Confectionery products

Abstract

A confectionery product is disclosed which consists of an edible portion attached to a support in the form of a paper stick, characterized in that the ability to hold / fix the edible portion is improved by slits formed in the support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a confectionery product composed of an edible portion attached to a support in the form of a stick, wherein the stick has slits that function as holding / fixing elements that make it possible to improve the adhesion of the stick to the edible portion.

Background Art

[0002] Sticks of plastic material with holding means for confectionery products known as lollipops or lollies (candies) are known.

[0003] For example, Spanish Utility Model No. 1010870 describes a substantially cylindrical stick made of a plastic material selected from polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene and having at least one recess.

[0004] Sticks made of paper material are also known, for example, as shown in US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0314570 or US Patent No. 2218525. These documents describe methods for making sticks made of roll paper (or similar materials) that are suitable for confectionery products and have the required degree of flexibility and breaking strength.

[0005] Combining these documents reveals that due to the effect of the porosity of paper, the paper material is sufficient to ensure optimal fixation of the edible portion.

[0006] Tests conducted on finished confectionery products clearly demonstrated that when plastic sticks were manufactured according to the teachings of Spanish Utility Model No. 1010870 and paper sticks were manufactured according to the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0314570, the adhesion of the sticks to the edible portion was perfect and even more effective than the adhesion of plastic sticks with recesses to the edible portion, as shown in the table below.

[0007] [Table 1]

[0008] However, during the manufacturing process, it has been observed that when evaluating the adhesion of lollipops made from paper sticks immediately after molding, while the edible portion is still warm, a certain percentage of the edible portion detaches. This occurs regardless of the type of paper selected.

[0009] In fact, during the first few minutes after molding, a certain degree of variation in initial holding force is observed between batches. Furthermore, the average adhesive force is often less than 90N (based on the standard value for toys for children under 3 years old). In such cases, even slight movement can lead to dimensional variations in the entire product (food with sticks), even if the stick does not detach from the edible portion. This dimensional variation renders the product unsuitable for subsequent packaging and display processes, which are often carried out using specialized machinery.

[0010] This could lead to an increase in the amount of products that do not meet expected quality standards, i.e., "waste."

[0011] To solve this problem, it has been proposed to coat the sticks with a substance that can enhance their adhesion to the edible portion. Russian Patent No. 2248719 describes a method of applying a layer of a molten coating material such as savylene under specific temperature conditions to form a rough outer surface. However, this technique is not applicable to paper sticks because it may impair the compostability of the paper sticks. Furthermore, the sticks can no longer be defined as paper.

[0012] Therefore, as described in the aforementioned Spanish Utility Model No. 1010870, tubular plastic sticks with one or more retaining elements have been proposed. However, forming holes in the stick to contain and secure a portion of the edible material is not applicable to paper sticks, which are not hollow like plastic tubular sticks. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] Therefore, there remains a need to create paper sticks that are more effective at holding the edible portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a stick with a slit. [Figure 1a] This is a side view of a stick with a slit. [Figure 2] This figure shows the hot bonding strength based on conventional technology. [Figure 3] This figure shows the hot adhesive strength according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the stick's accumulator. [Figure 5] This figure shows the roller and curved plate for collecting the stick from the accumulator. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing a curved plate. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a curved plate. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a metal part. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a device for processing a stick of paper material. [Figure 10] It is a diagram schematically showing a device of a first modification example. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of a device of a first modification example. [Figure 12] It is a side cross-sectional perspective view of a device of a first modification example. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cutting station. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cutting station. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cutting station. [Figure 16] It is a diagram schematically showing a device of a second modification example. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining a supply station. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining a supply station. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining a cutting station and related components. [Figure 20] It is a diagram for explaining a cutting station and related components. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining a cutting station and related components. [Figure 22] It is a diagram schematically showing a collection station. Embodiment of the invention

[0015] A series of tests were carried out to find a solution for the realization of a paper stick with an additional system for holding an edible part. These series of tests finally showed that when one or more slits (which can also be defined as grooves, recesses, cuts, notches) localized at the end intended to come into contact with the edible part are realized on the outer surface of the stick, an advantageous solution to the technical problems faced can be obtained.

[0016] Slits can be formed on the outer surface of the stick using any sharp or pointed tool (e.g., a milling machine, laser, engraving tip, etc.).

[0017] Due to the properties of paper, it is impossible to deeply engrave the material. In fact, if the slits are formed too deeply, linear weak points will be created in the stick, making it prone to breakage, which clearly impairs the product's characteristics.

[0018] The slits and cuts should not be excessively superficial. If they are too superficial, the improved fixation effect on the edible portion will be compromised.

[0019] Therefore, the present invention relates to a confectionery product comprising an edible portion attached to a stick made of paper material. The stick has at least one slit at the end that comes into contact with the edible portion.

[0020] The slit can be any shape, such as circular, square, rectangular, or wedge-shaped, with a depth of 0.27 mm to 2 mm and a width of 0.33 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0021] The slit depth can be set between 0.27 mm and 2.50 mm, and the width can be set between 0.33 mm and 2.50 mm.

[0022] Considering that various types and sizes of sticks exist in the market, and that the size of the stick is usually proportional to the amount of food product attached to it, we identified the optimal diameter-to-length ratio of the stick that functionally best secures the food portion.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, which shows a side view of a stick with a slit, the recommended size ratio is: A preferred ratio between the diameter of the stick and the width of the slit (a) is 1:0.09 to 1:0.65, preferably 1:0.13 to 1:0.20: The preferred ratio between the diameter of the stick and the depth (c) of the slit is 1:0.07 to 1:0.55, preferably 1:0.13 to 1:0.30; The ratio of the length of the stick to the distance from the tip inserted into the edible portion to the first slit (b) is between 1:0.04 and 1:0.15.

[0024] Referring again to Figure 1, in an equally preferred embodiment of the present invention, the size ratio is: A preferred ratio between the diameter of the stick and the width of the slit (a) can be between 1:0.082 and 1:0.625; The preferred ratio between the diameter of the stick and the depth (c) of the slit can be between 1:0.067 and 1:0.625; The ratio of the length of the stick to the distance from the end inserted into the edible portion to the first slit (b) can be between 1:0.0625 and 1:0.137.

[0025] This solution has been shown to be effective in ensuring a firm attachment to the stick even during the product's consumption phase, and in withstanding the stress that consumers accustomed to products with plastic supports may place on products made with more fragile materials such as paper.

[0026] Multiple slits can be provided, but in that case, the number of slits and the distance between them must be such that the mass of confectionery product can completely cover those slits.

[0027] Advantageously, the slit has a distance (b) between the end of the stick into which the edible portion is inserted and the slit itself, which is between 5 mm and 11 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 9 mm.

[0028] The slits preferably have a wedge shape.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1a, the slit is obtained by two cuts made on two insertion cutting surfaces. The two cutting walls s,t defined by the cutting surfaces are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis r of the stick. Preferably, the first cutting wall s is inclined substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis r of the stick, and the second cutting wall t is inclined to intersect the first cutting wall s with respect to the longitudinal axis r of the stick. Alternatively, both cutting walls s,t may be inclined at an angle other than 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis r of the stick. Preferably, at least one cutting wall t is inclined at an angle between 30° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°, and more preferably about 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis r of the stick. In the case of a cutting wall s perpendicular to the longitudinal axis r of the stick, this perpendicular cutting wall s can be the closest to the end of the stick into which the edible portion is inserted, or the furthest from this end.

[0030] To demonstrate the effectiveness of the present invention, a test was conducted to evaluate the force required to separate the edible portion from the paper stick.

[0031] The evaluation is performed on a finished product in which the edible portion is a hard candy manufactured according to prior art, and the stick portion is manufactured according to the present invention. In particular, after the stick is inserted into the candy portion, the product is placed in a cooling tunnel. At the exit, the product is analyzed within 6 minutes at a test speed of 500 mm / min in traction mode using a vertical dynamometer (power meter) equipped with a 500 N load cell (hot bonding test while the center of the confectionery product is still hot).

[0032] We evaluated two types of paper sticks: one with a slit that is 0.5 mm wide and 0.5 mm deep (Stick 1), and another with a slit that is 0.5 mm wide and 1 mm deep (Stick 2).

[0033] Both test samples were evaluated as follows: 1) Place the edible portion on the lower part of the dynamometer, which has jaws specially shaped to accommodate the edible portion, and attach the paper stick to the upper part (which is the standard jaw used for the traction test) to ensure that it does not slip when the stick is pulled; 2) Conduct a tensile test until it breaks; 3) Record the maximum force required for separation; 4) Repeat the same procedure for the remaining samples.

[0034] A third type of paper stick (Stick 3) with a slit having a width of 2.0 mm and a depth of 2.0 mm was evaluated according to points 1) to 4) above.

[0035] All three types of sticks have a diameter of 4.0 mm, For stick 1, the ratio between the diameter of the stick and the width of the slit is 1:0.125, and the ratio between the diameter of the stick and the depth of the slit is 1:0.125; In the case of stick 2, the ratio between the diameter of the stick and the width of the slit is 1:0.125, and the ratio between the diameter of the stick and the depth of the slit is 1:0.25; In the case of stick 3, the ratio between the diameter of the stick and the width of the slit is 1:0.5, and the ratio between the diameter of the stick and the depth of the slit is 1:0.5.

[0036] The adhesive strength result is the value of the force required to remove the edible portion from the paper stick.

[0037] As already mentioned, the hot bonding strength must be greater than 90N, and at least 10 samples must be tested, with the result being the average of all measurements.

[0038] This apparatus and the parameters described above were also used to obtain the results shown in Table 1 for paper sticks without slits.

[0039] A comparison of the results shown in Figure 2 (adhesion strength expressed as N-value for a lollipop with an edible hard candy portion and a paper stick, based on conventional technology, measured while hot) and Figure 3 (adhesion strength expressed as N-value for a lollipop with an edible hard candy portion and a paper stick, based on the present invention, measured while hot) clearly shows that by creating at least one holding point (slit), the adhesion between the paper stick and the edible portion is greatly improved while maintaining a force strength significantly higher than 90N required to remove the edible portion.

[0040] Furthermore, as can be seen from the data in Table 2 and Figure 3, increasing the slit depth does not necessarily lead to better results in terms of adhesive strength, contrary to expectations, highlighting the importance of slit dimensions.

[0041] [Table 2]

[0042] Products based on the present invention can be manufactured by a novel method that appropriately adapts to conventional manufacturing systems. Figure 4 is a side view of a stick accumulator (storage section), which is formed by an inclined ramp (1) with a grooved roller (2) positioned at its end. The grooved roller (2) supplies sticks to a conveyor belt at a constant interval (distance between grooves and / or machine speed), and the conveyor belt guides the sticks to an insertion station for edible portions. A curved plate (3) is also provided, allowing one stick to pass through each groove (4). Figure 5 shows a front view of the roller (2) and curved plate (3) that collect sticks (6) from the accumulator (7).

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the curved plate (3) is equipped with at least one pointed metal part (5) located at one end that has the function of cutting open the stick, thereby creating one or more slits simultaneously without generating paper dust.

[0044] Figure 7 more clearly shows the mechanism of plate (3), which consists of a series of standard components with added pointed metal parts not seen in conventional systems.

[0045] The components that make up the curved plate (3) are as follows: - Center pin (12); - Lubricating bushing (13); - Pickup roller (14); - Pointed metal part (5); - Fork (15); - Screw (16).

[0046] The lubricating bushing (13) inserted into the pickup roller (14) and the pointed metal part (5) are mounted on the central shaft (12) with a certain distance between them.

[0047] These spacings allow for the insertion of a fork (15) surrounding the free portion of the central pin and securing the fork (15) to the back of the plate with a screw (16) visible from the front. The portion of the curved plate including at least one pointed metal part (5) is easily replaceable, and the dimensions of the notch can be customized based on both the depth and the required distance from the tip of the paper stick.

[0048] This makes it easy to adjust the machine based on the dimensions of the paper sticks, allowing it to easily handle sticks of various diameters and lengths.

[0049] In this embodiment, the pointed metal part (5) rotates in the opposite direction to the roller (2), and the stick portion protruding from the groove (4) is cut by pressure rather than friction.

[0050] The metal parts can be made into various shapes and sizes to allow for customizable and interconnected engraving to meet specific needs. Figure 8 shows some examples.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the pointed metal portion (5) is fixed or formed according to a simplified model that includes a shortened pin (12) with the bushing (13) omitted. Thus, the pointed metal portion (5) does not rotate relative to the roller (2). The stick, which is driven by the roller (2) and located in the groove (4), is imprinted with a contour as shown in Figure 8 by the pressure and friction on the portion of the stick protruding from the groove (4).

[0052] Figure 4 shows grooved rollers, but the same system for transporting sticks can be constructed using other methods, such as grooved conveyor belts that make grooves during transport on a flat surface, or by conveyor grippers.

[0053] Once the cutting is complete, the stick continues to move along a standard lollipop production line.

[0054] The manufacturing method of the present invention, using the apparatus shown in Figures 4 to 6, operates continuously to produce sticks that are already oriented toward the edible portion and have one or more slits, and these are immediately inserted into the edible portion. Therefore, this method eliminates the need to create an intermediate storage container to hold the sticks with one or more slits. When using an intermediate storage container, partial displacement of the sticks may occur during transport, resulting in the loss of the correct orientation of most of the sticks, and consequently, the production of edible products that are not properly hot-bonded.

[0055] The method in the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4 has the advantages of minimizing changes to existing standard production lines, being low-cost, and having excellent efficiency in terms of product retention force on the stick. In fact, in these lines, the already chopped sticks can be inserted directly into the block of edible material almost simultaneously with the chopping of the paper sticks.

[0056] Figure 9 shows an example of a roller (2) on which a set of dies into which ribbons of edible material (8) are supplied can be directly positioned on both sides. The ribbons of edible material (2) pass through a supply wheel (9) and are pushed toward a mold, where they are cut and shaped with the help of a “spoiler” (10). Thus, a single piece of the edible material mass is pushed toward a stick by a piston (11), and the stick is inserted into the interior which has already been cut according to the method described above.

[0057] The mass of edible material is preferably in a molten or semi-molten state. This state can be evaluated using a rheometer, such as the Anton Paar Rheo Compass rheometer (model MCR302). The mass preferably has a viscoelastic parameter expressed as "complex viscosity (complex viscosity η*)" measured at 120°C in the range of 15 to 1500 Pa·s, and / or 10 when measured at 60°C. 4 ~ra 5×10 5 This is within the range of Pa·s.

[0058] The following shows the complex viscosity evaluation of four samples of semi-molten candy lumps measured at 120°C and 60°C using an Anton Paar Rheocompass rheometer (model MCR302). - Sample 1: A lump of molten candy molded with added sugar (residual moisture content = 2.97%) - Sample 2: A lump of molten candy molded without sugar (residual moisture content = 2.25%) - Sample 3: A lump of molten candy coated with sugar (cream and strawberry flavored recipe) (residual moisture = 2.69%) - Sample 4: A lump of molten candy coated with sugar (caramel-flavored recipe) (residual moisture = 2.70%).

[0059] [Table 3]

[0060] Further methods for realizing the present invention and apparatus for carrying out these methods will be described below. In particular, two variations of a method for manufacturing a stick with relative slits in a paper material, and two variations of an apparatus for carrying out this method and forming slits in a stick will be described.

[0061] Figure 10 schematically shows an apparatus 100 for processing paper material sticks for receiving the edible portion of a confectionery product, based on the first modification.

[0062] Figures 11 to 15 show perspective views (some partially cross-sectional) of the apparatus 100 and related components of Figure 10. In particular, Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention, and Figures 12 to 15 show various cross-sectional perspective views of the apparatus 100, particularly some of its components, arranged along the axes shown in the related figures. More specifically, Figure 12 shows a side cross-sectional perspective view of the apparatus 100, and in a similar arrangement, Figures 13 and 14 show cross-sectional perspective views of the cutting station 151 of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the cutting station 151 of the apparatus 100 according to the present invention, but the orientation of the X and Y axes is different from that of the previous figures.

[0063] Figure 16 schematically shows an apparatus 100' for processing paper material sticks for receiving the edible portion of a confectionery product, based on a second modification. Figures 17 to 22 show perspective and detailed views of the apparatus 100' of Figure 16.

[0064] The apparatus 100,100' generally consists of a paper material stick supply station 101, a cutting station 151,151' in which a slit is formed at the end of the stick for contact with the edible portion, and a collection station 191 for the sticks with this slit.

[0065] The cutting stations 151, 151' each include at least one cutting disc 110, 111, 153 configured to form a slit at the end of a stick for receiving the edible portion of a confectionery product.

[0066] Preferably, the cutting stations 151, 151' include adjusting means 11 for adjusting the relative position of at least one cutting disc 110, 111, 153 with respect to the stick, in particular the relative position with respect to the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product.

[0067] In practice, these adjustment means 11 are adapted to move at least one cutting disc 110, 111, 153 relative to the stick, or move the stick relative to at least one cutting disc 110, 111, 153, to change the relative position between at least one cutting disc 110, 111, 153 and the stick, thereby appropriately changing the position of the slit on the stick and / or the configuration of the width and depth of the slit, as will be described below with particular reference to two modifications of the apparatus 100, 100'.

[0068] Preferably, the cutting stations 151, 151' include conveyor belts 106, 131 with a plurality of grooves 107, 132, the plurality of grooves 107, 132 distributed along the conveying direction X of the conveyor belts 106, 131. Each groove 107, 132 is configured to accommodate its respective stick, and preferably has a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the stick, or at least a widened shape that allows the stick to be stably accommodated inside it.

[0069] A method for processing paper material sticks to hold the edible portion of confectionery products includes the following steps: - Conveyor belts 106, 131 supply multiple sticks of paper material to cutting stations 151, 151', where each cutting station 151, 151' comprises at least one cutting disc 110, 111, 153; - At least one cutting disc 110, 111, 153 is used to form at least one slit in each of the sticks at the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product; - The stick having at least one slit is sent to the collection station 191.

[0070] Below, we will describe the first modified form of the stick processing apparatus 100, more specifically the apparatus 100 for forming each of the slits shown in Figures 10 to 15, and the methods for each form.

[0071] The cutting station 151 is suitable for forming a slit at the end of a paper material stick for contact with the edible portion, and comprises a pair of cutting discs 110, 111. The first cutting disc 110 is configured to form a first notch in the stick on its first cutting surface, and the second cutting disc 111 is configured to form a second notch in the same stick on its second cutting surface. The first and second cutting surfaces intersect each other. In this way, the first and second notches form a slit at the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product.

[0072] The intersection of the first and second cutting surfaces allows for the creation of a wedge-shaped slit, that is, a slit with a triangular contour as shown in Figure 1a in the cross-sectional view of the stick.

[0073] As described above, the cutting station 151 preferably includes a conveyor belt 106 having a plurality of grooves 107 distributed along the conveying direction X of the conveyor belt 106.

[0074] Each groove 107 is configured to accommodate its respective stick, and preferably has a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the stick, or at least a shape that widens to allow the stick to be stably accommodated inside it.

[0075] The grooves 107 are preferably distributed at equal intervals along the conveying direction X.

[0076] The presence of grooves 107 in the conveyor belt 106 of the cutting station 151 allows for the separation of various sticks, enabling the sticks to be transported one by one in the transport direction identified by the X axis within the cutting station 151, and allowing for the cutting station to make cuts at the end of each stick individually.

[0077] The conveyor belt 106 transports the stick in the transport direction X. The first cutting disc 110 and the second cutting disc 111 are arranged in series in this transport direction X so as to form the first notch and the second notch in series in sequence.

[0078] The adjusting means 11 for adjusting the relative position of the cutting discs 110, 111 with respect to the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product preferably comprises at least one moving system 112, 113 configured to move at least one of the pair of cutting discs 110, 111 along at least one adjustment axis Y, Z perpendicular to the transport direction X.

[0079] At least one moving system 112,113 is preferably configured to move at least one cutting disc 110,111 independently of each other along a first adjustment axis Y and a second adjustment axis Z, respectively. The first adjustment axis Y and the second adjustment axis Z are orthogonal to each other and also orthogonal to the transport direction X.

[0080] In other words, given that we define a Cartesian coordinate system in which the X-axis is parallel to the transport direction X, at least one moving system 112,113 can adjust the position of at least one cutting disk 110,111 in a direction parallel to at least one of two further axes Y,Z of the Cartesian coordinate system, and preferably can adjust independently in multiple directions parallel to both the Y-axis and the Z-axis.

[0081] At least one moving system 112,113 can preferably move at least one cutting disc 110,111 along a first adjustment axis Y parallel to the longitudinal axis r of the stick on the conveyor belt 106, and along a second adjustment axis Z that moves the disc away from or towards the stick, for example, in a vertical direction, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis r of the stick.

[0082] In practice, it is preferable that the stick be positioned on the conveyor belt 106 such that its longitudinal axis r is perpendicular to the conveying direction X.

[0083] However, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the stick is positioned on the conveyor belt 106 such that its longitudinal axis r is inclined at an angle θ (not shown) with respect to the conveying direction X. Here, it is preferable that 90 > θ > 30.

[0084] The apparatus 100 preferably includes two moving systems 112 and 113 configured to move the first cutting disk 110 and the second cutting disk 111, respectively.

[0085] Preferably, one of the two cutting surfaces on which one of the cutting discs 110, 111 operates is a plane perpendicular to the direction of the stick's deployment, that is, a plane parallel to the plane defined by the X and Z axes, while the other cutting surface on which the other cutting disc 111 operates is a plane inclined at, for example, 45° with respect to the other cutting surface.

[0086] This cutting surface configuration creates a wedge-shaped slit within the stick, having cutting walls s and t as shown in Figure 1a.

[0087] Preferably, the plane can be tilted at an angle between 30° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 60°, and more preferably at an angle of about 45°.

[0088] Advantageously, by adjusting the position of one or both of the cutting discs 110, 111 along the Y and Z axes, the width of the slit (a), the depth of the slit at its deepest point (c), and the distance from the slit to the end of the stick (b) can be adjusted, for example, according to the ratios described in the first part of this specification.

[0089] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, each moving system 112, 113 includes a first adjustment screw 112a, 113a configured to adjust the position of each cutting disk 110, 111 along the Z-axis, and a second adjustment screw 112b, 113b configured to adjust the position of each cutting disk 110, 111 along the Y-axis.

[0090] The adjustment screws 112a, 113a, 112b, and 113b can be adjusted manually or in combination with an automated robotic adjustment system.

[0091] The supply station 101 of the device 100 is equipped with a chute 103, along which sticks of paper material slide down until they reach the cutting station 151. At the cutting station 151, the sticks are loaded one by one into grooves 107 of the conveyor belt 106.

[0092] For example, the stick may arrive at the device 100 in a cardboard container, and the container may be turned upside down to release the stick onto the chute 103.

[0093] Alternatively, the device 100 can be connected in series with a machine that manufactures sticks from paper material. In practice, this machine constitutes a supply station 101 that continuously supplies sticks to the device 100 for processing.

[0094] Advantageously, the cutting station 151 also includes a retaining belt 109 that faces the conveyor belt 106 and moves synchronously with it, configured to hold the stick in the groove 107 during transport to the cutting station 151 and during the cutting operation, thereby preventing the stick from slipping, moving suddenly, or falling off the conveyor belt 106. The retaining belt is sized so as not to interfere with the cutting operation by the cutting discs 110 and 111.

[0095] After making the necessary cuts, the conveyor belt 106 carries the now slit-equipped stick toward the collection station 191.

[0096] Advantageously, at the exit of the cutting station 151, the collection station 191 is equipped with a chute 117 suitable for transporting the sticks to a collection area, which has a grate 116 through which the paper material waste generated during the cutting of the sticks falls.

[0097] As shown in the attached drawings, the collection station 191 comprises a box element 115 for collecting sticks, the bottom of which is formed by a grid 116. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the side walls of the box body 15 facing the cutting station 151 are also preferably made of a grid 116.

[0098] In this way, it is ensured that paper waste is immediately discharged from the device 100.

[0099] Advantageously, the collection station 191 can be integrated into equipment for subsequent processing of the confectionery products in such a way that the slit-equipped sticks are sent directly from the device 100 to a machine for applying the edible portion.

[0100] In other words, the device 100 is preferably configured to operate "offline" for both the paper stick manufacturing line and the finished confectionery product manufacturing line, but the device 100 can also be positioned inline for one, the other, or both.

[0101] In the case of in-line operation of the device 100, it is preferable that means for synchronizing operations performed upstream or downstream of the device 100 itself, and further means for ensuring that the sticks having slits reach the production line of finished confectionery products in an appropriate state.

[0102] As an example, it is mentioned that the apparatus 100 may be equipped with a system to adjust the production speed of slit sticks by optionally providing an automatic feedback system that links the operating speeds of various lines, and / or a compensation bag for collecting excess sticks upstream or downstream of the apparatus 100. Similarly, the apparatus 100 may be equipped with a system (not shown) for continuously capturing and removing paper waste, including a conveying system (not shown) that is mechanical (e.g., belt, auger) or pneumatic (e.g., suction, blower). The purpose of these systems is to prevent stick residue, scrap, or dust generated during the cutting operation from contaminating the final candy product. Furthermore, a continuous control system (e.g., scale, camera, X-ray) can be employed to detect defective sticks. Such a control system can be connected to a mechanical or pneumatic system for removing defective sticks into a waste container.

[0103] The present invention also relates to a method for processing paper material sticks for receiving the edible portion of a confectionery product, and includes the following steps: - A supply station 101 supplies multiple paper material sticks to a cutting station 151, where the cutting station 151 comprises a pair of cutting discs 110, 111; - In each stick, a first notch is formed along the first cutting surface at the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product by the first cutting disc 110 of the pair of cutting discs 110, 111; - In each stick, a second notch is formed along the second cutting surface at the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product by the second cutting disc 111 of the pair of cutting discs 110, 111.

[0104] The first cutting surface and the second cutting surface intersect, and as a result, a slit is formed at the end of the stick, which is intended to receive the edible portion of the confectionery product, by the first and second cuts.

[0105] The sticks obtained in this way can be used for packaging confectionery products, as described above.

[0106] The method for manufacturing the paper material sticks described above is preferably suitable for being carried out by the apparatus 100 described above.

[0107] Using the apparatus and related methods described above, sticks for confectionery products as described above can be obtained.

[0108] A second modification of the apparatus 100' for processing the stick 6 and, in particular, forming the corresponding slits, will be described below, as shown in Figures 16 to 22.

[0109] The apparatus 100' comprises a paper material stick supply station 101, at least one first conveyor belt 131, a cutting station 151', and a collection station 191.

[0110] The supply station 101 is shown in Figures 17 and 18, and the cutting station 151' and related components are shown in Figures 19 to 21. The collection station 191 is schematically shown in Figure 22.

[0111] The first conveyor belt 131 is suitable for transporting sticks 6 of paper material from the supply station 101 to the cutting station 151'.

[0112] The cutting station 151' includes a cutting disc 153 suitable for forming a slit in the end of the stick 6 for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product.

[0113] Next, the slitted stick 6 is transported from the cutting station 151' to the collection station 191 by, for example, a second conveyor belt 171.

[0114] The first conveyor belt 131 and the second conveyor belt 171 can also be parts of the same conveyor belt.

[0115] The cutting station 151' further includes a bottom surface 154 on which the first conveyor belt 131 carrying the sticks 6 runs, and an alignment plate 152 which includes a pair of opposing side walls 155, 156 configured to contact the ends of the sticks 6 and align the sticks 6 with respect to the cutting disc 153.

[0116] The first conveyor belt 131 preferably comprises a plurality of transverse grooves 132 distributed in the main unfolding direction of the belt 131 itself and preferably spaced evenly apart. Each transverse groove 132 is configured to accommodate a corresponding stick 6 and has a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the stick 6, or at least widened to stably accommodate the stick 6 inside it.

[0117] In this manner, the conveyor belt 131 guides the sticks 6 to the cutting station 151' in a certain manner and at a predetermined specific pitch.

[0118] The stick supply station 101 can be configured by a stick accumulator formed by an inclined ramp (slope section) 1 ending with grooved rollers 2, as shown in Figure 4.

[0119] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the grooved roller 2 is preferably positioned above the first conveyor belt 131 such that the sticks 6 carried by the grooved roller 2 fall by gravity from the lateral grooves 102 present in the grooved roller 2 into the corresponding lateral grooves 132 present in the first conveyor belt 131. The shape and pitch of the grooves 132 in the first conveyor belt 131, as well as the speed at which the first conveyor belt 131 moves, are determined so that the sticks 6 sent from the grooved roller 2 reliably fill all the grooves 132 in the conveyor belt 131 one by one.

[0120] The first conveyor belt 131 is preferably made of a material suitable for transporting food.

[0121] Preferably, the synchronization between the movement of the grooves 132 of the conveyor belt 131 and the movement of the grooves 102 of the grooved roller 2 can be adjusted by a gear with a conical hub, preferably during the assembly stage of the device 100'.

[0122] It is preferable to provide a guide plate 133 facing the first conveyor belt 131 from above, downstream of the grooved roller 2 of the supply station 101 and upstream of the cutting station 151. This guide plate 133 is configured so that the stick 6 that falls into the groove 132 of the first conveyor belt 131 by gravity remains in the groove 132 until it reaches at least the cutting station 151'.

[0123] The cutting disc 153 preferably has a lateral thickness substantially equal to the width of the slit to be formed in the stick 6. The cutting disc 153 advantageously has blades configured to remove a portion of the stick 6 in order to form the aforementioned slit. For example, the blades of the cutting disc 153 may have multiple material removal teeth.

[0124] The cutting disc 153 may have multiple teeth that protrude in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the stick 6. In this way, the cutting disc 153 forms slits in the stick 6 by substantially tearing the paper material from which the stick 6 is made.

[0125] The alignment plate 152 is preferably made of aluminum with an anodized finish.

[0126] The adjusting means 11 for adjusting the relative position of the cutting disc 153 to the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product preferably includes a height adjusting means 157 for adjusting the height of the bottom surface 154 of the plate 152 itself, the height adjusting means 157 being configured to move a portion of the conveyor belt 131 running on the bottom surface 154 closer to or further away from the cutting disc 153, thereby allowing the stick 6 carried by the conveyor belt 131 to move closer to or further away from the cutting disc 153. By adjusting the height of the bottom surface 154, it is ultimately possible to adjust the depth of the cuts made in the stick 6 by the cutting disc 153 to form slits.

[0127] The height adjustment means 157 for adjusting the height of the base surface 154 may preferably comprise one or more adjustment screws (not shown) passing through one or more corresponding screw holes 158.

[0128] For example, as shown in Figures 19 to 21, the alignment plate 152 may have a pair of protruding sides 159, each having a screw hole 158, and the pair of protruding sides 159 face the respective fixed contact elements 160 attached to the frame of the device 100'. By tightening or loosening the screws that pass through the aforementioned screw holes 158, the alignment plate 152 itself can be moved up and down, and consequently the bottom surface 154 on which the first conveyor belt 131 runs can also be moved up and down.

[0129] Thus, the height adjustment of the alignment plate 152 is performed by operating a lateral adjustment screw that can fix the required cutting depth, and as a result, the depth of the slot can be fixed (preferably to about 2 mm).

[0130] Once the required height of the alignment plate 152, particularly the bottom surface 154, has been adjusted, it is preferable to lock the position of the plate 152 by fastening additional end screws.

[0131] Two opposing side walls 155, 156, configured to contact the end of the stick 6 and align the stick 6 with respect to the cutting disc 153, preferably define at least one guide region formed by the inclined portions 161 of the walls 155, 156 themselves, which narrows as it approaches the central region of the alignment plate 152 on which the cutting disc 153 is located.

[0132] In this way, the alignment plate 152 enables the alignment of the stick 6 as the first conveyor belt 131 transports the stick 6 in the forward direction, by having one end of the stick 6 contact an inclined surface defined by one of the two inclined portions 161 of the side walls 155, 156. This inclined surface imparts a lateral thrust to the stick 6 with respect to the forward direction of the belt 131, centering the stick 6 so that when the stick 6 reaches the central region of the alignment plate 152 where the cutting disc 153 is located, the cutting disc 153 always operates in the same position relative to the subsequent stick 6. Advantageously, in practice, in the central region of the alignment plate 152 where the cutting disc 153 is located, the opposing side walls 155, 156 are separated from each other by a distance slightly greater than the length of the stick 6.

[0133] The cutting disc 153 can preferably be moved by a screw (not shown) in a direction parallel to its axis to adjust the distance of the cut from the tip of the stick, and can be locked by appropriate means (e.g., a bolt).

[0134] The alignment plate 152 preferably has a pair of inclined plates 162 at both of its axial ends, and the inclined plates 162 facilitate the sliding of the first conveyor belt 131 in the entry and exit areas relative to the alignment plate 152. This ensures that even if the height of the alignment plate 152 changes, there will be no height difference below the conveyor belt 131 that would cause the belt 131 to slide unsmoothly.

[0135] Advantageously, in practice, the raising or lowering of the alignment plate 152 only affects the tension of the conveyor belt 131, and since the conveyor belt 131 is preferably implemented in the form of an elastic grooved belt, it can elastically absorb variations in the working position of ±1 mm without any special effect.

[0136] The apparatus 100' preferably includes a suction station 200 configured to discharge paper dust generated by the cutting disc 153 when a cut is formed in the stick 6, on the cutting disc 153.

[0137] Downstream of the cutting station 151, there may be a second conveyor belt 171 configured to transport the slit-equipped sticks 6 to the collection station 191.

[0138] The collection station 191 may include, for example, a free-moving roller 192 for a second conveyor belt 171 that plays a role in completing the transport of the stick 6 to an exit ramp 193 that brings the stick 6 into a box 194.

[0139] Advantageously, the presence of the alignment plate 152 avoids the complex adjustment of the cutting disc 153, which would otherwise require continuous adjustment of the alignment of the moving axes of the movable parts of the device 100'. As a result, vibrations caused by undesirable misalignment of the movable parts of the device 100' are also prevented.

[0140] As shown in Figure 20, the conveyor belt 131 can be divided into two parallel sections.

[0141] Advantageously, the apparatus 100' may include two or more cutting discs 153 suitable for forming two or more slits in the stick 6 at the end that receives the edible portion of the confectionery product.

[0142] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing paper sticks for receiving the edible portion of a confectionery product, and includes the following steps: - At least one first conveyor belt 131 supplies multiple sticks 6 of paper material to the cutting station 151'; - In the cutting station 151', the stick 6 is aligned with at least one cutting disc 153 by an alignment plate 152, which has a bottom surface 154 on which the first conveyor belt 131 supporting the stick 6 runs, and a pair of opposing side walls 155, 156 configured to abut the ends of the stick 6; - The cutting disc 153 is used to make at least one slit in each stick 6 at the end of the stick 6 for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product; - Send the slitted stick 6 to collection station 191.

[0143] The stick 6 obtained in this way can be used for packaging confectionery products as described above.

[0144] The above method for manufacturing paper material sticks is preferably suitable to be carried out by the apparatus 100' described above.

[0145] Using the apparatus and related methods described above, sticks for confectionery products can be obtained as described in the first part of this specification.

[0146] The supply station 101 and collection station 191, described with reference to a second modification of apparatus 100', can similarly be incorporated into a first modification of apparatus 100.

Claims

1. A confectionery product comprising an edible portion attached to a stick made of paper material, wherein the stick has at least one slit at the end that contacts the edible portion.

2. The confectionery product according to claim 1, wherein the slit is circular, square, rectangular, or wedge-shaped.

3. The confectionery product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the stick to the width of the slit is in the range of 1:0.09 to 1:0.65, preferably in the range of 1:0.13 to 1:0.

20.

4. The confectionery product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the stick to the depth of the slit is in the range of 1:0.07 to 1:0.55, preferably in the range of 1:0.13 to 1:0.

30.

5. The confectionery product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ratio of the length of the stick to the distance from the end inserted into the edible portion to the first slit is in the range of 1:0.04 to 1:0.

15.

6. The confectionery products according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the slit has a depth of 0.27 mm to 2 mm and a width of 0.33 mm to 2.5 mm.

7. The confectionery product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the stick to the width (a) of the slit is in the range of 1:0.082 to 1:0.

625.

8. The confectionery product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the stick to the depth (c) of the slit is in the range of 1:0.067 to 1:0.

625.

9. The confectionery product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of the length of the stick to the distance (b) from the end inserted into the edible portion to the first slit is in the range of 1:0.0625 to 1:0.

137.

10. The confectionery product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the slit has a depth of 0.27 mm to 2.50 mm and a width of 0.33 mm to 2.50 mm.

11. The confectionery product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the slit has a wedge shape obtained by two cuts in the stick on two insertion cutting surfaces.

12. A confectionery product according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that its hot bonding strength exceeds 90 N.

13. A method for producing a confectionery product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: simultaneously forming one or more slits at one end of a paper stick using a curved plate (3) having at least one pointed metal part (5); and then, in a continuous process, covering the slitted portion with a mass of molten or semi-molten edible portion.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the pointed metal part (5) rotates in the opposite direction to the roller (2) which has a groove (4) from which a part of the stick protrudes.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the pointed metal part (5) does not rotate relative to the roller (2) which has a groove (4) from which a part of the stick protrudes.

16. A device (100) for processing paper sticks for receiving the edible portion of confectionery products, A paper material stick supply station (101), A cutting station (151, 151') for the paper material stick, suitable for forming a slit at the end of the paper material stick that will come into contact with the edible portion, A collection station (191) for the paper material sticks provided with the slits, Equipped with, The cutting station (151, 151') comprises at least one cutting disc (110, 111, 153) configured to form the slit at the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product, the apparatus (100).

17. The apparatus (100) according to claim 16, wherein the cutting station (151, 151') comprises a conveyor belt (106, 131), the conveyor belt (106, 131) comprises a plurality of grooves (107, 132) distributed in the transport direction (X) of the conveyor belt (106, 131), each of the grooves (107, 132) is configured to receive a corresponding stick, and the conveyor belt (106, 131) transports the stick in the transport direction (X).

18. The apparatus (100) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the cutting station (151, 151') comprises an adjusting means (11) for adjusting the relative position of the at least one cutting disc (110, 111, 153) with respect to the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product.

19. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the cutting station (151) comprises a pair of cutting discs (110, 111), the first cutting disc (110) configured to perform a first cutting of the stick with its first cutting surface, and the second cutting disc (111) configured to perform a second cutting of the stick with its second cutting surface, the first cutting surface and the second cutting surface intersect, and the slit is formed at the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product by the first cutting and the second cutting.

20. The first cutting disc (110) and the second cutting disc (111) are arranged in series in the transport direction (X) so as to perform the first cutting and the second cutting in succession. The apparatus (100) according to claims 17 and 19.

21. The apparatus (100) according to claim 19 or 20, as dependent on claim 17, wherein the adjusting means (11) comprises at least one moving system (112, 113) that can move at least one cutting disc (110, 111) of the pair of cutting discs (110, 111) along at least one adjusting axis (Y, Z) perpendicular to the transport direction (X).

22. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the at least one moving system (112, 113) is configured to move the at least one cutting disc (110, 111) independently of each other along a first adjustment axis (Y) and a second adjustment axis (Z), and the first adjustment axis (Y) and the second adjustment axis (Z) are perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the transport direction (X).

23. The apparatus (100) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the at least one moving system (112, 113) is configured to move the at least one cutting disc (110, 111) along a first adjustment axis (Y) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stick and along a second adjustment axis (Z) moving away from or towards the stick.

24. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 21 to 23, comprising two moving systems (112, 113) adapted to move the first cutting disc (110) and the second cutting disc (111), respectively.

25. The apparatus (100') according to claim 17, wherein the cutting station (151') comprises a cutting disc (153) configured to form a slit at the end for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product on the stick, the cutting station (151) further comprises an alignment plate (152), the alignment plate (152) comprising a bottom surface (154) on which the conveyor belt (131) supporting the stick runs, and a pair of opposing side walls (155, 156) configured to contact the end of the stick and align the stick with respect to the cutting disc (153).

26. The apparatus (100') according to claims 18 and 25, wherein the adjusting means (11) for adjusting the relative position of the at least one cutting disc with respect to the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product comprises a height adjusting means (157) for adjusting the height of the bottom surface (154) of the alignment plate (152), the height adjusting means (157) is configured to move a portion of the conveyor belt (131) running on the bottom surface (154) closer to the cutting disc (153), or move a portion of the conveyor belt (131) running on the bottom surface (154) further away from the cutting disc (153), thereby moving the stick carried by the conveyor belt (131) closer to or further away from the cutting disc (153).

27. The apparatus (100') according to claim 26, wherein the height adjustment means (157) for adjusting the height of the bottom surface (154) comprises one or more adjustment screws passing through one or more corresponding screw holes (158).

28. The apparatus (100') according to claim 25, 26, or 27, wherein the opposing side walls (155, 156) define at least one guide region, which is composed of inclined portions (161) of the side walls (155, 156) that narrow as they approach the region of the alignment plate (152) where the cutting disc (153) is located.

29. The apparatus (100') according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the alignment plate (152) is provided with a pair of inclined surfaces (162) at both ends in the axial direction thereof, configured such that the conveyor belt (131) slides easily in the entry and exit areas relative to the alignment plate (152).

30. A method for processing paper sticks for receiving the edible portion of confectionery products, A process of supplying multiple sticks of paper material to a cutting station (151, 151') equipped with at least one cutting disc (110, 111, 153) via a conveyor belt (106, 131), The steps include: forming at least one slit in each of the sticks at the end for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product on the stick using the at least one cutting disc (110, 111, 153); The steps include sending the stick, which has at least one slit, to a collection station (191), A method of having.

31. The cutting station (151) is equipped with a pair of cutting discs (110, 111), In each of the sticks, the first cutting disc (110) of the pair of cutting discs (110, 111) is used to form a first cut on the first cutting surface at the end of the stick that receives the edible portion of the confectionery product, In each of the sticks, the process of forming a second notch on the second cutting surface of the end portion of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product using the second cutting disc (111) of the pair of cutting discs (110, 111), It has, The method according to claim 30, wherein the first cutting surface and the second cutting surface intersect, and the first notch and the second notch form a slit at the end of the stick for receiving the edible portion of the confectionery product.

32. The method according to claim 30, further comprising the step of aligning the stick with respect to the at least one cutting disc (153) by an alignment plate (152) having a bottom surface (154) on which the conveyor belt (131) supporting the stick runs, and a pair of opposing side walls (155, 156) configured to contact the end of the stick.

33. The method according to claim 32, comprising the step of adjusting the height of the bottom surface (154) of the alignment plate (152) to bring the portion of the conveyor belt (131) that travels on the bottom surface (154) closer to the at least one cutting disc (153), or to move the portion of the conveyor belt (131) that travels on the bottom surface (154) further away from the at least one cutting disc (153), thereby bringing the stick carried by the conveyor belt (131) closer to or further away from the cutting disc (153).

Images