Pouch for containing a fluid food product, in particular granulates, powders, creats, liquid products or the like, and device

Abstract

A device (14) for manufacturing pouches (1) containing fluid food products, in particular for granules, powders, creams, liquid products or the like, comprising at least one base (15) provided with: at least one supply and movement assembly (16) of at least one strip (C) made of paper-making material; at least one forming assembly (17) of a strip (C) of paper-making material to obtain a housing (2) of a fluid food product (3), in particular for granules, powders, creams, liquid products or the like; at least one dispensing assembly (18) of the fluid food product (3); at least one insertion assembly (19) associated with the base (15) and adapted to allow the spoon-shaped element (7) to be inserted into the accommodating housing (2); and a pouch containing the fluid food product and the spoon-shaped element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sachet for containing fluid food products, in particular for containing granules, powders, creams, liquid products or the like. Background Art

[0002] With particular reference to the catering and dispensing sector of hot beverages, such as coffee, herbal tea, chocolate and cappuccino, it is known that these beverages are consumed primarily in two ways as detailed below.

[0003] The first type requires the use of both hands to drink the beverage, that is, the consumer needs to use the tabletop to support the container containing the beverage.

[0004] This often occurs during consumption in a cafe, where the drink is often served in a special cup with a saucer that holds a teaspoon and one or more packets of sugar or sweetener.

[0005] This type of consumption consists of the consumer placing the cup and its tray on the table, grabbing the sachet of sugar and sweetener with one hand, opening it with the other and pouring the latter into the drink.

[0006] Once the desired amount of sugar or sweetener has been poured in, the consumer stirs the drink with a teaspoon to facilitate incorporation of the sugar or sweetener itself.

[0007] After the sugar or sweetener has dissolved, the consumer places the teaspoon back on the saucer, holds the cup, and drinks the beverage.

[0008] This type of consumption requires the use of both hands and makes consumption particularly difficult and strenuous while standing or moving (eg, walking).

[0009] On the other hand, the second type of consumption relates to all situations in which a beverage is consumed while standing, for example due to a vending machine dispensing the beverage, or when walking, or more generally when there is no possibility of having a tabletop to support the beverage container.

[0010] In this case, the beverage is usually provided in a small disposable container (e.g. a paper cup), while a sachet of sugar or sweetener and a spoon-shaped element are packaged in a special sealed package.

[0011] In order to consume, consumers are once again forced to perform very difficult operations and manipulations.

[0012] In detail, by using only one hand, the consumer grasps the beverage container and then grasps the sealed package containing the sachet of sugar or sweetener and the spoon-shaped element with the other hand.

[0013] To open the sugar or sweetener sachet, the consumer takes advantage of its small size and seeks help in the hand that is already gripping the beverage container.

[0014] The consumer pours sugar or sweetener into the container, opens the sealed packaging of the spoon-shaped element by performing an operation much like opening a sachet of sugar or sweetener, removes it from the container, and inserts it into the container to dissolve the sugar or sweetener.

[0015] Thus, opening the sealed package of the sugar or sweetener sachet and the spoon-shaped element requires the intervention of both hands, exposing the consumer to the risk of spilling the beverage, scalding themselves and wasting its contents.

[0016] In addition to this, a sugar or sweetener sachet and a separate sealed package for containing the scoop-shaped element are required, which greatly increases the waste of packaging materials for the scoop-shaped element, resulting in increased packaging and transportation costs, which are inevitably passed on to the retail price. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The main purpose of the present invention is to design a pouch for containing fluid food products, in particular for containing granules, powders, creams, liquid products or the like, which allows it to be opened and dispensed with just one hand, thus facilitating the consumption of the beverage while standing or in the absence of a tabletop for the beverage container.

[0018] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to design a sachet for containing fluid food, in particular for granules, powders, creams, liquid products or the like, which allows to significantly reduce the consumption of raw materials required for packaging the fluid food and the spoon-shaped element.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to devise a sachet for containing fluid food products, in particular for containing granules, powders, creams, liquid products, etc., which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective use and affordable solution.

[0020] This object is achieved by a sachet for containing fluid food products, in particular for granules, powders, creams, liquid products or the like, having the features of claim 1 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a sachet for containing fluid food products, in particular granules, powders, creams, liquid products or the like, which is illustrated by way of schematic but non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a front view of a pouch according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a pouch according to the present invention in use;

[0024] Figure 4 is an axonometric view of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5-Figure 8 is a detailed schematic diagram of the device according to the invention in an operating phase. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 generally designates a sachet for containing fluid food products, in particular granules, powders, creams, liquid products or the like.

[0027] Preferably, the fluid food is in granular or powdered form.

[0028] Even more preferably, the fluid food 3 comprises one of sugar, sweeteners, cocoa-type flavouring compounds or mixtures thereof.

[0029] However, it cannot be excluded from the scope of the present disclosure that the fluid food 3 may be of the type of liquid condiment, such as oil, vinegar, maple syrup, etc.

[0030] Merely by way of example, food products 3 in the form of sugar or sweeteners are mentioned in this disclosure.

[0031] The sachet 1 comprises a containing shell 2 at least partially made of paper material, which is suitable for containing a predetermined amount of sugar or sweetener 3 and defines a containing volume 4 .

[0032] Preferably, the containment shell 2 is at least partially made of paper laminated in polyethylene or other biodegradable material.

[0033] Advantageously, the containment housing 2 has an elongated configuration, provided with a first end portion 5 and a second end portion 6 opposite each other; in use, the first end portion 5 is arranged above the second end portion 6 .

[0034] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the containment housing 2 has a substantially cylindrical configuration.

[0035] In other words, the accommodating case 2 has a rod-like configuration.

[0036] However, it cannot be excluded from the scope of the present disclosure that the accommodating case 2 may have a different configuration, such as a quadrangular shape.

[0037] According to the invention, the pouch 1 comprises a spoon-shaped element 7 housed in the containment volume 4 and adapted to allow the containment shell 2 to be torn open to allow the sugar or sweetener 3 to flow out, due to external pressure exerted on the containment shell 2 by one hand of a user.

[0038] In detail, the spoon-shaped element 7 comprises a body 8 of elongated configuration provided with a first end 9 and a second end 10 opposite to each other.

[0039] Advantageously, one of the first end 9 or the second end 10 has a mixing portion 11 .

[0040] Preferably, the spoon-shaped element 7 is at least partially made of a biodegradable material.

[0041] Advantageously, the spoon-shaped element is at least partially made of a biopolymer.

[0042] In particular, within the scope of the present disclosure, the term "biopolymer" refers to a material which is derived directly from organic materials or microorganisms or which can be obtained by classical chemical synthesis starting from renewable monomers.

[0043] However, it cannot be excluded from the scope of the present disclosure that the spoon-shaped element is made of wood.

[0044] Preferably, the spoon-shaped member 7 has a predetermined width, and the mixing portion 11 has a width relatively greater than the predetermined width of the body 8 .

[0045] This approach allows for an increase in the surface area available to the sugar or sweetener in the mixed beverage, thereby allowing it to contact and displace any residue within the beverage itself, thereby promoting its dissolution.

[0046] In detail, the mixing portion 11 has a curved profile.

[0047] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the mixing portion 11 has a pointed configuration.

[0048] In other words, the mixing portion has a pointed top in order to facilitate the opening of the containing housing 2 .

[0049] However, it cannot be excluded from the scope of the present disclosure that the mixing portion 11 may have a different configuration, such as a quadrilateral.

[0050] The pouch 1 according to the invention can be moved between the following positions due to external pressure exerted on the containing shell 2:

[0051] - Closed position ( Figure 1 ), wherein the containment shell 2 is intact and stretched, and the spoon-shaped element 7 is located within the containment volume 4; and

[0052] -Open Location( Figure 3 ), in which position the containment shell 2 is at least partially torn open and folded back on itself, and the spoon-shaped element 7 protrudes at least partially outside the containment volume 4;

[0053] The mixing part 11 is in the closed position and the open position ( Figure 2) during movement between the container and the container, at least a portion of the container housing 2 is destroyed by defining an opening 12 thereon to allow the sugar or sweetener 3 to flow out.

[0054] In detail, in the closed position, the containing housing 2 has a first end portion 5 and a second end portion 6 arranged away from each other.

[0055] At the same time, the spoon-shaped element 7 has a body 8 which is at least partially immersed in the sugar or sweetener 3 .

[0056] Meanwhile, in the open position, the accommodating case 2 has the first end portion 5 and the second end portion 6 close to each other, thereby allowing the accommodating case 2 to be torn apart.

[0057] In detail, in order to facilitate the opening of the containing housing 2 , the mixing portion 11 is arranged where the first end portion 5 is located.

[0058] This means that the consumer, by grasping the containing housing 2 with one hand and placing the sachet 1 in the palm of his hand, applies downward pressure by means of the conjunction of the index finger and thumb at the first end portion 5 and causes the sachet to open by tearing.

[0059] In this way, the downward sliding of the containment housing 2 allows the mixing portion 11 to abut against the first end portion 5 , causing it to break apart and form the opening 12 .

[0060] It should be noted that the particular measure of providing the mixing portion 11 with a width greater than the corresponding width of the body 8 allows the immediate and precise formation of the opening 12 during tearing of the containment shell 2 without risking additional tearing along the containment shell 2 .

[0061] In this way, the diameter of the opening 12 substantially matches the width of the mixing portion 11 so as to accommodate the downward sliding of the housing and the outflow of the sugar or sweetener 3 .

[0062] The spoon-shaped element 7 therefore has a mixing portion 11 which projects outwards from the accommodation housing 2 and can be used without having to remove the accommodation housing 2 from the accommodation volume 4 .

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, in the open position, the containment housing 2 is at least partially folded upon itself to facilitate the outflow of the sugar or sweetener 3 .

[0064] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device 14 for producing a pouch 1 containing a fluid food 3 .

[0065] The device 14 comprises at least one base 15 provided with:

[0066] at least one supply and movement assembly 16 of at least one strip C of papermaking material, of a type known to branch engineers and comprising, for example, motorized rollers;

[0067] - at least one forming assembly 17 of a papermaking material strip C, in order to obtain a housing 2 for a fluid food 3;

[0068] At least one dispensing assembly 18 for the fluid food 3 .

[0069] According to the invention, the device 14 comprises at least one insertion assembly 19 associated with the base 15 and suitable for allowing the spoon-shaped element 7 to be inserted into the containing housing 2 .

[0070] In detail, the insert assembly 19 comprises at least one storage portion 20 of a plurality of spoon-shaped elements 7 .

[0071] Advantageously, the insert assembly 19 comprises at least one storage portion 20 for a plurality of spoon-shaped elements 7 .

[0072] Preferably, the storage portion 20 comprises at least one housing seat 21 of the spoon-shaped element 7 .

[0073] As can be seen in the figures, the housing seat 21 has a pair of side walls 22 configured to allow the spoon-shaped element 7 to be accommodated in a vertical position.

[0074] In more detail, the storage portion 20 includes a plurality of housing seats 21 adjacent to each other.

[0075] The storage portion 20 is arranged substantially orthogonally to the forming assembly 17 .

[0076] In order to carry out the dispensing of a single spoon-shaped element 7 at a time, the storage portion 20 comprises a comb-like element 23 coupled to movement means 24 suitable for allowing each spoon-shaped element 7 to be positioned in the insertion position.

[0077] At this point, it is important to point out that the forming assembly 17 comprises a plurality of distribution conduits 25 in fluid communication with the distribution assembly 18 such that the web of papermaking material C is intended to adhere to each distribution conduit 25 in use.

[0078] Each dispensing duct 25 comprises a positioning portion 26 of the spoon-shaped element 7 .

[0079] In detail, the positioning portion 26 comprises at least one interlocking seat 27 of the spoon-shaped element 7 , the insertion position being defined where the interlocking seat 27 is present.

[0080] As shown, the dispensing conduit 25 is associated with a rotation device 28 and is adapted to allow it to be rotated between the following positions:

[0081] - an inserted position, in which the spoon-shaped element 7 is housed in the interlocking seat 27 facing the storage portion 20; and

[0082] a dispensing position in which the spoon-shaped element 7 is housed in the interlocking seat 27 opposite the storage portion 20 .

[0083] In other words, due to the actuation of the rotating device 28 , the interlocking seat 27 is rotated by 180°.

[0084] This means that the papermaking material strip C adheres to the dispensing duct 25 by being wound around the interlocking seat 27. In this way, the spoon-shaped element 7 is inserted into the containing housing 2.

[0085] At this point, the forming assembly 17 includes a moving device 24 for the accommodating shell 2 from a forming position to a sealing position, wherein the papermaking material strip C is set at a position where a storage portion 20 is present, and in the sealing position, the accommodating shell 2 is set at a position where a sealing assembly 29 is located below the storage portion 20.

[0086] Preferably, the sealing assembly 29 includes a sealing device 30 adapted to form at least one of a longitudinal seal or an end seal on the containment housing 2 .

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 14, the sealing means 30 form longitudinal seals and end seals.

[0088] In detail, the sealing means are of the type known to industrial engineers and consist of a sealing strip.

[0089] Advantageously, the dispensing assembly 18 comprises at least one container 31 for the fluid food 3 connected to the shaping assembly 17 , the dispensing duct 25 being arranged below the container 31 .

[0090] In detail, the dispensing assembly 18 is arranged above the storage portion 20 and the forming assembly 17 .

[0091] Preferably, the dispensing assembly 18 comprises dosing means for the fluid food 3 .

[0092] The quantitative device comprises at least one rotating body which is arranged at the position where the bottom of the containing body is located and is provided with a plurality of quantitative seats.

[0093] Each dosing seat has a predetermined volume, which depends on the amount of fluid food 3 to be placed in the pouch 1 .

[0094] It has been established in practice that the described invention achieves the intended objectives.

[0095] The emphasis lies in the fact that the particular method of providing a single sachet containing both sugar or sweetener and a spoon-shaped element allows the sachet to be opened and the sugar or sweetener to be dispensed and mixed using only one hand.

[0096] In addition, this method saves a lot of packaging materials and reduces the costs of production, packaging and distribution.

[0097] In more detail, this has a significant impact on saving 50% of container material (such as sachets etc.), and also has a significant impact on saving energy and waste disposal.

Claims

1. A device (14) for producing a pouch (1) containing a fluid food product, in particular a granular, powdered, creamy, liquid product or the like, comprising at least one base (15) provided with: - at least one supply and movement assembly (16) of at least one strip (C) of papermaking material; - at least one shaping assembly (17) of the papermaking material strip (C) to obtain a housing (2) for a fluid food product (3), in particular for granules, powders, creams, liquid products or the like; - at least one dispensing member (18) for said fluid food (3); It is characterized in that It comprises at least one insertion assembly (19) associated with the base (15) and suitable for allowing the spoon-shaped element (7) to be inserted into the containing housing (2).

2. The device (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that The insertion assembly (19) comprises at least one storage portion (20) of a plurality of spoon-shaped elements (7).

3. The device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The insertion assembly (19) comprises at least one storage portion (20) of a plurality of spoon-shaped elements (7).

4. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The storage portion (20) comprises at least one housing seat (21) for the spoon-shaped element (7).

5. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing seat (21) has a pair of side walls (22) configured to allow the spoon-shaped element (7) to be accommodated in a vertical position.

6. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The storage portion (20) includes a plurality of housing seats (21) adjacent to each other.

7. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that Said storage portion (20) comprises a comb-like element (23) connected to movement means (24) adapted to allow positioning of each said spoon-shaped element (7) in an insertion position.

8. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The dispensing assembly (18) comprises at least one container (31) for the fluid food (3), the container (31) for the fluid food (3) being connected to the shaping assembly (17), and a dispensing conduit (25) being arranged below the container (31).

9. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The forming assembly (17) comprises a plurality of distribution conduits (25) in fluid communication with the distribution assembly (18), the strip of papermaking material (C) being intended to adhere to each of the distribution conduits (25) in use.

10. The device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The storage portion (20) is arranged substantially orthogonal to the forming assembly (17).

11. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each of said dispensing ducts (25) comprises a positioning portion (26) of said spoon-shaped element (7).

12. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The positioning portion (26) comprises at least one interlocking seat (27) of the spoon-shaped element (7), the insertion position being defined where the interlocking seat (27) is present.

13. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that Said distribution conduit (25) is associated with a rotation device (28) and is adapted to allow it to be rotated between the following positions: - said insertion position, in which said spoon-shaped element (7) is housed in said interlocking seat (27), said interlocking seat (27) facing said storage portion (20); and - a dispensing position in which the spoon-shaped element (7) is housed in the interlocking seat (27) opposite the storage portion (20).

14. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The forming assembly (17) includes a moving device (24) for the accommodating shell (2) from a forming position to a sealing position, wherein the papermaking material belt (C) is set at a position where the storage part (20) exists, and wherein the sealing position, the accommodating shell (2) is set at a position where a sealing assembly (29) is set below the storage part (20).

15. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The dispensing assembly (18) is arranged above the storage portion (20) and the forming assembly (17).

16. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The dispensing assembly (18) comprises a dosing device for the fluid food (3).

17. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The quantitative device comprises at least one rotating body, which is arranged at the bottom of the containing body (31) and is provided with a plurality of quantitative seats.

18. Device (14) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sealing assembly (29) includes a sealing device (30) adapted to perform at least one of longitudinal sealing and end sealing on the containment shell (2).

19. A sachet (1) for containing fluid food, in particular for granules, powders, creams, liquid products or the like, comprising at least one container (2) at least partially made of a paper-like material, suitable for containing a predetermined amount of fluid food (3) and defining a container volume (4), characterized in that It comprises at least one spoon-shaped element (7) housed in the containment volume (4) and adapted to allow the containment shell (2) to be torn open due to external pressure exerted on the containment shell (2) by a user's hand to allow the fluid food (3) to flow out.

20. The pouch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The spoon-shaped element (7) comprises a main body (8) having an elongated configuration and provided with a first end (9) and a second end (10) opposite to each other.

21. Sachet (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one of the first end (9) or the second end (10) has a mixing portion (11).

22. Pouch (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that Due to the external pressure exerted on the containing shell (2), the pouch (1) is able to move between the following positions: - a closed position, in which the containment shell (2) is complete and extended, the spoon-shaped element (7) being located inside the containment volume (4); and an open position in which the containment shell (2) is at least partially torn open and folded back on itself, the spoon-shaped element (7) protruding at least partially outside the containment volume; The mixing portion (11) destroys at least a portion of the containment shell (2) by defining an opening (12) on the containment shell (2) during movement between the closed position and the open position, thereby allowing the fluid food (3) to flow out.

23. Pouch (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (2) has an elongated configuration provided with a first end portion (5) and a second end portion (6) opposite to each other, wherein in use, the first end portion (5) is arranged above the second end portion (6).

24. Pouch (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that In use, the mixing section (11) is arranged where the first end section (5) is located.

25. Pouch (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The accommodating housing (2) has a substantially cylindrical configuration.

26. Pouch (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The mixing portion (11) has a curved profile.

27. Pouch (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The body (8) has a predetermined width, and the mixing portion (11) has a width relatively larger than the predetermined width of the body (8).

28. Pouch (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The mixing portion (11) has a pointed configuration.

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