JP2009263008A - Flexible package having automatic closure feature - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flexible package automatically recloses itself. <P>SOLUTION: The reclosable flexible package is suitable for retail sales of food products and is comprised of a film material. The flexible package includes a pair of semi-rigid strips 14, 16 attached to the walls of a flexible pouch and positioned parallel to a package opening. The semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are configured and arranged so as to nest together and bias toward one another. Upon opening of the package, the semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are movable between a closed position and an open position. Further, the semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are configured such that they automatically reclose the package when the strips 14, 16 are released from the open position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates generally to packages, and more particularly to disposable food packages with pouches made from film material and having self-closing elements.

  Flexible (flexible) film packages are well known in the art and typically comprise a disposable pouch. Pouches are produced commercially from rolls of plastic film material on high-speed form-fill-seal machines. The flexible film package has a cavity, and a plurality of contents such as food are stored in the cavity. Consumers often consume only a portion of the package contents. A package reclosability feature allows a user to remove a portion of the contents through the package opening and then seal the opening to reclose the flexible package.

  A number of resealable flexible packages are well known in the art. According to one approach, the reclosable flexible package has press-to-close zipper closures. Push-down zippers require the alignment of two shapes located on opposing package walls to close the fastener and reclose the package. This arrangement may be cumbersome and / or time consuming for consumers, particularly young or old consumers with limited hand dexterity. Also, when certain foods, such as finely chopped cheese or bread crumbs, are stored in a flexible package, particulate matter may interfere with the alignment of zipper shapes that often have narrow grooves or tracks.

  In another approach, the reclosable flexible package has a slider zipper closure. These flexible package slider fasteners help align two shapes located on the package wall; however, these slider fasteners require additional plastic material and manufacturing, which leads to additional costs. While the slider allows the user to more easily align the package wall shape, the slider fastener creates a slight opening between the slider and the side seal when the package is in the closed shape. Further, when the package is in the open position and the slider extends into the opening, the zipper slider remains on the slider track, thereby slightly reducing the size of the pouch opening.

  In addition, typical resealable flexible packages do not automatically reclose. These reclosable flexible packages typically require aggressive manual operation for reclosing. Thus, the user must remember to close the package and accurately press and seal it between each use, or pull the zipper slider precisely to the closed shape. In addition, if one of these reclosable flexible packages is dropped unexpectedly while open, the contents are allowed to overflow. The consumer must remember or have sufficient time to reseal the package to avoid possible spills or damage to the contents of the package.

  The package described below comprises a flexible pouch made of film material and a pair of semi-rigid strips attached to the wall of the flexible pouch. These strips are aligned and biased towards each other. When the top is removed, the semi-rigid strip is operable between a closed position and an open position. Furthermore, the semi-rigid strip is configured to automatically reclose the package when released from the open position. The strip may extend along the entire width of the flexible pouch or may extend between the side seals of the pouch.

  For commercial production of self-closing flexible packages with semi-rigid strips, vertical or horizontal high speed molded fill seal devices are used. In one embodiment, cavities are formed from the film material in an in-line operation and strips are added to the inner or outer surface of the film material. The semi-rigid strip can be secured to the front and back panels by heat sealing or gluing.

  The above needs are at least partially met through the provision of a flexible pouch having a self-closing element as described in the detailed description below, particularly when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

1 is a front view of a flexible package configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible package along line 2-2 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an isometric sectional view of the flexible package of FIG. 1 in an open shape. It is sectional drawing in the open shape of the flexible package of FIG. It is a perspective view in the open shape of the flexible package of FIG. It is a front view of other embodiment of a flexible package. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible package taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6. It is a rear view of other embodiment of a flexible package. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible package taken along line 9-9 of FIG. It is sectional drawing of other embodiment of a flexible package. It is a perspective view in the open shape of the flexible package of FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of other embodiment of a flexible package. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible package of FIG. 15. It is a perspective view in the open shape of the flexible package of FIG. It is a perspective view of other embodiment of a flexible package. It is sectional drawing of the flexible package of FIG.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that the elements in the figures are drawn for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative positions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated compared to other elements to help improve the understanding of various embodiments of the invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially viable embodiments are often not drawn because they increase the visibility of the various embodiments of the invention. . It will also be appreciated that while certain acts and / or steps are described or illustrated in a particular order of occurrence, those skilled in the art will appreciate that no particularity regarding such order is actually required. It is also to be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have ordinary technical meanings that follow the terms and expressions by those of ordinary skill in the art, except where different specific meanings are set forth herein. Let's go.

  Generally speaking, according to these various embodiments, a flexible package or pouch with self-closing elements is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the flexible pouch 10 is for packaging food products 12, such as particulate foods including finely chopped cheese, cereals and trail mix, to name a few. used. The flexible pouch 10 has a pair of curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 extending parallel to the pouch opening. The curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are constructed and arranged to nest together and bias toward each other. The first and second semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are secured to the opposed front and rear panels 18, 20 of the flexible pouch 10, and the biasing of the strips 14, 16 causes the panels 18, 20 to be closed. To force. The flexible pouch 10 is made of a flexible film material, and the film material is molded using a high-speed molded filling seal device. To name a few, flexible pouches have a variety of seals, folds, and other features, as determined by various considerations, such as, for example, products stored in the pouch and how to produce the pouch.

  In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the flexible pouch 10 includes front and rear panels 18, 20 that include side seals 22, top seals 24, and bottom folds. 26. To facilitate access to the product, the flexible pouch 10 includes a removable top 28. Below the removable top 28, the front and rear panels 18, 20 have curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 disposed thereon. When the top is removed, the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are operable between an open position that allows food dispensing and a closed position that limits or prevents food discharge.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the side seals 22 extend along the outer edges of the panels 18, 20 to form the pouch 10. The side seal 22, top seal 24 and similar seals discussed herein are common heat seals. Such typical heat seals are made by reciprocating heat seal bars or other suitable sealing devices and are well known to those skilled in the art.

  In addition, the flexible pouch 10 includes a fragile region 30 that helps a user separate the removable top 28 from the flexible pouch 10. The fragile region 30 can be a mechanical or laser score line. This line can be straight or non-linear. If the fragile region is non-linear, the flange at the top of the package (described below) may not extend across the entire package width. In addition to the laser score lines, the fragile region 30 may include perforations. The score lines or perforations may extend along the entire width of the flexible pouch 10. Alternatively or in addition to the score, the fragile region 30 may include a tear initiation element 32 along only a portion of the pouch, such as a small V-shaped notch or slit on one edge of the package. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the fragile region 30 may include a tear initiation element 32 aligned with the score line.

  If the flexible pouch 10 is used for food products 12, a hermetic seal 34 is desirable to ensure product freshness. The hermetic seal 34 may have a characteristic that it can be peeled open (can be peeled open). In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the peelable hermetic seal 34 is located under the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16. In other embodiments, the hermetic seal 34 can be created by the top seal 24 if the weakened region 30 takes the form of score lines rather than perforations that interfere with the hermetic seal 34 created by the top seal 24. . In addition, the flexible pouch 10 may have a tamper evidence feature.

  Under the fragile region 30, the front and rear panels 18, 20 each have curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 secured thereto. The curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 have small arcs and are positioned on the panels 18, 20 such that the curved strips are securely nested. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the curved portion of the first curved semi-rigid strip 14 is aligned in the same direction as the curved portion of the second curved semi-rigid strip 16. The radius of curvature of the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 may be larger or smaller than that shown in FIG.

  The curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 can have various dimensions. For example, strips 14 and 16 have a radius of curvature of 0.125 to 6.0 inches (3.175 to 152.4 millimeters) and a thickness of 0.007 to 0.050 inches (0.178 to 1.27 millimeters). It can have a height of 0.125 to 2.5 inches (3.175 to 63.5 millimeters) and a length of 0.75 to 20 inches (19.05 to 508 millimeters). In one embodiment, the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are about 1.25 inches (31.75 millimeters) high, about 5.75 inches (146.05 millimeters) long, about 1.25 inches ( A radius of curvature of 31.75 millimeters) and a thickness of about 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters). Depending on the dimensions and characteristics of the flexible pouch 10, the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 may extend the full width of the package as shown in FIG. 1 or the strips 14, 16 may terminate inside the side seal 22. Thus, it can extend between the side seals 22. Other embodiments are possible, such as, for example, embodiments having curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 terminating between the side seals 22.

  As previously described, the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 bias toward each other when automatically released from the open position, automatically closing the flexible pouch 10. The curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are in their stable stationary shape when they are extended to their full length. When the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are separated and moved to the fully open position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, longitudinal tension is applied to the strips 14, 16. Thus, when the strips are released from that position, they automatically move to the maximum extended position, which causes the strips 14, 16 to stick together and closes the flexible pouch 10. Furthermore, in addition to the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 providing a self-closing element to the flexible pouch 10, the strips 14, 16 generate an audible snap sound when the flexible package is reclosed. The audible snap sound assures the consumer that the package is tightly closed and the unused parts of the contents are kept fresh.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are positioned parallel to the opening formed in the top of the pouch 10 when the top 28 is removed. In addition, the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are positioned away from the weakened region 30. In one embodiment, the strips 14, 16 are located about 0.75 inches (19.05 millimeters) from the top film edge. This distance may vary, and a desirable distance is between 0.125 and 2.0 inches (3.175 to 50.8 millimeters).

  The curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 can be made from a variety of materials including relatively heat resistant polymers. For example, in thin strips of elastic metal such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), various other relatively hard polymers, or thin strips of iron is there. The curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 can be secured to the panels 18, 20 by various methods, such as heat sealing or adhesive bonding. Further, the strips 14 and 16 can be attached to the inner or outer surface of the panels 18 and 20. According to one approach, the first and second curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 have outer heat sealing layers that are compatible with the sealants of the front and rear panels 18, 20, respectively.

  Semi-rigid elastic strips 14, 16 can be produced by various methods, such as stamping, injection molding, thermoforming, extrusion, or a combination of two or more thereof. For example, the strip can be extended and cooled rapidly after extrusion. In addition, the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 can be produced as separating elements, in multiple pairs, or as a continuous ribbon of strip material wound on a reel. In one embodiment, the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 can be brought into the line with pre-cut strips. In other manufacturing processes, the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 can be formed in series. For example, in one embodiment, the material from which the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 are formed is wound on a reel in a flat shape. When the material is unwound from the reel, the forming process such as a thermoforming tool causes the semi-rigid strips 14, 16 to bend.

  Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the flexible pouch 10 is depicted in an open shape. A portion of the film material extends above the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 and below the fragile region 30, which forms the panel flanges 36, 38. Eventually, when the removable portion 28 is separated from the flexible pouch 10, the panel flanges 36, 38 extend over the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 and are gripped by the user. In one embodiment, the strips 14, 16 are located between 0.5 inches (12.7 millimeters) and 1.0 inches (25.4 millimeters) from the top edge of the film material. Ultimately, in one embodiment, the panel flanges 36, 38 have a height between 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters) and 0.8 inches (20.32 millimeters). Such panel flanges 36, 38 provide a loose film for easy grasping, which helps open the pouch 10.

  To open the flexible pouch 10, the user grasps the front and rear panel flanges 36, 38 by hand and pulls them away from each other. Pulling the panel flanges 36, 38 with a light force moves the package to the fully open shape. Once opened, the flexible pouch 10 is held in a fully open shape by applying longitudinal compression to the sides of the flexible pouch 10 where the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 terminate. Such continuous application of longitudinal compression maintains the flexible pouch 10 in a fully open shape, as shown in FIGS. The fully open shape allows important access to the food stored in the flexible pouch 10. In one embodiment, the flexible package is sized to allow one-hand manual addition of longitudinal compression.

  When the longitudinal compression is released, the spring tension of the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 snaps them back to the closed position, thereby automatically closing the pouch 10. As described above, the closing operation is fast and accompanied by an audible snap sound. After returning to the closed position, the matching curved portions of the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16 press tightly against each other, resulting in a positive closure at the top of the flexible pouch 10.

  Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, another embodiment of a flexible pouch is shown. Similar flexible pouches with slightly different features are depicted in this and subsequent embodiments. For convenience, elements of various embodiments, corresponding to elements already discussed with respect to the previous embodiments, have the same reference signs combined with a prefix (such as “1”) to distinguish different embodiments. Are identified. For example, the flexible pouch 110 corresponds to the above-described flexible pouch 10.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the flexible pouch 110 includes a side seal 122, a top seal 124 and a bottom seal 142. This embodiment is produced from two rolls of film material that are heated and closed together. In this example, the curved semi-rigid strips 114, 116 extend to the outer edge of the side seal 122. As shown in FIG. 7, the flexible pouch 100 includes a substantially vertical front panel 120 and a rear panel 118 formed with bulges for receiving a plurality of food products 112.

  Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of a flexible pouch 210 is shown. The flexible pouch 210 includes a bottom seal 242, side folds 244, and a wrap seal or fin seal 246 along the rear of the flexible pouch 210. The fin seal 246 can be a general heat seal, similar to the side seal 22. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the curved semi-rigid strips 214, 216 are secured to the outer surfaces of the front and rear panels 218, 220.

  In yet another embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, a flexible pouch 310 is shown. The flexible pouch 310 is similar to the flexible pouch 10 described above, except that the flexible pouch 310 has a single curved semi-rigid strip 314 that is secured to either the front or back panel 318, 320. Such an embodiment functions similarly to the previous embodiment except that the closure is not as airtight as the previous embodiment but uses a strip material with less flexible pouch 310 and thus has a cost savings.

  As previously mentioned, the method of manufacturing a flexible pouch affects the specific seals, folds, and various other factors of a specific flexible pouch. A number of manufacturing methods are available for commercial production of flexible pouches, where some examples are described and illustrated in FIGS. The flexible pouch can be made with a Fast Form Fill Seal (FFS) operation that produces up to 800 packages per minute. The FFS operation can be done with a vertical FFS machine as shown in FIG. 12, a horizontal FFS machine as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, or as shown in FIG. It can also be made on a horizontal thermoformed fill seal (HTFFS) machine. The curved semi-rigid strip can be secured to the pouch in a variety of ways, such as heat sealing with an additional accessory module designed to work in conjunction with the FFS machine's pouch making machine or adhesive bonding.

  In one embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the flexible pouch is made with a vertical FFS or bagging line. A series of flexible pouches are formed from a roll of film 48, with the front and back panels of film material defining cavities. According to one approach, a web of rolled film material is fed into a folded shoulder 50 that provides a tubular shape to the web, such as a forming collar and mandrel. The longitudinal edges of the films located on opposite sides are brought close around the filling tube 49. The longitudinal edges are sealed, for example, by a sealing tool 52 that forms a fin seal, or overlapped to form a lap seal. In one embodiment, the curved semi-rigid strip is wound on reel 54. The strip is aligned with the reciprocating seal tool 56 for attachment to the wall of the flexible pouch. A bottom seal for the pouch is also formed by the reciprocating seal tool 56, which can include a pair of reciprocating seal bars. A reciprocating seal bar is a heat seal bar maintained at a desired temperature to apply heat and pressure to the front and back walls. Further, the heat seal bar is brought closer to the opposite sides of the tubular web, so that heat is conductively transferred from both sides to the film while pressure is applied. The seal bar is used in intermittent operation or continuous operation. In intermittent operation, the film is stopped while the seal bar is engaged with the film. In continuous operation, when the seal bar engages the film, the seal bar moves vertically at the machine speed. In operation, the sealing tool 56 attaches the curved semi-rigid strip at approximately the same time, creating a top seal on the lower pouch and a bottom seal on the upper pouch. In addition, the sealing tool 56 includes a reciprocating knife that serves to separate the lower pouch from the upper pouch. When the operation is complete and the upper pouch is filled with food, the upper pouch goes down to become the lower pouch and the curved semi-rigid strip is attached. In addition to attaching the strip and sealing the pouch, the sealing tool 56 is also used to impart a curved portion to the curved semi-rigid strip and / or create a fragile region. According to one approach, the sealing tool 56 has a perforation across the top of the package, or a cutting device associated therewith, to create a notch in the package edge that aids in the initiation of tearing. According to another approach, the fragile area of the pouch is not perforated in the package line and is pre-scored (mechanically or by laser) in the film manufacturer.

  As described above, the strip is attached to the flexible pouch such that the curved portion of the first curved semi-rigid strip is aligned with the curved portion of the second curved semi-rigid strip. The strip can be attached to the vertical FFS pouch in a variety of ways, such as hot melt welding, pressure sensitive bonding and heat sealing, to name a few. As previously mentioned, a curved semi-rigid strip can be added to the outer surface of the wall. In one vertical FFS method, the curved semi-rigid strip has an external heal seal layer that is compatible with the sealant on the outer surface of the package wall. In one such vertical FFS operation, the curved semi-rigid strip is secured to the outer surface of the front and rear panels in a direction perpendicular to the machine direction.

  After the bottom seal is formed on the flexible pouch, the partially formed flexible pouch is filled with food. The food is introduced into the pouch through the filling tube 49. In one embodiment, the fragile region is formed in the flexible pouch and defines a removable top. One approach creates a notch, score line or other element near the top of the pouch that facilitates removal of the top of the package. A hermetic seal is also made on the disposable pouch. The sealing tool 56 can perform various functions at the same time. These features include: creating a bottom seal on the pouch that is about to be filled with food; for a just filled pouch, a semi-rigid strip is attached to the top of the front and rear panels and peeled directly under the pouch strip Create a possible heat seal; having a reciprocating knife or cutting tool that cuts the just-filled pouch from the pouch to be subsequently filled. The reciprocating cutting tool also creates fragile areas such as perforations across the top of the package and notches in the package edge. By other approaches, the pouch's fragile area is not perforated in the package line and is pre-scored (mechanically or by laser) at the film manufacturer, so that when arriving from the manufacturer, the pouch is notched. A weakened area is made on the film. If such an approach is taken, the film should be positioned on the packaging machine via optical identification so that the notches already provided are in the correct position when the flexible pouch is formed.

  There are various steps to replace the steps described in this vertical FFS operation. Also, as described above, high speed technology can be used instead of applying heat and pressure with a heat seal bar. For example, RF energy, ultrasonic energy or other techniques can be used.

  In another example, as shown in FIG. 13A, the flexible pouch is produced with a horizontal FFS or flow foam wrapper. Similar to the vertical process described above, a series of flexible pouches are formed and the film material defines a cavity having front and rear panels. FIG. 13A shows a single roll 148 of film that is bent with a bending device 150 and sealed with a sealing die 152 to form a continuous pouch cavity with each other. After the film is formed into cavities, the cavities are filled with food. In order to twist and redirect the strip after it has been unwound, the strip alignment roller 158 is set diagonally so that the strip is aligned in the proper direction for attachment to the flexible pouch. As shown in FIG. 13A, a double roll 154a of strips is placed on the reel. When the strip is positioned and sealed to the pouch and the pouch is advanced in the machine direction, the strip is continuously unwound from the roll 154a and advanced with the pouch in the machine direction. When two layers 154a of continuous strips are unwound, the strips are dispensed from the roll and positioned between the two front and back panels of film material. In this embodiment, the strip is sealed to the inner surfaces of the front and rear panels. As shown in FIG. 13A, a seal bar 156 seals the flexible pouch and strip from both sides of the pouch. With one approach, having a strip inside the pouch material facilitates the sealing process. This is because the seal bar 156 is configured to transfer heat through a pouch material that is thinner than the semi-rigid strip. On the other hand, the strip may be made of a thicker material to be affected by the heat sealing process and therefore may require more heat, pressure, or time. The seal bar 156 may create a weakened area in the package, for example by a cutting device associated therewith. According to other approaches, separate mechanical or laser scoring tools (not shown) may be used in series to create score lines in the formed package. By yet another approach, a fragile area, such as a score line, may already be formed in the film when the film arrives from the manufacturer.

  In other embodiments as shown in FIG. 13B, the flexible pouch is made of a horizontal FFS or flow wrapper line, similar to the example shown in FIG. 13A. A series of flexible pouches are formed from a single roll 148 of film. The film is bent in a bending device 150 such as a bending plow as shown in FIG. 13B and sealed by a sealing die 152 to form a continuous pouch cavity. After the film is formed into the cavity, the cavity is filled with food. In the embodiment of FIG. 13B, the horizontal FFS process comprises two separate reels 154b with curved semi-rigid strips instead of the single roll bilayer strip shown in FIG. 13A. A continuous ribbon of curved semi-rigid material is dispensed from reel to line and secured to the pouch cavity at seal die 156. It is also conceivable that pre-cut strips are carried in series and fixed to the flexible film pouch. Seal die 156 also provides a top seal to the flexible pouch and creates a peelable seal if desired. Next, the filled cavities are separated from each other by a reciprocating knife or the like (not shown).

  In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the flexible pouch is made with a horizontal thermoformed fill seal device (TFFS). As shown, such a method uses two rolls of film material 248a, 248b. A series of product cavities are thermoformed from the flexible plastic bottom film 248b, which is then filled with food. Molding of bottom film 248b occurs at thermoforming station 260. After the lower cavity is filled with product, a curved semi-rigid strip is introduced at the appropriate location between the top film and the bottom film. The strip reaches the series process in a pre-cut state, with or without further processing, or reaches the series process in the form of a continuous reel of semi-rigid spring strip material. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the curved semi-rigid strips are positioned on two reels 254, mated together with strip roller guides 258, and attached continuously to the flexible pouch.

  After alignment of the curved semi-rigid strip with the top and bottom films, the film and semi-rigid strip enter the sealing station 256. This sealing station 256 is generally housed in a vacuum chamber, particularly when food requires a low oxygen vacuum package or an improved atmospheric package. Within the seal station 256 are an upper movable heated seal bar 257a and a non-heated movable lower seal support die 257b. These cooperate to apply heat and pressure to the upper and / or lower films and perform all of the heat sealing necessary to define the final package (eg, the package shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). Such seals include side seals, top and bottom seals, peelable seals under the semi-rigid strip, and seals to the top and bottom films of the curved semi-rigid strip.

  Upon leaving the sealing station 256, the formed flexible pouch continuously moves to the cutting station 262 where the pouches are separated from each other. The cutting station 262 creates a fragile region on the pouch, for example, with a cutting device. Alternatively, a separate mechanical or laser scoring tool (not shown) is used to continuously score the film when the film is unrolled prior to package formation. According to another approach, the fragile region is already formed in the film when the film arrives from the manufacturer. However, if a pre-scored film is used, this should be registered with the packaging machine so that the score line is in the correct position when the pouch is formed.

  With one horizontal TFFS process, the strip is sealed between the top film 248a and the bottom film 248b, and the strip is attached to the inner surface of the bottom film and the top film. More particularly, the film has a heat sealable layer on the inner surface that adheres to the resin material of the semi-rigid strip. In yet other embodiments, the strip has an outer heat seal layer that is compatible with a sealant on the inner surface of the film.

  The flexible pouch film material or substrate can be formed as a polymer sheet of various plastic polymers, copolymers, coextruded materials and / or laminates. Further, the film material may be a single layer polymer film or a multilayer laminate comprising an outer layer of durable material and one or more inner barrier and sealant layers. Multilayer combinations include polyethylene (including high density, medium density, low density, linear low and / or very low density polymers, metallocene), polypropylene (omnidirectional, directional and / or biaxial) Polyolefins such as directional); polybutylene; ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); polyamides such as nylon (non-directional, directional and / or biaxial directional); polyethylene terephthalate (non-directional, directional and (Or biaxially oriented); polyvinyl chloride; ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH); polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC); polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); polystyrene; In addition, an adhesive tie layer may be used.

  In addition to the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16, it is also conceivable that the semi-rigid strips have different cross-sectional shapes. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 15 includes a flexible package 400 with a pair of semi-rigid strips 414, 416 having a slight crease. The strip has a crease, corner, or V-shape provided on it. Partially folded semi-rigid strips 414, 416 extend substantially the full width of the package and are parallel to the pouch opening. The partially folded semi-rigid strips 414, 416, like the strips, have matching shapes, and when the partially folded semi-rigid strips 414, 416 are released from the open position, the package 400 automatically Configured to close. More particularly, when released from the open position, the strip and associated panels 418, 420 are tightly pressed together to create a safe closure at the top of the flexible pouch 400.

  Similar to the curved semi-rigid strips 14, 16, the partially folded semi-rigid strips 414, 416 are constructed and arranged to nest over each other and bias toward each other. First and second partially folded semi-rigid strips 414, 416 are secured to opposed front and rear panels 418, 420 of flexible pouch 400. The strip shapes are aligned in the same direction. Further, the biasing of the strips 414, 416 biases the panels 418, 420 in a closed shape. The pouch 400 is made of a thin, flexible film material such as formed using a high speed molded fill seal device as previously discussed. Package 400 includes side seal 422, top seal 424 and bottom seal 426, while various seals, folds, and other pouch elements are for use with partially folded semi-rigid strips 414, 416. ,Conceivable.

  The pouch 400 includes a weakened region 430 that facilitates removal of the top 428, as shown in FIG. The weakened region 430 is positioned at a distance below the top seal 424 and above the partially folded semi-rigid strips 414, 416 by one approach. Some of the front and rear panels 418, 420 include flanges 436, 438 that can be manually grasped and separated to open the package 400 when the top 428 is removed. As shown in FIG. 16, the flexible pouch 400 shows partially folded semi-rigid strips 414, 416 attached to the inner surfaces of the front and rear panels 418, 420 while out of the strips 414, 416 It can also be applied to the surface. To ensure the freshness of the food 412, the flexible pouch 10 may include a hermetic seal. According to one approach, the hermetic seal includes a top seal 424. According to another approach, the hermetic seal includes a peelable hermetic seal 434.

  Another flexible pouch 500 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 includes flat semi-rigid strips 514 and 516. According to one approach, the flat semi-rigid strips 514, 516 extend approximately the full width of the package and are parallel to the pouch opening. Like the strips, the flat semi-rigid strips 514, 516 bias toward each other and the pouch automatically closes when the strips 514, 516 and the associated panels 518, 520 are pressed firmly together. The flat semi-rigid strips 514, 516 have a flat shape and are secured to the front and rear panels 518, 520 such that the strips 514, 516 generally overlap. Eventually, like the strips, the flat strips 514, 516 overlap each other by overlapping or having important surfaces for surface contact. Additional configurations for semi-rigid strips are possible. In addition, the flexible pouch can have various configurations with different seals, folds, and other elements.

  Those skilled in the art can make a wide variety of changes, substitutions, and combinations of the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such changes, substitutions, and combinations are within the scope of the inventive concept. You will recognize that it should be perceived to be.

10, 110, 210, 310 Pouch 12 Food 14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216, 314 Strip 18, 120, 318 Front panel 20, 118, 320 Rear panel 22, 122 Side seal 28 Top 30 Vulnerable area 34 Seal 36, 38 Panel flange 54 Reel

Claims (19)

Packaged food suitable for commercial mass production,
A flexible pouch having a front panel and a back panel made from a film material;
Food disposed in the flexible pouch,
The flexible pouch is
A first semi-rigid strip attached to the front panel and a second semi-rigid strip attached to the rear panel;
Front and rear panel flanges positioned over the first and second semi-rigid strips, wherein the first and second semi-rigid strips are configured and arranged to bias toward each other ,
When the packaged food is opened, the first and second semi-rigid strips are operable between an open position that allows the food to be dispensed and a closed position that restricts or prevents the discharge of the food. Packaged food characterized by that.   The packaged food according to claim 1, further comprising a removable top, a weakened area that facilitates removal of the top, and a hermetic seal.   The first and second semi-rigid strips are formed and arranged to overlap in a nested manner, the first and second semi-rigid strips have a length, a height and a shape, and the first and second Packaged food product according to claim 2, characterized in that the length of the semi-rigid strip is located parallel to the removable top.   The shape of the first semi-rigid strip is aligned in the same direction as the shape of the second semi-rigid strip so that the first and second semi-rigid strips overlap each other significantly in the closed position. The packaged food according to claim 3.   5. The spring strip of claim 4, wherein the first and second semi-rigid strips are spring strips formed and arranged to maintain the open position while continuously applying longitudinal compression. Package food.   5. The flexible pouch automatically returns to the closed position that prevents the food from being discharged when the first and second semi-rigid strips are released from the open position. Package food. The lengths of the first and second semi-rigid strips are:
The packaged food product of claim 4, wherein the packaged food product extends along one of an opening of the flexible pouch between side seals of the flexible pouch; or a full width of the flexible pouch.   The width of the flexible pouch is sized to facilitate one-handed operation of the flexible pouch by applying manual pressure, and the first and second semi-rigid strips reach the outer edge of the flexible pouch. The packaged food according to claim 4. The first and second semi-rigid strips;
Heat resistant polymer;
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET);
High impact polystyrene (HIPS);
Polypropylene (PP);
The packaged food according to claim 1, comprising at least one of high density polyethylene (HDPE); and elastic steel. The first and second semi-rigid strips have a shape, the shape being
Curved shape;
The packaged food according to claim 1, wherein the packaged food is one of an angular shape and a flat shape. A method for mass production of packaged food with a high-speed molded filling and sealing device,
Forming a series of disposable pouches having a front panel and a back panel made of film material, each of the disposable pouches defining a cavity therein;
Filling the disposable pouch cavity with food;
Hermetically sealing the disposable pouch;
Attaching a first semi-rigid strip to the front panel and a second semi-rigid strip to the rear panel, each of the semi-rigid strips being adjacent so that the semi-rigid strips are aligned with each other; Having a shape aligned with a shape of the semi-rigid strip, wherein the first and second semi-rigid strips are biased toward each other;
Separating the disposable pouches from each other;
A method characterized by comprising:   The method of claim 11, further comprising forming a removable top defined by a fragile region on the disposable pouch. The first and second semi-rigid strips;
Pre-cut strips;
A shaped strip material dispensed from the reel; and a flat strip material dispensed in a flat shape from the reel when the material is unwound from the reel; The method of claim 11, wherein the shape comprises at least one of a strip material provided by a thermoforming tool. Attaching the first and second semi-rigid strips;
Heat sealing the first and second semi-rigid strips to the inner surfaces of the front and rear panels;
Heat sealing the first and second semi-rigid strips to the outer surfaces of the front and rear panels;
Adhering the first and second semi-rigid strips to the inner surfaces of the front and rear panels; and adhering the first and second semi-rigid strips to the outer surfaces of the front and rear panels. The method of claim 11, comprising at least one of: The first and second semi-rigid strips;
An orientation parallel to the machine direction; or at least in an orientation perpendicular to the machine direction via a strip addition module configured and arranged to cut and heat seal the first and second semi-rigid strips to the disposable pouch The method of claim 11, wherein the method is attached on the one hand. Forming a series of disposable pouches,
Horizontal thermoforming filling and sealing device;
Vertical thermoforming filling and sealing device;
12. The method of claim 11, comprising at least one of the steps of forming a series of disposable pouches in at least one of a laterally formed fill seal device; and a vertical form fill seal device. A device for mass production of packaged food with a high-speed molded filling seal device,
Means for forming a series of disposable pouches having a front panel and a back panel made of film material, each of the front panel and the back panel being defined by an inner surface, an outer surface and a fragile region Means having a removable top,
Means for filling the disposable pouch with food;
Means for hermetically sealing the disposable pouch;
Means for attaching a first semi-rigid strip to the front panel and a second semi-rigid strip to the rear panel, the first and second of the disposable pouch when the top is removed; Means for the semi-rigid strip to be operable between an open position and a closed position;
The first and second semi-rigid strips are configured and arranged to nest over each other and bias toward each other, and when the semi-rigid strip is released from the open position, the disposable pouch is in the closed position A device that automatically and instantly closes. Packaged food suitable for commercial mass production,
A flexible pouch having a front panel and a rear panel made of film material;
Food disposed in the flexible pouch,
The flexible pouch is
A removable top, and
A fragile region that facilitates removal of the top;
A spring strip attached to either the front panel or the rear panel below the fragile region;
A panel flange positioned between the spring strip and the weakened region,
When the removable top is removed, the spring strip is operable between an open pouch position that allows the food to be dispensed and a closed pouch position that restricts or prevents discharge of the food; The packaged food product, wherein the flexible pouch is automatically closed when the spring strip is released from the open pouch position. Packaged food suitable for commercial mass production,
A flexible pouch having a front panel and a back panel made from a film material;
Food disposed in the flexible pouch,
The flexible pouch is
A removable top, and
A first semi-rigid strip attached to the front panel and a second semi-rigid strip attached to the rear panel;
And a front and rear panel flange positioned between the removable top and the first and second semi-rigid strips;
The first and second semi-rigid strips are configured and arranged to nest over each other and bias toward each other;
When the removable top is removed, the first and second semi-rigid strips are between an open position that allows the food to be dispensed and a closed position that restricts or prevents the discharge of the food. Packaged food characterized by being operable.

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