US3694991A - Vacuum skin package, and process and apparatus for making same - Google Patents

Vacuum skin package, and process and apparatus for making same Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3694991A
US3694991A US83398A US3694991DA US3694991A US 3694991 A US3694991 A US 3694991A US 83398 A US83398 A US 83398A US 3694991D A US3694991D A US 3694991DA US 3694991 A US3694991 A US 3694991A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
product
film
chamber
sheet
supporting member
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US83398A
Inventor
Richard R Perdue
Le Roy F Hoagland
Richard O Kuehne
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.)
WR Grace and Co
Original Assignee
WR Grace and Co
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 WR Grace and Co filed Critical WR Grace and Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3694991A publication Critical patent/US3694991A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B47/00Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved
    • B65B47/08Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved by application of fluid pressure
    • B65B47/10Apparatus or devices for forming pockets or receptacles in or from sheets, blanks, or webs, comprising essentially a die into which the material is pressed or a folding die through which the material is moved by application of fluid pressure by vacuum
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/50Enclosing articles, or quantities of material, by disposing contents between two sheets, e.g. pocketed sheets, and securing their opposed free margins
    • B65B11/52Enclosing articles, or quantities of material, by disposing contents between two sheets, e.g. pocketed sheets, and securing their opposed free margins one sheet being rendered plastic, e.g. by heating, and forced by fluid pressure, e.g. vacuum, into engagement with the other sheet and contents, e.g. skin-, blister-, or bubble- packaging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02Filling, 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

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 A first figure.
  • FIG. 1 A first figure.
  • This invention relates generally to skin packaging and specifically to vacuum skin packaging of both food and non-food items.
  • vacuum means a differential fluid pressure where the fluid can be either a gas or a liquid.
  • the film may be coated with an adhesive or the backing board may be so coated. Where the two contact each other, a strong bond is formed resulting in a package in which the product is tightly held to the backing board for safe shipping and for subsequent rack display in retail stores.
  • Vacuum skin packaging differs from the above described skin packaging process in that both the thermoplastic film and the backing board are impervious to gases and the resulting package can be evacuated and hermetically sealed, if desired.
  • the same end result is sought, i.e. the product is to be tightly held by the transparent film to the backing board.
  • the conventional method employs a backing board which is porous or which is perforated so that the vacuum may be drawn directly through the backing board.
  • the vacuum skin packaging processes generally employs a vacuum chamber with an open top. The product on an impervious backing board is placed on a platform within the vacuum chamber. The top of the chamber is then covered by a sheet of film which is clamped tightly against the chamber to form a vacuum type closure.
  • the chamber is evacuated while the film is heated to forming and softening temperatures.
  • the platform can then be raised to drive the product into the softened film and air pressure can be used above the film to force it tightly around the product.
  • thermoplastic film is stretched across the open face of a vacuum chamber.
  • the product is then either driven up into the film, the film pulled down over the product, or air pressure is used to move the film. Having to physically move the film or the product slows down the packaging process and, in addition, requires that the product be strong enough to withstand the force of contacting the film. Furthermore, when the film is stretched flat and straight across the vacuum chamber,
  • the present invention is a vacuum skin packaging process comprising the steps of: shaping a cavity in a sheet of flexible packaging material, said cavity at least partially enclosing a product on an impervious backing board; generating a pressure differential across said sheet; and, moving said sheet against the product and into sealing engagement with the backing board by means of said pressure differential.
  • the cavity which partially encloses the product allows a minimum of sheet packaging material to be used and at the same time provides a minimal distance for the film or sheet to be moved before contacting the product thus giving little opportunity for wrinkling of the sheet.
  • the process of the present invention comprises placing the product to be packaged on a gas impervious supporting member; shaping a flexible sheet member into a concavity; maintaining the concave shape of the sheet; positioning said sheet over said product and supporting member so that said sheet partially covers but does not contact either the sheet or supporting member; evacuating the space between said sheet and said supporting member; moving said sheet from its concave shape and position so that it closely contacts said product and supporting member; and sealing the supporting member to the sheet member.
  • the present process includes the use of a flexible sheet member which is made from a formable thermoplastic film and includes heating the thermoplastic film to its forming temperature when it is in the concave shape.
  • thermoplastic film of course could be preheated to its forming temperature before being shaped into a cavity and this requires that the film be maintained at its forming temperature until it is moved against the product and supporting member.
  • a preferred method of shaping and moving the thermoplastic film is to use differential air pressure.
  • the apparatus which constitutes a part'of the present invention will perform the above-described process.
  • the apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber having an open top; means for supporting objects to be packaged within said chamber; means for evacuating the chamber; and closure means for the chamber'which comprises a concave inner surface, a means for creating differential air pressure on the concave surface and means for heating the surface.
  • a means for adjusting the height of the chamber for differing product heights is also included.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a section through the closure means for the vacuum chamber of the subject invention showing a flexible packaging sheet member across the opening of the cavity in said closure means;
  • FIG. 1A is a sectional view of the closure means of FIG. 1 showing the arrangement of the heating elements, vacuum ports, and height adjusting means for the closure means;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the vacuum chamber and closure means with the sheet member formed into a concave shape and the product and supporting member in place within the chamber;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the evacuation of the space between the sheet member and the supporting member
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the packaging sheet member after it has been moved against the product and into sealing engagement with the supporting member;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a vacuum skin package.
  • FIG. 1 a schematic sectional view of upper vacuum head 3 is shown.
  • Vacuum head 3 serves as the closure means for the vacuum chamber described hereinbelow.
  • the detail of the vacuum head 3 can best be appreciated by viewing both FIGS. land 1A.
  • inwardly sloping wall and the horizontal wall portion containing ports 14 define a concave space or cavity within the vacuum head 3.
  • Above the ports 14 is manifold space 4 having an exterior port 6.
  • Heating elements 5 are placed within the manifold area for heating the wall containing the ports 14. These heating elements may either be steam lines with inlet 12 and outlet 13 feeding steam to elements 5'; or, the elements may be electrically operated radiant heaters or resistance type heaters.
  • Vacuum head 3 has a vertical peripheral wall or leg 16 to which can be added a shim member 17 to extend or shorten the height of wall 16.
  • the shim l7 conforms to the shape of the opening of the cavity in the vacuum head 3 and makes it possible to adjust the height of the head for different product sizes.
  • vacuum chamber 9 can be seen having platform 8 placed therein which is carried by platform supports 10.'In position on the platform 8 is backing board or package supporting member 7 upon which has been placed the product 2 which is to be packaged.
  • Flexible packaging film 1 is shown lining the cavity of the closure means 3.
  • Chamber 9 has a manifold or cavity region 18 which has an exterior port 11 and which has a passageway to the head cavity which is defined by the space between chamber 9 and platform 8.
  • a sheet of flexible packaging material 1 is shown stretched across the op'ening to the cavity in head 3.
  • the sheet material 1 be transparent.
  • Particularly suitable packaging materials are the thermoplastics such as polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, polypropylene, saran, nylon, polyvinylchloride, or the like and laminates of any of these materials.
  • thermoplastic materials When thermoplastic materials are used, they will be relatively stifi or semi-rigid before being heated to a softened and formable stage.
  • the present invention contemplates the use of such heat so'ftenable' thermoplastic materials and when such materials are placed across the opening to the cavity of head 3 as shown in FIG. 1, they may be either preheated to partially soften them, or they may be heated to softening temperatures by the radiant, conductive, and convective action of heaters 5.
  • a pressure differential or vacuum is applied as shown in FIG. 2 by the arrow and the abbreviation vac.
  • This pressure differential, or vacuum acts through ports 14, through manifold region 4, and through the exhaust ports 6. Any conventional vacuum pump can be used toapply this pressure differential.
  • the film 1 Upon the application of thepressure differential, the film 1 will assume the shape shown in FIG. 2. In this shape, the film 1 lines the cavity of the head 3 and is formed in the same concave shape as the cavity in the head. That is, a cavity is formed in the film 1 at this point.
  • the supporting member 7 is preferably a gas impervious material and may be a metal such as aluminum sheet or foil; a plastic material such as polystyrene foam; a laminate of paper board with a gas impervious plastic coating; or, in, general, any sheet-like clear or opaque material.
  • FIG. 3 the film l shaped into a concave form or cavity has been positioned over the product 2 and supporting member 7.
  • the vacuum head 3 has not been closed upon the chamber 9.
  • the closing of the chamber is accomplished as shown in FIG. 3.
  • vacuum is constantly applied through ports 14, manifold 4, and port 6 to retain the concave shape of the film 1.
  • FIG. 3 with the chamber closed by closure member or head 3, vacuum or pressure differential is applied through port 11 and the application of this vacuum is illustrated by the downwardly pointing arrow and the abbreviation vac.”
  • Arrows on either side of platform 8 are used to demonstrate the evacuation of the air and gas from the region or space between supporting member 7 and film 1.
  • the path of the evacuated gases or air is from the vicinity of product 2, around the peripheral space between chamber 9 and platform 8 into the chamber cavity or manifold 18, and out through port 11.
  • the concave shape of the film 1 is retained preferably by application of vacuum through ports 14 and manifold 4. During this process further heating can be supplied to soften the film 1 when it is a thermoplastic material.
  • the film l is shown collapsed around and formed on product 2 and in contact with supporting member 7.
  • the vacuum or pressure differential has been maintained through port 11 and the vacuum through port 6 has been released and atmospheric pressure has been admitted as shown by the downwardly pointing arrow from the word atmosphere.
  • Super-atmospheric pressure can be applied through port 6 to move the film more rapidly and securely against product 2; or sub-atmospheric pressure could be applied to slow down the movement and stretching rate of the film.
  • the pressure on the lower side of the film be less than the pressure on the upper side. For instance, in the step illustrated in FIG.
  • the vacuum applied on the upper side of film 1 through ports 14 must necessarily be equal to or greater than the vacuum applied below the film through port 11 in order to retain the concave shape of the film; but, when the film l is moved against the product 2 as shown in FIG. 4, the action of the vacuum acting through port 11 serves to pull the film against the product 2. Or, viewed in another manner, the action of the atmosphere pushes the film 1 down on the product 2.
  • a further advantage of shaping the film 1 into a cavity prior to forming it around the product is that the film 1 can be clamped at approximately the same level as the supporting member 7. (See FIG. 3)
  • the edges of the film 1 will be stretched disproportionately and will not adhere to the edges of the supporting member 1 without difficulty and excess, unusable film around the periphery of the supporting member 7 will result.
  • the product and backing board after being placed in the vacuum chamber the product and backing board remain stationary and do not have to be moved. This means that there is less likelihood of the product moving out of its position on the backing board 7 and less likelihood of the product 2 being distorted or even crushed by the physical movement of the product into the film.
  • FIG. 5 shows a finished package made according to the present invention.
  • Product 2 rectangular in shape, is covered by film 1 which closely conforms to the shape of the product.
  • product 2 has served as the forming or die member for the film l.
  • the film 1 is sealed against the supporting member 7 which carries product 2.
  • the packaging film 1 will be of an impervious material, that is, one having relatively low air or oxygen transmission and the same will be true for the supporting member 7.
  • the sealing between film l and supporting member 7 can be accomplished in several different manners. For example,
  • the film 1 can be coated with an adhesive which can be heat activatable.
  • an adhesive which can be heat activatable.
  • the adhesive will be activated and subsequently, when the film is moved against the backing board 7 as shown in FIG. 4, the adhesive will seal to supporting member 7.
  • a coating of ethylene vinyl acetate makes a very satisfactory heat activatable adhesive.
  • Another means of sealing is to coat the supporting member 7 with a material such as polyethylene which will be the same material used in the film 1. Thus, when sufficiently heated, the like materials will bond or seal one to the other.
  • Still another method of sealing is to put a pressure sensitive adhesive or heat activatable adhesive on the backing board and rely upon heat within the chamber to activate the adhesive.
  • the present invention is particularly suitable in packaging food products where anevacuated package is necessary to extend the shelf lifetime of the product.
  • Various food items require packaging materials having differing moisture vapor transmission rates and oxygen permeability rates.
  • packaging materials can be selected and used with properties that match the requirements for the packaged food item.
  • various atmospheres can be used for the product. For instance, thespace containing the product can be flushed with an inert gas such as nitrogen and then a pressure differential applied to the film 1 through ports 14 to push it against the product 2 and backing member 7. Once sealed, a hermetically closed package is thus made.
  • a vacuum skin packaging process comprising:
  • a process for vacuum skin packaging a product on an impervious supporting member comprising the steps a. drawing by differential air pressure a formable plastic sheet member against a concave surface;
  • a vacuum skin packaging process comprising:
  • thermoplastic material is polyethylene

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

In the prior art, vacuum skin packaging processes are performed by placing the product to be packaged on an impervious backing board; placing the product and board in a vacuum chamber; positioning a sheet of thermoplastic film above the product and backing board in the chamber; evacuating the chamber; then, either pulling the film down over the product or pushing the product up into the film; and, thereafter sealing the film to the board. In the present invention, a portion of the film is drawn by differential air pressure against the concave interior surface of the upper portion of a vacuum chamber; the film is then heated by surface contact; and then, after evacuation of the chamber, air pressure is used to blow the film down over the product and against the backing board. Thus, in the present invention, the film is shaped in a concave fashion surrounding the upper portion of the product and it is not necessary for the product to move. The height of the chamber may be adjusted for different products so that excess film is not used and wrinkling is prevented.

Description

United States Patent 1 Perdue et al.
[ VACUUM SKIN PACKAGE, AND
PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING SAME [72] Inventors: Richard R. Perdue, Greer; Le Roy F. Hoagland; Richard 0. Kuehne, both of Greenville, all of S.C.
[73] Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co., Duncan, S.C.
[22] Filed: Oct. 23, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 83,398
[52] US. Cl. ..53/22 A [51] Int. Cl. ..B65b 31/02 [58] Field of Search ..53/22 A, 112 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,491,504 l/l970 Young et al. ..53/22 A 3,545,163 12/1970 Mahaffy et al ..53/22 A Primary ExaminerTravis S. McGehee Att0rney.lohn J. Toney, William D. Lee, Jr. and Edward .1. Hanson, Jr.
[ 51 Oct. 3, 1972 [57] ABSTRACT In the prior art, vacuum skin packaging processes are performed by placing the product to be packaged on an impervious backing board; placing the product and board in a vacuum chamber; positioning a sheet of thermoplastic film above the product and backing board in the chamber; evacuating the chamber; then, either pulling the film down over the product or pushing the product up into the film; and, thereafter sealing the film to the board. In the present invention, a portion of the film is drawn by differential air pressure against the concave interior surface of the upper portion of a vacuum chamber; the film is then heated by surface contact; and then, after evacuation of the chamber, air pressure is used to blow the film down over the product and against the backing board. Thus, in the present invention, the film is shaped in a concave fashion surrounding the upper portion of the product and it is not necessary for the product to move. The height of the chamber may be adjusted for different products so that excess film is not used and wrinkling is prevented.
8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHBT 3 1912 SHEH 1 OF 2 FIG.
FIG.
FIG.
INVENTORS;
RICHARD R. PERDUE LEROY F. HOAGLAND RICHARD O. KUEHNE WJLM $.16
ATTORNEY PATENTEDuma m2 3,694,991
sum 2 or 2- ATMOSPHERE VACUUM SKIN PACKAGE, AND PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to skin packaging and specifically to vacuum skin packaging of both food and non-food items.
The term vacuum as used herein means a differential fluid pressure where the fluid can be either a gas or a liquid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Skin packaging is essentially a vacuum forming process. In a typical process, a sheet of thermoplastic film is placed in a frame, and below the frame is a vacuum plate upon which a piece of backing board is placed. The product to be skin packaged is positioned on top of the backing board and heat is applied to the thermoplastic film in the frame. When the film has been heated to become sufficiently soft, the frame is.
lowered and the plastic sheet drapes itself over the product. As this happens, a partial vacuum is created through the vacuum plate and the air underneath the plastic film is withdrawn through the backing board. The air pressure differential between the top and the bottom of the plastic sheet causes the sheet to be tightly pressed around the product. The film may be coated with an adhesive or the backing board may be so coated. Where the two contact each other, a strong bond is formed resulting in a package in which the product is tightly held to the backing board for safe shipping and for subsequent rack display in retail stores.
Vacuum skin packaging differs from the above described skin packaging process in that both the thermoplastic film and the backing board are impervious to gases and the resulting package can be evacuated and hermetically sealed, if desired. The same end result is sought, i.e. the product is to be tightly held by the transparent film to the backing board. The conventional method employs a backing board which is porous or which is perforated so that the vacuum may be drawn directly through the backing board. The vacuum skin packaging processes generally employs a vacuum chamber with an open top. The product on an impervious backing board is placed on a platform within the vacuum chamber. The top of the chamber is then covered by a sheet of film which is clamped tightly against the chamber to form a vacuum type closure. The chamber is evacuated while the film is heated to forming and softening temperatures. The platform can then be raised to drive the product into the softened film and air pressure can be used above the film to force it tightly around the product. This type of process is disclosed in French Pat. No. 1,258,357 issued to Alain G. Bresson on Mar. 6, 1961.
A refinement to the process described in the Bresson French Pat. is disclosed in French Pat. No. 1,286,018 issued on Jan. 22, 1962 to Laroch Freres, Limited. In the Laroch Freres process, after the chamber has been evacuated and the product driven into the heat softened film, the vacuum is released and ambient air is permitted to enter the chamber so that the thermoplastic film molds more or less on the product since there is a vacuum on the product side of the film and ambient air pressure on the other side of the film.
In Australian Pat. No. 245,774 issued to Colbro Proprietary Limited and Cole and Son Proprietary Limited on July 16, 1963, a vacuum skin packaging process is described in which an article to be packaged is inserted within the lower half of a vacuum chamber on a backing board, a thermoplastic film is placed over the open face of the lower half of the .chamber, the chamber is closed and both halves are brought to essentially the same state of vacuum, the film heated and softened, and then atmospheric air is introduced into the upper half of the chamber so that it alone forces the thermoplastic film 6 down around the product and against the backing board.
Still another variation which can be found in the prior art, is that disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,491,504 issued to W. E. Young et al. on Jan. 27, I970. The Young patent discloses a process in which the softened film can be physically moved down over a stationary product and, in combination with air pressure, the softened thermoplastic film will be molded onto the product.
In all of the above described prior art processes, the thermoplastic film is stretched across the open face of a vacuum chamber. The product is then either driven up into the film, the film pulled down over the product, or air pressure is used to move the film. Having to physically move the film or the product slows down the packaging process and, in addition, requires that the product be strong enough to withstand the force of contacting the film. Furthermore, when the film is stretched flat and straight across the vacuum chamber,
' excess film is required and wrinkling of the film may occur due to unnecessary movement of the film. These disadvantages are overcome and many advantages are provided by the invention described hereinbelow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In its broadest aspect the present invention is a vacuum skin packaging process comprising the steps of: shaping a cavity in a sheet of flexible packaging material, said cavity at least partially enclosing a product on an impervious backing board; generating a pressure differential across said sheet; and, moving said sheet against the product and into sealing engagement with the backing board by means of said pressure differential. The cavity which partially encloses the product allows a minimum of sheet packaging material to be used and at the same time provides a minimal distance for the film or sheet to be moved before contacting the product thus giving little opportunity for wrinkling of the sheet.
In a narrower aspect, the process of the present invention comprises placing the product to be packaged on a gas impervious supporting member; shaping a flexible sheet member into a concavity; maintaining the concave shape of the sheet; positioning said sheet over said product and supporting member so that said sheet partially covers but does not contact either the sheet or supporting member; evacuating the space between said sheet and said supporting member; moving said sheet from its concave shape and position so that it closely contacts said product and supporting member; and sealing the supporting member to the sheet member. In even more limited aspects, the present process includes the use of a flexible sheet member which is made from a formable thermoplastic film and includes heating the thermoplastic film to its forming temperature when it is in the concave shape. The film, of course could be preheated to its forming temperature before being shaped into a cavity and this requires that the film be maintained at its forming temperature until it is moved against the product and supporting member. A preferred method of shaping and moving the thermoplastic film is to use differential air pressure.
The apparatus which constitutes a part'of the present invention will perform the above-described process. In particular, the apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber having an open top; means for supporting objects to be packaged within said chamber; means for evacuating the chamber; and closure means for the chamber'which comprises a concave inner surface, a means for creating differential air pressure on the concave surface and means for heating the surface. A means for adjusting the height of the chamber for differing product heights is also included.
The process and apparatus of the present invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description and drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which form apart of this specification:
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a section through the closure means for the vacuum chamber of the subject invention showing a flexible packaging sheet member across the opening of the cavity in said closure means;
FIG. 1A is a sectional view of the closure means of FIG. 1 showing the arrangement of the heating elements, vacuum ports, and height adjusting means for the closure means;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the vacuum chamber and closure means with the sheet member formed into a concave shape and the product and supporting member in place within the chamber;
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the evacuation of the space between the sheet member and the supporting member;
FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the packaging sheet member after it has been moved against the product and into sealing engagement with the supporting member; and,
FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a vacuum skin package.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1, a schematic sectional view of upper vacuum head 3 is shown. Vacuum head 3 serves as the closure means for the vacuum chamber described hereinbelow. The detail of the vacuum head 3 can best be appreciated by viewing both FIGS. land 1A. In these figures it can be seen that inwardly sloping wall and the horizontal wall portion containing ports 14 define a concave space or cavity within the vacuum head 3. Above the ports 14 is manifold space 4 having an exterior port 6. Heating elements 5 are placed within the manifold area for heating the wall containing the ports 14. These heating elements may either be steam lines with inlet 12 and outlet 13 feeding steam to elements 5'; or, the elements may be electrically operated radiant heaters or resistance type heaters.
Vacuum head 3 has a vertical peripheral wall or leg 16 to which can be added a shim member 17 to extend or shorten the height of wall 16. The shim l7 conforms to the shape of the opening of the cavity in the vacuum head 3 and makes it possible to adjust the height of the head for different product sizes.
Turning now to FIG. 2, vacuum chamber 9 can be seen having platform 8 placed therein which is carried by platform supports 10.'In position on the platform 8 is backing board or package supporting member 7 upon which has been placed the product 2 which is to be packaged. Flexible packaging film 1 is shown lining the cavity of the closure means 3. Chamber 9 has a manifold or cavity region 18 which has an exterior port 11 and which has a passageway to the head cavity which is defined by the space between chamber 9 and platform 8.
Returning now to FIG. 1 to describe the method of the present invention, a sheet of flexible packaging material 1 is shown stretched across the op'ening to the cavity in head 3. In most packaging applications, it is preferred that the sheet material 1 be transparent. Particularly suitable packaging materials are the thermoplastics such as polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, polypropylene, saran, nylon, polyvinylchloride, or the like and laminates of any of these materials. When thermoplastic materials are used, they will be relatively stifi or semi-rigid before being heated to a softened and formable stage. The present invention contemplates the use of such heat so'ftenable' thermoplastic materials and when such materials are placed across the opening to the cavity of head 3 as shown in FIG. 1, they may be either preheated to partially soften them, or they may be heated to softening temperatures by the radiant, conductive, and convective action of heaters 5.
After positioning the packaging material or film l as shownin FIG. 2, a pressure differential or vacuum is applied as shown in FIG. 2 by the arrow and the abbreviation vac. This pressure differential, or vacuum, acts through ports 14, through manifold region 4, and through the exhaust ports 6. Any conventional vacuum pump can be used toapply this pressure differential. Upon the application of thepressure differential, the film 1 will assume the shape shown in FIG. 2. In this shape, the film 1 lines the cavity of the head 3 and is formed in the same concave shape as the cavity in the head. That is, a cavity is formed in the film 1 at this point.
Still referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that product 2 has already been placed upon supporting member 7 which, in turn, has been placed upon platform 8. The supporting member 7 is preferably a gas impervious material and may be a metal such as aluminum sheet or foil; a plastic material such as polystyrene foam; a laminate of paper board with a gas impervious plastic coating; or, in, general, any sheet-like clear or opaque material.
As shown in FIG. 2, the film l shaped into a concave form or cavity has been positioned over the product 2 and supporting member 7. At this point the vacuum head 3 has not been closed upon the chamber 9. The closing of the chamber is accomplished as shown in FIG. 3. During this whole sequence of operation as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, vacuum is constantly applied through ports 14, manifold 4, and port 6 to retain the concave shape of the film 1. In FIG. 3, with the chamber closed by closure member or head 3, vacuum or pressure differential is applied through port 11 and the application of this vacuum is illustrated by the downwardly pointing arrow and the abbreviation vac." Arrows on either side of platform 8 are used to demonstrate the evacuation of the air and gas from the region or space between supporting member 7 and film 1. The path of the evacuated gases or air is from the vicinity of product 2, around the peripheral space between chamber 9 and platform 8 into the chamber cavity or manifold 18, and out through port 11. As stated before, during the evacuation of the chamber, the concave shape of the film 1 is retained preferably by application of vacuum through ports 14 and manifold 4. During this process further heating can be supplied to soften the film 1 when it is a thermoplastic material.
In FIG. 4, the film l is shown collapsed around and formed on product 2 and in contact with supporting member 7. The vacuum or pressure differential has been maintained through port 11 and the vacuum through port 6 has been released and atmospheric pressure has been admitted as shown by the downwardly pointing arrow from the word atmosphere. Super-atmospheric pressure can be applied through port 6 to move the film more rapidly and securely against product 2; or sub-atmospheric pressure could be applied to slow down the movement and stretching rate of the film. To move the film 1 against the product 2 and supporting member 7, it is only necessary that the pressure on the lower side of the film be less than the pressure on the upper side. For instance, in the step illustrated in FIG. 3, the vacuum applied on the upper side of film 1 through ports 14 must necessarily be equal to or greater than the vacuum applied below the film through port 11 in order to retain the concave shape of the film; but, when the film l is moved against the product 2 as shown in FIG. 4, the action of the vacuum acting through port 11 serves to pull the film against the product 2. Or, viewed in another manner, the action of the atmosphere pushes the film 1 down on the product 2.
To hold and retain the cavity or concave shape of the film l as shown in the steps illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is usually necessary to draw a vacuum in excess of 20 inches of mercury through ports 14; and, to ensure complete package evacuation, a vacuum in excess of 20 inches of mercury is usually applied through vacuum port 11. For best results, a vacuum of about 29 inches of mercury through both ports is preferred. As
long as the vacuum applied above the film is greater than, or no less than, the vacuum applied below the film, the film will remain in place. However, when the vacuum is released above the film, it will move downward. When the film moves downwardly, it has to move only through a short distance before it contacts the top of the product 2. This short distance is occasioned by the concave shape of the film and gives the film little opportunity to wrinkle before contacting the product 2 and forming on it.
A further advantage of shaping the film 1 into a cavity prior to forming it around the product is that the film 1 can be clamped at approximately the same level as the supporting member 7. (See FIG. 3) When the product 2 and supporting member 7 are located well below the opening to the vacuum chamber 9, the edges of the film 1 will be stretched disproportionately and will not adhere to the edges of the supporting member 1 without difficulty and excess, unusable film around the periphery of the supporting member 7 will result. Furthermore, in the present process, after being placed in the vacuum chamber the product and backing board remain stationary and do not have to be moved. This means that there is less likelihood of the product moving out of its position on the backing board 7 and less likelihood of the product 2 being distorted or even crushed by the physical movement of the product into the film. FIG. 5 shows a finished package made according to the present invention. Product 2, rectangular in shape, is covered by film 1 which closely conforms to the shape of the product. In other words, product 2 has served as the forming or die member for the film l. The film 1 is sealed against the supporting member 7 which carries product 2. Preferably, the packaging film 1 will be of an impervious material, that is, one having relatively low air or oxygen transmission and the same will be true for the supporting member 7. The sealing between film l and supporting member 7 can be accomplished in several different manners. For example,
the film 1 can be coated with an adhesive which can be heat activatable. Thus, when the film is heated by contact with the wall 15 of the cavity of head 3 under the influence of heaters 5 (see FIG. 2), the adhesive will be activated and subsequently, when the film is moved against the backing board 7 as shown in FIG. 4, the adhesive will seal to supporting member 7. When polyethylene is used as the film l, a coating of ethylene vinyl acetate makes a very satisfactory heat activatable adhesive. Another means of sealing is to coat the supporting member 7 with a material such as polyethylene which will be the same material used in the film 1. Thus, when sufficiently heated, the like materials will bond or seal one to the other. Still another method of sealing is to put a pressure sensitive adhesive or heat activatable adhesive on the backing board and rely upon heat within the chamber to activate the adhesive.
The present invention is particularly suitable in packaging food products where anevacuated package is necessary to extend the shelf lifetime of the product. Various food items require packaging materials having differing moisture vapor transmission rates and oxygen permeability rates. Within the scope of this invention, packaging materials can be selected and used with properties that match the requirements for the packaged food item. Also, various atmospheres can be used for the product. For instance, thespace containing the product can be flushed with an inert gas such as nitrogen and then a pressure differential applied to the film 1 through ports 14 to push it against the product 2 and backing member 7. Once sealed, a hermetically closed package is thus made.
Having thus described our invention, we claim:
1. A vacuum skin packaging process comprising:
a. placing the product to be packaged on a gas impervious supporting member;
b. shaping a flexible sheet member into a concavity;
c. maintaining the concave shape of said sheet;
d. positioning said sheet over said product and supporting member so that said sheet partially covers but does not contact either said product or supporting member;
e. evacuating gases from the space between said sheet and said supporting member, which contains said product;
f. moving said sheet from its concave shape and position so that it closely contacts said product and supporting member; and, y
g. sealing said sheet against said supporting member.
2. A process for vacuum skin packaging a product on an impervious supporting member comprising the steps a. drawing by differential air pressure a formable plastic sheet member against a concave surface;
b. heating said concave surface to at least the softenin g temperature of said thermoplastic member;
c. maintaining said differential air pressure while d. positioning said sheet member over said product on said supporting member e. evacuating the space between said supporting member and said sheet member;
f. releasing the differential air pressure which maintained the concave shape of said sheet member, thereby causing said sheet member to collapse over and around said product and against said supporting member; and,
g. sealing said thermoplastic sheet member to said supporting member as it collapses thereagainst.
. A vacuum skin packaging process comprising:
- a. providing a supporting platform within the lower portion of a vacuum chamber;
b. placing a product on an impervious backing member on said supporting platform;
0. shaping a heat softenable thermoplastic film in the cavity of the upper portion of said vacuum chamber;
d. retaining said thermoplastic film in said shape while e. heating said film to its softening and forming temperature;
f. positioning said upper portion of said chamber over said product and closing said chamber, said thermoplastic film being clamped between the upper and lower portions of said chamber;
g. evacuating said chamber; and,
h. releasing said thermoplastic film from its retained position whereby it collapses around said product and is driven against said supporting member.
4. The process of claim 3 including the step of adjusting the height of the upper portion of said chamber in accordance with the height of the product to be packaged by adding a shim member to the lower periphery of said chamber.
5. The process of claim 3 wherein the thermoplastic material is polyethylene.
6. The process of claim 3 wherein the polyethylene is coated with a polymer of ethylene vinyl acetate.
7.-The process of claim 3 wherein the impervious supporting member is made from thermoplastic foam.
8. The process of claim 7 wherein the thermoplastic foam is polystyrene foam and the heat softenable material is polyethylene coated with a polymer of ethylene vinyl acetate.

Claims (8)

1. A vacuum skin packaging process comprising: a. placing the product to be packaged on a gas impervious supporting member; b. shaping a flexible sheet member into a concavity; c. maintaining the concave shape of said sheet; d. positioning said sheet over said product and supporting member so that said sheet partially covers but does not contact either said product or supporting member; e. evacuating gases from the space between said sheet and said supporting member, which contains said product; f. moving said sheet from its concave shape and position so that it closely contacts said product and supporting member; and, g. sealing said sheet against said supporting member.
2. A process for vacuum skin packaging a product on an impervious supporting member comprising the steps of: a. drawing by differential air pressure a formable plastic sheet member against a concave surface; b. heating said concave surface to at least the softening temperature of said thermoplastic member; c. maintaining said differential air pressure while d. positioning said sheet member over said product on said supporting member e. evacuating the space between said supporting member and said sheet member; f. releasing the differential air pressure which maintained the concave shape of said sheet member, thereby causing said sheet member to collapse over and around said product and against said supporting member; and, g. sealing said thermoplastic sheet member to said supporting member as it collapses thereagainst.
3. A vacuum skin packaging process comprising: a. providing a supporting platform within the lower portion of a vacuum chamber; b. placing a product on an impervious backing member on said supporting platform; c. shaping a heat softenable thermoplastic film in the cavity of the upper portion of said vacuum chamber; d. retaining said thermoplastic film in said shape while e. heating said film to its softening and forming temperature; f. positioning said upper portion of said chamber over said product and closing said chamber, said thermoplastic film being clamped between the upper and lower portions of said chamber; g. evacuating said chamber; and, h. releasing said thermoplastic film from its retained position whereby it collapses around said product and is driven against said supporting member.
4. The process of claim 3 including the step of adjusting the height of the upper portion of said chamber in accordance with the height of the product to be packaged by adding a shim member to the lower periphery of said chamber.
5. The process of claim 3 wherein the thermoplastic material is polyethylene.
6. The process of claim 3 wherein the polyethylene is coated with a polymer of ethylene vinyl acetate.
7. The process of claim 3 wherein the impervious supporting member is made from thErmoplastic foam.
8. The process of claim 7 wherein the thermoplastic foam is polystyrene foam and the heat softenable material is polyethylene coated with a polymer of ethylene vinyl acetate.
US83398A 1970-10-23 1970-10-23 Vacuum skin package, and process and apparatus for making same Expired - Lifetime US3694991A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US8339870A 1970-10-23 1970-10-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3694991A true US3694991A (en) 1972-10-03

Family

ID=22178034

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US83398A Expired - Lifetime US3694991A (en) 1970-10-23 1970-10-23 Vacuum skin package, and process and apparatus for making same
US05/872,297 Expired - Lifetime USRE30009E (en) 1970-10-23 1978-01-25 Vacuum skin package, and process and apparatus for making same

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US05/872,297 Expired - Lifetime USRE30009E (en) 1970-10-23 1978-01-25 Vacuum skin package, and process and apparatus for making same

Country Status (16)

Country Link
US (2) US3694991A (en)
AU (1) AU469635B2 (en)
BE (1) BE773791A (en)
BR (1) BR7107833D0 (en)
CA (1) CA930298A (en)
CH (1) CH539544A (en)
DE (1) DE2149414A1 (en)
DK (1) DK139748B (en)
ES (1) ES396312A1 (en)
FI (1) FI52306C (en)
FR (1) FR2113157A5 (en)
GB (1) GB1307054A (en)
LU (1) LU64125A1 (en)
NL (1) NL167917C (en)
NO (1) NO130763C (en)
SE (1) SE384991B (en)

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3828520A (en) * 1973-04-04 1974-08-13 Substrate Inc Vacuum packaging method and platen therefor
US3830365A (en) * 1972-10-19 1974-08-20 Newport General Corp Vacuum skin packaging and packages
US3835618A (en) * 1973-01-22 1974-09-17 Grace W R & Co Apparatus for producing vacuum skin packages in multiples
DE2536020A1 (en) * 1974-08-22 1976-03-04 Grace W R & Co METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VACUUM PACKAGING OF AN OBJECT
DE2758808A1 (en) * 1977-12-30 1979-07-19 American Can Co Vacuum skin package-making appts. - has thermoplastic sheets around product forming seal evacuated via aligned openings in conveyor belt and plate
DE3341072A1 (en) * 1982-11-15 1984-05-17 W.R. Grace & Co., New York, N.Y. VACUUM PACKING METHOD AND DEVICE
US4611456A (en) * 1983-08-23 1986-09-16 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Process for making a vacuum skin package and product formed thereby
EP0270208A1 (en) * 1986-11-14 1988-06-08 W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Method and apparatus for vacuum packaging
US5033253A (en) * 1987-07-02 1991-07-23 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Process for skin packaging electostatically sensitive items
AU636420B2 (en) * 1989-12-13 1993-04-29 W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Film/foil panel
US5454214A (en) * 1993-10-27 1995-10-03 Lancaster; Paul B. Automatic vacuum packaging apparatus
US6408598B1 (en) 1998-12-23 2002-06-25 Cryovac, Inc. Modified atmosphere package for high profile products from upwardly formed heat shrinkable film
US20090071100A1 (en) * 2007-07-06 2009-03-19 Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Go. Kg Packaging machine and method for producing packages made of a film
US20090136627A1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2009-05-28 Schuman Neal H Cheese board
US20100115890A1 (en) * 2007-07-16 2010-05-13 Andrea Granili Vacuum skin packaging method and apparatus
US20110048998A1 (en) * 2009-08-28 2011-03-03 Marina Riccio Film suitable for vacuum skin packaging applications and easy-to-open vacuum skin package obtained therewith
WO2011044027A1 (en) 2009-10-06 2011-04-14 Cryovac, Inc. Suspension packaging with on-demand oxygen generation
US20120204516A1 (en) * 2009-07-29 2012-08-16 Cryovac, Inc. Vacuum Skin Packaging of a Product Arranged on a Support
WO2015187956A1 (en) * 2014-06-06 2015-12-10 Deli Star Corporation A packaging machine for vacuum skin packaging
EP3083411B1 (en) 2013-12-16 2017-10-18 Cryovac, Inc. Apparatus and process for packaging a product
US20170305582A1 (en) * 2014-10-09 2017-10-26 Medipack Ag Method for packaging articles in bubble wrap
US20180155074A1 (en) * 2016-12-06 2018-06-07 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg Tray sealer
RU2737694C2 (en) * 2016-03-07 2020-12-02 Криовак, Инк. Multilayer film for packing in vacuum into tight film, packing method and packages made by it
US20230016501A1 (en) * 2020-03-23 2023-01-19 Cryovac, Llc Packaging apparatus and process
USD984895S1 (en) 2020-12-22 2023-05-02 Applied Materials, Inc. Packaging insert for a process chamber component
US12100613B2 (en) 2020-12-22 2024-09-24 Applied Materials, Inc. Minimal contact packaging for process chamber components

Families Citing this family (69)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3832824A (en) * 1973-06-29 1974-09-03 Grace W R & Co Apparatus and method for evacuating packages
DE2656071C3 (en) * 1976-12-10 1982-12-30 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller KG, 8941 Wolfertschwenden Method and device for shaping plastic film into containers open on one side with a bottom edge
US4168598A (en) * 1977-03-01 1979-09-25 Omori Machinery Co., Ltd. Vacuum packaging method and apparatus
US4275544A (en) 1977-09-05 1981-06-30 Kureha Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Vacuum packaging method
IE50119B1 (en) * 1979-09-28 1986-02-19 Redmond Sanford Method and apparatus for making sealed packages for spreadable products and sealed packages formed thereby
GB2165696A (en) * 1984-10-11 1986-04-16 Immediate Business Systems Plc Keyboards
EP0243510B1 (en) * 1986-04-15 1991-10-02 W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Multilayer packaging film
US5011735A (en) * 1987-10-19 1991-04-30 W. R. Grace & Co. Highly formable laminates
US4853287A (en) 1987-10-19 1989-08-01 W. R. Grace & Co. Highly formable laminates
US4881359A (en) * 1987-10-30 1989-11-21 W. R. Grace & Co. Method for making a vacuum skin package
US4815602A (en) 1987-10-30 1989-03-28 W.R. Grace & Co. Vacuum skin package for closing two moisture impervious metallic sheets about a product
US4890739A (en) 1987-12-21 1990-01-02 Mize Jr James Sealed internal package label
US4886690A (en) 1987-12-21 1989-12-12 W. R. Grace & Co. Peelable barrier film for vacuum skin packages and the like
US4901505A (en) 1988-02-12 1990-02-20 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Method of making a package having peelable film
US4889731A (en) 1988-02-12 1989-12-26 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Package having peelable film
US5087462A (en) * 1988-05-13 1992-02-11 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn Vacuum skin packages with reduced product discoloration and method of making
US4910033A (en) 1988-05-13 1990-03-20 W. R. Grace & Co. Vacuum skin packages with reduced product discoloration
US5346735A (en) * 1992-08-14 1994-09-13 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn Peelable barrier film for vacuum skin packages and the like
US5631036A (en) * 1993-12-07 1997-05-20 W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Peelable vacuum skin package with barrier foam tray
AU702738B2 (en) 1994-06-30 1999-03-04 Cryovac, Inc. Barrier package for fresh meat products
NZ280404A (en) 1994-11-22 1998-01-26 Grace W R & Co Composite film for vacuum skin packaging having a permeable film with semi-adherent layer using the film, film details
AU8610698A (en) 1997-09-30 1999-04-22 Cryovac, Inc. Package comprising an inner, gas-permeable enclosure and an outer, gas-impermeable enclosure peelably adhered to the inner enclosure
US5979653A (en) 1997-12-24 1999-11-09 Cryovac, Inc. Peel mechanism for peelable barrier film for vacuum skin packages and the like
DE19824976A1 (en) 1998-06-04 1999-12-09 Kraemer & Grebe Kg Method and device for producing packages
US6044622A (en) 1999-01-11 2000-04-04 Cryovac, Inc. Method and apparatus for producing a package having a peelable film with a tab to facilitate peeling
CA2368842A1 (en) 1999-06-17 2000-12-28 Cryovac, Inc. Foam packaging tray and packaging method using same
US7776416B2 (en) * 2001-08-20 2010-08-17 Cryovac, Inc. Case-ready package having absorbent pad
AU2002325877B2 (en) * 2001-08-31 2008-02-07 Cryovac, Inc. Microwaveable vacuum skin package
US7025198B2 (en) 2002-12-31 2006-04-11 Cryovac, Inc. Absorbent pad with controlled rate of wicking
US7888405B2 (en) 2004-01-30 2011-02-15 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Aliphatic-aromatic polyesters, and articles made therefrom
US8741402B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2014-06-03 Curwood, Inc. Webs with synergists that promote or preserve the desirable color of meat
US8029893B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2011-10-04 Curwood, Inc. Myoglobin blooming agent, films, packages and methods for packaging
US8545950B2 (en) * 2004-04-02 2013-10-01 Curwood, Inc. Method for distributing a myoglobin-containing food product
US8110259B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2012-02-07 Curwood, Inc. Packaging articles, films and methods that promote or preserve the desirable color of meat
US7867531B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2011-01-11 Curwood, Inc. Myoglobin blooming agent containing shrink films, packages and methods for packaging
US8470417B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2013-06-25 Curwood, Inc. Packaging inserts with myoglobin blooming agents, packages and methods for packaging
US7459521B2 (en) * 2004-08-06 2008-12-02 E.I. Dupont De Nemours And Company Heat-sealable polyolefins and articles made therefrom
US8597746B2 (en) 2005-05-31 2013-12-03 Curwood, Inc. Peelable vacuum skin packages
EP2055651A1 (en) 2007-10-30 2009-05-06 Cryovac, Inc. Improved self-life vacuum skin packaging
US8047368B2 (en) * 2008-01-23 2011-11-01 Curwood, Inc. Vacuum skin packaging laminate, package and process for using same
BRPI0912880B8 (en) 2008-05-20 2022-10-04 Cryovac Inc VACUUM PACKAGING PROCESS AND PACKAGE WITH FILM AND TRAY INCLUDING A BACKGROUND WALL
ATE532414T1 (en) 2008-07-16 2011-11-15 Cryovac Inc POST-PACKAGING PASTEURIZATION PROCESS
DK2156949T3 (en) 2008-08-19 2015-02-16 Cryovac Inc For vacuum skin packaging applications suitable film and thus produced vacuum skin pack is easy to open
WO2010063094A1 (en) * 2008-12-01 2010-06-10 Cascades Canada Inc. Anti-leak meat pack, food packaging tray therefore, and associated methods
US20100255162A1 (en) 2009-04-06 2010-10-07 Cryovac, Inc. Packaging with on-demand oxygen generation
EP2386411A1 (en) 2010-05-03 2011-11-16 Cryovac, Inc. Multilayer barrier film for VSP packaging, method of packaging and packages obtained therewith
EP3190056B1 (en) 2012-10-19 2018-12-12 Cryovac, Inc. Apparatus and method for vacuum skin packaging of a product
BR112015025753B8 (en) 2013-04-09 2022-10-04 Cryovac Inc APPLIANCE AND PROCESS FOR PACKAGING A PRODUCT
RU2653085C2 (en) 2013-05-07 2018-05-07 Криовак, Инк. Device and a method for packaging a product
DE102013010221A1 (en) * 2013-06-18 2014-12-18 Jörg von Seggern Maschinenbau GmbH Method for sealing trays with foil and device for sealing trays with foil
EP2905233B1 (en) 2014-02-11 2016-09-28 Cryovac, Inc. Apparatus and process for packaging a product
EP2907759A1 (en) 2014-02-12 2015-08-19 Cryovac, Inc. Package for a product and apparatus and process for packaging a product
JP5651263B1 (en) * 2014-05-02 2015-01-07 株式会社浅野研究所 Thermoforming device by hot plate heating
RU2680034C2 (en) 2014-10-10 2019-02-14 Криовак, Инк. Device and method for packaging product
BR112017007124B8 (en) 2014-10-10 2022-10-04 Cryovac Inc PACKAGING APPARATUS, USE OF SAID APPARATUS AND PROCESS OF PACKAGING A PRODUCT DISPOSED ON A SUPPORT USING SAID APPARATUS
US10792898B2 (en) 2015-05-11 2020-10-06 Cryovac, Llc Vacuum skin package with easy-open/reclosable bottom web
US20190016487A1 (en) 2016-02-26 2019-01-17 Cryovac, Inc. Heating head for packaging assembly, packaging apparatus and process, manufacturing process for making a heating head
ITUB20161192A1 (en) 2016-03-01 2017-09-01 Cryovac Inc TRAY, PACKAGING, EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURE FOR THE REALIZATION OF THAT CASSETTE AND ITS PACKAGE
CN108778711A (en) 2016-03-07 2018-11-09 克里奥瓦克公司 Easy-to-open film for vacuum skin packaging
BR112018070902B1 (en) 2016-04-13 2023-01-17 Cryovac, Llc VACUUM FILM PACKAGING HAVING AN IMPLOSION-RESISTANT UPPER FRAME
EP3494052B1 (en) 2016-08-02 2023-02-08 Cryovac, LLC Process for packaging a product
WO2019002388A1 (en) 2017-06-29 2019-01-03 Cryovac, Inc. Use of dual ovenable polyester films in thermoforming packaging applications and dual ovenable thermoformed packages obtained therefrom
EP3645282B1 (en) 2017-06-29 2021-08-04 Cryovac, LLC Use of dual ovenable polyester films in vacuum skin packaging applications and skin packages obtained therefrom
EP3645283A1 (en) 2017-06-30 2020-05-06 Cryovac, LLC Vacuum skin packages for soft products and vacuum skin method of packaging
AU2021200176A1 (en) 2020-01-28 2021-08-12 Flexopack S.A. Oven skin packaging film
EP4132866A1 (en) 2020-04-07 2023-02-15 Cryovac, LLC Package and method for color retention of fresh meat
EP3925769A1 (en) 2020-06-18 2021-12-22 Flexopack S.A. Laminate
EP4163104A1 (en) 2021-10-05 2023-04-12 Flexopack S.A. Multilayer monoaxially oriented crosslinked film and process
AU2022271461A1 (en) 2021-11-30 2023-06-15 Flexopack S.A. Vacuum skin packaging film

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3491504A (en) * 1967-10-02 1970-01-27 William E Young Method and apparatus for vacuum skin packaging
US3545163A (en) * 1969-07-30 1970-12-08 Mahaffy & Harder Eng Co Package forming methods and apparatus

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3491504A (en) * 1967-10-02 1970-01-27 William E Young Method and apparatus for vacuum skin packaging
US3545163A (en) * 1969-07-30 1970-12-08 Mahaffy & Harder Eng Co Package forming methods and apparatus

Cited By (38)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3830365A (en) * 1972-10-19 1974-08-20 Newport General Corp Vacuum skin packaging and packages
US3835618A (en) * 1973-01-22 1974-09-17 Grace W R & Co Apparatus for producing vacuum skin packages in multiples
JPS49104788A (en) * 1973-01-22 1974-10-03
US3828520A (en) * 1973-04-04 1974-08-13 Substrate Inc Vacuum packaging method and platen therefor
DE2536020A1 (en) * 1974-08-22 1976-03-04 Grace W R & Co METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VACUUM PACKAGING OF AN OBJECT
US3950919A (en) * 1974-08-22 1976-04-20 W. R. Grace & Co. Apparatus and process for vacuum skin packaging
DE2758808A1 (en) * 1977-12-30 1979-07-19 American Can Co Vacuum skin package-making appts. - has thermoplastic sheets around product forming seal evacuated via aligned openings in conveyor belt and plate
US4833862A (en) * 1982-11-15 1989-05-30 W. R. Grace & Co. - Conn. Method and apparatus for vacuum packaging and package obtained thereby
DE3341072A1 (en) * 1982-11-15 1984-05-17 W.R. Grace & Co., New York, N.Y. VACUUM PACKING METHOD AND DEVICE
US5076436A (en) * 1982-11-15 1991-12-31 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Vacuum packaging
US4611456A (en) * 1983-08-23 1986-09-16 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Process for making a vacuum skin package and product formed thereby
US4796408A (en) * 1986-11-14 1989-01-10 W. R. Grace & Co. Method and apparatus for vacuum packaging
EP0270208A1 (en) * 1986-11-14 1988-06-08 W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Method and apparatus for vacuum packaging
US5033253A (en) * 1987-07-02 1991-07-23 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Process for skin packaging electostatically sensitive items
AU636420B2 (en) * 1989-12-13 1993-04-29 W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Film/foil panel
US5454214A (en) * 1993-10-27 1995-10-03 Lancaster; Paul B. Automatic vacuum packaging apparatus
US6408598B1 (en) 1998-12-23 2002-06-25 Cryovac, Inc. Modified atmosphere package for high profile products from upwardly formed heat shrinkable film
AU761814B2 (en) * 1998-12-23 2003-06-12 Cryovac, Inc. Process for packaging high profile products in a modified atmosphere with an upwardly formed heat shrinkable film
US20090071100A1 (en) * 2007-07-06 2009-03-19 Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Go. Kg Packaging machine and method for producing packages made of a film
US8091322B2 (en) * 2007-07-06 2012-01-10 Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Gmbh & Co. Kg Packaging machine and method for producing packages made of a film
US20100115890A1 (en) * 2007-07-16 2010-05-13 Andrea Granili Vacuum skin packaging method and apparatus
US8402723B2 (en) 2007-07-16 2013-03-26 Cryovac, Inc. Vacuum skin packaging method and apparatus
US20090136627A1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2009-05-28 Schuman Neal H Cheese board
US20120204516A1 (en) * 2009-07-29 2012-08-16 Cryovac, Inc. Vacuum Skin Packaging of a Product Arranged on a Support
US20180170595A1 (en) * 2009-07-29 2018-06-21 Cryovac, Inc. Vacuum Skin Packaging of a Product Arranged on a Support
US20110048998A1 (en) * 2009-08-28 2011-03-03 Marina Riccio Film suitable for vacuum skin packaging applications and easy-to-open vacuum skin package obtained therewith
WO2011044027A1 (en) 2009-10-06 2011-04-14 Cryovac, Inc. Suspension packaging with on-demand oxygen generation
EP3083411B1 (en) 2013-12-16 2017-10-18 Cryovac, Inc. Apparatus and process for packaging a product
US10259603B2 (en) 2013-12-16 2019-04-16 Cryovac, Llc Apparatus and process for packaging a product
EP3083411B2 (en) 2013-12-16 2021-02-10 Cryovac, Inc. Apparatus for packaging a product
WO2015187956A1 (en) * 2014-06-06 2015-12-10 Deli Star Corporation A packaging machine for vacuum skin packaging
US20170305582A1 (en) * 2014-10-09 2017-10-26 Medipack Ag Method for packaging articles in bubble wrap
RU2737694C2 (en) * 2016-03-07 2020-12-02 Криовак, Инк. Multilayer film for packing in vacuum into tight film, packing method and packages made by it
US20180155074A1 (en) * 2016-12-06 2018-06-07 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg Tray sealer
US10913562B2 (en) * 2016-12-06 2021-02-09 Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg Tray sealer
US20230016501A1 (en) * 2020-03-23 2023-01-19 Cryovac, Llc Packaging apparatus and process
USD984895S1 (en) 2020-12-22 2023-05-02 Applied Materials, Inc. Packaging insert for a process chamber component
US12100613B2 (en) 2020-12-22 2024-09-24 Applied Materials, Inc. Minimal contact packaging for process chamber components

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3498571A (en) 1973-05-03
CA930298A (en) 1973-07-17
NL7114481A (en) 1972-04-25
DK139748C (en) 1979-10-29
NL167917C (en) 1982-02-16
NO130763B (en) 1974-10-28
BE773791A (en) 1972-04-11
GB1307054A (en) 1973-02-14
CH539544A (en) 1973-07-31
FI52306C (en) 1977-08-10
DE2149414A1 (en) 1972-05-04
BR7107833D0 (en) 1973-04-19
NO130763C (en) 1975-02-05
FI52306B (en) 1977-05-02
FR2113157A5 (en) 1972-06-23
LU64125A1 (en) 1972-05-12
DK139748B (en) 1979-04-09
NL167917B (en) 1981-09-16
ES396312A1 (en) 1974-05-01
SE384991B (en) 1976-05-31
AU469635B2 (en) 1976-02-19
USRE30009E (en) 1979-05-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3694991A (en) Vacuum skin package, and process and apparatus for making same
US3835618A (en) Apparatus for producing vacuum skin packages in multiples
US3966045A (en) Skin package
US2750719A (en) Packaging method
US3830365A (en) Vacuum skin packaging and packages
US3010262A (en) Method of making packages wrapped in flexible sheet material
US4541224A (en) Packing process
US2328798A (en) Method of lining
US2991600A (en) Method and apparatus for vacuum packaging with plastic sheaths
US3545983A (en) Method of deoxygenating and packaging of food products
US4545177A (en) Packing process and apparatus
US4164109A (en) Method and device for a tight packing under a thermoplastic and thermoformable film of products requiring an absolute protection
NO170677B (en) VACUUM PACKING PROCEDURE AND APPARATUS
SE7403541L (en)
US3695900A (en) Evacuated hermetically sealed package with semirigid shell and stretchable closure
US2989827A (en) Packaging process
US2660761A (en) Method for recrystallizing or restabilizing oriented amorphous rubber hydrochloride film
US3608016A (en) Method of forming and producing preferably cup-shaped hollow bodies by drawing a material capable of being formed by heat
US3522687A (en) Single-chamber packaging machine for semi-rigid packages
US3709702A (en) Hermetically sealed food package
US4256690A (en) Vacuum forming method
US4055671A (en) Hermetically sealed package
US3890761A (en) Vacuum skin packaging method
IE52224B1 (en) Packaging process and apparatus
US3534521A (en) Vacuum system for skin-packaging machines