The first part of 2015 has proven a boom time for the publication of patents for packaging. Perhaps that’s much like the rest of the year. In any event, we present in alpha order by vendor an innovative mix of patent-pending packaging materials and containers that may soon see the light of day in the market if they have not done so already.
This tray from Becton Dickinson, France, is designed in such a way that it adapts readily to an automated loading and unloading process. The invention relies on using prefilled syringes or vials that provide doses that are accurate, safe and convenient versus nonfilled containers. The tray or tub design overcomes the challenges of prefilled doses while maximizing the quantity of containers stored in the packaging without causing damage to the primary containers even at high production speed using robotics.
Modified atmosphere packaging has been around for decades, but it takes ingenuity to bring something new to the MAP table. That’s exactly what Sealed Air’s Cryovac division did with this inventive ridged thermoformed plastic dome. The idea is that the ridges reduce the product-package contact area while at the same time optimizing the effect of the gas flush atmosphere that can contact more of the product surface area to maintain and preserve the product’s color and appearance.
What Delkor Systems’ patent refers to as a Convertible Package Assembly and Display System is a shelf or retail-ready case (RRC) in one application. It is claimed as an improved, cost-effective and environmentally friendly variation of the RRC theme. This sounds a lot like Delkor’s retail-ready Cabrio Case development that we have covered, but we could not confirm that at press time.
This invention from MWV brings a sliding sleeve-and-drawer style functionality to blister packaging that is also lockable and relockable for child-resistance or other security reasons, yet the packaging also remains senior friendly to use. The filing also claims that the package-to-product ratio is maximized to save materials and reduce shipping costs. Another benefit is that this novel blister packaging is scalable and can contain bulkier and larger-sized items such as laundry pods.
Scholle Packaging’s tap for a flexible package having a dosing dispenser is targeted at the bag-in-box market. The difference in this invention from prior designs is that it permits metered doses. The invention involves the use of a spring-loaded piston within a cylinder and upper and lower valves. It is also notable in that no air or other contaminants can enter the bag during use.
Ever had problems with products like meat or cheese that are so tightly shrunk with film that it is next to impossible if not unsafe to open using a sharp instrument? Me, too. This invention for “Easy Tear Packaging” from Winpak Films solves that using holes that serve as a location for an associated tear opening to be made in conjunction with a shrink film and skirt sections that extend beyond the seal areas.
