Composite packaging for storing products in a hermetic and modified-atmosphere environment

Abstract

The present invention discloses a composite packaging (100) for storing organic or food products, such as grains and seeds, in a hermetic and modified-atmosphere environment, comprising: an outer layer (10) and a liner (20). The outer layer (10) comprises a rectangular volume, wherein an upper portion comprises a lid (11) and a lower portion comprises a discharge valve (12). The outer layer (10) further comprises handles (13) on its lateral edges (14), wherein a body (131) of the handles (13) is sewn on at a distance from the respective lateral edges (14). The liner (20) comprises a rectangular volume and is configured to be arranged inside said outer layer (10). The liner (20) further comprises an upper valve (21), a lower valve (22), internal catches (23) on its respective lateral edges (25), and fastening tabs (24) on each side of its corresponding upper and lower portions for fastening to the outer layer (10).

Description

[0001] COMPOSITE PACKAGING FOR PRODUCT STORAGE IN ONE

[0002] Hermetic and Modified Atmosphere Environment

[0003] Field of Application:

[0004]

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of large flexible containers or packaging. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composite packaging for storing products in a hermetic and modified atmosphere environment.

[0005] Fundamentals of the Invention:

[0006]

[0002] Large flexible containers or packaging, respectively known as Big Bags, provide an excellent cost-benefit for the transport and storage of products, such as organic or food products, in dry, pasty, granulated states, among others.

[0007]

[0003] In the packaging market there are big bags with liners (inner lining). The big bag is built to withstand loads and is responsible for mechanical strength. On the other hand, the liner is responsible for providing an additional protective barrier for the products.

[0008]

[0004] The additional protection provided by using a liner can bring benefits such as preserving the quality and flavor of food products, protecting against infestations, increasing the shelf life of stored grains and seeds, etc.

[0009]

[0005] Regarding seed storage, it is observed that these generally need to be stored in climate-controlled environments to ensure good germination and vigor rates, in order to meet the standards of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa), which sets a minimum germination rate of 80% and purity of 99%.

[0010] State of the Art:

[0011]

[0006] Publications and available state-of-the-art knowledge reveal teachings regarding large flexible containers or packaging, some with internal linings.

[0012]

[0007] Document PI 0717007-6 discloses a method and assembly for emptying a vacuum-sealed package filled with a product such as, for example, nuts. The package is at least partially made of a packaging film. The method employs a suction device provided with a suction opening to empty the package through an opening in the packaging film. The package is provided with a substantially rigid plate element, a main surface of which extends into contact with the inner face of the packaging film, wherein the opening of the packaging film is provided at the location of the substantially rigid element. The method further includes the sealing of the suction opening against an outer face of the package, at a location where the substantially rigid element extends into contact with the inner face of the packaging film, such that the opening is in fluid communication with the suction opening.

[0013]

[0008] Document EP 2808268 discloses equipment for handling goods sold wholesale, comprising a bag or container made of flexible material intended for direct contact with said goods and a device for injecting and / or extracting gas from the interior volume of said container, once said goods have been packaged, said bag or container including at least one valve through which said gas injection and / or extraction is carried out, said bag or container comprising at least one layer of flexible material with adequate permeability to maintain substantially constant the composition of the internal atmosphere of the container for a determined time, once said gas injection and / or extraction has been carried out.

[0014]

[0009] US document 20170001796 discloses a container that receives and contains the product. The container includes a combination of multilayer composite film forming a bag defining a product filling opening. The multilayer composite film combination includes first and second inner and outer layers of polymer film, each with vacuum retention properties, and a third polymer film disposed between the first and second polymer films. The third polymer film has oxygen barrier properties. The product is packaged in the container by coupling a container filling nozzle with a filling tube from a product filling apparatus, and oxygen is drawn from an internal cavity of the container. The product flows through the container filling nozzle, and nitrogen and / or CO2 is added to the internal cavity through the container filling nozzle.The container's filling nozzle is sealed while negative pressure is applied inside the inner cavity, thus immobilizing the product within the container.

[0015]

[0010] Notwithstanding these teachings, it remains clear that deficiencies persist in the state of the art. Therefore, supplementing the deficiencies of the state of the art, the present invention provides an excellent cost-effective solution, easy to assemble, with an innovative configuration and unique characteristics to increase protection and improve the quality of transported and stored grains and seeds.

[0016] Brief Description of the Invention:

[0017]

[0011] The present invention discloses a composite packaging for storing products in a hermetic and modified atmosphere environment, comprising: an outer layer and a liner. The outer layer comprises a rectangular volume, wherein an upper part comprises a stopper and a lower part comprises a discharge valve. The outer layer further comprises handles at its lateral ends, wherein a body of the handles is sewn spaced from the respective lateral ends. The liner comprises a rectangular volume, configured to be disposed inside said outer layer. The liner further comprises an upper valve, a lower valve, internal latches at their respective lateral ends and fastening tabs on each of the sides of their respective upper and lower parts for fastening to the outer layer.

[0018] Brief Description of the Figures

[0019]

[0012] In order to complement the present description and obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the present invention, the following figures are presented, these being provided as preferred and not limiting embodiments.

[0020]

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the composite packaging.

[0021]

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the composite packaging.

[0022]

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates details of the fabric weave, double threads and handles of the composite packaging.

[0023]

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of the composite packaging liner.

[0024]

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates an image of the composite packaging liner and highlights its elements.

[0025]

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates an image of the construction details of the liner fastening tabs.

[0026]

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates an image of the details of the filamentous ribbon.

[0027]

[0020] Figure 8 illustrates images of load tests performed with composite packaging.

[0028] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0029]

[0021] The present invention relates to a composite packaging for storing products in a hermetic and modified atmosphere environment.

[0030]

[0022] In particular, the composite packaging aims to improve the storage of organic or food products, such as grains and seeds, and increase the protection of the packaged products. Preferably, soybean seeds, etc., are stored in said composite packaging of the present invention.

[0031]

[0023] The composite packaging is simple to apply and to use it, simply open the packaging and the top valve of the inner liner to fill the desired product. After that, simply close the liner and remove the oxygen (atmospheric air) from inside it using a vacuum device, which can be any vacuum device known in the state of the art.

[0032]

[0024] Optionally, after the oxygen has been removed, a neutral gas, such as nitrogen, can be introduced to create a modified atmosphere inside the composite packaging.

[0033]

[0025] Preferably wherein the composite packaging is a large flexible container or packaging, such as a big bag. The composite packaging 100 is essentially made up of an outer layer 10 and a liner 20.

[0034]

[0026] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the outer layer 10, preferably made of polypropylene, comprises a rectangular volume. An upper part of the outer layer 10 comprises a plug 11 in an upper part thereof, and said plug comprises a central slot for the passage of an upper valve 21 of the liner 20. A lower part of the outer layer 10 comprises a discharge valve 12 (flap). The discharge valve 12 may comprise a tie 121 for fastening and closing it.

[0035]

[0027] As illustrated in figure 3, the polypropylene fabric of the outer layer 10 comprises more spaced reinforcement areas and double stitched yarns to better distribute friction, being particularly suitable for use in applications requiring strength and durability.

[0036]

[0028] Spaced reinforcement areas are designated areas with a denser or reinforced fabric weave, which increases its strength in those specific regions. The use of double yarns in polypropylene fabric significantly increases its tensile strength and improves its distribution of friction and mechanical stress throughout the fabric, thus allowing the material to withstand high tensions without breaking.

[0037]

[0029] Furthermore, the outer layer 10 is produced from a fabric with wider spacing, preferably approximately 45cm, developed to avoid problems that could compromise the integrity or affect the functionality and safety of the liner 20.

[0038]

[0030] Furthermore, said wider spacing, with more spaced reinforcement areas, avoids situations of excessive tension on liner 20, since when lifting the composite packaging 100 by, for example, forklift forks, the liner 20 would be subject to tension during transport or unloading movements of the composite packaging 100, thus the fabric with this configuration was developed to solve the problem of excessive tension on the seam, which could lead to its detachment from liner 20.

[0039]

[0031] The outer layer 10 further comprises handles 13 at its respective lateral ends 14, wherein a body 131 of the handles 13 is sewn spaced from the lateral ends. It will be appreciated that the body 131 of the handles 13 is sewn to the lateral ends 14 with a greater spacing, preferably a spacing between 20 and 24 cm, for better load distribution, also providing less elongation of the liner 20 fastenings and helping to prevent liner breakage.

[0040] 20.

[0041]

[0032] Furthermore, with 13 more spaced handles, the weight of the load is distributed more evenly along the handles, which helps to better balance the weight when the composite package 100 is hoisted / lifted, reducing the chance of tilting or imbalance of the load.

[0042]

[0033] Additionally, the more widely spaced handles 13 allow a forklift to engage more efficiently, providing greater stability during transport and handling. Furthermore, it allows a load to be supported by points further apart from each other. This reduces stress on the individual handles and consequently extends the lifespan of the composite packaging 100, minimizing the risk of tears or damage to the handles 13 during handling.

[0043]

[0034] As illustrated in figures 1 and 3, the body 131 of the handles 13 can extend only partially downwards from the top of the outer layer or, optionally, the body 131 of the handles 13 can extend from the top to the bottom of the outer layer 10.

[0044]

[0035] As illustrated in figure 4, the liner 20, made of polyethylene, is configured to be disposed inside said outer layer 10, and comprises a rectangular volume with an upper valve 21 and a lower valve 22. As illustrated in figure 5, the liner 20 is preferably locked inside the outer layer 10 by means of a combination of gluing and stitching of its fastening tabs 25.

[0045]

[0036] Liner 20 is preferably manufactured from a 7-layer, 400-micron virgin polyethylene with EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymers), developed for applications requiring high levels of protection against gases, moisture, and mechanical damage. These liners are designed to preserve the quality and integrity of the packaged products throughout the packaging lifecycle.

[0046]

[0037] 0 EVOH possesses excellent barrier properties against gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases, which is essential for protecting the contents of the packaging from deterioration processes caused by exposure to air, and also provides a good moisture barrier, helping to preserve the quality of the packaged product by reducing water absorption. Furthermore, the EVOH and nylon coating can maintain the transparency and gloss of the material, which is important for the visual presentation of packaged products, especially in food packaging.

[0047]

[0038] 0 liner 20 is preferably of the welded type, its parts being joined by thermal (or ultrasonic) welding, in which the plastic materials are heated to a specific temperature, where their surfaces come into intimate contact and are fused together under controlled pressure. This creates a strong and airtight seal. It will be appreciated that welded liners are generally more resistant to tears and ruptures than glued packaging.

[0048]

[0039] The upper valve 21 and lower valve 22 of the liner 20 are substantially shaped like a truncated pyramid, tapering to facilitate loading and unloading of the composite packaging 100. Furthermore, the upper valve 21 preferably comprises a strap 212 for tying and closing it, and similarly, the lower valve 22 comprises a strap 222 for tying and closing it.

[0049]

[0040] It will be appreciated that liner 20 is preferably free of side welds or top or bottom plug couplings. This configuration promotes a greater guarantee of liner 20 tightness. To obtain a liner 20 free of side welds, specific techniques and the use of machines with controlled heat were used. It is crucial that the welding process of liner 20 be carried out with precision to ensure that there are no leaks or sealing failures that compromise the protection of liner 20.

[0050]

[0041] As illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the liner 20 further comprises internal latches 23 making a connection between their respective lateral ends 24. Preferably, the internal latches 23 are produced in a single piece to reinforce the structure of the locked liner 20. The internal latches 23 are preferably also produced from a multilayer film made from poly-nylon, in order to obtain increased mechanical strength and allow for greater stacking support.

[0051]

[0042] Additionally, it will be appreciated that the internal latches 23 may have one or more oblong slots to facilitate the flow of seeds and thus the complete filling of the composite packaging 100.

[0052]

[0043] As illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the fastening tabs 25 are centrally arranged on each side of the respective upper and lower parts of the liner 20. As illustrated in greater detail in figure 6, these are produced from a combination of filament tape 251 glued to raffia fabric tabs 252, the materials and arrangement of the fastening tabs 25 being chosen to withstand multiple filling and emptying cycles of the composite packaging 100 without it breaking. The raffia fabric can be of the PP type, characterized by moderate elongation compared to other more elastic materials, reflecting its specific properties of strength and rigidity.

[0053]

[0044] In addition, the fastening tabs 25 help the liner 20 to withstand the specific load and handling conditions during big bag handling. Additionally, the fastening tabs 25 prevent liner 20 weld failures, as well as ensuring that the liner 20 does not descend (relative to the outer layer 10) when the composite packaging 100 is lifted.

[0054]

[0045] It will be appreciated that the filament tape 251 is glued (with a suitable / compatible adhesive) to the raffia fabric flaps 252 and also to the liner 20. On the other hand, the raffia fabric flaps 252 are sewn to the outer layer 10, also of fabric.

[0055]

[0046] The 251 filament tape preferably comprises a width of 100 mm, maintains its shape and strength even under significant stress, and has exceptional tensile strength performance due to the incorporated reinforcing filaments. As illustrated in Figure 7, the 251 filament tape consists of a plastic film base (usually polypropylene) reinforced with glass filaments. These glass filaments are incorporated in the longitudinal direction of the tape to provide tensile strength and structural reinforcement. Due to the glass filaments, this adhesive tape is very resistant to tearing, punctures, and tensile stress. It is designed for applications requiring strong adhesion and mechanical support, being able to withstand significant loads without breaking.

[0056]

[0047] Furthermore, the filament tape 251 has a strong adhesive that adheres well to a variety of surfaces, providing a secure hold. Depending on the specific formulation, the adhesive may be pressure-sensitive or solvent-activated to ensure good adhesion under different application conditions.

[0057]

[0048] As illustrated in figure 8, tests were carried out with the composite packaging 100 which showed that the liner 20 with glued and sewn fastening tabs 25 obtained satisfactory performance, with no detachment of the liner 20 from the outer layer 10, no ruptures of the fabric of the raffia fabric tabs 252 in the outer layer 10 or breakage of the filament tape 251 in the liner 20.

[0058]

[0049] The liner 20 preferably also comprises a vacuum nozzle 211 integrated into its body or its upper valve 21, to enable connection of a vacuum device. Said vacuum device must be capable of creating a vacuum and / or introducing a neutral gas to create the modified atmosphere inside the liner 20.

[0059]

[0050] Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate the knowledge presented here and will be able to reproduce the invention described in the forms presented and in other variants, covered within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Composite packaging (100) for storing products in a hermetic and modified atmosphere environment, characterized in that it comprises: an outer layer (10), with a rectangular volume, wherein an upper part comprises a stopper (11) and a lower part comprises a discharge valve (12), the outer layer (10) further comprises handles (13) at its lateral ends (14), and wherein a body (131) of the handles (13) is sewn spaced from the respective lateral ends (14); and a liner (20), with a rectangular volume, configured to be disposed inside said outer layer (10), wherein the liner (20) comprises an upper valve (21), a lower valve (22), internal latches (23) at its respective lateral ends (25) and fastening tabs (24) on each of the sides of its respective upper and lower parts for fastening to the outer layer (10).

2. Composite packaging (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening tabs (24) are composed of a combination of filament tape (251) and raffia fabric tabs (252), wherein the filament tape (251) is glued to the raffia fabric tabs (252) and to the liner (20), while the raffia fabric tabs (252) are sewn to the outer layer (10).

3. Composite packaging (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (131) of the handles (13) extends partially downwards from the top of the outer layer (10), or in which the body (131) of the handles (13) extends from the top to the bottom of the outer layer (10).

4. Composite packaging (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the liner (20) is free of side welds or top or bottom plug coupling.

5. Composite packaging (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that said cap (11) comprises a central slot for passage of the upper valve (21) of the liner (20).

6. Composite packaging (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer layer (10) is preferably made of polypropylene, and the liner (20) is preferably made of polyethylene.

7. Composite packaging (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal locks (23) are produced in a single piece with multilayer film made of poly-nylon.

8. Composite packaging (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening tabs (25) are produced in filament tape and raffia fabric.

9. Composite packaging (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the liner (20) further comprises a vacuum nozzle (211) integrated into its body or its upper valve (21).

10. Composite packaging (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the composite packaging (100) is preferably used to store Organic or food products such as grains and seeds, preferably soybeans.

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