Sealed internal package label

A method for providing sealed internal labels for vacuum skin packages and the like is disclosed. Labels with a heat sealable printed surface are placed on the trayed product prior to entering a vacuum skin packaging chamber. In the chamber the covering film is heated to its sealing temperature before it is applied by differential air pressure to the product and tray. The label seals to the interior surface of the covering film and is protected from being defaced during handling. Furthermore moisture and juices from the product will not discolor the label as it is sealed on its printed surface to the covering film. The package produced is intended for the display case in a retail supermarket.

We claim:

1. A method of providing a package having a transparent covering film with a label sealed internally to said film comprising the steps of:

a) placing the product to be packaged on a support member which has a heat sealable surface around the periphery of the product;

b) placing a label whose printed surface is heat sealable on the product with the printed side facing upwardly;

c) heating a transparent covering film having a heat sealable surface to its softening and heat sealing temperature and to a temperature which is in the heat sealing temperature range of the label;

d) covering the product with the heated covering film so that said film seals to the label; and, moving the film further down and around the sides of the product so that it seals to the support member around the periphery of the product thereby enclosing the product in a package with an internal label sealed securely in place to the covering film.

2. The method of claim 1 including the steps of:

i) In step (a) arranging a multiplicity of products in an array of columns and rows on the support member;

ii) In step (b) placing an internal label on the top of each product; and,

iii) In step (c) draping the heated film so that it contacts and seals to each label and thus to the support member around the periphery of each product.

3. A method of providing an evacuated package with a sealed internal label comprising the steps of:

a) Positioning a product on a gas impervious support member, said product having an upper surface which can receive a label, said support member having a heat sealable surface around the periphery of the product;

b) Placing a label on said upper surface of said product, said label having a heat sealable surface and said label being positioned so that the heat sealable surface faces upwardly;

c) Placing the support member, product, and label in a vacuum chamber;

d) Providing a transparent, heat sealable, heat formable covering film which is gas impervious and heating the covering film to a temperature above the softening temperature and sealing temperature of the film, and the sealing temperature of the label;

e) Positioning the heated covering film over the product, support member and label;

f) Evacuating the space between the covering film and the support member while holding the heated covering film apart from the label, product, and support member;

g) Moving the heated film into contact with the label and molding the heated film around the product and into sealing contact with the support member to complete the forming of a package with label sealed internally to said covering film.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the product is a food product selected from the group consisting of meat, fish, and cheese which are in a chilled condition.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the covering web and the support member are impervious to gas.

6. A method of providing a package having a transparent covering film with a label sealed internally to said film comprising the steps of:

a) placing the product to be packaged on a support member;

b) placing a label whose printed surface is heat sealable on the product with the printed side facing outwardly;

c) heating a transparent covering film having a heat sealable surface to a temperature which is in the heat sealing temperature range of the printed surface of the label;

d) contacting the label with the heated covering film so that said film seals to the label; and, further moving the film whereby the product is enclosed in a package with an internal label sealed securely in place to the covering film.