provided for in the standard in canned food. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the packaging (respectively 1, 10, 100) may comprise one or preferably several containers, respectively 3.5; 7,9,11,13 and 2. Of course if there are several containers, they can be arranged in multiple rows (three, four ..), in camembert ... Each container, as well as the assembly formed by these together (Figures 1 and 2), have (s) an outer rim 15. Each rim is located at the top of the side walls 17, opposite the bottom 19. It preferably has a thickness identical or similar to those walls 17.19. At the outer limit 15 ′, the periphery of the rim considered for all of the containers joined together is bordered by a fallen edge 21 which extends it, this fallen edge having a priori intrinsically a mechanical resistance greater than that of the junction zone 20 of the rim 15 by which two adjacent containers are joined together (Figures 1,2), this elongated junction zone having a mechanical weakness (which can be obtained by a slot 40) making it possible to break the junction between the containers at this point, in order to separate them. It is therefore a frangible area. A slit will preferably extend into the fallen edge 21, advantageously in the extension of the slit 40 of the rim, or adjacent to it. On the periphery of the bottom 19, it can be seen in FIGS. 3, -4 and 5 that each illustrated container has a continuous peripheral bead 23 (rounded) outwards. The container is thus allowed to "roll" on itself during pressure variations occurring during sterilization / pasteurization or during a possible depression of the packaging, under the sealed lid which closes the container (s). ) container (s) (shown diagrammatically at 25 in FIGS. 4 and 7, above the containers). For storage in the closed packaging, all the more sheltered from ambient air as the shelf life is long, the (each) seal and each container is made of plastic material having, respectively, to seal them between them at the location of the rim 15, a contact layer 27, 31 (FIG. 7) made of polyolefin or polyester (this layer being called the inner layer). Such a polypropylene layer is preferred, with even advantageously a powdery powder charge not or not very sensitive to humidity, to facilitate the peelable nature of the cover 25 which is a priori a film for reasons of cost, ease of use and handling. Regarding this last point, the total thicknesses of the walls of each container and of the lid are preferably respectively between 0.3mm and 3mm approximately, and 35 microns and 150 microns, approximately. As illustrated in FIG. 7, each container preferably has semi-rigid multilayer walls (15,17,19) comprising from the inside of each container towards the outside and from the face of the edge receiving the lid towards the opposite face (lower face): layer 31 preferably made of polypropylene, then a barrier layer 33 and a third layer 35 made of polyester or again of polyolefin (polypropylene in particular). The first layer 31 is thicker than the third 35, because the first layer is called to be in contact with liquid if the product contained in the container is bathed in such a liquid (juice). As regards the second layer / barrier layer 33, it is, as already indicated, a barrier vis-à-vis the penetration of oxygen into the container. This layer may include a barrier based on metal, ceramic or plastic. Regarding the cover 25, it itself comprises in FIG. 7, from its inner layer 27 outwards, and in addition to this layer, a second layer 37 comprising a polyamide and a third layer 39 comprising a polyamide or polyester, layer 37 and / or layer 39 define an oxygen barrier. Polyester is a non-stick during welding (container / lid sealing). Preferably, both for the container and for the lid, the oxygen barrier will comprise a silicon oxide (SiOx). As an alternative, an AlOx can be used, in particular.  Advantageously, the barrier layer now will not prevent the predominantly transparent or translucent character of the walls of the container and of the cover. If the barrier is based on a metal compound, its thickness will advantageously be between 3 microns and 500 microns approximately, and preferably between 5 and 30 microns. If it is a layer comprising a ceramic, the thickness of the layer will be between 3 and 50 nm. In the hypothesis of a plastic barrier, the thickness will a priori be greater than 8-10 microns, and preferably between approximately 40 microns e~t 70 microns. The metal layers can be produced by partial vacuum deposition, the ceramic layers by electro-deposition (in particular the technique called "electron beam evaporation" - evaporation with an electron beam). Although this has not been shown, the different layers of each lid and the walls of the containers are linked together by bonding agents such as vinyl chloride copolymers, acetate copolymers of vinyl chlorur <s, polymerizable polyesters, pyricdin vinyl polymers, in combination with epoxy resins, phenolic resins, acrylic resins or organosilanes. Adhesives could also be used such as polyester copolyamides, phenolic resins of the nitrile rubber type ("nitril rul ber phenolic resins"), or vinyl-ethylene acetate copolymers, in particular.  Thus produced in particular in groups of four or two as illustrated, the preferred dimensions of the containers, here generally rectangular in shape with rounded angles, are the following: - set of four containers: common height h between approximately 35 mm and 65 mm, and preferably between 40 mm and 55 mm, each container has, at the place of its bottom, a width 1 between 20 mm and 80 mm, and preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, as well as a length L included between 60 mm and 120 mm, and preferably between 65 mm and 85 mm, - set of two containers: common height h ′ between approximately 20 mm and 65 mm, and preferably between 30 mm and 45 mm, each container present, at its bottom, a width l 'between 40 mm and 120 mm, and preferably between 65 mm and 85 mm, as well as a length L' between 75 mm and 120 mm, and preferably between 80 mm and 95 mm. In addition, the volume of each container will be between 600 ml and 1200 ml, and preferably between 800 ml and 950 ml. For the mechanical strength of the joined containers, these include structural reinforcements along the abovementioned joining zone 20. These reinforcements, such as 35a, 35b, are formed by protuberances produced during the molding of the containers and therefore integrated into them. Regarding this molding, it will be noted that thermoforming makes it possible to achieve the above dimensions and shapes, in particular in height, with the desired thicknesses (preferably constant thickness, including at the edge and the fallen edge 21) with an efficient quality and cost of manufacture. As can be seen in FIGS. 3.5 and 6 in particular, the reinforcements (in particular 35a, 35b) are formed in relief on the lower face 15a of the rim, on either side of the junction zone 20. In contrast, on the upper face 15b, there are opposite corresponding recesses such as 37a, 37b, preferably of the same thickness as that of the rim which is itself then substantially constant, except in the central part. where the thickness is preferably less, in alignment or continuity with the slot 40, to facilitate the separation between several joined containers. These recesses are used to slide a finger there and easily remove the corresponding cover 25, not sealed at this location. The raised / hollow reinforcements are advantageously located closer to the peripheral outer limit of the rim 15 than to the side walls of the adjacent containers concerned, this near the longitudinal ends of the corresponding zone or junction line 20. As seen in particular in Figures 3 and 5, we do not' will a priori find the deformations 35a, 37a only towards these ends. A triangular (figures 3 and 5) or star (in the center figure 5) shape facilitates gripping of the cover, the triangle or star being split into two parts, on either side of the mechanical weakening 40 made along the joining strip 20, to allow separation between the containers concerned. The container 2, 3, 5; 7, 9, 11, or 13 in question is plastic-based and is semi-rigid to support sterilization and / or vacuum. Preferably, each container is therefore also transparent or translucent, which makes it possible to verify the content (state of cooking, possible oxidation) and to avoid the drawbacks of the opaque walls (in particular metallic), likewise for the seal which is a flexible film, a priori peelable. In any case, it is provided that the closed packaging (full, lid possibly still sealed) can be placed in the microwave, although the heating can be carried out by double boiler if one wishes not to have to empty the container. to heat it with its contents. The thermoforming of each container is strongly recommended, allowing the use of the materials already mentioned and still presented below, with a well mastered manufacturing technique, in large series to make the cost and to obtain container dimensions (in particular in height) such that the height of the container (including if it is unique) is between 20mm and 120mm, and preferably between 25mm and 80mm, and more preferably between 30mm and 60mm. The materials chosen for the containers and the lids also favor, in the thicknesses concerned, such HTST sterilization. If, as is preferred, a vacuum is established in the sealed container, it is recommended that this vacuum is therefore between 100b and 250mb.  Any aspect of the lid curved outward would then be a sign of poor conservation. A cover 25, with local mechanical weakening to divide into parts at the same time as the containers are separated from each other, or several separate covers, may be suitable in this case, the linear separation between two covers / adjacent parts of the same cover at the origin (when it is installed) s Operating in line with the slots 40. The oxygen barrier effect of the containers, cover (s) and their sealing interface is important, for long-term preservation optimized at more than twelve months, and preferably more than eighteen months as already indicated. This is moreover to be compared to the faster sterilization / cooking which is planned to be ensured by carrying out a HTST sterilization / pasteurization beyond 121 ° C. and for a period of less than 20 min (or even less than 12 minutes, at maximum pressure and temperature). In particular for sterilizing / pasteurizing salsify or green beans, preferably to be kept slightly "crunchy", in a container (or tray) which may be based on polypropylene, the heating temperature reached by this precooked product, which will therefore be sterilized with its receptacle where it was previously placed, will be between 123 ° C and 132 ° C, and advantageously between 125 ° C and 130 ° C, with a plateau at this temperature preferably between 3mn and 15mn, and advantageously between 4mn and 9mn, at a bearing pressure comprised (during this period) between 2000bars and 3600bars, and advantageously between 2400bars and 3200bars. The time to reach the pressure / temperature level will be between 4mn and 15mn, and advantageously between 6mn and 12mn. This will be followed by a pre-cooling between 90 ° C and 100 ° C, for 3 to 7 minutes, with practically the same pressure, then a final cooling of approximately 15 to 25 minutes, to descend to 30-40 ° C and at ambient pressure. For further details, we can refer to "dairy HTST" (basing design) by waukesha cherry-burrell, or to the article "valorisation and industrialization of instant relaxation", ABCAR-DIC Process; La Rochelle (France); information on the site http: // perso. anadoo. fr / abcar / pdf / proc% E9d% E9s. pdf; see also "bcm2d" on the site www.gch.ulaval.ca/agarnier/bcm2d.htm (University of Laval-France). It will therefore be understood that the possibility of hot sterilization / pasteurization is important here, the principle of “self-sterilization” for example of fruit which is poured hot into their receptive containers to keep them there, such as jams, n not being here an approach deemed convincing or sufficient, in terms of long-term preservation. To further detail the multilayer construction of the side walls, and therefore enter into greater detail than Figure 7, we will find favorably on each container (see fig. 9), from the inside to the outside (the inside being the side of the container in contact with the product contained therein): - a layer of homopolymer 31a, polypropylene (PP, in particular),  a layer, or under-layer, 31b, mixed of homopolymer (such as PP) and of regrind container material (therefore comprising a proportion of oxygen barrier material, such as OVOH), - a binder interlayer / adhesive, 34a, such as EVA, - the layer 33 of oxygen barrier material (of course then in the same material as that mentioned above), - another interlayer 34b of binder / adhesive, and - an outer layer 35 copolymer, such as again a polyolefin (PP) or polyester, the choice of polyester can also be that of the above-mentioned homopolymer inner layer. The two sub-layers 31a, 31b could constitute the layer 31 mentioned before. Of course, when we speak of homopolymer, copolymer, polyolefin, polyester layers, ... we are talking of layers, either exclusively thus constituted, or mainly thus constituted, that is to say layers containing such a constituent. The layer (s) located on the inner side of the oxygen barrier intermediate layer being favorably thicker than the outer layer of copolymer located on the other side, an asymmetrical multilayer structure will therefore be obtained, in the sense that the layer 33 of barrier material is not located in the middle of the thickness of the wall, but offset from the outside, the regrind obtained typically by scraps or by recycling being a priori only disposed on one side of the barrier layer 33 , precisely on the inside.  Very favorably, the thickness of the layer of barrier material 33 will be at least 16 μm, finished container (already therefore thermoformed), this thickness being favorably between 40 and 80 μm, on the original sheet, before thermoforming. As for the total thickness of the wall e of each container, it will favorably be between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm, and preferably between 1 mm and 1.4 mm. Each binder / adhesive interlayer may have a thickness of the order of 1 to 2 μm. With the characteristics which have been presented above, one will thus obtain plastic containers, multi-layers, rigid or semi-rigid, obtained by thermoforming, a priori sterilizable in an autoclave, the containers being moreover therefore likely to pass in the microwave and let the consumer see, or guess, the product through the walls of the container. These containers will also offer: - an oxygen barrier allowing them to keep the cooked product contained inside for several years, of course once the sealed heat-sealed seal on its rim, - and / or the possibility of obtain breakable containers, easy to separate, while having sufficient mechanical and thermal resistance, combined or separated.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Emballage sterilisable pour produit (s) alimentaire (s) cuit (s) prévu (s) pour être conservé (s) à température ambiante pendant une durée de plusieurs mois, pouvant aller jusqu'à plusieurs années, l'emballage comprenant au moins un récipient thermoformé et sterilisable (3,5,7,9,11,13), au moins un opercule protecteur (25) , fermant le récipient, chaque récipient comprenant des parois (17,19) constituées de plusieurs couches de matériau (x) incluant une barrière (33) vis-à- vis de la pénétration d'oxygène dans le récipient, telle qu'une couche contenant de l'alcool éthylène-vinyl (EVOH), l'opercule comprenant lui-même au moins une barrière (37,39) vis-à-vis de la pénétration d'oxygène dans l'emballage. 1. Sterilizable packaging for cooked food product (s) intended to be stored at room temperature for a period of several months, up to several years, the packaging comprising at least at least one thermoformed and sterilizable container (3,5,7,9,11,13), at least one protective cover (25), closing the container, each container comprising walls (17,19) made of several layers of material ( x) including a barrier (33) against the penetration of oxygen into the container, such as a layer containing ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), the cover itself comprising at least one barrier (37,39) against the penetration of oxygen into the packaging.
2. Emballage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que sa perméabilité gazeuse, l'opercule étant scellé au récipient correspondant, est comprise entre 0,01ml et 0,001ml d'oxygène par récipient par vingt- quatre heures à sensiblement 23 °C. 2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that its gas permeability, the cover being sealed to the corresponding container, is between 0.01ml and 0.001ml of oxygen per container per twenty-four hours at substantially 23 ° C.
3. Emballage selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la perméabilité gazeuse est égale à environ 0,004 ml d'oxygène par récipient par vingt-quatre heures, à 23°C, et une atmosphère de gaz neutre et/ou une dépression par rapport à la pression ambiante règne à l'intérieur du récipient, opercule fermé sur lui. 3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gas permeability is equal to approximately 0.004 ml of oxygen per container per twenty-four hours, at 23 ° C, and an atmosphere of neutral gas and / or vacuum relative to the ambient pressure prevails inside the container, the lid closed on it.
4. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que: - il comprend plusieurs dits récipients (3,5,7,9,11,13) liés entre eux, de manière separable, sur au moins un côté par l'intermédiaire d'un rebord périphérique (15), le long d'une zone jonction (20), le rebord périphérique présentant une face supérieure et une face inférieure, les couches de matériau (x) des parois incluant : • intérieurement et extérieurement, y compris à l'endroit de la face supérieure du rebord (15) périphérique recevant l'opercule protecteur correspondant, une couche (31) de polyolefine, ou en contenant, de préférence du polypropylene, ou de polyester, ou en contenant, • et ladite barrière (33) vis-à-vis de la pénétration d'oxygène dans le récipient, cette barrière comprenant une couche barrière à base de métal et/ou une couche barrière à base de céramique et/ou une couche barrière à base de plastique, la couche barrière à base de métal comprenant dans sa composition un métal ou alliage métallique parmi de l'aluminium, du cuivre, du fer et de l'étain, la couche barrière céramique comprenant dans sa composition au moins un oxyde choisi parmi les oxydes de silicium, oxydes d'aluminium, oxydes de fer, la couche barrière plastique comprenant au moins un polymère parmi de préférence les polyamides, chlorures de polyvinylidène (PVDC) , polyoléfines, chlorures de polyvinyle, copolymères acrylonitriles ou polyéthylène téréphtalate (PTFE) , ou encore alcool éthylène-vinyl (EVOH) , la barrière (37,39) de l' /chaque opercule comprend est liée à une couche intérieure (27) adaptée pour être fixée de façon sensiblement étanche à l'oxygène avec le récipient correspondant, à l'endroit dudit rebord, cette couche intérieure comprenant du polyester ou une polyolefine compatible avec la couche correspondante du récipient, - et le rebord présente, le long de la zone de jonction entre deux récipients adjacents, une partie (40) présentant un affaiblissement mécanique, pour permettre de séparer entre eux les récipients, par rupture de cette partie mécaniquement affaiblie. 4. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: - it comprises several said containers (3,5,7,9,11,13) linked together, in a separable manner, on at least one side via a ledge peripheral (15), along a junction zone (20), the peripheral rim having an upper face and a lower face, the layers of material (x) of the walls including: • internally and externally, including at the location from the upper face of the peripheral rim (15) receiving the corresponding protective cover, a layer (31) of polyolefin, or containing it, preferably polypropylene, or polyester, or containing it, • and said barrier (33) screws with respect to the penetration of oxygen into the container, this barrier comprising a metal-based barrier layer and / or a ceramic-based barrier layer and / or a plastic-based barrier layer, the barrier-based layer of metal comprising in its composition a metal or metallic alloy among aluminum, copper, iron and tin, the ceramic barrier layer comprising in its composition at least one oxide chosen from oxides of silicon, ox aluminum, iron oxides, the plastic barrier layer comprising at least one polymer, preferably polyamides, polyvinylidene chlorides (PVDC), polyolefins, polyvinyl chlorides, acrylonitrile copolymers or polyethylene terephthalate (PTFE), or ethylene alcohol -vinyl (EVOH), the barrier (37,39) of the / each cover comprises is linked to an inner layer (27) adapted to be fixed in a substantially oxygen-tight manner with the corresponding container, at the location of said rim, this inner layer comprising polyester or a polyolefin compatible with the corresponding layer of the container, - and the rim present, along the junction zone between two adjacent containers, a part (40) having a mechanical weakening, to allow the containers to be separated from one another, by rupture of this mechanically weakened part.
5. Emballage selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le rebord (15) des récipients s'étend sur toute la périphérie de chaque récipient et comprend extérieurement un bord tombé (21) qui le prolonge, ce bord tombé ayant une résistance mécanique supérieure à celle de ladite partie présentant l'affaiblissement mécanique . 5. Packaging according to claim 4, characterized in that the rim (15) of the containers extends over the entire periphery of each container and externally comprises a fallen edge (21) which extends it, this dropped edge having a higher mechanical strength to that of said part having mechanical weakening.
6. Emballage selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le rebord (15) des récipients comprend extérieurement un bord tombé (21) qui le prolonge, ce bord tombé présentant lui-même un affaiblissement mécanique adjacent à celui du rebord. 6. Packaging according to claim 4, characterized in that the rim (15) of the containers externally comprises a fallen edge (21) which extends it, this fallen edge itself having a mechanical weakening adjacent to that of the rim.
7. Emballage selon la revendication 5 ou 6, caractérisé en ce que l'affaiblissement mécanique est défini par une diminution locale d'épaisseur (en 40) suffisante pour permettre de séparer entre eux les récipients . 7. Packaging according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the mechanical weakening is defined by a local reduction in thickness (at 40) sufficient to allow the containers to be separated from one another.
8. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 7, caractérisé en ce que le rebord (15) est mécaniquement affaibli le long de la zone de jonction (20) entre deux récipients adjacents par une fente (40) d'une profondeur supérieure au tiers de l'épaisseur des parois latérales de ces récipients et suffisante pour que son fond atteigne, ou soit immédiatement proche d'une couche (33) de matériau barrière à l'oxygène interposée entre lesdites couches intérieure et extérieure (31,35) . 8. Packaging according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the flange (15) is mechanically weakened along the junction zone (20) between two adjacent containers by a slot (40) of a depth more than a third of the thickness of the side walls of these containers and sufficient for its bottom to reach, or be immediately close to, a layer (33) of oxygen barrier material interposed between said inner and outer layers (31, 35).
9. Emballage selon la revendication 5 ou 6 ou l'une quelconque des revendications 7 et 8 rattachée à elle, caractérisé en ce que, localement et de part et d'autre de la zone de jonction (20) entre deux récipients adjacents, le rebord (15) présente des renforts mécaniques (35a, 35b, 37a, 37b) . 9. Packaging according to claim 5 or 6 or any one of claims 7 and 8 attached to it, characterized in that, locally and on either side of the junction zone (20) between two adjacent containers, the rim (15) has mechanical reinforcements (35a, 35b, 37a, 37b).
10. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les parois multi-couches (15,17,19) des récipients comprennent, de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur du récipient considéré, une première couche (31) comprenant du polypropylene, une deuxième couche barrière (33) comprenant un alcool éthylène-vinyl (EVOH) et une troisième couche (35) comprenant du polypropylene, la première couche qui comprend du polypropylene étant plus épaisse que la troisième couche. 10. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-layer walls (15,17,19) of the containers comprise, from the inside towards the outside of the container considered, a first layer (31) comprising polypropylene, a second barrier layer (33) comprising ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and a third layer (35) comprising polypropylene, the first layer which comprises polypropylene being thicker than the third layer.
11. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les parois multi-couches (15,17,19) des récipients comprennent, de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur du récipient considéré, une couche (31) comprenant un homopolymère, une couche (32) contenant cet homopolymère et une proportion de matériau barrière à l'oxygène, une couche (33) du même matériau barrière à l'oxygène, tel qu'un alcool éthylène-vinyl (EVOH) , et une couche (35) de copolymère. 11. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-layer walls (15,17,19) of the containers comprise, from the inside towards the outside of the container considered, a layer (31) comprising a homopolymer, a layer (32) containing this homopolymer and a proportion of oxygen barrier material, a layer (33) of the same oxygen barrier material, such as an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and a layer (35) of copolymer.
12. Emballage selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que la ou les couche/couches12. Packaging according to claim 11, characterized in that the layer or layers / layers
(31 ;31,32) comprenant l' homopolymère est/sont ensemble plus épaisse/épaisses que celle comprenant le copolymère. (31; 31,32) comprising the homopolymer is / are together thicker / thicker than that comprising the copolymer.
13. Emballage selon la revendication 11 ou 12, caractérisé en ce que la ou les couche/couches13. Packaging according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the layer or layers / layers
(31 ;31,32) comprenant l' homopolymère et celle comprenant le copolymère comprennent du polypropylene. (31; 31,32) comprising the homopolymer and that comprising the copolymer comprise polypropylene.
14. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 13, caractérisé en ce que de part et d'autre de la couche (33) de matériau barrière à l'oxygène, se trouve un liant (34a, 34b) adhérant aux autres couches concernées. 14. Packaging according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that on either side of the layer (33) of oxygen barrier material, there is a binder (34a, 34b) adhering to the others affected layers.
15. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'opercule (25) comprend, de la face intérieure venant au contact du récipient concerné pour le fermer, vers la face extérieure opposée, une première couche (27) comprenant du polypropylene, une deuxième couche (37) comprenant un polyamide et une troisième couche (39) comprenant du polyester, la deuxième et/ou troisième couche définissant ladite barrière à l'oxygène. 15. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (25) comprises, from the inner face coming into contact with the container concerned to close it, towards the opposite outer face, a first layer (27) comprising polypropylene, a second layer (37) comprising a polyamide and a third layer (39) comprising polyester, the second and / or third layer defining said oxygen barrier.
16. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins le/chaque récipient est dépourvu d'une masse métallique telle qu'elle l'empêcherait d'être placé dans un four à micro-ondes, pour que son contenu y soit chauffé afin d'être consommé chaud. 16. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the / each container is devoid of a metallic mass such that it would prevent it from being placed in a microwave oven, for its contents are heated there in order to be consumed hot.
17. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le/chaque récipient est transparent ou translucide. 17. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the / each container is transparent or translucent.
18. Emballage suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le/chaque récipient (2,3,5,7,9,11,13) comprend des parois latérales présentant deux épaule ents (45,47) périphériques à deux hauteurs différentes, l'epaulement situé au niveau le plus élevé étant plus profond que 1' autre . 18. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the / each container (2,3,5,7,9,11,13) comprises side walls having two shoulder ents (45,47) peripheral to two different heights, the shoulder located at the highest level being deeper than the other.
19. Emballage suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que : - il comprend plusieurs dits récipients (2,3,5,7,9,11,13), - les récipients se présentent comme un ensemble de quatre récipients (7,9,11,13), - la hauteur commune (h) de ces récipients est comprise entre environ 35 mm et 65 mm, et de préférence entre 40 mm et 55 mm, - chaque récipient présente, à l'endroit de son fond, une largeur comprise entre 20 mm et 80 mm, et de préférence entre 20 mm et 40 mm, ainsi qu'une longueur comprise entre 60 mm et 120 mm, et de préférence entre 65 mm et 85 mm, - et le volume de chaque récipient est compris entre 600 ml et 1200 ml, et de préférence entre 800 ml et 950 ml. 19. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - it comprises several said containers (2,3,5,7,9,11,13), - the containers are presented as a set of four containers (7,9,11,13), - the common height (h) of these containers is between approximately 35 mm and 65 mm, and preferably between 40 mm and 55 mm, - each container present, at the place of its bottom, a width between 20 mm and 80 mm, and preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, as well as a length between 60 mm and 120 mm, and preferably between 65 mm and 85 mm, - and the volume of each container is between 600 ml and 1200 ml, and preferably between 800 ml and 950 ml.
20. Emballage suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 18, caractérisé en ce que : - il comprend plusieurs dits récipients (2,3,5,7,9,11,13) , - les récipients se présentent comme un ensemble de deux récipients (3,5), - la hauteur commune (h) de ces récipients est comprise entre environ 20 mm et 65 mm, et de préférence entre 30 mm et 55 mm, - chaque récipient présente, à l'endroit de son fond (19) , une largeur comprise entre 40 mm et 120 mm, et de préférence entre 65 mm et 85 mm, ainsi qu'une longueur comprise entre 75 mm et 120 mm, et de préférence entre 80 mm et 95 mm, - et le volume de chaque récipient est compris entre 600 ml et 1200 ml, et de préférence entre 800 ml et20. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that: - it comprises several said containers (2,3,5,7,9,11,13), - the containers are presented as a set of two containers (3,5), - the common height (h) of these containers is between approximately 20 mm and 65 mm, and preferably between 30 mm and 55 mm, - each container has, at the place of its bottom (19), a width between 40 mm and 120 mm, and preferably between 65 mm and 85 mm, as well as a length between 75 mm and 120 mm, and preferably between 80 mm and 95 mm, - and the volume of each container is between 600 ml and 1200 ml, and preferably between 800 ml and
950 ml. 950 ml.
21. Procédé de fabrication de récipients stérilisables pour un emballage ( 1, 10 ) selon l ' une quelconque des revendications précédentes , caractérisé en ce que : on thermoforme plusieurs dits récipients stérilisables (3,5,7,9,11,13), en un matériau plastique, - et on obtient, le long de la zone de jonction (20) entre deux récipients adjacents, une partie (35) présentant un affaiblissement mécanique pour permettre de séparer entre eux les récipients. 21. A method of manufacturing sterilizable containers for a package (1, 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: several so-called sterilizable containers (3,5,7,9,11,13) are thermoformed, made of a plastic material, and one obtains, along the junction zone (20) between two adjacent containers, a part (35) having a mechanical weakening to allow the containers to be separated from one another.
22. Procédé selon la revendication 21, caractérisé en ce qu'on réalise la zone présentant l'affaiblissement mécanique par une découpe du rebord et du bord tombé, par laser ou jet d'eau, après l'étape de thermoformage des récipients . 22. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that the zone presenting the mechanical weakening is produced by cutting the rim and the fallen edge, by laser or water jet, after the step of thermoforming the containers.
23. Procédé selon l'une des revendications- 21 ou 22, caractérisé en ce que : - on réalise dans le moule de thermoformage des renforts mécaniques intégrés au rebord et comprenant, au moins vers les extrémités longitudinales des zones de jonction (20) , dans des déformations locales (35a, 35b ; 37a, 37b) dudit rebord, en creux sur une face du rebord et en relief sur la face opposée, ces déformations locales intégrant ledit affaiblissement mécanique prévu pour casser lors de la séparation des récipients, - et on réalise l'affaiblissement mécanique des renforts par une diminution locale d'épaisseur (38) faite dans la face inférieure du rebord et intégrés auxdits reliefs, tandis que le reste de l'affaiblissement mécanique est réalisé par diminution locale d'épaisseur faite dans la face supérieure dudit rebord. 23. Method according to one of claims- 21 or 22, characterized in that: - mechanical reinforcements are integrated in the thermoforming mold integrated into the rim and comprising, at least towards the longitudinal ends of the junction zones (20), in local deformations (35a, 35b; 37a, 37b) of said rim, hollow on one face of the rim and in relief on the opposite face, these local deformations integrating said mechanical weakening intended to break during the separation of the containers, - and the mechanical weakening of the reinforcements is achieved by a local reduction in thickness (38) made in the lower face of the rim and integrated into said reliefs, while the rest of the mechanical weakening is achieved by local reduction in thickness made in the upper face of said rim.
24. Conserve stérilisée comprenant au moins un produit alimentaire cuit contenu dans un emballage .lui- même stérilisé, pour être conservée à température ambiante pendant une durée de plusieurs mois, pouvant aller jusqu'à plusieurs années, l'emballage comprenant au moins un récipient thermoformé (3,5,7,9,11,13), au moins un opercule protecteur (25) , fermant le récipient, chaque récipient comprenant des parois (17,19) constituées de plusieurs couches de matériau (x) incluant, intérieurement et/ou extérieurement, une couche (31) de polyolefine, de préférence du polypropylene, ou de polyester, et une barrière (33) vis-à-vis de la pénétration d'oxygène da,ns le récipient, telle qu'une couche contenant de l'alcool éthylène-vinyl (EVOH), l'opercule comprenant lui-même au moins une barrière (37,39) vis-à-vis de la pénétration d'oxygène dans l'emballage liée à une couche intérieure (27) fixée de façon sensiblement étanche à l'oxygène avec le récipient, cette couche intérieure comprenant du polyester ou une polyolefine compatible avec la couche correspondante du récipient. 24. Canned sterilized comprising at least one cooked food product contained in a package . itself sterilized, to be stored at room temperature for a period of several months, up to several years, the packaging comprising at least one thermoformed container (3,5,7,9,11,13), at at least one protective cover (25), closing the container, each container comprising walls (17,19) made up of several layers of material (x) including, internally and / or externally, a layer (31) of polyolefin, preferably polypropylene, or polyester, and a barrier (33) against the penetration of oxygen into the container, such as a layer containing ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), the seal comprising itself at least one barrier (37,39) vis-à-vis the penetration of oxygen into the packaging linked to an inner layer (27) fixed in a substantially oxygen-tight manner with the container, this layer interior comprising polyester or polyolefin compatible with the co layer of the container.
25. Conserve selon la revendication 24, caractérisée en ce que l'emballage est conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 20. 25. Canned according to claim 24, characterized in that the packaging conforms to any one of claims 1 to 20.
EP05742899A 2004-03-17 2005-03-17 Food product package, preserved food product and method for producing and using said package Not-in-force EP1751028B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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FR0402752A FR2867759B1 (en) 2004-03-17 2004-03-17 PACKAGING FOR FOOD AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SEPARABLE STERILIZABLE CONTAINERS FOR SUCH PACKAGING
FR0402753A FR2867758B1 (en) 2004-03-17 2004-03-17 LONG PRESERVATION PACKAGING AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING SUCH PACKAGING
PCT/FR2005/000655 WO2005090199A2 (en) 2004-03-17 2005-03-17 Food product package, preserved food product and method for producing sterilisable and separable containers for said packaging

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EP1751028B1 EP1751028B1 (en) 2010-07-21

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DE602005022432D1 (en) 2010-09-02
ATE474790T1 (en) 2010-08-15
WO2005090199B1 (en) 2006-11-23
WO2005090199A3 (en) 2006-05-26
WO2005090199A2 (en) 2005-09-29
EP1751028B1 (en) 2010-07-21

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