US 5,632,133 AGranted

Method of pre-formed in-line thermofusing of multilayer polymeric films to form packaging components

OwnerIhor Wyslotskyinventor

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Abstract

The novel method of the present invention is directed to the continuous formation of a multi-layer, laminated package by in-line thermofusing of several separate films. A first roll of the first film having defined first properties is provided, along with at least a second roll of a second film having defined second properties. A tie layer may be disposed, as either a separate film disposed between, or co-extruded upon contacting surface of one of the first or second films. A tacking station is provided for continuous disposition of the first and second films at the tacking station. At the tacking station, where the first film is tacked to at least the second film. Such tacking is carried out by contacting the respective films and by applying a first pressure to at least a portion thereof to provide a continuous strip of pre-laminated film. The continuous strip of pre-laminated joint film is subjected to sufficient heat and a second pressure sufficient to laminate and to bond together (i.e., thermofuse) the films which have been previously tacked together to form the pre-laminated joint film. In-line, the continuous strip of pre-laminated joint film is subjected to the application of heat thereto sufficient for thermoforming. The heated portion of the pre-laminated joint film is thermoformed into a package component.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A method of in-line thermofusing of multi-layer, laminated polymeric films to form packaging components, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a first essentially clear polymeric roll of first film having defined first properties;
providing at least a second essentially clear polymeric roll of a second film having defined second properties;
providing a tacking station for continuous disposition of at least said first and said second films thereto;
at said tacking station, tacking the first film to at least the second film by bringing the respective films into contacting array and by applying pressure of at least a first pressure of sufficient pressure to tack the film together to at least a portion thereof to form a continuous strip of pre-laminated joint film;
subjecting said continuous strip of said pre-laminated joint film to the application of sufficient heat and a second pressure sufficient for bonding and thermo-laminating together the films of said pre-laminated joint film into a substantially fully fused laminated joint film and thereby bonding and thermo-laminating together the films of said pre-laminated joint film into a substantially fully fused laminated joint film;
subjecting said continuous strip of said laminated joint film to the application of heat sufficient for thermforming said laminated joint film;
and
thermoforming said heated portion of said laminated joint film into an essentially clear package component.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/222,105Filed 25 Jul 1994 · continuation in part
Priority: 22 Feb 1994
Granted: 27 May 1997
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification29 codes

B32B 27/08
As the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material: of synthetic resin
B29C 51/14
Shaping by thermoforming , i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing;…:…
B32B 7/12
Interconnection of layers: using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/302
Comprising vinyl polymers; comprising acrylic polymers: comprising aromatic vinyl polymers, e.g. styrenic polymers