US20220402679A1 - Package configured to hold products and having active member attached to an interior surface thereof, and method of making same - Google Patents

Package configured to hold products and having active member attached to an interior surface thereof, and method of making same Download PDF

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Publication number
US20220402679A1
US20220402679A1 US17/660,129 US202117660129A US2022402679A1 US 20220402679 A1 US20220402679 A1 US 20220402679A1 US 202117660129 A US202117660129 A US 202117660129A US 2022402679 A1 US2022402679 A1 US 2022402679A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
pouch
stand
film
canceled
absorbent
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Abandoned
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US17/660,129
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English (en)
Inventor
Neal Watson
Michael Johnston
Terrence Green
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CSP Technologies Inc
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CSP Technologies Inc
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Priority to US17/660,129 priority Critical patent/US20220402679A1/en
Assigned to MAXWELL CHASE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC reassignment MAXWELL CHASE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GREEN, TERRENCE, JOHNSTON, MICHAEL, WATSON, Neal
Assigned to CSP TECHNOLOGIES, INC. reassignment CSP TECHNOLOGIES, INC. MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CSP TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MAXWELL CHASE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Publication of US20220402679A1 publication Critical patent/US20220402679A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
    • B65D81/264—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing liquids
    • 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
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • 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
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/06—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
    • 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
    • B65D75/008—Standing pouches, i.e. "Standbeutel"
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
    • B65D81/266—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants
    • B65D81/267—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants the absorber being in sheet form
    • 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
    • B65B25/06—Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products
    • B65B25/061—Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products of fish
    • 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
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/20—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents
    • 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
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • 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
    • B65D2575/00—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
    • B65D2575/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by association or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D2575/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D2575/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D2575/3209—Details
    • 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
    • B65D2575/00—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
    • B65D2575/52—Details
    • B65D2575/54—Cards, coupons, or other inserts or accessories

Definitions

  • the presently disclosed technology relates generally to packages for containing product, such as, but not limited to, liquid-exuding product, foodstuff, and/or other (e.g., perishable) product.
  • the presently disclosed technology relates to a stand-up pouch having an absorbent layer attached to or integrally formed with or onto an inside of the pouch, such as at a bottom of the pouch.
  • Stand-up pouches are known to hold a variety of items, such as soap, certain foodstuff (e.g., pretzels), or items that may include purge (also known as “liquid-exuding product”), such as, but not limited to, fresh cut fruit, frozen or fresh seafood or poultry products.
  • items such as soap, certain foodstuff (e.g., pretzels), or items that may include purge (also known as “liquid-exuding product”), such as, but not limited to, fresh cut fruit, frozen or fresh seafood or poultry products.
  • prior art pouches can be produced or formed from a single piece of film, which is folded and sealed upon itself, such as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0161174, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • One current manufacturer of such pouches is AQUA STAR® of Seattle, Wash.
  • these prior art pouches can be produced by attaching two or more pieces of film, for example where during manufacturing a bottom piece or sheet is moved transversely into a path of one or more other pieces or sheets, and then the various pieces or sheets are attached.
  • Conventional pouches are produced without an absorbent integrated into or otherwise attached to the pouch. Instead, in instances of holding liquid-exuding product in prior art pouches, one or more absorbent pads are added or inserted to the interior of the completed pouch (loosely) after the pouch is formed and at the time or shortly before the pouch is filled with product. Such conventional pads are not fixed to the pouch, but can move inside the pouch.
  • an absorbent pad to prior art pouches can be relatively expensive, and is an extra step required during assembly or filling of the pouch. Further, the absorbent may not stay positioned in the desired location within the pouch, and has the potential to be useless or at least less effective if it moves (e.g., away from the bottom or if the pouch is titled) during transport or while being stocked on a shelf. In addition, such loose pads can undesirably mix in or be mistaken form other contents (e.g., foodstuff) of the pouch.
  • a stand-up pouch to include an active member (e.g., including an absorbent, a releasing agent, an antimicrobial agent, a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, and/or the like) fixed or adhered to the film of the pouch before the film is folded, sealed, and/or created into the final shape of the pouch.
  • an active member e.g., including an absorbent, a releasing agent, an antimicrobial agent, a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, and/or the like
  • the presently disclosed technology makes-up for the above and other drawbacks of the prior art, and accomplishes the above and other goals.
  • the presently disclosed technology ensures that the active member (e.g., an absorbent) will always be located in a predetermined location (e.g., at the bottom of the pouch) and will substantially or entirely absorb the free liquid of the contents of the product.
  • the individual or entity filling the pouch with product will not have to add a separate absorbent, for example, during the packaging of the product.
  • the presently disclosed technology is directed to a single-use, stand-up pouch formed of one or more sheets of film that are folded, sealed, and/or attached into a final shape of a pouch.
  • the pouch optionally includes an active member attached, fixed, and/or formed integrally with or onto an interior surface of a bottom of the pouch.
  • the active member is thermally bonded, e.g., heat staked, thermoplastic staked, welded, or otherwise fixed or adhered (e.g., glued) to the interior surface of the bottom of the pouch.
  • one method according to the presently disclosed technology includes heat staking an absorbent to a flat sheet of film and then folding the sheet of film into the shape of a pouch, such that the absorbent is located on an interior surface of a bottom of the pouch.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package according to one optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of at least a portion of a sheet of film, which can be folded, sealed, and/or added to one or more other pieces or sheets of film to form the package of FIG. 1 , and an active member according to one optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;
  • FIG. 3 is a magnified cross-sectional elevation view of at least a portion of the film and active member shown in FIG. 2 , where the portion of the package is shown in an unfolded and/or unsealed form, and where the cross-section is taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2
  • FIG. 4 is gusseted bottom pouch-making machine according to the prior art
  • FIG. 5 is a view of a portion of a gusseted bottom pouch-making machine according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology
  • FIG. 6 is a portion of a flat bottom pouch-making machine according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology
  • FIG. 7 is another portion of a flat bottom pouch-making machine according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.
  • FIG. 8 is another portion of a flat bottom pouch-making machine according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.
  • liquid-exuding product is broadly defined herein to include any product or products (e.g., foodstuff) from which moisture or liquid (e.g., oil and/or water) can (a) be emitted (such as meats, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables and the like), and/or (b) form on, adhere to, and/or release from depending upon the particular environment or atmosphere (e.g., due to the dew point temperature).
  • moisture or liquid e.g., oil and/or water
  • Thermoplastic staking (sometimes referred to herein as “thermoforming” or “thermostaking”) or heat staking is a process that uses heat to deform a plastic boss.
  • a plastic stud protruding from one component fits into a hole in the second component. The stud can then be deformed through the softening of the plastic to form a head, which can mechanically lock the two components together.
  • Heat staking is a versatile technique that is quick, economical and consistent. Staking has the ability to join plastics to other materials (e.g. metal, PCB's) in addition to joining like or dissimilar plastics.
  • a package of the presently disclosed technology can be in the form of a pouch, such as a stand-up pouch or a pouch without a defined shape.
  • An active member e.g., an absorbent
  • An absorbent can be provided on, optionally fixedly attached to, or integrally formed with or onto at least a portion (e.g., an interior surface of a bottom) of the package.
  • the presently disclosed technology is directed to a process or method to ensure that the liquid exuding from a product within the package is absorbed by an absorbent within the package.
  • FIG. 1 shows a package, generally designated 10 , which can be used according to an aspect of the disclosed concept.
  • the package 10 can be formed by or from a single sheet of film 12 , or two or more separate pieces of the film 12 .
  • One side 13 a e.g., bottom and/or exterior side
  • the film 12 can optionally include indicia or advertisement(s) 14 (e.g., such as in the form of a separate label or writing directly on the film 12 ).
  • a second or opposing side 13 b e.g., top and/or interior side
  • the film 12 can optionally be devoid of any indicia or advertisement.
  • the film 12 can be rolled, folded, manipulated, cut, and/or at least partially or completely sealed to form a pouch.
  • the package 10 can be formed from two or more distinct pieces of film 12 , which can be attached or adhered at distinct forms to create the desired shape of the pouch.
  • the film 12 is not limited to a particular type or style, and can be clear, transparent, translucent, opaque, or the like.
  • the final form of the package 10 can be a stand-up pouch (e.g., in which the pouch can stand-up under its own strength with the bottom thereof facing the support surface), such as shown in FIG. 1 , or the package 10 can have an undefined shape (e.g., a frozen bag of corn or peas).
  • an active member 16 can be attached to the opposing side 13 b of the film.
  • the active member 16 is located at or proximate to a bottom of the pouch (e.g., opposite the opening to a cavity formed by the pouch).
  • the active member 16 can be attached to the film 12 by heat staking, for example, or by other means, such as thermoforming, adhesive, one or more fasteners, and/or the like.
  • the active member 16 can be an absorbent.
  • the active member 16 can be an entrained material or polymer includes a base material (e.g., polymer) for providing structure, optionally a channeling agent, and an active agent.
  • a base material e.g., polymer
  • an active member can also consist of a base material and an active agent, without a channeling agent.
  • the channeling agent ca form microscopic interconnecting channels through the entrained polymer.
  • the active member 16 can be or include a releasing agent, an antimicrobial agent, a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, and/or the like.
  • the active member 16 can be in the form of or include a pad.
  • a porous material that can include, house, or at least partially surround the absorbent material (e.g., powder), or can retain the absorbent material in or more reservoirs in the porous material.
  • the pad can include a nonwoven.
  • the pad can be attached to the sheet of film 12 by placing a heating element above the pad (e.g., nonwoven).
  • the nonwoven can optionally include a sheath core of polypropylene (PP)-polyethylene (PE) composition.
  • PP polypropylene
  • PE polyethylene
  • the pad with absorbent material e.g., powder
  • a dispenser could dispense loose granules of absorbent onto the film 12 and then a nonwoven can be heat staked on top of the loose granules, thereby holding the loose granules in place with respect to a portion of the film 12 .
  • the nonwoven includes or is composed of polyethylene terephthalates and polyethylene in a sheath and core configuration, thereby allowing the nonwoven to be heat sealed to the film.
  • the nonwoven can have a density of approximately 20 g/m 2 , or in the range of 10-30 g/m 2 or in the range of 10-50 g/m 2 .
  • the nonwoven can have a thickness of 50 to 250 microns, optionally approximately 130 microns.
  • the absorbent material can be or include code II silica or aluminum silica gel with an average particle size of (or less than) 1 mm
  • the absorbent material can include one or more of a gel, a mineral (e.g., salt) and a cross link (e.g., bifunctional water-soluble crosslinker for carboxyl, amine and hydroxyl functional polymers, or ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE)).
  • the absorbent retains any, all, or most liquid exuded from the liquid-exuding product.
  • the absorbent can be a superabsorbent, which in a dehydrated state occupies very little or low volume and creates very little or less bulk.
  • the absorbent is formed of or includes liquid absorbing particles, preferably larger than 100 ⁇ m.
  • the absorbent includes or is comprised of silica either natural or synthetic with varying cations.
  • the absorbent can be a composition of matter (e.g., powder mixture) or a single article (e.g., sponge), for example.
  • Absorbent materials usable in conjunction with methods according to the disclosed concepts include food safe absorbent materials having an absorbent composition of matter suitable for use with food products.
  • the absorbent composition of matter has an absorbency, the absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the absorbent composition of matter.
  • the absorbent can include a cross-linked or a non-cross-linked gel-forming polymer.
  • Such gel-forming polymer can be water soluble or insoluble.
  • the absorbent can further include at least one of the following: 1) at least one mineral composition, 2) at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation, and/or 3) an inorganic buffer.
  • the absorbent can include at least one non-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having a first absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer, the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe, the absorbent composition of matter being compatible with food products such that the absorbent composition of matter is food safe when in direct contact with the food products.
  • the absorbent can include the following: (i) at least one non-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having a first absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer, the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe; and (ii) at least one mineral composition having a second absorbency, the second absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one mineral composition, the at least one mineral composition being food safe, the absorbency of the absorbent material exceeding the first absorbency and the second absorbency, the absorbent material being compatible with food products such that the absorbent composition of matter is food safe when in direct contact with the food products. It should, however, be understood that alternative absorbents such as those described above may be used in accordance with the disclosed concept.
  • the absorbent can include the following: (i) at least one non-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having a first absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer, the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe; and (ii) at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation, the at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation being food safe, the absorbency of the absorbent material exceeding the first absorbency and the second absorbency, the absorbent material being compatible with food products such that the absorbent composition of matter is food safe when in direct contact with the food products.
  • alternative absorbent materials such as those described above may be used in accordance with the disclosed concept.
  • the absorbent can include the following: (i) at least one non-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having a first absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer, the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe; (ii) at least one mineral composition having a second absorbency, the second absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one mineral composition, the at least one mineral composition being food safe; and/or (iii) at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation, the at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation being food safe, the absorbency of the absorbent composition of matter exceeding a sum of the first absorbency and the second absorbency, the absorbent material being compatible with food products such that the absorbent composition of matter is food safe when in direct contact with the food products. It should, however, be understood that alternative absorbent materials such as those described above may be used in accordance with the
  • the absorbent can contain from about 10% to 90% by weight, preferably from about 50% to about 80% by weight, and most preferably from about 70% to 75% by weight polymer.
  • the non-crosslinked gel forming polymer can be a cellulose derivative such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and salts thereof, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, gelatinized starches, gelatin, dextrose, and other similar components, and may be a mixture of the above. Certain types and grades of CMC are approved for use with food items and are preferred when the absorbent is to be so used.
  • the preferred polymer is a CMC, most preferably sodium salt of CMC having a degree of substitution of about 0.7 to 0.9.
  • the degree of substitution refers to the proportion of hydroxyl groups in the cellulose molecule that have their hydrogen substituted by a carboxymethyl group.
  • the viscosity of a 1% solution of CMC at 25° C., read on a Brookfield viscometer, should be in the range of about 2500 to 12,000 mPa.
  • the CMC used in the Examples following was obtained from Hercules, Inc. of Wilmington, Del. (under the trade name B315) or from AKZO Nobel of Stratford, Conn. (under the trade name AF3085).
  • a clay ingredient of the absorbent can be of any variety of materials and is preferably attapulgite, montmorillonite (including bentonite clays such as hectorite), sericite, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, silica, and other similar materials, and mixtures thereof.
  • montmorillonite including bentonite clays such as hectorite
  • sericite kaolin
  • diatomaceous earth silica
  • silica silica
  • bentonite is used.
  • Bentonite is a type of montmorillonite and is principally a colloidal hydrated aluminum silicate and contains varying quantities of iron, alkali, and alkaline earths.
  • the preferred type of bentonite is hectorite which is mined from specific areas, principally in Nevada. Bentonite used in the Examples following was obtained from American Colloid Company of Arlington Heights, Ill. under the trade name BENTONITE AE-H.
  • Diatomaceous earth is formed from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are structured somewhat like honeycomb or sponge. Diatomaceous earth absorbs fluids without swelling by accumulating the fluids in the interstices of the structure. Diatomaceous earth was obtained from the American Colloid Company.
  • clay and diatomaceous earth are present in an amount from about 10-90% by weight, optionally about 20-30% by weight, however, some applications, such as when the absorbent material is to be used to absorb solutions having a high alkalinity, i.e., marinades for poultry, can incorporate up to about 50% diatomaceous earth.
  • the diatomaceous earth can replace nearly all of the clay, with up to about 2% by weight remaining clay.
  • a trivalent cation is provided in a soluble salt, such as derived from aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, and other soluble salts of metal ions such as aluminum, chromium, and the like.
  • a soluble salt such as derived from aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, and other soluble salts of metal ions such as aluminum, chromium, and the like.
  • the trivalent cation is present at about 1% to 20%, most preferably at about 1% to 8%.
  • An inorganic buffer is one such as sodium carbonate (soda ash), sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and other similar materials.
  • An organic buffer in the absorbent can be citric acid, monopotassium phosphate, or buffer mixture with a set pH range. If a buffer is used, it is optionally at about 0.6%, however, beneficial results have been achieved with amounts up to about 15% by weight.
  • the mixture of the non-crosslinked gel forming polymer, trivalent cation, and clay forms an absorbent material which, when hydrated, has an improved gel strength over the non-crosslinked gel forming polymer alone. Further, the gel exhibits minimal syneresis, which is exudation of the liquid component of a gel.
  • the combined ingredients form an absorbent material which has an absorbent capacity which exceeds the total absorbent capacity of the ingredients individually. While not limited by this theory, it appears that the trivalent cation provides a cross-linking effect on the CMC once in solution, and that the clay swells to absorb and stabilize the gels. Further, as shown by Example D of Table 1 below, it appears that, in some cases at least, it is not necessary to add trivalent cation. It is thought that perhaps a sufficient amount of trivalent cation is present in the bentonite and diatomaceous earth to provide the crosslinking effect.
  • the gels formed by the absorbent material of the invention are glass clear, firm gels which may have applications in other areas such as for cosmetic materials.
  • Some embodiments of the disclosed concept are set forth in Table 1.
  • absorption is defined as the increased weight achieved in an absorbent pad structure of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,034, following placement of such pad in a tray-type container with 0.2% saline therein in such quantities as to not limit the access of fluid to the pad for up to 72-96 hours until no further increase of weight is apparent.
  • the net absorption is the difference between the final weight of the pad and the dry starting weight, after deducting the net absorbency of the base pad material other than the absorbent blend i.e. the fabric component. This is converted to a gram/gram number by dividing the net absorption by the total weight of absorbent blend incorporated in the pad. Such a procedure is accurate for comparative purposes when the pad structure used is the same for all the tested blends.
  • the absorbent is not particularly limited to any material class. However, in certain uses, the absorbent needs to be food safe, possesses a desirable absorbency, and exhibits a minimum syneresis.
  • the absorbent material may include one or more of the following: tissue paper, cotton, sponge, fluff pulp, polysaccharide, polyacrylate, psillium fiber, guar gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, alginic acid, xyloglucan, pectin, chitosan, poly(DL-lactic acid), poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide), poly-caprolactone, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile, and a cross-linked or non-cross-linked gel-forming polymer.
  • the pouch 10 of the presently disclosed technology can be formed by, on, in, or with a gusseted bottom pouch-making machine.
  • FIG. 4 shows a conventional gusseted bottom pouch-making machine, generally designated 100 .
  • the active member 16 can be deposited or attached to the film 12 near or adjacent to a fold point 102 in the conventional gusseted bottom pouch-making machine 100 .
  • the absorbent 16 can be attached to the film 12 either to the right or the left of the fold point 102 shown in FIG. 5 . More particularly, the absorbent 16 can be attached or secured to the second or opposing side 13 b (e.g., top and/or interior side) of the film 12 .
  • the fold point 102 can be a bar or rod that the film 12 travels past and/or around.
  • the fold point 102 can optionally extend along a single vertical axis.
  • the step of depositing or attaching the active member 16 to the film 12 can be completed by a separate machine, or an add-on or extension to the gusseted bottom pouch-making machine.
  • the pouch 10 of the presently disclosed technology can be formed by, on, or with a flat bottom pouch-making machine.
  • the beginning or an early stage of a flat bottom pouch-making machine includes unwinding or unrolling a roll 252 of the film 12 .
  • the film 12 can be fed over or around separators or rods to position the film 12 in the desired orientation (e.g., flat) to eventually receive the active member 16 and be formed into a pouch.
  • a downstream stage of a flat bottom pouch-making machine can include a folding plow 254 , which is designed to manipulate the film 12 into a particular or desired configuration.
  • the active member 16 (e.g., in a premade or final form) can be deposited or attached to the film 12 after or downstream of (i.e., after) the roll 252 and before or upstream of (i.e., before) the folding plow 254 .
  • the active member 16 After the active member 16 is attached or adhered to the film 12 , optionally the active member 16 eventually forms or is part of the bottom surface of the pouch 10 .
  • the piece 256 of the film 12 that eventually becomes the bottom of the pouch 10 can optionally be moved transversely into a path of one or more other pieces 258 of the film 12 , and eventually all pieces are attached together to form the finalized pouch 10 .
  • a movable head 260 can grab, lift, and/or cut the piece 256 of the film 12 and move it into place to be attached or adhered to the one or more other pieces 258 of the film. 12 .
  • absorbent material in either manufacturing method described above (e.g., FIGS. 5 - 7 ), can be applied to or deposited on a predetermined location of the film 12 .
  • a roll can be employed to deposit the absorbent material to the film 12 .
  • a nonwoven item can be placed on top of the absorbent material, thereby sandwiching the absorbent material between the nonwoven item and the film 12 .
  • the nonwoven item can form a pocket or include one or more pockets to container the absorbent material.
  • the amount of absorbent can be modified depending upon the particular application and customer needs.
  • the nonwoven item can be fixed to the film 12 , such as through heat staking, thermoform staking, welding, and/or by a food-safe adhesive.
  • an active member e.g., an absorbent
  • a premade active member optionally with absorbent material inside or contained by a nonwoven component and the film
  • VFFS vertical form fill and seal machine
  • HFFS horizontal form fill and seal machine
  • the active member can be formed or constructed (e.g., enclosing or attaching absorbent material in a nonwoven component and/or the film) during formation of the pouch or counter instead of the active member being premade.
  • a stand-up pouch having an absorbent pad heat staked to an interior surface of a bottom of the pouch.
  • a package for containing liquid-exuding product the package being formed of a single sheet of film that is folded at certain locations to form a stand-up pouch, the package comprising:
  • a stand-up pouch comprising an absorbent integrated into a bottom of the pouch.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Wrappers (AREA)
  • Non-Flushing Toilets (AREA)
US17/660,129 2020-04-02 2021-04-01 Package configured to hold products and having active member attached to an interior surface thereof, and method of making same Abandoned US20220402679A1 (en)

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US202063004295P 2020-04-02 2020-04-02
US202163200236P 2021-02-23 2021-02-23
US17/660,129 US20220402679A1 (en) 2020-04-02 2021-04-01 Package configured to hold products and having active member attached to an interior surface thereof, and method of making same
PCT/US2021/070347 WO2021203139A1 (en) 2020-04-02 2021-04-01 Package configured to hold products and having active member attached to an interior surface thereof, and method of making same

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Cited By (4)

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US20210130070A1 (en) * 2018-05-08 2021-05-06 The Glad Products Company Thermoplastic bags with liquid directing structures
US20220097875A1 (en) * 2020-09-29 2022-03-31 Merz Verpackungsmaschinen Gmbh Sachet and packaging machine
WO2023196708A1 (en) 2022-04-04 2023-10-12 Csp Technologies, Inc. Package configured to hold, preserve, and/or extend the useful life or perishable product, and method of making and using same
WO2024073392A1 (en) 2022-09-26 2024-04-04 Csp Technologies, Inc. Use of nonvolatile antimicrobials in food packaging

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US5820955A (en) * 1997-01-23 1998-10-13 Brander; William M. Absorbent container
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US20210130070A1 (en) * 2018-05-08 2021-05-06 The Glad Products Company Thermoplastic bags with liquid directing structures
US12017836B2 (en) * 2018-05-08 2024-06-25 The Glad Products Company Thermoplastic bags with liquid directing structures
US20220097875A1 (en) * 2020-09-29 2022-03-31 Merz Verpackungsmaschinen Gmbh Sachet and packaging machine
WO2023196708A1 (en) 2022-04-04 2023-10-12 Csp Technologies, Inc. Package configured to hold, preserve, and/or extend the useful life or perishable product, and method of making and using same
WO2024073392A1 (en) 2022-09-26 2024-04-04 Csp Technologies, Inc. Use of nonvolatile antimicrobials in food packaging

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DK202200051U1 (da) 2022-07-05
DE212021000269U1 (de) 2022-09-20
US20230020791A1 (en) 2023-01-19
ES1303687Y (es) 2024-01-09
WO2021203139A1 (en) 2021-10-07
ES1303664Y (es) 2024-01-04
DK202200070U1 (da) 2022-12-15
ES1303664U (es) 2023-10-13
DK202200070Y4 (da) 2023-10-20
CN218432819U (zh) 2023-02-03
DK202200051Y4 (da) 2023-08-08

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