ES2430844T3 - Easy opening container for food products - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for packaging a food product to provide a packaged food product, which comprises a package (1) and a food product (10) contained within said package, wherein said package (1) is made of a flexible material 5 and preferably with a substantially rectangular shape, said method comprising the steps of: - placing the food product (10) on an inner surface (1a) of the container (1), - folding the container (1) around a first longitudinal edge (10b ) of the food product (10) by the side (L2) of the container (1) to wrap the food product (10), and - sealing of the remaining side parts (L1, B1, B2) of the container (1), whose method is characterized in that: - the package (1) is applied to the food product (10) by means of a rapid packaging system, - the package is folded so that two overlapping flaps (5a, 5b) are formed in a second opposite longitudinal edge (10b) of the food product (10) in longitudinal side parts (L1) of the container (1), wherein the overlapping flaps (5a, 5b) extend linearly from said second longitudinal edge (10b) in different extensions, and the flaps (5a, 5b) are connected to their end adjacent to the sealed side associated part (L1), - the side parts are sealed so that the flaps (5a, 5b) are sealed together to a parallel axis a longitudinal edge (10b) of the food product (10) and extend free and linearly thereof, essentially in the main plane of the food product, and - the side parts (B1, B2) of the package are not sealed along their entire length, so that the flaps (5a, 5b) are not attached to said parts lateral (B1, B2).

Description

Easy opening container for food products

5 Scope of the invention

The present invention relates to a package for a food product and particularly for performance bars, as well as the performance bars included in said package. Energy or protein bars are considered as representative examples of said performance bars.

Background of the invention

Containers for food products are already well known in the ancient art and have as their main purpose the preservation of the freshness and flavor of the packaged product. For this reason, the containers are often sealed and so

15 are impervious to moisture and gases.

An additional purpose of the package is to provide information to the consumer, such as the name of the product and the ingredients contained therein.

20 Such food products can be wrapped by means of a package with a rapid packaging system as described in WO 2006/100084 A1, so that a longitudinal sealing seam and two transverse seams can be formed in the lateral areas of the product sealing, for effective sealing of the container. In this way, two peripheral strips with different widths are folded, on top of each of the outer sides of the package. The folded strips are then adhered to the outer side of the container by means of

25 a cold bonding agent.

EP 1 288 139 A1 refers to a package for food products generally in block form, wherein one of the side areas of the package comprises two parts of a flap formed on the back side of the food product that is free of adhesive. According to this version, accessibility to

30 foodstuff.

Patent DE 201 13 173 U1 describes a resealable package for a food product in which two parts of a flap are formed on each of the opposite sides of the package. The flap parts are free of adhesive, which allows them to be grasped with the fingers.

The invention particularly relates to the field of performance bars. Performance bars (such as energy bars, protein bars) are characterized by being consumed in completely different conditions than, for example, chocolate bars. Performance bars are often consumed during training or in competition. In this way, their packaging has to be opened.

40 with wet or sweaty hands during the race, while riding a bicycle, etc. In this way, the container sometimes has to be opened with just one hand and / or using the mouth (lips, teeth ...).

On the other hand, the rapid rapid packaging process is somewhat in contradiction with respect to an easy opening mechanism.

45 Therefore, it is intended that the means of opening the package of said food product further enhance the accessibility of the product and allow intuitive opening of the package.

In addition, the present invention claims to have a larger surface for consumer information, in the front or in the back of the package.

Preferably, opening the container should keep the container as a consistent piece in order to avoid spilling small pieces of the packaged product.

The present invention seeks to address the problems described above. The invention also claims other objectives and particularly the solution of other problems that will appear in the rest of the present description.

Objective and summary of the invention

The invention provides a method for packaging a food product according to claim 1. The optional features of the invention are set forth in the secondary claims.

The packaged food product obtained by said method comprises overlapping portions that extend linearly across the main surfaces of the package.

Consequently, since the overlapping portions extend linearly along the main surfaces of the package, the area intended for the information provided on the front surface and on the back surface of the package is larger.

With a sealed container according to the present invention, a food product can be effectively protected against environmental influences, such as humidity or gases, in order to allow a long stability during storage of the food product. In addition, the opening characteristic of the package improves due to the two free overlapping portions that protrude from the longitudinally sealed side part of the package. Therefore the consumer can easily open the package, tearing the two adjacent overlapping parts free.

The material of the package is preferably plastic, paper or metal sheets or sheets composed of them, already known in the field of packaging of food products.

15 It should be understood that the free adjacent overlapping portions are arranged in a longitudinal side portion of the package.

In the present version, the overlapping parts protrude from the side part of the package in different extensions. In this way, an intuitive opening of the package is possible since the two overlapping parts of the flap suggest to the consumer in an effective way, the mechanism of opening the package.

In a preferred version, the part of the flap that protrudes to a greater extent from the lateral part of the package is located on a rear surface of the package. Thus, the opening mechanism is indicated for the consumer when he looks at the front surface of the food product, since the two overlapping parts of the flap are

25 visible.

In the present version, the sealing parts formed in the lateral parts adjacent to the lateral parts that extend in the two adjacent free parts of the flap, are designed in such a way that they do not extend over the flap parts. Therefore, the flap parts move freely with respect to each other, along the entire width. Consequently, the consumer can tear off the flap parts in any position along the side part of the package in which the flap parts are located.

The two adjacent parts of the flap preferably comprise elements that improve the grip, which are provided on the inner and / or outer surface of the flap parts. Consequently, the manipulation of

The flap parts improve so that the flap parts can be grasped and torn in order to open the package. Therefore the gripping elements can be formed as an integral part of the flap parts of the package. In addition, said gripping elements may be additional means attached to the flap portions of the package.

In a preferred version, the gripping elements comprise a surface modulation, such as a relief pattern. In addition, the gripping elements may comprise a model of holes or openings. In addition, the gripping elements can be any other physical or chemical means, added or present as an integral part of the flap parts, increasing the friction between the two flap parts so that the flap parts cannot stick. with each other. Therefore, the grip elements can be designed

The same or different for each of the two adjacent parts of the flap. The gripping elements may be present in one or both parts of the flap.

Accordingly, an attraction between the two parts of the flap can be effectively avoided such as an electrostatic attraction or an attraction due to the moisture present between the parts of the flap. Thus, easy opening of the package is maintained even if the package is subject to environmental influences, such as humidity or electrostatic charge.

The gripping elements may also comprise a material adhered to the flap parts. Said material can be for example a specific coating applied to the flap parts in order to further improve the manipulation of the flap parts. The coating may be applied to one or both parts of the flap.

In a preferred version, the sealing of the package is obtained by means of a sealing film that is used on its own, or added to other layers of the container material. For this reason, the sealing film is preferably a detachable, thermally sealable film, which comprises a thermoplastic material such as a polyolefin. Accordingly, said thermoplastic material is applied to at least one part of the package in order to make it possible to seal at least three side parts of the package.

In a preferred version, the thermally sealable film is a co-extruded film. The coextruded film comprises a base layer of a relatively cheap resin material and a thinner, detachable sealant layer. The base layer provides a cushioning effect when sealing occurs and gives body to the film. This has the advantage that the thickness of the detachable film can be adjusted to meet the particular packaging needs. In addition, the co-extruded film can then be laminated with other layers of the container material. Consequently, the barrier and / or printing properties can be

5 powered.

In general, the thermally sealable co-extruded film can be designed to allow the formation of an adherent or cohesive film thereof. In this way, depending on the choice of the resin materials used, the durability and barrier properties of the seal are enhanced.

10 It should be understood that instead of a thermally sealable, detachable co-extruded film, a thermally sealable coating or a cold seal adhesive can be applied, for example, on an acrylic base, in order to allow an effective seal of the container.

15 When a user grabs the two adjacent free parts of the flap and rips them off, the detachable film used for sealing the container is detached from the side of the sealed container by means of the film, and thus, the package is opened without destroying the container material

In addition, additional means of repeated closure can be used to allow a new closure of the container.

20 Consequently, the user can open and then close the container again. Thus, the number of operations of possible openings and closures, depends on the strength and durability of said repeated closing means.

It has been found that for products with an adhesive surface, a repeated closure effect can be advantageously obtained, without using the means for repeated closure. The container can simply be closed again

25 due to the adhesion between the product and the packaging material.

The method for packaging a food product comprises the steps of placing the food product on an inner surface of the container; folding the container around a longitudinal edge of the food product to enclose the food product so that two overlapping flaps are formed on one edge

30 opposite longitudinal of the food product, wherein said protruding flaps, protrude from said opposite longitudinal edge with different extensions; and sealing said parts of the package so that the flaps formed in the longitudinal side part of the package are sealed together in an axis parallel to a longitudinal edge of the food product and move freely, relative to each other.

Accordingly, it is possible to effectively wrap and seal a food product so that an enhanced opening mechanism is formed in a longitudinal side portion of the package.

In addition, the method preferably comprises the sealing passage of two lateral parts of the opposite sides of the container in an axis parallel to a lateral edge of the food product, so that the flaps formed on the edge

Longitudinal 40 of the food product do not join together. Thus, the two adjacent parts of the flap formed on a part of the longitudinal side of the package can move freely with respect to each other. Consequently, a user can grab the two free parts of the flap and open the container by tearing the parts of the flap and thus, separating the material from the container.

45 The flap portions extend freely preferably from 5 to 35 mm and more preferably, from 10 to 30 mm. If the free parts of the flap are of different length, it is preferred that the difference of the extended free length be at least 2 to 5 mm.

It should be understood that the method for packaging according to the present invention is not limited to being applied.

50 to block-shaped food products, but it can be applied to any food product or food products in different ways such as energy bars, chocolate bars, cereals, powders, etc. In addition, more than one product can be packaged food in the package according to the present invention.

55 Brief description of the drawings

Other features, advantages and objectives of the present invention will be apparent to experts when they read the following detailed description of the versions of the present invention, taking together the figures of the included drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the top of a preferred version of the package according to the present invention, before it is folded and sealed.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the upper part of a preferred version of the package according to the present invention, after it is folded and sealed.

Figure 3 shows a side perspective view of a preferred version of the package according to the present invention, wherein the flap parts are separated by the fingers of a user.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a packaged product in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of versions

As shown in Figure 1, which refers to a schematic view of the upper part of a preferred version of the package 1 according to the present invention before being folded and sealed, the package 1 has

10 preferably a rectangular shape and comprises two opposite side edges 2a and two opposite longitudinal edges 2b. In this way the container 1 is preferably made of a foldable and flexible flat material. Preferably, the package 1 has no distinct side walls (in contrast to the package known from EP 1 288 139 A1).

In addition, the package 1 comprises an inner surface 1a on which the food product 10 and a

15 outer surface 1b. The outer surface 1b constitutes the front surface and the rear surface 3a, 3b (see Figure 2) of the container 1 when the container 1 has been folded and sealed. On the upper part of the inner surface 1a, a food product 10 is placed. Preferably the food product 10 is a rectangular, relatively flat food product (not block-shaped). Especially, the singing part of the food product can be flat (as opposed to the vertical side walls of the chocolate bars). However any

Another form or other designs of food products can be placed inside the container 1.

The food product 10 comprises two longitudinal edges 10b and two lateral edges 10a. Preferably, the food product 10 is disposed with one of its longitudinal edges 10b parallel to a predefined folding line 7 in the container 1. Thus, the folding line 7 is preferably located

25 parallel to the longitudinal edges 2b of the container 1.

It should be understood that other food products of different shapes, for example round or triangular, can be positioned inside the container 1. In this way it is not necessary to provide that the longitudinal edge 10b is parallel to the folding line 7, provided that the food product is small enough to be wrapped

30 per container 1.

Preferably, the folding line 7 is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the two longitudinal edges 2b of the container 1. Therefore, when the container 1 is folded by the folding line 7, one of the longitudinal edges 2b protrudes to a greater extent of the fold line 7 than the other longitudinal edge 2b (see figure

35 2).

As shown in Figure 1, a material for sealing 4 is applied to the inner surface 1a of the container 1. However, a frame of a thermally sealable liner, or a cold sealable adhesive, can also be applied to the container 1.

The sealing frame 4 preferably comprises two parallel side parts 4a and two parallel side parts 4b. The side parts 4a are preferably arranged parallel to the side edges 2a of the container 1. As shown in Figure 1, the side parts 4a of the frame 4 are arranged directly on the side edges 2a so that the edges 2a are effectively sealed. together when container 1 is folded

45 along the fold line 7.

The longitudinal side portions 4b of the frame 4 are preferably located at a certain distance l1, respectively l2, from the longitudinal edges 2b of the container 1. Thus, the side parts 4a of the frame do not reach the edges 2b of the container.

In addition, the longitudinal side portions 4b of the frame 4, are preferably arranged parallel to, and at an equal distance from, the folding line 7. Therefore, when the package 1 is folded by the folding line 7, the side parts Longitudinal 4b of frame 4 overlap and form a flap. In this way, it is possible to obtain an effective seal of the longitudinal side portions 2b of the container 1.

Thus, preferably, only one half of the sealing frame 4 indicated in Figure 1, which is separated from the other half by the folding line 7, is applied to the container 1. Therefore, when folding the container 1 by the folding line 7, the sealing frame 4 is forced to interact with the corresponding other half of the indicated frame 4. Consequently, it is possible to obtain an effective sealing of the container 1.

60 Preferably, the sealing frame 4 has a width equal to l3. However, the longitudinal side parts 4b and the side parts of the sides 4a may have a different width. Consequently, the strength of the seal can be adjusted to the needs given for the lateral and longitudinal parts 2a, 2b of the container 1.

In addition, reliefs (not shown) can be formed in the sealing frame 4 in order to enhance the strength of the sealing. The reliefs are preferably formed by the application of a pressure to the parts of the package during the sealing process.

Figure 2 refers to a schematic view of the upper part of a preferred version of the package 1 according to the present invention, after being folded and sealed. As can be seen in Figure 2, the container 1 in its folded state comprises a front surface 3a and a rear surface 3b. The package also comprises four lateral parts L1, L2, B1, B2. The side parts B1, B2 correspond to the side parts 2a

10 of the container 1. The longitudinal lateral part L1 is formed by the longitudinal lateral parts 2b and the opposite longitudinal lateral part L2 corresponds to the folding line 7. In its folded state, the container 1 is sealed in three lateral parts L1, B1 , B2. In this way, the longitudinal side part L1 opposite the folding line 7, extends into two adjacent free portions of the flap, 5a, 5b. The flap parts 5a, 5b, are joined by means of the longitudinal part of the sealing frame 4b.

15 As can be seen in Figure 2, the flap portions 5a, 5b extend along the entire longitudinal side 2b of the container 1. Therefore, a large area of grip is provided to the user trying to open the package one.

In addition, the side parts B1, B2 are not sealed along their entire length, so that the flaps 5a, 5b are not

20 are joined together to the side parts B1, B2. Consequently, the flap parts 5a, 5b are free to move relative to each other, along the entire longitudinal side of the parts L1. Thus, the longitudinal sealing part 4b constitutes a union of the two parts of the flap 5a, 5b.

The longitudinal side portions 2b of the package 1 constitute the edges of the flap portions 5a, 5b. The

25 parts of the flap 5a, 5b are preferably protruding parallel to the front and rear surface 3a, 3b of the container 1. Thus, the parts of the flap 5a, 5b protrude from the sealed longitudinal side part 4b in different extensions of according to the lengths l1 and l2. In this way, the lengths l1 and l2 can be varied and adjusted according to certain needs. Preferably the lengths l1 and l2 are chosen so that the parts of the flap 5a, 5b can be easily separated by means of the fingers of a user.

In a preferred version, the flap part 5b which is located on the rear side 3b of the folded container 1, protrudes in an extension of the longitudinal side part L1 greater than the other flap part 5a which is located on the front side 3a of the folded container 1. Therefore a user can easily separate the parts of the flap 5a, 5b with the fingers as indicated in Figure 3

The two parts of the flap 5a, 5b are preferably provided with the gripping elements 6a, 6b. Said gripping elements 6a, 6b are preferably formed by reliefs in the flap parts 5a and 5b. Thus, the reliefs 6a, 6b are preferably provided with internal and / or external surfaces 7a, 7b of the parts of the flap 5a, 5b as indicated in Figure 3. Preferably the parts of the flap 5a, 5b is it so

40 individually provided with reliefs.

In addition, other gripping elements such as openings or holes, can also be applied to the flap parts 5a, 5b. Consequently, the friction between the flap parts 5a, 5b increases and the user can easily grasp the flap parts 5a, 5b. In this way the opening of the container 1 is facilitated since it is

45 enhances the grip of the flap parts 5a, 5b during the opening of the container 1.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the gripping elements 6a, 6b are preferably formed only in the flap parts 5a, 5b so that they are not overlapping with the sealing frame 4, in particular the longitudinal sealing part 4b of container 1.

50 According to the described version, a user can easily grasp the parts of the flap 5a, 5b with the fingers and thus tear the parts of the flap 5a, 5b, in order to open the container 1. By tearing one from the other the flap parts 5a, 5b, the longitudinal part 4b and consequently the side parts 4a of the detachable film 4 are detached from at least one side of the container 1. Consequently, this makes possible an easy opening and

55 convenient of container 1,

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred versions thereof, many modifications and alterations can be made by a person with ordinary experience in the art, without departing from the scope of this invention, which is defined by the appendix claims. .

For example, it may also be possible to apply the two longitudinal side parts L1 and L2 with the flap parts described in the invention, 5a, 5b, in order to further enhance the opening of the container 1. In addition, the parts of the flap 5a 5b can have different shapes such as slightly rounded or with a predetermined radius of curvature.

A cross-sectional view of a food product 10. is shown in Figure 4. The package is folded around the food product 10 on the L2 side. The flat food product defines a main plane P in the longitudinal and transverse direction (and thus, perpendicular to the relatively small height of the product). The free flaps 5a, 5b are essentially arranged in this plane without folding, that is to say forming an angle of preference less than 45 ° with this main plane.

Claims (9)

1. A method for packaging a food product to provide a packaged food product, which comprises a package (1) and a food product (10) contained within said package, wherein said The container (1) is of a flexible material and preferably with a substantially rectangular shape, said method comprising the steps of:

-

placing the food product (10) on an inner surface (1a) of the container (1),

-

folding the container (1) around a first longitudinal edge (10b) of the food product (10) by 10 the side (L2) of the container (1) to wrap the food product (10), and

-

sealing of the remaining side parts (L1, B1, B2) of the container (1),

whose method is characterized by: 15 -the container (1) is applied to the food product (10) by a quick packaging system,

-

The package is folded so that two overlapping flaps (5a, 5b) are formed on a second opposite longitudinal edge (10b) of the food product (10) on longitudinal side portions (L1) of the package (1), where the flaps superimposed (5a, 5b) extend linearly from said second longitudinal edge (10b) in different extensions, and the flaps (5a, 5b) are connected to

20 its end adjacent to the sealed lateral associated part (L1),

-

the side parts are sealed so that the flaps (5a, 5b) are sealed together to an axis parallel to a longitudinal edge (10b) of the food product (10) and extend freely and linearly thereof, essentially in the main plane of the food product, and

-

the side parts (B1, B2) of the package are not sealed along their entire length, so that the flaps 25 (5a, 5b) are not attached to said side parts (B1, B2).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said food product (10) is a bar. such as an energy bar, a nutritional bar or a performance bar. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seals (4a) formed in the side parts (B1, B2) perpendicular to the longitudinal side parts (L1, L2) of the package (1), are designed so that they do not extend over the parts of the flap (5a, 5b). 4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two adjacent portions of the flap (5a, 5b) comprise gripping elements (6a, 6b) disposed on the inner surface or external (7a, 7b) of the flap parts (5a, 5b). 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the gripping elements (6a, 6b) are formed as an integral part of the flap parts (5a, 5b) of the package (1). 6. A method according to claim 4, wherein the gripping elements (6a, 6b) are formed as additional means connected to the flap parts (5a, 5b) of the package (1). 7. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the gripping elements 45 (6a, 6b) comprise a surface modulation such as reliefs. 8. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the gripping elements (6a, 6b) comprise a pattern of holes or openings. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the gripping elements (6a, 6b) comprise a material adhered on the flap parts (5a, 5b). 10. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the gripping elements (6a, 6b) are designed differently in each of the parts of the flap (5a, 5b). 11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal (4) of the package comprises a thermally sealable, detachable film, or a cold seal adhesive.