Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080273821 | Method and Apparatus for Laser Scored Packaging - A package formed via a vertical-form-fill-and-seal process includes a web material with edge portions sealed to create a vertical sleeve. The package also includes a first sealed end and a second sealed end at either end of the vertical sleeve to create a sealed package. The package includes a laser scribed ablation pattern extending across the web material with ablated portions having an about one to about three millimeter length separated by non-ablated portions of about 0.25 and about 0.75 millimeter length. The package has increased tensile strength to avoid breaking during the vertical-form-fill-and-seal process and provides a high likelihood that an outer edge and vertical seal of the package include ablated portions to provide an easy-to-start tear area to open the package. Also, the short spaces between ablated portions increase the likelihood of tear propagation along the ablation pattern, all the way across the package. | 11-06-2008 |
20080282909 | Automated Method for Placing Sliced Food Stacks in Packages - A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices. Thereafter, the stacks are received at the insertion station where they are transferred to their packages, on an automated basis without the need for manual handling thereof. This is enabled due to the well-formed stacks generated by the harping station which allows the stacks to be dropped into the packages aligned therebelow. | 11-20-2008 |
20110099948 | Automated Method For Placing Sliced Food Stacks In Packages - A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices. Thereafter, the stacks are received at the insertion station where they are transferred to their packages, on an automated basis without the need for manual handling thereof. This is enabled due to the well-formed stacks generated by the harping station which allows the stacks to be dropped into the packages aligned therebelow. | 05-05-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100257820 | MODIFIED ATMOSPHERIC FLOW-WRAP SYSTEM - A modified atmosphere flow-wrap system and method and components thereof are provided for packaging a food product in a reduced oxygen atmosphere in a continuous or partially-continuous process. In one aspect, the flow-wrap system includes a saturation tunnel for saturating the food products with modified gas to reduce an amount of residual oxygen therein. In another aspect, the flow-wrap system includes a flow-wrapping station with a modified gas lance that extends into film webbing used to form the food product packages to insert modified gas into the film webbing and restrict oxygen from entering the food packages. | 10-14-2010 |
20100314365 | Method and Apparatus for Using a Laser to Both Score and Emblazon a Wrapping Sheet - A laser is used to both score and emblazon a sheet to thereby provide a scored, emblazoned sheet. That scored, emblazoned sheet is then used to wrap an item (such as, but not limited to, a foodstuff item). By one approach this can comprise providing a plurality of lasers and exposing a substantially taut sheet to this plurality of lasers. So configured, these lasers are used substantially contemporaneously with one another such that each laser both scores and emblazons a corresponding portion of the substantially taut sheet to provide the aforementioned scored, emblazoned sheet. | 12-16-2010 |
20110204056 | Food Package Having Opening Feature - A package for a food product is provided and includes a fin seal, where the package is configured for controlled opening using an opening feature. The opening feature may include an integral flap separable from the remainder of the package to form an access opening to an interior of the package. The flap may be defined by one or more score or scribed lines that extend only partially through the package. The flap may have a portion extending into the fin seal area. Opening of the flap may expose adhesive of the fin seal area which can be utilized for attaching the flap to reclose the package. | 08-25-2011 |
20120000968 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A PACKAGE WITH AN EASY OPEN FEATURE - An apparatus and method is provided to create a package with an easy open feature that has a fin seal spanning between opposing end seals. Flow-wrapping material utilized to form the package includes first and second opening feature portions. The first and second opening feature portions are disposed adjacent to opposing lateral edges of the flow-wrapping material. A plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines are disposed at least partially with the first opening feature portion and a tear initiation element is disposed laterally aligned with the pluralyt of laterally-disposed scribed lines. The tear initiation element is disposed such that it is closer to the second opening feature portion than the first opening feature portion. | 01-05-2012 |
20120005993 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING PACKAGES USING NON-LINEAR SEAL JAWS - New and improved seal jaws and methods for creating a seal on a package containing a high-profile product therein are described herein. The seal jaws are configured to seal overlapping wrapping film segments together adjacent the product in a seal zone where the height of the product results in additional film width. The height of the product creates an inward pull that can prevent the additional film width from being taut, which can result in folds or wrinkles in a subsequently formed seal. Advantageously, the seal jaws described herein have a non-linear configuration that provides extra sealing surface area as compared to linear surfaces over the same lateral distance. The extra sealing surface is provided by an array of curvilinear peaks and valleys, where the peaks tension the overlapping film segments in the seal zone to substantially prevent the additional film width from forming folds in a subsequently formed seal. | 01-12-2012 |
20120031049 | Vacuum Flow Wrap Packaging System and Method of Packaging - A method and packaging system for forming a sealed vacuum package having minimal residual air remaining. At least one vacuum lance is provided in the interior of a partially-formed package to withdraw the air, the package being closed on three sides and having a fourth side open for insertion of the vacuum lance. An air restriction can be provided along the fourth side to form a closed edge that prevents ingress of air into the package interior after the evacuation of air. In one aspect, the air restriction may comprise a pair of pinch rollers that compress the package at the fourth side edge to form a pinch seal that provides a relatively airtight air chamber inside of the package prior to and during sealing of the package. In another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a partial seal formed around the lances to prevent or minimize air from reentering the package. In yet another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a compressed air seal formed by an air compression device that keeps the ends of the film pressed together. | 02-09-2012 |
20120128835 | RECLOSABLE FLEXIBLE PACKAGING AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - Flexible film packages having a partial, initial seal against ambient atmosphere and are easily openable and reclosable. The flexible film packages are generally resealable to extend the shelf-life or freshness of products contained therein once the package is initially opened. By one approach, the flexible film has two opposing edge portions that meet to form a longitudinal seal extending from a first end seal to a second end seal. The flexible film may have a score that defines a package opening. An elongated closure layer may extend over the score and may extend from a first end seal to a second end seal and within the opposing edge portions that form the longitudinal seal. The elongated closure layer may have a tack-free gripping portion used to release at least a portion of the elongated closure from the flexible film to form the package opening. | 05-24-2012 |
20130077898 | Pouch with Laser-Treated Straw Piercing Zone - A method and apparatus for improved straw access to the interior of a pouch formed from a multi-ply laminate includes a laser-treated area that has improved characteristics for enabling a straw to pass through the multi-ply laminate to access the interior of the pouch. The laser treated area is more crystalline than adjacent areas of the multi-ply laminate that causes the multi-ply laminate to fracture. One such multi-ply laminate includes a sealant layer, a foil layer, and a PET layer. | 03-28-2013 |
20130121624 | Reclosable Flexible Packaging And Methods For Manufacturing Same - Flexible film packages having a partial, initial seal against ambient atmosphere and are easily openable and reclosable. The flexible film packages are generally resealable to extend the shelf-life or freshness of products contained therein once the package is initially opened. By one approach, the flexible film has two opposing edge portions that meet to form a longitudinal seal extending from a first end seal to a second end seal. The flexible film may have a score that defines a package opening. An elongated closure layer ( | 05-16-2013 |
20140047801 | Vacuum Flow Wrap Packaging System and Method of Packaging - A method and packaging system for forming a sealed vacuum package having minimal residual air remaining. At least one vacuum lance is provided in the interior of a partially-formed package to withdraw the air, the package being closed on three sides and having a fourth side open for insertion of the vacuum lance. An air restriction can be provided along the fourth side to form a closed edge that prevents ingress of air into the package interior after the evacuation of air. In one aspect, the air restriction may comprise a pair of pinch rollers that compress the package at the fourth side edge to form a pinch seal that provides a relatively airtight air chamber inside of the package prior to and during sealing of the package. In another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a partial seal formed around the lances to prevent or minimize air from reentering the package. In yet another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a compressed air seal formed by an air compression device that keeps the ends of the film pressed together. | 02-20-2014 |
20140363545 | Food Packaging Having Opening Feature - A package for a food product is provided and includes a fin seal, where the package is configured for controlled opening using an opening feature. The opening feature may include an integral flap separable from the remainder of the package to form an access opening to an interior of the package. The flap may be defined by one or more score or scribed lines that extend only partially through the package. The flap may have a portion extending into the fin seal area. Opening of the flap may expose adhesive of the fin seal area which can be utilized for attaching the flap to reclose the package. | 12-11-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080271418 | Method for Manufacturing an Ingredient Package - Tandem, vertically-aligned vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) assemblies enable a method for manufacturing an ingredient package. In inner ingredient-bearing package is manufactured by a first superior VFFS assembly, which inner package is then downwardly displaced to a second inferior VFFS assembly. The inner package and a second ingredient are deposited (filled) into an open-ended outer packaging material being formed by the inferior VFFS assembly. After deposing the inner package and the second ingredient into the formed outer package, the outer package and inner package are sealed to one another at superior ends thereof to finally form an ingredient package. The finally formed package may be removed from partially formed packages in superior adjacency thereto. The finally formed package compartmentalizes the first and second ingredients for later consumer consumption. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274239 | Ingredient Package and Method - Coaxial and non-coaxial ingredient packages provides an integrated inner and outer package via a common transverse seal across opposing ends of the package. The transverse seal is accomplished by way of the outer surface of the inner package and the inner surface of the outer package. The inner package functions to receive a first ingredient and the outer package functions to receive a second ingredient. An opening mechanism located at a select package end enables the user to unseal the inner and outer packages simultaneously thereby facilitating the common dispensing of package contents or ingredients in a complementary manner for opportune admixture. Certain methodology for coaxial ingredient or foodstuff service and/or presentation is further presented as reflective of the disclosed structures. | 11-06-2008 |
20090095801 | Methods and Apparatus for Manufacture of a Reclosable Plastic Carton - A carton formed from a unitary blank for storing food within and methods of manufacture of the carton therefrom, are disclosed herein. The carton comprises a generally rectangular bottom having a pair of major bottom flaps and a pair of minor bottom flaps that are folded to form a substantially closed bottom, and a pair of major side panels, a pair of minor side panels, and a secondary side panel that are folded perpendicular to the bottom. An opening is defined by the upper ends of the major side panels and the minor side panels opposite the bottom and is generally non-rectangular. | 04-16-2009 |
20100124589 | Food Package for Segregating Ingredients of a Multi-Component Food Product - A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion. | 05-20-2010 |
20100124590 | Food Package for Segregating Ingredients of a Multi-Component Food Product - A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion. | 05-20-2010 |
20110005173 | Method and Apparatus to Create a Contoured Flow Wrap Package - An apparatus comprises a flow wrapper disposed and sealed about a product. The flow wrapper has a sealed leading edge and a sealed trailing edge, wherein at least one of the sealed leading edge and the sealed trailing edge comprise a non-linear seal, and the sealed leading edge and the sealed trailing edge are different from one another with respect to a lateral contour across the flow wrapper. The apparatus may further comprise at least one non-linear periphery. | 01-13-2011 |
20130026170 | RECLOSABLE PACKAGING USING A LOW-TACK ADHESIVE FASTENER - A flexible film package having an adhesive based reclosable fastener having a flexible film substrate forming a plurality of package walls sealed to form an interior cavity for receiving a product; the plurality of walls having at least two opposing flexible walls; a package mouth, initially sealed, to permit access to the interior cavity; a low tack pressure sensitive adhesive (LTPSA) layer disposed on each of an exterior surface of the parallel walls, the LTPSA sized and oriented in positions to oppose one another at a plurality of positions when the package is reclosed to allow progressively decreased size of the interior cavity as product is removed; and wherein a bond strength of the LTPSA to the flexible film substrate is greater than an adhesion between LTPSA areas. The mouth can be formed by a peelable seal or by a defined area of weakness. | 01-31-2013 |
20130108739 | Method For Making a Two Component Beverage and Associated Two Compartment Container | 05-02-2013 |
20130266244 | FLEXIBLE PACKAGES HAVING MULTIPLE LINES OF WEAKNESS TO FACILITATE OPENING - A flexible film package for storing food products comprises a body with a side wall, a closed bottom end, and a closed top end. The body includes a primary line of weakness and a pair of secondary lines of weakness formed in the side wall. Each of the primary and secondary lines of weakness includes a plurality of score lines spaced apart by non-scored portions of the side wall. The score lines of the primary line of weakness have a greater length, width, and depth than the score lines of the secondary lines of weakness. The non-scored portions between the score lines of the primary line of weakness are longer than the non-scored portions between the score lines of the secondary lines of weakness. | 10-10-2013 |
20150017291 | FLEXIBLE PACKAGES HAVING MULTIPLE LINES OF WEAKNESS TO FACILITATE OPENING - A flexible film package for storing food products comprises a body with a side wall, a closed bottom end, and a closed top end. The body includes a primary line of weakness and a pair of secondary lines of weakness formed in the side wall. Each of the primary and secondary lines of weakness includes a plurality of score lines spaced apart by non-scored portions of the side wall. The score lines of the primary line of weakness have a greater length, width, and depth than the score lines of the secondary lines of weakness. The non-scored portions between the score lines of the primary line of weakness are longer than the non-scored portions between the score lines of the secondary lines of weakness. | 01-15-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080282909 | Automated Method for Placing Sliced Food Stacks in Packages - A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices. Thereafter, the stacks are received at the insertion station where they are transferred to their packages, on an automated basis without the need for manual handling thereof. This is enabled due to the well-formed stacks generated by the harping station which allows the stacks to be dropped into the packages aligned therebelow. | 11-20-2008 |
20110099948 | Automated Method For Placing Sliced Food Stacks In Packages - A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices. Thereafter, the stacks are received at the insertion station where they are transferred to their packages, on an automated basis without the need for manual handling thereof. This is enabled due to the well-formed stacks generated by the harping station which allows the stacks to be dropped into the packages aligned therebelow. | 05-05-2011 |