Continuous packaging in enclosed conduits

Abstract

Packaging methods and apparatus for bonding a lidding web to a tray web, characterized in that the lidding web is placed under tension in both the longitudinal and lateral directions before being bonded to a tray web. A tray web having recesses and channels that form a conduit when the tray web is overwrapped with a lidding web is provided. A lidding web has microperforations to control the transfer of gases.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . A method for bonding a lidding web to a tray web, characterized in that the lidding web is tensioned in the longitudinal and lateral directions before the lidding web is bonded to the tray web.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lidding web is stretched longitudinally and laterally.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lidding web is made from plasticized polyvinyl chloride.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lidding web is horizontal at the first instance of contact with the tray web uppermost contactable surface.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lidding web is applied to the tray web without additional tensioning or relaxation of the lidding web so as not to cause additional stretching or contraction of the lidding web during application of the lidding web to the bonding agent.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lidding web is shaped into an inverted channel before applying the lidding web to the bonding agent on the tray web.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lidding web is tensioned in the longitudinal and lateral directions before the lidding web is applied to any bonding agent on the tray web.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein an upper blade portion and side blade portions are arranged to cut the lidding web bonded to the tray.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lidding web includes printed material.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lidding web is bonded to the tray web with a cold-seal adhesive.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising leaving an exposed area on the underside of the tray web, wherein said area is not covered by the lidding web.  
     
     
         12 . A method for tensioning a lidding web in the longitudinal and lateral directions prior to bonding to a tray web, characterized in that the longitudinal tension is applied by gripping each edge of the lidding web with corresponding pluralities of web-gripping subassemblies, and longitudinally pulling the lidding web while the lidding web supply is under tension.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the lateral tension is applied to the lidding web by moving each plurality of web-gripping subassemblies, which grip the edges of the lidding web, apart in relationship to one another.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the lateral tension is applied to the lidding web by passing the lidding web over a pair of longitudinal members and under a pair of longitudinal members wherein the spacing between pairs diverges along the length.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said pulling is indexed according to printed matter located on said lidding web, and wherein said printed matter is positioned adjacent the sides of said tray web.