KR20010029423A - Packaging and/or related openable sealing means for packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A packaging and/or openable sealing means is provided to arbitrarily select an opening condition by providing a first layer having a boundary area to be demarcated by at least one end and/or a line of weakness of a peripheral end part and a second layer arranged around the boundary area and below the first layer on an openable sealing means to seal a container mouth. CONSTITUTION: A peripheral part(3) formed of a flange-like rim part of a wall part of a container is provided on a mouth region of the container, and a surface(4) to easily seal a sealing means(5) to an upper surface is provided thereby. The sealing means comprises a first layer(7), a second layer(8), and a third layer(6), at least one line(9) of weakness is formed in the first layer, and an area(10) to be covered on a part of the mouth region(2) when the sealing means is fixed to the container is formed by this line of weakness. The area is lifted, and the third layer formed of an airtight material is torn to allow at least a part of the second layer installed below the area to be exposed.

Description

Packaging and / or related openable sealing means for packaging

The present invention relates to a package for packaging and / or an openable sealing means associated therewith. In particular, although not independent, the present invention relates to a packaging for a container containing food which can be heated by microwave energy and / or an openable sealing means for packaging.

Various methods are known for easily opening a container. The sealing material of the foil sealing material or similar sheet material closes the inlet of the container so that the contents inside the container are contained until the time when access to the inside of the container is required. Typically, such a seal is provided near a rim around an entrance area of the container, and the edge may be peeled off since the seal is attached so as to be peeled off between the edge of the container's entrance area and the sealing material.

Any food that can be cooked or at least heated by microwaves is fed into this container. The state of the cooked foods in the container may in some cases require some control. That is, certain foods may be preferably limited to exposure to the surrounding environment during microwave cooking. This restriction reduces the circulation or movement of fluid from the interior of the container to the surrounding environment. Preferred control is often required for foods that have or require some moisture content when cooked. Although sealed containers, holes may typically be made by humans before receiving microwave energy, and these holes may not provide adequate exposure of the contents of the container to the surrounding environment. Too small inlet openings can cause the container to expand or explode. Too large an inlet releases moisture, causing food to dry and cook.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an open sealing means for packaging and packaging that provides a choice which is at least beneficial to the public.

1 is a perspective view of a container in which the sealing means of the present invention is coupled,

2 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the multilayer structure of the sealing means of the present invention,

3 is a perspective view of a container in which the seal member of the present invention is bonded at least partially peeled to expose the innermost layer provided with a plurality of holes,

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a container incorporating a sealing means of the present invention, partly stripped back to allow access to the contents of a heated or cooked container,

5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the container and the sealing means of the present invention, with some parts of the layers peeled back to show the preferred shape of the present invention,

6 is a plan view looking down from above on a container with a sealing means of the present invention, virtually showing a region confined by a weak line of infinite lines;

Fig. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a selectable shape of the present invention showing some layers of the sealant stripped back, wherein one weakened line is provided in the first layer and the weakened line and the sealing of the second or innermost layer The area restricted by the perimeter of the means is exposed,

8 is a partial cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG. 6 showing a preferred shape of a preferred three-layer structure of the sealing means,

9 is a partial cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG. 6 showing a selectable shape of the multilayer structure of the sealing means,

10 is a partial cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG. 6 showing a selectable shape of the multilayer structure of the sealing means,

FIG. 11 shows a packaging incorporating the sealing means of the present invention made of a tube that can be end sealed to seal a container,

12 shows the sealing means of the invention for being made into a tube,

FIG. 13 shows the rectangular thin plate of FIG. 12 made of a tube into which a container enters,

14 shows the container in the tube before end sealing to the preferred shape shown in FIG. 11, FIG.

15 to 17 show the selectable arrangement of the weak line of the first layer,

18 and 19 show selectable means that can be lifted in at least partially confined areas by the weak line;

20 and 21 show, in cross section, a selectable shape of the multilayer structure of the sealing means of the invention.

In a first aspect, the invention consists of openable sealing means for sealing an inlet area of a container,

a) at least one edge of the periphery of the first layer and / or

b) a first layer having or having a bordered portion surrounded by at least one weakening line provided in said first layer,

A second layer laid below the first layer at least around the bordered area,

At least a portion of the bordered site may be lifted to expose at least one aperture in the second layer.

Preferably, the sealing means further comprises a third layer covering at least a portion of the first layer and at least partially tearing along the at least one weakened line without contacting when the bordered area is lifted up. Can lose.

Preferably, the third layer is sealed to one surface of the first layer at least around the bordered area.

Preferably, the third layer is also sealed in the bordered area of the first layer.

Preferably, the third layer is the same size as the first layer and is wholly sealed to at least its one surface.

Preferably, the sealing of the third layer and the first layer is by means of adhesion using a suitable adhesive or heat sealing or welding such as RF or ultrasonic waves.

Preferably, the second layer is sealed to another surface of the first layer at least around the bordered area.

Preferably, the second layer is not sealed to the bordered area of the first layer.

Preferably, the second layer is the same size as the first layer and is wholly sealed there except for the bordered area.

Preferably, the sealing of the second and first layers is by means of adhesion using a suitable adhesive or heat sealing or welding such as RF or ultrasonic waves.

Preferably, said at least one weakened line is a line of through holes.

Preferably, said at least one weak line is a line of reduced thickness dimension.

Preferably, the line of the at least one weakened portion is cut in the first layer.

Preferably, the at least one weak line is a combination of two or more of the weak line described herein.

Preferably, there are two lines of weakness provided in the first layer.

Preferably, the two weak lines are parallel.

Preferably, the two lines extend together and are straight.

Preferably, the two lines define a bordered area, substantially in the shape of a strip and positioned to extend substantially centrally across the sealing means.

Preferably, the tear initiation means or region is provided in the first layer.

Preferably, tear initiation means or regions are provided in the third layer.

Preferably, the tear initiation means or region is a recess in the periphery of the first layer.

Preferably, the tear initiation means or region is a line of apertures, cuts or thickness dimension reduction portions in the region of the third layer covering the bordered portion.

Preferably, the perimeter shape of one of the first or second layers allows to seal around the inlet area of the container or as an extension of the inlet area, such as a flared border area.

Preferably, as a result of the second layer being substantially equal to the size of the perimeter of the first layer, the perimeter region of the second layer is adapted to seal around the inlet region of the container.

Preferably, the third layer is a plastic film material.

Preferably, the plastic material of the third layer is BOPP (Biaxially Oreiented Polypropylene).

Preferably, the third layer is made of a foil material, such as aluminum foil.

Preferably, the first layer is made of a plastic film material.

Preferably, the first layer is made of PET (Polyester).

Preferably, the second layer is made of a plastic film material.

Preferably, the second layer is made of polyethylene.

Preferably, said at least one through hole is a plurality of through holes.

Preferably, the at least one through hole is a plurality of through holes provided through the inner layer and located within its site underlying the bordered area of the first layer.

In a second aspect, the invention consists of the above-described sealing means provided for sealing an inlet region of a container.

Preferably, the sheet material is sealed by an adhesive to the periphery of the inlet region.

Preferably, the perimeter of the inlet region is defined by a flared rim to provide a substantially flat surface to which the perimeter of the sealing means is attached thereto.

In another aspect, the present invention consists of a container having the sealing means described above, which is provided in a configuration surrounding the entire container.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides a method for advancing a rectangular sheet of sealing means forward in the machine direction, with the lines of the weak part of the first layer being substantially parallel and inside the main longitudinal sides of the rectangular sheet. Forming the material into a tube by gathering and sealing the main longitudinal sides of the rectangular rectangular sheet material together, sealing the end of the tube to define a bottom of the tube; Inserting with respect to the end of the bottom, sealing the container into the pack material, the method comprising sealing and separating the tube at a distance of the container space from the bottom of the tube to form a separate pack.

Preferably, the container is inserted into the tube such that the inlet area of the container is balanced with the area where tearing of the multilayer sheet material is possible.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method comprising: lifting the bordered area of a first layer to expose the interior of the container through at least one aperture provided in the second layer with respect to the surrounding environment, the at least partially open container. Is placed in the microwave to ensure that the contents of the container receive microwave energy for an appropriate level and time.

In another aspect, the invention consists of an openable seal provided on a film laid under an inlet area of a container, the openable seal being sealed to an upper surface of the film and being lifted of the film. Having an outer layer that is not in contact over at least one weakness line in the film that at least partially defines an area in which the area is located, the area being sealed to an inner surface of the film and exposing an inner layer located below the area The inner layer may be lifted to tear the outer layer so that the inner layer has one or more apertures to provide at least one opening in the interior of the container.

The invention may also be broadly individually or collectively as parts, elements, and features referenced or indicated in the specification, and any two or more of those parts, elements, or features Or all combinations will be considered equivalent to the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a container 1 is provided that is adapted to contain an edible material such as, for example, a noddle or other food. The present invention is particularly suitable for foods of the kind that may need to receive microwave energy before consumption. Referring to FIG. 5, the container 1 has a receiving area and an inlet area 2 defined by walls. The entrance area is the area through which the contents of the container can be accessed or through which the contents can be dispensed. The inlet area has a perimeter 3 which is preferably defined by the rim of the container wall. In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the rim is preferably a flanged rim representing the surface 4, on which the sealing means 5 of the invention can be easily sealed. The seal between the sealing means 5 and the container of the invention can be achieved, for example, by welding, heating seals or the like, such as adhesive, RF or ultrasonic waves. The seal between the container and the sealing means 5 may have a permanent property or may have a property that allows the sealing means to be peeled off the rim of the container. As shown in Fig. 4, the sealing means 5 of the present invention can be peeled off the rim so as to access the contents of the container.

However, the present invention is not limited to only being able to access the contents of the container by stripping the sealing means from the periphery of the inlet area. Such an approach is likewise possible by tearing in the area of the edge or sealing means, or through a different inlet area.

In the alternative arrangement shown in FIG. 11, a sealing means 5 can be provided as a sheath, which envelops the container substantially entirely within its boundaries. In such a configuration the need for sealing the sealing means 5 as the periphery of the inlet area is less important. This is because as a result of the enclosing of the sealing means 5 around the entire container 1 (before tearing off the sealing means), a sealing is preferably achieved in which the air does not enter the container. However, some sealing may be desirable around the inlet area of the container, even in the configuration shown in FIG. 11 to ensure that the contents of the container remain within the interface of the container. It is proposed that the vacuum packaging according to the variant of the invention shown in FIG. 11 is suitable as the sealing means 5 around the inlet region 2 of the container.

In a preferred embodiment the sealing means 5 shown in FIG. 5 consist of a first layer 7 and a second layer 8 and preferably a third layer 6. In a broad sense, however, the sealing means may consist of a first layer 7 and a second layer 8, wherein the third layer 6 is lacking. In this configuration, substantially all of the features described herein and in connection with the first layer 7 and the second layer 8 may appear, but in the absence of the third layer 6 only the first layer 7 may be present. Only covering at least a portion of) is provided. For convenience of illustration, as shown in FIG. 5, the third layer 96 is peeled off to reveal the features of the first layer, and a portion of the first layer is peeled off to reveal the features of the second layer. The first layer 96 is provided with a weakened line or lines 9. Vulnerable lines or lines are provided in the first layer 7 to define the region 10, which covers the part of the inlet region 2 when the sealing means 5 is fixed to the container. You lose. In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 there are two weakening lines 9 extending from opposite edges of the sealing means 5. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 7, a single weakened line 9 is provided to define an area 10 which is at least partially surrounded by the weakened line and partially surrounded by the periphery of the sealing means. As shown in FIG. 6, the line of weakness 9 may be an endless line, which defines the area 10 of the first layer as a whole, covering the inlet area 2 of the container.

Many other shapes of area 10 at least partially defined by a weak line or lines may be provided in the first layer. Such a variant of the preferred form shown in FIG. 5 may be where the weakened lines do not extend entirely across the opposite edge of the sealing means 5 but terminate without reaching the edge.

Since the multilayer assembly of the sealing means 5 is preferably made from a reel of plastic film material or similar reel storage material, referring to FIG. 2, a convenient provision of a multilayer batch assembly of sealing means is provided. The method is that two weak lines are provided substantially parallel to the overall machine direction MD. Such a configuration allows the weakening line to be provided to the first layer, for example by means of puncturing or cutting, wherein the puncturing or cutting means is a preferred assembly of the sealing means in which the storage material is shown in FIG. 2. Provide the cutting or perforation line (s) substantially parallel to the machine direction supplied to provide.

Vulnerable lines may be provided to the first layer in various forms. Referring to FIGS. 15-17, it may be the overall cut of the first layer defining the weak line (FIG. 15), the provision of a tear line (FIG. 16), or the provision of a thickness reducing line (FIG. 17), or a combination thereof. have.

In a variant of the invention where only the first layer and the second layer are provided, the weak line still appears in the first layer, which is the top layer when sealed to the container in this configuration. In this variant and when the fragile line (s) are perforated or cut, the pack is entirely impermeable to air. If the air impermeable means requires a sealing means composed of first and second layers, the weak line needs to be of reduced thickness, in which no hole is provided through the first layer before lifting the region 10. .

Referring to FIG. 5 in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third layer 6 is preferably a material through which air is not permeable. Preferably, the pack is provided with a third layer so provided for sale, since it provides a sanitary seal inside the container. Until this desirable layer is torn, the container is substantially impermeable to air. The third layer is at least partially sealed against at least a portion of the upwardly facing surface of the first layer 7. The sealing of the third layer 6 is such as to cover the area or region 10 at least partially defined by the weakened line (s) 9. As shown in FIG. 10, such overlap may only be able to be close to the weak line 9, or alternatively and most preferably the third layer 6 is suitable for use of the first layer. It has a peripheral size substantially the same as that of the first layer 7 so as to cover the first major surface. Sealing is preferably done at least about the periphery of the region 10, but with reference to FIG. 9, it is preferred that the sealing is made on the entire first major surface of the first layer 7. Referring to FIG. 21, it can be seen how minimal sealing may be sufficient in close proximity to the weakened line (s). Although the adhesive is a preferred form of the sealing layers 6, 7, other sealing methods may be used.

The arrangement of the third layer 6 and the first layer 7 is such that the tearing of the third layer 6 occurs when the region 10 is lifted up. By selecting the third layer as the appropriate material, the properties of such material can be relatively effortlessly torn. Such materials may include plastic materials such as aluminum foil or BOPP (biaxially stretched polypropylene).

It can be seen from FIG. 3 how lifting the region 10 and consequently tearing the third layer 6 exposes at least a portion of the first layer 8 located below the region 10. The tearing results in the exposure of at least one through hole provided in the second layer 8. Thus, what was preferably a seal substantially free of air permeation in the container inlet area 2 before tearing results in a pack that is at least partially exposed to the surrounding environment after tearing. Preferably, the at least one through hole is a plurality of through holes, such as through hole 11. However, the present invention is not limited to multiple apertures here since a single aperture of appropriate size may be suitable in certain applications.

The opening exposes the interior of the container (once the third layer is torn) to an appropriate and moderate degree, which container is suitable for food types that are contained therein and which are preferably heated by microwave energy. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art of microwave cooking, it is desirable for certain foods to be provided to expose the food only to a limited extent to the surrounding environment during cooking. For certain applications such as cooking of cotton, there is a need for a fluid connection between the contents of the container and the outside to prevent the container from expanding or exploding during cooking, but the degree of connection is due to the evaporation of moisture from the food. Limited to avoid the consequences of drying the dish.

Preferably, the aperture (s) 11 are provided in the second layer 8 so as to be located below the area at least partially defined by the weak line 9. When the area is raised resulting in the tearing of the sixth layer, the apertures are exposed and can be observed from the outside of the pack. However, FIG. 20 shows another configuration wherein the aperture is not visible from the outside of the pack but still provides a fluid connection between the inside and outside of the container. To this extent it is preferred that the second layer be sealed around the area 10, with at least one through hole 11 provided in the sealing area of the second layer.

8 shows a preferred form of the invention wherein the second layer 8 and the first layer 7 are substantially the same size. 9 and 10, however, show another example where the second layer 8 is only sized to cover the region 10. Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen how desirable it is for the entire major surface of the second layer 8 to be substantially sealed to the first layer, except for the portion located below the region 10. Sealing of the second layer 8 does not occur at the site located below the lifted site 10.

Fig. 11 shows another configuration of the sealing means of the present invention, wherein the entire container is enclosed in the sealing means. In this configuration, the region 10 is positioned relative to the container 1 to have at least a portion covering the inlet region of the container. With reference to FIG. 14, for example, a sealing means 5 can be formed in a tube into which the container 1 can be inserted, and then in the sealing means 5 by end sealing the tube. You can see if it will result in the container being wrapped. For manufacturing purposes, the region 10 and the weakened lines are preferably provided continuously from the end of the tube. This makes it possible to simply assemble the multilayered assembly as a result of the weakness line extending substantially parallel to the machine direction as shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 13, the multilayered sealing means 5 is formed into a tube by bringing parallel edges 12 together. The parallel edges 12 may be sealed together by an adhesive, heating sealing means or RF welding or the like to form a tube of sealing means material 5. The container can then be inserted into the tube and the ends 13 of the tube can be sealed together.

Appropriate means (but not considered to be the only ones) for providing a pack as shown in FIG. 11 may be achieved by molding, filling and sealing operations, which molding, filling and sealing operations may for example be a zipper element. It is disclosed in the specification of US Pat. No. 5072571, except for the provision of. In molding, filling and sealing devices in which a sealing device can be used, the rectangular sheet of sealing means material 5 is advanced to be molded into the tube, the parallel edges of which are subsequently sealed together, and then the bottom of the tube Sealed in a closed state, allowing the container to be positioned relative to the bottom of the tube in the tube. Subsequently sealing and separating the tube substantially in length from the bottom of the container will result in wrapping the container in discrete and discrete portions of the tube.

Referring to FIG. 19, it is preferred to provide an area 914 which initiates tearing in the tearable area of the third layer 6 of the sealing means 5. In the preferred form such a tear initiation region is a gap or notch or corner recess provided in the periphery of the third layer 6. This is preferably provided for at least one of the weak lines in the third layer 6.

Alternatively and with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, such tear initiation region may be a cut or through region 15, which may be provided spaced from the periphery of the third layer 6.

Reference is made to FIGS. 20 and 21 for the purpose of showing another alternative configuration for the multilayer assembly of the sealing means 5 of the present invention.

Preferred materials for the sealing means of the present invention are OPP, PET, PE for each of the layers 6, 7, 8.

Multilayer materials or assemblies from which the sealing means of the present invention are formed can be made using the apparatus disclosed in the pending international application WO 99/35048, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

It is to be understood that the invention has been described purely by way of example only, and that detailed modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

The present invention improves the convenience of use by appropriately sealing the container.

Claims (45)

a) at least one edge of the periphery of the first layer and / or b) a first layer having or having a bordered portion surrounded by at least one weakening line provided in said first layer, A second layer laid below the first layer at least around the bordered area, At least a portion of said bordered portion may be lifted to expose at least one aperture in said second layer. 2. The sealing device of claim 1, wherein the sealing means further comprises a third layer covering at least a portion of the first layer and at least partially along and not contacting along at least one weakened line when the bordered area is lifted. An openable sealing means, characterized in that it can be torn. 3. The openable sealing means according to claim 2, wherein the third layer is sealed to one surface of the first layer at least around the bordered area. 4. The openable sealing means according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the third layer is also sealed in the bordered area of the first layer. 5. The openable sealing means according to claim 2, wherein the third layer is the same size as the first layer and is wholly sealed to at least one surface thereof. 6. The sealing according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sealing of the third layer and the first layer is by means of a suitable adhesive or by means of bonding using a heating seal or welding such as RF or ultrasonic waves. Openable sealing means. 7. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second layer is sealed to the other surface of the first layer at least around the bordered area. 8. The openable sealing means according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer is not sealed to the bordered area of the first layer. 9. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second layer is the same size as the first layer and is wholly sealed there except in the bordered area. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sealing of the second and first layers is made by adhesion using a suitable adhesive or heat sealing or welding such as RF or ultrasonic waves. Openable sealing means. 11. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one weakened line is a line of through holes. 11. The openable sealing means according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one weakened line is a line of reduced thickness dimension. 11. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a line of the at least one weakened portion is cut in the first layer. The openable sealing means according to claim 1, wherein the at least one weakened line is a combination of two or more of the weakened line claimed in claim 11. 15. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein there are two lines of weakness provided in the first layer. 16. The openable sealing means according to claim 15, wherein the two weakening lines are parallel. 17. The openable sealing means according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the two lines extend together and are straight. 18. The bounded area according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the two lines are substantially in the shape of a strip and are positioned to extend substantially centrally across the sealing means. Openable sealing means, characterized in that. 19. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the tear initiation means or area is provided in the first layer. 20. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 2 to 19, wherein the tear initiation means or region is provided in the third layer. 21. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the tear initiation means or region is a concave portion at the periphery of the first layer. 21. The openable sealing means according to claim 20, wherein the tear initiation means or region is a line of through holes, cuts or thickness reduction portions in the region of the third layer covering the bordered portion. 23. The method of claim 1, wherein the perimeter shape of one of the first or second layers is adapted to seal around the inlet area of the container or to seal with an extension of the inlet area, such as a flared border area. Openable sealing means. 24. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 23, wherein the second layer is substantially the same as the perimeter size of the first layer such that the perimeter region of the second layer is adapted to seal around the inlet region of the container. Openable sealing means, characterized in that. 25. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 2 to 24, wherein the third layer is a plastic film material. 26. The openable sealing means of claim 25, wherein the plastic material of the third layer is BOPP (Biaxially Oreiented Polypropylene). 25. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 2 to 24, wherein the third layer is made of a foil material such as aluminum foil. 28. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first layer is made of a plastic film material. 29. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the first layer is made of PET (Polyester). 30. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the second layer is made of a plastic film material. 31. The openable sealing means according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the second layer is made of polyethylene. 32. The openable sealing means according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one aperture is a plurality of apertures. 33. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the at least one through hole is provided in its site provided through the inner layer and laid down below the bordered area of the first layer. And a plurality of through holes. 34. A container having the sealing means of any one of claims 1 to 33 provided thereon to seal an inlet region of the container. 35. The container of claim 34, wherein the sheet material is sealed by an adhesive to the periphery of the inlet region. 36. A container according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the perimeter of the inlet region is defined by a flared rim to provide a substantially flat surface to which the perimeter of the sealing means is attached thereto. 34. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is provided in a shape surrounding the entire container. 34. The rectangular sheet of the sealing means of any one of claims 1 to 33, in the machine direction, with the lines of the weak part of the first layer being substantially parallel and inside the main longitudinal sides of the rectangular sheet. Advancing steps, Shaping the material into a tube by bringing the main longitudinal sides of the square rectangular sheet material together and sealing; Sealing the end of the tube to define a bottom of the tube, Inserting the container into the tube against an end of the bottom, Sealing the tube into pack material, the method comprising: separating the tube at a distance of container space from the bottom of the tube to form a separate pack. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the container is inserted into the tube such that the inlet region of the container is balanced with the tearable area of the multilayer sheet material. Lifting the bordered area of the first layer to expose the interior of the container to the surrounding environment through at least one aperture provided in the second layer, 38. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least partially open container is placed in a microwave to ensure that the contents of the container receive microwave energy for an appropriate level and time. Method of heating edible materials. An openable seal provided on a film laid under an inlet area of a container, the openable seal comprising: An outer layer that is sealed to the top surface of the film and that is not in contact over at least one weak spot line in the film that at least partially defines a liftable area of the film, the area being an inner surface of the film And lifted to tear off the outer layer to expose the inner layer positioned below the region, the inner layer being one or more to provide at least one opening in the interior of the container. The sealable which has the above through hole. An openable sealing means for sealing the inlet area of the container as substantially described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 5, or 6 to 8, or 6 and 7, 7, 9 or 6 and 9, 10 or 11, 12 to 14 or 15 to 19 and And / or a container substantially described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. A method of sealing a container as or in a pack material, substantially described with reference to the accompanying drawings. An openable seal under the inlet area of the container, substantially described with reference to the accompanying drawings.