Portion package and semi-fluid product

Abstract

A portion package, in particular for a semi-fluid product such as a jelly, gel or paste, comprises a tub-like container ( 1 ) with a base ( 2 ) from which a wall extends all round which has an at least almost flat upper edge ( 4 ). The wall ( 3 ) can be compressed over at least a part of the height thereof, and with the base ( 2 ) bounds a product space ( 6 ) closed with a foil. The upper edge ( 4 ) comprises at least a first and a second outward directed lateral extension ( 11,12 ) on either side of the product space ( 6 ) so as to provide at least two opposite gripping surfaces. In a semi-fluid product a mixture of one or more active constituents in a predetermined mutual ratio and a predetermined dosage are processed at least substantially homogeneously into a jelly, gel or paste to form an at least practically form-retaining body ( 20 ).

1 . A portion package for a semi-fluid product said portion package comprising a tub-like container with a base from which extends a wall which extends as far as an upper edge, wherein the wall can be compressed over at least a part of the height thereof, wherein the wall and the base bound a product space which extends as far as the upper edge, and wherein the product space is closed with a foil which adheres to the upper edge, wherein the upper edge comprises at least a first and a second outward directed lateral extension on either side of the product space so as to provide at least two opposite gripping surfaces. 
   
   
       2 . The portion package in  claim 1 , wherein the lateral extensions extend further outward than an adjacent part of the upper edge. 
   
   
       3 . The portion package in  claim 2 , wherein the extensions comprise local gripping lips which extend integrally from the upper edge. 
   
   
       4 . The portion package in  claim 1 , wherein the foil comprises an aluminum foil or an optionally metallized plastic foil. 
   
   
       5 . The portion package in  claim 4  wherein the foil has a tab-like end extending over at least one of the first and second lateral extensions of the upper edge, the tab-like end of the foil is being free of the lateral extension. 
   
   
       6 . The portion package in  claim 4 , wherein the foil has a tab-like end extending over at least one of the first and second lateral extensions of the upper edge and being adhered thereto, and further comprising a break zone is arranged in the at least one lateral extension and extending between a first and a second lateral side thereof. 
   
   
       7 . The portion package in  claim 1 , wherein the wall of the container comprises over a part of its height a concertina structure having fold lines running at least substantially parallel to the upper edge. 
   
   
       8 . The portion package in  claim 1 , wherein the container is formed integrally from a suitable plastic by thermo-forming. 
   
   
       9 . The portion package in  claim 8 , wherein the plastic comprises an optionally multilayer foil of one or more plastics from a group of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). 
   
   
       10 . A portion package, comprising a tub-like container with a base from which a wall extends all round which extends as far as an upper edge, wherein the wall can be compressed over at least a part of the height thereof and encloses a product space together with the base, and wherein the wall widens over at least a part of the height thereof in a direction from the base to the upper edge. 
   
   
       11 . The portion package in  claim 10 , wherein the wall widens stepwise over at least the part of the height in the direction from the base to the upper edge. 
   
   
       12 . The portion package in  claim 11 , wherein wall parts extending substantially in the direction from the base to the upper edge are alternated by wall parts which are oriented substantially transversely thereof. 
   
   
       13 . The portion package in  claim 11 , wherein wall parts extending substantially in the direction from the base to the upper edge are alternated by wall parts which form an acute angle therewith. 
   
   
       14 . A semi-fluid product comprising one or more active constituents in a predetermined mutual ratio, wherein the active constituents are processed in a predetermined dosage at least substantially homogeneously into at least one of a jelly, gel or paste to form a form-retaining body. 
   
   
       15 . The semi-fluid product in  claim 14 , wherein the jelly, gel or paste is soluble in water. 
   
   
       16 . The semi-fluid product in  claim 14 , packed in a portion package, said portion package comprising a tub-like container with a base from which extends a wall which extends as far as an upper edge, wherein the wall can be compressed over at least a part of the height thereof, wherein the wall and the base bound a product space which extends as far as the upper edge. and wherein the product space is closed with a foil which adheres to the upper edge, wherein the upper edge comprises at least a first and a second outward directed lateral extension on either side of the product space so as to provide at least two opposite gripping surfaces. 
   
   
       17 . The portion package in  claim 1 , wherein the semi-fluid product comprises at least one of a jelly, gel or paste. 
   
   
       18 . The portion package of  claim 1 , wherein the thermo-forming process includes creating a vacuum. 
   
   
       19 . The semi-fluid product in  claim 15 , wherein the jelly, gel or paste is soluble in water at an increased temperature.