U.S. patent application number 11/964126 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for sandwich wrappers, fast food wrappers and gum wrappers comprising pla resin.
Invention is credited to William R. Arndt, LouAnn S. Mueller.
Application Number | 20080099540 11/964126 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29251247 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080099540 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mueller; LouAnn S. ; et
al. |
May 1, 2008 |
Sandwich Wrappers, Fast Food Wrappers and Gum Wrappers Comprising
PLA Resin
Abstract
A gum wrapper having two sheets of paper laminated with PLA
resin material therebetween for packaging a plurality of wrapped,
individual sticks of chewing gum.
Inventors: |
Mueller; LouAnn S.; (Little
Chute, WI) ; Arndt; William R.; (Hilbert,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUANE MORRIS, LLP;IP DEPARTMENT
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-4196
US
|
Family ID: |
29251247 |
Appl. No.: |
11/964126 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10430227 |
May 5, 2003 |
|
|
|
11964126 |
Dec 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
60378380 |
May 7, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/87.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/3179 20150401;
B32B 27/36 20130101; Y10T 428/27 20150115; B32B 29/00 20130101;
Y10T 156/1092 20150115; Y10T 428/31786 20150401; B32B 27/10
20130101; Y10T 428/31855 20150401; Y10T 156/1089 20150115; Y10T
156/1097 20150115; Y10T 428/31993 20150401; Y10T 428/31895
20150401; B32B 9/04 20130101; B32B 23/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/087.07 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/04 20060101
B65D075/04 |
Claims
1. A gum wrapper, comprising: a paper/PLA/paper structure
comprising two sheets of paper laminated with PLA resin material
therebetween for packaging a plurality of wrapped, individual
sticks of chewing gum.
2. The gum wrapper of claim 1 wherein each of the two sheets of
paper has a basis weight in the range of about 10 to 30 pounds per
3,000 square feet.
3. The gum wrapper of claim 1, comprising: a paper/PLA/foil
lamination comprising paper, polylactide (PLA) resin material and a
foil for wrapping each of the individual sticks of chewing gum; and
the paper/PLA/paper structure being adapted to package the
individual sticks of chewing gum wrapped with the paper/PLA/foil
lamination.
4. The gum wrapper of claim 2 wherein each of the two sheets of
paper has a basis weight in the range of about 10 to 30 pounds per
3,000 square feet.
5. A two-layer composite wrapper for packaging a food product
comprising: a paper layer; and a polylactide (PLA) resin material
covering the paper and comprising a barrier to moisture and vapor
for protecting a food product packaged within said paper layer,
wherein the PLA resin material comprises an extrusion, and the PLA
resin material bonds to the paper layer.
6. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5 wherein the PLA resin
material and the paper layer are compostable.
7. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5 wherein the extrusion
comprises two layers of the PLA resin material.
8. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 7 wherein the PLA resin
material and the paper layer are compostable.
9. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5 wherein, the PLA
resin material is transparent, and the paper layer is printed with
print that shows through the PLA resin material.
10. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 9 wherein the PLA
resin material and the paper layer are compostable.
11. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5 wherein the PLA
resin material is transparent, and the paper layer contains pigment
to provide coloration.
12. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 11 wherein the PLA
resin material and the paper layer are compostable.
13. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5 wherein the paper
layer has a high gloss surface.
14. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 13 wherein, the PLA
resin material is transparent, and the paper layer is printed with
print that shows through the PLA resin material.
15. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 14 wherein the PLA
resin material and the paper layer are compostable.
16. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5, further comprising:
a metallized material in the paper layer.
17. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5, further comprising:
a metallized material in the PLA resin.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a Continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/430,227, filed May 5, 2003 (E4919-00034),
which claims priority from provisional patent application No.
60/378,380 filed May 7, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the use of PLA for sandwich
wrappers, fast food wrappers, and gum wrappers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Typical fast food, burger, and sandwich wrappers are
manufactured as a two- or three-layered laminated structure
comprising one or two layers of a paper substrate and a layer of
polyethylene. In the three-layer structure, two paper substrates
are laminated using a layer of polyethylene interposed
thereinbetween. In the two-layer structure, one layer of paper
substrate is coated with a layer of polyethylene or polymer resin.
The poly layer provides protection against moisture and
condensation and retains the aroma and flavor of the wrapped food
product.
[0004] Chewing gum during storage or exposure to ambient
conditions, has a tendency to lose or gain moisture from the
surrounding atmosphere. This tendency can be dependent upon the
ambient temperature, relative humidity, and the packaging used to
house the chewing gum. The packaging of the chewing gum is
important in keeping the product clean and reducing the tendency of
the chewing gum to lose and gain moisture. The packaging is also
important to reduce the flavor loss, reduce oxidation, and/or to
prevent the product from picking up foreign aromas.
[0005] When chewing gum is placed in storage for a period of time,
it is gradually exposed to the atmosphere as oxygen and other
atmospheric components migrate through the packaging material and
into the chewing gum. Over time, this exposure to the atmosphere
causes chewing gum flavor to oxidize and develop undesirable
sensory characteristics. Mint oils in chewing gums is of particular
concern. Also, oxidation of stick chewing gum components is a
particular problem due to the high amount of exposed surface
area.
[0006] Sugar containing chewing gums have a tendency to dry out and
become brittle when stored under relatively dry conditions. This is
apparent at higher ambient temperatures. Sugarless chewing gums
contain lower amounts of moisture than sugar containing gums. In
sugarless gums which are sweetened with moisture-susceptible
artificial sweeteners, it is important to maintain a low moisture
content in order to prevent loss of sweetness and flavor qualities.
However, due to their low initial moisture content and higher level
of hygroscopic ingredients, these sugarless gums tend to gain
moisture above 40% humidity, causing wetness of the chewing gum and
degradation of the moisture-susceptible ingredients.
[0007] Various techniques have been developed for protecting
chewing gum from moisture loss, moisture gain, and other adverse
changes which result from storage. It is known to package pieces of
chewing gum in a wrapper that comprises a composite material having
a tissue or paper substrate that contacts the chewing gum. This
wrapper may also have an outer metal/foil surface. The paper
substrate may be laminated to a metal/foil structure using
polyethylene or other polymer resin. The poly acts as a barrier to
oxygen and moisture, both of which reduce the flavor and aroma of
the wrapped gum product. A second paper wrapper is then placed
around the first wrapper to secure the packaging. This second
wrapper displays the gum type and company logo, but may also be
plain white.
[0008] Double wrapped sticks of chewing gum are housed as a group
of individually wrapped gum pieces in a package referred to as a
counterband. A counterband is usually also a composite material,
such as, an interlayer of aluminum foil with a paper and/or
propylene outer surface. A counterband seals the individually
wrapped pieces of chewing gum until opened by the customer.
[0009] A further issue is environmental concerns. Foil wrappers and
counterbands are not biodegradable, easily recyclable and not
environmentally friendly.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,724 relates to a wrapper for housing
chewing gum. The wrapper includes a substrate having a front and
back surface. The front surface includes a top edge, a first side
edge, a bottom edge, a second side edge, and three areas of
adhesive. A first area of adhesive is located along a portion of
the front surface that is adjacent to the first edge and the top
edge. A third area of adhesive is located along a portion of the
front surface that is adjacent to the second side edge and the top
edge. And a second edge of adhesive is located along a portion of
the front surface that is in juxtaposition to, but not touching,
the bottom edge.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,388 relates to a method for packaging at
least one stick of chewing gum which comprises the steps of
preparing a stick of chewing gum that includes a coating of an
edible material that provides sufficient vapor barrier properties
to provide the stick of chewing gum with a more stable moisture
content at ambient conditions than a stick of chewing gum that does
not include the coating, and wrapping the stick of chewing gum in a
wrapper that does not include any metal foil material to create a
wrapped stick of chewing gum. The sticks of chewing gum can then be
packaged in a counterband.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,500 relates to a method of stabilizing
chewing gum with an antioxidant containing tissue and product
thereof. A wax-coated tissue paper having free antioxidant present
in the wax and having coatings of wax with antioxidant on both
surfaces of the tissue paper, retards oxidation and prolongs the
life of a chewing gum stick which is individually wrapped with the
coated tissue paper.
[0013] For hot sandwiches it is difficult to provide a suitable,
but inexpensive and ecologically sound environment for maintaining
hot sandwiches in palatable condition for the storage interval
between preparation and consumption. Styrofoam clamshells have been
used, but they require too much volume in landfill, is not at all
biodegradable and is quite difficult to economically recycle. They
provide only limited storage space.
[0014] Composite sandwich wraps are considerably more effective in
controlling moisture and keeping hot sandwiches at proper
temperature, while overcoming or reducing many of the ecological
problems. These three layer wraps comprise an absorbent inner
layer, a foldable printable outer layer and a moisture vapor
impermeable barrier layer in between wherein at least one of the
interior or exterior layers are discontinuously bonded to the
moisture vapor impermeable layer to form pockets which communicate
with each other allowing flow of air between pockets defined
between the layers by discontinuous bonding pattern. These wraps
are effective in keeping many types of sandwiches warm while
avoiding soggy spots on the bun.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,674 relates to a composite integral
sheet of highly absorbent wrap material with hydrophobic
water-vapor permeable pellicle and method of making the same. A
composite integral sheet of wrap material which includes a first
layer of absorbent material containing fibers bearing foraminous
hydrophobic water-vapor-permeable pellicles, a second layer of
printable material and an impermeable pigmented polymer layer
interposed between the first and second layers. Additionally, the
absorbent layer will include highly absorbent material formed by
in-situ crosslinking of a partially pre-neutralized polyacrylic
acid. The composite wrap material has a plurality of air pockets
formed between at least one of the first or second layers and the
polymer layer, by discontinuously bonding the first or second
layers to the polymer material.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,380 relates to a paper having a
melt-stable lactide polymer coating and process for manufacture
thereof. A lactide polymer coating results in a strong, repulpable,
high gloss, paper coating, The lactide polymer comprises a
plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide in
concentration of less than about 5 percent in water in
concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per million. The patent
also relates to a method for coating paper comprising extruding a
lactide polymer composition onto a moving paper to provide a coated
paper wherein the lactide polymer composition comprises; a lactide
level of less than about 1 wt. % if any lactide present, a number
average molecular weight of between about 10,000 and about 200,000;
a catalyst comprising a ring opening polymerization catalyst; and
catalyst deactivating agent in an amount sufficient to reduce
catalytic depolymerization, relative to an absence of the catalyst
deactivating agent.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,597 relates to a viscosity modified
lactide polymer composition and process for the manufacture. The
polylactide polymer is prepared by providing in the composition
polylactide polymer molecules which have been modified, relative to
linear non-substituted polylactide, to provide increased molecular
interaction among polylactide backbone chains in the
composition.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,791 relates to a melt-stable
semi-crystalline lactide polymer film and process for the
manufacture. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of
polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of
less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than
about 2000 parts per million.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,809 relates to a thermoplastic
composition comprising at least one crystalline water sensitive
polymer and at least one amorphous water sensitive polymer. The
thermoplastic compositions are useful in a variety of applications
wherein water or moisture sensitive thermoplastic materials are
employed such as various packaging adhesive applications including
case and carton sealing, remoistenable adhesives,
repulpable/recyclable adhesives and multiwall bag applications. The
invention is also useful for moisture activatable reinforcement
strings and opening tapes for corrugated containers, as well as a
variety of nonwoven applications such as body fluid impermeable
barriers, core stabilization adhesives and construction
adhesives.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,042 relates to biodegradable polymers,
the production thereof and use thereof for producing biodegradable
moldings.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,495 relates to a lactic acid residue
containing polymer composition and product having improved
stability and to methods for the preparation and use thereof. The
lactic acid residue containing polymer preferably includes a
polylactide polymer having a number average molecular weight of
between about 25,000 and about 200,000, lactide, if present at all,
present in a concentration of less than 0.5% wt % based on the
weight of the composition, and deactivating agents. Articles which
can be manufactured from the lactic acid residue containing polymer
composition include fibers, coated paper, films, moldings and
foam.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,166 relates to a lactide polymer coating
resulting in a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating. The
lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer
chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5
percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts
per million. A process for coating paper with the lactide polymer
composition is also disclosed.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,204 relates to a compostable paperboard
container and package for liquids which is coated with a material
capable of degrading to carbon dioxide, water and biomass under
composting conditions.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,823 relates to a compostable multilayer
film which includes a core layer having a first surface and a
second surface, a first blocking reducing layer covering the first
surface of the core layer, and a second blocking reducing layer
covering the second surface of the core layer. The core layer
comprises a lactic acid residue containing polymer having a glass
transition temperature below 20 degrees C. At least one of the
first and second blocking reducing layers comprise a
semicrystalline aliphatic polyester. The core layer may be peroxide
modified polylactide polymer which exhibits bridging between
polylactide polymer chains. The compostable multilayer structures
are films having desirable properties of flexibility and tear
resistance and can be used to provide disposable bags or
wrappers.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,814 relates to coated grade polylactide
and coated paper, preparations thereof and articles prepared
therefrom. A coated paper product including a paper layer and a
polymer layer, wherein the polymer layer includes a polylactide
polymer composition having a ratio of Mz to Mn of greater than
about 6. The polymer composition when melted, exhibits a die swell
of greater than about 1.25 for a melt flow index of greater than
about 2.
[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,306 relates to a paper coated with
polylactide and a method for making it. The invention relates to a
polylactide coated paper or board product which is made by
coextrusion wherein the polylactide is extruded together with a
conventional polymer, such as polyolefin, onto the surface of the
paper, and after extrusion the polyolefin film is removed and
recycled.
[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,726 relates to a thermoplastic
biodegradable polyester, a process for the preparation thereof, and
articles manufactured therefrom. The invention relates to a melt
processable copolyester and a process and prepolymer for the
preparation thereof. The copolymer contains structural units
derived from a polyester and structural units derived from diepoxy,
and the polyester units at least essentially consist of hydroxy
acid monomers. The copolyester is hydrolytically degradable and it
can be used as a biodegradable polymer for the manufacture of
injection molded articles as well as thermoformed and blow molded
packages, pouches, sacks and bottles, for the coating of sacks,
bags and films made from paper or cardboard and for the preparation
of fibers, fibre cloths and expanded polymer articles.
[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,045 relates to biodegradable polymers,
the preparation thereof, and the use thereof for producing
biodegradable moldings.
[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,118 relates to water responsive,
biodegradable film compositions comprising polylactide and
polyvinyl alcohol and a method for making the films. The films are
useful as a component in flushable and degradable articles.
[0030] U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,478 relates to a multilayer material
including a cellulose based naturally decomposing basic layer, at
least one polyhydroxyalkanoate layer on the basic layer and at
least one biodegradable polylactide layer between the basic layer
and the at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate layer.
[0031] U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,962 relates to a compostable paperboard
container and package for liquids coated with a polymeric material
capable of degrading under composting conditions and subsequently
in the presence of light to form carbon dioxide, water and
biomass.
[0032] U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,474 relates to a lactide polymer coating
resulting in a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating. The
lactide polymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer
chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5
percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts
per million. A process for coating the paper with the lactide
polymer composition is also disclosed.
[0033] U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,973 relates to a nonwoven fabric
comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a
plurality of polylactide chains, residual lactide in concentration
of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less
than about 2000 parts per million. The patent also discloses a
process for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric with the lactide
polymer composition.
[0034] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,849,374 and 5,849,401 relate to a
compostable, multilayer structure in the form of a film, sheet,
laminate, and the like, which comprises a core layer having a first
surface and a second surface, a first blocking reducing layer
covering the first surface of the core layer, and a second blocking
reducing layer covering the second surface of the core layer. The
core layer contains a lactic acid residue-containing polymer and
has a glass transition temperature below about 20 degrees Celsius.
The first and second blocking reducing layers include a polymer
composition of a hydrolyzable polymer having a glass transition
temperature above about 50 degrees Celsius. The multilayer
structure can be used for preparing bags and wrappers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention relates to fast food, sandwich and
burger wrappers, comprising two sheets of paper having a weight in
the range of about 10 to 30 pounds laminated with polyethylene to
form a paper/poly/paper structure. In the present invention PLA
resin is substituted for the polyethylene, forming a
paper/PLA/paper structure. The advantage of using PLA resin is the
compostability of the wrapper, as well as its properties for
retaining flavor/aroma and protecting against moisture.
[0036] Another object of the present invention is for PLA resin to
coat a 10 to 30 pound paper substrate on one side with PLA resin,
instead of polyethylene for fast food, sandwich and/or burger
wrappers.
[0037] For gum wrappers, currently an 8 to 30 pound paper substrate
is laminated to an extruded foil using polyethylene to create the
single stick gum wrappers (paper/poly/foil lamination). In the
present invention, PLA is substituted for polyethylene creating a
paper/PLA/foil lamination.
[0038] Another object of the present invention is to use PLA resin
as a substitute for polyethylene in an outside package for
individually wrapped gum sticks whereby customers glue a printed
film substrate to the paper/polyethylene/foil lamination. The
advantage in using PLA in place of polyethylene for gum wrappers is
its superior flavor and aroma retention (acting as an oxygen
barrier) and moisture protection.
[0039] The present invention relates to a gum wrapper comprising;
paper, PLA resin and foil; wherein the PLA resin is placed on an
outside package of the gum wrapper for a printed film substrate to
be placed on the paper/PLA/foil lamination.
[0040] The present invention relates to a wrapper for fast food,
sandwich and burgers comprising; two sheets of paper having a
weight in the range of about 10 to 30 pounds laminated with PLA
resin, forming a paper/PLA/paper structure. It is an object of the
present invention for the wrapper to be compostable. It is an
object of the present invention for the wrapper to retain the
flavor/aroma of contents of the wrapper. It is an object of the
present invention for the wrapper to protect against moisture.
[0041] The present invention relates to a wrapper for fast food,
sandwich and burgers comprising: a paper substrate having a weight
in the range of about 10 to 30 pounds coated with a PLA resin on
one side.
[0042] The present invention relates to a gum wrapper comprising; a
paper substrate having a weight in the range of about 8 to 35
pounds laminated to an extruded foil using PLA to create a single
stick gum wrapper (paper/PLA/foil lamination).
[0043] The present invention relates to an outside wrapper for
individually wrapped gum sticks comprising; a paper substrate
having a weight in the range of about 8 to 30 pounds laminated to
an extruded foil using PLA to create an outside package for
individually wrapped gum sticks whereby customers glue a printed
film substrate to said paper/PLA/foil lamination. It is an object
of the present invention for the wrapper to have superior flavor
and aroma retention. It is an object of the invention for the
wrapper to act as an oxygen barrier. It is an object of the present
invention for the wrapper to provide moisture protection.
[0044] The present invention relates to a composite wrap material
comprising; two layers or sheets of cellulosic material; and a
layer of PLA resin interposed between the two cellulosic layers. It
is an object of the present invention for the PLA layer to provide
a moisture and vapor barrier to protect taste and aroma of a
wrapped product. It is an object of the present invention for the
wrapped product to be a fast food product, sandwich or burger. It
is an object of the present invention for the wrap material to
provide a clear or transparent wrap so that a consumer can see the
paper layer laminated to the resin layer. It is an object of the
present invention for the wrap material to have one or more layers
containing a pigment to provide coloration.
[0045] The present invention relates to a method for making a
composite wrap material comprising: laminating a three-layer
structure comprising two layers of paper. A PLA layer or film layer
is interposed between the paper layers using a nip roller apparatus
or other suitable laminating device. The layers are then bonded
together.
[0046] The present invention relates to a composite wrap material
comprising: one layer or sheet of cellulosic material; and a layer
of PLA resin material that is integrally bonded to the cellulosic
material by means of an adhesive. It is an object of the present
invention for the PLA resin layer to provide a moisture and vapor
barrier to protect flavor and aroma of a food product packaged
within the wrap material. It is an object of the present invention
for the wrap material to provide a clear or transparent wrap such
that a consumer can see the cellulosic material laminated to the
PLA resin layer. It is an object of the present invention for the
layers to contain a pigment to provide coloration. It is an object
of the present invention for the cellulosic material to have a high
gloss print surface or a standard paper print surface. It is an
object of the present invention for the paper material and/or
film/resin layer to have a metalized material. It is an object of
the present invention for the paper to be printed before lamination
so that the print shows through the film/resin layer. It is an
object of the present invention for the wrap material to have a
high burst strength. It is an object of the present invention for
the wrap material to provide a moisture barrier to prevent moisture
absorption. It is an object of the present invention for the wrap
material to be compostable.
[0047] The present invention relates to a composite wrap material
comprising: a layer of paper or cellulosic material; and two or
more layers of different resins simultaneously applied to one side
of said paper. One resin has a low moisture transmission rate
and/or high strength characteristics and the other resins having
heat seal or glueable characteristics similar to polyethylene
coated wraps. It is an object of the present invention for the one
resin to comprise a layer of polypropylene homopolymer or
copolymer, high density polyethylene, PLA, or linear low density
polyethylene which provides higher strength characteristics and
lower moisture vapor transmission rates, and the other resin
comprises low density polyethylene, or PLA which provides a heat
seal or glueable surface.
[0048] The present invention relates to a process for making a
composite material comprising: providing a first sheet of
cellulosic material and a second coextruded layer comprising two
layers of polymer and/or PLA resin materials. The coextrusion layer
are applied to a surface of the first sheet. The first sheet and
the second coextrusion layers are conveyed into a laminating
apparatus where said layers are bonded, forming an integral
composite material.
[0049] The present invention relates to a wrap for fast food items,
sandwiches, and/or burgers comprising: first and second cellulosic
layers comprising a printed or non-printed paper substrate with a
basis weight of 10 to 30 pounds per 3,000 sq. ft; and a layer of
PLA resin interposed between the cellulosic layers. It is an object
of the present invention for the PLA resin to be in an amount
necessary to provide adequate moisture and vapor protection and
optimal retention of flavor and aroma of a wrapped food
product.
[0050] The present invention relates to a wrap for fast food items,
sandwiches, and/or burgers comprising; a first cellulosic layer
comprising a printed or non-printed paper substrate with a basis
weight of 10 to 30 pounds per 3,000 sq, ft; and a layer of PLA
resin coated on the cellulosic layer. It is an object of the
present invention for the PLA resin to be in an amount necessary to
provide adequate moisture and vapor protection and optimal
retention of flavor and aroma of a wrapped food product. It is an
object of the present invention for the wrap to further comprise an
adhesive.
[0051] The present invention relates to a wrap for wrapping
individual sticks of chewing gum comprising: a first cellulosic
layer comprising a paper substrate with a basis weight of
approximately 8 to 30 pounds per 3,000 sq. ft. The paper layer is
laminated to a layer of extruded foil using PLA resin as an
interposing layer.
[0052] The present invention relates to an outside wrapper for
packaging a specified quantity of individually wrapped sticks of
chewing gum comprising: a first cellulosic layer comprising a paper
substrate with a basis weight of 10 to 35 pounds per 3,000 sq ft.
The paper layer is adhered to a printed solid plastic film
substrate using PLA resin interposed therein between.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a three-layered
structure used for wrapping fast food items, sandwiches, or
burgers.
[0054] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a two-layered structure
used for wrapping fast food items, sandwiches, or burgers.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a wrapper used for
wrapping individual sticks of chewing gum.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an outside wrapper used
for packaging a specified quantity of individually wrapped sticks
of chewing gum.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] In one embodiment a composite wrap material comprises two
layers or sheets of cellulosic material and a layer of PLA resin
that is interposed between the two cellulosic layers. The PLA layer
functions to provide a moisture and vapor barrier to protect the
taste and aroma of the wrapped product, such as a fast food
product, sandwich or burger. The wrap material can provide a clear
or transparent wrap such that the consumer can see the paper layer
laminated to the resin layer. One or more layers can optionally
contain a pigment to provide coloration. The composite
paper/PLA/paper material can be prepared by laminating a
three-layer structure comprising one layer of paper, the PLA layer
or film layer interposed between the first and a second paper layer
using a nip roller apparatus or other suitable laminating device.
The paper and resin layers can be passed through a pair of nip
rollers to bond the layers together. Advantageously, the resulting
composite wrap facilitates high burst strength of the final
package, the option of a high gloss print surface or a standard
paper print surface, a moisture barrier to prevent moisture
absorption by the wrapped paper and the fold characteristics of
paper. The composite wrap material is also fully compostable.
[0058] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a
composite wrap material comprising one layer or sheet of cellulosic
material and a layer of PLA resin material that are integrally
bonded together by means of an adhesive. The PLA resin layer
functions to provide a moisture and vapor barrier to protect the
flavor and aroma of the food product packaged within the wrap
material. The wrap material can provide a clear or transparent wrap
such that a consumer can see the paper layer laminated to the PLA
resin layer. One or more layers can optionally contain a pigment to
provide coloration. The wrap can also be provided with a high gloss
print surface or a standard paper print surface. The paper material
and/or film/resin layer can be a metalized material. Also the paper
can be printed before lamination so that the print shows through
the film/resin layer.
[0059] Advantageously, the resulting composite wrap facilitates
high burst strength of the final package, the option of a high
gloss print surface or a standard paper print surface, a moisture
barrier to prevent moisture absorption. The composite wrap material
is also compostable.
[0060] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a
composite wrap material comprising a layer of paper or cellulosic
material and a layer of coextruded resin. The coextrusion process
comprises applying two or more layers of different resins
simultaneously to one side of the paper. The composite wrap
material has one resin with low moisture transmission rates and/or
high strength characteristics and the other resin has heat seal or
glueable characteristics similar to the polyethylene coated wraps
currently used in the market.
[0061] The inside coextrusion layer comprises a layer of
polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, high density polyethylene,
PLA, or linear low density polyethylene which provides higher
strength characteristics and lower moisture vapor transmission
rates. The outside layer may comprise low density polyethylene, or
PLA which provides a heat seal or glueable surface.
[0062] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a process
for making a composite material comprising: providing a first sheet
of cellulosic material and a second coextruded layer comprising two
layers of polymer and/or PLA resin materials. The coextrusion
layers are applied to the surface of the first sheet. The first
sheet and the second coextrusion layers are conveyed into a
laminating apparatus where the layers are bonded to form an
integral composite material.
[0063] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the invention (10) used for
wrapping fast food items, sandwiches, and/or burgers. The first and
second cellulosic layers (20 and 40) comprise a printed or
non-printed paper substrate with a basis weight of 10 to 30 pounds
per 3,000 sq. ft. Interposed between layers (20) and (40) is a
layer of PLA resin (30) in an amount necessary to provide adequate
moisture and vapor protection and optimal retention of flavor and
aroma of the wrapped food product. The three layers are integrally
bonded using a lamination process whereby the layers are directed
through a pair of nip rollers rotating in opposite directions.
[0064] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the invention (10) used for
wrapping fast food items, sandwiches, and/or burgers. The first
cellulosic layer (20) comprises a printed or non-printed paper
substrate with a basis weight of 10 to 30 pounds per 3,000 sq, ft.
The paper layer is coated by any known means with a layer (30) of
PLA resin in an amount necessary to provide adequate moisture and
vapor protection and optimal retention of flavor and aroma of the
wrapped food product. The paper may be extruded or otherwise coated
with a layer of PLA resin or laminated to a PLA resin film with or
without the use of any known adhesive.
[0065] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the invention (10) used for
wrapping individual sticks of chewing gum. The first cellulosic
layer (20) comprises a paper substrate with a basis weight of
approximately 8 to 30 pounds per 3,000 sq. ft. The paper layer (20)
is laminated to a layer of extruded foil (40) using PLA resin (30)
as an interposing layer.
[0066] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the invention (10) used as
an outside wrapper for packaging a specified quantity of
individually wrapped sticks of chewing gum. The first cellulosic
layer (20) comprises a paper substrate with a basis weight of 10 to
35 pounds per 3,000 sq. ft. The paper layer (20) is adhered to a
printed solid plastic film substrate (40) using PLA resin (30)
interposed therein between.
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