Abstract: A method for the shelf stable packaging of perishable liquid food products in hermetically sealed easy-to-open gable top cartons comprising the steps of cold filling liquid food products free from pathogenic and thermophilic organisms into gable top cartons, sealing the cartons over certain critical areas of the seal flaps while reducing or relieving sealing pressure over certain other specified areas, heating the sealed carton up to and holding the contents at a pasteurization hold temperature for a predetermined time and then cooling the contents of the carton.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a die for heat sealing a heat sealable carton having a gable shaped closure are disclosed. Each embodiment of the die includes a pair of opposed jaws. Each of the jaws has portions for providing a firm seal capable of keeping bacteria out of the carton, and other portions for selectively sealing non-critical areas of the carton to a lesser extent to make the carton easy to open. The lightly sealed areas are caused by a recessed area in at least one jaw; a protrusion associated with a recessed area provides a highly staked seal area. A method of packaging in gable top cartons is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the shelf stable packaging of perishable liquid food products in hermetically sealed easy-to-open gable top cartons comprising the steps of cold filling liquid food products free from pathogenic and thermophilic organisms into gable top cartons, sealing the cartons over certain critical areas of the seal flaps while reducing or relieving sealing pressure over certain other specified areas, heating the sealed carton up to and holding the contents at a pasteurization hold temperature for a predetermined time and then cooling the contents of the carton.

Abstract: This invention addresses the problem of providing a gable top carton having a secure seal, but which can easily be opened. The gable top carton is of the type having a gable closure including side flaps and end flaps extending to a lower height than the side flaps. Opening of the carton is facilitated by providing an area that is not firmly adhered at the center of the upper portion of an end flap. Security of the seal in spite of the unsealed area is achieved using a stake point immediately below the area that is not firmly adhered. Sealing dies to achieve the foregoing are described.