Cook-in package method and apparatus

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(11)

EP 0 459 754 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	20.01.1993 Bulletin 1993/03

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	04.12.1991 Bulletin 1991/49

(21)	Application number: 91304806.2

(22)	Date of filing: 28.05.1991

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁵: B65D 81/34, B65D 75/58, B65D 75/26, B65D 75/30, B31B 21/00, B65B 61/02

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

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Priority:

30.05.1990 US 530894

(71)	Applicant: OSCAR MAYER FOODS CORPORATION
	Madison Wisconsin 53707 (US)

(72)	Inventor:
	Kuethe, David F. Madison , Wisconsin 53704 (US)

(74)	Representative: Eyles, Christopher Thomas et al
	W.P. THOMPSON & CO. Celcon House 289-293 High Holborn London WC1V 7HU London WC1V 7HU (GB)

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References cited: :

(54)	Cook-in package method and apparatus

(57) A method and apparatus for manufacturing a cook-in package (10) which is capable of withstanding a cook/pasteurization cycle while having edges capable of unaided manual tear initiation. The package (10) is made from non-peelable laminated films and has a hermetically-sealed interior pouch for containing a food product. Unaided manual tear initiation is facilitated by a plurality of punctures (30) which are formed in edge portions (16) of the package during or after heat sealing of upper and lower walls (12 and 14) of the package to one another. The punctures (30) are preferably formed along an area which is subsequently trimmed to ensure that the perforated area extends entirely to the edges of the package. Hermeticity of the package is ensured by maintaining an unperforated sealed area (31) inwardly of the perforated areas.

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