FOOD BAG

Abstract

A food bag for a food product includes a front layer and a back layer wherein the front layer and the back layer are interconnected to each other along at least one peripheral interconnection joint to form a pouch suitable to receive the food product between the front layer and the back layer through a pouch opening. The front layer and the back layer are arranged adjacent the pouch opening. A sealing means seals the pouch opening after the food product is received in the pouch. The front layer and the back layer each comprise a tear feature for separating the pouch into a first part for holding the food product and a second part. The tear feature of the front layer and the tear feature of the back layer are interconnected to each other in the area of the at least one peripheral interconnection joint.

Claims

1. A food bag (1) for a food product that includes a front layer (2) and a back layer (3), the food bag comprising: a. at least one peripheral interconnection joint (4a, 4b, 4c) connecting the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) to form a pouch (7) suitable to receive the food product between the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) through a pouch opening (8), the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) being arranged adjacent the pouch opening (8); b. a sealing means (12) to seal the pouch opening (8) after the food product (I) is received in the pouch (7); c. a tear feature (9) for separating the pouch (7) into a first part for holding the food product and a second part; and d. the tear feature (9) of the front layer (2) and the tear feature (9) of the back layer (9) are interconnected to each other in the area of the at least one peripheral interconnection joint (4a, 4b, 4c).

2. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tear feature (9) of the front layer (2) and the tear feature (9) of the back layer (3) overlap one another at least partially in a direction normal to the faces of the front layer (2) and the back layer (3).

3. The food bag (1) according to claim 2, wherein the tear feature (9) of the front layer (2) comprises at least one tear line (10) and the tear feature of the back layer (3) comprises at least one tear line (11), and wherein the at least one tear line (9) of the front layer (2) is essentially congruent with the at least one tear line (9) of the back layer (3).

4. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tear feature (9) of the front layer (2) and the tear feature (9) of the back layer (3) are each slanted with respect to an insert direction of the food product.

5. The food bag according to claim 1, wherein the tear features (9) each comprise a plurality of recesses, a plurality of debossments and/or a perforation.

6. The food bag (I) according to claim 1, wherein the tear features (9) each comprise a tear-aid in at least one peripheral area of the food bag (I).

7. The food bag (1) according to claim 6, wherein the tear-aid is arranged in at least one area of the at least one peripheral interconnection joint (4a, 4b, 4c).

8. The food bag (i) according to claim 1, wherein tear features (9) are arranged between 30% to 70% of the length of the food bag (1) in the direction of food insertion.

9. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing means (12) is arranged on the inside of the back layer (3), the inside of the front layer (2) or on the inside of both the front layer (2) and the back layer (3).

10. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the back layer (3) of the food bag (1) comprises a flap section (3a) extending beyond the front layer (2) counter to the direction of food insertion into the food bag (I), the flap section (3a) being suitable to be folded over the front layer (2).

11. The food bag (i) according to claim 10, wherein the sealing means is arranged on the inside of the flap section of the back layer (3).

12. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing means (12) comprises an adhesive, in particular a glue dot.

13. The food bag (I) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing means (12) comprises a weld seam.

14. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the front layer (2) or back layer (3) or both the front and the back layer are made from a transparent material.

15. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) are each made from a thermal resistant material, such that the food product in the food bag (1) can be grilled or heated in the food bag.

16. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) are each oblong.

17. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, comprising a secondary pouch (13) suitable to receive a napkin or a condiment.

18. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) are interconnected to each other at the at least one interconnection joint (4a, 4b 4c) by means of a fixing means chosen out of at least one of the group: adhesive, heat-activated adhesive, hot-melt, cold glue.

19. The food bag (1) according to claim 1, wherein the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) are interconnected to each other at the least one interconnection joint (4a, 4b, 4c) by means of a fixing means chosen out of at least one of the group: crimping, interleaving, nesting.

20. A method for manufacturing a food bag (1) for a food product, including: a. providing a front layer (2) and a back layer (3); b. arranging the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) on top of one another, the front layer (2) and the back layer (3); c. providing the front layer (2) and/or the back layer (3) with sealing means to seal the pouch opening (8) after the food product (1) is received in the pouch (7); d. interconnecting the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) to each other along at least one peripheral interconnection joint (4a, 4b, 4c) to form a pouch (7) suitable to receive the food product between the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) through a pouch opening (8); e. working a tear feature (9) into the front layer and the back layer (3) suitable for separating the pouch into a first part for holding the food product and a second part.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) are interconnected to each other at the at least one peripheral interconnection joint (4a, 4b, 4c) by means of a fixing means chosen out of at least one of the group: adhesive, heat-activated adhesive, hot-melt, cold glue.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the front layer (2) and the second layer (3) are interconnected to each other by means of a fixing means chosen out of at least one of the group: crimping, interleaving, nesting.

23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) are arranged on top of one another so as to overlap each other with an offset relative to the direction of food insertion.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein a flap section (3a) of the back layer (3) extends beyond the front layer (2) counter to the direction of food insertion and is folded back over the front layer (2).

25. The method according to claim 20, wherein a flap section (2a) of the front layer (2) extends beyond the back layer (3) with respect to direction of food insertion and is folded back over the front layer (2) such as to form a secondary pouch (13).

26. The method according to claim 20, wherein the tear features (9) are worked into the food bag (1) to extend between lateral sides of the food bag (1).

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the tear features (9) are worked into the food bag (1) at a slant with respect direction of food insertion.

28. The method according to claim 20, wherein the front layer (2) and the back layer (3) are each provided with recesses, debossments or at a perforated to form each tear feature (9).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims, wherein FIG. 1 shows a variation of the food bag;

[0037] FIG. 2 shows the opposite side of the food bag according to FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a top view of the food bag according to FIGS. 1 and 2 showing section lines A-A and B-B;

[0039] FIG. 4 shows section A-A of the food bag according to FIG. 3;

[0040] FIG. 5 shows section B-B of the food bag according to FIG. 3;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to certain variations of the food bag, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, the variations disclosed herein may be carried out in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure satisfies applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0042] In the perspective view according to FIG. 1, a food bag 1 is shown comprising a stacked arrangement of an essentially rectangular front layer 2 and an essentially rectangular back layer 3 connected to each other via three interconnection joints 4a, 4b and 4c at sides 5a, 5b and 5c of the food bag. The front layer is made of kraft paper, which is preferably lipophobic. The interconnection joints comprise fixing means in the form of an arrangement of heat-activated or hot melt adhesive 6 extending along the respective side 5a, 5b and 5c of the food bag 1 between the front layer 2 and the back layer 3, preferably in a strip or band. A variety of adhesives may be used, including, but not restricted to, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and including additives as needed such as a resin or wax. The back layer is preferably made of a clear plastic film, such as BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene film).

[0043] The front layer, back layer and the interconnection joints bound a pouch 7 comprising a pouch opening 8 through which food is inserted into the food bag. The front layer 2 and the back layer 3 may have different widths to enlarge the pouch opening 8 and facilitate insertion of the food product. For inserting the food product into the food bag 1, the distance between opposing lateral sides 4a and 4c of the food bag can be shortened by moving the lateral sides closer to each other to increase the separation between the front layer 2 and the back layer 3 which bound the interior of the pouch 7, thereby changing the shape of the pouch 7 to receive bulkier food products.

[0044] The food bag comprises tear features 9 including a straight tear line 10 extending across the width of the front layer 2 at a slant and a straight tear line 11 extending across the width of the back layer 3 at a slant, the tear lines 10 and 11 being essentially congruent (the spacing between the tear lines 10 and 11 apparent is exaggerated in the drawing for clarity). Each tear line 10, 11 comprises a perforated line with holes extending fully through the thickness of the respective layer. Instead of tear lines, however, tear sections comprising a plurality of perforation lines or structural weakening of the respective layer 2, 3 such as recesses or debossments may constitute the tear feature 9. The tear features 9 including such features such as at least a perforation line, recess or debossment preferably extend between lateral sides 4a and 4c of the food pouch 1 in a section of the food bag crossing the food product inserted into the pouch 7, for example between 40% and 60% along the length of the food bag as seen from the direction of food insertion, i.e. in area roughly midway along said length of the food bag 1. When a shear force is applied on both sides of the tear features 9, the food bag separates into a first part containing the food product and into a second part which may be discarded. The pouch 7 of the food bag 1 is then effectively shortened, the pouch opening 8 being newly delineated by what was the tear feature 9 prior to separation. The height of the tear features 9 and thus of the pouch opening 8 following separation of the food bag into the two parts is such that the food product projects outside of the food bag, i.e. it is exposed to the outside, and may be directly accessed by the consumer for eating while holding the first part of the food bag. To facilitate tearing the food bag into two parts, the tear features 9 may each extend away from a tear-aid such as a cutout provided in the at least one lateral interconnection joint 4a or 4c. The cut-out may be tapered away from the edge of the food bag, for example in a triangular form.

[0045] The back layer 3 of the food bag 1 according to FIG. 1 comprises a flap section 3a extending beyond the front layer 2 in the direction counter to the direction that the food product is inserted into the food bag 1. When the flap section 3a is folded over the pouch opening 8, it restricts access to the interior of the pouch 7 and helps to restrict the food product exiting the food bag. On the face of the flap section 3a that meets the front layer 3 when folded over the pouch opening 8, the flap section 3a comprises sealing means 12, for example an adhesive, for sealing the pouch 7, preferably in such a manner that the pouch 7 opened after having sealed it once reveals that the food bag, possibly its contents, have been opened or tampered with. To that end, the material of the sealing means 12 reveals disintegration in the form of breaks, cracks or tears when it has been opened that are easily visible to the human eye. For example, the sealing means 12 comprises an adhesive with these material properties, such as a glue dot. The sealing means 12 therefore functions as a guarantee, tamper and/or freshness seal but need not fully close the pouch in the sense of fully enclosing it or sealing it off against the exterior. Preferably, the front layer 2 comprises paper while the back layer 3 comprises a transparent plastic film, however other materials may be used for each layer as disclosed generally within the framework of this document. Generally, the sealing means 12 can be provided as an area of adhesive on the section 3a, for example as a circular or rectangular patch, in particular as a glue dot.

[0046] While FIG. 1 shows a flap section 3a of the back layer 3 extending beyond the front layer, alternatively, the front layer 2 and the back layer 3 terminate congruently at the food insertion side of the food bag, i.e. neither layer comprises a section extending beyond the respective other layer. In this case, the sealing means 12 having the aforementioned features is provided on the inside either of the front layer 2 the back layer 3 or on both layers near the pouch opening 8.

[0047] FIG. 1 also shows a secondary pouch 13 arranged on the face of the front layer 2 directed away from the back layer 3. The secondary pouch 13 is formed by a flap section 2a of the front layer 2 extending beyond the back layer 3 in the direction the food is inserted into the food bag 1, said flap section 2a being folded over the front layer 2 itself. The hinge of the flap section 2a preferably coincides with or is essentially congruent with the edge of the food bag 1 at its bottom or terminated side 5b, i.e. the closed end of the food bag opposite the pouch opening 8 in the direction of food insertion into the food bag. The flap section 2a is fixed to the periphery of the front layer 2 on its face directed away from the back layer 3 at a secondary interconnection joint (see FIG. 5 for a close up of the secondary interconnection joint), for example comprising a strip or adhesive band as described in the case of the interconnection joints 4a to 4c. The secondary pouch 13 comprises a pouch opening 14 analogous to that of the pouch opening 8 through which the food is inserted into the bag. Secondary pouch 13 and opening 14 thereof however have dimensions suitable for receiving a napkin or condiment to accompany the food product inserted into the food bag. Flap section 2a comprises the same material as the front layer 2 of the food bag 1. However, it may comprise a different material, for example a material permeable or transparent to light for revealing the contents of the secondary pouch 13, such as the type of condiment inserted therein.

[0048] Although the secondary pouch 13 has been described as comprising folded over section 2a of the front layer 2, it may instead be formed by laying a separate secondary pouch layer 13a (see FIG. 5) onto the front layer 2 at the bottom or terminated end of the food pouch 1 and fixing the periphery of said secondary pouch layer 13a onto the corresponding periphery of the front layer 2 at a secondary interconnection joint 15 (see FIG. 5).

[0049] In the perspective view according to FIG. 2, the reverse or back side of the food bag 1 is shown, including the tear feature 9 extending through the back layer 2 of the food bag.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a top view of the food bag shown in FIG. 1 indicating cross sections A-A and B-B.

[0051] The section view according to FIG. 4 shows the at least one interconnection joint 4a of the food bag 1 by which the front layer 2 and the back layer 3 are interconnected in a laminar manner at the periphery of the food bag 1. An adhesive layer 6 is provided between the front and back layers in this area, preferably as a band of adhesive. Adjacent the interconnection joint 4a, the front layer 2 and the back layer 3 are separated from one another by a greater distance to create a cavity, in particular the pouch 7 for receiving the food product.

[0052] The section view according to FIG. 5 corresponds to that of FIG. 4 with the distinction that the front layer comprises a secondary pouch 13. The secondary pouch 13 comprises a secondary pouch layer 13a interconnected to the front layer 2 at secondary interconnection joints 15 on the face of the first layer 2 opposite the interconnection joints 4a, 4b and 4c interconnecting the first layer 2 and the second layer 3 of the food bag. This layer 13a of the secondary pouch 13 may be a separate layer interconnected to the front layer 2 or it may comprise a flap section 2a of the front layer 2 folded over itself. Similar to the pouch 7 shown in FIG. 4, adjacent the secondary interconnection joint 15, the layer 13a diverges from the front layer 2 to create a cavity or secondary pouch 13 for receiving an item accompanying the food product such as a napkin, a wet tissue, a condiment, a voucher, an advertisement, an additional bag for storing the food product after partial consumption, or other items to be provided together with the food product.

[0053] The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.