Classifications

• • 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
  • B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
  • B65B1/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
• • 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
  • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
  • B65B11/004—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material in blanks, e.g. sheets precut and creased for folding
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
  • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
  • B65B31/025—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65B31/028—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers closed by a lid sealed to the upper rim of the container, e.g. tray-like container
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
  • B65B43/12—Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
  • B65B43/14—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines
  • B65B43/145—Feeding carton blanks from piles or magazines
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
  • B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
  • B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
• • 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
  • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D25/34—Coverings or external coatings
  • B65D25/36—Coverings or external coatings formed by applying sheet material
• • 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
  • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
  • B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
  • B65D43/163—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately
  • B65D43/169—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately the lid, the hinge and the element connecting them to the container being made of one piece
• • 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
  • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
  • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
  • B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
• • 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
  • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
  • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
  • B65D51/246—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with eating utensils or spatulas
  • B65D51/247—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes provided with eating utensils or spatulas located between an inner and an outer closure
• • 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
  • B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
  • B65B1/02—Machines characterised by the incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
  • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
  • B65B31/025—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers
• • 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
  • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
  • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
  • B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
  • B65D2251/0018—Upper closure of the 43-type
  • B65D2251/0021—Upper closure of the 43-type of the B65D43/16-type
• • 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
  • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
  • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
  • B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
  • B65D2251/0028—Upper closure of the 51-type
• • 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
  • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
  • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
  • B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
  • B65D2251/009—Lower closure of the 51-type
• • 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
  • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
  • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
  • B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
  • B65D2251/0093—Membrane
• • 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
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
  • B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
  • B65D2543/00175—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond
  • B65D2543/00194—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond square or rectangular
• • 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
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00259—Materials used
  • B65D2543/00296—Plastic
• • 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
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00435—Lids secured to an intermediate ring or like annular member fixed to the container mouth
• • 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
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
  • B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
  • B65D2543/00527—NO contact
• • 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
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
  • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
  • B65D2543/00611—Profiles
• • 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
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
  • B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
  • B65D2543/00685—Totality
• • 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
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
  • B65D2543/00722—Profiles
• • 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
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
  • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
  • B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
• • 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
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
  • B65D2543/00833—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
  • B65D2543/00842—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar outside of the lid
• • 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
  • B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
  • B65D2577/10—Container closures formed after filling
  • B65D2577/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers
  • B65D2577/2041—Pull tabs
  • B65D2577/205—Pull tabs integral with the closure
• • 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
  • B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
  • B65D2577/10—Container closures formed after filling
  • B65D2577/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers
  • B65D2577/2075—Lines of weakness or apertures
  • B65D2577/2091—Lines of weakness or apertures in cover

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the manufacturing of packages and in particular to the manufacturing of packages for powdered nutritional products such as infant nutrition or milk formula.
• the invention also relates to such a package.
• Powdered material such as infant milk formula
• Metal cans were initially the preferred container as they were relatively easy and cheap to produce and could be sealed for long term storage.
• the seal comprised an aluminium foil across the mouth of the container that was removed on first use.
• the containers were provided with re-closable plastic lids which gripped over the outer rim of the metal can.
• a measuring scoop was frequently included with the container, either packaged separately or within the can itself. Such cans are however relatively heavy and expensive to produce.
• a method of manufacturing and filling a package with a powdered nutritional product comprising:
• thermoformed tub having sidewalls and a base defining a product receiving space, filling the product receiving space with the powdered nutritional product, and sealing a membrane across an open mouth of the tub to seal the product therein;
• both the inner tub and the outer sleeve will have dimensions that fall within tolerances. As the sleeve is slid over the inner tub, the sleeve will have to be able to receive even the largest inner tub within these tolerances. This may lead to a relatively small inner tub in a relatively large sleeve, such that the sleeve does not give as much support to the inner tub as desired. Additionally, the finish of such a combination of a relatively large sleeve and a small tub is unsightly, due to the gaps that appear along the edges and at the corners.
• Folding the carton blank around the filled tub has the advantage that a sleeve formed from the carton blank engagingly encloses the thermoformed tub independent of the outer dimensions of the thermoformed tub.
• the sleeve fittingly encloses the inner tub leading to a more acceptable final product. Additionally, the close fit between these two components provides maximum support to the inner tub, which is particularly important in the case of tubs having relatively thin walls.
• thermoformed tub has inner dimensions falling within tolerances and even the smallest of the thermoformed tubs should fit over the male mould. This may lead to less support by the male mould in case of a relatively large thermoformed tub, such that the mould cannot give the support desired while folding the carton blank around the tub. More importantly, it is only possible to use a mandrel within the tub prior to filling. As will be described further below, for processes where filling takes place under high-care conditions, it may not be desirable for the carton sleeve to enter into the high-care zone and it is thus excluded that a mandrel based assembly be used.
• the bulk density of the powdered nutritional product may be between 0.4 and 0.7 g/ml, preferably between 0.45 and 0.6 g/ml.
• the tub is filled with the powdered material prior to folding the carton sleeve around the tub and the product thus provides additional support to the peripheral wall of the tub. Additionally, the contents of the tub can exert an outward counter-force on the sleeve during the folding operation, thereby promoting the attachment between the tub and the sleeve.
• the membrane is provided over the top edge of the tub before folding the sleeve around the tub to give extra support to the tub and to protect the product from the environmental atmosphere.
• the membrane seal may comprise a metal foil or may be a plastics-only foil. It may be removed in its entirety prior to use or may comprises a weakened tear line defining an opening region, and a pull tab.
• the membrane may be provided at various locations but most preferably, the membrane is sealed across the upper edge of the container.
• thermoformed tubs generally have an outwardly extending flange forming the upper edge and the membrane may be sealed across the flange.
• the membrane may be sealed to the lower frame to close the opening. In that case, the skilled person will understand that the connection between the lower frame and the upper edge of the container must be a sealed connection.
• the carton blank comprises a bottom panel and side wall panels and wherein, after folding the carton blank to a sleeve, the sleeve encloses the sidewalls and at least a part of the base of the tub.
• a sleeve provides additional support to the base of the thermoformed tub.
• the carton blank is formed as a single piece blank with a plurality of panels.
• the composite package can benefit from improved strength and the carton sleeve can be easily printed. Because the sleeve is added at a late stage in the production cycle, the sleeve design or language may be changed, even after the tub has been filled. For recycling, the sleeve and tub can be separated and disposed of as required.
• step b) further comprises gluing the panels to the tub after folding towards the tub.
• step b) further comprises gluing the bottom panel to the base of the tub. Connecting the panels of the sleeve to the tub ensures that the sleeve and the tub support each other. Additionally, the sleeve is formed from the carton blank and covers an outer surface of the tub in this way.
• step b) further comprises connecting the panels to each other after folding towards the tub, preferably by gluing.
• the blank has the shape of a cross defining a base and four side panels.
• the side panels may be provided with lobes or tabs that engage with each other and may be glued or otherwise adhered together.
• step b) further comprises centering the carton blank and the thermoformed tub with respect to each other.
• step b) may comprise gripping the tub at the lid assembly for transportation and to have free access to both the peripheral wall and the base of the tub.
• the carton blank may then be connected at the bottom panel to the base of the tub by an adhesive, such as glue.
• the side panels are folded towards the tub in pairs of opposite side panels.
• the side panels provided with tabs are folded first towards the tub, after which the remaining side panels are folded towards the tub.
• the tabs are preferably provided at the side panels of the blank covering relatively longer side walls of the tub. In this embodiment, folding the side panels covering relatively shorter side walls of the tub over and connecting to the tabs provides more strength to the package.
• the tabs have such a length that they do not overlap each other upon folding around or onto the tub.
• step b) comprises applying a lateral displacement to the side panels to bring them into engagement with the sidewalls of the tub after folding towards the sidewalls of the tub.
• a laterally applied force to press the side panels on the outer surface of the inner tub may be used. Pressure may be applied at regions at which glue has been applied in order to cause adhesion at these points. Preferably, pressure is applied at a centre of the side panels of the sleeve, close to an upper edge thereof.
• step b) further comprises providing the carton blank from a carton blank magazine holding multiple carton blanks.
• the filled and sealed thermoformed tub is provided from the filling and sealing machines to the assembly line by a carrier device.
• the carton blank is then provided separately, preferably from a carton blank magazine or cartridge holding multiple carton blanks to allow a continuous assembly of the packages.
• step a) may further comprise fitting a lower rim to an upper edge of the tub.
• This rim may advantageously assist in strengthening the otherwise relatively thin thermoformed tub.
• the lower rim is preferably adhered or welded on top of the membrane seal although it is not excluded that it may be connected to the upper edge of the tub directly before applying the membrane.
• the lower rim is preferably formed of the same class of material as the tub such that both may be recycled together.
• the step of applying the lower rim may further comprise centering the tub with respect to the lower rim prior to connection. In this manner, the lower rim may subsequently serve as a guide for further operations on the tub.
• step a) further comprises fitting a lid assembly to the tub, the lid assembly comprising an upper rim and a recloseable lid.
• the upper rim is preferably circumferential, defining an access opening and the lid can be hingedly attached to the upper rim for closing the access opening.
• a catch on the front edge of the lid can engage with a rib on the upper frame to maintain the lid closed.
• the lid can comprise a support surface at an outside of the lid assembly to support a base of another package thereon upon stacking of the packages.
• the upper rim and the lower rim are identical to each other.
• the lower rim thus has the function of strengthening the upper edge of the tub allowing the upper rim and lid to be effectively connected thereto.
• step a) may take place in a high-care zone.
• the package is filled and sealed and all element surfaces coming into contact with the powdered nutritional product are only exposed to the high-care zone.
• high-care is intended to denote that the environment is at an over pressure with respect to atmospheric pressure, preferably an overpressure of between 5 Pa and 50 Pa, more preferably an overpressure of between 5 Pa and 30 Pa, most preferably between 5 Pa and 20 Pa.
• the temperature in the high- care zone is preferably kept between 18 °C and 25 °C, more preferably between 19 °C and 23°C and the relative humidity is preferably controlled between 20% RH and 80% RH, more preferably between 30% RH and 60% RH, most preferably between 35% RH and 50%) RH.
• the atmosphere within the high-care environment is preferably filtered to remove particulates, such as with a HEPA (High-efficiency particulate absorption) filter including a H10 filter or higher according to EN 1822:2009.
• HEPA High-efficiency particulate absorption
• all components entering into contact with the product are cleaned by sterile, ionized air jet and checked with a vision system for imperfections or foreign bodies.
• the package is filled in a low-oxygen atmosphere.
• a low-oxygen atmosphere in particular a carbon dioxide atmosphere
• the powdered material is relatively dry compared to ambient atmosphere.
• certain powders absorb the carbon dioxide causing a slight underpressure in the package. Therefore the powder can be consolidated even further than under ambient atmosphere, such that the form retaining function of the contents of the tub is enhanced.
• the package of the present invention may be more sensitive to a bloated appearance than containers made of thicker, more rigid plastic, e.g. formed by injection moulding. Thicker, more rigid plastic walls are less susceptible to the force exerted by the content of the containers than the relatively thin thermoformed peripheral wall of the tub. It is therefore preferred that the thermoformed tub is filled with powdered material having a particular temperature. This may be of particular importance in case the finished package contains infant formula or food since such shelf-stable products are placed under less conditioned circumstances on the shelf in stores in contrast to packages containing fresh products such as yoghurt.
• the powdered nutritional product has a temperature between 10 to 30°C, more preferably between 15 to 25°C when the tub is filled therewith.
• a scoop is provided within the package and may be located above the membrane seal prior to use. It is also conceivable that a scoop is integrally formed with the lid construction and separated at first use. In either case, the scoop is preferably also included within the package in step a) and may therefore also be handled exclusively in the high-care zone.
• the scoop is positioned above the membrane seal when the sleeve is folded around the tub, whereby a distance between the scoop and the membrane seal is limited to less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, most preferably less than 2 mm. Limiting the distance between the spoon and the membrane seal, i.e. limiting excess space in the package, is beneficial for reducing plastic waste.
• step b) takes place outside the high-care zone.
• These actions may thus be characterised as ones that may not be permitted within the high-care zone.
• carton handling may be associated with considerable process debris and should be kept separate from the actions taking place in step a).
• low-care is intended to denote that the environment thereof is kept at ambient conditions. This includes ambient pressure, meaning no overpressure situation is created.
• the temperature in the low-care zone is preferably less strictly controlled compared to the high-care conditions, meaning that the temperature in the low-care can be between 12 °C and 30°C, more preferably 15 °C and 26°C.
• Particulate filtration may be installed in the low-care area or installed for flow of air into the low- care zone but FIEPA filtration is preferably not implemented to save costs
• the gluing can be a construction step in erecting the carton blank and/or an assembly step in joining the tub to the sleeve.
• the connection between the tub and the sleeve can easily be broken to allow for disassembly on recycling of the package after use.
• the glue is preferably a hot-melt adhesive and is applied at locations on the inner surface of the carton blank and/or on the outer surface of the inner tub before folding the respective panels towards the filled thermoformed tub.
• the tub is a pre-formed, size- stabilised tub of thermoplastic material.
• pre-formed is understood to require that the tub has been formed at least 24 hours and preferably at least 48 hours prior to filling. This allows for residual stresses within the tub, due to the thermoforming process, to be relaxed.
• the invention is particularly applicable to thin-walled tubs and in particular to tubs defining a single compartment.
• Such tubs may be relatively inexpensive due to the use of minimal amounts of plastics. Additional strength is provided by the carton sleeve.
• the tub has a wall thickness of about 0.10 mm to 0.50 mm, preferably between 0.15 and 0.40 mm. It will be understood by the skilled person that, due to the thermoforming process, the wall thickness may not be uniform over the whole tub. In particular, the upper edge of the tub may form a flange having greater thickness and stiffness.
• the tub may be manufactured of any appropriate material capable of being thermoformed. A most suitable material is polypropylene.
• the tub comprises a multi-layer laminate including a central barrier layer having reduced oxygen transmission, i.e. forming a barrier to oxygen, such as EVOH or the like.
• the strength of the package may be achieved by the combined strengths of the tub and the sleeve.
• the sleeve thus also has a structural function in addition to providing a printable surface.
• the carton used for the blank has a weight of between 50 g/m2and 400 g/m2, preferably from 100 g/m2 to 300 g/m2.
• the wording carton blank is defined as a blank comprising carton material.
• the blank material can further comprise other suitable materials, such as a coating to protect the outer surface against environmental influences.
• the carton blank material has greater weight and thickness than the sidewalls of the tub. It may have a wall thickness of between 0.10 mm to 0.50 mm and may even have a wall thickness of 0.6 mm.
• the carton blank may have a thickness that is at least twice the wall thickness of the sidewalls.
• the tub and the sleeve support each other in order to provide a wall structure that is stronger than would be the case for each of the elements when taken alone.
• the sleeve base may be either open or at least partially closed.
• the weight of the powder contents can assist in pressing the sidewalls into contact with the sleeve.
• the sidewalls of the inner tub and the sleeve are preferably slightly tapered.
• the taper of the outer sleeve and/or tub may be between 1° and 7°, preferably around 3°. An advantage of such a tapered shape is that the tubs can be stacked inside one another.
• a top edge of the sleeve may be at a distance different from the top edge of the tub.
• the top edge of the sleeve does not necessarily have to coincide with the top edge of the tub.
• This distance may be at most 5.0 mm, preferably 2 mm, more preferably 1 mm, whereby the sidewalls are supported up to the top edge, without the tub actually being suspended from its top edge.
• the membrane used to seal across the open mouth of the tub may be any conventional membrane of metal foil or plastic film or combination thereof.
• the membrane may function as a seal to protect the product from the environmental atmosphere, i.e. forms a barrier against oxygen, and preferably moisture.
• the membrane comprises a weakened tear line defining an opening region, and a pull tab for removing the membrane prior to use.
• the membrane may seal to an inside surface of the sidewalls.
• the tub comprises an outwardly extending flange at the top edge to which flange the membrane is connected.
• the invention also relates to a package for a powdered nutritional product , the package being manufactured according to any of the embodiments of the method as described above.
• the resulting package may be easy to produce and dispose of.
• the invention is particularly applicable to infant formula and most preferably the package is filled with powdered infant milk formula.
• a scoop is provided within the package and may be located above the membrane seal prior to use. It is also conceivable that a scoop is integrally formed with the lid construction and separated at first use.
• the process is particularly applicable to wide access packages of the type wherein the tub is rectangular and has an access opening with a minimum dimension of at least 70 mm, more preferably around 100 mm and an area of at least 100 cm 2 .
• the overall length of the package may be between 150 mm and 250 mm, preferably about 185 mm.
• the width of the package may be between 100 mm and 150 mm, preferably around 120 mm.
• the package may be available in multiple heights according to volume required, varying from 80 mm to 150 mm.
• rectangular is understood to include square and does not exclude the presence of rounded corners.
• the volume of the package may be between 0.8 litre or 800 ml and 3 litres, or 3000 ml, preferably around 1.5 litres, or 1500 ml.
• Such wide access packages are particularly susceptible to the problems of wall strength.
• Figure 1 shows a package for powdered nutritional products manufactured according to the method of the invention.
• Figure 2 shows a semi-finished package for assembly of the package of Fig. 1 in an exploded view.
• Figure 3 shows a carton blank and the semi-finished package of Fig. 2 for assembling the package of Fig. 1.
• Figure 4 shows side panels of the carton blank of Fig. 3 folded towards the thermoformed tub
• Figure 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of the production of the package of Fig.
• Figure 1 shows in perspective view a package 1 manufactured according to the present invention.
• the package 1 is in its completed state and includes a tub 2, enclosed by a sleeve 4, and a lid assembly 3.
• Figure 2 shows a partially exploded view of the tub 2 and the lid assembly 3 showing further a membrane 6, a lower rim 8, an upper rim 10 and a lid 12 forming a first assembly part of the package 1.
• the tub 2 is thermoformed of a laminate of inner and outer relatively thin polypropylene material layers and an intermediate EVOH barrier layer. It includes a base 14 and a peripheral wall 16 defining a product containing space 20, i.e. the tub 2 is filled with a powdered nutritional product 21 before the membrane 6 is connected over the open mouth 15 of the tub.
• the peripheral wall 16 extends to an upper edge 18 having an outwardly directed flange 19.
• Lower rim 8 is formed as a flat annular ring of a similar dimension to the outwardly directed flange 19.
• the lower rim 8 is injection moulded of polypropylene, although it will be understood that other appropriate materials could also be employed.
• the upper rim 10 and lid 12 form the lid assembly 3 and are also formed of injection moulded polypropylene.
• the upper rim 10 is designed to mechanically engage with the lower rim 8 in an interference fit including snap connectors, not shown.
• the seal 6 includes a tear line 22 defining an opening region 24 and includes a pull tab 26.
• the production line 40 of the package 1, of which a flow diagram is shown in Figure 5, is divided into a number of zones, defined as a first low-care zone 41, a high- care zone 42, a second low-care zone 43 and a third low-care zone 44.
• the tub 2, lower rim 8, lid assembly 3 and membrane 6 are all delivered via the first low-care zone 41, to the high-care zone 42.
• the tubs 2 are pre-formed, size-stabilised thermoformed tubs that have been formed at least 48 hours previously.
• the tub 2 is filled with milk powder 21. Subsequently, membrane 6 is applied to close the product containing space 20 and hermetically seal the milk powder within the tub 2.
• lower rim 8 is applied over the membrane 6 onto the outwardly directed flange 19 at the upper edge 18 of the peripheral wall 16 and subsequently welded into position.
• the lid assembly 3 is applied onto the lower rim 8 and clicked into position.
• all of the components that enter into contact with the milk powder 21 are enclosed within a semi-finished package , shown in Fig. 2.
• This can now proceed from the high-care zone 42 into the second low care zone 43. It will be understood that only the processes relevant to the present invention have been described at this point and that many other further operations may take place within the high-care zone 42, including cleaning, inspecting, testing and the like.
• the sleeve 4 will be formed around the semifinished package 1 ' to form a final package 1 as will be described in further detail below.
• the final package 1 is passed to the third low-care zone 44 for onward shipment.
• Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a blank 28 used to form the sleeve 4 and the filled and sealed tub 2 centered on a bottom panel (not shown) of the blank 28.
• the blank material may be polyethylene (PE) coated, high-quality card of 300 g/cm 2 .
• the blank 28 defines a number of side panels 30 and the bottom panel (not shown), corner sections 32 and connection tabs 34.
• Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the assembly of the package 1 by first folding side panels 30" towards the side walls 16" of the tub 2. Before folding the side panels 30" a layer of adhesive, or glue, is provided in an adhesive area 31. After connection of the side panels 30" to the side walls 16" by the adhesive, connection tabs 34 are folded towards the side walls 16' and connected to the side walls 16' by gluing.
• adhesive or glue
• the side panels 30' are provided with a layer of adhesive, or glue, provided in an adhesive area 33.
• Side panels 30' are then folded towards the side walls 16' of the tub 2 and connected to both the connection tabs 34 and the tub 2 by gluing.
• the corner sections 32 fold around the rounded corners of the tub 2.
• the blank 28 is now formed into a sleeve 4 that encloses the tub 2 by covering the side walls 16 and the base 14 and which supports the relatively thin walls of the tub 2.
• the adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive available as TECHNOMELTTM SUPRA 325 HT from Henkel AG and having an application temperature of between 160° C and 190° C. It will be understood that although it has been indicated that the adhesive is applied in the designated adhesive areas 31, 33, this may be applied at any desired location using an appropriate robotic glue actuator and may even be applied to the walls of the tub itself.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
• Making Paper Articles (AREA)
• Confectionery (AREA)
• Cartons (AREA)
• Closing Of Containers (AREA)

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• 2014
  • 2014-06-05 WO PCT/NL2014/050361 patent/WO2015187004A1/en active Application Filing
• 2015
  • 2015-06-04 CN CN201580029976.4A patent/CN106414259B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2015-06-04 PL PL15732975T patent/PL3152121T3/pl unknown
  • 2015-06-04 US US15/315,787 patent/US20170107002A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2015-06-04 AU AU2015268980A patent/AU2015268980B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2015-06-04 WO PCT/NL2015/050402 patent/WO2015187016A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2015-06-04 DK DK15732975.6T patent/DK3152121T3/en active
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  • 2015-06-04 CN CN201911256536.9A patent/CN111086743A/zh active Pending
  • 2015-06-04 RU RU2016150864A patent/RU2709755C2/ru active
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• 2016
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