Sealed package for liquid or pasty food products and method for producing said package

Abstract

A sealed package for liquid or pasty food products, comprising a single sheet (1) having longitudinal and transverse lines of weakness, the sheet (1) being folded along the lines of weakness to form a triangular prism-shaped container (C), the sealed package having two opposing front walls (1A, 1B) parallel to each other and triangular, two opposing rectangular, inclined side walls (1C, 1D) converging towards a common vertex (V), a substantially rectangular bottom wall (1E) from whose two larger opposing edges the front wall (1A, 1B) originates and from whose two smaller opposing edges the side walls (1C, 1D) originate, a first sealing fin (P1) and a second sealing fin (P2). 1. A sealed package comprising first and second sealings forming a sealing fin (P2), the first and second sealings defining a cavity bounded by a front wall (1A, 1B) and side walls (1C, 1D) and a single opening (10) for accessing the cavity, the opening (10) being formed in the bottom wall (1E) to allow filling of the cavity with a food product which is poured by dropping through the opening (10), the opening (10) being closed by a third sealing formed by sealing the inner faces of the two front walls (1A, 1B) together to form a third base sealing fin (P3).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an openable, sealed package for liquid or pasty food products having a triangular prism shape.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a sealed package containing the above-mentioned food product. [Background technology]

[0003] Liquid or pasty products are understood here to mean products that can be filled into packages by means of a nozzle either in cold or hot state, and consist, for example, of processed cheese, butter, chocolate, marmalade, etc.

[0004] It is known that the above-mentioned food products of the pasty type can be formed in individually packaged portions.

[0005] According to a first solution of the prior art, these packages (or wrappers) of portions of liquid or pasty products are obtained from a thin aluminium film formed by folding according to a defined procedure to form a partially open container into which the liquid or pasty product is dosed either cold or hot (usually at a temperature higher than ambient temperature).

[0006] After the product has been dosed, a lid-forming part (again made of aluminium) is placed over the open part of the package and the whole is sealed.

[0007] According to a second solution of the prior art, the package can also be made from a paper-based material.

[0008] This type of packaging has two blanks, one for forming the container and one for forming a lid, which after the container has been filled, is placed over the product poured into the container and then the whole is sealed.

[0009] Both types of packages may have an opening aid system provided by a plastic tear strip adhered to part of the package prior to formation.

[0010] These types of packages for "portioned" products are known to be economical to manufacture and must provide a relevant seal that allows the dosed product to have a satisfactory shelf life even under difficult logistical conditions, i.e., ensure an optimal insulating seal and no internal voids for an acceptable shelf life.

[0011] However, the construction of the two-part package and the manner in which it is closed can easily lead to an imperfect seal.

[0012] Indeed, over time, the weight of the packaged product may decrease due to evaporation of some of the aqueous portion of the product, which may be due to the presence of leaks in the package.

[0013] It has been noted that the installation of a lid (that is sealed onto the cheese) with a preformed crease creates microscopic openings through which the product can settle, which can cause leakage over time.

[0014] These leaks have a detrimental effect on the preservation of the product.

[0015] Leaks also allow oxygen to enter the package, limiting the shelf life due to oxidation of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide an openable, sealed package for liquid or pasty food products with a prismatic shape, in particular with a triangular cross section, which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and which is capable of having optimal closure qualities that ensure a high shelf life combined with quality preservation of the product.

[0017] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an openable, sealed package for liquid or pasty food products having a prismatic shape, in particular a triangular cross section, which can be obtained quickly and easily.

[0018] Said object is fully achieved by the openable package for liquid or pasty food products having a prismatic shape, in particular a triangular cross section, according to the invention, as set forth in the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] The features of the present package will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred but non-limiting embodiments thereof, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. [Fig. 1A-1F] 1 shows in a perspective view the structure of a first openable sealed package according to the invention for liquid or pasty food products having a prismatic shape, in particular a triangular cross section; FIG. [Fig. 2A-2F] 1 shows in a perspective view the structure of a second openable sealed package according to the invention for liquid or pasty food products having a prismatic shape, in particular a triangular cross section. [Figure 3A-3F] FIG. 2 shows in a perspective view the structure of a third openable sealed package according to the invention for liquid or pasty food products having a prismatic shape, in particular a triangular cross section. [Figure 4A-4G] FIG. 2 shows in a perspective view the structure of a fourth openable sealed package according to the invention for liquid or pasty food products having a prismatic shape, in particular a triangular cross section. [Figure 5-6] 1 shows a schematic process sequence for producing sealed packages containing a liquid or pasty food product obtained on a forming spindle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Referring to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 1 to 4, a sealed package according to the present invention, labelled C, is used to contain portions of liquid or pasty food products, such as, for example, processed cheese, butter, chocolate, jam, etc.

[0021] In particular, the package C according to the present invention has a triangular prism shape.

[0022] As shown, the package C for liquid or pasty food products consists of a single sheet 1 having longitudinal and transverse lines of weakness.

[0023] The sheet 1 is folded along the lines of weakness to form a container C in the shape of a triangular prism.

[0024] The package C comprises two opposing front walls 1A, 1B which are parallel and triangular.

[0025] The package C also includes two opposing rectangular side walls 1C, 1D that slope toward a common vertex V.

[0026] The package C also comprises a substantially rectangular bottom wall 1E, from whose larger opposite edges begin two front walls 1A, 1B and from whose two smaller opposite edges begin two side walls 1C, 1D.

[0027] For this reason, the vertical lines are considered to be the lines along the edges between the front walls 1A, 1B and the side walls 1C, 1D, and the horizontal lines are considered to be the lines along the edges between the bottom wall 1E and the remaining front and side walls and the lines along the vertex V.

[0028] As again shown, container C is first sealed with first and second sealings configured to produce container C having a single opening 10 providing access to a cavity bounded by front walls 1A, 1B and side walls 1C and 1D.

[0029] The first and second sealing fins are formed by joining corresponding inner surfaces of at least one of the front walls 1A, 1B and / or side walls 1C, 1D to form a first sealing fin P1 and a second sealing fin P2.

[0030] At least one of the first sealing fin P1 and the second sealing fin P2 is of the peelable or tearable type.

[0031] The inner surface means the surface of the sheet 1 that will come into contact with the product, the opposite surface is the outer surface.

[0032] An access opening 10 is formed in the bottom wall 1E to allow filling of the cavity with product which is poured by dropping through the access opening 10.

[0033] As again shown, the access opening 10 is closed after filling by a third sealing formed by welding together the inner faces of two opposing end portions of the front walls 1A, 1B and by welding together the inner faces of two pairs of opposing end portions of the side walls 1C, 1D to form a single third base sealing fin P3 in the bottom wall 1E.

[0034] According to this embodiment, a package is obtained in a single sheet, with a very simple but secure sealing and a high degree of mechanical sealing.

[0035] This type of package has a great constructive versatility that is confirmed by the four versions, shown purely by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 4, in which the above mentioned characteristics can be obtained.

[0036] In the package shown in Figures 1 and 2, the package is obtained from a single sheet 1 having a "fan" shape, where the bottom wall 1E is formed in a larger arc of a circle and the shared vertex V is formed in a narrower arc of a circle.

[0037] According to the package shown in Figures 3 and 4, the package is obtained with a single sheet 1 having a "double wing" shape joined at a shared central region. In this case, the shared apex V of the package will be formed at the shared central region and the two free ends, when folded against the apex, will form the bottom wall 1E.

[0038] According to the version of the package shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first sealing defining a first fin P1 is formed longitudinally and centrally on either the front wall 1A or 1B from the apex to the centre of the bottom wall 1E, or on either the side wall 1C or 1D.

[0039] A second ceiling defining a second fin P2 is formed laterally along a common vertex V formed where the side walls 1C, 1D meet.

[0040] More specifically, in the package of FIG. 1, a first ceiling defining a first fin P1 is formed longitudinally and centrally on the front wall 1A.

[0041] It should be noted that in the package of FIG. 2, the first ceiling defining the first fin P1 is formed vertically on the side wall 1C.

[0042] According to the package version shown in Figures 3 and 4, first and second sealings defining a first fin P1 and a second fin P2, respectively, are formed longitudinally and centrally on each front wall 1A, 1B or on each side wall 1C, 1D, respectively.

[0043] More specifically, in the package of FIG. 3, first and second ceilings defining a first fin P1 and a second fin P2, respectively, are formed longitudinally and centrally on each of the two front walls 1A and 1B.

[0044] In the package of FIG. 4, first and second ceilings defining a first fin P1 and a second fin P2, respectively, are formed vertically on each of the two side walls 1C, 1D.

[0045] In all the packages shown, a third base fin P3 is formed in the center and folded into the bottom wall 1E.

[0046] The third sealing, which forms the third base fin P3 in all packages, also forms a pair of flaps 3 protruding on both sides from the bottom wall 1E after folding the third fin P3 onto the bottom wall 1E.

[0047] These flaps 3 are preferably folded onto the nearest side walls 1C and 1D.

[0048] Preferably, bottom wall 1E includes a protruding base tab 2 configured to facilitate opening of package C.

[0049] Preferably, the base tab 2 is formed on the third fin P3.

[0050] It should be noted that on the bottom wall 1E, ie the third fin P3, there may be two tabs 2 arranged side by side (FIGS. 1 and 3).

[0051] According to another variant embodiment shown in FIG. 4, at least one of the first sealing fin P1 and the second sealing fin P2 may be provided with a (further) protruding side tab 2' configured for opening the package C.

[0052] In FIG. 4, tabs 2' are formed on both fins P1 and P2.

[0053] It should be noted that the tabs 2, 2' (both base and sides) are preferably, but not necessarily, of a flattened half-moon shape.

[0054] These tabs 2, 2' define gripping points on the package C and therefore serve to facilitate opening starting from fins P1 and / or P2 and / or P3.

[0055] As shown, at least one of the first sealing fin P1, the second sealing fin P2 and the third sealing fin P3 is folded into a respective wall 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E of the container C.

[0056] Preferably, each of the first fin P1, the second fin P2 and the third fin P3 is folded after its formation onto the corresponding wall 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E from which it is formed.

[0057] According to the embodiment shown, the third single base sealing fin P3 extends perpendicular to the common vertex V.

[0058] The third fin P3 is formed by only two opposing layers of a single sheet 1 and is formed at a suitable location on the bottom wall 1E of the package such that no empty space without product is left near the bottom wall 1E.

[0059] According to the invention, all sealing fins P1, P2 and P3 are formed by inside-to-inside bonding, i.e. bonding two inner faces of the sheets, so as to ensure a perfect seal.

[0060] The joining of the parts forming the sealing fin can be obtained either by using a hot sealer, by simply pressing in the presence of an adhesive material (permanent or peelable type) pre-applied to the sheet, by applying an adhesive, or by ultrasonic sealing.

[0061] The invention also relates to a method for producing a package C of food product (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0062] The method steps shown relate to the package shown in FIG. 1, but can also be applied to other packages C without any particular difference.

[0063] The method comprises: providing a continuous film; cutting the continuous film to form a plurality of single sheets 1 and forming longitudinal and transverse weakening lines in each single sheet 1 to define fold lines for forming a container C having a triangular prism shape; Providing a prismatic forming mandrel 4; Bonding a single sheet 1 to a forming mandrel 4; Folding the sheet 1 around a forming mandrel 4 by folding the sheet 1 along the lines of weakness, Two opposing front walls 1A, 1B, which are parallel to each other and have a triangular shape; two opposing rectangular side walls 1C, 1D, each inclined toward a common vertex V; forming the molded body 10 so as to be wrapped around a forming mandrel 4; and sealing, while the sheet 1 is wound on the forming mandrel 4, with first and second seals to produce a container C having a single opening 10 giving access to a cavity bounded by two front walls 1A, 1B and two side walls 1C, 1D, The first and second sealings are formed by joining corresponding inner surfaces of at least one of the front walls 1A, 1B and / or side walls 1C, 1D to form a first sealing fin P1 and a second sealing fin P2, at least one of the first sealing fin P1 and the second sealing fin P2 being of a peelable or tearable type.

[0064] The method then comprises: withdrawing the container C with the already formed first sealing fin P1 and second sealing fin P2 from the forming mandrel 4 so as to form a cavity accessible through the access opening 10; filling the cavity with product injected by dropping it through the access opening 10, and then and closing the container C with a third and final seal formed by sealing the inner surfaces of the at least two front walls 1A, 1B to form a single third base sealing fin P3 on the bottom wall 1E facing and extending perpendicular to the common vertex V.

[0065] In other words, the package is obtained in a single sheet folded around a mandrel configured to obtain a triangular prism shape. This wrapping makes it possible to quickly and easily obtain the closure fins.

[0066] Moreover, by acting in opposition to a forming mandrel, it is possible to increase the temperature and pressure without the risk of damaging the product which will only be introduced thereafter.

[0067] It should also be noted that the various solutions of the final package depend only on the type of initial configuration of the sheets, while the forming steps are identical, in order to have a high level of operational flexibility.

[0068] Preferably, the step of applying a first and second sealing to the sheet 1 during the step of winding it around the forming mandrel 4 comprises: forming a first sealing on one of the front walls 1A or 1B or on one of the side walls 1C or 1D of the package C, the first sealing defining a first fin P1 in the longitudinal direction (FIG. 5); and forming a second ceiling defining a second fin P2 laterally along a common vertex V formed where the front walls 1A, 1B meet the side walls 1C, 1D (FIGS. 5 and 6). Corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0069] Alternatively, the step of performing the first and second sealing on the sheet 1 during the step of winding on the forming mandrel 4 may include: forming a first sealing on one of the front walls 1A or 1B or on one of the side walls 1C or 1D of the package C, the first sealing defining a first fin P1 in the longitudinal direction; and forming a second ceiling on the other front wall 1A or 1B, or on the other side wall 1C or 1D, relative to the first ceiling, defining a second fin P2 in the longitudinal direction, corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0070] It should be noted that after the step of closing the container C, there is a step of center-folding the third base fin P3 on the bottom wall 1E to form a third base sealing fin P3.

[0071] The steps of forming the first sealing fin P1, the second sealing fin P2 and the third sealing fin P3 are followed by corresponding steps of folding and stably associating each fin P1, P2, P3 against a corresponding wall 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E of the container C on which it is formed.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, the step of extracting the container C from the forming spindle 4 is performed by sliding the container C over the outer surface of the forming mandrel 4, thereby ejecting the container C from the forming mandrel 4.

[0073] After withdrawing the container C from the mandrel 4, it is filled and then the bottom wall 1E is sealed.

Claims

1. A sealed package for a liquid or pasty food product, comprising a single sheet (1) having longitudinal and transverse lines of weakness, said sheet (1) being folded along said lines of weakness to form a triangular prism-shaped container (C), said sealed package comprising: Two opposing front walls (1A, 1B) parallel to each other and triangular in shape; two opposing rectangular sloping side walls (1C, 1D) converging towards a common vertex (V); a substantially rectangular bottom wall (1E) from whose two large opposite edges the front wall (1A, 1B) begins and from whose two small opposite edges the side walls (1C, 1D) begin; a first sealing fin (P1) and a second sealing fin (P2), at least one of which is of a peelable or tearable type; and first and second sealings formed by joining corresponding inner surfaces of at least one of said front wall (1A, 1B) and / or said side walls (1C, 1D) to form said first sealing fin (P1) and second sealing fin (P2), said first and second sealings defining a cavity bounded by said front wall (1A, 1B) and said side walls (1C, 1D) and a single opening (10) for accessing said cavity, The opening (10) is formed corresponding to the bottom wall (1E) so as to allow the cavity to be filled with the food product injected by dropping it through the opening (10), and the opening (10) is closed by a third sealing formed by welding the inner surfaces of two opposing end portions of the front wall (1A, 1B) together and the inner surfaces of two pairs of opposing end portions of the side walls (1C, 1D) together so as to form a single third base sealing fin (P3) on the bottom wall (1E) opposite the common vertex (V).

2. 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first sealing defining the first fin (P1) is formed vertically on one of the front walls (1A, 1B) or one of the side walls (1C, 1D), and the second sealing defining the second fin (P2) is formed horizontally along the common vertex (V) formed where the front wall (1A, 1B) and the side wall (1C, 1D) meet each other.

3. 2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sealings defining the first and second fins (P1) and (P2), respectively, are formed longitudinally on each of the two front walls (1A, 1B) or on each of the two side walls (1C, 1D), respectively.

4. 4. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third base fin (P3) is formed centrally and folded onto the bottom wall (1E).

5. 4. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bottom wall (1E) comprises at least one protruding base tab (2) configured to open the package (C).

6. The package of claim 5, wherein the base tab (2) is formed on the third fin (P3).

7. 4. The package according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sealing fin (P1) and the second sealing fin (P2) comprises a protruding side tab (2') configured to open the package (C).

8. 4. The package according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sealing fin (P1), the second sealing fin (P2) and the third sealing fin (P3) is folded onto a respective wall (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E).

9. 4. The package according to claim 1, wherein the third sealing fin (P3) also forms a pair of flaps (3) protruding from the bottom wall (1E) on both sides after being folded onto the bottom wall (1E), and each flap of the pair of flaps is folded onto the nearest side wall (1C, 1D).

10. 4. The package according to claim 1, wherein the third sealing fin (P3) is formed by only two opposing layers of the single sheet (1) and is formed at a suitable position on the bottom wall (1E) of the package so as to leave no empty space without the food near the bottom wall (1E).

11. 4. The package according to claim 1, wherein the third base sealing fin (P3) extends perpendicular to the common vertex (V).

12. 1. A method for producing a sealed package for a food product, comprising: providing a continuous film; cutting the continuous film to form a plurality of single sheets (1) and forming longitudinal and transverse lines of weakness in each single sheet (1) to define fold lines for forming a container (C) having a triangular prism shape; Providing a prismatic forming mandrel (4); bonding said single sheet (1) to said forming mandrel (4); Folding the sheet (1) around the forming mandrel (4) by folding the sheet (1) along the lines of weakness, Two opposing front walls (1A, 1B) parallel to each other and triangular in shape; forming two opposing rectangular side walls (1C, 1D) tapering to a common vertex (V) so as to be wrapped around said forming mandrel (4); While the sheet (1) is wound around the forming mandrel (4), it is sealed with first and second seals to produce a container (C) having a single opening (10) for accessing a cavity bounded by the two front walls (1A, 1B) and the two side walls (1C, 1D), forming said first and second sealing fins by joining corresponding inner surfaces of at least one of said front wall (1A, 1B) and / or side wall (1C, 1D) to form a first sealing fin (P1) and a second sealing fin (P2), at least one of said first sealing fin (P1) and second sealing fin (P2) being of a peelable or tearable type; removing the container (C) with the first (P1) and second sealing fins (P2) from the forming mandrel (4) to form the cavity accessible through the opening (10); filling the cavity with the food product injected by dropping the food product through the access opening (10); and then and closing the container C with a third and final seal formed by welding together the inner surfaces of two opposing end portions of the two front walls (1A, 1B) and the inner surfaces of two pairs of opposing end portions of the two side walls (1C, 1D) so as to form a single third base sealing fin P3 on the bottom wall (1E) opposite the common vertex (V).

13. The sealing step includes: the first sealing defining the first fin (P1) is formed longitudinally on either one of the front walls (1A or 1B) or one of the side walls (1C or 1D) of the container (C); and a sub-step in which the second ceiling defining the second fin (P2) is formed laterally along the common vertex (V) formed where the front wall (1A, 1B) and the side wall (1C, 1D) all meet each other.

14. The sealing step includes: the first sealing defining the first fin (P1) is formed longitudinally on one of the front walls (1A or 1B) or one of the side walls (1C or 1D) of the container (C); and a sub-step in which the second ceiling defining the second fin (P2) is formed longitudinally on the remaining front wall (1A or 1B) or the remaining side wall (1C or 1D) relative to the first ceiling.

15. 15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the third base sealing fin (P3) is formed centrally and folded onto the bottom wall (1E).

16. 15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein at least one of the first sealing fin (P1), second sealing fin (P2) and third sealing fin (P3) is folded and stably associated with a corresponding wall (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) of the container (C).

17. 15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the third base sealing fin (P3) is formed by joining only two opposing layers of the single sheet (1) and is formed at a suitable position on the bottom wall (1E) of the package so as to leave no empty space without the food product near the bottom wall (1E).

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