EP2091831A2

EP2091831A2 - Packaging and method for handling foodstuff

Info

Publication number: EP2091831A2
Application number: EP07846535A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Willi Jud
Original assignee: Compos AG
Current assignee: Compos AG
Priority date: 2006-11-08
Filing date: 2007-11-06
Publication date: 2009-08-26
Also published as: DE202007009741U1; EP2463210A1; WO2008055659A2; WO2008055659A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging (1) for instant and ready meals. Said packaging consists of a sealable container (5) for holding food ingredients (3, 4), at least one intermediate layer (10) being detachably arranged inside the container (5) and subdividing the container interior (11) into at least two separate container regions (12, 13) for different food ingredients (3, 4). The intermediate layer (10) is a sheet-like structure and is inserted in the container (5) without being fixed while being contiguous to the wall (7) of the container (5).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Packaging and handling methods for food

The invention relates to a package and a

Handling method for foods having the features in the preamble of the method and device main claim.

In practice, packaging for multipart

Food is known in which the different food ingredients are housed in separate and solid walls mutually sealed chambers of a container. Such packages are e.g. used for separate accommodation of yogurt and fruit pulps. If the food ingredients are to be mixed for consumption, they must be emptied from one chamber to the other. Such packaging is also used to take food out of a restaurant.

Also known are multi-part packages for prepared meals or salads and sauces, in which the sauce is stored separately from the other food ingredients in its own closed bag, wherein for mixing the food ingredients the bag must be opened and the sauce must be emptied.

In addition, packages, e.g. Cans, known for ready meals, where all food ingredients are mixed together into a mass and housed together in the packaging.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a better packaging and handling technology for food. The invention solves this problem with the features in the method and device main claim.

The claimed packaging and handling technology offers the advantage that the different

Food ingredients may initially be housed separately from each other in the same container and only for the preparation or consumption by removing an intermediate layer from the container interior can be mixed directly with each other. The intermediate layer also simplifies the filling of the container and the production of the multipart food.

The packaging offers the advantage of a particularly simple and ergonomic handling. A complicated refilling of the food components from one container chamber to the other as in the prior art is not required. In order to bring the food ingredients into contact, it is sufficient to simply pull out the thin, sheet-like intermediate layer. The

Liner may be loosely packed in an e.g. be inserted bowl-shaped container and temporarily separate the located in the interior food ingredients. It can e.g. be flexible and designed as a film. It may also be moistureproof or limited to moisture impermeable, e.g. be porous or perforated.

The intermediate layer can be provided with a handle part for easier handling. This can be housed inside the package or protrude outward, serving as a means for opening the package. The intermediate layer can be arranged inside and outside the container. The claimed packaging has particular advantages for foods consisting of ingredients having a different degree of moisture, eg dry pasta, rice, cereals or the like. and a sauce or other liquid. The dry food does not soften up due to the fact that these food components are substantially separated until preparation or for consumption. As a result, in particular noodles with a sauce after heating bite or "al dente" can be served. In particular, in the claimed

Packing also larger amounts of moist goods or sauce can be accommodated.

The packaging is particularly suitable for ready-to-eat quick meals or ready meals whose ingredients only have to be heated together after mixing in a water bath, microwave or the like. The foodstuffs can here also be composed of more than two constituents, it being possible for all constituents to be separated by the intermediate layer.

For the consumption and the use of the intermediate layer, it is advantageous to form the container as a shell with, for example, a flat and open to one side shape and to arrange the intermediate layer substantially parallel to the container bottom. In this way, the container interior can be divided into two areas, which can be delimited or sealed against each other in a favorable manner against moisture transmission. Also, a certain aroma-deficiency can be achieved over this. It is favorable here to accommodate the moist goods in the lower tank area and then deposit the intermediate layer. For this purpose, the moist material forms a substantially flat surface, on which the intermediate layer can lie substantially over the whole area and support the dry goods. The claimed packaging allows food to be consumed out of the container. In addition, the packaging is advantageous for the simple and inexpensive production of the food, in particular for filling with the various food ingredients.

The claimed handling device is particularly adapted for packaging with intermediate layer and is suitable for economical and high-capacity serial production.

In the subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of the invention are indicated.

The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. In detail show:

1 shows a packaging with an intermediate layer for a food in a sectional side view,

FIG. 2: a plan view of the packaging and the food of FIG. 1,

Figure 3 and 4: a variant of the packaging and the

Liner in side view and top view and

Figure 5 to 8: an apparatus for forming and

Handling the liner in different views.

The invention relates to a packaging (1) for a food (2) and also the packaged food (2). It further relates to a device (20) for forming and handling an intermediate layer (10) of the packaging (1). In addition, the invention is concerned with a method of handling a package (1) and a food (2).

The food (2) is preferably a ready-made meal or fast food, which is essentially prepared ready for consumption and should only be made warm in the water bath, in the microwave or in another way for consumption, what happens in the packaging (1) can. Alternatively, it can also be other types of food (2). The food (2) consists of two or more different food components (3,4), which may, for example, have a different degree of moisture, but need not. The one component (3) may be a damp component or a so-called. Feuchtware, eg a sauce that may contain other ingredients, such as meat or the like. includes. It can have an increased level of moisture and represent a liquid or pasty mass. The second component (4) in the exemplary embodiment shown can have a lower degree of moisture and be a dry component or a so-called dry product which consists, for example, of pasta, in particular pasta, rice, cereals or the like of other dry substances. The dry product (4), for example, has a significantly lower degree of moisture than the moist material (3) and can also have a solid shape and consistency. In particular, the dry product (4) contains less water.

Alternatively, the food ingredients (3, 4) may have the same or similar moisture.

With the packaging (1) described below in two variants, it is possible to initially separate the food components (3, 4) which may be different in moisture content from one another and, if necessary, to store them substantially moisture-tight and to contact one another before preparation or consumption to bring and possibly mix. Due to the separate accommodation, e.g. a soaking of the

Dry goods (4) by moisture or water release of the moist goods (3) prevented. Also, for example, for reasons of aroma or other reasons, undesired mixing of the food constituents (3, 4) can be prevented. The packaging (1) consists in both variants of a closable container (5) for receiving the various food ingredients (3,4). The container (5) is formed, for example, as a flat shell in the manner of a wok and may, for example, have a circular or oval shape, which is open (8) to one side, for example, upwards. Its wall (6,7) may consist of a heat-resistant and especially microwaveable material. The container (5) has, for example, a substantially flat bottom (6) and adjoining side walls (7), which merge at the upper free end into an outwardly extending and preferably peripheral edge region (9).

The container opening (8) can be replaced by a suitable

Closure (16) to be closed for transport. The closure (16) may e.g. a cover sheet of plastic or the like, which at the edge region (9) by a connection (19), e.g. a weld, a bond or otherwise releasably secured. Alternatively, the closure can also consist of a substantially dimensionally rigid cover, which is held in place by a rolled-up edge region (9). Otherwise, the closure (16) may have any other configuration. In the embodiment shown, the container (5) and the closure (16) made of a thermoplastic material.

The shell-like container (5) can have a uniform container interior (11) in both variants. This can be subdivided by at least one intermediate layer (10) into at least two container regions (12, 13) which receive the different food constituents (3, 4). The intermediate layer (10) can have moisture-proof properties and a transfer of moisture or water between the container regions (12, 13) and the foodstuff Prevent components (3,4).

The intermediate layer (10) is detachably arranged in the container (5) and can be removed if necessary. It can be formed leaf-shaped and flat and under

Forming a parting plane or separating surface in such a way by the container interior (11) extend that it divides this into the plurality of areas (12,13). The food components (3, 4) located in the container areas (12, 13) contact the intermediate layer (10) on both sides.

The intermediate layer (10) may be formed as a flexible film (14). It can be easily pulled out between the food components (3,4) and thereby enables their mutual contact. The flexibility may consist in a bending elasticity of the film (14), wherein a sufficiently high tensile strength is present in order to be able to safely pull out the intermediate layer (10). The film (14) consists e.g. from a suitably suitable plastic material. It can also be transparent at least in certain areas. This allows a view of the food ingredient (3) below the intermediate layer (10) from the outside through the likewise transparent cover (16). The

Liner (10) may be made of a heatable and e.g. also microwaveable material. This makes it possible to heat the food (2) with inserted intermediate layer (10) for consumption and then to remove the intermediate layer (10).

The intermediate layer (10) extends in the embodiments shown at a distance and substantially parallel to the bottom (6) of the container (5). It is located between the bottom (6) and the opening (8) of the container

(5) and can connect closely to its side walls (7). It can be loosely inserted in the container (5). The Film edges can butt against the side walls (7). Alternatively, they can also attach themselves to the side walls (7) and extend upwards along them, wherein the intermediate layer (10) forms a kind of flexible tub. Further, it is possible to leave a circumferential narrow gap between the intermediate layer (10) and the side walls (7). Furthermore, a detachable connection, for example an adhesive connection, between the edge of the intermediate layer (10) and the wall (7) is possible.

The intermediate layer (10) has a protruding handle part (15) which is e.g. has an elongated tongue shape and a withdrawal of the intermediate layer (10) from the container (5) allowed. For this purpose, in the variant of FIGS. 1 and 2, the grip part (15) extends from the dividing plane between the container regions (12, 13) up to the container opening (8) and also preferably extends beyond the dry product (4). The tongue-like grip part (15) can have a length such that it can be folded over the dry product (4) and placed parallel to the container opening (8). It is hidden in the interior of the package (1) and is easily accessible after removal of the closure (16) and can be grasped. The handle part (15) may also have a handy widening at its free tongue end. Otherwise, the tongue shape is narrower than the intermediate layer (10). The handle part (15) is self-explanatory in its function by this shaping. The handle immediately below the closure (16)

(15) is immediately visible and tangible after opening the container (5). On the handle part (15) and / or other externally visible components of the packaging (1) can also be attached operating instructions. In the variant of FIGS. 3 and 4, the grip part (15) is led out of the package (1) and under the cover (16) to the outside and optionally projects beyond the edge region (9). The edge region (9) can have an enlarged projection at this point. The led out and exposed handle part (15) forms a closed bottle (1) accessible from the outside gripping tab (18), with both the package (1) opened, and the intermediate layer (10) can be pulled out. The grip tab (18) can also on the previously mentioned

Projecting edge of the edge region (9) loosely or be connected to this, the latter has a predetermined breaking point at the transition to the wall (7), which allows a cancel and subsequent joint removal of projection and grip tab (18).

The cover (16) rests on the outside on a part of the grip tab (18) and extends transversely across it. By the connection (19), for example, a weld, the cover (16) and the grip tab (18) in this area can be tightly connected to the wall (7) or the edge region (9). By this connection (19) remain when lifting and removing the grip tab (18), the cover (16) and the grip tab (18) are connected and can be handled together and detached from the container (5). When removing the cover (16) while the intermediate layer (10) between the container areas (12,13) can be pulled out at the same time.

Figure 4 also shows a variant in the formation of the intermediate layer (10). In the variant of FIGS. 1 and 2, at least the part of the intermediate layer (10) located between the container regions (12, 13) was designed as a closed and moisture-proof film. FIG. 4 shows a variant in which this region has small openings (17), for example in the form of pores or a perforation. This intermediate layer area can also be called as Membrane be formed. It can allow through the openings (17) to a limited extent moisture passage, for example, a passage of steam when heating the food (2) in a microwave or the like. The openings (17) may also be so small and passable only in one direction that they are continuous only for water vapor. Alternatively, they can be larger and, above all, retain coarser particles. Such a variant can be used, for example, with food constituents (3, 4) having an identical or similar moisture content and different densities or viscosities.

For the production of the food (2) and its placement in the package (1) is first the

Wet goods (3) filled in the container interior (11) and distributed there evenly. Subsequently, the intermediate layer (10) is placed on the liquid or plastic moist material (3) and supported on the surface of which, e.g. can be done over the entire area.

Subsequently, the dry product (4) is filled and finally the filled container (5) closed.

Figures 5 to 8 show a device (20) for handling the food (2) and the packaging (1) and possibly also for forming the intermediate layer (10).

The intermediate layer (10) is in this case from a suitably supplied web (24), in particular a stretched between two coils (25) flexurally elastic film web of plastic or metal, separated and then in the open container (5) after its previous filling by means of a Filling device (29) with the lower food ingredient (3) introduced. The handling device (20) can for this purpose a clamping device (26) for holding and guiding the film web (24) and a movable separating tool (21), in particular a punching tool for separating, in particular cutting out the intermediate layer (10) together with the grip part (15) from the film web (24). FIG. 5 shows the stamp-like separating tool (21), which determines the interlayer contour. In the clamping device (26) can be arranged for the cutting tool (21) matrice. Suitable conveyors (27, 28) are provided for transporting the containers (5) and the film web (24).

The handling device (20) may also have a holding device (22) with which the separated intermediate layer (10) on the cutting tool (21) by suction pressure, movable clamps or the like. , is held. The holding device (22) has e.g. one or more controllable suction cups and can be assigned to the separating tool (21) and there, for example. be integrated. The separating tool (21) can be connected to a feed device (23) which, for example, carries out a lifting and lowering movement. The separation as well as the feeding and insertion of the intermediate layer (10) in the container (5) can be done by lowering the cutting tool (21), which is then raised again through the punch opening to the next after a subsequent onward transport of the web (24) Cut out the intermediate layer (10) and place it in the following container (5).

The cover (16) is applied in a following station (not shown) after filling in the second food ingredient (4) or possibly other food ingredients and fixed edge-tight but releasably on the container (5) via the connection (19). The said filling means (29,30) for the food ingredients (3,4) and the application device for applying and connecting the cover (16)

Be part of the handling device (20) or connected to this to a total system. Modifications of the shown and described

Embodiments are possible in various ways. On the one hand, the container (5) can have, in addition to the one uniform container interior (11), further chambers which are optionally separated from the container interior (11) by webs or other solid walls. Furthermore, it is possible to form three or more mutually sealed container areas by a plurality of superimposed intermediate layers (10). In a modification, it is possible to form the bowl-shaped container (5) with a greater height and to introduce one or more intermediate layers (10) standing and / or with an alignment transversely or obliquely to the bottom (6). The filling of the container (5) can be done in accordance tilted position. It is also possible to have more

Food ingredients, e.g. Spices or the like, enclosed in self-contained bag-like packaging elements and as a loose supplement in the container interior (11) or elsewhere of the container (5), e.g. on outside nits or the like. In the container (5), one or more eating aids, e.g. Forks, spoons or the like, are housed.

The container shape shown can also be modified. The bottom (6) may have a stiffness-increasing shape with webs, ribs or the like. For example, one or more webs project into the container interior (11) and also form an additional support for the intermediate layer (10), forming depressions on the container bottom (6). In addition, it is possible to accommodate different food constituents, in particular different moist foods, in the bottom-side depressions formed in this way. The various trough areas can also be covered by separately peelable and directly superimposed intermediate layers (10) whose grip parts (15) at different Container sides are arranged.

Furthermore, it is possible to form the container (5) from two bowl-shaped or cup-shaped container parts and to connect them with container openings (8) directed against one another, possibly with the introduction of a common or separate lid or closure (16). Within the container parts different food components (3,4) can be accommodated separately by one or more intermediate layers (10).

Also variable are the materials used for the packaging (1) and its components. In particular, the container (5) made of a light metal, such as aluminum, exist. Also, the intermediate layer (10) may be formed as a flexible metal sheet or metal foil and instead of a plastic film. In addition, edge-side additional connections between the intermediate layer (10) and the side walls (7) may be present.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 packaging

2 foods, fast food 3 damp component, moist goods, sauce

4 dry ingredients, dry goods, noodles

5 containers, bowl

6 wall, floor

7 wall, side wall 8 container opening

9 border area

10 liner

11 container interior

12 Container area moist goods 13 Container area Dry goods

14 foil

15 handle part

16 cover, closure

17 perforation 18 grip tab

19 attachment, weld

20 handling device

21 cutting tool

22 holding device 23 feed device

24 train, foil web

25 coil

26 clamping device

27 Conveyor for containers 28 Conveyor for film web

29 filling device

30 filling device

Claims

1.) Packaging for food, in particular quick and ready meals, consisting of a closable container (5) for receiving food ingredients (3,4), characterized in that in the container (5) at least one separating intermediate layer (10) releasably is arranged, the container interior (11) in at least two separate

Container areas (12,13) for different food ingredients (3,4) divided.

2.) Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate layer (10) is sheet-shaped and adjoins the wall (7) of the container (5).

3.) Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that e e n e c i n e t that the intermediate layer (10) is loosely inserted in the container (5).

4.). Packaging according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the container (5) is dish-shaped.

5.) Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (10) is formed substantially moisture-tight and substantially seals the container areas (12,13) against moisture passage.

6.) Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the intermediate layer (10) has small openings (17) and is designed to be limited moisture permeable.

7.). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packaging (1) for food constituents (3, 4) with a different degree of moisture is provided.

8.). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (10) is designed as a flexible film (14) made of plastic or metal.

9). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film (14) is designed to be transparent at least in some areas.

10.) Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (10) extends substantially parallel to the bottom (6) of the container (5).

11.) Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (10) closely adjoins the side walls (7) of the container (5).

12.). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (10) has a protruding handle part (15).

13.) Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip part (15) extends to the container opening (8).

14.) Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip part (15) is arranged in the container (5) under the cover (16).

15). Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the grip part (15) is led out of the packaging (1) and formed as a grip tab (18).

16). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (10) can be pulled out between the different food components (3, 4).

17.) Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container area (12) below the intermediate layer (10) for the moist goods (3) and the upper container area (13) for the dry product (4) is provided.

18). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip part (15) extends over the dry product (4).

19.) Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (6, 7) of the container (5) consists of a heat-resistant and in particular microwaveable material, in particular plastic or light metal.

20.) Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it e e n e c e e s that the

Container (5) has a releasable closure (16) on the container opening (8).

21.) Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure (16) has a connection (16), in particular a welded or adhesive seam with the container (5).

22.) Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection (16) releasably fixes the closure (16) and the gripping tab (18) underneath it on the container.

23.) Device for handling an intermediate layer (10) of a packaging (1) for food, in particular for quick and ready meals, wherein the package (1) has a closable container (5) for receiving food components (3,4) and at least one in the container (5) releasably arranged intermediate layer (10) which divides the container interior (11) into at least two separate container areas (12,13) for different food components (3,4), characterized in that the handling device (20)

Separating tool (21) for separating the intermediate layer of a web (24), in particular a film web, and a feed device (23) for feeding and inserting the intermediate layer in the container (5).

24.) Apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the separating tool (21) is associated with a holding device (22) for the separated intermediate layer (10).

25.) Device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that in front of and behind the cutting tool (21) at least one

Filling device (29,30) for a food ingredient (3,4) is arranged.

26.) Food, especially fast and

Ready-to-serve meal consisting of at least one food component (3, 4) and one packaging (1) a closable container (5), characterized in that the food (2) has a plurality of food components (3, 4) that differ in moisture content, in the packaging (1) are housed separately, wherein in the container (5) at least one moisture-proof intermediate layer (10) is detachably arranged, the container interior (11) in at least two mutually against moisture passage substantially sealed container areas (12,13) divided for the separate housing of different food ingredients (3,4).

27.) Food according to claim 26, characterized in that the food constituents (3, 4) for the preparation and the consumption are miscible by removing the intermediate layer (10).

28.) Food according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the moist goods (3) are formed as sauce and the dry goods (4) as pasta, rice or cereals.

29.) Food according to claim 26, 27 or 28, characterized in that the packaging (1) is designed according to one of claims 2 to 22.

30.) A method for handling a food (2), in particular a quick and ready meal consisting of several food ingredients (3,4) and a package (1) with a closable container (5), characterized in that the food - Components (3,4) in the interior (11) of the container (5) housed together and thereby separated by a releasably arranged intermediate layer (10), wherein the intermediate layer (10) for mixing between the food components (3.4 ) is pulled out.

31.) Method according to claim 30, characterized in that the food constituents (3, 4) are filled into the container interior (11) in succession with insertion of the intermediate layer (10) and the container (5) is subsequently closed.