Packaging system for flavored liquid to be frozen

Abstract

Packaging system for flavored liquid to be frozen suitable for allowing the final user to place a flavored ice available for flavoring foods and drinks, with different flavors depending on the type of flavored liquid used; said liquid being inserted within suitable cavities, defined alveoli, separated and independent from each other, in order to allow partial consumption of the flavored ice cubes obtained, depending on user needs; said packaging system being suitable for introducing a tray made of recyclable PET on the market, comprising alveoli which are suitable for containing the flavored liquid which can subsequently be frozen by the user, obtaining a plurality of flavored ice cubes, protected by a protective film designed to be welded on the tray in order to allow a partial opening thereof, continuing to protect that ice cubes that are not used.

Description

[0001] “Packaging system for flavored liquid to be frozen”

[0002] Description

[0003] Field of the art

[0004] The invention refers to an innovative system suitable for packaging and preserving a plurality of flavored ice cubes, derived from the insertion of a flavored liquid within a plurality of alveoli; said system allowing the final user to place a multitude of aromas within the ice, simplifying the seasoning of foods and drinks.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Preserving foods in ice can be a common practice for maintaining their freshness and preventing bacterial growth. Nevertheless, it is important to observe that several foods might not satisfactorily preserve their aromatic or flavor properties, if maintained in the ice for extended time periods.

[0007] The ice can absorb odors or transfer flavors to the surrounding foods. Such aspect can represent an advantage, if one knows how to measure the flavors well; however, malodorous ice can lead to various complications in the preparation of a dish or in preserving a plate.

[0008] Flavored ice for example, even if it can enrich drinks with a touch of flavor, has several important considerations.

[0009] First of all, there is the risk of dilution of the flavor, since the ice tends to be dissolved, especially if flavored with ingredients having high water content such as fruit juice. In addition, there could be the transfer of odors and flavors of other foods or drinks into the freezer, if the flavored ice is not correctly preserved.

[0010] Other concerns include the possibility of microbiological contamination if the ingredients are not correctly treated or preserved. Thus, it is essential to use fresh and safe ingredients in order to prevent potential problems of food safety.

[0011] People with allergies would be more at risk, and must be aware of the ingredients used in the flavored ice, thus preventing undesired reactions. Finally, the correct preservation of the flavored ice in hermetic containers is essential in order to prevent the absorption of undesired odors, further preserving the quality thereof.

[0012] Notwithstanding such critical issues, at the present state of the art, the flavored ice is already sold today in supermarkets, however involving the waste of considerable expenses for the production, transport and storage, due to the need of maintaining such flavored ice frozen. Nor does the patent W02018007659, published on 11 January 2018, resolve the aforesaid problems since it describes a ground ice, useful for conferring flavor to drinks, without in any manner specifying how the bacteria that the ground ice carries therewith from the factory will be managed up to the time of the consumption thereof.

[0013] The object of the present patent application is therefore that of remedying the abovementioned problems, by describing a packaging system for the flavored liquid which is suitable for being frozen, lowering the bacterial charge and simultaneously preserving the quality of the aromas, contributing to flavoring drinks or prepared plates, and simultaneously safeguarding consumer health.

[0014] Description of the invention

[0015] According to the present invention, a packaging system for flavored liquid to be frozen is attained which effectively resolves the abovementioned problems.

[0016] The present packaging system for flavored liquids to be frozen is distinguished due to the possibility, offered to the final user, of producing flavored ice cubes intended to flavor drinks and foods. The presence of a clear diversity in the flavors of the cubes is determined by the type of flavored liquid used which, in one embodiment thereof, comprises aromas constituted by vitamins and by other supplements, so as to render any drink energetic, following the insertion of the present flavored ice cubes.

[0017] The liquid is contained in specific cavities, termed alveoli, which are separate and independent from each other. Such separation allows the user to partially consume the flavored ice cubes based on his / her needs.

[0018] The packaging system is designed for introducing, on the market, a recyclable tray made of PET, composed of 20 alveoli intended to contain the flavored liquid. This liquid can be subsequently frozen by the user, generating a plurality of flavored ice cubes. The tray is provided with a protective film, sealed on the tray in order to allow a partial opening thereof. This film continues to protect the non-used cubes.

[0019] The packaging system includes at least a tray made of PET derived from a 500 micron film, suitable for processing by means of a thermoforming machine. The tray has a base of at least 15 centimeters and a height of at least 20 centimeters, sizes useful for optimizing the transport and the loading on pallets for large-scale distribution.

[0020] On the upper surface of the tray, a plurality of alveoli are present, each with a cavity deep at least 3 centimeters, suitable for housing the flavored water.

[0021] By way of a non-limiting example, a divider is suitable for being inserted within each alveolus, in order to allow the mixing of multiple different aromas, following a scissor cut executed on the aforesaid divider.

[0022] Each alveolus can be filled with a dose of flavored water by means of a pneumatic dispenser of liquids, which uses minimum and maximum electric sensors in order to prevent accidental leaks of the liquid. The mixed liquid, obtained from the joining of water and aroma, can be frozen by the user in order to obtain ice cubes. The extraction occurs due to a 1° flare, present in the cavity of the alveoli.

[0023] The system also provides for using at least a film, heat-sealed on the upper part of the tray, ensuring the hermetic preservation of the flavored liquid during the transport. The film allows dividing the opening of the tray, facilitating the extraction only of the ice cubes desired by the user and maintaining the preservation quality high of the remaining cubes.

[0024] In one embodiment thereof, said film can be made of PET, PE or of any other recyclable material.

[0025] By way of a non-limiting example, said film is suitable for representing the logos of the manufacturing company and the nutritional values of the aromas contained in the liquid.

[0026] In order to prevent contaminations during the opening of the tray, heat seals are present which constrain the film to the tray on each edge of the alveoli. These heat seals leave out a free film surface on the short side of the tray, facilitating the opening of the package. Finally, a percentage of inert gas is inserted in the alveoli by means of suitable nozzles in order to extend the conservation period of the flavored liquid to be frozen.

[0027] In one embodiment thereof, said percentage of inert gas is constituted by nitrogen, inserted at 700 mbar, in order to obtain a final pressure of the upper alveolus at 850 mbar.

[0028] By way of a non-limiting example, hydrogen peroxide is further adapted to be inserted within said alveoli, having oxidizing character, adapted to remove more than 90% of the bacteria that risk being preserved together with the ice obtained from said flavored liquid; said peroxide being inserted within the flavored liquid in a quantity that is capable of varying between 12 and 17 ppm.

[0029] The presence of peroxide, in one embodiment thereof, involves the writing on the film of a date within which it is suggested to freeze such flavored liquid, to reduce any loss of flavor in the aroma previously mixed with the liquid.

[0030] The advantages offered by the present invention are evident in light of the description set forth up to now and will be even clearer due to the enclosed figures and detailed description.

[0031] Description of the figures

[0032] The invention will be described hereinbelow in at least a preferred and non-limiting embodiment with the aid of the enclosed figures, in which:

[0033] - FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of the tray 10 which is adapted to be attained following a heat sealing completed by means of a compressed air system, further attaining a plurality of alveoli 11 due to a heated punch.

[0034] - FIGURE 2 shows the opening system of the tray 10, object of the invention, employing a film 12 that was previously constrained to the edges of each alveolus 11 by means of a plurality of heat seals 13.

[0035] - FIGURE 3 shows the opening sequence of a tray 10 which contains a plurality of doses of flavored liquid 14 contained with said alveoli 14.

[0036] - FIGURE 4 shows the filling of the alveoli 11, following the insertion of the flavored liquid 14 that occurs by means of a plurality of nozzles 15.

[0037] Detailed description of the invention The present invention will not be illustrated as a merely non-limiting or non-binding embodiment, with reference to the figures which illustrate several embodiments relative to the present inventive concept.

[0038] With reference to the FIG. 1, a tray 10 is illustrated that is obtained following the thermoforming executed by an industrial machine characterized by a pneumatic system for treating a 500 micron PET film.

[0039] The obtained product therefore, following the thermoforming, is a rectangular tray 10 containing 20 alveoli, placed at 8 millimeters from each other.

[0040] Such separation edge between an alveolus 11 and the next, allows carrying out a heat seal 13 that has the purpose of making the opening the tray 10 modular, allowing the exclusive use of only the ice cubes that were uncovered by the film 12.

[0041] Said alveoli 11 are characterized by a depth of 3 centimeters, and possesses a 1° edge on their lower edge, in order to facilitate the exit of the ice cube which is the result of the freezing of the flavored liquid 14.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the opening of the tray 10 is illustrated, which is adapted to be open, by stretching film 12; said film can be made of a recyclable PET material, of EP material or of any other material, depending on the preferences of the producer. Said film 12 is constrained to the lateral edges of the alveoli 11, hence to the tray 10, by means of the use of a plurality of heat seals 13, which are added to obstruct the opening of the tray 10, advantageously minimizing the contamination of the ice cubes that are still covered by the film 12.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 3, the progressive opening of the film 12, adapted to be partially lifted, being separated from the edges of the alveoli 11 where the heat seals 13 were carried out. Figure 3 in fact tends to underline, by way of example, how many intermediate opens can be carried out with the film 12 possibly made of recyclable PET.

[0044] With reference to FIG. 4, the process of filling the alveoli 11, employing a plurality of dripproof nozzles 15, which are suitable for inserting the pre-established mixture of flavored liquid 14, within each alveolus 11 belonging to the tray 10. Said drip-proof nozzles 15 being adapted to be controlled by a meter, which comprises a plurality of maximum and minimum electric centers, useful for maintaining a uniform and constant level of the liquid 14 within each alveolus 11.

[0045] Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variations that are obvious for the man skilled in the art can be made to the invention described up to now, without departing from the protective scope that is provided with the enclosed claims.

Claims

Claims1. Packaging system for flavored liquid (14) to be frozen characterized in that it allows the end user to have flavored ice available for flavoring foods and drinks with different flavors depending on the type of flavored liquid (14) used; said liquid (14) being inserted inside special cavities, defined alveoli (11), separated and independent from each other, in order to allow partial consumption of the flavored ice cubes obtained, depending on the user needs; said packaging system being suitable for placing on the market a tray (10) in recyclable PET, comprising 20 cells which are suitable for containing the flavored liquid (14) which can subsequently be frozen by the user, obtaining a plurality of ice cubes flavored, protected by a protective film (12) designed to be welded onto the tray (10) to allow partial opening, continuing to protect the cubes that are not used; said flavored liquid packaging system (14) to be frozen comprising:- at least one tray (10), made of recyclable material such as PET, derived from a 500 micron film, which is suitable for being processed by a thermoforming machine, through the use of a compressed air forming system suitable for collaborating with a system that uses a heated punch; said tray (10) having a base of at least 15 centimeters and a height of at least 20 centimeters, in order to optimize the transport and loading of said trays (10) on pallets for large-scale distribution;- a plurality of alveoli (11), made on the upper surface of said tray (10), having a cavity at least 3 centimeters deep, for the purpose of housing the flavored liquid (14) before being covered by a film (12); each alveolus (11) being capable of being filled with a dose of flavored liquid (14) through the use of a pneumatic dispenser, equipped with 10 drip-proof nozzles (15), capable of using a plurality of minimum and maximum electric sensors, in order to eliminate the risk of leaking the liquid (14) mixed with the aroma; said mixed liquid (14) being obtained from the union of water, contained in an external tank, and an aroma introduced via a dosing pump; said flavored liquid(14) being capable of being frozen by the end user, obtaining ice cubes which are capable of being extracted from the relative alveoli (11) thanks to a 1° flare present in their cavity;- at least one film (12), heat-sealed on top of said tray (10) once the alveoli (11) have been filled, suitable for allowing the preservation of the flavored liquid (14) during transport, ensuring hermetic closure of the tray (10); said film (12) further allowing the opening of the tray (10) to be divided, allowing the extraction of only the ice cubes of interest by the user, in order to maintain a high quality of preservation of the cubes still contained inside of the relative alveoli (11);- a plurality of heat seals (13), designed to bind said film (12) to the tray (10) on each edge of said alveoli (11), preventing any contamination when opening the tray (10); said heat seals (13) being designed to leave out a free surface of film (12), on the short side of said tray (10), in order to allow easier opening of the package obtained;- at least a percentage of inert gas, inserted inside the alveoli (11) through the use of special nozzles, designed to extend the conservation period of the flavored liquid (14) to be frozen.

2. Packaging system for flavored liquid (14) to be frozen, according to the preceding claim1, characterized in that hydrogen peroxide is suitable for being inserted within said alveoli (11), such hydrogen peroxide having an oxidizing character, suitable for removing more than 90% of the bacteria that risk being stored together with the ice obtained from said flavored liquid (14); said peroxide being inserted within the flavored liquid (14) in a quantity that is capable of varying between 12 and 17 ppm.

3. Packaging system for flavored liquid (14) to be frozen, according to the preceding claim2, characterized in that the presence of peroxide implies writing on the film (12) a date by which it is recommended to freeze said flavored liquid (14), to reduce any loss of flavor in the aroma previously mixed with the liquid (14).

4. Packaging system for flavored liquid (14) to be frozen, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said film is made of PET-type material.

5. Packaging system for flavored liquid (14) to be frozen, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said film (12) is suitable for representing the logos of the manufacturing company and the nutritional values of the aromas contained in the liquid (14).

6. Packaging system for flavored liquid (14) to be frozen, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said flavorings are made up of vitamins and other supplements, to make any drink energetic, following the insertion of these flavored ice cubes.

7. Packaging system for flavored liquid (14) to be frozen, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said percentage of inert gas is made up of nitrogen, inserted at 700 mbar, obtaining a final pressure of the compartment higher than 850 mbar.

8. Packaging system for flavored liquid (14) to be frozen, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one divider is suitable for being inserted inside each alveoli (11), suitable for allowing mixing, if desired, of different aromas, following a scissor cut made on one of the dividers.

Images