CA2237053C - Food packaging enclosing removable prize - Google Patents
Food packaging enclosing removable prize Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2237053C CA2237053C CA002237053A CA2237053A CA2237053C CA 2237053 C CA2237053 C CA 2237053C CA 002237053 A CA002237053 A CA 002237053A CA 2237053 A CA2237053 A CA 2237053A CA 2237053 C CA2237053 C CA 2237053C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sheet material
- food
- recited
- sheet
- packaging
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 107
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 61
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 164
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 42
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000013606 potato chips Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 9
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 19
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 14
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006352 transparent thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
- B65B61/20—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents
- B65B61/202—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents for attaching articles to the outside of a container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/54—Cards, coupons, or other inserts or accessories
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
- B65D81/3261—Flexible containers having several compartments
Abstract
Food packaging with a removable prize therein, and a related method of manufacturing the packaging. Prizes are deposited at a predetermined spacing along an, adhesive-coated first surface of a first sheet of plastic wrapping. The first surface of the first sheet of plastic wrapping with the prizes adhered thereon is covered by a second sheet of plastic wrapping. A second surface of the first sheet, opposite the first surface, is covered by a third sheet of plastic wrapping, after food is placed between the first sheet and the third sheet.
Description
SPECIFICATION
TITLE
FOOD PACKAGING ENCLOSING REMOVABLE PRIZE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention This invention relates tv packaging and, more particularly, to plastic sheet food packaging enclosing a removable prize, and a related method of manufacture.
Z. Background Art Currently, food processors that wish to include prizes with food items, such as potato chips or candy: (1) affix the prize to the outside of plastic wrap food packaging, subjecting the prize to loss or theft; (2) merely insert such prizes loosely inside the food packaging by hand, which is labor intensive, and which is unsanitary since the prize co-mingles with the food item; or (3) simply forego including such items inside the plastic wrap for want of an efficient and/or sterile way to do so.
More particularly, the food packaging industry has attempted to incorporate prizes with food packaging in the following manners.
U.S. Patent No. 3,762,628, issued to Sar en discloses a method for producing a bag with a separate interior compartment for holding a coupon. Eaeh coupon is separated from a parent roll of coupons and is then placed in spaced relation between two sheets of flexible transparent thermoplastic material unwound from rolls, one of the sheets being folded over on itself.
The bag is sealed on three sides, and food can be placed directly in the bag through the unsealed side, and this side is then sealed.
ZS Again, the coupons and the food can co-mingle, causing an unsanitary condition. Also, this method appears best suited fax flat items only. Finally, the coupon is not made a part of the packaging per se, but is merely placed in a compartment or bag separate from the outer layers of the packaging, which does not lead to the best protection of the coupon.
U.S. Patent No. 2,917,164, issued to Kehr, discloses an open food bag with a pouch for containing a gift, such as a baseball card. The pouch prevents the gift from directly contacting the food within the bag.
U.S. Patent No. 5,009,518, issued to Fal ek discloses a bag with an external window style pocket containing a removable coupon.
U.S. Patent No. 5,363,966, issued to Czech et al.. also discloses a series oFplastic bags, each with an external panel containing a removable coupon.
U.S. Patent No. 3,443,682, issued to Niemeyer, discloses a carton having an internal pocket made frorr~ a flexible material to hold a coupon or some other printed matter.
Again, flat objects only appear S to be the intended prize.
U.S. Patent No. 4,306,367, issued to Otto. relates to a laminated food packaging carton having a removable outer ply that may be a coupon, an "iron-on", trading stamp, or some other type of merchandising premium.
Again, as long as the prize item is placed on the exterior of the food packaging, there is a chance that the item will be stolen or otherwise removed.
U.S_ Patent Nos. 3,524,782 and 3.524,271, issued to Huske, disclose coupons attached, via a pressure sensitive adhesive, to a strip which is wound into a roll. The strip is cut into individual labels which may be attached to the outer surface of a container. The labels can each be opened by tearing along perforations for access to the coupons. Again, as with Sar~ent, described above, it appears that this method is best suited for flat objects only. Also, as the labels are applied to the outside of the container, theft is still a problem. Moreover, the coupon is not made a part of the packaging per se, but is formed as a separate member and merely attached to the exterior of the package.
U.S. Patent No. 4,060,168, issued to ~om~a noli, like the Buske references discussed above, discloses a strip or web of backing material with a series of printed labels arranged thereon in serial order. 'The backing material includes a die cut portion opposed to the label which remains adhered to the label upon application of the label to an exterior of a container. The cut portion may include printing and serves as a promotional item with improved pilfer resistance. Again, this type of method appears related to enclosing flat items only. Also, the label is not incorporated in the packaging per se.
Although the prior art described above eliminates some of the problems inherent in the food packaging with prize art, this prior art stall does not disclose or teach packaging or a related method, wherein a prize, such as a small toy, is efficiently incorporated directly in the packaging, so that a sanitary condition of the food is preserved.
TITLE
FOOD PACKAGING ENCLOSING REMOVABLE PRIZE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention This invention relates tv packaging and, more particularly, to plastic sheet food packaging enclosing a removable prize, and a related method of manufacture.
Z. Background Art Currently, food processors that wish to include prizes with food items, such as potato chips or candy: (1) affix the prize to the outside of plastic wrap food packaging, subjecting the prize to loss or theft; (2) merely insert such prizes loosely inside the food packaging by hand, which is labor intensive, and which is unsanitary since the prize co-mingles with the food item; or (3) simply forego including such items inside the plastic wrap for want of an efficient and/or sterile way to do so.
More particularly, the food packaging industry has attempted to incorporate prizes with food packaging in the following manners.
U.S. Patent No. 3,762,628, issued to Sar en discloses a method for producing a bag with a separate interior compartment for holding a coupon. Eaeh coupon is separated from a parent roll of coupons and is then placed in spaced relation between two sheets of flexible transparent thermoplastic material unwound from rolls, one of the sheets being folded over on itself.
The bag is sealed on three sides, and food can be placed directly in the bag through the unsealed side, and this side is then sealed.
ZS Again, the coupons and the food can co-mingle, causing an unsanitary condition. Also, this method appears best suited fax flat items only. Finally, the coupon is not made a part of the packaging per se, but is merely placed in a compartment or bag separate from the outer layers of the packaging, which does not lead to the best protection of the coupon.
U.S. Patent No. 2,917,164, issued to Kehr, discloses an open food bag with a pouch for containing a gift, such as a baseball card. The pouch prevents the gift from directly contacting the food within the bag.
U.S. Patent No. 5,009,518, issued to Fal ek discloses a bag with an external window style pocket containing a removable coupon.
U.S. Patent No. 5,363,966, issued to Czech et al.. also discloses a series oFplastic bags, each with an external panel containing a removable coupon.
U.S. Patent No. 3,443,682, issued to Niemeyer, discloses a carton having an internal pocket made frorr~ a flexible material to hold a coupon or some other printed matter.
Again, flat objects only appear S to be the intended prize.
U.S. Patent No. 4,306,367, issued to Otto. relates to a laminated food packaging carton having a removable outer ply that may be a coupon, an "iron-on", trading stamp, or some other type of merchandising premium.
Again, as long as the prize item is placed on the exterior of the food packaging, there is a chance that the item will be stolen or otherwise removed.
U.S_ Patent Nos. 3,524,782 and 3.524,271, issued to Huske, disclose coupons attached, via a pressure sensitive adhesive, to a strip which is wound into a roll. The strip is cut into individual labels which may be attached to the outer surface of a container. The labels can each be opened by tearing along perforations for access to the coupons. Again, as with Sar~ent, described above, it appears that this method is best suited for flat objects only. Also, as the labels are applied to the outside of the container, theft is still a problem. Moreover, the coupon is not made a part of the packaging per se, but is formed as a separate member and merely attached to the exterior of the package.
U.S. Patent No. 4,060,168, issued to ~om~a noli, like the Buske references discussed above, discloses a strip or web of backing material with a series of printed labels arranged thereon in serial order. 'The backing material includes a die cut portion opposed to the label which remains adhered to the label upon application of the label to an exterior of a container. The cut portion may include printing and serves as a promotional item with improved pilfer resistance. Again, this type of method appears related to enclosing flat items only. Also, the label is not incorporated in the packaging per se.
Although the prior art described above eliminates some of the problems inherent in the food packaging with prize art, this prior art stall does not disclose or teach packaging or a related method, wherein a prize, such as a small toy, is efficiently incorporated directly in the packaging, so that a sanitary condition of the food is preserved.
SUMMARY OF TI-IE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide food packaging with a prize, which packaging is more sterile than prior art packages.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide food packaging with a prize, wherein the prize is less susceptible to theft or loss than with prior art packaging.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide food packaging with a prize inside the packaging, but separated from the food by a plastic sheet, to prevent co-mingling and contamination of the food by the prize.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide an automated method for incorporating a prize in food packaging.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing food packaging, including a prize, which method is more efficient than prior art methods.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide an e~cient and sterile method using conventional, automated packaging machinery to incorporate a prize with plastic wrapped food products.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide a more efficient and sterile method for maztufacturing food packaging witty a prize therein.
It is still another purpose of the present invention to provide a method which incorporates a prize with plastic wrap food products that deters theft ox loss of the prize.
Finally, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method which allows a variety of prizes, including non-flat articles, to be incorporated between plastic sheets which make up the food packaging.
To achieve the foregoing and other purposes of the present invention there is provided food packaging with a removable prize therein, and a related method of manufacturing this packaging. Prizes are deposited at a predetermined spacing along an adhesive coated first sheet of plastic wrapping. The surface of the first sheet of plastic wrapping with the prizes adhered thereon is covered by a second sheet of plastic wrapping, and the opposing surface of the first sheet is covered by still a third sheet of plastic wrapping, once food is placed between the first sheet and the third sheet.
Thus, prizes may be included in an efficient and sterile manner in food packaging having the second and third sheets as the outer walls of the packaging.
Accordingly, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide food packaging with a prize, which packaging is more sterile than prior art packages.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide food packaging with a prize, wherein the prize is less susceptible to theft or loss than with prior art packaging.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide food packaging with a prize inside the packaging, but separated from the food by a plastic sheet, to prevent co-mingling and contamination of the food by the prize.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide an automated method for incorporating a prize in food packaging.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing food packaging, including a prize, which method is more efficient than prior art methods.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide an e~cient and sterile method using conventional, automated packaging machinery to incorporate a prize with plastic wrapped food products.
It is another purpose of the present invention to provide a more efficient and sterile method for maztufacturing food packaging witty a prize therein.
It is still another purpose of the present invention to provide a method which incorporates a prize with plastic wrap food products that deters theft ox loss of the prize.
Finally, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method which allows a variety of prizes, including non-flat articles, to be incorporated between plastic sheets which make up the food packaging.
To achieve the foregoing and other purposes of the present invention there is provided food packaging with a removable prize therein, and a related method of manufacturing this packaging. Prizes are deposited at a predetermined spacing along an adhesive coated first sheet of plastic wrapping. The surface of the first sheet of plastic wrapping with the prizes adhered thereon is covered by a second sheet of plastic wrapping, and the opposing surface of the first sheet is covered by still a third sheet of plastic wrapping, once food is placed between the first sheet and the third sheet.
Thus, prizes may be included in an efficient and sterile manner in food packaging having the second and third sheets as the outer walls of the packaging.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for incorporating an object in sheet material packaging for food comprising the steps of:
(a) feeding an elongated web of a first sheet material hawing a first width wider than the object, a length, a first surface with adhesive formed continuously thereon for receiving the object, which has a periphery, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) applying the object directly to the first surface via the adhesive such that the periphery of the object is surrounded with adhesive;
(c) feeding an elongated web of a second sheet material having a second width substantially greater than the first width, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first sheet material, a length, and a first surface for contacting the food and for receiving the object, wherein the length of the first sheet material is at least equal to the length of the second sheet material;
(d) opposing and adhering the first surface of the first sheet material to the first surface of the second sheet material, with the object fixedly received between and contacting the first surface via the adhesive and second surface;
(e) applying the food to the second surface of the first sheet material and to the first surface of the lateral portions of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object; and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling;
(f) sealing at least one longitudinal edge of the second sheet material, and sealing transverse areas of the second sheet material to corresponding transverse areas of the first sheet material; and (g) cutting the sealed transverse areas to form an individual :package including the food and the object.
-3 a In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet material packaging, incorporating food and an object having a periphery in the packaging, comprising:
(a) a first sheet material having a first dimension greater than the periphery of the object, a second dimension, a first surface for fixedly receiving the object, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) a second sheet material having a first dimension substantially greater than the first dimension of the first sheet material, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first dimension of the first sheet material, a second dimension, and a first surface with a first area for receiving the object, and a second area, at the lateral portions, for receiving the food, wherein the second dimension of the first sheet material is equal to the second dimension of the second sheet material;
(c) the first surface of the first sheet material is opposed to and adhered substantially co-extensively to the first surface of the second sheet material, except where the object is fixedly received therebetween via adhesive, such that th.e periphery of the object is surrounded with adhesive;
(d) the food is located between the second surface of the first sheet material and the second area of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling via the first sheet material covering the object and the first area of the second sheet material; and (e) a seal along at least one edge of the lateral portions of the second sheet material, and along edges of the second sheet material transverse to said at least one edge and edges of the first sheet material transverse to said at least one edge and corresponding to the transverse edges of the second sheet material.
-3b -In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for incorporating an object in sheet material packaging for food, comprising the steps of:
(a) feeding a first sheet material having a first width wider than the object, a length, a first surface for receiving the object, which object has a periphery, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) positioning the object directly on the first surface;
(c) feeding a second sheet material having a second width substantially greater than the first width, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first sheet material, a length, and a first surface for contacting the food and for receiving the object, wherein the length of the first sheet material is at least equal to the length of the second sheet material;
(d) applying adhesive to the first surface of the second sheet to adhere tree object thereto;
(e) opposing and adhering a portion of the first surface of the first sheet material to the first surface of the second sheet material, with the object fixedly received therebetween;
(fj applying the food to the second surface of the first sheet material and to th.e first surface of the portions of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling;
(g) sealing at least one longitudinal edge of the second sheet material, and sealing transverse areas of the second sheet material corresponding to the transverse areas of the first sheet material; and (h) cutting the sealed transverse areas to form an individual package including the food and the object.
-3c -Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention_ Fig, 1 is a schematic view illustrating a first sheet of plastic wrap being unrolled and having adhesive coated on one surface thereof, according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the first sheet of plastic wrap having prizes applied to the adhesive coating.
Fig. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the first sheet of plastic wrap, with the prizes adhered thereto, wound into a roll.
Fig. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the roll being unwound and combined with second and third plastic sheets to form the packaging.
Fig. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view illustrating the combined packaging with food and the prize therein.
Fig. 6 is a top view of the connected food packages.
Fig. 7 is a side view illustrating the packaging according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The food packaging and the method for manufacturing the packaging according to the present invention will now be described ire detail with reference to Figs. 1-7.
The method comprises generally the following steps. As shown in Fig. 1, a first plastic sheet material 10 is unwound from a roll 12 and fed along a work station. This first plastic sheet material 10, as well as the second and third plastic sheet materials desczabed below, are preferably polypropylene.
The first plastic sheet material 10 has a first, upper surface 14 and a second, opposite surface 16.
An adhesive layer 18 is formed on the first surface 14 by a known applicator 20 capable of applying the adhesive layer 18 from, e.g., a roll supply. The adhesive layer 18 may either entirely or only partly cover the first surface 14 of the first sheet material 10, as desired.
(a) feeding an elongated web of a first sheet material hawing a first width wider than the object, a length, a first surface with adhesive formed continuously thereon for receiving the object, which has a periphery, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) applying the object directly to the first surface via the adhesive such that the periphery of the object is surrounded with adhesive;
(c) feeding an elongated web of a second sheet material having a second width substantially greater than the first width, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first sheet material, a length, and a first surface for contacting the food and for receiving the object, wherein the length of the first sheet material is at least equal to the length of the second sheet material;
(d) opposing and adhering the first surface of the first sheet material to the first surface of the second sheet material, with the object fixedly received between and contacting the first surface via the adhesive and second surface;
(e) applying the food to the second surface of the first sheet material and to the first surface of the lateral portions of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object; and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling;
(f) sealing at least one longitudinal edge of the second sheet material, and sealing transverse areas of the second sheet material to corresponding transverse areas of the first sheet material; and (g) cutting the sealed transverse areas to form an individual :package including the food and the object.
-3 a In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet material packaging, incorporating food and an object having a periphery in the packaging, comprising:
(a) a first sheet material having a first dimension greater than the periphery of the object, a second dimension, a first surface for fixedly receiving the object, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) a second sheet material having a first dimension substantially greater than the first dimension of the first sheet material, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first dimension of the first sheet material, a second dimension, and a first surface with a first area for receiving the object, and a second area, at the lateral portions, for receiving the food, wherein the second dimension of the first sheet material is equal to the second dimension of the second sheet material;
(c) the first surface of the first sheet material is opposed to and adhered substantially co-extensively to the first surface of the second sheet material, except where the object is fixedly received therebetween via adhesive, such that th.e periphery of the object is surrounded with adhesive;
(d) the food is located between the second surface of the first sheet material and the second area of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling via the first sheet material covering the object and the first area of the second sheet material; and (e) a seal along at least one edge of the lateral portions of the second sheet material, and along edges of the second sheet material transverse to said at least one edge and edges of the first sheet material transverse to said at least one edge and corresponding to the transverse edges of the second sheet material.
-3b -In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for incorporating an object in sheet material packaging for food, comprising the steps of:
(a) feeding a first sheet material having a first width wider than the object, a length, a first surface for receiving the object, which object has a periphery, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) positioning the object directly on the first surface;
(c) feeding a second sheet material having a second width substantially greater than the first width, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first sheet material, a length, and a first surface for contacting the food and for receiving the object, wherein the length of the first sheet material is at least equal to the length of the second sheet material;
(d) applying adhesive to the first surface of the second sheet to adhere tree object thereto;
(e) opposing and adhering a portion of the first surface of the first sheet material to the first surface of the second sheet material, with the object fixedly received therebetween;
(fj applying the food to the second surface of the first sheet material and to th.e first surface of the portions of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling;
(g) sealing at least one longitudinal edge of the second sheet material, and sealing transverse areas of the second sheet material corresponding to the transverse areas of the first sheet material; and (h) cutting the sealed transverse areas to form an individual package including the food and the object.
-3c -Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention_ Fig, 1 is a schematic view illustrating a first sheet of plastic wrap being unrolled and having adhesive coated on one surface thereof, according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the first sheet of plastic wrap having prizes applied to the adhesive coating.
Fig. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the first sheet of plastic wrap, with the prizes adhered thereto, wound into a roll.
Fig. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the roll being unwound and combined with second and third plastic sheets to form the packaging.
Fig. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view illustrating the combined packaging with food and the prize therein.
Fig. 6 is a top view of the connected food packages.
Fig. 7 is a side view illustrating the packaging according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The food packaging and the method for manufacturing the packaging according to the present invention will now be described ire detail with reference to Figs. 1-7.
The method comprises generally the following steps. As shown in Fig. 1, a first plastic sheet material 10 is unwound from a roll 12 and fed along a work station. This first plastic sheet material 10, as well as the second and third plastic sheet materials desczabed below, are preferably polypropylene.
The first plastic sheet material 10 has a first, upper surface 14 and a second, opposite surface 16.
An adhesive layer 18 is formed on the first surface 14 by a known applicator 20 capable of applying the adhesive layer 18 from, e.g., a roll supply. The adhesive layer 18 may either entirely or only partly cover the first surface 14 of the first sheet material 10, as desired.
In the preferred embodiment, the adhesive layer I 8 is a double sided, FDA
approved, water-based, adhesive (as opposed to a solvent based adhesive), to prevent contamination of the food. In the final product, i_e., the completed package 54 described below, the adhesive 18 would be clear to allow easy viewing of the prize and to avoid any unsightly effect for the cor~sunrter.
It is preferred that the adhesive layer 18 be applied to the first surface 14 of the first sheet material 10 from above, especially if the adhesive is in a liquid form. In this way, the sheet material is supported underneath by the workstation to facilitate application and adhesion of the adhesive layer 18.
As shown in Fig. 2, after the adhesive layer I8 is applied, a plurality of prizes 22 (each 10 denominated 22a, 22b, and so can) is positioned in spaced relation on top of thie adhesive layer 18.
The term "prize" as used herein is intended to mean any of a number of food, novelty or print items, such as gum, candy, pens, cards, coupons, certificates, small toys, iron-on transfers, etc. These prizes 22 can serve as a promotional items in association with the sale of a food product.
It is prefen~ed that the prizes 22 be applied to the adhesive layer 18 from above. In this way, the adhesive layer 18 and the sheet material 10 are supported underneath by a workstation, to facilitate application and adherence of the prizes 22.
The positioning of the prizes 22 can be performed by, e.g. any known apparatus 24 capable of such function, such as a conveyor feed or pick and place device_ The spacing between prizes 22 is dependent upon where transverse seams, described below, will be formed to create individual packages (by cutting at the seams), aad upon how many prizes 22, if more than one, will be in each individual package.
As shown in Fig. 3, the first sheet material 10, with the spaced prizes 22 thereon, can be rolled up, which roll is referred to herein as a "plastic prize roll" 26. This plastic prize roll 26 can be removed from the assembly line and stored for a period of tirrae, if desired, before moving on to the next assembly ZS step, either in the same line, or the separate, remote line of a food processor.
Regardless of whether a plastic prize roll 26, such as shown in Fig. 3, is urilized or not (wherein the method would be continuous), the next step in the method is described below.
As shown in Fig_ 4, the first plastic sheet material 10 with the prizes 22 thereon is inverted (relative to Fig. 3) and fed along a workstation. The inversion is for the purpose of orienting the prizes 22 opposite food 36 which is dispensed from above, as described below.
approved, water-based, adhesive (as opposed to a solvent based adhesive), to prevent contamination of the food. In the final product, i_e., the completed package 54 described below, the adhesive 18 would be clear to allow easy viewing of the prize and to avoid any unsightly effect for the cor~sunrter.
It is preferred that the adhesive layer 18 be applied to the first surface 14 of the first sheet material 10 from above, especially if the adhesive is in a liquid form. In this way, the sheet material is supported underneath by the workstation to facilitate application and adhesion of the adhesive layer 18.
As shown in Fig. 2, after the adhesive layer I8 is applied, a plurality of prizes 22 (each 10 denominated 22a, 22b, and so can) is positioned in spaced relation on top of thie adhesive layer 18.
The term "prize" as used herein is intended to mean any of a number of food, novelty or print items, such as gum, candy, pens, cards, coupons, certificates, small toys, iron-on transfers, etc. These prizes 22 can serve as a promotional items in association with the sale of a food product.
It is prefen~ed that the prizes 22 be applied to the adhesive layer 18 from above. In this way, the adhesive layer 18 and the sheet material 10 are supported underneath by a workstation, to facilitate application and adherence of the prizes 22.
The positioning of the prizes 22 can be performed by, e.g. any known apparatus 24 capable of such function, such as a conveyor feed or pick and place device_ The spacing between prizes 22 is dependent upon where transverse seams, described below, will be formed to create individual packages (by cutting at the seams), aad upon how many prizes 22, if more than one, will be in each individual package.
As shown in Fig. 3, the first sheet material 10, with the spaced prizes 22 thereon, can be rolled up, which roll is referred to herein as a "plastic prize roll" 26. This plastic prize roll 26 can be removed from the assembly line and stored for a period of tirrae, if desired, before moving on to the next assembly ZS step, either in the same line, or the separate, remote line of a food processor.
Regardless of whether a plastic prize roll 26, such as shown in Fig. 3, is urilized or not (wherein the method would be continuous), the next step in the method is described below.
As shown in Fig_ 4, the first plastic sheet material 10 with the prizes 22 thereon is inverted (relative to Fig. 3) and fed along a workstation. The inversion is for the purpose of orienting the prizes 22 opposite food 36 which is dispensed from above, as described below.
A second plastic sheet material 28 or "flow pack", which may include advertising and/or other indicia thereon, is also fed along this workstation from a supply 29. The second sheet material 28 also has a first surface 30, and a second opposite surface 32. The first surface 30 of the second sheet material 28 adheres to the first sheet material 10 via the adhesive layer 18, with the prizes 22 therebetween, to form a first and second sheet material combination 34.
Thus, it is preferred to apply the adhesive 18, prize 22, and food 36 from above. To do this, the plastic prize roll 26 is inverted so that the second sheet material 28 can be applied from below. Then, the food 36 and third sheet 40 are applied from above, as shown in Fig. 4.
,Alternatively, when the second 28 and third 40 sheet material are from the same plastic sheet, as discussed below, the food 36 is applied to the first sheet material 10 from above, and the second sheet 28 is folded on top of the food and sealed.
The first sheet material 10 can be as wide as, i.e., co-terminus with, the second sheet material 28 (and the third sheet material 40 described below), but does not have to be.
That is, the first sheet material 10 need only be wide enough to cover the prize 22 and provide lateral edges therearound to allow for adhering the first sheet material 10 to the second sheet material 28, in a way that isolates the prize from the food 36, as discussed below.
The combination 34 can be wound at this point, much like the plastic prize roll 26, removed from the assembly line, and stored. In this way, the combination 34 could be used at a later time in the method, which option facilitates automated assembly, line flexibility and changeovers, and allows better inventory control.
Regardless of whether the combination 34 is rolled and stored at this time, or not, the next step in the method is described below.
As the combination 34 is fed along a workstation, food 36 is dispensed, in spaced relation, onto the second surface 16 of the first sheet 10 by a known dispenser 38. The food 36, like the prizes 22 discussed above, is spaced based on where the transverse seams and cuts will be made to form individual food packages, as described below.
After the food 36 is individually dispensed, preferably a third separate plastic sheet material 40 or flow pack, which also may have advertising and/or other indieia thereon, is applied over the food 36 from a supply 41. More particularly, the third sheet material 40 has a first surface 42 and a second surface 44. The first surface 42 is placed on the food 36, over the pzizes 22, and contacts the second surface 16 of the first sheet material 10. The lateral edges of the third sheet 40 are preferably co-_6_ terminus with the lateral edges of the second 28 sheet material. The overall combination is shown in the side, cross-sectional view of Fig. 5.
Then, as shown in Fig. 6, the first 10, second 28 and third sheet 40 materials are sealed at the lateral or longitudinal edges 46 and transverse areas 48 thereof to form a plurality of compartments 50 (each referred to as 50a, 50b, etc.) connected as a continuous web. This sealing is perfozmed by one of many conventional means 52 (Fig. 4), such as heat sealing or adhesive.
More particularly, the two outer flow pack sheets (28, 40) are sealed according to currently known techniques: for some currently available packaging equipment the flow pack sheets are sealed by heat sealing or adhesive, but in other types of equipment, the flow pack sheets 28, 40 are actually just the sheet 28 which is folded over on itself and similarly sealed. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates the flow packs 28, 40 being individual sheets or being the same sheet, folded over the prize roll/dispensed food to form "sheets" 28, 40, along the edge thereof, sealed and cut.
Then, the plurality of compartments SO is cut at 51 into individual packages 54 at the seamed transverse areas 48.
As can be seen, the use of a plurality of plastic sheets leads to an efficient method for incorporating the prize inside the packaging, during manufacturing thereof.
Also, along the assembly line, the sheets can be rolled up and stored for a period of time, which allows greater assembly flexibility, inventory control, cost containment, etc.
Further, the automated assembly of the present method invention allows the use of conventional plastic web and sealing equipment. Accordingly, there is no need for significant capital outlay for new equipment custom designed for the new packaging.
Moreover, the method herein is adaptable to a variety of prizes, flat or non-flat, as long as each can be adhered within sheet-like plastic material. In this way, tile assembly line is provided with significant flexibility, as one type of prize can be produced for a period of time, and then the line can be switched, without much modificatiorA, to use another prize, etc.
As shown in Fig. 7, the final package 54, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, includes the first plastic sheet material 10; the adhesive layer 18 applied to the first plastic sheet material 10; the prize z2 attached to the adhesive layer 18; the second plastic sheet material 28, whose first surface 30 abuts the prize 22 and whose second surface 32 serves as ate outer wall of the package 54; and the third plastic sheet material 40, whose first surface 42 faces the food 36, such as potato chips, and whose second surface 44 serves as another puter wail of the package 54.
As can be seen, this food package 54 with prize 22 is more sterile than prior art packages, since the prize 22 can be sealed between the first 10 and second 28 plastic sheet materials making up the package 54 per se. The prize 22, covered by the first plastic sheet 10, does not touch the food 36 held between the second 28 and third 40 sheet materials of the package 54. Further, one or more prizes may be easily incorporated in each individual package, as desired. Moreover, as the first sheet material 10 need only be wide enough to cover the prize 22 and adhere to the second sheet material 28, and since the adhesive layer 18 need only be applied to a part of the first sheet material 10, i.e., only enough to adhere the prize and adhere the first surface 14 to the second sheet material 28, this invention offers certain economies of raw material usage over the prior art. Also, as the prize 22 is kept internally of the package 54, the prize 22 is less susceptible to being stolen or falling off, during manufacture, shipping, storage, or retail display, a problem with the prior art package/exterior prize combinations.
Of course, if desired, the plastic prize roll 26 can also be applied to the outside of conventional packaging, with the prize 22 being located between an outer sheet of the conventional packaging and the sheet 10.
The forgoing is cansidered illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. ror example, while the preferred embodiment is described above as being applicable particularly to food packaging, the invention can also be applied to other types of packaging. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to that fall within the scope of the invention and the appended claims.
.g_
Thus, it is preferred to apply the adhesive 18, prize 22, and food 36 from above. To do this, the plastic prize roll 26 is inverted so that the second sheet material 28 can be applied from below. Then, the food 36 and third sheet 40 are applied from above, as shown in Fig. 4.
,Alternatively, when the second 28 and third 40 sheet material are from the same plastic sheet, as discussed below, the food 36 is applied to the first sheet material 10 from above, and the second sheet 28 is folded on top of the food and sealed.
The first sheet material 10 can be as wide as, i.e., co-terminus with, the second sheet material 28 (and the third sheet material 40 described below), but does not have to be.
That is, the first sheet material 10 need only be wide enough to cover the prize 22 and provide lateral edges therearound to allow for adhering the first sheet material 10 to the second sheet material 28, in a way that isolates the prize from the food 36, as discussed below.
The combination 34 can be wound at this point, much like the plastic prize roll 26, removed from the assembly line, and stored. In this way, the combination 34 could be used at a later time in the method, which option facilitates automated assembly, line flexibility and changeovers, and allows better inventory control.
Regardless of whether the combination 34 is rolled and stored at this time, or not, the next step in the method is described below.
As the combination 34 is fed along a workstation, food 36 is dispensed, in spaced relation, onto the second surface 16 of the first sheet 10 by a known dispenser 38. The food 36, like the prizes 22 discussed above, is spaced based on where the transverse seams and cuts will be made to form individual food packages, as described below.
After the food 36 is individually dispensed, preferably a third separate plastic sheet material 40 or flow pack, which also may have advertising and/or other indieia thereon, is applied over the food 36 from a supply 41. More particularly, the third sheet material 40 has a first surface 42 and a second surface 44. The first surface 42 is placed on the food 36, over the pzizes 22, and contacts the second surface 16 of the first sheet material 10. The lateral edges of the third sheet 40 are preferably co-_6_ terminus with the lateral edges of the second 28 sheet material. The overall combination is shown in the side, cross-sectional view of Fig. 5.
Then, as shown in Fig. 6, the first 10, second 28 and third sheet 40 materials are sealed at the lateral or longitudinal edges 46 and transverse areas 48 thereof to form a plurality of compartments 50 (each referred to as 50a, 50b, etc.) connected as a continuous web. This sealing is perfozmed by one of many conventional means 52 (Fig. 4), such as heat sealing or adhesive.
More particularly, the two outer flow pack sheets (28, 40) are sealed according to currently known techniques: for some currently available packaging equipment the flow pack sheets are sealed by heat sealing or adhesive, but in other types of equipment, the flow pack sheets 28, 40 are actually just the sheet 28 which is folded over on itself and similarly sealed. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates the flow packs 28, 40 being individual sheets or being the same sheet, folded over the prize roll/dispensed food to form "sheets" 28, 40, along the edge thereof, sealed and cut.
Then, the plurality of compartments SO is cut at 51 into individual packages 54 at the seamed transverse areas 48.
As can be seen, the use of a plurality of plastic sheets leads to an efficient method for incorporating the prize inside the packaging, during manufacturing thereof.
Also, along the assembly line, the sheets can be rolled up and stored for a period of time, which allows greater assembly flexibility, inventory control, cost containment, etc.
Further, the automated assembly of the present method invention allows the use of conventional plastic web and sealing equipment. Accordingly, there is no need for significant capital outlay for new equipment custom designed for the new packaging.
Moreover, the method herein is adaptable to a variety of prizes, flat or non-flat, as long as each can be adhered within sheet-like plastic material. In this way, tile assembly line is provided with significant flexibility, as one type of prize can be produced for a period of time, and then the line can be switched, without much modificatiorA, to use another prize, etc.
As shown in Fig. 7, the final package 54, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, includes the first plastic sheet material 10; the adhesive layer 18 applied to the first plastic sheet material 10; the prize z2 attached to the adhesive layer 18; the second plastic sheet material 28, whose first surface 30 abuts the prize 22 and whose second surface 32 serves as ate outer wall of the package 54; and the third plastic sheet material 40, whose first surface 42 faces the food 36, such as potato chips, and whose second surface 44 serves as another puter wail of the package 54.
As can be seen, this food package 54 with prize 22 is more sterile than prior art packages, since the prize 22 can be sealed between the first 10 and second 28 plastic sheet materials making up the package 54 per se. The prize 22, covered by the first plastic sheet 10, does not touch the food 36 held between the second 28 and third 40 sheet materials of the package 54. Further, one or more prizes may be easily incorporated in each individual package, as desired. Moreover, as the first sheet material 10 need only be wide enough to cover the prize 22 and adhere to the second sheet material 28, and since the adhesive layer 18 need only be applied to a part of the first sheet material 10, i.e., only enough to adhere the prize and adhere the first surface 14 to the second sheet material 28, this invention offers certain economies of raw material usage over the prior art. Also, as the prize 22 is kept internally of the package 54, the prize 22 is less susceptible to being stolen or falling off, during manufacture, shipping, storage, or retail display, a problem with the prior art package/exterior prize combinations.
Of course, if desired, the plastic prize roll 26 can also be applied to the outside of conventional packaging, with the prize 22 being located between an outer sheet of the conventional packaging and the sheet 10.
The forgoing is cansidered illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. ror example, while the preferred embodiment is described above as being applicable particularly to food packaging, the invention can also be applied to other types of packaging. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to that fall within the scope of the invention and the appended claims.
.g_
Claims (26)
1. A method for incorporating an object in sheet material packaging for food comprising the steps of:
(a) feeding an elongated web of a first sheet material having a first width wider than the object, a length, a first surface with adhesive foamed continuously thereon for receiving the object, which has a periphery, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) applying the object directly to the first surface via the adhesive such that the periphery of the object is surrounded with adhesive;
(c) feeding an elongated web of a second sheet material having a second width substantially greater than the first width, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first sheet material, a length, and .a first surface for contacting the food and for receiving the object, wherein the length of the first sheet material is at least equal to the length of the second sheet material;
(d) opposing and adhering the first surface of the first sheet material to the first surface of the second sheet material, with the object fixedly received between and contacting the first surface via the adhesive and second surface;
(e) applying the food to the second surface of the first sheet material and to the first surface of the lateral portions of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling;
(f) sealing at least one longitudinal edge of the second sheet material, and sealing transverse areas of the second sheet material to corresponding transverse areas of the first sheet material; and (g) cutting the sealed transverse areas to form an individual package including the food and the object.
(a) feeding an elongated web of a first sheet material having a first width wider than the object, a length, a first surface with adhesive foamed continuously thereon for receiving the object, which has a periphery, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) applying the object directly to the first surface via the adhesive such that the periphery of the object is surrounded with adhesive;
(c) feeding an elongated web of a second sheet material having a second width substantially greater than the first width, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first sheet material, a length, and .a first surface for contacting the food and for receiving the object, wherein the length of the first sheet material is at least equal to the length of the second sheet material;
(d) opposing and adhering the first surface of the first sheet material to the first surface of the second sheet material, with the object fixedly received between and contacting the first surface via the adhesive and second surface;
(e) applying the food to the second surface of the first sheet material and to the first surface of the lateral portions of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling;
(f) sealing at least one longitudinal edge of the second sheet material, and sealing transverse areas of the second sheet material to corresponding transverse areas of the first sheet material; and (g) cutting the sealed transverse areas to form an individual package including the food and the object.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of, between steps (e) and (f), feeding an elongated web of a third sheet material and attaching the third sheet material to the portions of the second sheet material, with the object, first sheet material and the food therebetween.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of, between steps (e) and (f), folding the portions of the second sheet material over the object, first sheet material and the food.
4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the sealing step is a heat sealing step.
5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the sealing step comprises the substep of applying adhesive to at the least one longitudinal edge and the transverse areas.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the object is selected from candy novelties, toys, and iron-on transfers.
7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second sheet materials are polypropylene plastic.
8. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the third sheet material is polypropylene plastic.
9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the food is selected from potato chips.
10. A sheet material packaging, incorporating food and an object having a periphery in the packaging, comprising:
(a) a first sheet material having a first dimension greater than the periphery of the object, a second dimension, a first surface for fixedly receiving the object, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) a second sheet material having a first dimension substantially greater than the first dimension of the first sheet material, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first dimension of the first sheet material, a second dimension, and a first surface with a first area for receiving the object, and a second area, at the lateral portions, for receiving the food, wherein the second dimension of the first sheet material is equal to the second dimension of the second sheet material;
(c) the first surface of the first sheet material is opposed to and adhered substantially co-extensively to the first surface of the second sheet material, except where the object is fixedly received therebetween via adhesive, such that the periphery of the object is surrounded with adhesive;
(d) the food is located between the second surface of the first sheet materiel and the second area of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling via the first sheet material covering the object and the first area of the second sheet material; and (e) a seal along at least one edge of the lateral portions of the second sheet material, and along edges of the second sheet material transverse to said at least one edge and edges of the first sheet material transverse to said at least one edge and corresponding to the transverse edges of the second sheet material.
(a) a first sheet material having a first dimension greater than the periphery of the object, a second dimension, a first surface for fixedly receiving the object, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) a second sheet material having a first dimension substantially greater than the first dimension of the first sheet material, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first dimension of the first sheet material, a second dimension, and a first surface with a first area for receiving the object, and a second area, at the lateral portions, for receiving the food, wherein the second dimension of the first sheet material is equal to the second dimension of the second sheet material;
(c) the first surface of the first sheet material is opposed to and adhered substantially co-extensively to the first surface of the second sheet material, except where the object is fixedly received therebetween via adhesive, such that the periphery of the object is surrounded with adhesive;
(d) the food is located between the second surface of the first sheet materiel and the second area of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling via the first sheet material covering the object and the first area of the second sheet material; and (e) a seal along at least one edge of the lateral portions of the second sheet material, and along edges of the second sheet material transverse to said at least one edge and edges of the first sheet material transverse to said at least one edge and corresponding to the transverse edges of the second sheet material.
11. The packaging as recited in claim 10, wherein said second sheet material is separate second and third sheets, wherein the second sheet and first sheet material receive the object therebetween, and wherein the third sheet is sealed to the at least one edge of the lateral portions of the second sheet and to the edges of the second and first sheets transverse to said at least one edge of the lateral portions of the second sheet material, with the object, first sheet material and the food between the second and third sheets.
12. The packaging as recited in claim 10, wherein the second sheet material is a one-piece sheet, and wherein the lateral portions of the second sheet material are folded over the object, the first sheet material and the food, and sealed.
13. The packaging as recited in claim 10, wherein the seal is a heat seal.
14. The packaging as recited in claim 10, wherein the seal is an adhesive seal.
15. The packaging as recited in claim 10, wherein the object is selected from candy, novelties, toys, and iron-on transfers.
16. The packaging as recited in claim 10, wherein the first and second sheet materials are polypropylene plastic.
17. The packaging as recited in claim 10, wherein the food is potato chips.
18. A method for incorporating an object in sheet material packaging for food, comprising the steps of:
(a) feeding a first sheet material having a first width wider than the object, a length, a first surface for receiving the object, which object has a periphery, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) positioning the object directly on the first surface;
(c) feeding a second sheet material having a second width substantially greater than the first width, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first sheet material, a length, and a first surface for contacting the food and for receiving the object, wherein the length of the first sheet material is at least equal to the length of the second sheet material;
(d) applying adhesive to the first surface of the second sheet to adhere the object thereto;
(e) opposing and adhering a portion of the first surface of the first sheet material to the first surface of the second sheet material, with the object fixedly received therebetween;
(f) applying the food to the second surface of the first sheet material and to the first surface of the portions of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling;
(g) sealing at least one longitudinal edge of the second sheet material, and sealing transverse areas of the second sheet material corresponding to the transverse areas of the first sheet material; and (h) cutting the sealed transverse areas to form an individual package including the food and the object.
(a) feeding a first sheet material having a first width wider than the object, a length, a first surface for receiving the object, which object has a periphery, and a second, opposite surface for contacting the food;
(b) positioning the object directly on the first surface;
(c) feeding a second sheet material having a second width substantially greater than the first width, such that lateral portions of the second sheet material extend beyond the first sheet material, a length, and a first surface for contacting the food and for receiving the object, wherein the length of the first sheet material is at least equal to the length of the second sheet material;
(d) applying adhesive to the first surface of the second sheet to adhere the object thereto;
(e) opposing and adhering a portion of the first surface of the first sheet material to the first surface of the second sheet material, with the object fixedly received therebetween;
(f) applying the food to the second surface of the first sheet material and to the first surface of the portions of the second sheet material, such that the first surface of the second sheet material serves to both receive the object and the food, but the object and the food are prevented from commingling;
(g) sealing at least one longitudinal edge of the second sheet material, and sealing transverse areas of the second sheet material corresponding to the transverse areas of the first sheet material; and (h) cutting the sealed transverse areas to form an individual package including the food and the object.
19. ~The method as recited in claim 18, further comprising the step of, between steps (f) and (g), feeding a third sheet material and attaching the third sheet material to the portions of the second sheet material, with the object, first sheet material and the food therebetween.
20. ~The method as recited in claim 18, further comprising the step of, between steps (f) and (g), folding the portions of the second sheet material over the object, first sheet material and the food.
21. ~The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the sealing step is a heat sealing step.
22. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the sealing step comprises the substep of applying adhesive to the at least one longitudinal edge and transverse areas.
23. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the object is selected from candy, novelties, toys, and iron-on transfers.
24. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the first and second sheet materials are polypropylene plastic.
25. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein the third sheet material is selected from polypropylene plastic.
26. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the food is selected from potato chips.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/851,710 US5907944A (en) | 1997-05-06 | 1997-05-06 | Food packaging enclosing removable prize |
| US08/851,710 | 1997-05-06 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2237053A1 CA2237053A1 (en) | 1998-11-06 |
| CA2237053C true CA2237053C (en) | 2006-04-04 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002237053A Expired - Fee Related CA2237053C (en) | 1997-05-06 | 1998-05-06 | Food packaging enclosing removable prize |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (3) | US5907944A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2237053C (en) |
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-
1997
- 1997-05-06 US US08/851,710 patent/US5907944A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-05-06 CA CA002237053A patent/CA2237053C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1999
- 1999-05-27 US US09/321,236 patent/US6251450B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-05-28 US US09/321,598 patent/US6230474B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2237053A1 (en) | 1998-11-06 |
| US6230474B1 (en) | 2001-05-15 |
| US5907944A (en) | 1999-06-01 |
| US6251450B1 (en) | 2001-06-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |