MXPA01001343A - Containers prepared from laminate structures having a foamed polymer layer - Google Patents

Abstract

A container constructed from a laminate structure (30) which includes a layer of foamed polymer (34). The layer of foamed polymer (34) replaces the paperboard layer of known laminate structures. A preferred embodiment of the laminate structure (30) is comprised of a layer of foamed polymer (34), a first layer of low density polyethylene (32), a second layer of low density polyethylene (36), a layer of aluminum foil (38), a tie layer (40), and a third layer of low density polyethylene (42). The layer of foamed polymer may be comprised of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, compositions comprising any of these polymers, or any other suitable foamed polymer compositions that possess similar physical characteristics. The first layer of low density polyethylene (32) coats the outer surface of the layer of foamed polymer (34), and the second layer of low density polyethylene (36) coats the inner surface of the layer of foamed polymer (34). The layer of aluminum foil (38) is applied on the inner surface of the second layer of low density polyethylene (36). The inner surface of the layer of aluminum foil (38) is coated with the tie layer (40). The product-contact surface is the third layer of low density polyethylene (42), and it is coated on the inner surface of the tie layer (40). The container has a non-polar homogeneous heat seal which may be created by conventional equipment ranging from about 250 degrees Fahrenheit to about 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Description

PREPARED CONTAINERS OF LAMINATED STRUCTURES THAT HAVE A FOAMED POLYMER LAYER BACKGROUND AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to containers and more particularly, to packages prepared from heat sealable laminated structures which include a foamed polymer layer. The heat-sealed laminated structures of the present invention may include barriers commonly used to prevent oxygen from being transmitted to the product or to prevent water loss from the product, or both. Cardboard, heat-sealable polyethylenes, aluminum foils or barrier polymers such as ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) are the major components of many known containers. Sealable polyethylenes heat are commonly used as the layer in contact with the product 20 many known containers to provide a barrier to water / water vapor to the structure, but may have a damaging effect on some products such as citrus juices to absorb components of the flavor of the product or aromatic oils, or both. In addition to impairing the quality of the product, the absorption of these oils can ^ g ^ | »^^^^^^^^^^^^^ g > Í¡¡ ^ ^^^ ^ * fc * s? Jg¡ gtó¡Sí ^ * j cause decreased heat seals of the containers by cracking by latent efforts to polyethylene degree such that the carton can be penetrated by the liquid . The packaging structures which use cardboard, can have many drawbacks. 1) The cardboard deteriorates if it becomes saturated with liquid. 2) Cardboard structures can have a poor weight-resistance ratio. 3) Cardboard can be difficult to bend and fold. 4) The cardboard may not collapse or may be compressed during a conventional heat seal. 5) The cardboard can contain polluting aromas. 6) The cardboard can contain microorganisms and therefore requires some form of protection of the rough or jagged edges to avoid contamination of the product. 7) During heat sealing of laminated cardboard structures, the heat can cause water to evaporate from the cardboard, resulting in delamination of the polyethylene coatings.

There is a need to replace the cardboard in existing packaging structures, with a material that: 1) Is impermeable to liquids such as water and oils. 2) Have greater strength, flexibility and durability at a lower cost and weight. 3) That is not depleted with respect to aromas, flavors and vitamins. 4) That can provide a better seal to the fluid and compression during heat sealing. 5) That can permanently retain folds evenly with direction. 6) That can be deformed into boxes of different shapes. 7) That eliminates the need for protection of untrimmed edge to avoid contamination of the product. The present invention provides packages prepared from heat sealable laminated structures, either with or without a barrier, which includes a foamed polymer layer that satisfies some or all of these needs. In addition, the foamed polymer layer of the present invention provides benefits such as the ability to undergo specific engineering for sizing, density, cell size and Coating surface together with the opportunity to process the material either in the direction of the continuous material coil or through the continuous material coil without reducing the inherent strength of the material. For example, the foamed polymer layer may be compressed or collapsed, or both, to a smaller caliper in the seal area during heat sealing. In addition, the foamed polymer layer can be folded to a smaller gauge which can allow shorter radius bends that cause less stress in the other layers of the laminated structure. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the foamed polymer layer is impermeable to liquids and is more flexible, durable and resilient than cardboard. Additionally, the foamed polymer layer can be easy to fold and fold compared to the paperboard and at the same time provides improved compression capability. The strength to weight ratio of the foamed polymers is also preferably greater than that of the paperboard and, as a result, the present invention may allow the production of containers at lower costs compared to the cartons used for the same .

When combined with a barrier layer in addition to the foamed polymer layer, the heat sealable laminated structures of preferred embodiments provide oxygen barrier properties. Finally, some of the preferred embodiments provide additional benefits of ability to undergo microwave heating or non-absorption of essential oils, flavors or vitamins. In addition to the novel features and advantages mentioned above, other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the preferred drawings and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 8 is a sectional view cross section of an eighth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a ninth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a tenth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a tenth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a tenth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a fifteenth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a fourteenth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a fifteenth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a sixteenth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a seventeenth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a eighteenth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of a nineteenth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a twentieth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a twenty-first embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a twentieth embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention, - Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of a twenty-third embodiment of a laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a barrier layer of the present invention; and Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a barrier layer of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODALITIES The present invention is directed to containers which are prepared from heat sealable laminated structures which include a foamed polymer layer. The containers of the present invention can be particularly useful as food and beverage containers. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art should recognize that some embodiments of the present invention can be used as containers for virtually any product or article. Those skilled in the art should also recognize that the laminated structures of the present invention can also be formed into structure structures other than containers. For example, the laminated structures of the present invention can be formed into structures such as, but not limited to, baskets, drawers, open air storage compartments and other types of storage des. The containers of the present invention are preferably adapted to perform the same uses and purposes as the known packaging containers for liquids. For example, the containers of the present invention can be placed, opened or closed with a conventional closure or with opening des that include, but are not limited to, pull tabs, lids, screw-on lids, peeling tops, etc. ., the des described in U.S. Patent No. 5,101,999, U.S. Patent No. 5,639,018 and U.S. Design Patent No. 331,877, and practically any other conventional closure or opening de. The containers of the present invention can also be adapted to be perforated and opened with straws or other similar means. Additionally, it is preferred that the packages of the present invention can be tear-open substantially with the same methods as those described in U.S. Patent Applications Serial Nos. 09 / 020,439, 09 / 020,440 and 09 / 054,795. In addition, some embodiments of the present invention can be opened and closed in substantially the same manner as traditional top gabled cardboard boxes. Laminated structures of the present invention include a foamed polymer layer. The foamed polymer layer can be manufactured by conventional techniques such as extrusion, and can be an element of a co-extruded laminate. The foamed polymer layer can be constituted of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, new or used compositions comprising any of these polymers. The foamed polymer layer may also be constituted of any other suitable foamed polymer composition which possesses similar physical characteristics. jgfc r. Áac¿i¿- &? = A * ^ - H i - U.S. Patent No. 5,391,582 provides an example of a foamed polymer composition which may be used in some embodiments of the present invention. However, U.S. Patent No. 5,391,582 does not describe how to make laminated structures or packages using this material. Furthermore, U.S. Patent No. 5,391,582 does not recognize the drawbacks of laminated cardboard structures, the benefits of foamed polymer laminate structures or the advantages of replacing the cardboard layer of the known laminated structures with a polymer layer. foamed In addition, some embodiments of U.S. Patent No. 5,391,582 may utilize recycled materials. It must be recognized that the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration prohibit recycled materials as a contact surface with product. Therefore, recycled materials can not be used as a surface in contact with the product for food and beverage containers of the present invention. The containers made from the laminated structures of the present invention can be formed and filled by known manufacturing systems and techniques. For example, the containers of the present invention can be manufactured by box and filling machines, ^^ * ^ fa ^^^^^^^^^^ E ^^ jV ^^^^^^^^^ »^^^^» ^^^^^^^^^^ which are in the form of coil of continuous material or "card" of the laminated structure. For example, a laminated structure of the present invention can be made in the form of a coil of continuous material using a laminating ejector which is commercially available from Egan Davis Standard of Somerville, New Jersey. A package of the present invention can be manufactured from a rolled sheet structure of continuous material using a packaging machine such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 4,580,392 which was assigned to the company Tetra Pa International AB from Sweden. A laminated structure of the present invention can be manufactured in the form of a sleeve using a machine which is commercially available from International Paper Box Machine Company, Inc. of Nashua, New Hampshire. A package of the present invention can be manufactured from the sleeves using a packaging and filling machine such as one which is commercially available from SIG Combibloc GmbH of Germany. Another example of a sleeve packaging machine is one such as that manufactured by the Evergreen Packaging Company, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate various embodiments of laminated structures of the present invention which These include a barrier made of aluminum foil. In Figure 1, the laminate structure 30 comprises a layer 32 of low density polyethylene (LDPE), a foamed polymer layer 34, a layer 36 of LDPE, a layer of foil 38 of aluminum and a layer 42 of LDPE. Any LDPE of commercial extrusion coating grade can be used for the LDPE layers of the present invention. The LDPE layer 32 can be extrusion coated on the outer surface of the foamed polymer layer 34 and the LDPE layer 36 can be extrusion coated on the inner surface of the foamed polymer layer 34. The foil layer 38 of aluminum can be applied to an inner surface of the LDPE layer 36. Finally, the surface in contact with the product can be LDPE layer 42. The LDPE layer 42 can be laminated by adhesive on the inner surface of the layer of the aluminum foil 38. Optionally, the laminate structure 30 may include a link layer 40. The binding layer 40 can be useful to prevent delamination which can be caused by products having a high acid content. The bonding layer 40 can be coated on the inner surface of the layer of the aluminum foil 38 and the LDPE layer 42 can be coated on the inner surface of the bonding layer 40. Although any suitable adhesive material can be used to join the layers of t-fc¿at8-M bond of the present invention, it is preferred that the bond layers be constituted of ethylene-based copolymers. An example of a suitable adhesive bond layer is Primacor. Primacor is manufactured by Dow Chemical. Another 5 examples of suitable adhesive bond layers are ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA), surlyn (acid copolymer) and polyethylene, depending on the application. The laminate structure 50 of Figure 2 is consisting of a layer 52 of LDPE, a layer of aluminum foil 54, a layer 56 of LDPE, a layer of foamed polymer 58, and a layer 60 of LDPE. In this embodiment, the LDPE layer 52 is coated on the outer surface of the layer of the aluminum sheet 54 and the layer 56 of LDPE is coated. on the inner surface of the aluminum sheet 54 layer. The foamed polymer layer 58 covers the inner surface of the LDPE layer 56. Finally, the LDPE layer 60 covers the inner surface of the foamed polymer layer 58. Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of a laminated structure which includes a layer of an aluminum foil. As shown in Figure 3, the rolling structure 70 is constituted by a layer 72 of LDPE, a layer of sheet 74 of aluminum, a layer 76 of LDPE and a foamed polymer layer 78 which is applied in the order what is indicated. The layer of the foamed polymer 78 preferably is the surface in contact with the product. In order to substantially avoid the absorption of essential oils, flavors and vitamins from the juices, the layer of the foamed polymer 78 preferably consists of polyethylene terephthalate. Figures 4 to 6 illustrate various embodiments of laminated structures of the present invention which are preferably suitable for use in microwaves. In the , the laminate structure 80 is constituted by a layer 82 of LDPE, a layer of foamed polymer 84, a barrier layer 86 and a layer 88 of LDPE which is fixed in the order indicated. In figure 5, the laminated structure 90 is constituted by a layer 92 of LDPE, a layer 94, a layer of a foamed polymer 96 and a layer 98 of LDPE which are coated in the order indicated. The laminate structure 100 is constituted by a layer 102 of LDPE, a barrier layer 104 and a layer of foam polymer 106 which are applied in the order in which they are indicated. The barrier layer of the present invention can be constituted of virtually any suitable barrier material that is adapted to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen or oxygen and water.

For example, the barrier layer of the present invention it may be comprised of a barrier material including, but not limited to, aluminum foil, polyethylene terephthalate, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate, EVOH, meta-xylylenediamine (MXD6) polymers, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystal polymers such as liquid polyester crystals, compositions comprising any of these polymers, or other similar materials, polymers or compositions. EVOH is available from Eval Company of America. The use of a polymer as a barrier layer preferably allows the package or container to be suitable for microwave applications. It should be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the barrier layer of the present invention can be a multiple layer structure such as a multiple layer coextrusion. For example, any surface of the barrier material may be coated with polymer layers, tie layers or combinations thereof. Figure 24 illustrates an example of a barrier layer 320 which is a multilayer structure. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the barrier material 324 can be covered by an outer adhesive bonding layer 322 and the inner surface of the barrier material 324 is coated by an inner bonding layer 326. Figure 25 illustrates another embodiment of a barrier layer 330 that is a multi-layered structure. In this modality, the barrier layer 330 is constituted by a layer of the barrier material 334 and an adhesive bonding layer 332. The adhesive bond layer 332 covers the outer surface of the layer of barrier material 334. Figures 7 to 9 show various modalities of the laminated structures of the present invention which include a layer of aluminum foil and at least one layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (A-PET). The laminated structure 110 of Figure 7 is constituted by a layer 112 of A-PET, a polymer layer 114 foaming, a link layer 116, a layer of aluminum foil 118 and a layer 120 of A-PET, which are applied in the order indicated. In Figure 8, the laminate structure 130 includes an A-PET layer 132, an aluminum foil layer 134, a link layer 136, a layer 138 of foamed polymer and a layer 140 of A-PET, which are fixed in the order indicated. Finally, Figure 9 illustrates a laminated structure 150 which is comprised of an A-PET layer 152, a layer of aluminum foil 154, a link layer 156 and a foil layer 156. ! 2 ³ polymer foamed 158 which are coated in the order indicated. A-PET can have many purposes. For example, information can be printed on an A-PET layer using conventional printing techniques. In addition, A-PET can substantially avoid the deglazing of the essential flavors, oils and vitamins of juices when used as the surface in contact with the product, as shown with figures 7 and 8. Figures 10 to 12 show various modalities of laminated barrier structures. In particular Figure 10 illustrates a laminate structure 160 which is constituted by a layer 162 A-PET, a layer 164 of foamed polymer such as a layer of foamed polyethylene terephthalate, a barrier layer 166 and a layer 168 A- PET, which are covered in the order indicated. Laminate structure 170 of FIG. 11 includes a layer 172 of A-PET, a barrier layer 164, a layer 176 of foamed polymer and a layer 178 of A-PET which are joined in the order indicated. Finally, Figure 12 shows a laminated structure 180 which is constituted by a layer 182 A-PET, a barrier layer 184 and a layer 186 of foamed polymer which are stacked in the order indicated.

Figures 13 to 16, 22 and 23 show various modalities of laminated structures without barrier. The laminated structure 190 of FIG. 13 is constituted by a layer 192 of LDPE, a layer 194 of foamed polymer and a layer 196 of LDPE which are coated in the order in which it is indicated. The laminated structure 200 of Figure 14 includes a layer 202 of LDPE which is fixed to a layer 204 of foamed polymer. In Figure 15, the laminated structure 110 comprises a layer 212 of A-PET, a layer 214 of foamed polymer and a layer 216 of A-PET which are applied in the order indicated, and a laminated structure 220 of the Figure 16 includes a layer 222 A-PET, which is coated on a layer 224 of foamed polymer. Figure 22 illustrates a laminated structure 300. The laminated structure 300 is constituted by a layer 302 of foamed polymer, which is applied to the outer surface of a layer 304 of LDPE. Finally, Figure 23 shows a laminated structure 310 which comprises a layer 312 of foamed polymer coated on the outer surface of a layer 314 of A-PET. Figures 17 to 21 show various embodiments of laminated structures which have an outermost layer of LDPE and an A-PET surface, in contact with the product. In Figure 17, laminated structure 230 is comprised of a layer 232 of LDPE, a layer 234 of ^ - -SE ^ É ^ ig ^^ foamed polymer and a layer 236 of A-PET which are covered in the order listed. The laminate structure 240 of Figure 18 includes a layer 242 of LDPE, a layer 244 of foamed polymer, a layer 246 of LDPE, a layer of sheet 248 of aluminum and a layer 250 of A-PET, which are applied in the order that is indicated. In Figure 19, the laminate structure 260 comprises a layer 262 of LDPE, a layer of sheet 264 of aluminum, a layer 266 of LDPE, a layer 268 of foamed polymer and a layer 270 of A-PET, which are attached and held fixed in the order indicated. In Figure 20 a laminated structure 280 is illustrated. The laminated structure 280 includes a layer 282 of LDPE, a layer 284 of foamed polymer, a barrier layer 286 and a layer 288 of A-PET, which are applied in the order indicated. Finally, the laminated structure 290 of Figure 21 is constituted by a layer 292 of LDPE, a barrier layer 294, a layer 296 of foamed polymer and a layer 298 A-PET which are coated in the order indicated. The laminated structures of the present invention can be heat sealed by conventional equipment ranging from about 121 ° C to 260 ° C (250-500 ° F), so that a homogenous non-polar heat seal is generated. For example, the laminated structures of the present invention can be heat sealed ultrasonically, by sealing to the bed, by hot air plus pressure (convection) and / or by induction. As is well known, in the art, induction is a preferred method for heat sealing laminated structures of the present invention that include an aluminum foil layer.

EXAMPLE A laminated structure board is manufactured in the form of a sleeve using a sleeve forming machine which is commercially available from International Paper Box Machine Company, Inc. of Nashua, New Hampshire. The laminated structure consists of an outer layer of LDPE, a layer of foamed polyethylene terephthalate, a layer of laminated LDPE, an aluminum foil layer, a Primacor bonding layer and an inner layer of LDPE which are coated on the order that is indicated. Table 1 shows the coating weights of the layers of the laminated structure.

TABLE 1 Material Weight of the coatings 1. External LDPE layer 18 g / m 2: 2. Foamed PET 120 g / m 2: 3. Laminated LDPE layer 20 g / m 2: 4. Aluminum foil 18 g / m2 5. Primacor 4 g / m2 6. LDPE inner layer 51 g / m: 2 The sleeve-shaped laminate structure is formed into an aseptic container using a sleeve package and a filling machine which is commercially available from SIG Combibloc GmbH of Germany. The sleeve packed in the filling machine effectively sterilize and heat seal the aseptic container. The thicknesses and edges of the seals are much thinner when compared to those of comparable aseptic containers which are prepared from laminated cardboard structures. For this example, the aseptic package produced is of a lower weight than comparable aseptic packages which are prepared from laminated cardboard structures. ,. ^., ^^ a, ^^ ..-, - ^ í, - ^, ^. ".» ^^ Although in the example specific coating weights and specifications have been provided for the various layers, those skilled in The technique will recognize that the thicknesses, coating weights and specifications of the layers can vary based on the packaging application. For example, the thicknesses of the layers of the present invention can be comparable to the thicknesses of the layers of known cardboard laminate structures which can substantially serve the same uses and purposes. Additionally, various conventional coating techniques can be used to apply the layers of the laminated structures of the present invention. For example, a foamed polymer layer can to be treated to the flame and then coated with a layer of molten LDPE, an A-PET barrier material on a surface of the foamed polymer layer by extrusion coating. In addition, the bonding layer can be laminated by extrusion on the surface of the layer to which it is insured. Finally, the aluminum foil can be laminated with adhesive, with a layer of LDPE on an A-PET layer. However, it should be recognized that the present invention can be obtained by any suitable technique for applying the layers such as, but without limited to, extrusion, coextrusion, lamination of ^^^^^^^^^^ g & ^^ fejí ^^ S ^^ = ^^^^ fc ^ - ^^^^^ j ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ adhesives , single layer films and multiple layer films. An attempt by the inventors is for registered packages prepared from laminated structures including a foamed polymer layer. Obviously, it is not reasonable to expressly describe each possible embodiment of the laminated structures of foamed polymer. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. Preferred embodiments are chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that other persons skilled in the art can carry out the invention. Having shown and described the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications can be made to alter the described invention. Many such variations and modifications will provide the same result and will be found within the spirit of the claimed invention. Therefore, it is intended to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.

Claims (62)

"2-i CLAIMS

1. A closed container for food or beverages, the closed container is characterized in that it comprises: a laminated structure that excludes cardboard and that includes a layer of foamed polymer having an inner surface and an outer surface, the foamed polymer is selected from the group consisting of Foamed polyethylene terephthalate, high density foamed polyethylene, low density foamed polyethylene, foamed polystyrene and compositions comprising any of these polymers, the laminated structure is bent to form the closed container.

2. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the foamed polymer layer is constituted by polyethylene terephthalate.

3. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the foamed polymer layer is made of polypropylene.

4. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the foamed polymer layer is made of high density polyethylene.

5. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the foamed polymer layer is made of low density polyethylene.

6. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a first layer of low density polyethylene having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the first layer of low density polyethylene is placed as a coating on the outer surface of the foamed polymer layer.

7. The package according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a second layer of low density polyethylene having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second layer of low density polyethylene is applied as a coating on the surface inside of the foamed polymer layer.

8. The package according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: a layer of aluminum foil having an outer surface and an inner surface, the ^% aluminum foil of the second layer of low density polyethylene; a bonding layer having an outer surface 5 and an inner surface, the outer surface of the bonding layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the aluminum foil layer, and a third layer of low density polyethylene which It has an outer surface and a surface In the interior, the outer surface of the third layer of low density polyethylene is applied as a coating to the inner surface of the tie layer.

9. The package according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: a layer of aluminum foil having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the foil layer being applied to the inner surface of the second layer layer of 20 low density polyethylene; and an amorphous polyethylene terephthalate layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the amorphous polyethylene terephthalate layer is applied as a coating on the 25 interior surface of the aluminum foil layer.

, »^ F ^ f * < ^ - * - 10. The package according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises: a barrier layer adapted to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure, the barrier layer has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the barrier layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the foamed polymer layer, and a second layer of low density polyethylene having an outer surface and an inner surface, the surface The outer layer of the second layer of the low density polyethylene is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the barrier layer.

11. The package according to claim 10, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by an oxygen barrier means, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through 20 of the laminated structure.

12. The package according to claim 10, characterized in that the barrier layer consists of: d & a.,. a ^ < .-; jS. ¿&; Sfea a first link layer that has an outer surface and an inner surface; an oxygen barrier means, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure, the oxygen barrier means has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the oxygen barrier means is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the first link layer; and 'a second bonding layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second bonding layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the oxygen barrier means, - wherein the outer surface of the first The bonding layer corresponds to the outer surface of the barrier layer and the inner surface of the second bonding layer corresponds to the inner surface of the barrier layer.

13. The package according to claim 10, characterized in that the barrier layer consists of: a tie layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, - and •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Oxygen barrier has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the oxygen barrier means is applied on the inner surface of the link layer; wherein the outer surface of the bonding layer corresponds to the outer surface of the barrier layer and the inner surface of the oxygen barrier means corresponds to the inner surface of the barrier layer.

14. The package according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the amorphous polyethylene terephthalate layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the the foamed polymer layer.

15. The package according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises: a barrier layer adapted to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure, the barrier layer has a ^^^^^ a ^ B ^ &^ j ^^^^^^^^ i ^ outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the barrier layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the layer of foamed polymer, and an amorphous polyethylene terephthalate layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the amorphous terephthalate layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the barrier layer.

16. The package according to claim 15, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by an oxygen barrier means, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure.

17. The package according to claim 15, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by: a first link layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, - an oxygen barrier means to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through of the laminated structure, the oxygen barrier means has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the oxygen barrier means is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the first bonding layer, and a second bonding layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second bonding layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the oxygen barrier means, wherein the outer surface of the first bonding layer corresponds to the outer surface of the barrier layer and the inner surface of the second bonding layer corresponds to the surface inside the barrier layer.

18. The package according to claim 15, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by: a barrier bond having an outer surface and an inner surface, - and an oxygen barrier means, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen to Through the laminated structure, the oxygen barrier means has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the oxygen barrier means is applied on the inner surface of the tie layer; wherein the outer surface of the bonding layer corresponds to the outer surface of the barrier layer and the inner surface of the oxygen barrier means corresponds to the inner surface of the barrier layer.

19. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a layer of low density polyethylene having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface in the first layer of the low density polyethylene is applied as a coating on the surface inside of the foamed polymer layer.

20. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the amorphous polyethylene terephthalate layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the foamed polymer layer.

21. The packaging of confo rmity with claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises: .....,. _. * aJ * a * Mu * ií * && amp; a &lU & M a first layer of low density polyethylene having an outer surface and an inner surface; a layer of aluminum foil having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the layer of aluminum foil applied on the inner surface of the first layer of low density polyethylene; and a second layer of low density polyethylene having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second layer of low density polyethylene is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the layer of aluminum foil, the inner surface of the second layer of low density polyethylene is applied as a coating on the outer surface of the first layer of foamed polymer.

22. The package according to claim 21, characterized in that it also comprises a third layer of low density polyethylene having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the third layer of low density polyethylene is applied as a coating on the surface inside of the foamed polymer layer. "T ^ .. ^ QtA ^^ g ^^ g ^^^^ Jr ^^^ j ^^^^^^^^^

23. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a first layer of low density polyethylene having an outer surface and an inner surface; and a barrier layer adapted to substantially prevent oxygen transmission through the laminated structure, the barrier layer has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the barrier layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the barrier layer. the first layer of the low density polyethylene, the inner surface of the barrier layer is applied as a coating on the outer surface of the foamed polymer layer.

24. The container according to claim 23, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by an oxygen barrier means, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure.

25. The package according to claim 23, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by: a first link layer having an outer surface and an inner surface; a barrier medium for oxygen, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure, the oxygen barrier means has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the oxygen barrier means is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the first link layer, - and a second link layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second link layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the oxygen barrier medium; wherein the outer surface of the first link layer corresponds to the outer surface of the barrier layer and the inner surface of the second link layer corresponds to the inner surface of the barrier layer.

26. The package according to claim 23, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by: a tie layer having an outer surface and an inner surface; Y • ^ j ^^^^? ^^^^ ^^ iJ ^^^ i i i ^ go a barrier means oxygen to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure, the barrier means Oxygen has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the oxygen barrier means is applied to the inner surface of the barrier layer, wherein the outer surface of the barrier layer corresponds to the outer surface of the layer of barrier, and the inner surface of the oxygen barrier means corresponds to the inner surface of the barrier layer.

27. The container according to claim 23, further comprising a second layer of low density polyethylene having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second layer of low density polyethylene is applied as a coating on the surface inside of the foamed polymer layer.

28. The container according to claim 23, characterized in that it comprises a layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the terephthalate layer of «Z & ?? *****» ^^ **, - - - && amp; & amp; amp; amp & amp; & & * amorphous polyethylene is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the foamed polymer layer.

29. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a first layer of low density polyethylene having an outer surface and an inner surface, - a layer of aluminum foil having an 10 outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the layer of aluminum foil is applied on the inner surface of the first layer of low density polyethylene; a second layer of low density polyethylene 15 having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second layer of low density polyethylene is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the layer of aluminum foil, the inner surface of the second layer of low density polyethylene is applied as a coating on the outer surface of the foamed polymer layer, and a layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the layer of terephthalate ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ The polyethylene is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the foamed polymer layer.

30. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a first layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the first layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate is applied as a surface coating. outside of the foamed polymer layer.

31. The package according to claim 30, characterized in that it further comprises a second layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate is applied as a surface coating inside of the foamed polymer layer.

32. The package according to claim 30, characterized in that it further comprises: a bonding layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the bonding layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the foamed polymer layer , - a layer of aluminum foil having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the layer of aluminum foil is applied on the inner surface of the link layer, -and a second layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second layer of polyethylene terephthalate is coated on the inner surface of the aluminum foil layer.

33. The package according to claim 30, characterized in that it further comprises: a barrier layer adapted to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure, the barrier layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the barrier layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the foamed polymer layer; and a second layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate is coated on the inner surface of the barrier layer.

34. The container in accordance with 5 claim 33, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by an oxygen barrier means to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure.

35. The package according to claim 33, characterized in that the barrier layer consists of: a first link layer having an outer surface and an inner surface; 15 an oxygen barrier means, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure, the oxygen barrier means has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the oxygen barrier means is 20 applies as a coating on the inner surface of the first bonding layer, - and a second bonding layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second bonding layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the oxygen barrier means, wherein the outer surface of the first bonding layer corresponds to the outer surface of the barrier layer and the inner surface of the second bonding layer corresponds to the inner surface of the barrier layer.

36. The package according to claim 33, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by: a tie layer having an outer surface and an inner surface; and an oxygen barrier means, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure, the oxygen barrier means has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the oxygen barrier means is applied over the inner surface of the bonding layer, wherein the outer surface of the bonding layer corresponds to the outer surface of the barrier layer on the inner surface of the oxygen barrier means corresponds to the inner surface of the barrier layer. f? J ** fa frtfM ¿* sf

37. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a first layer of amorphous polyethylene phrerephthalate having an outer surface and an inner surface; and a barrier layer adapted to substantially prevent oxygen transmission through the laminated structure, the barrier layer has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the barrier layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the barrier layer. The first amorphous polyethylene terephthalate layer, the inner surface of the barrier layer is applied as a coating on the outer surface of the foamed polymer layer.

38. The container according to claim 37, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by an oxygen barrier means, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure.

39. The container according to claim 37, characterized in that the barrier layer consists of: a first link layer having an outer surface and an inner surface; an oxygen barrier means to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure, the oxygen barrier means has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the oxygen barrier means is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the first link layer; and a second link layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second link layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the oxygen barrier means, - wherein the outer surface of the first layer connection corresponds to the outer surface of the barrier layer and the inner surface of the second link layer corresponds to the inner surface of the barrier layer.

40. The package according to claim 37, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by: a tie layer having an outer surface and an inner surface; and an oxygen barrier means, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure, the oxygen barrier means has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the oxygen barrier means is applied at the inner surface of the barrier layer; wherein the outer surface of the bonding layer corresponds to the outer surface of the barrier layer and the inner surface of the oxygen barrier means corresponds to the inner surface of the barrier layer.

41. The package according to claim 37, characterized in that it also comprises a second layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the second layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate is applied as a surface coating inside of the foamed polymer layer.

42. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a first layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having an inner surface and an outer surface; r-fBiBttfW juratmifr-. a layer of aluminum foil having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface of the foil layer being applied on the inner surface of the first amorphous polyethylene terephthalate layer, - a link layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the bonding layer is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the aluminum foil layer, the inner surface of the bonding layer is applied as a coating on the outer surface of the layer of foamed polymer.

43. The package according to claim 42, characterized in that it also comprises a second layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, the outer surface of the second layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate is coated on the inner surface of the foamed polymer layer.

44. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the laminated structure has been heat sealed by conventional equipment at temperatures ranging from about 121 ° C to about 260 ° C (250-500 ° F) so that a seal is generated homogeneous thermal non-polar.

45. The package according to claim 44, characterized in that the conventional equipment is a continuous material package packaging machine.

46. The package according to claim 44, characterized in that the conventional equipment is a sleeve filling machine.

47. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the foamed polymer layer is selected from the group consisting of styrene and polyester material.

48. A closed container for a product, the closed container is characterized in that it comprises: a laminated structure bent to form a closed container, the laminated structure includes an innermost layer of foamed polymer so that the foamed polymer layer is adapted to contact with the product .

49. The closed package according to claim 48, characterized in that the product is selected from the group consisting of food and beverages.

50. The closed container according to claim 48, characterized in that the foamed polymer layer is selected from the group consisting of styrenic, olefinic and polyester polymers.

51. The closed container according to claim 50, characterized in that the foamed polymer layer is selected from the group consisting of foamed polypropylene, foamed polyethylene terephthalate, high density foamed polyethylene, low density foamed polyethylene, foamed polystyrene and compositions comprising any of these polymers.

52. The closed container according to claim 48, characterized in that the closed container is a container in the form of a parallelepiped.

53. The closed container according to claim 48, characterized in that the closed container is a box with gable top. ^ y ^ »...,., ^^? * £ ^^

54. A closed container for a product, the closed container is characterized in that it comprises: a laminated structure bent to form the closed container, the laminated structure includes a Foamed polymer layer and a barrier layer, the foamed polymer layer is placed inside the barrier layer, the barrier layer is adapted to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure.

55. The closed package according to claim 54, characterized in that the product is selected from the group consisting of food and beverages.

56. The closed package according to claim 54, characterized in that the foamed polymer layer is selected from the group consisting of styrenic, olefinic and polyester polymers. 20 57, The closed container according to claim 56, characterized in that the foamed polymer layer is selected from the group consisting of foamed polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate.

Att4Mtu &Mt ^ .. ^ a ^^^ fe ^^^ »^^ ,, ^^^^^^^. The foam, high density foamed polyethylene, foamed polyethylene of low density, foamed polystyrene and compositions comprising any of these polymers.

58. The closed container according to claim 54, characterized in that the barrier layer is applied as a coating on the foamed polymer layer.

59. The closed container according to claim 54, characterized in that the barrier layer is constituted by an oxygen barrier means, to substantially prevent the transmission of oxygen through the laminated structure.

60. The closed container according to claim 54, characterized in that the foamed polymer layer is the innermost layer of the laminated structure that is adapted to contact the product. : 7 «, ^ .- ¿, .. ^ ii ^ fe & .i,; t ... ^. ^^. = .--, -. ... í -. ^..,.-.-- ... * ^ Mgí tíÍ ^! ^! ^ ^ 2 & ^ ^

61. The closed container according to claim 54, characterized in that the closed container is a container in the form of a parallelepiped.

62. The closed container according to claim 54, characterized in that the closed container is a box with gable top. -cjjhtbMatM iti - ~ aa "f- '* > • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A container constructed from a laminated structure (30) which includes a foamed polymer layer (34), the foamed polymer layer (34) replaces the cardboard layer of the known laminated structures. A preferred embodiment of the laminated structure (30) is constituted by a layer of foamed polymer (34), a first layer of low density polyethylene (32), a second layer of low density polyethylene (36), a layer of foil (38) of aluminum, a link layer (40), and a third layer of low density polyethylene (42). The foamed polymer layer may be constituted of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, compositions comprising any of these polymers or any other suitable foamed polymer composition having similar physical characteristics. The first layer of low density polyethylene (32) covers the outer surface of the foamed polymer layer (34), and the second layer of low density polystyrene (36) is applied as a coating on the inner surface of the polymer layer (34) foamed. The foil layer (38) of aluminum is applied to the inner surface of the second layer of low density polyethylene (36). The inner surface j ^ t ~ ~ ^ au ** ^ M ^. of the aluminum foil layer (38) is coated with the link layer (40). The surface in contact with the product is the third layer of the low density polyethylene (42) and is applied as a coating on the outer surface of the bonding layer (40). The package has a non-polar homogenous thermal seal which can be generated by conventional equipment ranging from approximately 121 ° C to approximately 260 ° C (250-500 ° Fahrenheit).