Multi-Layer Products

Abstract

A seal for use with a container for storing and dispensing consumer products is described. The seal includes a cover layer having pre-formed lines of separation defining one or more releasable portions, an adhesive layer on the cover layer, and one or more patches on the adhesive layer. Each patch is associated with a respective one of the releasable portions 6 and consists of a hot melt polymer. The hot melt polymer can be applied to the adhesive layer using a suitable coating or spraying process.

Claims

1. A multi-layer product comprising: a first layer having pre-formed lines of separation defining one or more first portions; an adhesive layer on the first layer; and one or more patches on the adhesive layer, each patch being associated with a respective one of the one or more first portions and consisting of a hot melt polymer.

2. The multi-layer product of claim 1, wherein each pre-formed line of separation in the first layer is formed by a pre-scored or pre-perforated tear line, a cut line, or a combination thereof.

3. The multi-layer product of claim 1, wherein each patch is larger than the associated first portion of the first layer.

4. The multi-layer product of claim 1, wherein each patch has a thickness in the range of about 10 to about 50 μm, and preferably about 15 to about 40 μm.

5. The multi-layer product of claim 1, wherein the hot melt polymer is a food-grade polymer.

6. The multi-layer product of claim 1, further comprising: a second layer; and a release layer between the second layer and the adhesive layer and the one or more patches.

7. A method of making a multi-layer product, comprising the steps of: applying an adhesive layer to a surface of a first layer; applying a hot melt polymer to a surface of the adhesive layer to define one or more patches; and cutting at least the first layer to define pre-formed lines of separation defining one or more first portions, each first portion being associated with a respective one of the one or more patches.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the hot melt polymer is applied to the adhesive layer using a coating or spraying process.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the coating or spraying process uses one or more coating heads or spray heads to apply the hot melt polymer to the adhesive layer.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the adhesive layer is moved relative to the one or more coating heads or spray heads during the coating or spraying process.

11. A seal for use with a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed one or more discrete cavities, the seal comprising: a cover layer to seal the one or more cavities when secured to the generally planar top surface of the tray, the cover layer having pre-formed lines of separation defining a releasable portion per cavity; an adhesive layer on the cover layer; and one or more patches on the adhesive layer, each patch being associated with a respective one of the releasable portions and consisting of a hot melt polymer.

12. The seal of claim 11, wherein each pre-formed line of separation is larger than the open mouth of the associated discrete cavity that it overlies in use.

13. The seal of claim 11, wherein each patch has a thickness in the range of about 10 to about 50 μm, and preferably about 15 to about 40 μm.

14. The seal of claim 11, wherein the hot melt polymer is a food-grade polymer.

15. The seal of claim 11, further comprising: a backing layer; and a release layer between the backing layer and the adhesive layer and the one or more patches.

16. A method of making a seal for use with a container for storing and dispensing consumer products, comprising the steps of: applying an adhesive layer to a surface of a cover layer; applying a hot melt polymer to a surface of the adhesive layer to define one or more patches; and cutting at least the cover layer to define pre-formed lines of separation defining one or more releasable portions, each releasable portion being associated with a respective one of the one or more patches.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the hot melt polymer is applied to the adhesive layer using a coating or spraying process.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the coating or spraying process uses one or more coating heads or spray heads to apply the hot melt polymer to the adhesive layer.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the adhesive layer is moved relative to the one or more coating heads or spray heads during the coating or spraying process.

20. A container for storing and dispensing consumer products, comprising: a tray having a generally planar top surface into which has been formed one or more discrete cavities for receiving the consumer products; and the seal of claim 11 wherein the cover layer is secured to the generally planar top surface of the tray by the adhesive layer to seal the one or more cavities to retain the consumer products in the one or more cavities, and wherein each releasable portion and its associated patch overlie a respective discrete cavity of the tray.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] The present invention can be even more fully understood with the reference to the accompanying drawings which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 1 is a top view of a seal according to the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the seal of FIG. 1.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a top view of a moulded tray.

[0077] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the tray of FIG. 3.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a cross section view of a multiple-compartment dispensing container according to the present invention that includes the seal shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the moulded tray shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative seal according to the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the alternative seal of FIG. 6.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of an alternative multiple-compartment dispensing container according to the present invention that includes the alternative seal shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the moulded tray shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a top view of another alternative seal according to the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the alternative seal of FIG. 9.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a side view of a spraying apparatus.

[0085] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the spraying apparatus of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0086] Although the following description relates to a seal for use with a multiple-compartment dispensing container, it will be readily understood that the same features can be applied to other multi-layer products such as self-adhesive labels, for example.

[0087] A seal 1 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a cover layer 2 of single or multiple-layer construction. The cover layer 2 includes pre-formed lines of separation 4 defining a 7×2 array of releasable portions 6. Although shown as a continuous, unbroken line, each line of separation 4 can be a tear line (e.g., a perforation line) that must be torn or broken to release the releasable portion from the remainder of the cover layer 2 or a cut line. A perforation line will include a series of cut lines and ties. Although not shown, each releasable portion can be attached to the remainder of the cover layer by a bridge region defined by a gap in the associated pre-formed line of separation. Each releasable portion will remain attached to the cover layer by means of the bridge region when it separates along the associated line of separation to define a “flap”. This might be considered to be more environmentally friendly because the individual releasable portions do not become fully detached from the cover film and do not need to be discarded each time the contents of a cavity are dispensed.

[0088] An upper surface 2a of the cover layer 2 defines an upper surface of the seal 1.

[0089] An adhesive layer 8 is applied to a lower surface 2b of the cover layer 2.

[0090] A 7×2 array of patches 10 consisting of hot melt polymer are applied to a lower surface 8a of the adhesive layer 8. Each patch 10 is aligned with a respective releasable portion 6 as shown. As described in more detail below, the patches 10 are applied to the adhesive layer 8 using a spraying process and are sized and shaped to be larger than the respective releasable portions 6. Each patch 10 is therefore also adhered to an overlapping region of the cover film between the pre-formed line of separation 4 in the cover film 2 and the periphery of the patch.

[0091] The patches 10 can have a thickness in the range of about 18 to about 37 μm, for example.

[0092] The seal 1 further comprises a backing layer 12. A release coating 14 is applied to an upper surface 12a of the backing layer 12. The release coating 14 is adhered to the adhesive layer 8 and contacts the patches 10. A lower surface 12b of the backing layer 12 defines a lower surface of the seal 1.

[0093] The pre-formed lines of separation 4 (i.e., the perforation lines or cut lines) extend completely through the cover layer 2 and the adhesive layer 8. They can also extend partly into the patches 10—as shown in FIG. 2—as long as the patches retain their structural integrity and moisture-barrier properties. If the pre-formed lines of separation 4 are cut lines, it will be readily understood that the releasable portions 6 are kept in position by the patches 10 which are larger than the releasable portions.

[0094] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a moulded tray 20 having a generally planar top surface 22 into which has been formed a 7×2 array of discrete cavities 24 for receiving consumer products.

[0095] A container 30 for storing and dispensing consumer products is shown in FIG. 5. The backing layer 12 and its integral release layer 14 of the seal 1 have been peeled away from the adhesive layer 8 and the cover layer 2 is shown adhered to the generally planar top surface 22 of the tray 20 using the exposed adhesive layer with the open mouths of the discrete cavities 24 being covered by the patches 10 and releasable portions 6. The releasable portions 6 are the same size as the open mouths of the discrete cavities 24. The patches 10 are larger than the open mouths of the discrete cavities 24 and prevent the consumer products in the discrete cavities from coming into contact with, and sticking to, the adhesive layer 8. The patches 10 also provide moisture-barrier (or vapour-barrier) properties by increasing the thickness of the cover layer 2 in the region overlying the open mouths of the discrete cavities 24 and by forcing any moisture that travels through the lines of separation 4 to travel outwardly through the adhesive layer 8 to reach the outer peripheral edge of each patch before it can enter the discrete cavities.

[0096] To dispense the contents of a particular cavity, the user simply presses down on the overlying releasable portion 6. If the line of separation 4 is a tear line (e.g., a perforation line) the application of a sufficient amount of force will cause it to tear such that the releasable portion 6 is fully released from the remainder of the cover layer 2 or partially released apart from in the bridge region. If there is a bridge region it will act as a hinge to allow the attached releasable portion (or “flap”) to bend downwardly into the cavity or upwardly to allow the contents of the cavity to be dispensed through the opening created in the cover layer 2. The associated patch 10 of hot melt polymer will break or rupture—typically in a line that corresponds generally to the line of separation 4. This is particularly the case if the line of separation extends partly into the patch as shown in FIG. 2. In some cases, an inner part of the patch 10 may be removed along with the releasable portion 6 and an outer peripheral part of the patch may remain adhered to the underside of the cover layer 2.

[0097] An alternative seal 40 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and includes a cover layer 42 of single or multiple-layer construction. The cover layer 42 includes pre-formed lines of separation 44 defining a 7×2 array of releasable portions 46. Although shown as a continuous, unbroken line, each line of separation 44 is a tear line (e.g., a perforation line defined by a series of cuts and ties) that must be torn or broken to release the releasable portion from the remainder of the cover layer 42. In the alternative seal 40, some of the pre-formed lines of separation 44 are shared by adjacent releasable portions as shown.

[0098] An upper surface 42a of the cover layer 42 defines an upper surface of the alternative seal 40.

[0099] An adhesive layer 48 is applied to a lower surface 42b of the cover layer 42. The lines of separation 44 (e.g., perforation lines) extend completely through the cover layer 42 and the adhesive layer 48 as shown.

[0100] A 7×2 array of patches 50 consisting of hot melt polymer are applied to a lower surface 48a of the adhesive layer 48. Each patch 50 is aligned with a respective releasable portion 46 as shown. As described in more detail below, the patches 50 are applied to the adhesive layer 48 using a spraying process and are sized and shaped to be smaller than the respective releasable portions 46.

[0101] The patches 50 can have a thickness in the range of about 18 to about 37 μm, for example.

[0102] The alternative seal 40 further comprises a backing layer 52. A release coating 54 is applied to an upper surface 52a of the backing layer 52. The release coating 54 is adhered to the adhesive layer 48 and contacts the patches 50. A lower surface 52b of the backing layer 52 defines a lower surface of the seal 40.

[0103] A container 60 for storing and dispensing consumer products is shown in FIG. 8. The backing layer 52 and its integral release layer 54 of the alternative seal 40 have been peeled away from the adhesive layer 48 and the cover layer 42 is shown adhered to the generally planar top surface 22 of the tray 20 using the exposed adhesive layer with the open mouths of the discrete cavities 24 being covered by the patches 50 and releasable portions 46. The releasable portions 46 are larger than the open mouths of the discrete cavities 24 and the lines of separation 44 are positioned over the generally planar top surface 22 of the tray 20. Corresponding lines of separation (not shown) may be provided in the generally planar top surface of the tray to allow the discrete cavities to be separated from the remainder of the tray, each discrete cavity retaining its own releasable portion 46. The patches 50 are also larger than the open mouths of the discrete cavities 24 and prevent the consumer products in the discrete cavities 24 from coming into contact with, and sticking to, the adhesive layer 48. The patches can also be the same size as, or smaller than, the open mouths of the discrete cavities. The patches 50 provide moisture-barrier properties by increasing the thickness of the cover layer 42 in the region overlying the open mouths of the discrete cavities 24 and by forcing any moisture that travels through the lines of separation 44 to travel inwardly through the adhesive layer 48 to reach the open mouths of the discrete cavities. In other words, there is no direct path for moisture to travel from the outside environment to the discrete cavities.

[0104] Another alternative seal 70 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and includes a cover layer 72 of single or multiple-layer construction. The cover layer 72 includes pre-formed lines of separation 74 defining a 7×4 array of releasable portions 76. Each releasable portion 76 includes a main portion 76a and a tab portion 76b extending from the main portion that can be grasped preparatory to releasing the releasable portion from the remainder of the cover layer 72. The lines of separation 74 defining the main portions 76 are tear lines (e.g., perforation lines defined by a series of cuts and ties) that must be torn or broken to release the releasable portion and are shown as dashed lines. The tab portions 76b are defined by cut lines that are shown as continuous, unbroken lines.

[0105] An upper surface 72a of the cover layer 72 defines an upper surface of the alternative seal 70.

[0106] An adhesive layer 78 is applied to a lower surface 72b of the cover layer 72. The lines of separation 74 extend completely through the cover layer 72 and the adhesive layer 78 as shown.

[0107] A 7×4 array of patches 80 consisting of hot melt polymer are applied to a lower surface 78a of the adhesive layer 78. Each patch 80 is aligned with a respective releasable portion 76 as shown. As described in more detail below, the patches 80 are applied to the adhesive layer 78 using a spraying process and are sized and shaped to be smaller than the respective releasable portions 76.

[0108] The alternative seal 70 further comprises a backing layer 82. A release coating 84 is applied to an upper surface 82a of the backing layer 82. The release coating 84 is adhered to the adhesive layer 78 and contacts the patches 80. A lower surface 82b of the backing layer 82 defines a lower surface of the seal 70.

[0109] The alternative seal 70 is adhered to the generally planar top surface of a tray with a corresponding 7×4 array of discrete cavities in the same way as the seals described above.

[0110] In the case of each of the seals described above, the respective patches are applied to the adhesive layer using a spraying process for hot melt polymers. FIGS. 11 and 12 show a spray apparatus 90 with a pair of stationary spray heads 92a, 92b arranged side by side. The spray heads 92a, 92b are connected to a supply 94 of hot melt polymer. A substrate 96 is moved past the stationary spray heads 92a, 92b by a transfer roller system. The substrate 96 represents the cover layer and the applied adhesive layer. (The backing layer is adhered to the substrate later.) The substrate 96 may have already undergone a suitable cutting process to pre-form the lines of separation in the cover layer that define an array of releasable portions. The substrate 96 may also undergo a suitable cutting process after the patches have been applied to the adhesive layer. As the substrate 96 moves past the spray heads 92a, 92b, the spray heads are controlled to spray hot melt polymer onto the adhesive layer of the substrate to define two columns of discrete patches 98 as shown in FIG. 12. If the spray apparatus includes more than two spray heads arranged side by side, it will be readily understood that additional columns of discrete patches can be sprayed onto the adhesive layer as the substrate moves past. For example, in the case of the alternative seal 70 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the spray apparatus will include four spray heads arranged side by side so that four columns of patches are sprayed onto the adhesive layer of the substrate.

[0111] Any suitable hot melt polymer can be used, for example, a food-grade hot melt adhesive based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethanes or functional polyolefins. One suitable hot melt adhesive which uses high-performance polyolefins is KIZEN FORCE 2.0 available from Bostik Ltd, Stafford, United Kingdom, which has an application temperature of 160°-180° C., a white aspect, and a Brookfield viscosity of 1220 m.Math.Pa.s at 170° C.

[0112] Several variants of the illustrated embodiments have been described above. In the absence of any contrary statement, each variant can be adopted independently of the others and they can be used in any combination.

[0113] The entire contents of all references cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein in their entireties, by reference. Further, when an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as either a range, preferred range, or a list of upper preferable values and lower preferable values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or preferred value and any lower range limit or preferred value, regardless of whether such ranges are separately disclosed. Where a range of numerical values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range.

[0114] Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the present specification and practice of the present invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the present specification and examples be considered as exemplary only with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and equivalents thereof.