Packaging assembly

Abstract

A packaging assembly has a package containing a food product and includes a main portion, a first lid portion, and a second lid portion. The first lid portion covers the main portion, and the side portions of the main portion and the first lid portion are secured to one another to form a pouch for at least partially containing the food product. The second lid portion covers at least a portion of the first lid portion and the main portion, and is secured together or sealed together to provide an openable seal extending transversely to the package between the first side portion and the second side portion at a location between the first end portion and the second end portion of the main portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to packaging, and specifically, but not exclusively, to packaging components for food, and more specifically, to packaging components for confectionery products such as chocolate. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to package food products (including sweet products such as chocolate and other sweet and snack products) in a package formed of a flexible film-like material of a certain length. This film-like material has an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface facing the food product. Typically, the outer surface is printed with information for consumers, such as brand markings and nutritional information.

[0003] For snacks, chocolate bars, and other sweets, flow wrapping techniques (also known as "wing-sealed wrapping" and "horizontal bagging") are known to be used for packaging. These techniques allow the product to be wrapped in a plastic film characterized by rolled-up end seals and an additional seal extending between these two end seals; these three seals secure the product within the package. This additional seal is typically located on the intended back of the product to ensure that the consumer can see the desired branding or other information on the intended front of the package.

[0004] For many products (e.g., chocolate bars), a film is typically supplied in the direction of travel. A flow wrapping machine holds the ends of the film together to form a seal extending in the direction of travel (often called a fin seal) to create a tubular structure. The product is then introduced into the tubular structure; for example, for elongated products, the elongated axis of the product preferably extends in the same direction as the seal. Flow wrapping is also suitable for other shapes of products, such as planar products that may have two equal axes (e.g., in the direction of travel and perpendicular to them), such as square, round, or regular shapes, or non-planar products, such as cylindrical or prismatic shapes, can also be wrapped in this way. A transverse seal is then formed in the tubular structure at either end of the product, thereby encapsulating the product within the package. As mentioned above, the seal formed in the direction of travel is formed on the back of the package so as not to obscure branding or other desired information intended for the front.

[0005] While containerized packaging is very popular, the nature of many seals and packaging materials means that once opened, the packaging cannot be resealed. While this may not be a significant problem for single-serving edible items, it is undesirable for products served in larger quantities.

[0006] Furthermore, when the product in the flow wrap is opened, the package is typically torn open and sometimes divided into two or more parts. This, along with the presence of additional elongated seams extending between the curled ends, has prevented the inner surface of the package from being used for additional information, such as further branding, competitive information, or other useful and / or desired messages.

[0007] Some edible products (e.g., chocolate products) are sold in portions larger than one serving, meaning the chocolate within the package is not intended for single-use consumption but rather for multiple servings and / or sharing among multiple individuals. For convenience, such chocolate products can be provided in sheet form, divided into rows and columns of individual portions that can be separated from each other along a breakable line, allowing a consumer to separate one or more portions (e.g., a row or column of these portions) from the remainder (these can be considered “serving control features” of the product). For example, a chocolate product can be provided in sheet form in an array of 4 columns and 9 rows to produce 36 individual portions. For example, a consumer can separate a row of four portions from the sheet for consumption at once. In the case of chocolate products, these features can be formed by molding the chocolate.

[0008] It is known to use the aforementioned flow wrapping technology to package such edible goods, or to provide packaging in which chocolate is wrapped in a paper or paper / foil laminate sleeve, which can then be secured in place with a tubular outer wrapping. This second method does allow for resealable elements, provided the paper sleeve can be folded around the remainder of the product and the inside of the sleeve can be used for branding, etc. However, using two materials (sleeve and outer wrapping) is inefficient and introduces additional processing steps. Furthermore, even when using a sleeve without an outer wrapping, the sleeve's joint is on the back of the product (to allow for desired branding on the intended front), meaning the consumer opens the package and sees the back of the product. This limits the product's visual impact, which is typically designed to visually stimulate or inform the consumer.

[0009] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have packaging that can be resealed while also providing possible locations for additional branding or other messages.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, it would be advantageous to have packaging that allows consumers to see the expected front of the packaged product upon opening.

[0011] Packaging that reveals a portion or portion size of the product once opened, especially packaging with portion control features, will be particularly advantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a packaging assembly is provided, the packaging assembly comprising:

[0013] Packaging package containing food products, the packaging package comprising:

[0014] The main part includes a first end, a second end, and a first side and a second side extending between the first end and the second end;

[0015] First cover section; and

[0016] Second cover section;

[0017] The packaging is configured such that:

[0018] The first lid portion covers the main portion, and the sides of the main portion and the facing portion of the first lid portion are fixed together to form a bag for at least partially containing food products; and

[0019] The second cover portion covers at least a portion and the main portion of the first cover portion.

[0020] The first cover portion and the second cover portion are fixed together or sealed together to provide an openable seal that extends across the package between the first and second sides at a location between the first and second ends of the main portion.

[0021] Preferably, the first cover portion includes a first end, a second end, and a first side and a second side extending between the first end and the second end. The first side and the second side may form facing portions that are fixed to the main portion.

[0022] The facing portion of the second cover portion can be fixed to the first and second sides of the main portion and / or fixed to the first cover portion. Preferably, the second cover portion includes a first end, a second end, and a first and second side extending between the first and second ends. The first and second sides can be fixed to the first and second sides of the main portion and / or fixed to the first and second sides of the first cover portion.

[0023] The main part, the first cover part, and the second cover part are preferably formed of sheet material. The sheet material can be a flexible sheet material.

[0024] In a first series of embodiments, the main portion, the first cover portion, and the second cover portion are provided as a single continuous sheet of material. The first cover portion extends from a first end of the main portion. The second cover portion extends from a second end of the main portion. The main portion may be centered between the first cover portion and the second cover portion. The sheet of material may be folded at the first end of the main portion such that the first end portion covers the main portion. The sheet of material may be folded at the second end of the main portion such that the second end portion covers at least a portion of the first end portion and the main portion.

[0025] In a range of alternative embodiments, the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion may be formed as separate, independent portions and fixed to the main portion.

[0026] For example, the first cover portion may include a separate, discrete portion fixed to the main portion. A first side and a second side of the main portion are fixed to a facing portion of the first cover portion (e.g., corresponding first and second sides of the first cover portion). The first cover portion may include a first end and a second end. A second end of the first cover portion may be fixed to a facing portion of the second end of the main portion. This configuration mimics a folded configuration of an embodiment including a continuous sheet of material. The second cover portion may be continuous with the main portion. The second cover portion may fold over the main portion and at least partially cover the first cover portion, such as a first end of the first cover portion.

[0027] In a series of embodiments, the second cover portion may include a separate, discrete portion secured to the main portion. A first and second side portion of the main portion is secured to a facing portion of the second cover portion (e.g., corresponding first and second sides of the second cover portion). The second cover portion may include a first end and a second end. The first end of the second cover portion may be secured to a facing portion of the first end of the main portion. This configuration mimics a folded configuration of embodiments comprising a continuous sheet of material. The first cover portion may be continuous with the main portion. The second cover portion may be positioned above the main portion and at least partially cover the first cover portion (e.g., a first end of the first cover portion) and secured to the first cover portion via an openable seal.

[0028] In a series of other embodiments, both the first cover portion and the second cover portion include separate, discrete parts that are fixed to the main portion. A first side, a second side, and a second end of the first cover portion can be fixed to the facing portion of the main portion. A first side, a second side, and a first end of the second cover portion can be fixed to the facing portion of the main portion. Then, the second end of the second cover portion is fixed to the first end of the first cover portion via an openable seal.

[0029] In some implementations, the second lid portion can be completely removed from the package. The package can be configured such that when the second lid portion is removed and a portion of the food product is removed, the first end of the main portion can be folded over the remaining food product and can be secured to the first lid portion to reseal the package.

[0030] In a series of other embodiments, the first cover portion may include a separate, discrete portion secured to the main portion at a location between a first end and a second end of the main portion. For example, the first cover portion may be located at the center of the main portion, offset from each end. The second cover portion may be continuous with or separate from the main portion and is configured to cover the first end of the main portion and at least a portion of the first cover portion. The package may include an additional cover portion continuous with or separate from the main portion and configured to cover at least a portion of the first cover portion and the second end of the main portion. The additional cover portion may be secured to the first cover portion using an additional openable seal, which, for example, extends transversely to the package between a first side and a second side at a location between the first and second ends of the main portion. In such embodiments, the package can be opened from either end by opening the openable seal securing the second cover portion or the additional cover portion.

[0031] In a series of other embodiments, the package may include a third and a fourth lid portion. The third and fourth lid portions may extend from or be secured to a main portion, for example, from or be secured to a first and second side of the main portion. The third and fourth lid portions may be configured to cover the main portion and the first lid portion to provide a bag for at least partially containing food products. A second lid portion may then be secured to the first, third, and / or fourth lid portions via an openable seal. The main portion may be rectangular, and the first to fourth lid portions may be approximately triangular, for example, to form a sleeve-like structure. The first to fourth lid portions form the intended front surface of the package. The first to fourth lid portions may be entirely secured by an openable seal. The first to fourth lid portions may be configured such that a continuous segment of food product can be revealed by opening each of the lid portions.

[0032] In the above embodiment, the second cover portion covers and is secured to the first cover portion. Therefore, the second cover portion can form an openable flap relative to the package. The second cover portion may include a closing portion for the bag formed by the main portion and the first cover portion. As discussed above, the closing portion may be integrally formed with the main portion, or it may be a separate component secured to the rest of the package.

[0033] In a second aspect of the invention, a packaging assembly is provided, the packaging assembly comprising a package for containing food products, the package comprising:

[0034] A first material sheet and a second material sheet, each having a first end and a second end, and a first side and a second side extending between the first end and the second end;

[0035] The food products are located between the first material sheet and the second material sheet;

[0036] Furthermore, the first end and the second end, as well as the facing portions of the first side and the second side, are secured to each other via an openable seal.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one of the first material sheet and the second material sheet is provided with an openable seal that extends across the package from a first side to a second side of the package and is located between the first end and the second end of the package.

[0038] The first and second material sheets can be secured to each other around the perimeter of the food product. The first and second material sheets can be secured to each other via a single, continuous, openable seal, for example, extending around the entire perimeter of the food product. The first and second material sheets can be secured to each other to form a bag for at least partially containing the food product. The first and second sheets can be secured together on four sides surrounding the food product. Such embodiments typically envision a food product having an approximately rectangular shape. For example, a first end portion of the first material sheet is secured to a first end portion of the second material sheet. A second end portion of the first material sheet can be secured to a second end portion of the second material sheet. A first side portion of the first material sheet can be secured to a first side portion of the second material sheet. A second side portion of the first material sheet can be secured to a second side portion of the second material sheet. In embodiments where the food product has more or fewer than four sides, the first and second sheet materials can be secured to corresponding sides surrounding the food product (e.g., more or fewer than four sides) via an openable seal. The first and second sides of the first and second material sheets can be non-linear and extend around the food product. For example, the food product may be hexagonal, and the first and second sides of the first and second material sheets may define two straight portions joined at an angle and extending between the first and second ends. Similarly, the first and second end portions, as well as the first and second sides, of the first and second material sheets may be curved or define circular or elliptical portions to conform to the shape of the food product. In some embodiments, the openable seal securing the first and second material sheets may be circular.

[0039] In all aspects of the invention, the package may include a package axis. Preferably, the package axis corresponds to (i.e., parallel to) the machine direction and / or operating direction of the machine forming the package. The machine operating direction corresponds to the direction of the conveyor and the product thereon. In the case where the package is formed from an elongated and / or continuous sheet material (e.g., a roll of material), the operating direction corresponds to the elongated axis of the sheet material on the roll. The invention is advantageous because the openable seal extends across and / or transverse to the package axis (e.g., the machine direction and / or operating direction). This provides a clear distinction from package assemblies formed via standard flow wraps, where the flow wrap forms a seal that extends longitudinally (i.e., parallel to the package axis and the machine / operating direction).

[0040] Preferably, the package axis may correspond to the elongated axis of the food product, such as the longest dimension of the food product. In some embodiments, the package axis may correspond to the second longest dimension of the food product (e.g., product width), and / or for regularly shaped food products, the length and width may be equal.

[0041] The package axis may be parallel to the first and second sides of the main portion (and optionally the sides of the first and / or second cover portions). The package axis may extend from the first package end to the second package end. The first and second package ends may correspond to the first and second ends of the central portion and / or the first and second cover portions. The package may include, for example, a first package side and a second package side corresponding to the first and second sides of the central portion and / or the first and second cover portions. The first and second package sides may each extend between the first and second package ends. The first and second package sides may be parallel to the package axis.

[0042] The first and / or second end of the package may each be provided by a crease in the material sheet. The package may include a first crease at or adjacent to the first end. The package may include a second crease at or adjacent to the second end. The first crease may represent a first end of the package assembly. The second crease may represent a second end of the package assembly.

[0043] An openable seal can be provided on the intended front of the package. Thus, the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion can form the intended front of the package, and the main portion can form the intended back of the package.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, an openable seal may be provided on the intended back side of the package. Thus, the main portion may form the intended front side of the package, and the first and second cover portions may form the intended back side of the package.

[0045] In embodiments that include more than one openable seal, they may all be located on the intended front of the package, the intended back of the package, or a combination of the intended front and the intended back of the package.

[0046] An openable seal may be located between the first end of the package and the second end of the package. An openable seal extending transversely to the package may be perpendicular to the package axis or may be angled. The openable seal may be linear, or may be curved or non-linear. The openable seal may extend from a first side of the package to a second side, for example, between the first and second sides of the first and second cap portions. The openable seal may extend only partially along the length of the package, i.e., in the direction of the package axis. Preferably, the openable seal does not extend the entire length of the package from the first end to the second end in the direction of the package axis. Preferably, the package does not contain a seal extending from the first end to the second end and / or the main portion of the package. Advantageously, this means that the entire inner surface of the package can be used for marking, provided that an elongated seal (such as a flow seal) does not provide an interruption in the main surface of the package.

[0047] The removable seal can be located anywhere between the first end and the second end of the package. The removable seal can be located at the midpoint of the package, which is half the distance between the first and second ends of the package. In some embodiments, the removable seal is offset from the midpoint of the package. For example, the removable seal can be positioned toward either the first or second end of the package. For example, the removable seal can be located at approximately 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 33%, 35%, 40%, or 45% of the distance between the first and second ends of the package. The first cover portion can form a major portion of the intended front surface, and the second cover portion can form a secondary portion of the intended front surface of the package. For example, the second cover portion can form a flap covering less than half of the intended front surface of the package.

[0048] In a series of alternative embodiments, the openable seal may be located at approximately 55%, 60%, 65%, 66%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the distance between the first and second ends of the package. The second cover portion may form the main portion of the intended front surface, and the first cover portion may form a secondary portion of the intended front surface of the package. The second cover portion may completely cover or obscure the first cover portion and / or form most or all of the intended front surface of the product. Such embodiments form a flap (e.g., formed by the second cover portion) covering most or all of the intended front surface of the product. Advantageously, this provides a large, uninterrupted surface for providing surface decoration and branding, etc., while still retaining the desired opening functionality discussed herein.

[0049] The unclamped seal, or a portion thereof, may be resealable. Preferably, the unclamped seal is secured using an adhesive. For example, a first cap portion and a second cap portion may be sealed together using an adhesive. The adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, such as a cold-sealing adhesive, which can be used to at least partially reseal the unclamped seal during use. For example, a self-adhesive thermoplastic material may be used, which adheres to each other when moderate pressure is applied. In some embodiments, the adhesive (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive) is a polyurethane or latex adhesive. One or both of the first cap portion and the second cap portion may be covered with an adhesive.

[0050] Advantageously, the feature of an openable and optionally resealable seal extending laterally along the product axis provides consumers with a more intuitive way to open and close the seal. This openable seal can be opened by the consumer with one hand.

[0051] In some embodiments, the main portion may include a resealable adhesive. For example, in embodiments where the first cap portion and / or the second cap portion are removable, the main portion may be used to seal the package after opening.

[0052] Openable seals (e.g., between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, or other configurations as discussed above) can be secured together or sealed together using wing seals (also known as “folded joints”) or overlap seals.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first cover portion may be folded back on itself to form a fold-back portion. The uppermost surface of the fold-back portion may be covered with adhesive. The fold-back portion may be secured to the facing portion of the second cover portion. The fold-back portion and the adhesive thereon extend laterally to the package, for example, from a first side of the package to a second side. The inner surface of the fold-back portion (i.e., the facing surface of the first cover portion once folded back to form the fold-back portion) may be permanently secured back to the first cover portion. For example, the inner surface of the fold-back portion may be covered with a permanent or high-strength adhesive or heat seal. A high-strength adhesive means that the adhesive is stronger than the adhesive forming the openable seal connecting the first and second cover portions, for example, causing the openable seal to open preferentially. The heat seal or high-strength adhesive may extend across the fold-back portion, for example, from a first side of the first cover portion to a second side. In some embodiments, the openable seal is first formed as, for example, a finned seal, and then the fold-back portion is formed by securing the finned seal to the surface of the first cover portion. In a series of other embodiments, a fold-back portion is first formed as described above, and a second cover portion is secured to the fold-back portion using an overlap seal.

[0054] The first and / or second peripheral portions of the folded-back portion adjacent to the first and / or second sides of the package can be secured to the facing surface of the second cover portion. Additionally, the first and / or second peripheral portions of the folded-back portion adjacent to the first and / or second sides of the package can be secured to the upper surface of the first cover portion. In this embodiment, the second cover portion is held on the surface of the package.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the openable seal is formed as an overlap seal. The first cap portion may include an adhesive area on its outermost surface (e.g., the intended front side of the first cap portion) for receiving adhesive thereon. The adhesive area may be undecorated, unprinted, and / or unpainted. In some arrangements, the presence of paint or printing media may affect the adhesive. The package may be configured such that the adhesive area of ​​the first cap portion is completely obscured by the second cap portion when sealed.

[0056] In some embodiments, the package may include one or more additional openable seals extending transversely to or parallel to the package axis. The additional openable seals may be configured to divide the bag of the package into multiple sections. Thus, the package assembly may include multiple food products, each housed within a separate section of the package. The additional openable seals may be formed in the same manner as the openable seals discussed herein.

[0057] In some implementations, in addition to a resealable seal, an openable seal may also include a permanent seal. Therefore, the package may require the user to break the permanent seal to open the package, thus providing a tamper-evident feature. Therefore, a resealable seal allows the product to be resealed as described herein.

[0058] An openable seal may include a permanently sealed area and a resealable sealed area. An openable seal may include a breakable area located between the permanently sealed area and the resealable sealed area. An openable seal may include a "tear-off" or sacrificial portion or strip located between the permanently sealed area and the resealable sealed area. The tear-off portion may include a strip or thread configured to break the breakable area. The tear-off portion may include one or more handles to assist the user in gripping.

[0059] For example, the second cover portion may be secured to the first cover portion via a resealable sealing portion and a permanent sealing portion, and may include a line or strip located therebetween that extends transversely to the package, for example from a first side of the package to a second side.

[0060] The first cover portion and the second cover portion have distal ends. The distal end of the second cover portion may be shaped to provide gripping flaps. The distal end of the second cover portion may include curved or non-curved portions; for example, the distal end of the second cover portion may extend perpendicular to the first side and / or the second side. The distal ends of the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion may extend beyond the openable seal securing the first cover portion and the second cover portion, or a portion thereof may extend beyond the openable seal. The distal ends of the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion may be without adhesive and / or may extend beyond the adhesive used to secure the first cover portion and the second cover portion.

[0061] In one embodiment, the at least portion of the distal end of the second cover portion, which may protrude beyond the distal end of the first cover portion (or the fold-back formed therein), may be formed as a gripping tab extending only a portion of the path along the second cover portion. Alternatively, the entire distal end of the second cover portion may protrude beyond the at least portion of the distal end of the first cover portion. The distal end of the second cover portion may protrude by a length of 2 mm to 10 mm beyond the at least portion of the distal end of the first cover portion, for example, one of 2 mm to 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, or 3 mm. In one embodiment, a protrusion length of 2 mm to 5 mm has been found to be sufficient.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment including a fold-back portion, the ends of the first and second cover portions may extend beyond the openable seal. Therefore, the first and second cover portions can be easily separated using the unsecured portion extending beyond the seal and subsequently used to separate the openable seal. The second cover portion and / or the fold-back portion may be shaped to provide gripping flaps, for example, to facilitate the separation of the second cover portion and / or the fold-back portion.

[0063] In embodiments comprising two or more sheets of material, the end portions of the first and second sheets may be secured to an openable seal, and one or both may have distal ends extending beyond the openable seal. Therefore, the first and second sheets can be easily separated using the unsecured portions extending beyond the seal and subsequently used to separate the openable seal. One or both distal ends may be shaped to provide gripping flaps, for example, to facilitate the separation of the first and second material sheets. The distal ends may be provided along the entire width of the end portions, or alternatively, for example, at said distal ends, one or both corner regions of the first and second sheets may be included.

[0064] At least a portion of the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion may include a fracturing portion, such as a portion indicated by a weakened line. The fracturing portion may be arranged to separate from the remainder of the corresponding cover portion when the openable seal is opened, thereby providing an tamper-evident feature. The fracturing portion may be positioned toward or near the midpoint of the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion. If both the first and second cover portions include fracturing portions, these fracturing portions may be misaligned before the openable seal is opened. The fracturing portion, or each fracturing portion, may be formed by laser or other techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0065] In a series of embodiments in which the second cover portion can be removed from the package, the second cover portion can be attached to the rest of the package via a fracturing portion. For example, when the package is opened, the second cover portion is completely removed, and the first cover portion or main portion can be used to reseal the package.

[0066] Preferably, the main portion of the first cover portion (e.g., the entire first side and / or the second side) is facing the corresponding portion of the main portion (e.g., the entire first side and / or the second side) to form the first and / or second sides of the package. The facing sides are preferably secured or sealed together, for example, using an adhesive or a heat sealant. One or both of the sides of the main portion and the first cover portion may be covered with adhesive. The adhesive may extend along at least a portion of the first side. Preferably, both first sides include adhesive.

[0067] Preferably, the main portion of the second cover portion (e.g., the entire first side and / or the second side) is facing the corresponding portion of the main portion (e.g., the entire first side and / or the second side) to form the first and / or second sides of the package. The facing sides are preferably secured or sealed together, for example, using an adhesive or a heat sealant. One or both of the sides of the main portion and the first cover portion may be covered with adhesive. The adhesive may extend along at least a portion of the first side. Preferably, both first sides include adhesive. As previously discussed, the second cover portion also extends over the area of ​​the first cover portion. Preferably, at least a portion of the first and second sides of the second cover portion is secured to the first and second sides of the first cover portion, wherein they are facing each other.

[0068] In embodiments comprising more than one sheet of material (i.e., separate discrete sheets), the entire first portion (e.g., a first side) of the first sheet of material may be facing a corresponding portion (e.g., a first side of a second (or third) sheet of material) to form a first side of the package. Similarly, the entire second, third, fourth, or larger portion (e.g., side and / or end portions) of the first sheet of material may be facing a corresponding portion of the second sheet of material. The facing sides of the first and second sheets of material are preferably secured or sealed together, for example, using an adhesive or a heat sealant. One or both of the side and / or end portions of the first and second sheets of material may be covered with an adhesive. The adhesive may extend along at least a portion of the sides of the first and second sheets of material. Preferably, both include an adhesive.

[0069] The adhesive can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive can be used to at least partially reseal the packaging. The adhesive can be used to open and reseal the packaging multiple times.

[0070] The adhesive provided on the first and / or second sides may have a bond strength that varies along its length. For example, the adhesive may include a first region with higher bond strength and a second region with lower bond strength, and / or the adhesive may include regions with relatively high bond strength interspersed with regions of relatively low bond strength, or vice versa. Advantageously, providing regions of high and low bond strength allows the opening of the packaging assembly to be indicated, for example, corresponding to a portion of the product.

[0071] The adhesive provided on the first side and / or the second side may be the same as or different from the adhesive used to seal openable seals (e.g., the first end portion and the second end portion) together.

[0072] When the packaging components are sealed or folded at the first and second ends and the first and second sides are sealed, or when the material sheet is sealed around the product, the product is securely held inside the packaging.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first and second sides of the main portion and the first cover may include a small area permanently secured together, for example, including a permanent adhesive and / or a permanent heat seal. The permanently secured area may be located at or adjacent to the second end of the package, for example, where the first cover portion folds over the food product to cover the main portion. Some flexible materials may have a tendency to curl or fold back to their original configuration once unfolded. By providing a permanently secured small area, the package can better resist folding or curling back once opened. For example, the permanently secured area may fold under the food product and function similarly to an over-center mechanism that prevents the package from closing.

[0074] The package may include any suitable shape. Preferably, the package conforms to the shape of the food product contained therein. It should be understood that the first and second sides of the package, and in some embodiments, the first and / or second ends of the package, will include flat strips, wherein the main portion and the first and / or second cover portions are secured together. References to the approximate shape of the package are intended to refer to the shape of the bag formed within the package.

[0075] For example, the package may be approximately cubic. The package may be approximately cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, or an elongated shape with an approximately elliptical cross-section. The package may be approximately prismatic; for example, it may be substantially triangular prism, or alternatively, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal prism shapes. Preferably, the package axis corresponds to the central axis of the prism, i.e., perpendicular to the polygonal cross-sectional shape.

[0076] In other embodiments, the package may be substantially planar and have an arcuate, circular, or polygonal shape (e.g., when viewed perpendicularly to the plane). The package may be substantially arcuate, circular, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other polygonal shape. Forming a closely spaced shape is advantageous because it minimizes wasted packaging material.

[0077] The main portion can be rectangular, and optionally square. Alternatively, the main portion can be arc-shaped, circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other polygonal shape. In many embodiments, the first and second sides of the main portion can be parallel to each other.

[0078] The first cover portion and / or the second cover portion may be rectangular, and optionally square. Alternatively, the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion may be arc-shaped, circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other polygonal shape. In many embodiments, the first and second sides of the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion may be parallel to each other.

[0079] Food products may include an intended front and an opposite back. Preferably, for example, due to the absence of a winged seal from a flow wrapping process, the front and / or back do not contact a seal parallel to the product's elongated axis. In the embodiments described herein, seals formed on the sides of the package are not considered to contact the front and / or back of the product. Preferably, the food product is located within the package such that the front of the food product is adjacent to an openable seal. Advantageously, the packaging assembly can be opened at the openable seal to reveal at least one portion of the product.

[0080] Advantageously, when an openable seal is provided on the intended front of the packaging component (which can typically be represented by the type, form, or prominence of brand marking information), consumers can see at least a portion of the intended front of the product when they open the openable seal, thus providing consumers with a new and different visual impact.

[0081] Furthermore, in the case of food products and laterally openable seals, the openable seal can be positioned to reveal the desired portion of the product when opened. For example, if the product is a chocolate bar, and say the chocolate bar is formed as a sheet comprising multiple rows and columns of individual portions, the package can be openable to reveal one or more rows or columns of individual portions. One or more individual portions may be marked or otherwise identified, or may be arranged to create a visual impact on the consumer. For example, the package can be openable to reveal a single portion, or a single row or column of individual portions. This can facilitate portion control, thereby providing health benefits to the consumer.

[0082] It should be understood that food products may include segments of any regular or irregular shape. For example, a food product may include tablets in which these segments are triangular or wedge-shaped. A food product may include a series of defined portions joined by bridging. These portions may include any shape, including triangles or wedges, wherein the bridging forms the base of a series of triangles or wedges, such as Toblerone. ™ .

[0083] In some implementations, the packaging may be configured to open to reveal a portion of the food product intended as a gift, such as when the food product is shared among more than one person. The gift portion of the product may include an indicator identifying it as a gift portion. This indicator may include surface decoration, color, pattern, shape, or any other suitable indication.

[0084] Food products may include elongated food products and / or near-planar food products, such as confectionery products, like chocolate bars or chocolate chips. In some embodiments, elongated food products may be rectangular, wherein the product axis conforms to the longest dimension of the rectangular food product.

[0085] Alternatively, the food product may be square or other regular or irregular polygons, or may be circular, oval and / or annular, wherein the length of the product in the direction of the product axis is equal to or approximately equal to its width in the direction transverse to the product axis. As used herein, such embodiments are also considered "elongated" because they have a nontrivial length in the direction of the product axis.

[0086] The product can be in block form, for example, it can be block-shaped. The product can be substantially cubic (e.g., cuboid). In some embodiments, the product can be substantially prismatic, for example, it can be substantially triangular prism, or alternatively, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal prism shapes. Preferably, the product axis corresponds to the central axis of the prism, i.e., perpendicular to the polygonal cross-sectional shape.

[0087] Food products may include multiple individual food products. For example, a food product may include multiple cookies or individual chocolate bars. The packaging may also include supports or trays for containing multiple food products within the bag of the packaging.

[0088] Food products can be amorphous and / or have an undefined shape. For example, a food product may include multiple small pieces, such as multiple individual sweets, like button chocolates, assorted chocolates, or mini eggs. ™ Nuts, or powdered or granular food products, such as beverage powders. Therefore, the packaging can be defined as a pouch structure for containing said amorphous food products.

[0089] The main portion, as well as the first and second cover portions, continuous material sheets and / or the first, second, and third material sheets (or more material sheets), can be formed of a flexible material (e.g., a thin flexible material). This flexible material can be formed of a plastic material or a paper-based material. If the flexible material is formed of a plastic material, it may include at least a portion of recycled material. For example, the sheet may include polypropylene, preferably at least a portion of recycled polypropylene, such as chemically recycled polypropylene. The flexible material may include a foil-based material. The flexible material may be paper-based. The inner and / or outer surfaces of the sheet may be coated.

[0090] Because the packaging of this invention can be formed from sustainably sourced materials, such as paper or chemically recycled flexible plastics, it achieves improved sustainability compared to existing packaging.

[0091] In embodiments comprising multiple material sheets, a first material sheet may form the intended back surface of the package. A second material sheet may form the intended front surface of the package. Except for surface decoration, the first and second material sheets may be identical.

[0092] In a range of other embodiments, the main portion and the first cover portion and the second cover portion and / or the first material sheet and the second material sheet may be different. For example, the first material sheet may include a stronger, thicker, denser, and / or stiffer material relative to the second material sheet. For example, the first material sheet may include paper, cardboard, or cardboard material or laminated material. The second material sheet may include a more flexible material, such as lower-density paper, plastic material, composite material, or laminated material.

[0093] In a range of other embodiments, the main portion, the first lid portion, and / or the second lid portion may include a transparent material or a region comprising a transparent material. For example, in embodiments where the main portion and the first lid portion and the second lid portion are consecutive, the first lid portion and / or the second lid portion may include a transparent region. Alternatively, in embodiments where the first lid portion and / or the second lid portion are separate from the main portion, one or both may include a transparent material or a region. The transparent region or portion may be configured to make the food product visible through it.

[0094] In use, the first and second sides can roll up or fold back on their own to expose more of the product. The package can be at least partially flattened or flattenable, for example, by folding around the first and / or second creases. Thus, the package can partially or completely expose the product and / or serve as a shallow dish for the product. The shallow dish can be completely flat. Alternatively, the shallow dish can be non-flat and may include one or more edges with a lip. The lip may be formed by the edges of the main portion, the first lid portion, and / or the second lid portion. For example, a seal formed by the sides of the package may be located between the intended front and back surfaces of the package in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the package (e.g., the thickness or depth direction of the package and / or the food product). The plane of the package can be a plane defined by the package axis and the lateral direction. When opened, the main portion, the first lid portion, and / or the second lid portion may include one or more shallow trays for holding the food product.

[0095] The packaging may have an inner surface and an outer surface for facing the product. The inner surface may include branding or other text or drawn messages or markings.

[0096] Advantageously, because the package can be folded flat, the entire inner surface of the package can be used for graphic or text messages.

[0097] Advantageously, because the packaging assembly is configured as described above, the entire inner surface of the sheet material forming the package can be used to display text or visual markings. Therefore, because there is no elongated seam extending from one end to the other along the middle of the package, the inner surface provides an uninterrupted canvas for displaying text and visual markings.

[0098] According to another aspect of the present invention, a packaging assembly is provided, the packaging assembly comprising:

[0099] Packaging package containing food products, the packaging package comprising:

[0100] The main part includes a first end, a second end, and a first side and a second side extending between the first end and the second end;

[0101] First cover section; and

[0102] Second cover section;

[0103] The main part, the first cover part, and the second cover part are provided as a single continuous sheet of material; and

[0104] The packaging is configured such that:

[0105] The first lid portion folds over the main portion, and the sides of the main portion and the facing portion of the first lid portion are secured to each other to form a bag for at least partially containing food products; and

[0106] The second cover portion folds over at least a portion and the main portion of the first cover portion.

[0107] The first cover portion and the second cover portion are fixed together or sealed together to provide an openable seal that extends across the package between the first and second sides at a location between the first and second ends of the main portion.

[0108] According to another aspect of the present invention, a packaging assembly is provided, the packaging assembly comprising:

[0109] Packaging package containing food products, the packaging package comprising:

[0110] The main part includes a first end, a second end, and a first side and a second side extending between the first end and the second end;

[0111] First cover section; Second cover section;

[0112] The first cover portion and / or the second cover portion are formed as separate, independent parts and fixed to the main portion;

[0113] The packaging is configured such that:

[0114] The first lid portion covers the main portion, and the sides of the main portion and the facing portion of the first lid portion are fixed together to form a bag for at least partially containing food products; and

[0115] The second cover portion covers at least a portion and the main portion of the first cover portion and is fixed to the at least a portion and the main portion of the first cover portion.

[0116] The first cover portion and the second cover portion are fixed together or sealed together to provide an openable seal that extends across the package between the first and second sides at a location between the first and second ends of the main portion.

[0117] A method for packaging food to form a packaging assembly according to any of the foregoing aspects is also provided, the method comprising: positioning the food on a continuous length of packaging material having a longitudinal axis greater than a transverse axis, conveying the continuous length of material and the food in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, forming a first transverse edge portion and a second transverse edge portion of the packaging material, and placing the first edge portion and the second edge portion together to form a bag in which the food is located, the first edge portion and the second edge portion being held together by an adhesive that allows the packaging assembly to be opened and closed. Attached Figure Description

[0118] The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0119] Figure 1 It is a plan view of the packaging components;

[0120] Figures 2a to 2c A plan view of the packaging components when opened is provided;

[0121] Figure 2d It indicates the various parts of the opened packaging assembly;

[0122] Figure 3 This is a second implementation scheme for the packaging component;

[0123] Figures 4a to 4c Another embodiment of the packaging component is shown;

[0124] Figures 5a to 5c Another embodiment of the packaging component is shown;

[0125] Figure 6a and Figure 6c Another embodiment of the packaging component is shown;

[0126] Figures 7a to 7c Another embodiment of the packaging component is shown;

[0127] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the packaging component is shown;

[0128] Figure 9 Another embodiment of the packaging component is shown;

[0129] Figure 10a and Figure 10b Another embodiment of the packaging component is shown;

[0130] Figure 11a and Figure 11b Another embodiment of the packaging component is shown;

[0131] Figure 12a and Figure 12b Another embodiment of the packaging component is shown; and

[0132] Figure 13 Another embodiment of the packaging component is shown.

[0133] Now refer to Figures 1 to 2d The diagram shows a packaging assembly 1, which includes a package 2 having a first end 21, a second end 22, and an elongated package axis E, with a first package side 23 and a second package side 24 extending therebetween. An openable flap 25, including an openable seal, is located between the first end 21 and the second end 22. As shown, the openable flap 25 is transverse to the package 2 and positioned closer to the first end 21 than the second end 22, the reason for which will be explained below. The package 2 contains a food product 3 having a desired upper surface 3u; in this case, chocolate chips comprise 36 individual portions P provided as an array of columns C and rows R (4×9).

[0134] The package 2 is formed of a sheet of material 5 having a main portion 51, a first cover portion 52, and a second cover portion 53. The sheet of material 5 has an inner surface 5a and an outer surface 5b, the inner surface 5a facing the product 3, and the outer surface 5b providing a decorative surface and markings, such as brand marking information. The wrapping of the package 2 around the product 3 is such that the first cover portion 52 and the second cover portion 53 of the package assembly 1 correspond to a first nominal crease 54 and a second nominal crease 55 in the sheet of material 5, respectively.

[0135] The main portion 51 has a first side portion 51a and a second side portion 51b. Similarly, the first cover portion 52 and the second cover portion 53 have first sides 52a, 53a and second sides 52b, 53b, respectively. The first side 23 of the package 2 is formed by the facing portions 51a, 52a, 53a of the material sheet 5, and the second side 24 of the package assembly 1 is formed by the facing portions 51b, 52b, 53b of the material sheet 5.

[0136] The first side 51a and the second side 51b of the main part are each coated with adhesive A (indicated by dashed lines). As will be understood, the adhesive is located on the inner surface of the portion of the sheet material 5 intended to form the rearmost surface of the packaging assembly 1, and adhesive A extends along the respective sides 51a, 51b from (or near) the first crease 54 to (or near) the second crease 55.

[0137] Additionally, the first side portion 52a and the second side portion 52b of the first cover portion may each have an adhesive (not shown) applied thereto, which extends from (or near) the first nominal crease 54 to the end of the cover portion 52. Further, the first side portion 53a and the second side portion 53b of the second cover portion 53 may each have an adhesive (not shown) applied thereto, which extends from the second nominal crease 55 to the end of the second cover portion 53. Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, when fixed together by adhesive A, the main part 51 and the first cover part 52 form a bag for containing food product 3.

[0138] In packaging component 1 (best seen in) Figure 1 and Figure 2a The adhesive A portion is covered by the sides 53a, 53b of the second cover portion 53 to complete the package 2, and thus provide a container to hold the entire product 3.

[0139] The first end portion 52c of the first cover portion 52 folds back to form a folded portion 52r, which has a transverse adhesive B. The folded portion 52r is secured to the facing surface of the first cover portion 52 using an adhesive or a heat seal (not shown). The inner surface of the second cover portion 53 is aligned with the adhesive B to secure the flap 25 to the first cover portion 52.

[0140] Preferably, the second cover portion 53 covers the adhesive B and has a distal end 53c extending beyond the adhesive B. In this way, the second cover portion 53 provides a gripping portion that can be gripped by a consumer to facilitate opening the openable flap 25 and the packaging assembly 1. The second cover portion 53 may extend beyond the adhesive B by a length of 2 mm to 10 mm, for example, 2 mm to 8 mm.

[0141] As shown in the figure, the distal end 53c of the second cover portion 53 has a curved shape. In some cases, only the area near the midpoint of the curved shape may protrude beyond the adhesive B, thereby providing a gripping tab for the consumer to manipulate to open the openable flap 25. In other cases, the entire curved shape may protrude beyond the adhesive B.

[0142] from Figure 2d As can be seen, for example, the inner surface of the sheet material 5 has a mark I. It should be understood that the inner surface of the sheet material provides a continuous surface for presenting the mark (e.g., visual mark and / or text mark), which provides a unique and visually pleasing appearance.

[0143] Packaging assembly 1 can be manufactured using a flow wrapping machine, wherein the article for packaging (e.g., food package 3) is conveyed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis E of the formed packaging assembly 1. For example, packaging assembly 1 can be formed by conveying a continuous length of flexible material having a first edge and a second edge in a machine / running direction, and securing the first edge to the second edge to form a tubular structure, wherein the first edge and the second edge together provide an openable seal. The product 3, with a length greater than its width, is located within the tubular structure such that the front face 3u of the product 3 is adjacent to the openable seal, and the openable seal extends laterally relative to the product 3 and the package 2. The product 3 is secured within the tubular structure by sealing the facing portion of the flexible material on either side of the product 3 to form a first package side 23 and a second package side 24.

[0144] In use, such as Figure 1 The packaging component 1 shown is presented to the consumer. The consumer knows the intended uppermost surface of the packaging component 1 by brand markings or other markings and the location of the openable flap 25. By pulling the flap 25, for example using the protruding distal end 53c of the second cover portion 53, the consumer separates the second cover portion 53 from the folded portion 52r (with lateral adhesive B) and separates the first side portion 53a and the second side portion 53b from the corresponding facing areas with adhesive A, to reveal a portion of the product 3, such as... Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown. Specifically, a portion of the upper surface 3u of product 3 is exposed. It will be understood that, after separation, some adhesive may remain on the second cover portion 53, for example, in the area covering adhesive B and on the first side 53a and second side 53b of adhesive A adjacent to the main portion 51.

[0145] from Figure 2a As can be seen, the proportion of packaging component 1 can be selected so that for multiple chocolate bars, the first row R of the chocolate bar (and specifically the upper surface 3u of the first row R of the chocolate bar) is fully exposed when the openable wing 25 is in the open state, thus providing a new and unique display experience. Consumers can break off the first row R for consumption without having to deal with the remaining part of the chocolate bar, thereby limiting the chance of dust or other substances coming into contact with the chocolate bar.

[0146] If a second chocolate is desired, the consumer can manipulate the second end 22 of the packaging component 1 to reveal more chocolate, or can open the first cap portion 52 to reveal more chocolate, as shown below. Figure 2b As shown. In fact, consumers can peel back the entire first cap portion 52 to reveal the entire chocolate bar, as... Figure 2c As shown. Figure 2cAs shown, sheet material 5 forms a convenient shallow dish on which the chocolate bar is placed, and multiple portions of the bar (e.g., consecutive rows R) can be removed from the shallow dish without contacting the underlying surface. Figure 2c and Figure 2d As shown, the main portion 51, the first cover portion 52, and the second cover portion 53 all have lips corresponding to the shallow curves of their sides 51a, 52a, 53a and 51b, 52b, 53b. Therefore, when opened, the shallow dish has a shallow depth, which helps to hold part of the product on it.

[0147] As explained above, the inner surface of sheet material 5 has markings I, which can provide additional information, competitive information, sales information, etc. In flow-wrapped products, the presence of narrow seams makes it impossible to provide such a surface for marking.

[0148] Furthermore, by uncovering the first cap portion 52 to reveal rows of chocolate, the sequential steps of removing these rows of chocolate can reveal parts that may be used for entertainment purposes, such as messages or other markings.

[0149] Once the consumer has consumed the desired amount of chocolate, these steps are reversed to reseal the packaging assembly 1. Because adhesives A and B retain their stickiness or are otherwise configured for resealing, they can be used to reseal the packaging assembly, thereby facilitating the efficient storage of the chocolate bar for later consumption.

[0150] To ensure that product 3 is securely held together with package 2, adhesives A and B used will have the necessary bonding strength. Adhesives A and B may be the same or different, and they may have the same or different bonding strengths; for example, the bonding strength of adhesive A may be greater than that of the transverse adhesive B.

[0151] For example, adhesive A may have different bonding strengths along its length in the direction toward the first fold line 54. If the bonding strength of the adhesive has peaks and valleys, it can facilitate the upper layer to be peeled off sequentially in a manner aligned with the position of row R of the chocolate.

[0152] Now refer to Figure 3 It shows an alternative packaging component 101, similar components are indicated by the same numbers and the prefix 1.

[0153] Figure 3 The packaging components are different Figure 1 And the packaging components shown in Figure 2.

[0154] First, the distal end 153c of the second cover portion 153 extends in a direction perpendicular to the sides 153a and 153b. The entire distal end 153c will preferably extend beyond the adhesive 1B to allow for manipulation and facilitate easy opening of the flap 125 by the user.

[0155] Second, the folded-back portion 152r of the extension distance D can be fixed to the facing portions of the first side 151a and / or the second side 151b of the main portion 151. This can be achieved by adhesives, heat sealing, or other means.

[0156] Third, the fold-back portion 152r may be provided with a fracturing portion 156 defined by a weakening line. This weakening line can be provided by laser cutting or by die-cutting. When the openable flap 125 is opened, the adhesive strength of the adhesive 1B is sufficient to break the weakening line and separate the fracturing portion 156 from the remainder of the fold-back portion 152r, adhering it to the inner surface of the openable flap 125. This configuration will provide a degree of tamper-evident protection for the packaging assembly 101.

[0157] Furthermore, with the fragile portion removed, it provides a location for the consumer to help fold or unpack the package to reveal more of the product. Alternatively, a separate tab may be provided on the distal edge of the second end portion.

[0158] Some or all of the features of the packaging component 101 may be used in the first packaging component 1.

[0159] Although the description above specifically mentions chocolate, packaging components 2 and 102 can be used for products that are not chocolate, such as other sweet or snack products, especially products that can be served in portions, such as toffee or candy. Furthermore, although multiple servings have been discussed in the description above, packaging components 1 and 101 of the present invention can be used for smaller chocolate bars and other products intended for single consumption.

[0160] Reference Figures 4a to 12b Other embodiments are described. The embodiments shown share many similar features, and similar descriptions will not be repeated.

[0161] Now go to Figures 4a to 4c This illustrates another embodiment of the packaging assembly. The packaging assembly 201 has a main portion 251, a first cover portion 252, and a second cover portion 253. The first cover portion 252 is a separate component that is joined to the main portion 251 to form the package 202.

[0162] To produce the packaging 202, a first cover portion 252 is placed on top of the main portion 251, and a first side portion 251a and a second side portion 251b of the main portion are respectively fixed to the first side portion 252a and the second side portion 252b of the first cover portion 252. The second end portion 251c of the main portion 251 and the second end portion 252c of the first cover portion 252 are fixed together. Therefore, the main portion 251 and the first cover portion 252 are fixed together around three sides, as shown... Figure 4b As shown by the dotted lines, a bag is provided in which food products can be contained. Then, the second cover portion 253 is folded at the first end 251d of the main portion such that the second cover portion covers the opening of the bag and is secured on the side and via the transverse adhesive area 2B to form an openable seal.

[0163] Therefore, packaging component 201 provides with Figures 1 to 3 The same advantages are achieved through alternative assembly methods.

[0164] Now go to Figure 5a Figure 5B shows a package 302 for a packaging assembly formed by a continuous main portion 351 and a first cover portion 352. The first cover portion 352 is folded over the main portion at the second end 351c of the main portion 351. The sides can be secured as previously discussed to form a shape such that... Figure 5b The bag is shown. Then, the separate second cover portion 353 is positioned above the opening of the bag and is fixed to the ends of the main portion 351 and the first cover portion 352 to form a package 302 in which food products can be contained.

[0165] Therefore, package 302 offers the same advantages as the previous embodiment, but can be achieved via an alternative assembly method. Additionally, when package 302 is opened, the second cover portion 353 can be completely removed from the remainder of package assembly 301. Since the adhesive can be resealable, the package can be easily resealed, or alternatively, the second cover portion 353 can be discarded, and once a portion of the food product has been removed, the open end of the main portion 351 can be folded over the first cover portion 352. The removable second cover portion may also include a breakable portion, for example, to serve as a tamper-evident feature.

[0166] Figure 6a and Figure 6bA further embodiment according to a second aspect of the invention is shown. Packaging assembly 401 includes a first material sheet 410 and a second material sheet 420. Each sheet has first ends 411, 421 and second ends 412, 422, and first sides 413, 423 and second sides 414, 424 extending therebetween. The facing portions of the first sheet 410 and the second sheet 420 are secured together, for example by an adhesive or other means as previously discussed, thus forming a bag therebetween capable of containing food products. The first ends 411, 421 of the sheets extend beyond the area where the two ends are secured together to form a grippable portion 402, which a user can manipulate to peel the two sheets apart to obtain the food product therein. Such embodiments are advantageous because they provide the same advantages as other embodiments described herein, in addition to providing the desired front and back surfaces uninterrupted by a seal. This provides a continuously printed surface for decoration as desired and can be used in a manner particularly appealing to consumers.

[0167] like Figure 6c As shown, the first material sheet 410 can be formed as two parts fixed together, namely, a first cover portion 453 and a second cover portion 452 fixed together via an openable seal. Then, as described above, the first material sheet 410 can be fixed to the second material sheet 420. In a series of other embodiments, the first cover portion 452 and the second cover portion 453 are not pre-fixed together, but are separately fixed to the main portion 451 formed by the first material sheet 420. Such embodiments can be considered equivalent to the combination of packaging assemblies 201, 301.

[0168] Now go to Figures 7a to 7c The diagram shows an additional packaging assembly 501, which is formed by a main portion 551, a first cover portion 552, a second cover portion 553, and an additional (third) cover portion 554. The first cover portion 552 is positioned above the center of the main portion 551 and is fixed together with its side faces to form a shape as shown. Figure 7b The tubular structure is shown. The second cover portion 553 and the third cover portion 554 are continuous with the main portion 551 and located at opposite ends of the main portion. As indicated by the arrows in FIG7B, the second cover portion 553 and the third cover portion 554 are folded over the main portion at their first and second ends and are secured to the main portion and a portion of the first cover portion in the same manner as described in the previous embodiments. Therefore, the packaging assembly 501 provides the same advantages as the previously described embodiments, but can be achieved via alternative assembly methods. Furthermore, the packaging assembly 501 can be opened from either end.

[0169] Now go to Figure 8A further embodiment of the packaging assembly 601 is shown, wherein an additional laterally openable seal 603 is provided between the main portion 651 and the first cover portion 652, and a longitudinally openable seal 604 is provided between both the first and second cover portions and the main portion. Thus, the two additional seals 603, 604 divide the inner bag of the packaging 602 into four separate sections. Therefore, the packaging assembly 601 provides the same advantages as the previously described embodiments, but can be used to accommodate multiple separate portions of food products. It will be understood that any number of additional openable seals 603, 604 can be provided, and this feature can be combined with any other embodiment.

[0170] Now go to Figure 9 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 The packaging assembly shown is substantially the same as packaging assembly 701. However, the dimensions have been changed such that the first end 721 and the second end 722 of the packaging are longer than the first side 723 and the second side 724 of the packaging, respectively. It will be understood that the specific dimensions of embodiments of the invention can vary significantly without departing from the invention. Packaging assembly 701 forms a pouch and is therefore particularly suitable for containing amorphous food products, such as candy blocks.

[0171] Now go to Figure 10a and Figure 10b The diagram illustrates packaging assemblies 801 and 901 for containing non-planar food products (not shown). Packaging assembly 801 is substantially identical to packaging container 1, except for having an approximate triangular prism shape. A flap 825 extends above two faces 801a and 801b of the triangular prism, wherein face 801c is formed by a main portion (not shown). In other embodiments (not shown), flap 825 may extend above only one face of the prism, such as 801a, 801b, or 801c. A third face 801c may correspond to the base of the prism, such as the base of a prism-shaped food product. In some embodiments (not shown), flap 825 may extend between a first side 823 and a second side 824 on the third face 801c, which may correspond to the upper surface or side of the food product. In a series of other embodiments, each of the three faces 801a-c may include a separate sheet of material, and the package may include a third seal (as a supplement to the first side seal 823 and the second side seal 824) that secures the edge between faces 801a and 801b.

[0172] Similar to Figure 9In one embodiment, packaging component 901 is configured such that sides 923, 924 correspond to the smaller dimensions of the triangular prism. In each embodiment, flaps 825, 925 have the same structure and operation as previously described. Such embodiments can be particularly suitable for products with elongated and / or unusual shapes, such as Toblerone. ™ It will be understood that any shape (e.g., cross-sectional shape) is also possible. In such embodiments, the machine / running direction remains parallel to the side seals 923, 924, such that the flaps 925 and the openable seals extend laterally to the machine / running direction.

[0173] Now go to Figure 11a and Figure 11b The diagram illustrates packaging assembly 1001, which has substantially the same structure as packaging assembly 1, except that its main portion 1051 has a hexagonal shape. The first cover portion 1052 and the second cover portion 1053 have corresponding shapes that conform to the hexagonal shape of packaging assembly 1001. Therefore, packaging assembly 1001 provides the same advantages as the previously described embodiments, but offers a more engaging experience for the consumer.

[0174] Now go to Figure 12a and Figure 12b A further embodiment of the packaging assembly 1101 is shown. The packaging assembly is formed by a main portion 1151, a first cover portion 1152 and a second cover portion 1153, and first side portions 1151a and second side portions 1151b. The first side portions 1151a and second side portions 1151b extend successively from the main portion 1151 and are equivalent to the third and fourth cover portions. To form the packaging assembly 1101, the first side portions 1151a and second side portions 1151b can be folded over the main portion 1151 and the food product 3. Then, the first cover portion 1152 and second cover portion 1153 can be folded over the main portion 1151 and are secured to the first side portions 1151a and second side portions 1151b using, for example, adhesive as previously described, and are secured to each other to form a plurality of openable seals. It will be understood that the order in which the side portions and cover portions are folded and secured can be varied. Packaging component 1001 can be particularly useful when the food product 3 has sections with unusual shapes (e.g., triangular or wedge-shaped sections). Therefore, packaging component 1001 provides the same advantages as the previously described embodiments, but offers an interesting experience for the consumer and can be configured to open to sequentially reveal the sections of the food product 3.

[0175] Finally, turn to Figure 13There are additional embodiments of package 1202 that are substantially the same as package 2. An openable seal extending across the package includes a first seal formed by a first adhesive 12B and a second seal 12D. The second seal 12D is a permanent seal, such as a heat seal or a high-strength adhesive. A tear strip 1206 is provided in a vulnerable area between the two seals 12B and 12D. The tear strip 1206 includes tape secured to the second cover portion 1253, preferably on the underside, so that the tape is not visible to the user. Each end of the tear strip 1206 can be gripped by the user, allowing the tape to be pulled through the vulnerable area of ​​the second cover portion 1253. This provides a clear tamper indication to show whether package 1202 has been previously opened. Package 1202 can then be resealed using the first adhesive 12B on the second cover portion, as previously described. It will be understood that this tamper indication also applies to all embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A packaging assembly, the packaging assembly comprising: Packaging, the packaging containing food products, the packaging comprising: The main part includes a first end, a second end, and a first side and a second side extending between the first end and the second end; First cover section; and Second cover section; The packaging is configured such that: The first cover portion covers the main portion, and the sides of the main portion and the facing portion of the first cover portion are secured to each other to form a bag for at least partially containing the food product; and The second cover portion covers at least a portion of the first cover portion and the main portion. The first cover portion and the second cover portion are fixed together or sealed together to provide an openable seal that extends across the package between the first and second sides at a location between the first and second ends of the main portion.

2. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the packaging component includes a packaging component axis corresponding to the machine direction and / or operating direction of the machine forming the packaging component.

3. The packaging assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packaging includes a packaging axis corresponding to an elongated axis of the food product.

4. The packaging assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the openable seal extends transversely to the axis of the packaging assembly.

5. The packaging assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main portion, the first cover portion, and the second cover portion are provided as a single continuous sheet of material.

6. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion may be formed as separate portions and fixed to the main portion.

7. The packaging assembly of claim 6, wherein the first cover portion is formed as a separate portion and secured to the main portion, and wherein the second cover portion is continuous with the main portion and configured to fold over the main portion and at least partially cover the first cover portion.

8. The packaging assembly of claim 7, further comprising an additional cover portion that continues to the main portion at an end opposite to the second cover portion and is configured to cover at least a portion of the first cover portion and a second end of the main portion.

9. The packaging assembly of claim 6, wherein the first cover portion is continuous with the main portion, and wherein the second cover portion is formed as a separate portion and is configured to be located above at least a portion of the first cover portion and the main portion.

10. The packaging assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cover portion and the second cover portion form the intended front of the package, and wherein the openable seal is provided on the intended front of the package.

11. The packaging assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the openable seal is located at approximately 10% to 45% of the distance between the first end and the second end of the packaging.

12. The packaging assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the openable seal is located at approximately 55% to 95% of the distance between a first end of the packaging and a second end of the packaging, and optionally, wherein the second cover portion forms most or all of the intended front of the product.

13. The packaging assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the openable seal comprises an adhesive and allows the openable seal to be resealed.

14. The packaging assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main part is a circle, triangle, rectangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, octagon or any other polygonal shape.

15. The packaging assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging element is approximately cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, elongated in shape with an elliptical cross-section, or prismatic, wherein the approximately prismatic shape includes a triangle, rectangle, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, or other polygonal prismatic shape.

16. The packaging assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the food product is approximately cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, elongated in shape with an elliptical cross-section, or prismatic, wherein the approximately prismatic shape includes a triangle, rectangle, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, or other polygonal prismatic shape.

17. The packaging assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging includes one or more additional openable seals between the main portion and the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion, the one or more additional openable seals extending transversely to or parallel to the axis of the packaging and configured to divide the bag of the packaging into a plurality of sections.

18. A packaging assembly comprising a package containing a food product, the package comprising: A first material sheet and a second material sheet, each having a first end and a second end, and a first side and a second side extending between the first end and the second end; The food product is located between the first material sheet and the second material sheet; Furthermore, the first end and the second end, as well as the facing portions of the first side and the second side, are secured to each other via an openable seal. At least one of the first material sheet and the second material sheet is provided with an openable seal that extends across the package from the first side to the second side of the package and is located between the first end and the second end of the package.

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