Inside printing of flexible packages
AssigneeFrito-Lay North America, Inc.
InventorsAnthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, that provides for the presentation of graphics inside the package using existing converter and vertical form and fill packaging machine technology. The invention involves pre-treating an area with ionized gases prior to the addition of the graphic to allow the graphic to adhere to the surface.
Claims21
A method for placing graphics in a specific location on a low surface energy film, said low surface energy film having a surface energy of less than 35 dynes/cm, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) treating the surface of a said film with an ionized gas at a registered location on the film;
- b) allowing the treated portion to cool to less than 150° F.;
- c) using at least one sensor to detect a visible registration mark on the film to ascertain the relative registered location of the treated portion;
- and
- d) using the sensor-detected information to apply an ink graphic within treated portion.
A method for placing graphics in a specific location on a low surface energy film, said low surface energy film having a surface energy of less than 35 dynes/cm, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) treating a portion of the surface of a low surface energy film with an ionized gas wherein at least one sensor is used to detect a visible registration mark on the film to ascertain the relative registered location of the portion to be treated;
- b) allowing the treated portion to cool to less than 150° F.;
- and
- c) applying an ink graphic to only the treated portion as indicated by at least one sensor.
A sealable package for containing food product with a promotional message printed on the product-side of the package, comprising:
- d) a flexible film having a product side layer, said product side layer comprising a film with a surface energy of less than 35 dynes/cm;
- and
- e) a registered ink area located at least one-eighth inch from a seal location wherein the ink area was treated with ionized gases to raise the surface energy of said area prior to application of ink.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.