Packaging apparatus

Abstract

Accordingly in a first aspect the invention consists in a packaging apparatus for sealing products or case ready product in a package in vacuum-gas packaging or thermoforming machines, the apparatus includes a first chamber chamber for housing the product or packaged product and at least one second chamber, the first chamber has entry or exit elements, the second chamber is at least attachedly covering the entry or exit elements such that any leakage or change in pressure is detected in the second chamber during gas injection or before sealing. The apparatus is particularly useful for detecting leaks prior to sealing in vacuum packaging for modified or controlled atmosphere preservation systems.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to packaging apparatus. The invention is directed particularly, but not solely, toward evacuation and gassing apparatus and a method of operation for modified atmosphere packaging.

[0002] Vacuum packaging or thermoforming machines can be used to seal perishable goods in a container having a cover or lid. Such apparatus commonly provides a sealing station which usually is part of a conveyor system which may include several work stations.

[0003] In the case of thermoforming, there is usually a container forming station followed by a product filling station followed by a sealing station and finally a container separating station.

[0004] Initially a lower film web is supplied to the container forming station where it is formed into a unit of containers or tray-like members. Following the container forming station, the product is inserted into the tray like container. Within the sealing station, the tray like containers are placed in a package chamber having a lower part chamber and an upper part chamber separated by an upper film web which forms the cover or lid of the tray. In the sealing station, the tray is positioned in the package chamber, under the upper film web to form an inner space between webs for the product. The gas (usually air) is removed from the upper part chamber and between the films. The lid is then sealed, to form the package. During the sealing operation one can also carry out re-injection or back flushing, into the package, with a protective gas to extend the shelf life and package integrity.

[0005] Prior to the sealing operation, problems are encountered with leakage and or contamination. This is not detected till the end of a production run or when the packaged food begins to deteriorate on the shelf.

[0006] It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging apparatus which will obviate or minimize the aforementioned problems in a simple yet effective manner or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly in a first aspect the invention consists in a packaging apparatus for sealing product in a package in vacuum-gas packaging machines or thermoforming machines, the apparatus includes a first chamber for housing the product in a package and at least one second chamber, the first chamber has entry or exit means, the second chamber is at least covering the entry and/or exit means such that any leakage or change in pressure is detected in the second chamber, during gas injection or before sealing.

[0008] The second chamber has a fluid detection means.

[0009] Preferably the second chamber includes at least one lower and at least one upper chamber.

[0010] Preferably, the apparatus has at least two lower chambers.

[0011] Preferably the upper and lower chambers are separable to allow insertion of the product.

[0012] Preferably one lower chamber substantially overlies the other lower chamber.

[0013] Preferably the first chamber has a fluid detection means.

[0014] Preferably the product comprises a perishable product.

[0015] Preferably the product comprises a product in a covered or over-wrapped tray.

[0016] Preferably the package is a tray-like container having a cover or lid.

[0017] Alternatively the package is a barrier bag having an opening.

[0018] Preferably the first chamber is made up of two parts

[0019] Preferably one part is situated above the lid

[0020] Preferably the one part is situated below the lid.

[0021] Preferably the lid is separated from the tray by spacers.

[0022] Preferably the fluid detection means is a sensor.

[0023] Preferably the sensor is a pressure sensor.

[0024] Preferably there are at least two upper vacuum chambers.

[0025] Preferably the apparatus has sealing means.

[0026] Preferably the fluid is air.

[0027] Alternatively the fluid is an inert gas.

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

[0028] Preferred forms of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of second embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 the packaging apparatus 100 for sealing packaged product or case ready product in a package in vacuum-gas packaging or thermoforming machines, has a first chamber or package chamber or vacuum chamber 101 which forms an enclosed space, that can be used to house and or seal the package which can contain only raw product or case ready packaging 102.

[0033] Case ready packaging is loosely defined as a perishable product in a covered or over-wrapped tray-like container. The packaging apparatus can be used with modified or controlled packaging for any perishable products. Alternatively the product may not be packaged but may be just the raw product which is placed in the first chamber 101. The product or case ready packaging can be placed in a package that can include a sealable barrier bag 103 (see FIG. 1) or a barrier tray (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Vacuum chamber 101 has at least one entry, exit or separation means 104 and at least one leak detection chamber or second chamber 105 attached thereto. The entry means 104 allows the enclosed space to be evacuated or flushed with a fluid. For example a gas.

[0034] The second chamber 105 has fluid detection means 106 which for example can be pressure sensors. The entry means 104 can be seals and or exit or entry points and can include conduits 107 with the sensors and or valves 108 and 109 located thereon. Packaging chamber 101 can have sealing means for example a sealing bar 110 with sealing bar cylinder 111. The conduits 107 enable evacuation or flushing to be carried out therethrough. The second chamber 105 can be any shape or dimension as long as the entry and or exit points 104 of the chamber 101 are at least covered by said chamber 105 so that leak detection can be carried out.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the packaging apparatus having a package chamber or vacuum chamber C1 can be used in a or as a sealing station for a package where a product to be packed and sealed, is placed in the package chamber or vacuum chamber C1. Before sealing, the product is placed in a tray-like container 1 formed from a lower film web 2 which has been vacuum formed in another work station (eg a container forming station-not shown). After being placed in the packaging apparatus, an upper film web is placed over tray-like container 2, to form a cover or lid or web 3.

[0036] The product can be any product that can be conveniently packaged. It is preferred that meat products are being used in the stated apparatus, which seek a low oxygen environment for preservation on a display shelf for sale to consumers.

[0037] In FIG. 2 the package chamber is labeled as a vacuum chamber C1, which can be made up of two parts that form the one package chamber. In use one part of the package chamber is situated above the lid 3. The other part of the package chamber is situated below and inside of the tray 2. These parts can be called an upper part chamber 1U and a lower part chamber 1L. The lid 3 can be separated from the tray 2, by discrete spacers 29 and 30 which enable an connecting passageway or snorkel to be inserted between the lid 3 and tray 2 so that an equilibrium pressure can be obtained through out the vacuum chamber C1. In FIG. 2 those two parts of chamber C1 can be formed as two separate chambers i.e. C1 and C3.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows at least one upper vacuum chamber C4 and at least one lower vacuum chamber C2 or C3. Surrounding the lower vacuum chamber C1 is chamber C2, which is in turn is surrounded by a chamber C3. For ease of reference the chambers C2 and C3 can be called the lower chambers. The drawings are schematics. The chambers which are merely enclosed volumes, can be any shape or cross section desired. The chamber C4 can be as small as just a chamber surrounding the separation or entry point into the inner chamber(s) C1 ie chamber C4 can be tunnel-shaped or passage-like. Alternatively the outer chambers can totally surround the inner chambers or packaging chamber. The function of the outer chamber(s) (eg C4) is to measure for any leakage from the inner chamber C1. This applies equally to 105 in FIG. 1, C3 in FIG. 2 and to C4 and C5 in FIG. 3.

[0039] Chamber C1 can be connected to an outlet/inlet means, which in FIG. 2 the outlet/inlet means utilizes the space between the lid 3 and tray 2. A snorkel or any connecting means can be inserted therebetween. The snorkel is used to both remove air from within the covered tray and to inject any protective gas therebetween. For example the protective gas can be carbon dioxide or an inert gas. Chamber C1 can have a pressure sensing means. Lower chambers C2 and C3 can be connected to separately, to a common vacuum source 5 via lines 6 and 7. Each of the lines 6 and 7 can have sensing means 8 and valve means 9 and 10. Separate vacuum lines could also be used. Preferably the sensing means 8 can be a pressure indicator. For the apparatus it is preferred to have sensing means 8 and valve means 9 and 10.

[0040] The upper chamber C4 sits over the upper part of chamber C1. The upper chamber C4 and the upper part of C1 are also connected to a common vacuum source 11 via separate lines 12 and 13. These lines will usually have sensing means 16 and 17 and separate valve means 14, 15.

[0041] Sealing means 18, 19, 20 & 21 to seal the lid 3 to the tray 2 and sealing means 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 28a to seal the lidded tray and or chambers, are also shown in FIG. 2. Spacing means 29 and 30 to separate the lid 3 from the tray 2 and provide means to enable the equalizing of pressures and can be discrete members

[0042] FIG. 3 shows another packaging apparatus as in FIG. 2, but with the package or vacuum chamber C1 of FIG. 2, now split into two separate chambers i.e. C1 and C3.

[0043] Surrounding vacuum chamber C1 is chamber C2, which is in turn surrounded by a chamber C4. For ease of reference the chambers C1, C2 and C4 can be also called the lower chambers.

[0044] Chamber C1 can be connected to an outlet/inlet means or connecting means. The connecting means could be a snorkel 4. The snorkel 4 is used to both remove air from within the lidded tray and to inject any protective gas therebetween. The snorkel can also have a sensing means (not shown). The protective gas for example can be carbon dioxide or an inert gas. Chamber C1 can have a separate vacuum source 40 with an optional pressure sensing means 41. Chambers C2 and C4 can be connected to a separate common vacuum source 41 via lines 6 and 7. Each of the lines 6 and 7 can have sensing means 8 and valve means 9 and 10. It is preferred to have sensing means 8 and valve means 9 and 10.

[0045] The upper chambers are chambers C3 and C5. The upper chambers C3 and C5 in use, are situated above the upper lid or film web 3 which forms an upper sealing member for the tray or bottom web 2 which is contained within the lower chambers. The upper chambers C3 and C5 are also connected to a common vacuum source 11 via separate lines 12 and 13. Optionally separate vacuum lines can also be used. These lines will usually have sensing means and separate valve means 14, 15. It is preferred that Chamber C5 has a pressure sensing means 16.

[0046] All the chambers C1-5 have individually controlled sealing units, which can be activated to seal at the appropriate time in the process for any particular assembly line on a conveyor, to seal the cover or lid 3 to the tray 2.

[0047] The apparatus of FIGS. 1, 2 and or FIG. 3 can readily able to be fitted into existing work stations and or sealing stations for modified atmospheric packaging. One option could be to adapt an existing sealing station by adding chambers with sensing means to create the apparatus as disclosed—i.e. retrofitting.

[0048] As a part of a manufacturing process for modified atmospheric packaging, after product (for example a meat product) placement in the tray-like container 2, the tray-like container 1 is moved to a sealing work station. At the sealing station where the packaging apparatus is normally situated, the tray 2 is placed in a package or vacuum chamber, which can be surrounded by an upper chamber and at least one lower chamber (in use). The tray 2 can be formed from a first film web. The lid 3 which can be formed from a second film web or upper film web 3, is placed and connected with but not directly sealed to but is spaced from the tray-like container 2, to form a vacuum chamber C1. The spaced lidded tray is then evacuated of air, gas injected and then finally sealed.

[0049] For the apparatus of FIG. 3 there is another form of operation whereby initially all the chambers are simultaneously evacuated of fluids such as air. Once a defined vacuum level is reached, evacuation of all chambers is stopped. The pressure sensors 8 and 12 in C4 and C5 will then detect any leak from chambers C4 & C5 while gas is injected into C1 & C3 and the lid is sealed. Also because a sensor can be used in the snorkel line 4, the pressure can be monitored and compared with the results of sensors 8 and 12.

[0050] Therefore the integrality of the atmosphere within the inner chamber 101 or C1 or C1 & C3 and or the packaging within, can be substantially guaranteed. The sensing means and valves can be applied where needed. There is no limit to the number of these in the apparatus.

[0051] This invention consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application individually or collectively in any and all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0052] Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word, such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[0053] The packaging apparatus has the following advantages:

[0054] 1. Reduced leakage or gas contamination—thus reducing product spoiling.

[0055] 2. Apparatus is readily adaptable to existing sealing work stations.

[0056] 3. Simple concepts are involved.

[0057] 4. Maximizes production rate.

[0058] 5. Dependable performance.

[0059] 6. Easy to manufacture.

[0060] 7. Reduced likelihood of contamination.

Claims

1. A packaging apparatus for sealing product(s) in a package in vacuum-gas packaging or thermoforming machines, the apparatus includes a first chamber for housing the product and at least one second chamber, the first chamber has entry or exit means, the second chamber is at least covering the entry or exit means such that any leakage or change in pressure is detected in the second chamber, during gas injection or before sealing.

2. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second chamber has fluid detection means.

3. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second chamber includes at least an upper and lower chamber.

4. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein there are at least two lower chambers.

5. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein one lower chamber substantially overlies the other lower chamber.

6. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first chamber has a fluid detection means.

7. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the product is a perishable product.

8. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the product comprises a product in a covered or lidded or over-wrapped tray.

9. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the package comprises a barrier tray-like container having a cover or lid.

10. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the package comprises a barrier bag.

11. A packaging apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 or 10 wherein the first chamber is made up of two parts.

12. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein one part is situated above the lid.

13. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the one part is situated below the lid.

14. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the lid is separated from the tray by spacers.

15. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the fluid detection means is a sensor.

16. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.

17. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein there are at least two upper vacuum chambers.

18. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the apparatus has sealing means.

19. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the fluid is air.

20. A packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the fluid is an inert gas.