US20200346832A1 - Dishware Unit and Method for Sealing Partially Prepared Meals - Google Patents

Dishware Unit and Method for Sealing Partially Prepared Meals Download PDF

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Publication number
US20200346832A1
US20200346832A1 US16/963,068 US201916963068A US2020346832A1 US 20200346832 A1 US20200346832 A1 US 20200346832A1 US 201916963068 A US201916963068 A US 201916963068A US 2020346832 A1 US2020346832 A1 US 2020346832A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
film
tray unit
adhesive
unit according
surface tension
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.)
Pending
Application number
US16/963,068
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English (en)
Inventor
Martin Eilerts
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.)
MChef GmbH and Co KG
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MChef GmbH and Co KG
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Publication date
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Assigned to MCHEF GMBH & CO. KG reassignment MCHEF GMBH & CO. KG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: Eilerts, Martin
Publication of US20200346832A1 publication Critical patent/US20200346832A1/en
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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
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/34—Trays or like shallow containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/001—Packaging other articles presenting special problems of foodstuffs, combined with their conservation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65B31/025—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65B31/028—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers closed by a lid sealed to the upper rim of the container, e.g. tray-like container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
    • B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
    • B65B7/2871—Securing closures on containers by gluing
    • 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
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
    • B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
    • 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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
    • B65D81/2015—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum in an at least partially rigid container
    • 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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65D81/2069—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere
    • B65D81/2076—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere in an at least partially rigid container

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tray unit, and particularly to a dish, for the packaging, transport, and/or consumption of foods, wherein the tray unit has a body covered with a film and wherein an adhesive (an adhering hot-melt adhesive) for sealing the tray unit is present between the film and the body.
  • an adhesive an adhering hot-melt adhesive
  • Tray units and methods for sealing tray units with foods arranged thereon are known in the state of the art.
  • document DE 691 00 484 T2 discloses a method to provide a container with an edge made of a material that can be hot formed and weld this edge to the closure cover.
  • Document EP 2 886 329 A1 discloses a packaging with a bowl and a cover film.
  • the bowl has a polyester layer adjacent to the cover sheet and the cover sheet has a sealing layer of a polymeric base substance adjacent to the bowl.
  • the cover film can be subjected to corona treatment.
  • the objective of the present invention is to provide a tray unit and a method for sealing, whereby high-quality foods, as well as top-quality foods, and foods that are at least partially prepared at least in part can be housed, preserved, and transported, and/or consumed.
  • the foods arranged on the tray unit can be components of a part of a meal.
  • a tray unit according to the invention is particularly configured as a dish and is used for the packaging, transport, and/or consumption of foods. Furthermore, the tray unit can also be used for preparing and/or elaborating foods or components, for example, of a part of a meal.
  • the tray unit comprises a particularly temperature-resistant body.
  • the body is covered with a film.
  • An adhesive for sealing the tray unit is present between the film and the body in an adhesive region.
  • the film and the tray unit (particularly the dish) have a surface tension such that the adhesive adheres at least predominantly on the film upon removing the film.
  • the adhesive used must have a specific adhesion.
  • the surface tension of the lower side of the film is set at least in the adhesive region in the film such that the surface tension in the film is greater than the surface tension in the adhesive region in the body.
  • the surface tension on the lower side of the film is preferably greater than 42 mN/m (also dyn/cm) and the surface tension in the adhesive region of the tray unit is preferably 41 mN/m or less, for example.
  • the adhesive adheres at least predominantly on the film upon removing the film must be understood in the sense of the present invention to mean that at least 90% or at least 95% of the mass of the adhesive remains adhered to the film upon removing the film. Particularly, at least 99% of the mass of the adhesive remains on the film upon removing the film.
  • the tray unit according to the invention has many advantages.
  • a considerable advantage consists of the ability to finish preparing the foods directly or to make the foods directly available for consumption when an additional preparation is not required after removing the film from the tray unit.
  • the film for sealing the tray unit can thereby be removed without special precautionary measures or without any particular effort, without unsightly residues of the adhesive remaining on the tray unit.
  • a visually pleasing general impression is also thereby achieved.
  • the body has at least one base section and at least one edge section.
  • the adhesive region is configured in the edge section.
  • the base section is used for housing at least one food. It is also possible for not only one base section but rather several base sections to be envisaged or configured in the body.
  • a second base section or an independent base section which is used for housing an independent container or an independent bowl such as, for example, a small dispenser for sauce or for other foods or ingredients, can be envisaged.
  • at least one edge section runs around the body and thereby completely surrounds a central region of the body.
  • the adhesive region or at least one adhesive region to extend completely around the body.
  • At least one base section is entirely surrounded by a continuous adhesive region, such that a complete and secure sealing of the foods in the tray unit can be assured.
  • the adhesive should form a closed ring after being applied on the body given that, otherwise, a mixture of protective gases added below the film may leak out, for example.
  • the edge section is raised at least in the adhesive region with respect to the base section.
  • An edge section of this type facilitates gripping the tray unit or the dish, as well as placing it on a table or in a cooking appliance.
  • a raised edge section in the adhesive region can also facilitate the application of adhesive in the adhesive region when the adhesive is applied by means of rollers or the like, for example.
  • the body presents an application surface for the adhesive provided by the adhesive region.
  • An application surface of this type can be configured, for example, in a raised area extending along the adhesive region.
  • the application surface preferably has defined dimensions and may particularly have a width of between 1.5 mm and 10 mm, and particularly between about 2 and 6 mm. A width of about 3 or 4 mm (+/ ⁇ 2 mm) is possible, for example.
  • the body has in total a width of between 10 cm and 25 cm and a length of between 20 cm and 38 cm. In preferred configurations, it can have a width of between 15 cm and 20 cm and a length of between 25 cm and 35 cm.
  • the dimensions of the body are adapted to the dimensions of the cooking appliance, and in this regard, particularly to the cooking space of the cooking appliance, such that the cooking space can house a predetermined number of tray units without large intermediate spaces (of more than 2 cm or 3 cm) being produced and thereby wasting space for housing the tray units.
  • a cooking appliance having dimensions for housing the products to be cooked that measure 42 . 5 cm wide and 35 .
  • tray units can preferably be placed side by side on the holder for holding the products to be cooked, wherein on one hand, there will still be enough space for handling the tray units, and on the other, not much intermediate space will be wasted.
  • the measurements of the tray unit should be chosen such that when placing the highest possible number of tray units on a holder for holding the products to be cooked at least 10% or 20% and no more than 30% or 40% of the holder for holding the products to be cooked remain free.
  • the body is made at least partially, and particularly at least essentially or completely, of a ceramic-type material.
  • the body is made at least partially or essentially or completely of magnesium oxide.
  • Tray units made of a ceramic-type material and/or magnesium oxide can be produced in many different forms and are suitable for the preparation and consumption of foods due to their nature.
  • Magnesium oxide-based tray units are more lightweight than conventional porcelain while still being equally impact resistant. Such tray units are therefore particularly suitable for regular as well as professional use, for transport, and for multiple use.
  • the body is essentially designed to be rectangular or polygonal.
  • at least one corner preferably, it is possible for at least one corner to have a rounded design. Rectangular or essentially rectangular configurations allow a high packing density.
  • the film for covering (and sealing) the foods in the tray unit is preferably made of a plastic material and has a thickness of between 50 ⁇ m and 150 ⁇ m.
  • the film is made at least partially, or in particular, completely of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • the lower side of the film is attached to the body of the tray unit.
  • the surface tension on the lower side of the film is modified by means of at least one surface treatment.
  • the upper side of the film is also possible for the upper side of the film to be subjected to a surface treatment or the like.
  • at least a part of the lower side of the film is surface treated by means of a corona treatment. In the corona treatment, the film is generally exposed to a high-voltage electric discharge. If only one side of the film is treated, then the film can be supported on a polished roller, for example, whereas on the other side of the film an electrode is arranged.
  • a high-frequency generator with an AC voltage between about 10 and 20 kV and a frequency between 10 and 60 kHz is generally used. Other voltage ranges and frequency ranges also are possible for the treatment.
  • the desired surface tension of the film is set by means of a targeted setting of the type, the intensity, and the duration of the surface treatment (set, for example, by means of the film forward movement speed).
  • At least one food is arranged in the body and covered by the film.
  • the intermediate space between the body and the food preferably presents a partial vacuum.
  • a vacuum is generated in the range between about 100 mbar and 400 mbar.
  • a partial vacuum between about 200 mbar and 300 mbar is even more advantageous.
  • a gas mixture is present in the intermediate space.
  • the composition of the gas mixture depends on the sealed food given that, for example, meat components require another oxygen content (to maintain the red color of meat) which is not required in foods that do not contain meat (for example, vegetarian dishes or deserts).
  • the gas mixture is made up of more than 50% CO 2 , and preferably more than 10% N 2 , and particularly less than 20%, and preferably less than 10% O 2 .
  • the percentage of oxygen is further reduced to 7%, 6%, or 5%.
  • the amount of nitrogen is preferably between 15% and 25% and the percentage of carbon dioxide is preferably more than 60 or even 70%. In a specific configuration, a gas mixture of about 75% carbon dioxide and 20% nitrogen and 5% oxygen is used.
  • Configurations of this type are highly advantageous because by means of the high percentage of inert gases, the reaction and aging of foods is greatly prevented or delayed.
  • An additional advantage is that by means of the percentage of oxygen, a visible discoloration of beef, for example, which tends to adopt a grayish surface when the environment no longer contains oxygen, is prevented.
  • the percentage of oxygen in the gas mixture is greater than 2% and particularly between 3% and 10%.
  • the film protruding out from the body is cut in a contactless manner.
  • a method referred to as a “out-CUT-method”, in which the film is cut away very close to the body with a blade, can therefore be used, for example.
  • a sealed tray unit that gives a visually appealing impression is also thereby obtained.
  • the adhesive is applied with an adhesive application machine comprising nozzles and/or stationary elements such as, for example, scrapers, and/or rotary elements such as rollers, for example.
  • the tray unit is guided by means of, for example, transport rollers particularly with a silicone coating in particular through the adhesive application machine, where the adhesive is applied while the tray unit is being continuously transported.
  • the adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive.
  • the adhesive is a polyolefin-based adhering hot-melt adhesive.
  • the adhesive has a viscosity greater than 1500 millipascal-seconds at 160° C. The viscosity can reach or exceed about 2200 millipascal-seconds at 160° C., for example.
  • the method according to the invention is used for sealing at least partially prepared foods, with the foods being positioned on a tray unit and covered with a film.
  • an adhesive is applied and a film is adhered thereto in an adhesive region of the tray unit.
  • the surface tension of the film and/or the tray unit is influenced such that the adhesive remains adhered at least predominantly on the film when tearing the film off.
  • the adhesive adheres largely and particularly for the most part, and in a particularly preferred manner almost completely or completely, on the film.
  • partially prepared foods can be advantageously sealed at least partially in a tray unit.
  • the lower side of the film to be adhered to the tray unit is at least partially surface treated to increase the surface tension of the lower side of the film.
  • at least one adhesive is applied to the adhesive region of the tray unit (or the film) by means of rolling, wiping, scraping, and/or spraying.
  • a partial vacuum is generated in an intermediate space between the tray unit and the film and/or an at least partial gas exchange is performed in the intermediate space between the tray unit.
  • a gas exchange of this type should be performed before adhering the film.
  • the gas exchange is performed before a vacuum is generated in the intermediate space between the tray unit and the film.
  • Other embodiments can also be conceived.
  • At least one inert gas is preferably supplied to the intermediate space between the tray unit and the film.
  • An inert gas of this type may be or may contain particularly carbon dioxide.
  • Noble gases can also be supplied to a lesser or greater extent as an inert gas.
  • FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a tray unit and a perspective depiction of two tray units in a cooking appliance
  • FIG. 2 shows a highly schematic cross-section through a tray unit
  • FIG. 3 shows a plan view of another tray unit
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic section through the tray units according to FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic depiction of a tray unit in an adhesive application machine
  • FIG. 6 shows a highly schematic depiction of a tray unit with foods positioned thereon while covering with a film
  • FIG. 7 shows a highly schematic depiction of a tray unit with foods arranged thereon, sealed with a film
  • FIG. 8 shows a highly schematic depiction of a sealing device for packaging a tray unit with foods arranged thereon in a first position
  • FIG. 9 shows the sealing device according to FIG. 8 in a second position.
  • FIG. 1 shows a highly schematic plan view of a tray unit 1 which is configured as a rectangular dish and comprises a body 2 .
  • the body has a base section 3 and an edge section 4 which, in this case, comprises a total of four edge segments in the longitudinal and transverse borders.
  • the edge section 4 laterally demarcates the base section 3 .
  • the base section provides a space sufficient for several foods 30 which can be a component of a part of a meal, for example. It is possible for part of a complete meal to be placed in the tray unit 1 . Of these foods, at least some can be partially prepared, i.e. at least partially precooked. All the components of a dish may have the same aggregate state, however, the components in different dishes may also have different aggregate states. In that sense, for example, a first tray unit may also contain deep-frozen foods and another tray unit may only contain foods with refrigerated components.
  • the tray unit 1 has a tray width 5 of about 17 cm and a tray length 6 of about 33 cm.
  • the outer dimensions of the tray unit 1 are adapted to the inner dimensions of a cooking level 102 of a cooking space 101 of a cooking appliance 100 .
  • two tray units 1 can be located at the same time at the cooking level 102 of the cooking appliance 100 .
  • Two or preferably four tray units 1 can therefore be housed at the same time (at two cooking levels).
  • the width 105 of the cooking space is about more than twice the width 5 of the tray unit and/or the length 106 of the cooking space is about more than twice the length 6 of a tray unit.
  • the tray units should fill a cooking level 102 of the cooking space 101 as completely as possible, but also still leave a smaller intermediate space with respect to one another and with respect to the cooking space walls. This therefore makes it easier for operator to easily remove the individual tray units. It is particularly advantageous when the intermediate space between and around the tray units is 10% to 40%, and particularly 20% to 40%, of the surface of the cooking level.
  • the cooking appliance 100 has at least one high-frequency heat source 103 the irradiated frequency of which can be modified in a controlled manner during operation.
  • at least two antennas (not depicted) irradiate high-frequency energy and the irradiated frequencies of the high-frequency heat sources 103 and the phases thereof can be modified depending on the measured scattering parameters.
  • Specific regions and/or components or foods 30 in the tray units 1 can therefore be cooked or regenerated in a targeted manner, whereas other foods 30 remain almost or completely free from the influence of the high-frequency heat source 103 due to their composition and/or consistency.
  • two or more foods arranged on the tray units can be accordingly regenerated and/or fully cooked at the same time. This therefore reduces the number of cooking appliances that are required at the same time when the final preparation of a food for a group of people should be performed at the same time.
  • the cooking appliance 100 in addition to the high-frequency heat source 103 , to further have additional heat sources, such as those used in conventional cooking appliances.
  • FIG. 2 shows a highly schematic cross-section of a tray unit 1 .
  • the body 2 of the tray unit 1 has a base section 3 and an edge section 4 in which, in this case, the edge section 4 comprises an oblique region and a horizontal region attached thereto which is oriented essentially parallel to the base section 3 .
  • the oblique region has an angle 7 which is, for example, between 10 and 45°.
  • the edge section can also be rounded or angled. It is possible for a decorative edge having, for example, a circumferential pattern, to also be configured in the edge section 4 .
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 show a plan view and a cross-section of a specific embodiment of a tray unit 1 .
  • the tray unit 1 is essentially configured as a rectangle and has rounded corners.
  • the body 2 of the tray unit 1 comprises a large base section 3 occupying an essential part (>50% or >75%) of the surface of the body 2 .
  • An edge section 4 which is used for gripping the tray unit 1 and also for holding the film 15 , surrounds the base section 3 .
  • a sauce can be housed in the container 24 , for example, or other components can be positioned therein.
  • the outer edge 9 forms the gripping edge for gripping the tray unit.
  • the adhesive region 8 is provided on an application surface 18 which, in this case, is formed by means of a raised area 19 in the edge section 4 .
  • the raised area 19 with the adhesive region 8 is configured such that it is circumferential to and surrounds the base section 3 in its entirety. A reliable sealing of the foods 30 in the tray unit 1 can thereby be assured.
  • FIG. 5 shows a highly schematic depiction of an adhesive application machine 20 through which the tray units 1 pass in the through-feed method and are provided with an adhesive coating.
  • nozzles 26 and/or scrapers 27 but preferably a rotary roller 28 can be used, where an adhesive or a sealing material 21 is supplied thereto by means of a storage container 31 with an adhesive store 33 .
  • the roller has a relief structure to enable picking up the adhesive better.
  • the transport rollers 32 transporting the tray unit in relation to the roller 28 may have a silicone coating or the like, from which the adhesive that may be located thereon can easily be removed.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 show different tray units 1 when the film 15 is adhered on the adhesive region 8 of the tray units 1 , in which FIG. 6 depicts the state before sealing the film 15 and FIG. 7 shows the state after generating the partial vacuum and sealing the film 15 .
  • the tray unit 1 depicted in FIG. 6 in which different foods 30 are arranged, is in principle already covered with a film 15 .
  • the film 15 is shown before generating the partial vacuum.
  • the size of the film is adapted to the dimensions of the tray unit 1 .
  • the film is made of PET and may particularly have a thickness of 75, 85, or 100 ⁇ m.
  • the partial vacuum is generated in the intermediate space 16 between the film and the body 2 to achieve a longer shelf life by means of less oxygen in the sealed inner space. Furthermore, protection against the sliding of the individual foods 30 in the dish 1 is achieved.
  • at least 20% of the volume of air is removed from the intermediate space 16 , which is obtained by directly covering the foods 30 with the film 15 .
  • the vacuum is not generated in at least 5% or at least 10% of the volume of the intermediate space, such that an amount of residual air or particularly a gas mixture remains in the intermediate space 16 .
  • the pressure exerted by the film may lead to excessive deformation of the individual foods 30 , so the foods or the meal arranged therein may lose quality in terms of their appearance and/or taste.
  • sealing adheresion
  • the components or foods 30 are housed in a more protected manner without using a film 15 , given that the volume of oxygen is limited in the intermediate space 16 .
  • the foods 30 are supported. Overturning and sliding during transport or insertion in the cooking appliance 100 are thereby prevented.
  • an additional protection is achieved because before or after generating the partial vacuum, the air is replaced with a particular gas mixture containing a much smaller amount of oxygen. In this case, it is still important for the packaging machine, before performing sealing and supplying the protective gas, to contain therein a clean atmosphere, given that the exchange of the atmosphere that is predominant up until that time in the packaging machine must be performed.
  • FIG. 7 shows a tray unit 1 with a film 15 , in which the partial vacuum was generated in the intermediate space 16 and air or gas was therefore partially removed from the intermediate space 16 .
  • the sealing material or the adhesive 21 is also illustrated on the surface of the edge section 4 in the adhesive region 8 .
  • the gas mixture at least in the intermediate space 16 is modified. This can be performed, for example, by means of supplying inert gas components.
  • the exchange of the gas or gas mixture present in the region of the foods is preferably performed before generating the partial vacuum.
  • a considerable carbon dioxide component is preferably supplied.
  • a gas mixture of this type is supplied, such that with a partial vacuum between about 60% and 85% carbon dioxide, and between 10% and 30% nitrogen, and between 3% and about 10% oxygen are ultimately located in the intermediate space 16 .
  • a composition of about 75% carbon dioxide and about 20% nitrogen and about 5% oxygen has been proven to be advantageous.
  • the percentage of oxygen is preferably at least 2%, and particularly between 3% and 8%, or 10%. Too small of an oxygen percentage can lead to unsightly discolorations of the foods (beef), so a visually unappealing impression is generated. The quality of the foods can also be affected.
  • FIG. 7 shows a blade 29 with which the film section protruding out from the edge of the body 2 can be removed without the blade 29 touching the body 2 of the tray unit 1 .
  • the film 15 is first removed before completely cooking or tempering the (partially prepared) foods 30 in the cooking appliance 100 .
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 show a sealing device or sealing machine 200 for sealing a tray unit 1 or the foods 30 arranged thereon.
  • the tray unit is suitably positioned in a housing space 206 of the sealing machine 200 or, for example, moves automatically entering the housing space 206 .
  • the base section 3 of the body 2 of the tray unit 1 there are positioned components or foods 30 to be covered by means of the film 15 .
  • the individual foods 30 can together form a part of a meal.
  • the partial vacuum shall be generated in the intermediate space 16 between the film 15 and the foods 30 or the base section 3 .
  • a suction device 202 is used.
  • the film 15 is supplied by means of a film supplying unit 201 and it is then sized or was already suitably sized beforehand.
  • a blowing device that is not depicted, air or another gas mixture is blown between the tray unit 1 and the film 15 , and the film 15 is then lowered onto the tray unit 1 with the foods positioned thereon.
  • the sealing tool 204 of the sealing machine 200 moves downwards and presses the film 15 , in this case in the embodiment, onto the adhesive region 8 of the edge section 4 . Pressing the film onto the sealing material or the adhesive in the adhesive region 8 can also be performed by means of air pressure or gas pressure.
  • the film 15 was heated by means of a tempering device that is not individually depicted, such that it can be more readily expanded.
  • FIG. 9 shows the sealing machine 200 in a second position in which the sealing tool 204 has almost reached the edge section 4 or the adhesive region 8 of the tray unit 1 .
  • the film 15 is thereby placed at least in sections on the adhesive region 8 and on the top parts of the foods 30 and covers same.
  • the gas mixture is suctioned out of the housing space 206 , and thereby also out of the intermediate space 16 between the film 15 and the tray unit 1 , by means of the suction device 202 .
  • pressure control is performed by means of a pressure gauge 203 which, by means of the supply conduit of the suction device 202 , records a measurement for a space inside the intermediate space 16 .
  • the pressure sensor is not located in the intermediate space 16 between the film and the body of the tray unit 1 .
  • a partial vacuum is generated, whereby the degree of vacuum also depends on the foods to be packaged or their components.
  • the parameters to be set in the packaging machine (among others, the sealing time, the sealing temperature, the amount of pressure in mbar) are different for each dish.
  • the fragility of the respective food products requires an adapted partial vacuum, for example.
  • the tray units 1 with the components found therein are stored, refrigerated, or even deep-frozen according to requirements. It is important for deep-freezing not to be performed until after sealing to prevent condensation on the film 15 .
  • the tray unit 1 can then be arranged inside an outer packaging in which more units can also be housed.
  • the inner space of the sealing machine 200 can first be filled with the desired gas mixture, such that the intermediate space 16 is also filled with the desired gas mixture.
  • the partial vacuum can then be generated, such that the volume of the intermediate space 16 is provided with the desired gas mixture.
  • a tray unit 1 which is preferably made of magnesium oxide porcelain is provided.
  • the tray unit is particularly made as a dish and preferably has a total length of about 330 mm (+/ ⁇ 15 mm) and a total width of 170 mm (+/ ⁇ 15 mm).
  • the tray unit 1 is particularly suitable for the insertion and transport of the dish packaged with the film in standardized Gastronorm food containers.
  • at least one additional container can be positioned in the tray unit.
  • a small dispenser or the like which is suitable for being filled with a sauce or small side dish components and the like, can be provided.
  • the exact positioning of the container is predefined by means of an independent base section of corresponding size.
  • An independent base section of this type also furthermore provides a defined distance of a container of this type with respect to the edge section 4 , which is advantageous for the sealing process.
  • an adhering hot-melt adhesive which provides an adhesive region 8 particularly on a raised area 19 or in the edge section 4 is used.
  • the adhesive region 8 is configured circumferential and continuously and is designed particularly with rounded corners, such that the adhesive as a sealing material may be applied uniformly and with sealing capacity.
  • the adhesive to be used preferably has a high stability and particularly a viscosity of at least 1500 millipascal-seconds with an application temperature of about 180°. Otherwise, the adhesive is suitable for contact with food products.
  • the dish can also be configured without a decorative border.
  • a PET film which is also particularly suitable for contact with food products, is provided for sealing the foods and/or at least partially prepared meal components.
  • the later preparation of the foods in a cooking appliance entails the removal of the film 15 before preparation. It is thereby assured that upon the removal of the film 15 a large part or especially largest part or complete removal of the adhering hot-melt adhesive can be warranted. Surface residues of the adhesive remaining, for example, on the edge of the dish would constitute a drawback and would be unfavorable during use.
  • the film has a correspondingly adapted surface tension of at least 38 mN/m, and particularly 42 or 43 or 44 mN/m.
  • the surface tension of the film used is greater than the surface tension of the dish.
  • at least the lower side of the PET film used is treated, at least in sections, by means of a surface treatment.
  • a corona treatment is performed.
  • the side facing the food product is subjected to the surface treatment.
  • the dose to be added in the corona treatment is the specific electric energy input in the continuous band of film.
  • the adhesive behaves in such a way that it always tends towards the higher surface tension.
  • the sizing of the corona treatment must be adjusted at most to the level required for optimally generating a subsequent adhesion of the food product thus covered on the lower side of the PET film as much as possible.
  • the adhesive is applied on the tray unit 1 with an adhesive application machine, in which the adhesive application machine can have stationary elements as well as rotary elements, as well as nozzles.
  • a rotary element is considered including a shearing effect to prevent crumb formation.
  • the application of the adhering hot-melt adhesive is preferably performed with a clearly specified amount and temperature.
  • the tool does not touch the tray unit 1 when pressing the film in the sealing process.
  • the pressure can be generated by means of gas pressure, whereby a gas mixture is blown on the film. This prevents the dish from being damaged.
  • the invention provides an advantageous tray unit with foods which are arranged in the body and covered by means of a film and an advantageous sealing method.
US16/963,068 2018-01-19 2019-01-16 Dishware Unit and Method for Sealing Partially Prepared Meals Pending US20200346832A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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DE102018000407.5 2018-01-19
DE102018000407.5A DE102018000407A1 (de) 2018-01-19 2018-01-19 Geschirreinheit und Verfahren zum Versiegeln von teilzubereiteten Speisen
PCT/EP2019/000015 WO2019141506A1 (de) 2018-01-19 2019-01-16 Geschirreinheit und verfahren zum versiegeln von teilzubereiteten speisen

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EP (1) EP3740440B1 (zh)
CN (1) CN111629978B (zh)
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ES (1) ES2913829T3 (zh)
WO (1) WO2019141506A1 (zh)

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ES2913829T3 (es) 2022-06-06
WO2019141506A1 (de) 2019-07-25
CN111629978B (zh) 2022-07-22
CN111629978A (zh) 2020-09-04
DE102018000407A1 (de) 2019-07-25
RU2020123042A3 (zh) 2022-02-21
RU2020123042A (ru) 2022-02-21
EP3740440A1 (de) 2020-11-25
EP3740440B1 (de) 2022-04-20

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