One-way valve for a food package

Abstract

A one-way valve for a food package having a venting opening is provided. The one-way valve (100) is arranged to open in response to a release of excess steam (144) from within the food package (110), and comprises a membrane (102) comprising a sealing portion (104) and a barrier portion (106). The sealing portion (104) is arranged to be attached to the food package (110) to cover the venting opening (118) and to form a sealing interface (120) between the membrane (102) and the food package (110) such that the food package (110) is sealed. The barrier portion (106) is arranged at a periphery (122) of the membrane (102). A valve outlet (124) is arranged at a distal end (122) of the sealing portion (104) thereby spatially separated from the venting opening (118) when the membrane (102) is attached to the food package (110). The valve outlet (124) is arranged between the sealing portion (104) and the barrier portion (106). The sealing interface (120) is arranged such that a channel (142) is formed between the food package (110) and the membrane (102) when the release of excess steam (144) from within the food package (110) exceeds a threshold value. The channel (142) extends from the venting opening (118) to the valve outlet (124) such that a flow (146) of excess steam (144) from within the food package (110) is channeled to the valve outlet (124).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a one-way valve, in particular the present invention relates to a one-way valve for a food package.BACKGROUND

[0002] A growing trend in the world is the consumption of so called ready-to-eat food, i.e. food which does not need cooking or has already been cooked. Such meals are either frozen or refrigerated in order to have a reasonable long shelf life. Generally, one can say that frozen food has the drawback of being less tasty, having worsened texture when thawed and looking less appetizing with impressive shelf life, while refrigerated food generally appears more appetizing it comes at the cost of considerably shorter shelf life. To prolong the shelf life for such refrigerated ready-to-eat food pasteurisation is often used. Conventionally, the process of pasteurisation is combined with a removal of oxygen from the interior of the food package in order to minimise bacterial growth, for instance by replacement of the oxygen by injection of some other suitable food preservation gas into the food package.

[0003] In a cooking and pasteurisation method used by the applicant the food is placed in a food package comprising a plastic tray having a plastic covering in the form of thin film which is sealed along the tray edges to create an interior which is completely sealed off from the surroundings. When the food is cooked a large amount of steam is created. The steam generated builds up an overpressure. The covering has therefore a venting opening for release of excess steam generated during the cooking. The overpressure is e.g. created when the package is positioned in a microwave oven and the food is cooked by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation. It may also be created through convection in e.g. furnaces with air heating and steam, or by exposing the package to thermal radiation, e.g. through infra-red radiation. When the food has been cooked the microwave oven is shut off, the steam production instantaneously stops. The venting opening is sealed with a valve to prevent introduction of ambient air and contaminating substances into the food package after the cooking. The food packages are then cooled to a suitable storing temperature and may be delivered to retailers for later use.

[0004] The valve applied to the covering must be designed such that it is certain that it is not affected by e.g. food residuals or moisture. The valve may further be a one-way valve. The one-way valve may be arranged to open during a heating of the food package. The one-way valve may thus be used in the course of cooking of the food product but also during a reheating thereof, following which for instance the food product is to be removed from the food package in order to be served.

[0005] However, a problem with many of the one-way valves for food packages that are known today is that the associated manufacturing processes are relatively complex with a multitude of process steps and parameters that need to be continuously adjusted in order to reduce waste. Accordingly, there is always a need for improvements in the art, particularly there is always a need for one-way valves for food packages that are more robust, more cost effective, easier to manufacture, and results in less waste during the manufacturing process. There is further a need for one-way valves that allows for an improved sustainability and reduced environmental footprint.SUMMARY

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a one-way valve for a food package, which alleviate all or at least some of the drawbacks of presently known solutions.

[0007] This object is achieved by means of a one-way valve as defined in the appended independent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a one-way valve for a food package. The food package has a venting opening. The one-way valve is arranged to open in response to a release of excess steam from within the food package. The one-way valve comprises a membrane, the membrane comprising a sealing portion and a barrier portion. The sealing portion is arranged to be attached to the food package to cover the venting opening and to form a sealing interface between the membrane and the food package such that the food package is sealed. The barrier portion is arranged at a periphery of the membrane. The one-way valve further comprises a valve outlet arranged at a distal end of the sealing portion thereby spatially separated from the venting opening when the membrane is attached to the food package. The valve outlet is further arranged between the sealing portion and the barrier portion. The sealing interface is arranged such that a channel is formed between the food package and the membrane when the release of excess steam from within the food package exceeds a threshold value, the channel extending from the venting opening to the valve outlet such that a flow of excess steam from within the food package is channeled to the valve outlet.

[0009] An advantage may be that a more cost effective and easier to manufacture one-way valve is provided. Less waste material may, moreover, be generated during the manufacturing of the one-way valve. The one-way valve may result in a higher yield when manufactured as compared to previously known one-way valves. The complexity of the one-way valve may further be reduced. Reduced demands on the material used for the one-way valve may provide a more environmentally sustainable one-way valve. A more robust one-way valve may further be provided. A further advantage of the one-way valve is that by having a valve outlet arranged between sealing portion and barrier portion the risk of the one-way valve being partly or fully torn away when the food package is reduced during heating and re-heating of the food package. More specifically, the risk of the formed channel reaching all the way out to the edge of the membrane and spreading is reduced. The risk of the one-way valve detaching from the food package is thereby reduced.

[0010] The wording outlet is in the present context be construed as an opening or hole at which excess steam may exit through the membrane.

[0011] The wording threshold value is in the present context to be understood as the value at which the magnitude of the flow of excess steam is large enough to form a channel from the venting opening to the valve outlet, thereby allowing steam to exit through the valve outlet.

[0012] The valve outlet may be arranged to emit a sound signal by vibration of a part thereof. The vibration is caused by the flow of excess steam.

[0013] The valve outlet may have defined dimensions. The wording defined dimensions may in this context be understood as the valve outlet having a defined shape and size. Put differently, the valve outlet has a measurable extent, such as set length, width, form and / or depth. The valve outlet may be understood to be predefined on the membrane prior to the membrane being attached to the food package. The outlet may in this context be understood as the valve outlet having fixed limits or boarders.

[0014] The dimensions of the valve outlet determine the characteristics of the sound generated by the vibration of a part of the valve outlet. Put differently, the vibration frequency of the valve outlet influences the characteristics of the sound waves produced. A well-defined sound emission from the one-way valve may thereby be provided.

[0015] The sound signal may be indicative of that a reheating of a food product within the food package is complete.

[0016] The valve outlet may be formed by a slit through the membrane. The slit may define the dimensions of the valve outlet. The wording slit is in the present context to be construed broadly. The slit may be a cut or opening in the membrane. The cut or opening may form a through-hole in the membrane.

[0017] The slit may be arch-shaped.

[0018] The valve outlet may be formed by a recess in the membrane, the recess being arranged to extend into the membrane such that a slit is formed through the membrane in response to the flow of excess steam.

[0019] The wording recess is in the present context to be understood as a weakening in or a partial cut of the membrane. In other words, the recess is not a through-cut in the membrane.

[0020] That recess may be arch-shaped. The arch-shaped recess may thereby be arranged such that the slit formed through the membrane in response to the flow of steam has an arch-shaped slit.

[0021] The recess may be formed on an inner surface of the membrane, the inner surface being arranged to be attached to the food package. The recess may thereby be concealed from an opposing outer surface of the membrane. A more robust recess may thereby be provided. Undesired trapping of material in the recess such as trapping of dirt or dust may further be mitigated.

[0022] The recess may alternatively be formed on an outer surface of the membrane, the outer surface being arranged to face away from the food package when the membrane is attached to the food package.

[0023] The valve outlet may form a flap in the membrane.

[0024] The wording flap may be construed as a flexible protrusion formed in the membrane. The flap may be a cut out in the membrane. Put differently, the flap may be lifted out from the plane of the membrane by the flow of excess steam.

[0025] The flap may be arranged to vibrate in response to the flow of excess steam through the valve outlet. In other words, the flap may be caused to vibrate when excess steam passes through the valve outlet. The dimensions of the flap may determine the characteristics of the sound generated by the vibration of the flap. Put differently, the vibration frequency of the flap may influence the characteristics of the sound waves produced. A well-defined sound emission from the one-way valve may thereby be provided.

[0026] The one-way valve may comprise at least two valve outlets arranged at distal ends of the sealing portion, the at least two valve outlets being spatially separated from each other in the plane of the membrane.

[0027] An advantage being that a more robust one-way valve is provided. Put differently, a more fail-safe one-way valve may be provided.

[0028] The at least two valve outlets may have equal dimensions. An advantage being that the at least two valve outlets are thereby arranged to emit the same sound. Put differently, the at least two valve outlets may emit sound waves having the same frequency. A more distinct sound may thereby be achieved when the release of excess steam from within the food package exceeds the threshold value.

[0029] The at least two valve outlets may be spatially separated from each other along a circumference of the sealing portion. An advantage being that the channel formation from the venting opening to the valve outlet may be better controlled. The distance needed for a channel to be formed from the venting opening to the valve outlet may further be controlled. A more well-defined release of excess steam through the one-way valve may further be achieved. Put differently, a more well-defined threshold value for release of excess steam trough a valve outlet may be provided.

[0030] The membrane may comprise an adhesive for attaching the membrane to the food package.

[0031] The membrane may have an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, and wherein the inner surface comprises the adhesive.

[0032] The adhesive may be a glue. The membrane may act as a carrier for the adhesive.

[0033] The membrane may be a self-adhesive membrane. The membrane may be a polyurethane membrane.

[0034] The adhesive may be arranged such that the sealing portion has a first adhesion strength and the barrier portion has a second adhesion strength, the first adhesions strength being lower than the second adhesion strength, when the membrane is attached to the food package.

[0035] An improved adhesion of the one-way valve to the food package may thereby be provided. An improved design of the sealing interface may be provided. Put differently, by selecting the first adhesion strength the resistance of the sealing portion may be chosen such that the channel is formed when the release of excess steam from within the food package exceeds a given threshold value. The second adhesion strength may provide an improved adhesion of the membrane to the food package. The barrier portion may further mitigate that a channel formed in the membrane reaches the edge of the membrane.

[0036] The membrane may be a polypropylene, PP, membrane. A robust membrane may thereby be provided. A membrane having a larger heat resistance may also be provided. Any transfer or leaking of chemicals from the membrane may further be mitigated.

[0037] The membrane may alternatively be a polyethylene terephthalate, PET, membrane. A membrane may thereby be provided which may be suitable for contact with food products. The membrane may further deter microorganisms.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided food package for cooking, storing and / or heating a food product. The food package comprising a one-way valve. With this aspect of the invention, similar advantages and preferred features are present as in the previously discussed first aspect of the invention.

[0039] Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. It should be emphasized that the term “comprises / comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components. It does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0040] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will in the following be further clarified with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Further objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will appear from the following detailed description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] FIGS. 1a and 1b are schematic views of a one-way valve according to some embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a food package comprising a one-way valve according to some embodiments.

[0044] FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic view of the one-way valve as illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, according to some embodiments.

[0045] FIGS. 4a to 4c are schematic views of a one-way valve according to some embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 5a is a schematic view of a one-way valve according to some embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 5b is a set of a schematic views of a one-way valve according to some embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a food package comprising the one-way valve of FIG. 5 according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following detailed description, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0050] In the following description of example embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components. It will be understood that, although the term first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0051] The following description will use terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be construed as limiting.

[0052] FIGS. 1a and 1b are schematic views of a one-way valve according to some embodiments. FIG. 1a illustrates the one-way valve 100 from a top view perspective. The one-way valve 100 comprises a membrane 102. The membrane 102 further comprises a sealing portion 104 and a barrier portion 106. FIG. 1b illustrates the one-way valve 100 from a side perspective along a cross-section 108 of the membrane 102, illustrated by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 1a. The one-way valve 100 is arranged to be attached to a food package 110. FIG. 2 illustrates in a schematic top view by way of example of a food package 110 on which the one-way valve 100 has been attached. The food package 110 comprises a food product 112. The food package 110 has a container 114 and a covering 116. The container 114 is by way of example illustrated as a tray. The food package 110 has a venting opening 118, the venting opening 118 is formed in the covering 116, as illustrated in FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2. The venting opening 118 is arranged for release of excess steam generated within the food package 110 as will be discussed.

[0053] With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the sealing portion 104 of the membrane 102 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 to cover the venting opening 118 when the membrane 102 is attached to the food package 110. By way of example, the venting opening 118 is illustrated as a dashed circle in FIG. 1a. The sealing portion 104 is arranged to form a sealing interface 120 between the membrane 102 and the food package 110. The sealing portion 104 thereby seals the food package 110. The food product 112, see FIG. 2, is thereby protected from the ambient atmosphere outside the food package 110. Put differently, the sealing interface 120 covers the venting opening 118 such that the food package 110 is sealed.

[0054] The barrier portion 106 is arranged at a periphery 122 of the membrane 102. The barrier portion 106 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 such that the membrane 102 adhere to the food package 110. A robust adhesion of the one-way valve 100 to the food package 110 may thereby be achieved.

[0055] The one-way valve 100 further comprises a valve outlet 124 arranged at a distal end 126 of the sealing portion 104. The valve outlet 124 is arranged to be spatially separated from the venting opening 118 when the membrane 102 is attached to the food package 110. The valve outlet 124 is further arranged between the sealing portion 104 and the barrier portion 106. The valve outlet 124 is arranged to release excess steam from within the food package.

[0056] The valve outlet 124 is, according to some examples, formed by a slit 128 through the membrane 102. The slit 128 may be arch-shaped 130, as illustrated in FIG. 1a. According to some examples, the arch-shape may for example be a flat arch. According to other examples, the arch shape may be a semi-circular arch, a semi-elliptical arch. According to yet other examples the arch shape may be a triangular arch or a pointed arch. The arch base may be pointing towards the centre of the sealing portion. According to some examples the arch-shape may be an inverted arch such that the arch base may be pointing away from the centre of the sealing portion. According to some examples the slit may have a sawtooth, wave, square or triangular line shape.

[0057] The one-way valve 100 may comprise at least two valve outlets 132 arranged at distal ends 126 of the sealing portion. By way of example, FIG. 1a illustrates eight valve outlets 132. The valve outlets 132 are spatially separated from each other in the plane of the membrane 102. The at least two valve outlets 132 are further spatially separated from each other along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion 104. The at least two valve outlets 132 may have equal dimensions. In some embodiments, the one-way valve 100 comprises a plurality of valve outlets 132 that are spatially separate from each other along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion 104 so to surround a centre of the sealing portion 104 (e.g., in a substantially symmetrical manner). By surrounding the centre of the sealing portion 104 with the valve outlets 132 the risk of the channel (for releasing excess steam) reaching the peripheral border or edge of the membrane 102 is further reduced. The term “in a substantially symmetrical manner” may be understood as that the plurality of valve outlets 124 surround the centre of the centre of the sealing portion 104 symmetrically from the perspective of the centre of the sealing portion 104. The valve outlets 124 may for example be equidistantly placed along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion. However, the valve outlets 124 may also be spatially separated from each other along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion in a substantially non-symmetrical manner (e.g., not equidistantly) in accordance with some embodiments.

[0058] The membrane 102 may comprise an adhesive 136 for attaching the membrane 102 to the food package 110, see FIG. 1b. The adhesive 136 may be attached to an inner surface 138 of the membrane 102. The inner surface 138 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110. The adhesive may form an adhesive layer 137. The adhesive layer 137 may cover a surface of the membrane 102. An opposite outer surface 140 of the membrane 102 may be arranged to have non-adhesive surface. Alternatively, the food package may comprise the adhesive for attaching the one-way valve.

[0059] FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic views of the one-way valve 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, according to some examples. With reference to FIGS. 2, 3a and 3b, it is illustrated that sealing interface 120 is further arranged such that a channel 142 is formed between the food package 110 and the membrane 102 when the release of excess steam 144 from within the food package 110 exceeds a threshold value. The channel 142 extending from the venting opening 118 to the valve outlet 124.

[0060] In more detail, steam is generated within the food package 110 during a heating of the food package 110. The heating may be a reheating of the food package 110 by a consumer. Put differently, the heating of the food product 112 induces a steam generation. The heating may induce a boiling of the food product 112. The heating may, for example, be caused by microwave heating. The heating may cause an overpressure in the food package 110. The overpressure may further inflate the covering 116 such that the volume inside the food package 110 is increased. The covering 116 may form a convex shape. Excess steam 144 generated within the food package 110 may induce a flow 146 of excess steam 144 through the venting opening 118 of the food package 110, see FIG. 2.

[0061] The channel 142 is formed when the release of excess steam 144 exceeds a threshold value. The flow 146 of excess steam 144 from within the food package 110 is channeled to the valve outlet 124. Excess steam 144 may thereby be released through the valve outlet 124 in a controlled manner. By having the valve outlet 124 arranged between sealing portion 104 and barrier portion 106 the risk of the one-way valve 100 being partly or fully torn away when the food package 110 is heated may be reduced. More specifically, the risk of the formed channel 142 reaching all the way out to an edge 147 of the membrane 102 and spreading may be reduced. The risk of the one-way valve 100 detaching from the food package 110 may thereby be reduced.

[0062] For completeness, it may be noted that a plurality of channels 142 may be formed as illustrated in FIG. 3a. When the release of excess steam 144 is lower than the threshold value, the flow of excess steam out of the venting opening may be too small for forming a channel that reach the valve outlet. As a result, a partial channel 143 may be formed, as illustrated in FIG. 3a.

[0063] The valve outlet 124 may form a flap 148 in the membrane 102. Put differently, the slit 128 of the valve outlet 124 may be formed such that a flap 148 is formed in the membrane 102. The flap 148 may be lifted from the food package 110 as a result of the flow 146 of excess steam 144. On other words, the flow 146 of excess steam 144 may bend the membrane 102 such that the flap 148 is bent away from the food package 110. The flap 148 may protrude from the plane of the membrane 102.

[0064] The valve outlet 124 may arranged to emit a sound signal 150 by vibration 152 of a part thereof, see FIG. 3b. The vibration 152 is caused by the flow 146 of excess steam 144. By way of example, the flap 148 may be arranged to vibrate 152 in response to the flow 146 of excess steam 144 through the valve outlet 124.

[0065] At least two valve outlets 132 may be arranged to emit a sound signal 150. The at least two valve outlets 132 may have equal dimensions. The at least two valve outlets 132 may thereby be arranged to emit the same sound signal 150. Put differently, the sound emitted respectively from the at last two valve outlets 132 may have the same sound characteristics. A more robust sound emitting one-way valve 100 may thereby be provided. The emitted sound signal 150 may be indicative for a consumer reheating of the food package 110 that the food product 112 within the food package 110 is complete. A simplified process for preparing of the food product 112 may thereby be provided to a consumer.

[0066] The at least two of the valve outlets 132 may respectively have the form of a flap 148. The flaps 148 may have the same dimensions. The dimensions of the flap 148 may determine the characteristics of the sound generated by the vibration of the flap. Put differently, the vibration frequency of the flap 148 influences the characteristics of the sound waves produced. The vibration frequency may be the resonance frequency of the flap 148. The sound emitted may be higher or lower in pitch according to the frequency of vibration. A well-defined sound emission from the one-way valve 100 may thereby be provided.

[0067] FIGS. 4a to 4c are schematic views of a one-way valve according to some embodiments. FIG. 4a illustrates the one-way valve 100 from a top view perspective. The one-way valve 100 comprises a membrane 102. The membrane 102 further comprises a sealing portion 104 and a barrier portion 106. FIG. 4b illustrates the one-way valve 100 from a side perspective along a cross-section 108 of the membrane 102, illustrated by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 4a. With reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the one-way valve 100 is arranged to be attached to a food package 110. The sealing portion 104 of the membrane 102 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 to cover a venting opening 118 of the food package 110. The sealing portion 104 is arranged to form a sealing interface 120 between the membrane 102 and the food package 110. The sealing portion 104 thereby seals the food package 110. The barrier portion 106 is arranged at a periphery 122 of the membrane 102. The barrier portion 106 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 such that the membrane 102 adhere to the food package 110.

[0068] The one-way valve 100 comprises a valve outlet 124, arranged at a distal end 126 of the membrane 102. The valve outlet 124 may be formed by a recess 154 in the membrane 102. The recess 154 is further arranged to extend into the membrane 102 such that a slit is formed through the membrane 102 in response to a flow of excess steam. Put differently, the recess 154 may extend partly through the membrane 102. The recess 154 may be understood as a partial cut 155 in the membrane. In other words, the recess is arranged such that a pressure formed by the flow of excess steam may extend the partial cut 155 in the membrane 102 to a cut through the membrane 102. The valve outlet 124 may thereby form an opening through the membrane 102 such that excess steam may flow through valve outlet 124 from one side of the membrane 102 to the other opposing side of the membrane 102. The opening formed may be substantially perpendicular in extension relative to the plane of the membrane 102. The recess 154 may be arch-shaped 130. Hence, the arch-shaped 130 recess 154 may be arranged such that the slit formed through the membrane in response to the flow of steam forms an arch-shaped slit.

[0069] In FIG. 4b the recess 154 is illustrated as being formed on the outer surface 140 of the membrane 102, the outer surface 140 is arranged to point away from the food package 110 when the one-way valve 100 is attached to the food package 110. Alternatively, the recess 154 is formed on the inner surface 138 of the membrane 102, the inner surface 138 is arranged to point towards the food package 110 when the one-way valve 100 is attached to the food package 110, as illustrated in FIG. 4c. Put differently, the recess 154 may be formed on the bottom surface of the membrane 102. The recess 154 may thereby be concealed from the top surface of the membrane. A more robust recess 154 may thereby be provided. Undesired trapping of material in the recess 154 such as trapping of dirt or dust may further be mitigated.

[0070] In FIGS. 4b and 4c the membrane 102 is attached directly on the food package 110. The membrane 102 may be self-adhesive. In other examples, the one-way valve having a recess in the membrane may further comprise an adhesive. The adhesive may be in the form of an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is arranged between the membrane and the food package.

[0071] FIG. 5a is a schematic view of a one-way valve according to some embodiments. FIG. 5a illustrates a one-way valve 100 from a bottom view perspective, i.e. from the inner surface 138 of the membrane 102. FIG. 6. illustrates a food package comprising the one-way valve of FIG. 5a from a top view perspective, i.e. from the outer surface 140 of the membrane 102. The membrane 102 of the one-way valve 100 further comprises a sealing portion 104 and a barrier portion 106. The sealing portion 104 of the membrane 102 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 to cover a venting opening 118 for the food package 110. The sealing portion 104 is arranged to form a sealing interface between the membrane 102 and the food package 110, as have been discussed above. The sealing portion 104 seals the food package 110. The barrier portion 106 is further arranged at a periphery 122 of the membrane 102. The barrier portion 106 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 such that the membrane 102 adhere to the food package 110.

[0072] The membrane 102 in FIG. 5a is illustrated, by way of example, to have a generally elliptical shape where one end has an indentation towards the centre of the valve 100. The membrane may, by way of example, have an extension along the long axis of the elliptical shape in the range of 100 mm to 20 mm, preferably in the range 80 mm to 40 mm. The membrane 102 may, by way of example, have an extension along the short axis of the elliptical shape in the range of 70 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range 50 mm to 30 mm.

[0073] The sealing portion 104 is further exemplified to have a circular shape. The circular shape may, by way of example, have a diameter in the range 40 mm to 20 mm. The one-way valve of FIG. 5a comprises, by way of example, four valve outlets 124. The valve outlets 124 are arranged spatially separated from each other in the plane of the membrane 102. The valve outlets 124 are separated from each other along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion. The valve outlets may be arranged equidistant from each other. The valve outlets 124 may surround the sealing portion 104. An advantage being that the channel formed between the food package and the membrane when the release of excess steam from within the food package exceeds a threshold value may more efficiently reach a valve outlet such that a flow of excess steam from within the food package is channeled to the valve outlet. Put differently, the channel formed may more efficiently be directed to a valve outlet.

[0074] The valve outlets 124 may be in the form of slits 128. The slits may be arch shaped 130. According to some examples the slits 128 may have a length in the range of 40 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 30 mm to 20 mm.

[0075] In some embodiments, a plurality of valve outlets 124 may form a chain 156 of vale outlets 124 along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion 104, the plurality of valve outlets 124 being spatially separated 158 from neighbouring valve outlets 124. The chain 156 of valve outlets 124 may enclose 159 the sealing portion 104. FIG. 5b depicts three schematic illustrations from a top-view perspective of a one-way valve 100 in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 5b shows some example configurations of the valve outlets 124 of a one-way valve 100 where the plurality of valve outlets 124 are spatially separated from each other along a circumference 134 (indicated by the broken line) of the sealing portion 104 surrounding a centre portion (indicated by the “x”) of the sealing portion 104. The configurations (I)-(III) depicted in FIG. 5b are generally to be construed as symmetrical placements of the valve outlets 124.

[0076] An advantage of the valve outlets 124 surrounding the sealing portion 104 is that the likelihood that the channel formed reaches the barrier portion 106 is reduced. An improved adhesion of the membrane to the food package may moreover be achieved.

[0077] The membrane 102 may comprise an adhesive 136 for attaching the membrane 102 to a food package. The membrane 102 is arranged such that the inner surface 138 of the membrane adhere to the food package 110. The adhesive 136 may be arranged such that the sealing portion 104 has a first adhesion strength 160 for adhesion to the food package 110.

[0078] The adhesive 136 may further be arranged such that the barrier portion 106 has a second adhesion strength 162 for adhesion to the food package 110. The first adhesions strength 160 may be lower than the second adhesion strength 162.

[0079] According to some examples, the one-way valve 100 may comprise and additional layer 164. The additional layer 164 may be arranged to form the sealing portion 104. The additional layer 164 may be attached to a surface of the membrane 102, thereby forming the sealing portion 104. The additional layer 164 may thereby form the sealing interface. Put differently, the additional layer 164 may form a sealing layer. Thus, the additional layer 164 may be arranged to be attached to the food package to cover the venting opening and to form the sealing interface between the membrane and the food package.

[0080] The one-way valve 100 may be arranged such that the additional layer 164 extends to the valve outlet or valve outlets 124 of the one-way valve 100, whereas the membrane 102 forms the barrier portion 106. The additional layer 164 may have a first adhesion strength 160 and the barrier portion may have a second adhesion strength 162. The second adhesion strength 162 may be larger than the first adhesion strength 160. An improved tuning of the threshold value for forming a channel may thereby be provided, while maintaining via the barrier portion a stronger adhesion of the one-way valve to the food package.

[0081] According to some examples, the membrane 102 may be a polypropylene, PP, membrane. The membrane may in other examples be a polyamide, PA, polyethylene, PE, or polyurethane, PUR, membrane. The membrane may alternatively be a polyethylene terephthalate, PET, membrane.

[0082] The food product is not intended to be limited to any particular form or type of food. The method for preparing a food product may for instance be applicable to meat, fish, vegetables and / or seafood. The food product may, in other examples, be in the form of ready-to-eat meals.

[0083] With reference to FIG. 6, and according to some examples, the covering 116 may be a film. The film may be an extruded film. The covering may be a printed film. The covering may be a non-transparent fibre film having a plastic coating. The covering may in other examples be a lid.

[0084] The container 114 is here exemplified as a tray. The container may in other examples be, for example, a can. The container may be flexible. The container may be a plastic container. The plastic container may be a flexible plastic container.

[0085] The container and the covering may be of the same material. The container and covering may in other examples form a bag. Thus, the container and the covering may be formed jointly. The bag may be referred to as a food packaging bag. The container and the covering may form a pouch. The pouch may be a stand-up pouch.

[0086] The covering may comprise a ductile material such as a polyamide. The covering may further comprise a barrier material, such as polypropylene and / or polyamide. The barrier material may act as a barrier material to prevent diffusion of oxygen into the food package. The covering may further comprise a material which is suitable for being attached to the container by heating or welding. Examples of such materials may be polypropylene or polyethylene, depending on the material used in the container. The covering may further be sealed to the container at joint around the edge of the container. The covering may be in the form of a laminate. The laminate may comprise layers of polyamide and as polypropylene. The covering may be arranged on the container such that the polypropylene layer is arranged closer to the interior of the container than the polyamide layer.

[0087] The membrane may, according to some examples, have a circular shape or a half circular shape. The diameter of the circular or half circular shaped membrane may, for example, be in the range of 100 mm to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 80 mm to 40 mm. The thickness of the membrane may be in the range of 100 micrometres to 20 micrometres, preferably within the range 70 micrometres to 40 micrometres. The dimensions of the membrane may be set by the size of the venting opening of the food package. The sealing portion should cover the venting opening such that the food package is sealed and to separate the valve outlet or valve outlets from the venting opening.

[0088] The venting opening may have an opening size within a range of 1 mm2 to 8 mm2, preferable within a range of 2 mm2 to 4 mm2 and most preferable between a range of 3 mm2 to 4 mm2.

[0089] The opening size may thereby be sufficiently small to maintain an overpressure within the food package but to allow for an efficient release of excess steam caused by the steam generation. Breakage of the food package may thereby be prevented.

[0090] The wording steam may comprise water in the gas phase. The steam may be water vapour. The steam may be understood as a mixture of vapour and aerosols of liquid water vapour. Steam may be understood as the vapour obtained by heating a substance at boiling temperature. The steam may comprise gases and / or vapour originating from the food product when heated. The steam may comprise gas originating from within the food package.

[0091] The wording steam generation is in the present context to be understood as the steam generated within the food package by the heating of the food product. The steam generation may increase the pressure inside the food package. The steam generation may create an overpressure within the food package. The steam generation may inflate the food package. Excess steam generated within the food package may further exit through the venting opening thereby reducing the pressure in the food package. The excess steam may be understood as the amount of steam that is driven out of the food package due to an overpressure within the food package.

[0092] The threshold value is, for instance, determined by the adhesion between the membrane and the food package. The adhesion between the food package and the membrane may be tailored by selecting the strength and / or amount of adhesive used. The adhesion may further be selected by selecting the dimensions of the sealing portion. Put differently the threshold value may be defined by selecting the distance between the venting opening and the valve outlet.

[0093] According to some examples, the adhesion of the sealing portion of the one-way valve may be arranged to withstand a flow of excess steam pertaining to an overpressure within the food package within the range of 10 mbar to 150 mbar, and preferably, within the range of 30 mbar to 50 mbar before a channel is formed. By adapting the adhesion to withstand a flow of excess steam pertaining to an overpressure within the food package within the range of 30 mbar to 50 mbar the load or strain on the other parts of the food package is alleviated during re-heating of the food package.

[0094] According to some examples the one-way valve may be applied to the food package after a food product in the food package has been heated in a cooking and / or pasteurisation process. The heating may, for example, be by exposing the food package to microwave radiation. The food package may in some embodiments be prepared for re-heating by a consumer. The consumer may be the end consumer. When the consumer heats the food package, for example, in a microwave oven, the food product is heated. The heating induces a steam generation within the food package. The increased pressure may induce an overpressure. The overpressure may inflate the covering such that the volume inside the food package is increased. The heating of the food package may further induce a release of excess steam through the venting opening of the food package. The one-way valve may be arranged to emit a sound signal by vibration of a part thereof. The vibration is caused by the flow of excess steam. The sound signal may be indicative of that a reheating of a food product within the food package is complete.

[0095] It should be noted that the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the words “a” or “an” preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the invention may be at least in part implemented by means of both hardware and software, and that several “means” or “units” may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0096] The above mentioned and described embodiments are only given as examples and should not be limiting to the present invention. Other solutions, uses, objectives, and functions within the scope of the invention as claimed in the below described patent embodiments should be apparent for the person skilled in the art.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0049]In the following detailed description, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0050]In the following description of example embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components. It will be understood that, although the term first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a one-way valve, in particular the present invention relates to a one-way valve for a food package.BACKGROUND

[0002] A growing trend in the world is the consumption of so called ready-to-eat food, i.e. food which does not need cooking or has already been cooked. Such meals are either frozen or refrigerated in order to have a reasonable long shelf life. Generally, one can say that frozen food has the drawback of being less tasty, having worsened texture when thawed and looking less appetizing with impressive shelf life, while refrigerated food generally appears more appetizing it comes at the cost of considerably shorter shelf life. To prolong the shelf life for such refrigerated ready-to-eat food pasteurisation is often used. Conventionally, the process of pasteurisation is combined with a removal of oxygen from the interior of the food package in order to minimise bacterial growth, for instance by replacement of the oxygen by injection of some other suitable food preservation gas into the food package.

[0003] In a cooking and pasteurisation method used by the applicant the food is placed in a food package comprising a plastic tray having a plastic covering in the form of thin film which is sealed along the tray edges to create an interior which is completely sealed off from the surroundings. When the food is cooked a large amount of steam is created. The steam generated builds up an overpressure. The covering has therefore a venting opening for release of excess steam generated during the cooking. The overpressure is e.g. created when the package is positioned in a microwave oven and the food is cooked by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation. It may also be created through convection in e.g. furnaces with air heating and steam, or by exposing the package to thermal radiation, e.g. through infra-red radiation. When the food has been cooked the microwave oven is shut off, the steam production instantaneously stops. The venting opening is sealed with a valve to prevent introduction of ambient air and contaminating substances into the food package after the cooking. The food packages are then cooled to a suitable storing temperature and may be delivered to retailers for later use.

[0004] The valve applied to the covering must be designed such that it is certain that it is not affected by e.g. food residuals or moisture. The valve may further be a one-way valve. The one-way valve may be arranged to open during a heating of the food package. The one-way valve may thus be used in the course of cooking of the food product but also during a reheating thereof, following which for instance the food product is to be removed from the food package in order to be served.

[0005] However, a problem with many of the one-way valves for food packages that are known today is that the associated manufacturing processes are relatively complex with a multitude of process steps and parameters that need to be continuously adjusted in order to reduce waste. Accordingly, there is always a need for improvements in the art, particularly there is always a need for one-way valves for food packages that are more robust, more cost effective, easier to manufacture, and results in less waste during the manufacturing process. There is further a need for one-way valves that allows for an improved sustainability and reduced environmental footprint.SUMMARY

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a one-way valve for a food package, which alleviate all or at least some of the drawbacks of presently known solutions.

[0007] This object is achieved by means of a one-way valve as defined in the appended independent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a one-way valve for a food package. The food package has a venting opening. The one-way valve is arranged to open in response to a release of excess steam from within the food package. The one-way valve comprises a membrane, the membrane comprising a sealing portion and a barrier portion. The sealing portion is arranged to be attached to the food package to cover the venting opening and to form a sealing interface between the membrane and the food package such that the food package is sealed. The barrier portion is arranged at a periphery of the membrane. The one-way valve further comprises a valve outlet arranged at a distal end of the sealing portion thereby spatially separated from the venting opening when the membrane is attached to the food package. The valve outlet is further arranged between the sealing portion and the barrier portion. The sealing interface is arranged such that a channel is formed between the food package and the membrane when the release of excess steam from within the food package exceeds a threshold value, the channel extending from the venting opening to the valve outlet such that a flow of excess steam from within the food package is channeled to the valve outlet.

[0009] An advantage may be that a more cost effective and easier to manufacture one-way valve is provided. Less waste material may, moreover, be generated during the manufacturing of the one-way valve. The one-way valve may result in a higher yield when manufactured as compared to previously known one-way valves. The complexity of the one-way valve may further be reduced. Reduced demands on the material used for the one-way valve may provide a more environmentally sustainable one-way valve. A more robust one-way valve may further be provided. A further advantage of the one-way valve is that by having a valve outlet arranged between sealing portion and barrier portion the risk of the one-way valve being partly or fully torn away when the food package is reduced during heating and re-heating of the food package. More specifically, the risk of the formed channel reaching all the way out to the edge of the membrane and spreading is reduced. The risk of the one-way valve detaching from the food package is thereby reduced.

[0010] The wording outlet is in the present context be construed as an opening or hole at which excess steam may exit through the membrane.

[0011] The wording threshold value is in the present context to be understood as the value at which the magnitude of the flow of excess steam is large enough to form a channel from the venting opening to the valve outlet, thereby allowing steam to exit through the valve outlet.

[0012] The valve outlet may be arranged to emit a sound signal by vibration of a part thereof. The vibration is caused by the flow of excess steam.

[0013] The valve outlet may have defined dimensions. The wording defined dimensions may in this context be understood as the valve outlet having a defined shape and size. Put differently, the valve outlet has a measurable extent, such as set length, width, form and / or depth. The valve outlet may be understood to be predefined on the membrane prior to the membrane being attached to the food package. The outlet may in this context be understood as the valve outlet having fixed limits or boarders.

[0014] The dimensions of the valve outlet determine the characteristics of the sound generated by the vibration of a part of the valve outlet. Put differently, the vibration frequency of the valve outlet influences the characteristics of the sound waves produced. A well-defined sound emission from the one-way valve may thereby be provided.

[0015] The sound signal may be indicative of that a reheating of a food product within the food package is complete.

[0016] The valve outlet may be formed by a slit through the membrane. The slit may define the dimensions of the valve outlet. The wording slit is in the present context to be construed broadly. The slit may be a cut or opening in the membrane. The cut or opening may form a through-hole in the membrane.

[0017] The slit may be arch-shaped.

[0018] The valve outlet may be formed by a recess in the membrane, the recess being arranged to extend into the membrane such that a slit is formed through the membrane in response to the flow of excess steam.

[0019] The wording recess is in the present context to be understood as a weakening in or a partial cut of the membrane. In other words, the recess is not a through-cut in the membrane.

[0020] That recess may be arch-shaped. The arch-shaped recess may thereby be arranged such that the slit formed through the membrane in response to the flow of steam has an arch-shaped slit.

[0021] The recess may be formed on an inner surface of the membrane, the inner surface being arranged to be attached to the food package. The recess may thereby be concealed from an opposing outer surface of the membrane. A more robust recess may thereby be provided. Undesired trapping of material in the recess such as trapping of dirt or dust may further be mitigated.

[0022] The recess may alternatively be formed on an outer surface of the membrane, the outer surface being arranged to face away from the food package when the membrane is attached to the food package.

[0023] The valve outlet may form a flap in the membrane.

[0024] The wording flap may be construed as a flexible protrusion formed in the membrane. The flap may be a cut out in the membrane. Put differently, the flap may be lifted out from the plane of the membrane by the flow of excess steam.

[0025] The flap may be arranged to vibrate in response to the flow of excess steam through the valve outlet. In other words, the flap may be caused to vibrate when excess steam passes through the valve outlet. The dimensions of the flap may determine the characteristics of the sound generated by the vibration of the flap. Put differently, the vibration frequency of the flap may influence the characteristics of the sound waves produced. A well-defined sound emission from the one-way valve may thereby be provided.

[0026] The one-way valve may comprise at least two valve outlets arranged at distal ends of the sealing portion, the at least two valve outlets being spatially separated from each other in the plane of the membrane.

[0027] An advantage being that a more robust one-way valve is provided. Put differently, a more fail-safe one-way valve may be provided.

[0028] The at least two valve outlets may have equal dimensions. An advantage being that the at least two valve outlets are thereby arranged to emit the same sound. Put differently, the at least two valve outlets may emit sound waves having the same frequency. A more distinct sound may thereby be achieved when the release of excess steam from within the food package exceeds the threshold value.

[0029] The at least two valve outlets may be spatially separated from each other along a circumference of the sealing portion. An advantage being that the channel formation from the venting opening to the valve outlet may be better controlled. The distance needed for a channel to be formed from the venting opening to the valve outlet may further be controlled. A more well-defined release of excess steam through the one-way valve may further be achieved. Put differently, a more well-defined threshold value for release of excess steam trough a valve outlet may be provided.

[0030] The membrane may comprise an adhesive for attaching the membrane to the food package.

[0031] The membrane may have an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, and wherein the inner surface comprises the adhesive.

[0032] The adhesive may be a glue. The membrane may act as a carrier for the adhesive.

[0033] The membrane may be a self-adhesive membrane. The membrane may be a polyurethane membrane.

[0034] The adhesive may be arranged such that the sealing portion has a first adhesion strength and the barrier portion has a second adhesion strength, the first adhesions strength being lower than the second adhesion strength, when the membrane is attached to the food package.

[0035] An improved adhesion of the one-way valve to the food package may thereby be provided. An improved design of the sealing interface may be provided. Put differently, by selecting the first adhesion strength the resistance of the sealing portion may be chosen such that the channel is formed when the release of excess steam from within the food package exceeds a given threshold value. The second adhesion strength may provide an improved adhesion of the membrane to the food package. The barrier portion may further mitigate that a channel formed in the membrane reaches the edge of the membrane.

[0036] The membrane may be a polypropylene, PP, membrane. A robust membrane may thereby be provided. A membrane having a larger heat resistance may also be provided. Any transfer or leaking of chemicals from the membrane may further be mitigated.

[0037] The membrane may alternatively be a polyethylene terephthalate, PET, membrane. A membrane may thereby be provided which may be suitable for contact with food products. The membrane may further deter microorganisms.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided food package for cooking, storing and / or heating a food product. The food package comprising a one-way valve. With this aspect of the invention, similar advantages and preferred features are present as in the previously discussed first aspect of the invention.

[0039] Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. It should be emphasized that the term “comprises / comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components. It does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0040] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will in the following be further clarified with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Further objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will appear from the following detailed description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] FIGS. 1a and 1b are schematic views of a one-way valve according to some embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a food package comprising a one-way valve according to some embodiments.

[0044] FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic view of the one-way valve as illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, according to some embodiments.

[0045] FIGS. 4a to 4c are schematic views of a one-way valve according to some embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 5a is a schematic view of a one-way valve according to some embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 5b is a set of a schematic views of a one-way valve according to some embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a food package comprising the one-way valve of FIG. 5 according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following detailed description, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0050] In the following description of example embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components. It will be understood that, although the term first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0051] The following description will use terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be construed as limiting.

[0052] FIGS. 1a and 1b are schematic views of a one-way valve according to some embodiments. FIG. 1a illustrates the one-way valve 100 from a top view perspective. The one-way valve 100 comprises a membrane 102. The membrane 102 further comprises a sealing portion 104 and a barrier portion 106. FIG. 1b illustrates the one-way valve 100 from a side perspective along a cross-section 108 of the membrane 102, illustrated by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 1a. The one-way valve 100 is arranged to be attached to a food package 110. FIG. 2 illustrates in a schematic top view by way of example of a food package 110 on which the one-way valve 100 has been attached. The food package 110 comprises a food product 112. The food package 110 has a container 114 and a covering 116. The container 114 is by way of example illustrated as a tray. The food package 110 has a venting opening 118, the venting opening 118 is formed in the covering 116, as illustrated in FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2. The venting opening 118 is arranged for release of excess steam generated within the food package 110 as will be discussed.

[0053] With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the sealing portion 104 of the membrane 102 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 to cover the venting opening 118 when the membrane 102 is attached to the food package 110. By way of example, the venting opening 118 is illustrated as a dashed circle in FIG. 1a. The sealing portion 104 is arranged to form a sealing interface 120 between the membrane 102 and the food package 110. The sealing portion 104 thereby seals the food package 110. The food product 112, see FIG. 2, is thereby protected from the ambient atmosphere outside the food package 110. Put differently, the sealing interface 120 covers the venting opening 118 such that the food package 110 is sealed.

[0054] The barrier portion 106 is arranged at a periphery 122 of the membrane 102. The barrier portion 106 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 such that the membrane 102 adhere to the food package 110. A robust adhesion of the one-way valve 100 to the food package 110 may thereby be achieved.

[0055] The one-way valve 100 further comprises a valve outlet 124 arranged at a distal end 126 of the sealing portion 104. The valve outlet 124 is arranged to be spatially separated from the venting opening 118 when the membrane 102 is attached to the food package 110. The valve outlet 124 is further arranged between the sealing portion 104 and the barrier portion 106. The valve outlet 124 is arranged to release excess steam from within the food package.

[0056] The valve outlet 124 is, according to some examples, formed by a slit 128 through the membrane 102. The slit 128 may be arch-shaped 130, as illustrated in FIG. 1a. According to some examples, the arch-shape may for example be a flat arch. According to other examples, the arch shape may be a semi-circular arch, a semi-elliptical arch. According to yet other examples the arch shape may be a triangular arch or a pointed arch. The arch base may be pointing towards the centre of the sealing portion. According to some examples the arch-shape may be an inverted arch such that the arch base may be pointing away from the centre of the sealing portion. According to some examples the slit may have a sawtooth, wave, square or triangular line shape.

[0057] The one-way valve 100 may comprise at least two valve outlets 132 arranged at distal ends 126 of the sealing portion. By way of example, FIG. 1a illustrates eight valve outlets 132. The valve outlets 132 are spatially separated from each other in the plane of the membrane 102. The at least two valve outlets 132 are further spatially separated from each other along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion 104. The at least two valve outlets 132 may have equal dimensions. In some embodiments, the one-way valve 100 comprises a plurality of valve outlets 132 that are spatially separate from each other along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion 104 so to surround a centre of the sealing portion 104 (e.g., in a substantially symmetrical manner). By surrounding the centre of the sealing portion 104 with the valve outlets 132 the risk of the channel (for releasing excess steam) reaching the peripheral border or edge of the membrane 102 is further reduced. The term “in a substantially symmetrical manner” may be understood as that the plurality of valve outlets 124 surround the centre of the centre of the sealing portion 104 symmetrically from the perspective of the centre of the sealing portion 104. The valve outlets 124 may for example be equidistantly placed along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion. However, the valve outlets 124 may also be spatially separated from each other along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion in a substantially non-symmetrical manner (e.g., not equidistantly) in accordance with some embodiments.

[0058] The membrane 102 may comprise an adhesive 136 for attaching the membrane 102 to the food package 110, see FIG. 1b. The adhesive 136 may be attached to an inner surface 138 of the membrane 102. The inner surface 138 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110. The adhesive may form an adhesive layer 137. The adhesive layer 137 may cover a surface of the membrane 102. An opposite outer surface 140 of the membrane 102 may be arranged to have non-adhesive surface. Alternatively, the food package may comprise the adhesive for attaching the one-way valve.

[0059] FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic views of the one-way valve 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, according to some examples. With reference to FIGS. 2, 3a and 3b, it is illustrated that sealing interface 120 is further arranged such that a channel 142 is formed between the food package 110 and the membrane 102 when the release of excess steam 144 from within the food package 110 exceeds a threshold value. The channel 142 extending from the venting opening 118 to the valve outlet 124.

[0060] In more detail, steam is generated within the food package 110 during a heating of the food package 110. The heating may be a reheating of the food package 110 by a consumer. Put differently, the heating of the food product 112 induces a steam generation. The heating may induce a boiling of the food product 112. The heating may, for example, be caused by microwave heating. The heating may cause an overpressure in the food package 110. The overpressure may further inflate the covering 116 such that the volume inside the food package 110 is increased. The covering 116 may form a convex shape. Excess steam 144 generated within the food package 110 may induce a flow 146 of excess steam 144 through the venting opening 118 of the food package 110, see FIG. 2.

[0061] The channel 142 is formed when the release of excess steam 144 exceeds a threshold value. The flow 146 of excess steam 144 from within the food package 110 is channeled to the valve outlet 124. Excess steam 144 may thereby be released through the valve outlet 124 in a controlled manner. By having the valve outlet 124 arranged between sealing portion 104 and barrier portion 106 the risk of the one-way valve 100 being partly or fully torn away when the food package 110 is heated may be reduced. More specifically, the risk of the formed channel 142 reaching all the way out to an edge 147 of the membrane 102 and spreading may be reduced. The risk of the one-way valve 100 detaching from the food package 110 may thereby be reduced.

[0062] For completeness, it may be noted that a plurality of channels 142 may be formed as illustrated in FIG. 3a. When the release of excess steam 144 is lower than the threshold value, the flow of excess steam out of the venting opening may be too small for forming a channel that reach the valve outlet. As a result, a partial channel 143 may be formed, as illustrated in FIG. 3a.

[0063] The valve outlet 124 may form a flap 148 in the membrane 102. Put differently, the slit 128 of the valve outlet 124 may be formed such that a flap 148 is formed in the membrane 102. The flap 148 may be lifted from the food package 110 as a result of the flow 146 of excess steam 144. On other words, the flow 146 of excess steam 144 may bend the membrane 102 such that the flap 148 is bent away from the food package 110. The flap 148 may protrude from the plane of the membrane 102.

[0064] The valve outlet 124 may arranged to emit a sound signal 150 by vibration 152 of a part thereof, see FIG. 3b. The vibration 152 is caused by the flow 146 of excess steam 144. By way of example, the flap 148 may be arranged to vibrate 152 in response to the flow 146 of excess steam 144 through the valve outlet 124.

[0065] At least two valve outlets 132 may be arranged to emit a sound signal 150. The at least two valve outlets 132 may have equal dimensions. The at least two valve outlets 132 may thereby be arranged to emit the same sound signal 150. Put differently, the sound emitted respectively from the at last two valve outlets 132 may have the same sound characteristics. A more robust sound emitting one-way valve 100 may thereby be provided. The emitted sound signal 150 may be indicative for a consumer reheating of the food package 110 that the food product 112 within the food package 110 is complete. A simplified process for preparing of the food product 112 may thereby be provided to a consumer.

[0066] The at least two of the valve outlets 132 may respectively have the form of a flap 148. The flaps 148 may have the same dimensions. The dimensions of the flap 148 may determine the characteristics of the sound generated by the vibration of the flap. Put differently, the vibration frequency of the flap 148 influences the characteristics of the sound waves produced. The vibration frequency may be the resonance frequency of the flap 148. The sound emitted may be higher or lower in pitch according to the frequency of vibration. A well-defined sound emission from the one-way valve 100 may thereby be provided.

[0067] FIGS. 4a to 4c are schematic views of a one-way valve according to some embodiments. FIG. 4a illustrates the one-way valve 100 from a top view perspective. The one-way valve 100 comprises a membrane 102. The membrane 102 further comprises a sealing portion 104 and a barrier portion 106. FIG. 4b illustrates the one-way valve 100 from a side perspective along a cross-section 108 of the membrane 102, illustrated by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 4a. With reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the one-way valve 100 is arranged to be attached to a food package 110. The sealing portion 104 of the membrane 102 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 to cover a venting opening 118 of the food package 110. The sealing portion 104 is arranged to form a sealing interface 120 between the membrane 102 and the food package 110. The sealing portion 104 thereby seals the food package 110. The barrier portion 106 is arranged at a periphery 122 of the membrane 102. The barrier portion 106 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 such that the membrane 102 adhere to the food package 110.

[0068] The one-way valve 100 comprises a valve outlet 124, arranged at a distal end 126 of the membrane 102. The valve outlet 124 may be formed by a recess 154 in the membrane 102. The recess 154 is further arranged to extend into the membrane 102 such that a slit is formed through the membrane 102 in response to a flow of excess steam. Put differently, the recess 154 may extend partly through the membrane 102. The recess 154 may be understood as a partial cut 155 in the membrane. In other words, the recess is arranged such that a pressure formed by the flow of excess steam may extend the partial cut 155 in the membrane 102 to a cut through the membrane 102. The valve outlet 124 may thereby form an opening through the membrane 102 such that excess steam may flow through valve outlet 124 from one side of the membrane 102 to the other opposing side of the membrane 102. The opening formed may be substantially perpendicular in extension relative to the plane of the membrane 102. The recess 154 may be arch-shaped 130. Hence, the arch-shaped 130 recess 154 may be arranged such that the slit formed through the membrane in response to the flow of steam forms an arch-shaped slit.

[0069] In FIG. 4b the recess 154 is illustrated as being formed on the outer surface 140 of the membrane 102, the outer surface 140 is arranged to point away from the food package 110 when the one-way valve 100 is attached to the food package 110. Alternatively, the recess 154 is formed on the inner surface 138 of the membrane 102, the inner surface 138 is arranged to point towards the food package 110 when the one-way valve 100 is attached to the food package 110, as illustrated in FIG. 4c. Put differently, the recess 154 may be formed on the bottom surface of the membrane 102. The recess 154 may thereby be concealed from the top surface of the membrane. A more robust recess 154 may thereby be provided. Undesired trapping of material in the recess 154 such as trapping of dirt or dust may further be mitigated.

[0070] In FIGS. 4b and 4c the membrane 102 is attached directly on the food package 110. The membrane 102 may be self-adhesive. In other examples, the one-way valve having a recess in the membrane may further comprise an adhesive. The adhesive may be in the form of an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is arranged between the membrane and the food package.

[0071] FIG. 5a is a schematic view of a one-way valve according to some embodiments. FIG. 5a illustrates a one-way valve 100 from a bottom view perspective, i.e. from the inner surface 138 of the membrane 102. FIG. 6. illustrates a food package comprising the one-way valve of FIG. 5a from a top view perspective, i.e. from the outer surface 140 of the membrane 102. The membrane 102 of the one-way valve 100 further comprises a sealing portion 104 and a barrier portion 106. The sealing portion 104 of the membrane 102 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 to cover a venting opening 118 for the food package 110. The sealing portion 104 is arranged to form a sealing interface between the membrane 102 and the food package 110, as have been discussed above. The sealing portion 104 seals the food package 110. The barrier portion 106 is further arranged at a periphery 122 of the membrane 102. The barrier portion 106 is arranged to be attached to the food package 110 such that the membrane 102 adhere to the food package 110.

[0072] The membrane 102 in FIG. 5a is illustrated, by way of example, to have a generally elliptical shape where one end has an indentation towards the centre of the valve 100. The membrane may, by way of example, have an extension along the long axis of the elliptical shape in the range of 100 mm to 20 mm, preferably in the range 80 mm to 40 mm. The membrane 102 may, by way of example, have an extension along the short axis of the elliptical shape in the range of 70 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range 50 mm to 30 mm.

[0073] The sealing portion 104 is further exemplified to have a circular shape. The circular shape may, by way of example, have a diameter in the range 40 mm to 20 mm. The one-way valve of FIG. 5a comprises, by way of example, four valve outlets 124. The valve outlets 124 are arranged spatially separated from each other in the plane of the membrane 102. The valve outlets 124 are separated from each other along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion. The valve outlets may be arranged equidistant from each other. The valve outlets 124 may surround the sealing portion 104. An advantage being that the channel formed between the food package and the membrane when the release of excess steam from within the food package exceeds a threshold value may more efficiently reach a valve outlet such that a flow of excess steam from within the food package is channeled to the valve outlet. Put differently, the channel formed may more efficiently be directed to a valve outlet.

[0074] The valve outlets 124 may be in the form of slits 128. The slits may be arch shaped 130. According to some examples the slits 128 may have a length in the range of 40 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 30 mm to 20 mm.

[0075] In some embodiments, a plurality of valve outlets 124 may form a chain 156 of vale outlets 124 along a circumference 134 of the sealing portion 104, the plurality of valve outlets 124 being spatially separated 158 from neighbouring valve outlets 124. The chain 156 of valve outlets 124 may enclose 159 the sealing portion 104. FIG. 5b depicts three schematic illustrations from a top-view perspective of a one-way valve 100 in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 5b shows some example configurations of the valve outlets 124 of a one-way valve 100 where the plurality of valve outlets 124 are spatially separated from each other along a circumference 134 (indicated by the broken line) of the sealing portion 104 surrounding a centre portion (indicated by the “x”) of the sealing portion 104. The configurations (I)-(III) depicted in FIG. 5b are generally to be construed as symmetrical placements of the valve outlets 124.

[0076] An advantage of the valve outlets 124 surrounding the sealing portion 104 is that the likelihood that the channel formed reaches the barrier portion 106 is reduced. An improved adhesion of the membrane to the food package may moreover be achieved.

[0077] The membrane 102 may comprise an adhesive 136 for attaching the membrane 102 to a food package. The membrane 102 is arranged such that the inner surface 138 of the membrane adhere to the food package 110. The adhesive 136 may be arranged such that the sealing portion 104 has a first adhesion strength 160 for adhesion to the food package 110.

[0078] The adhesive 136 may further be arranged such that the barrier portion 106 has a second adhesion strength 162 for adhesion to the food package 110. The first adhesions strength 160 may be lower than the second adhesion strength 162.

[0079] According to some examples, the one-way valve 100 may comprise and additional layer 164. The additional layer 164 may be arranged to form the sealing portion 104. The additional layer 164 may be attached to a surface of the membrane 102, thereby forming the sealing portion 104. The additional layer 164 may thereby form the sealing interface. Put differently, the additional layer 164 may form a sealing layer. Thus, the additional layer 164 may be arranged to be attached to the food package to cover the venting opening and to form the sealing interface between the membrane and the food package.

[0080] The one-way valve 100 may be arranged such that the additional layer 164 extends to the valve outlet or valve outlets 124 of the one-way valve 100, whereas the membrane 102 forms the barrier portion 106. The additional layer 164 may have a first adhesion strength 160 and the barrier portion may have a second adhesion strength 162. The second adhesion strength 162 may be larger than the first adhesion strength 160. An improved tuning of the threshold value for forming a channel may thereby be provided, while maintaining via the barrier portion a stronger adhesion of the one-way valve to the food package.

[0081] According to some examples, the membrane 102 may be a polypropylene, PP, membrane. The membrane may in other examples be a polyamide, PA, polyethylene, PE, or polyurethane, PUR, membrane. The membrane may alternatively be a polyethylene terephthalate, PET, membrane.

[0082] The food product is not intended to be limited to any particular form or type of food. The method for preparing a food product may for instance be applicable to meat, fish, vegetables and / or seafood. The food product may, in other examples, be in the form of ready-to-eat meals.

[0083] With reference to FIG. 6, and according to some examples, the covering 116 may be a film. The film may be an extruded film. The covering may be a printed film. The covering may be a non-transparent fibre film having a plastic coating. The covering may in other examples be a lid.

[0084] The container 114 is here exemplified as a tray. The container may in other examples be, for example, a can. The container may be flexible. The container may be a plastic container. The plastic container may be a flexible plastic container.

[0085] The container and the covering may be of the same material. The container and covering may in other examples form a bag. Thus, the container and the covering may be formed jointly. The bag may be referred to as a food packaging bag. The container and the covering may form a pouch. The pouch may be a stand-up pouch.

[0086] The covering may comprise a ductile material such as a polyamide. The covering may further comprise a barrier material, such as polypropylene and / or polyamide. The barrier material may act as a barrier material to prevent diffusion of oxygen into the food package. The covering may further comprise a material which is suitable for being attached to the container by heating or welding. Examples of such materials may be polypropylene or polyethylene, depending on the material used in the container. The covering may further be sealed to the container at joint around the edge of the container. The covering may be in the form of a laminate. The laminate may comprise layers of polyamide and as polypropylene. The covering may be arranged on the container such that the polypropylene layer is arranged closer to the interior of the container than the polyamide layer.

[0087] The membrane may, according to some examples, have a circular shape or a half circular shape. The diameter of the circular or half circular shaped membrane may, for example, be in the range of 100 mm to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 80 mm to 40 mm. The thickness of the membrane may be in the range of 100 micrometres to 20 micrometres, preferably within the range 70 micrometres to 40 micrometres. The dimensions of the membrane may be set by the size of the venting opening of the food package. The sealing portion should cover the venting opening such that the food package is sealed and to separate the valve outlet or valve outlets from the venting opening.

[0088] The venting opening may have an opening size within a range of 1 mm2 to 8 mm2, preferable within a range of 2 mm2 to 4 mm2 and most preferable between a range of 3 mm2 to 4 mm2.

[0089] The opening size may thereby be sufficiently small to maintain an overpressure within the food package but to allow for an efficient release of excess steam caused by the steam generation. Breakage of the food package may thereby be prevented.

[0090] The wording steam may comprise water in the gas phase. The steam may be water vapour. The steam may be understood as a mixture of vapour and aerosols of liquid water vapour. Steam may be understood as the vapour obtained by heating a substance at boiling temperature. The steam may comprise gases and / or vapour originating from the food product when heated. The steam may comprise gas originating from within the food package.

[0091] The wording steam generation is in the present context to be understood as the steam generated within the food package by the heating of the food product. The steam generation may increase the pressure inside the food package. The steam generation may create an overpressure within the food package. The steam generation may inflate the food package. Excess steam generated within the food package may further exit through the venting opening thereby reducing the pressure in the food package. The excess steam may be understood as the amount of steam that is driven out of the food package due to an overpressure within the food package.

[0092] The threshold value is, for instance, determined by the adhesion between the membrane and the food package. The adhesion between the food package and the membrane may be tailored by selecting the strength and / or amount of adhesive used. The adhesion may further be selected by selecting the dimensions of the sealing portion. Put differently the threshold value may be defined by selecting the distance between the venting opening and the valve outlet.

[0093] According to some examples, the adhesion of the sealing portion of the one-way valve may be arranged to withstand a flow of excess steam pertaining to an overpressure within the food package within the range of 10 mbar to 150 mbar, and preferably, within the range of 30 mbar to 50 mbar before a channel is formed. By adapting the adhesion to withstand a flow of excess steam pertaining to an overpressure within the food package within the range of 30 mbar to 50 mbar the load or strain on the other parts of the food package is alleviated during re-heating of the food package.

[0094] According to some examples the one-way valve may be applied to the food package after a food product in the food package has been heated in a cooking and / or pasteurisation process. The heating may, for example, be by exposing the food package to microwave radiation. The food package may in some embodiments be prepared for re-heating by a consumer. The consumer may be the end consumer. When the consumer heats the food package, for example, in a microwave oven, the food product is heated. The heating induces a steam generation within the food package. The increased pressure may induce an overpressure. The overpressure may inflate the covering such that the volume inside the food package is increased. The heating of the food package may further induce a release of excess steam through the venting opening of the food package. The one-way valve may be arranged to emit a sound signal by vibration of a part thereof. The vibration is caused by the flow of excess steam. The sound signal may be indicative of that a reheating of a food product within the food package is complete.

[0095] It should be noted that the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the words “a” or “an” preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the invention may be at least in part implemented by means of both hardware and software, and that several “means” or “units” may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0096] The above mentioned and described embodiments are only given as examples and should not be limiting to the present invention. Other solutions, uses, objectives, and functions within the scope of the invention as claimed in the below described patent embodiments should be apparent for the person skilled in the art.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0049]In the following detailed description, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0050]In the following description of example embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components. It will be understood that, although the term first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms...

Claims

1. A one-way valve for a food package having a venting opening, the one-way valve being arranged to open in response to a release of excess steam from within the food package, the one-way valve comprising:a membrane, the membrane comprising a sealing portion and a barrier portion, wherein the sealing portion is arranged to be attached to the food package to cover the venting opening and to form a sealing interface between the membrane and the food package such that the food package is sealed, and wherein the barrier portion is arranged at a periphery of the membrane;a valve outlet arranged at a distal end of the sealing portion thereby spatially separated from the venting opening when the membrane is attached to the food package, the valve outlet being arranged between the sealing portion and the barrier portion; andwherein the sealing interface is arranged such that a channel is formed between the food package and the membrane when the release of excess steam from within the food package exceeds a threshold value, the channel extending from the venting opening to the valve outlet such that a flow of excess steam from within the food package is channeled to the valve outlet.

2. The one-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve outlet is arranged to emit a sound signal by vibration of a part thereof, the vibration being caused by the flow of excess steam.

3. The one-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve outlet is formed by a slit through the membrane.

4. The one-way valve according to claim 3, wherein the slit arch-shaped.

5. The one-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve outlet is formed by a recess in the membrane, the recess being arranged to extend into the membrane such that a slit is formed through the membrane in response to the flow of excess steam.

6. The one-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve outlet forms a flap in the membrane.

7. The one-way valve according to claim 6, wherein the flap is arranged to vibrate in response to the flow of excess steam through the valve outlet.

8. The one-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the one-way valve comprises at least two valve outlets arranged at distal ends of the sealing portion, the at least two valve outlets being spatially separated from each other in the plane of the membrane.

9. The one-way valve according to claim 8, wherein the at least two valve outlets have equal dimensions.

10. The one-way valve according to claim 8, wherein the at least two valve outlets are spatially separated from each other along a circumference of the sealing portion so to surround a centre of the sealing portion.

11. The one-way valve according to claim 10, wherein the at least two valve members are spatially separated from each other along a circumference of the sealing portion so to surround a centre of the sealing portion in a substantially symmetrical manner.

12. The one-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises an adhesive for attaching the membrane to the food package, and wherein the membrane has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, and wherein the inner surface comprises the adhesive.

13. The one-way valve according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive is arranged such that the sealing portion has a first adhesion strength and the barrier portion has a second adhesion strength, the first adhesions strength being lower than the second adhesion strength, when the membrane is attached to the food package.

14. The one-way valve according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is a polypropylene, PP, membrane.

15. A food package for cooking, storing and / or heating a food product, the food package comprising the one-way valve according to claim 1.

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