FR2838298A1 - Wrapped confectionery, within a plastics film, has a structured resistance to rupture by the contents and the wrapping film, to allow it to be snapped apart in a preferred direction to give divided portions - Google Patents

Abstract

The package (1) of a foodstuff (2), wrapped in at least one plastics film (3), has a rupture resistance at least equal to that of the film wrapping. To split the package open, the film and/or the foodstuff both break apart (4) in a preferred direction, through the film orientation, when the user snaps it open with both hands. When split apart, the separate portions are held within the film wrapping and the sealed ends (9).

Description

Claims 1 to 8.

  FOOD PRODUCT PACKAGED TO TREAT FRACTION

  The subject of the present invention is a packaged product comprising, on the one hand, a food product that can be fractionated by breaking it up and, on the other hand, a package having at least one film

plastic material.

  It is known from PCT application WO 99/58421 (FOOD MARKS) a packaged product of the aforementioned type in which the plastic film must be cut perimetrically along one or more lines.

  cutting before the product can be split by breaking.

  In PCT application WO 00/59801 (DOVEUROPE), the plastic package contains two products spaced longitudinally from each other and access to these products is effected by breaking the film along an

pre-cut line.

  Finally, German Patent Application DE-2 458 462 (Alfred RITTER) discloses a chocolate bar which can be scored according to chocolate squares, and which comprises a longitudinal weld located directly above a line of separation. between the chocolate squares. In this way, a consumer can, according to this line, which is the longitudinal weld line of the packaging according to the so-called "flow-pack" technique, achieve a rupture of the chocolate plate which also entrains a partial opening of the tensile separation packaging at the longitudinal "flesh-to-flesh" weld, which provides access to a row of

  squares of chocolate, and then close the packaging.

  The present invention provides a packaged product in which is obtained in a single gesture at a time separation of the product

  food and its packaging film.

  The invention thus relates to a packaged food product comprising, from a food product which may be a fraction produced by breaking it and, secondly, a package having at least one plastic film, characterized in that the product food has a breaking strength which is at least equal to that of the film, and in that the film and / or the product has a preferential breaking property allowing a perimeter break in a preferential direction on the periphery of the packaged product, so that when a consumer grasps the product packaged with both hands to split it, the breakage of the food product also causes that of the packaging. This preferential rupture property is advantageously exerted for the film and / or the product in a zone

  preferential, in particular according to at least one preferential line.

  The food product may have a weaker region such as a pre-cut, or a region of sectional shrinkage producing a weakening of between 10 and 40%, preferably between 10 and 40%.

  % and for example 25% of the breaking force of the product.

  According to a variant corresponding to the technique called "flow-pack", the film is closed on itself around the product along a weld line extending between two opposite edges of the product in a first direction, and the direction of preferential fracture is a second direction inclined with respect to the first direction and preferentially

perpendicular to it.

  The product is advantageously elongated and ladite

  preferred direction is a transverse direction of the product.

  According to a first variant, the product comprises at least one monooriented film having a preferable tearability according to said

preferential direction.

  According to a first embodiment, it comprises two monooriented films having the same superimposed orientation. A marking impression of at least one tear zone can be made sandwiched between the two mono-oriented films. This marking impression has the primary function of avoiding a fray of the edges of the films

when opening the product.

  Advantageously, at least one of the two films is at least locally transparent so that said marking impression is visible. According to a second variant, a product has a said mono-oriented film superimposed on a bi-oriented film having a zone of

  preferential tear, especially a preferential tear line.

  The product may have at least one polymeric film having a zone of microporous weakening, as described by

  example in French Patent No. 2,717,449 (CMB FLEXIBLE).

  This polymer film may for example be laminated with a bi-oriented film. According to another variant, the product comprises at least one bi-oriented film having a preferential rupture zone, in particular a rupture line. The product may in particular comprise two bi-oriented films laminated between them, at least one of which has a said preferential rupture zone, in particular a rupture line. According to a preferred variant, the two bi-oriented films each have a said preferential rupture zone, these two zones being parallel and offset with respect to each other, so that, during the rupture, the rupture zone of one of said bi-oriented films is torn and that this tear propagates between the two films, in particular through the layer of rolling glue, for

  join the preferential breaking zone of the other bi-oriented film.

  According to yet another variant, the perimetric preferential rupture property is obtained by means of a "leather against flesh" flat sealing zone extending over the entire periphery of the product, in which case the rupture of the packaging is carried out under the action of shear forces which produce a relative delamination of the two parts of the film which come in perimetric covering The film may or may not be monolayer In the flow-pack technique, it is a weld line inclined perimeter and

  preferably perpendicular to the long-time welding line of the product.

  A single-oriented film or a polymer film having a microporous perimetric weakening zone can be replaced, in a laminate, by a paper (for example of 35 - 60 gim2 basis weight) coated with

Polyethylene.

  Other features and advantages of the invention

  will appear better on reading the description which will follow, given as

  non-limiting examples, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1a shows a product according to the invention before rupture, - Figure 1b represents the same product after rupture by a consumer, - Figures 1c and 1d represent two variant shapes of the food product, respectively in side view and in plan view, - Figures 2 to 8 illustrate different variants of the invention. According to FIG. 1a, a packaged food product designated by general reference 1 comprises a breakable food product 2, for example a biscuit, a candy bar or a chocolate bar, etc. which therefore has appropriate hardness and crunch characteristics and a geometry (square, rectangle, oval or round shape, etc.) allowing easy handling, and a mono or multilayer packaging film 3 made by a known technique, for example the so-called "flow-pack" technique. Food production 2 can also be

  constituted by a stack of at least two elementary products.

  The product 2 may be in particular a CHOCO PRINCE or PRINCE FOURRE biscuit LU, or even a biscuit marketed in Belgium under the trademark CHACHA. These products

  have a breaking force of the order of 25 N up to about 50N.

  If we want to impose a specific region to cut the product, for example to obtain two equal portions, it is possible to provide in the product a preferential rupture zone, for example a groove 7 forming a pre-cut, eVou confer to product 2 a shape having a narrowed region in the central portion (see Figures 1c

30 and 1 (d).

  This groove 7 eVou this shrunken region 8 are chosen so as to locally induce a decrease in the tensile strength s of between 10% and 40%, and especially between 10% and 35% and more particularly less than 25%, between the Central Region 4 and the rest of the product. Advantageously, the preferential zones of rupture are such that the barrier effect (humidity eVou oxygen) remains sufficient for the product 2 to retain its characteristics and in particular a sufficient breaking force throughout the shelf life at room temperature. It can be seen in FIG. 1a that the consumer can position his hands on either side of a central region 4 of the product by pinching the film between his fingers and the upper and lower edges 5 of the product 2 to prevent slippage. between the film 3 and the product 2. By exerting a dry movement as is usual when breaking a biscuit or a chocolate bar, the consumer fraction does not produ it (biscu it, chocolate, etc.) in two pieces in its packaging by causing the film to tear over substantially its entire perimeter at the central region in which the product breaks (Figure 1b). This phenomenon is due to the fact that the film eVou the product has a property of rupture preferential allowing a rupture

  perimeter in a preferred direction.

  According to a first variant illustrated in FIG. 2, the film 3 is a mono-oriented film 31 in a preferential direction which is the transverse direction of the product so that the film 3 has a preferential direction of rupture perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (by for example the longitudinal direction of travel of the product in the "flow-pack" technique). This mono-oriented film may be a polyethylene film of thickness for example between 20 and 50, u and preferably equal to 30, u. Such films are manufactured in particular by EXXON MOBIL

Chemical.

  In order for this break to be achieved, the breaking strength of the product 2, for example a biscuit or a chocolate bar, must be greater than or equal to the breaking strength of the film 3 in the preferred direction. In the case illustrated above, the consumer takes the product on either side of a central region, and the rupture takes place spontaneously practically in the same region for the film and for the product, it being understood that the rupture product entrains that of the

movie in the same area.

  Indeed, the product tends to break in the region where the constraints are the strongest. The same goes for the fiim which stretches

  more in the region where the product breaks.

  Since the mono-oriented films have characteristic tear-off properties in one direction, here the transverse direction of the product, they make it possible to obtain a relatively low tear initiation force and an orientation of this tear which is mastered in parallel. to orientation. Thus, the implementation of such a film makes it possible to obtain the desired result for a biscuit or a chocolate bar with or without a zone of weakness. A latitude is available, for example by varying the thickness of the film to adapt the force required to tear the film so that it is of the same order of magnitude or less

  to that necessary for the splitting of the product.

  This gives a double action in a reproducible manner

  opening and splitting of the product in a single gesture.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the outer packaging, for example made according to the "flow-pack" technique, comprises two superimposed mono-oriented films, and in particular rolled films, represented by the marks 31 and 32, the rolling being carried out thanks to a layer 33 of lamination glue. One or the other of the films may comprise, in the zone where it is intended to tear the film, a printing zone 34 extending on the perimeter of the package (for example the perimeter 82 of FIG. ). Advantageously, one of the two films, for example film 31, is transparent, which enables the consumer to visualize the

ink marking.

  The use of two mono-oriented superimposed films of thickness for example between 20, u and 50, u makes it possible to increase the intrinsic barrier of the packaging in the case of more demanding products, particularly from the point of view of a barrier against moisture. In addition, this embodiment makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the package, which presents advantages on the one hand in the machinability of the laminated film and on the other hand

  part of the impact of the product on the consumer when it is taken into

  The introduction of a suitable ink, for example a hard ink, at the tearing zone of the film, makes it possible to avoid the presence of filaments on the edges of the torn film. Indeed, the ink modifies

  the intrinsic properties of the film from the point of view of rupture.

  Advantageously, the inked area 34 is made visible.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a biaxially oriented film 41, for example of thickness between 20 and 50 μm, laminated with a mono-oriented film 42, for example made of polyolefin, is used. The bi-oriented film 41 has a zone of weakness 43 at the desired tear zone (for example the perimeter 82 of FIG. 8). The weak zone 43 may be a cutout on all or part of the thickness of the film, a stamping or even a dashed marking on all or part of the thickness of the film. The bi-oriented film 41 may be for example a polyester film with a thickness of between 8 and 25, and preferably equal to

  12, u. The mono-oriented film 42 may be the same as in FIG.

  The combination of the two films 41 and 42 improves the tearability while avoiding the presence of filaments on the edges of the tear. In addition, this leads to an increase in the intrinsic barrier of the package, especially with respect to moisture, as well as rigidity. In addition, the fact of associating a mono-oriented film and a bi-oriented film makes it possible to obtain a structure that is much less sensitive to machine stops in the context of the so-called "flow-pack" technique, particularly as regards the longitudinal welding (temperature and time

  contact with the sealing jaws).

  Alternatively, the mono-oriented film 42 may be replaced by a polymer film, in particular polypropylene, having a microporous zone of weakness, as described in the French patent FR 2 717 449 mentioned above, or else a paper of 35 to 60 g / m2 coated with

  layer for example polyethylene.

  In the embodiment of FIGS. 5a and 5b, the external package comp makes two bi-oriented films 1 and 52 laminates (for example of the polyolefin type) of which at least one has a zone of weakness 53 eVou 54, at the level of the product tear zone (for example according to the perimeter 82 of FIG. 8). As in the previous case, this zone of weakness 53 eVou 54 formed on one eVou the other film 51 eVou 52, can be achieved by cutting on all or part of the thickness of the film by a stamping or cutting dotted on all or part of the film thickness. It is also possible to implement a film 51 eVou a film 52 having a zone of microporous weakness 53 eVou 54 according to the French patent 2717449. In Figure 5a, the zones 53 and 54 are grooves, the groove 53 completely through the In FIG. 5b, the zone 53 is a groove, and the zone 54 is a zone of weakness of another type. A preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figures 5c and d. The zones of perimeter weakness 53 and 54 (cutting, stamping, microporosity) are not at the same level but are parallel and offset with respect to each other, for example longitudinally if we consider

  in particular the case of a package of "flow-pack" type.

  With such an offset, typically between one millimeter and one centimeter, the tearing of the complex which occurs during the opening of the package takes place at the level of the weak zone of one of the two films, then spreading at the level of the bonding zone 55, that is to say by locally delaminating the two films 51 and 52, to reach the zone of weakness of the second film following a delamination phenomenon, and this on the perimeter of the package to obtain a separation of the two products

and packaging.

  The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 implements a biaxially oriented polyolefin film which has a zone of perimetric weakness 66 at the level of the tearing zone of the package (for example according to the contour 82 of FIG. 8). This zone of weakness is formed on a strip of plastic film or on a strip of paper, coated with polyethylene 63 which is sealed by welding or flat gluing 64 and 65 on the edges 61 and 62 of the film constituting the package. This embodiment is also likely to be implemented in the case where the bi-oriented film

  is superimposed with another film, mono-oriented or bi-oriented.

  The tear is effected at the level of the zone of weakness 66 of the reported film piece 63 which has a weak and weak breaking force than that of the welds or the bonding zones 64 and 65. At the level of the packaging, the pieces of film 63 are welded or glued before formation of the package in the flow-pack machine. For this, it is possible to use the system described in patent application EP 890 514

(DANONE GROUP).

  Finally, it is also possible to make a zone of weakness at the level of a film (mono-oriented eVou bi-oriented) by gluing or welding flat 73 ("leather against flesh") edges perimetric recovery around the periphery. produced, (for example according to the perimeter 82 of FIG. 8) referenced 71 and 72 of the film. In this case, during the rupture of the film, the delamination of the overlapping edges 71 and 72 is carried out parallel to the surface of the films under the effect of shearing forces, which break the bond

  between the overlapping edges 7 1 and 72, on the product side.

  FIG. 8 represents a variant of the invention in "flowpack" technique. The reference 9 designates the end welds and the graduation 81, the longitudinal weld "flesh against flesh". A perimetric weakening region 82 may be formed in the film 3 for

  to induce a preferential zone of rupture in the central region 4.

Claims (16)

  1. A packaged product comprising, on the one hand, a food product capable of being broken apart by breaking it and, on the other hand, a package having at least one plastic film, characterized in that the food product (2) has a resistance to the break q ui is at least equal to that of the film (3), and in that the film (3) eVou the product (2) has a preferential fracture property allowing a perimeter break in a preferential direction on the periphery of the product packaged (1), so that when a consumer grasps the packaged product (1) with both hands to split it, the breakage of the food product (2) also entrains that of the packaging.   2. Product according to claim 1, characterized in that said preferential rupture property is exerted, for the film (3) eVou for the product (2) in a preferential zone (4), in particular according to at least one   preferred line (7, 43, 53, 54, 66, 81).   3. Product according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized   in that film (3) is closed around itself around the food product (2) along a weld line (81) extending between two opposite edges of the packaged product (1) in a first direction, and in that the preferred direction of rupture is a second direction inclined with respect to the   first direction and in particular perpendicular to it.   4. Product according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in   the food product (2) is elongated and in that said preferential direction is a transverse direction of the product food (2).   5. Product according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the film (3) comprises at least one mono-oriented film (31, 32, 42) having a preferable tearability in said preferred direction. ] 1 6. Product according to claim 5, characterized in that the film (3) comprises two mono-oriented films (31, 32) of the same superimposed orientation. 7. Product according to claim 6, characterized in that a marking printing (34) of at least one tear zone is performed   sandwiched between the two mono-oriented films (31, 32).   8. Product according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one of the two mono-oriented films (31, 32) is at least locally   transparent so that said printing of marking are visible.   9. Product according to claim 5, characterized in that the film (3) has a said mono-oriented film (42) superimposed on a bi-oriented film (41) having a preferential tear zone, in particular a line of preferential tear (43).   Product according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized   the film (3) comprises at least one polymeric film presenting a zone microporous weakening.   11. Product according to claim 10, characterized in that   said polymer film is laminated with a bi-oriented film.   12. Product according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized   the film (3) comprises at least one bi-oriented film (51) presenting a   preferential rupture zone, in particular a rupture line (53).   13. Product according to claim 12, characterized in that the film (3) comprises two laminated bi-oriented films (51, 52), at least one of which has a preferential rupture zone, in particular a rupture line. (53, 54)   14. Product according to claim 13, characterized in that the two bi-oriented films (51, 52) each have a said preferential rupture zone, these two zones (53, 54) being parallel and offset with respect to the other, so that, upon rupture, the preferential rupture zone of one of said bi-oriented films is torn, and that this tear propagates between the two films to reach the rupture zone   preferential of the other bi-oriented film.   15. Product according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized   the film (3) comprises a preferential breaking zone consisting of a flat perimeter sealing (73) between two overlapping edges (71, 72) of the film (3).   16. Product according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the foodstuff has a weaker region such as a pre-cut, or a sectional shrink region, producing in this region a reduction of between 10% and 40%, preferably between 10% and 30%, advantageously less than 25%,