US4224779A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for fabrication of coated metal packages by thermoforming
Assignee: Societe de Conditionnement en Aluminium SCAL GP SA
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Filing: 1978-09-22
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Granted: 1980-09-30
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Expires: 1998-09-22
Abstract
Abstract A method for continuous packaging in metal packages produced in situ, the invention comprises the fabrication of aluminum containers from aluminum sheet immediately prior to packaging of a material in the containers, the operations being conducted as part of a continuous flow process. The metal packages are produced by thermoforming, that is, the deformation of a heated metal body in a mold by pressure, thereby resulting in the production of containers which are aseptic and which can be easily coated with a protective layer of a plastic or similar material. The invention is particularly useful for the packaging of perishable produce.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Guedet
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 16:04
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B47/00; B65B47/02; B65B55/00; B65B55/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A process for the continuous packaging under sterile conditions of a consumable product in metal containers, comprising the steps of: continuously thermoforming containers from metal blanks formed of aluminum having a thickness of from 0.10 to 0.50 mm, the blanks being covered with a layer of artifical alumina, the thermoforming temperature being sufficient to sterilize the containers thus formed; maintaining the sterile thermoformed containers from formed under sterile conditions subsequent to thermoforming and at least prior to and during subsequent continuous flow process operations; and filling the sterile containers with the consumable product in a continuous flow process which includes sterile formation of the containers by thermoforming, the containers being maintained under sterile conditions during filling to assure packaging under aseptic conditions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A process for the continuous packaging under sterile conditions of a consumable product in metal containers, comprising the steps of: continuously thermoforming containers from metal blanks formed of aluminum having a thickness of from 0.10 to 0.50 mm, the blanks being covered with a layer of artifical alumina, the thermoforming temperature being sufficient to sterilize the containers thus formed; maintaining the sterile thermoformed containers from formed under sterile conditions subsequent to thermoforming and at least prior to and during subsequent continuous flow process operations; and filling the sterile containers with the consumable product in a continuous flow process which includes sterile formation of the containers by thermoforming, the containers being maintained under sterile conditions during filling to assure packaging under aseptic conditions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process of claim 1 wherein thermoforming of the containers is performed at a temperature of from 0.7 Tf to 0.9 Tf, Tf being the absolute melting temperature of the constituent metal of the containers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the layer of alumina is of a regular thickness of from 0.01 micron to 1 micron.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The packaging process of claim 3 wherein the layer of alumina is of a regular thickness of from 0.04 micron to 0.50 micron.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process of claim 1 and further comprising the step of coating the containers with a plastic material at a temperature of more than 120° C. prior to filling of the containers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 5 and further comprising the step of maintaining the coated containers under sterile conditions until the containers are filled.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process of claim 5 wherein the coating is effected by projecting fine particles of the plastic material onto the surfaces of the metal containers substantially at the melting temperature of the plastic material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The process of claim 5 wherein, during the period of coating of the containers with the plastic material, the containers are maintained at a temperature which is at least equal to the melting temperature of the plastic material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-09-30 | 1984-03-31 | 1984-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-09-30 | 1988-03-31 | 1988-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-09-30 | 1992-03-31 | 1992-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |