US20100239721A1 - Method and apparatus to facilitate encapsulating an edible substance - Google Patents

Method and apparatus to facilitate encapsulating an edible substance Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100239721A1
US20100239721A1 US12/408,513 US40851309A US2010239721A1 US 20100239721 A1 US20100239721 A1 US 20100239721A1 US 40851309 A US40851309 A US 40851309A US 2010239721 A1 US2010239721 A1 US 2010239721A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
adhesive
discrete sheet
edible substance
sheet
discrete
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/408,513
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English (en)
Inventor
Valeria Stoppello
Claudine de Sa Botelho Pinto
Camila Morales Duarte
Ronald H. Exner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US12/408,513 priority Critical patent/US20100239721A1/en
Assigned to KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL BRANDS LLC reassignment KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL BRANDS LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: EXNER, RONALD H., DUARTE, CAMILA MORALES, PINTO, CLAUDINE DE SA BOTELHO, Stoppello, Valeria
Priority to BRPI1000101-8A priority patent/BRPI1000101A2/pt
Priority to PE2010000158A priority patent/PE20100755A1/es
Priority to EP10002793A priority patent/EP2229819A3/en
Priority to ARP100100900A priority patent/AR075905A1/es
Priority to CO10033050A priority patent/CO6260015A1/es
Priority to MX2010003030A priority patent/MX2010003030A/es
Priority to CL2010000247A priority patent/CL2010000247A1/es
Priority to RU2010110524/12A priority patent/RU2449934C2/ru
Priority to CR11322A priority patent/CR11322A/es
Priority to UY0001032510A priority patent/UY32510A/es
Publication of US20100239721A1 publication Critical patent/US20100239721A1/en
Assigned to INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS LLC reassignment INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS LLC CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL BRANDS LLC
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/04—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks
    • B65D75/06—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks in sheets or blanks initially folded to form tubes
    • B65D75/10—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks in sheets or blanks initially folded to form tubes with the ends of the tube closed by twisting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G7/00—Other apparatus or process specially adapted for the chocolate or confectionery industry
    • A23G7/0012—Apparatus for measuring, weighing or wrapping of chocolate or candies
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G7/00—Other apparatus or process specially adapted for the chocolate or confectionery industry
    • A23G7/0043—Other processes specially adapted for the chocolate or confectionery industry
    • A23G7/005—General processes
    • A23G7/0062—Processes for measuring, weighing or wrapping of chocolate or candies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/04—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks
    • B65D75/20—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks in sheets or blanks doubled around contents and having their opposed free margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/60—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for sweets or like confectionery products

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to the wrapping of edible consumables.
  • edible substances such as candies
  • a known packaging method involves wrapping the edible substances in a flexible material that may be twisted at opposing ends to secure the edible substance between those ends. It is also known to use a twist tie to hold a twisted opposing end shut and further secure the edible substance within the flexible material, especially where the flexible material tends to untwist itself.
  • Other methods create a full or partial seal around the edible substance through use of adhesives. Both hot and cold-sealing adhesives are known, and may provide nearly hermetic seals depending upon the adhesive configuration.
  • the individually packaged edible substances are combined in an additional sealed secondary packaging such as a bag or overwrap. This secondary packaging provides another layer of protection to the edible substances from the ingress of moisture, especially where the seal of the individual package is not hermetic.
  • a tearing aid is often added to the packaging.
  • the tearing aid essentially gives the consumer a starting point to rip the package to more easily access the edible substance.
  • the tearing aid also requires the use of additional equipment to create the tear. This increases manufacturing time and costs. It also introduces the possibility that the seal will be inadvertently cut, thereby destroying hermeticity, or that the edible substance itself will be cut or otherwise punctured.
  • FIG. 1 comprises a flow chart as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 2 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention
  • FIG. 3 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 9 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 10 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 11 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 12 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 13 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 14 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 15 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 16 comprises a schematic view as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • an apparatus comprising an edible substance, a discrete sheet of flexible film, and an adhesive disposed on the flexible film in a pattern that surrounds an adhesive-free space that is sized to accommodate the edible substance.
  • the adhesive does not extend to at least one edge of the flexible film. Portions of the adhesive contact other portions of the adhesive such that the discrete sheet encapsulates the edible substance, and the discrete sheet is twisted in at least one area that includes the adhesive.
  • the adhesive pattern is at least partially arcuate in shape.
  • the adhesive pattern is substantially oval-shaped.
  • the discrete sheet may be folded about the edible substance to form a folded edge. The outer edges of the discrete sheet that are opposite the folded edge may overlap unevenly to facilitate opening the apparatus without destroying the discrete sheet.
  • the ends of the discrete sheet may be twisted, and a tie may optionally be used.
  • edible substances may be economically and efficiently wrapped, shipped, and offered to the consumer in packaging that resembles the traditional appearance of such edible substances (thus preserving considerable emotional goodwill).
  • These teachings may be implemented using existing deployed technology.
  • These teachings may also be scaled to accommodate single or multiple portions, and varying sizes of edible substances.
  • These teachings will readily accommodate using a hermetic seal, thereby affording the edible substance improved shelf life without the need for an additional, secondary package.
  • the apparatus may be configured to resemble the typical double-twist package encountered in the market and expected and anticipated by many consumers, while providing the consumer easier access to the edible substance without ripping or destroying the package.
  • the apparatus may be configured such that evidence of tampering is readily detectable.
  • a discrete sheet of flexible film is provided 11 .
  • the discrete sheet 20 is shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the discrete sheet 20 has edges 22 , 24 , 26 and 28 .
  • the discrete sheet 20 may be comprised of any material suitable for wrapping edible substances.
  • it may comprise a barrier film or coating with a high level of impermeability to moisture ingress to preserve the freshness of the edible substance contained within it.
  • the level of impermeability that is acceptable will vary based upon the edible substance contained within the discrete sheet, as well as the ratio of packaged surface area of a product to volume of the product. Impermeability may be measured, for instance, using the water vapor transmission rate of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) test method F1249-90, measured at 38° C. and 85% relative humidity.
  • ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
  • a barrier film with a water vapor transmission rate of less than about 1 mg/m 2 /day is used to wrap a product such as a bon-bon.
  • a water vapor transmission rate as high as 5 mg/m 2 /day may be acceptable.
  • a product that is fairly insensitive to moisture may tolerate a water vapor transmission rate of about 10 mg/m 2 /day or higher.
  • barrier films or coatings may be monofilms, laminates, waxes, paper, cast films, biaxially-oriented polyester films, biaxially-oriented polypropylene films, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) films, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films or the like.
  • the type of barrier used may be product-dependent.
  • a laminate may also serve a decorative function in addition to (or in place of) a barrier function.
  • the discrete sheet 20 comprises a metallic laminate.
  • the discrete sheet 20 may optionally also be comprised of a material with dead fold characteristics.
  • Dead fold is a term used to describe the ability of a material to take and hold a fold without springing back to its original form. Materials may be used that cover a spectrum of dead fold properties. For instance, aluminum foil has excellent dead fold capabilities while polypropylene has little to no dead fold. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the material selected will vary based upon the objectives to be achieved.
  • an adhesive is disposed 12 on the discrete sheet in a pattern that surrounds an adhesive-free space, such that the adhesive does not extend to at least one edge of the discrete sheet of flexible film.
  • the pattern of adhesive 30 does not extend to two opposing edges (i.e., 22 and 26 , or 24 and 28 ).
  • the pattern of adhesive 30 does not extend to any of the four edges 22 , 24 , 26 , and 28 , as shown in FIGS. 3-6 .
  • the adhesive may be any known in the art, such as a cold-sealing adhesive, a heat-sealing adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive (permanent or non-permanent), and the like.
  • a cold-sealing adhesive is used.
  • the cold-sealing adhesive may be natural latex rubber-based or synthetic. Using synthetic adhesive avoids complications arising from latex allergies if there is contact with the edible substance; however, either type of cold-sealing adhesive is acceptable.
  • the cold-sealing adhesive is pressure-responsive (i.e., the adhesive will bond when placed under pressure), and may comprise an adhesive component and an elastomer as well as other additives.
  • the adhesive may comprise a reclosable adhesive.
  • Cold-sealing adhesives comprising a relatively high rubber content and a relatively low polymer content may be especially useful for certain application settings of interest.
  • the application of the adhesive to the discrete sheet will vary depending upon the type of adhesive used.
  • a cold-sealing adhesive is disposed upon the discrete sheet through use of a disposing film with release properties or by applying a release material on the disposing film itself.
  • a release material on the disposing film itself.
  • about 1 g/m 2 of release material may be used.
  • a primer may be applied to part or all of the flexible film prior to applying the cold seal adhesive.
  • about 0.2 g/m 2 of primer is applied.
  • a flame or corona treatment is carried out on the flexible film prior to applying the cold-sealing adhesive. Both approaches improve anchorage of the seal, ensuring that the cold seal adhesive suitably bonds to the flexible film.
  • the reclosability of the adhesive may also be modified from fully reclosable, to partially reclosable, to not reclosable at all.
  • the weight of adhesive applied per area may also vary. By one approach, the weight of adhesive per area may be about 2.5 g/m 2 to about 8 g/m 2 . By another approach, the weight of adhesive per area may be about 4 g/m 2 to about 6 g/m 2 .
  • the specific shape of the pattern of adhesive 30 may vary.
  • the pattern of adhesive 30 is at least partially arcuate.
  • the partially arcuate nature of the pattern of adhesive 30 uses less adhesive than, for example, a pattern of transverse and perpendicular strips of adhesive, thus reducing costs.
  • the pattern of adhesive 30 is substantially oval-shaped as seen in FIG. 6 .
  • the pattern of adhesive 30 may be approximately 10 mm to approximately 25 mm in width.
  • the pattern is approximately 15 mm in width.
  • the width of the adhesive may vary based on factors such as the desired tightness of the seal or the amount and/or size of the edible substance disposed within the flexible film. For instance, a smaller-sized edible substance may require a smaller width of adhesive, while a large-sized edible substance or an apparatus encapsulating a plurality of edible substances may require a larger width of adhesive.
  • the pattern of adhesive 30 may also optionally include one or more additional areas of adhesive 60 on the outer edges of the pattern of adhesive 30 .
  • the additional areas of adhesive 60 may provide another sealing point to increase the sealing area and thus the effectiveness (and hermeticity) of the seal.
  • these additional areas of adhesive 60 are substantially shaped as half circles.
  • the additional areas of adhesive 60 may be approximately 3.5 cm 2 to 5 cm 2 .
  • additional areas of less than approximately 2 cm 2 do not noticeably increase the strength or integrity of the seal, while additional areas of greater than 6 cm 2 typically results in wasted adhesive without additional benefit.
  • additional areas of adhesive substantially-shaped as half circles with areas of approximately 4.35 cm 2 may be used.
  • one or more second additional areas of adhesive 62 may be placed in one or more corners of the discrete sheet 20 . These second additional areas of adhesive 62 enhance the twist-wrapping process by providing another area that seals when pressure is applied by the twist. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different shapes may be used in other approaches to maximize the seal strength and integrity in the same manner as described here.
  • the pattern defines an adhesive-free space 64 that is sized to accommodate an edible substance.
  • the size of the adhesive-free space 64 will vary in relation to the pattern of adhesive 30 , and the shape, size, and/or quantity of edible substance used.
  • the adhesive-free space 64 should be sized such that the pattern of adhesive 30 does not contact the edible substance when wrapped.
  • an oval-shaped pattern of adhesive 30 defines an adhesive-free space 64 that is approximately 55 cm 2 to 62 cm 2 in area.
  • the oval-shaped pattern defines an adhesive-free space 64 of approximately 58.8 cm 2 in area.
  • an edible substance is disposed 13 within the adhesive-free space.
  • An edible substance 70 disposed within the adhesive-free space 64 is illustrated in FIG. 7 .
  • the edible substance 70 may comprise one or more pieces.
  • the edible substance 70 may be disposed anywhere within the adhesive-free space 64 , so long as it remains out of contact with the pattern of adhesive 30 when wrapped. This determination will be dependent upon the size, shape and/or quantity of edible substance 70 disposed within the adhesive-free space 64 .
  • a substantially circular edible substance 70 is disposed in the center of the adhesive-free space 64 .
  • an elongated or irregularly-shaped edible substance or the presence of a plurality of edible substances may require different placement.
  • There are various known approaches to placing an edible substance in such a manner As these approaches are already known in the art, for the sake of brevity, further description here in these regards will not be presented.
  • the edible substance 70 may comprise one or more confectionaries, candies, bon-bons, chocolates, truffles and the like, or any combination thereof.
  • the edible substance 70 comprises a bon-bon (which itself comprises a bite-size sweet morsel that often comprises a fairly rigid shell with a tasty filling).
  • the discrete sheet is manipulated 14 to dispose the discrete sheet about the edible substance.
  • the discrete sheet 20 is schematically separated into an upper portion 80 and a lower portion 83 .
  • the upper portion 80 comprises a top edge 81 and an upper portion of adhesive 82 .
  • the lower portion 83 comprises a bottom edge 84 and a lower portion of adhesive 85 .
  • the top edge 81 is folded about an axis 86 toward the bottom edge 84 , forming a folded edge 87 along the axis 86 , and opposite the top and bottom edges 81 and 84 .
  • the top edge 81 is folded about the axis 86 toward the bottom edge 84 to form the folded edge 87 .
  • the side edges may instead be folded about an axis perpendicular to the axis 86 illustrated in FIG. 8 .
  • the discrete sheet 20 encapsulates the edible substance 70 within the adhesive-free space 64 .
  • the upper and lower portions of adhesive 82 and 85 form an adhesive contact area 90 .
  • the adhesive contact area 90 does not have to become an exact half of the adhesive pattern 30 , i.e., the upper and lower portions of adhesive 82 and 85 do not have to precisely overlap.
  • the edible substance 70 preferably remains in the adhesive-free space 64 and substantially or entirely out of contact with the adhesive contact area 90 .
  • the top edge 81 and the bottom edge 84 may be folded to form an uneven overlap 92 .
  • the uneven overlap 92 creates an excess portion 94 of the discrete sheet 20 that the consumer may more readily grasp and manipulate.
  • the excess portion 94 has a first portion 96 and a second portion 98 .
  • the first and second portions 96 and 98 are each long enough for a consumer to grasp partially with their fingers. By separately grasping the first and second portions 96 and 98 , the consumer may easily peel apart the upper portion of adhesive 82 from the lower portion of adhesive 85 to access the edible substance 70 .
  • the first portion 96 is longer than the second portion 98 to further enable the consumer to firmly grasp the first and second portions, and easily pull apart the upper and lower portions of adhesive 82 and 85 .
  • the excess portion 94 also avoids the need for a tearing aid.
  • a tearing aid such as a notch, tab, or cut, is often added to the wrapper.
  • the tearing aid essentially gives the consumer a starting point to rip open the rest of the wrapper to access the edible substance contained within it. As a result, the consumer cannot save the wrapper or rewrap part or all of the edible substance once the wrapper has been opened.
  • the uneven overlap 92 and excess portion 94 avoid these problems.
  • the adhesive is used to seal 15 the discrete sheet and thereby encapsulate the edible substance within the discrete sheet.
  • the substance is encapsulated through use of a cold-seal adhesive.
  • a seal may be created by applying pressure to the pattern of cold-sealing adhesive 30 in one or more sealing areas, A, B and C. Pressure may be applied through the use of any conventional mechanism, such as a jaw, clamp, pad, fingers, crimper, seal bar, or the like. The pressure applied may vary from about 1 psi to about 35 psi. As one non-limiting illustrative example in these regards, about 20 psi of pressure is applied by a seal bar at room temperature and may typically be applied from about 0.1 seconds to 0.2 seconds.
  • pressure may be applied to each sealing area, A, B, and C as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • pressure may be applied to sealing areas A and B. If desired, and as another example in these regards, pressure is applied only to sealing area C, between the registration marks denoted by reference numerals 100 and 102 .
  • additional areas of adhesive 60 are present, they also will become sealed upon application of pressure, further increasing seal hermeticity and integrity.
  • other means may be used to create a seal. For instance, if a hot-seal adhesive is used, heat will be applied to the sealing areas instead of, or in addition to, pressure.
  • the discrete sheet is twisted 16 in at least one area that includes the adhesive.
  • the areas with adhesive are referred to as twisting areas, and are shown in FIG. 11 as T 1 , T 2 , and T 3 .
  • the discrete sheet 20 is twisted in at least one twisting area. Any one twisting area may be used to form a mono-twist, while twisting areas T 1 and T 3 may used to form a double-twist.
  • the twisting areas utilized relate to which sealing area is employed. For instance, by one approach, a cold-seal adhesive may be applied in a pattern 30 , and pressure applied to sealing area C.
  • twisting area T 2 may no longer be utilized for a twist, Instead, twisting areas T 1 and T 3 may be used to form a double-twist, as shown in FIG. 12 . If second additional areas of adhesive 62 are present, the pressure applied during twisting will create additional sealing areas, thus enhancing the twisting process.
  • the discrete sheet is comprised of a material with dead fold properties.
  • the dead fold characteristics of the discrete sheet 20 also aid in retaining the twisted shape after twisting.
  • the pressure applied during twisting of areas T 1 and T 3 further forms a seal around the edible substance 60 contained within the discrete sheet. The result is the twisted, sealed wrapper 120 of FIG. 12 .
  • the ties 122 may be any closure typically used in the art. This may include the traditional twist tie (i.e., a short length of wire encased in a strip of plastic, paper, or foil), bows, ribbons, or other fasteners.
  • the tie(s) 122 may be looped, knotted, twisted, or otherwise affixed to the mono- or double-twist.
  • the tie(s) 122 may further seal the wrapper, act as an indicator of tampering, be purely decorative, or a combination of one or more of these functions.
  • ties 122 may be affixed to the twists of twisting areas T 1 and T 3 , resulting in a tied, twisted, sealed wrapper 130 of FIG. 13 .
  • a consumer may remove the ties (if present) and untwist the one or more twisted areas. The consumer may then grasp the excess portion and peel apart the adhesive to access the edible substance sealed within the wrapper. The excess portion allows a consumer to easily grasp the wrapper and open it without destroying the wrapper. This in turn allows a consumer to reclose the wrapper, if desired.
  • the adhesive used may aid the opening process and allow a consumer to reclose the wrapper.
  • Certain adhesives are more easily peeled apart than others.
  • certain adhesives and primers may be utilized such that the wrapper may be reclosed after initial opening.
  • a pattern of adhesive 30 is applied to the discrete sheet 20
  • a primer is applied to half of the pattern of adhesive 140 , as shown in FIG. 14 .
  • the primer facilitates a cohesive split when the wrapper is initially opened. A cohesive split results in half of the cold seal adhesive remaining on each side of the flexible film. If and when the wrapper is reclosed, the two halves of adhesive will contact and bind to each other with enough strength to keep the wrapper shut.
  • the apparatus may be configured such that once it has been opened and reclosed, the amount of force required to re-open the apparatus is noticeably less than the initial force. This may be used to indicate to the consumer that tampering may have occurred and the integrity of the edible substance may be compromised.
  • edible substances may be wrapped and offered to consumers such that they closely resemble the traditional packaging look associated with such edible substances.
  • costs are reduced since existing technology may be used, and smaller amounts of adhesive are needed.
  • the hermetic seal created around each individual piece of edible substance improves shelf life while also reducing costs, since non-barrier materials may be used for secondary packaging (i.e., boxes or bags holding the individually wrapped pieces).
  • non-barrier materials may be used for secondary packaging (i.e., boxes or bags holding the individually wrapped pieces).
  • non-barrier materials may be used for secondary packaging (i.e., boxes or bags holding the individually wrapped pieces).
  • an adhesive may be used such that a cohesive split occurs when the wrapper is initially opened.
  • the cohesive nature of the split allows the wrapper to be reclosed. It also may be used as tamper evidence for individually-wrapped pieces. In either case, the consumer may save the wrapper for sentimental or other reasons, or reclose the wrapper after inspecting or consuming part of the edible substance.
  • a continuous sheet or roll of flexible film 150 is provided.
  • a plurality of adhesive patterns 152 may be disposed on the sheet.
  • the plurality of adhesive patterns may be applied in discrete patterns, such that one pattern is not connected to the next.
  • the continuous sheet may be singulated into discrete sheets 154 .
  • Registration marks 156 may also optionally be used as part of the design print to automate and facilitate the singulating process. Singulating may occur before or after the edible substance is disposed within the adhesive-free area. The process may then continue as described above for each singulated, discrete sheet.
  • the pattern of adhesive 30 may be applied as segments 160 , as shown by FIG. 16 .
  • the segmented nature of the adhesive allows a seal to form with a controlled hermeticity. This may be useful in applications where it is desirable to allow a controlled amount of moisture and/or air (and carbon dioxide) to flow in and out of the package.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • General Preparation And Processing Of Foods (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
  • Wrappers (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
US12/408,513 2009-03-20 2009-03-20 Method and apparatus to facilitate encapsulating an edible substance Abandoned US20100239721A1 (en)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/408,513 US20100239721A1 (en) 2009-03-20 2009-03-20 Method and apparatus to facilitate encapsulating an edible substance
BRPI1000101-8A BRPI1000101A2 (pt) 2009-03-20 2010-01-27 aparelho, e, método
PE2010000158A PE20100755A1 (es) 2009-03-20 2010-03-16 Metodo y envoltorio para facilitar la encapsulacion de una sustancia comestible
EP10002793A EP2229819A3 (en) 2009-03-20 2010-03-17 Method and apparatus to facilitate encapsulating an edible substance
CR11322A CR11322A (es) 2009-03-20 2010-03-19 Metodo y aparato para facilitar el encapsulado de una sustancia comestible
MX2010003030A MX2010003030A (es) 2009-03-20 2010-03-19 Metodo y aparato para facilitar la encapsulacion de una sustancia comestible.
CO10033050A CO6260015A1 (es) 2009-03-20 2010-03-19 Metodo y aparato para facilitar la encapsulada de una sustancia
ARP100100900A AR075905A1 (es) 2009-03-20 2010-03-19 Metodo y aparato para facilitar el encapsulamiento de una sustancia comestible.
CL2010000247A CL2010000247A1 (es) 2009-03-20 2010-03-19 Empaque para un comestible, que comprende: una hoja de pelicula flexible sin ayuda para rasgar, partes del adhesivo contactan otras partes del adhesivo para encapsular el comestible, donde el patron es arqueado y la hoja discreta es enroscada en al menos un area que incluye el adhesivo.
RU2010110524/12A RU2449934C2 (ru) 2009-03-20 2010-03-19 Способ и устройство для облегчения обертывания съедобного материала
UY0001032510A UY32510A (es) 2009-03-20 2010-03-22 Método y elementos para facilitar el encapsulado de un producto comestible

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/408,513 US20100239721A1 (en) 2009-03-20 2009-03-20 Method and apparatus to facilitate encapsulating an edible substance

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US20100239721A1 true US20100239721A1 (en) 2010-09-23

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US12/408,513 Abandoned US20100239721A1 (en) 2009-03-20 2009-03-20 Method and apparatus to facilitate encapsulating an edible substance

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US20080159666A1 (en) * 2006-12-29 2008-07-03 Ron Exner Reclosable package
US8389596B2 (en) 2010-02-26 2013-03-05 Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc Low-tack, UV-cured pressure sensitive adhesive suitable for reclosable packages
US8398306B2 (en) 2005-11-07 2013-03-19 Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc Flexible package with internal, resealable closure feature
US20140083055A1 (en) * 2010-06-21 2014-03-27 Solon Filho Rodrigues Apparatus and methods for wrapping food products
US8763890B2 (en) 2010-02-26 2014-07-01 Intercontinental Great Brands Llc Package having an adhesive-based reclosable fastener and methods therefor
US20160355284A1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2016-12-08 Cmfima S.R.L. Product packaging assembly
US9532584B2 (en) 2007-06-29 2017-01-03 Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc Processed cheese without emulsifying salts

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WO2016020841A1 (en) * 2014-08-08 2016-02-11 Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.P.A. Wrapping method
WO2016080926A1 (en) * 2014-11-20 2016-05-26 Yildiz Holding A.Ş. A packaging method for edible products

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8398306B2 (en) 2005-11-07 2013-03-19 Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc Flexible package with internal, resealable closure feature
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US9878827B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2018-01-30 Kraft Foods R&D, Inc. Reclosable package
US8596867B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2013-12-03 Kraft Foods R&D, Inc. Reclosable package
US9096351B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2015-08-04 Kraft Foods R & D, Inc. Reclosable package
US9532584B2 (en) 2007-06-29 2017-01-03 Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc Processed cheese without emulsifying salts
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US8763890B2 (en) 2010-02-26 2014-07-01 Intercontinental Great Brands Llc Package having an adhesive-based reclosable fastener and methods therefor
US9382461B2 (en) 2010-02-26 2016-07-05 Intercontinental Great Brands Llc Low-tack, UV-cured pressure sensitive adhesive suitable for reclosable packages
US8389596B2 (en) 2010-02-26 2013-03-05 Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc Low-tack, UV-cured pressure sensitive adhesive suitable for reclosable packages
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US20140083055A1 (en) * 2010-06-21 2014-03-27 Solon Filho Rodrigues Apparatus and methods for wrapping food products
US20160355284A1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2016-12-08 Cmfima S.R.L. Product packaging assembly
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MX2010003030A (es) 2010-09-30
AR075905A1 (es) 2011-05-04
PE20100755A1 (es) 2010-11-12
EP2229819A3 (en) 2010-09-29
UY32510A (es) 2010-10-29
EP2229819A2 (en) 2010-09-22
CR11322A (es) 2012-07-05
RU2010110524A (ru) 2011-09-27
RU2449934C2 (ru) 2012-05-10
CO6260015A1 (es) 2011-03-22
CL2010000247A1 (es) 2011-03-11
BRPI1000101A2 (pt) 2011-03-29

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