Method of manufacturing and filling a package and corresponding package

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing and filling a package with a powdered nutritional product, such as infant nutrition or milk formula, the method comprising providing a thermoformed tub having sidewalls and a base defining a product receiving space, filling the product receiving space with the powdered nutritional product, and sealing a membrane across an open mouth of the tub to seal the product therein; and folding a carton blank with a plurality of panels around the filled tub to form a carton sleeve, wherein the carton sleeve comprises a peripheral wall enclosing at least the sidewalls of the tub.The invention also relates to a package for such a powdered nutritional product manufactured according to this method.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to the manufacturing of packages and in particular to the manufacturing of packages for powdered nutritional products such as infant nutrition or milk formula. The invention also relates to such a package.[0003]Description of the Related Art[0004]Powdered material, such as infant milk formula, has been sold in various forms of package for many years. Metal cans were initially the preferred container as they were relatively easy and cheap to produce and could be sealed for long term storage. The seal comprised an aluminium foil across the mouth of the container that was removed on first use. As a single container would be used for an extended period, the containers were provided with re-closable plastic lids which gripped over the outer rim of the metal can. A measuring scoop was frequently included with the container, either packaged separately or within the can itself. Such cans are however r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a method of making a package for a powdered nutritional product. The method involves using a folded carton blank that surrounds the filled inner tub, providing maximum support to the inner tub and making the final product more aesthetically appealing. The resulting package is easy to produce and dispose of. The technical effect of this method is that it allows for the efficient and effective production of a package that provides maximum support to the inner tub while also being visually appealing.

Problems solved by technology

This may lead to a relatively small inner tub in a relatively large sleeve, such that the sleeve does not give as much support to the inner tub as desired.

Additionally, the finish of such a combination of a relatively large sleeve and a small tub is unsightly, due to the gaps that appear along the edges and at the corners.

Adding mandrels or male moulds to a manufacturing machine is costly.

This may lead to less support by the male mould in case of a relatively large thermoformed tub, such that the mould cannot give the support desired while folding the carton blank around the tub.

More importantly, it is only possible to use a mandrel within the tub prior to filling.

For other products such as liquids or granulated products, the content may not provide adequate resistance during a folding process and the resulting product may be less than adequate.

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