Autoclavable reclosable package

a technology of autoclavable and reclosable packages, which is applied in the field of packaging, can solve the problems of unsatisfactory bonding between polypropylene film and polyethylene film, unable to withstand the temperature requirements of the retort procedure, and resealable packages

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-12-29
REYNOLDS CONSUMER PROD INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] The attachment of the pair of closure profiles along the die line in the alternate embodiment of the invention provides for a hermetic seal beneath the interacting portions of the closure profile. Thus, the product contained within the product package is hermetically sealed and prevented from migrating past the zipper closu

Problems solved by technology

Although reclosable packages have been around for quite some time and are used for storing various types of food products, currently available reclosable packages are not constructed to be used with food products that are subjected to a retort procedure after the food products have been placed into the reclosable package.
Currently available reclosable packages cannot withstand the temperature requirements of the retort procedure.
Specifically, the zipper closure used across the open mouth of the package is typically formed from a polyethylene material that cannot withstand t

Method used

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  • Autoclavable reclosable package
  • Autoclavable reclosable package
  • Autoclavable reclosable package

Examples

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first embodiment

[0062] An important consideration for the sealant 46 in the invention is that the sealant is able to provide a hermetic seal between the sealing flange 40 and the side panel 14 yet withstand the retort procedure. Typically, the retort procedure occurs at 255° F. for the required period of time to cook the food product while it is in the package. The retort procedure may last as long as 84 minutes or more. During the autoclave and sterilization procedures, the sealant must maintain its integrity and remain attached to the side panel 14 to provide a hermetic seal.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the sealing flange 40 is attached to the side panel 14, the product 50 within the open enclosure can be subjected to the retort procedure. During this procedure, the product 50 is cooked in the package and harmful bacteria or other contaminants are killed. This type of retort procedure is typically associated with fresh food products, such as tuna or other perishable items.

[0064] In acco...

second embodiment

[0072] Referring now to FIG. 6, thereshown is an alternate embodiment of the male closure profile 28. In the second embodiment, the sealing flange 62 has a semi-circular configuration and includes a pair of die lines 64 and 66. The sealing flange 62 is attached to the attachment flange 42 and separates from the attachment flange 42 when the product package 10 is opened for the first time.

[0073] As can be seen in FIG. 6a, the sealant 46 is applied to the outer end 68 of the sealing flange 66 and contacts the side panel 14 to form a hermetic seal between the sealing flange 62 and the side panel 14. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6, the sealant 46 and the closure profiles 28 and 30 are formed from the same material illustrated and described in FIGS. 1-5.

[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 7a-7b thereshown is another alternate embodiment for the zipper closure to be used across the open mouth 20 of a product package that can be subjected to the retort process. The zip...

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Abstract

A reclosable package that seals an enclosed product and allows the product to be subjected to a retort procedure to cook the product while the product is in the package. The reclosable package is formed from a polypropylene film and includes a zipper closure including a pair of mating closure profiles both formed from a polypropylene material. One of the male or female closure profiles includes a sealing flange having a layer of sealant such that the sealing flange provides a seal for the package below the interaction between the closure profiles. This seal prevents the product from migrating through the profile member during the retort procedure and prior to the package being opened for the first time.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10 / 726,731, filed on Dec. 2, 2003, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 430,727, filed on Dec. 3, 2002, both disclosures of which are fully incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to a package having a reclosable zipper member positioned at the mouth of the package to allow the package to be reclosed after initial opening. More specifically, the present invention relates to a zipper closure that hermetically seals the contents of the package and can withstand the temperatures associated with a retort procedure. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many packaging applications use reclosable containers to store various types of articles and materials. These packages may be used to store and ship food products, non-food consumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, and vari...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B65DB65D30/02B65D33/00B65D33/16B65D33/25B65D65/26B65D81/34
CPCB65D33/2508B65D81/34B65D33/2533B65D33/2525B65D33/16B65D33/25
Inventor SPRAGUE, PAUL A.MELCHOIR, GREG W.
Owner REYNOLDS CONSUMER PROD INC
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