Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
  • B65D21/08—Containers of variable capacity
• • 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
  • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
  • B65D21/08—Containers of variable capacity
  • B65D21/086—Collapsible or telescopic 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
  • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
  • B65D1/32—Containers adapted to be temporarily deformed by external pressure to expel contents
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
  • B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
  • B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
  • B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
  • B65D77/2028—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab
  • B65D77/2032—Means for opening the cover other than, or in addition to, a pull tab by peeling or tearing the cover from the container

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a portion package, in particular for a semi-fluid product such as a jelly, gel or paste, comprising a tub-like container with a base from which extends a wall which extends as far as an upper edge, wherein the wall can be compressed over at least a part of the height thereof, wherein the wall and the base bound a product space which extends as far as the upper edge, and wherein the product space is closed with a foil which adheres to the upper edge.
• the invention also relates to a semi-fluid product comprising one or more active constituents in a predetermined mutual ratio.
• a portion package of the type described in the preamble is known from European patent application EP 0 880 455 of applicant.
• the portion package described therein comprises a tub-like container of a suitable plastic or aluminium with a standing wall which bounds a product space.
• a concertina structure is arranged in the wall whereby the container as a whole is compressible in a height direction.
• Formed on an upper edge of the standing wall is a pouring spout which, like the other part of the top side of the container, is covered with an aluminium foil which is adhered to the upper edge around the product space.
• the foil is pulled away at the position of the pouring spout and the normally fluid content is poured out via the pouring spout while the wall is compressed.
• the present invention has for its object, among others, to provide a portion package of the type stated in the preamble which is particularly also suitable for a semi-fluid product.
• a portion package of the type indicated in the preamble has the feature according to the invention that the upper edge comprises at least a first and a second outward directed lateral extension on either side of the product space so as to provide at least two opposite gripping surfaces.
• the upper edge comprises at least a first and a second outward directed lateral extension on either side of the product space so as to provide at least two opposite gripping surfaces.
• the container can be per se closed or sealed in different ways to protect the content of the package from premature deterioration or contamination. It is however particularly practical for the container to be closed with a foil which adheres to the upper edge around the product space, and more particularly that the foil comprises an aluminium foil or an optionally metallized plastic foil. Such a foil seal allows of seamless and full integration into a process for manufacturing and filling the portion package.
• the upper edge only has to provide the gripping surface at locations lying opposite each other relative to the product space to enable simple emptying of the package.
• a preferred embodiment of the portion package therefore has the feature according to the invention that the lateral extensions extend further outward than an adjacent part of the upper edge. Extra material is mainly used here only in the intended first and second gripping surface for a lateral extension of the upper edge, and this material is otherwise saved. Not only does this save raw material costs, a more compact whole is thus also obtained which requires less space.
• a portion package according to the invention has the feature that the extensions comprise local gripping lips which extend integrally from the upper edge. The gripping lips are a purely local extension of the upper edge, but nevertheless provide a sufficient gripping surface for practical handling of the portion package.
• a particular embodiment of the portion package according to the invention has the feature that the foil extends with a tab-like end over at least one of the first and second lateral extensions of the upper edge, and that the tab-like end of the foil is free of the lateral extension. Because the tab-like end is free of the extension, i.e. is not adhered thereto as it is around the product space, the foil can be readily grasped thereon and subsequently pulled loose from the upper edge.
• a further particular embodiment of the portion package according to the invention has the feature that the foil extends with a tab-like end over at least one of the first and second lateral extensions of the upper edge and is adhered thereto, and that a break zone is arranged in the lateral extension and extends between a first and a second lateral side thereof.
• the foil is herein adhered over the whole surface to the upper edge of the container.
• the extension of the upper edge however comprises a break zone which can be broken off a remaining part thereof relatively easily through bending. This remaining part still provides sufficient gripping surface for removal of the product from the container, while the part which is broken off provides a handgrip on which and with which the foil can be pulled off.
• the wall of the container can be flexible and thereby compressible, although a particular embodiment of the portion package according to the invention has the feature that the wall of the container comprises over a part of its height a concertina structure, of which fold lines run at least substantially parallel to the upper edge.
• a concertina structure in the wall a controlled compressibility can be realized, even if the material of the wall is relatively stiff per se. This increases the possible choices in respect of suitable materials for the container, which must in some cases also meet other requirements such as a sufficient gas and/or light-tightness.
• a further particular embodiment of the portion package according to the invention has in this respect the feature that the container is formed integrally from a suitable plastic by thermo-forrning, in particular by creating a vacuum, and more particularly that the plastic comprises an optionally multilayer foil of one or more plastics from a group of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyester, such as in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
• PET polyethylene terephthalate
• a portion package of the type stated in the preamble has the feature according to the invention that the wall widens over at least a part of the height thereof in a direction from the base to the upper edge.
• the widening progression of the wall, and thereby of the product space facilitates a simple evacuation of a product received therein, particularly in the case of a semi-fluid product wherein a mutual adhesion with the wall is limited to a minimum, as well as a problem-free release of the package itself from a mould with which the package has been formed.
• the portion package herein has the feature according to the invention that the wall widens stepwise over at least the part of the height in the direction from the base to the upper edge. Such a stepwise progression enhances the above described release of the package from a mould, but moreover provides a particularly attractive appearance.
• the portion package according to the invention is herein characterized in that wall parts extending substantially in the direction from the base to the upper edge are alternated by wall parts which are oriented substantially transversely thereof.
• a further enhancement of the release from a mould is achieved with a further particular embodiment of the portion pack according to the invention, which is characterized for this purpose in that wall parts extending substantially in the direction from the base to the upper edge are alternated by wall parts which form an acute angle therewith.
• the present invention it is possible to package a fluid, and in particular also a semi-fluid product in a portion package in particularly efficient and relatively inexpensive manner without losing practical convenience of use and while remaining capable of industrial application.
• the present invention also relates to a semi-fluid product of the type stated in the preamble which is particularly suitable for processing in such a portion package.
• a food product has the feature that the active constituents are processed in a predetermined dosage at least substantially homogeneously into a jelly, gel or paste to form an at least practically form-retaining body.
• the homogeneous processing of the active constituents into a form-retaining jelly results in a particularly attractive product form.
• the semi-fluid form herein ensures a rapid and homogenous distribution of the active constituents in addition to an optimal moisture regulation therein, which improves the effect.
• a preferred embodiment of the semi-fluid product according to the invention has the feature that the jelly, gel or paste is soluble in water, optionally at increased temperature.
• the semi-fluid product according to the invention is packed in a portion package according to the invention.
• FIGS. IA- 1C show a first exemplary embodiment of a portion package according to the invention in respectively top, side and perspective view;
• figure 2 shows a portion package and a semi-fluid product according to the invention during use;
• figure 3 shows successively a top view and perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a portion package according to the invention;
• figure 4 shows successively a top view and perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a portion package according to the invention;
• figure 5 shows successively a top view and perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a portion package according to the invention;
• figure 6 shows successively a top view and perspective view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a portion package according to the invention;
• figure 7 shows successively a top view and perspective view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a portion package according to the invention;
• figure 8 shows successively a top view and perspective view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a portion package according to the invention;
• figures 9A-C show a
• Figures 1 A- 1 C show an exemplary embodiment of a portion package for a gelatinous product according to the invention.
• the package comprises a rub-like container 1 which is formed integrally from a suitable, optionally multilayer plastic foil by deep- drawing or vacuum-forming or other form of thermo-forming.
• a rub-like container 1 which is formed integrally from a suitable, optionally multilayer plastic foil by deep- drawing or vacuum-forming or other form of thermo-forming.
• PET polyethylene terephthalate
• polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and other polyesters are also materials which can be used.
• Container 1 comprises a base 2 from which extends a standing wall 3 with an at least almost flat upper edge 4.
• wall 3 Arranged in wall 3 is a concertina structure, see figure IB, with fold lines 5 which run parallel to the upper edge.
• Wall 3 can hereby be compressed in controlled manner in height direction to enable a content of the container to be forced easily therefrom at a later time.
• Base 2 and wall 3 bound a product space 6 intended for filling with a gelatinous product.
• product space 6 is wholly open inside upper edge 4 but hermetically covered with a foil 7, which is adhered all round product space 6 on upper edge 4.
• a metallized plastic foil is used for the foil, although a single-layer metal foil or plastic foil are also suitable for this purpose.
• Figure IA shows the container successively in a closed and an open or opened state
• figure 1C shows a perspective view of the finished product in a closed and filled state.
• upper edge 4 comprises a first extension 11 and a second extension 12 on either side of product space 6 which are directed outward and lie directly opposite each other. These are parts which extend integrally from upper edge 4 and thus require no extra manufacturing step, hi order to save raw material and space, the extension is provided only locally in the sense that it extends further outward than an adjacent part 13 of upper edge 4.
• the extensions thus form local gripping lips or flaps 11 ,12 by which the package can be grasped so as to provide a gripping surface during removal of the content. This is shown schematically in figure 2.
• a semi-fluid product according to the invention which in this case comprises a measured portion quantity of sauce powder in a form- retaining jelly.
• Use is made in this example of a sauce mixture of active constituents in a predetermined mutual ratio, which mixture has been processed in a jelly soluble in hot water into a form-retaining body 20 which comes integrally out of the package.
• Wall 3 of the container widens slightly from base 2 toward upper edge 4, as can be seen in figure IB, which enhances release of the product from the package.
• the jelly dissolves exceptionally quickly and homogeneously in a cup 30 of hot water into a tasty sauce which can be used immediately.
• the semi-fluid product according to the invention is also suitable for processing of other types of active constituents in a form-retaining gel, jelly or paste body, such as for instance pharmaceuticals and cleaning agents. Owing to the cohesive structure of body 20, no product residues are here left in the packaging, or hardly any, which results in an increased efficiency and results in a reduced environmental impact in the case of relatively aggressive or toxic products.
• the foil In order to facilitate removal of foil 7, the foil extends over gripping lips 11,12 and the foil is adhered thereto over the whole surface.
• a break zone 14 Arranged in at least one of lips 11,12 is a break zone 14, see figure IA, which extends over a full length between two lateral sides 15,16.
• a tab-like end 17 of foil 7 can be gripped by the broken part of lip 11 and then removed from upper edge 4 therewith.
• Use can optionally be made of a foil which only adheres to the lip as far as such a tab-like end 17, wherein outer end 17 itself is thus free and can therefore serve as handgrip for removing the foil as a whole.
• Figures 3-5 show respectively a second, third and fourth exemplary embodiment of a portion package according to the invention, in each case in a closed and open top view as well as a perspective view.
• These exemplary embodiments generally correspond with that of figures 1 A-IC in the sense that the materials and construction used are at least similar, apart from the specific form of the lateral extension 11,12 on upper edge 4 of the container. These are however in all cases locally formed lips or ears providing a gripping surface as in the first exemplary embodiment.
• Figures 6-8 show respectively a fifth, sixth and seventh exemplary embodiment of a portion package according to the invention, in each case in a closed and open top view as well as a perspective view.
• These exemplary embodiments also generally correspond with that of figure IA- 1C in the sense that the materials and construction used are at least similar, apart from the specific form of the lateral extension 11,12 on upper edge 4 of the container, hi contrast to the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the extension of upper edge 4 is more clearly present in these exemplary embodiments, whereby the upper surface of the package has a more uniform progression.
• Figures 9A-9C show a number of embodiment variants which can be applied in the above described exemplary embodiments, wherein the concertina structure of wall 3 is varied in addition to a variation in height h, length /, depth d and release angle a of wall 3 relative to base 2.
• This release angle is expressed in a slightly widening progression of wall 3 over at least a part of its height h, and enhances release of the package itself from a mould in which the package has been formed, in addition to a facilitated evacuation of a product received in the portion package.
• the wall of the container can also widen in stepwise manner over at least a part of its height.
• the figures show the package in all cases in a front and side view in the original state (top) and in a partly compressed state (bottom).
• the package also comprises a tub-like container 1 with a base 2 from which a wall 3 extends all round with an at least practically flat upper edge 4.
• Wall 3 is profiled and can thereby be compressed in controlled manner in order to enhance evacuation of the content of the packaging therefrom.
• a product space 6 enclosed by wall 3 is closed by means of a foil 7 of aluminium or an optionally metallized plastic.
• Foil 7 is fused with upper edge 4 for this purpose.
• a pouring spout or the like can optionally be formed on upper edge 4 in order to enhance controlled pouring of a fluid content, which pouring spout is in that case likewise closed by means of the foil and left clear when foil 7 is torn away.
• the wall 3 widens in stepwise manner, roughly according to a release angle a (see figure 10C), in a direction from base 2 to upper edge 4 of the container, and herein comprises wall parts 31 which extend substantially in the wall direction and which are alternated by wall parts 32 which are oriented either at least almost transversely thereof and/or parallel to base 2, see figure 1OA, or form an angle ⁇ therewith, see figures 1OB and 1OC.
• a release angle a see figure 10C
• wall parts 31 which extend substantially in the wall direction and which are alternated by wall parts 32 which are oriented either at least almost transversely thereof and/or parallel to base 2, see figure 1OA, or form an angle ⁇ therewith, see figures 1OB and 1OC.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
• Jellies, Jams, And Syrups (AREA)
• Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=38093331

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (11)

Families Citing this family (23)

Family Cites Families (9)

• 2006
  • 2006-06-06 NL NL1031955A patent/NL1031955C2/nl not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2007
  • 2007-03-09 CN CN200780008507XA patent/CN101432198B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2007-03-09 CA CA002644807A patent/CA2644807A1/fr not_active Abandoned
  • 2007-03-09 AT AT07715857T patent/ATE486787T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2007-03-09 WO PCT/NL2007/000064 patent/WO2007102730A2/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2007-03-09 US US12/282,159 patent/US20090202684A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2007-03-09 DE DE602007010265T patent/DE602007010265D1/de active Active
  • 2007-03-09 KR KR1020087022790A patent/KR20090026246A/ko not_active Ceased
  • 2007-03-09 AU AU2007222173A patent/AU2007222173A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2007-03-09 JP JP2008558219A patent/JP2009529466A/ja not_active Withdrawn
  • 2007-03-09 EP EP07715857A patent/EP2004503B1/fr not_active Not-in-force

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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