Thermoforming, filling and sealing of plastic containers with tabbed lids, makes preliminary-, through- and complementary cuts in lid- and container bands

摘要

Before joining the lid band (22) to the material of the thermoplastic band (10), a preliminary cut (a tab-breaker cut) is made in the thermoplastic for each container. This defines a part of the container edge perimeter. When the containers (1) and lids are cut out, a through-cut is made through both layers, around the remaining perimeter. A complementary cut (tab outline) is made through at least the lid band. This connects with the through-cut to form a grip tab in the container lid. It lies outside the preliminary cut. An Independent claim is included for corresponding plant, which includes the preliminary cutting station, equipment (23, 26, 27) applying the lid band, preliminary cutter, transverse cutter and complementary cutter.