WO2021259747A2

WO2021259747A2 - Method and apparatus for recovering packaged confectionery

Info

Publication number: WO2021259747A2
Application number: PCT/EP2021/066376
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Bretz; Marc SCHMITT
Original assignee: Kraft Foods Schweiz Holding GmbH
Current assignee: Kraft Foods Schweiz Holding GmbH
Priority date: 2020-06-26
Filing date: 2021-06-17
Publication date: 2021-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-26
Also published as: AU2021295385B2; WO2021259747A3; GB202009786D0; AU2021295385A1; CN115667075A; EP4172049A2; CA3175698A1

Abstract

A method for separating a packaged confectionery item from its packaging, the method comprising the steps of applying external pressure to the packaged confectionery item to break the confectionery item into two or more confectionery item pieces, passing the broken packaged confectionery item through a cutting means to provide a cut along at least a portion of the packaging and subsequently agitating the packaged confectionery item to separate the confectionery item pieces from the cut packaging. An apparatus is also provided.

Description

Method and Apparatus for Recovering Packaged Confectionery

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for recovering confectionery (e.g. chocolate) from packaging, for example, for subsequent reprocessing or reworking of the confectionery.

Background to the Invention

It is known in food production (e.g. confectionery production) for product quality inspections to be carried out and for faulty products (e.g. due to packaging faults, or product faults such as under/overweight, under/over filled products, etc.) to be identified and for the food material to be recovered so it can be reused and not wasted. Recovery of products may include opening of the packaging material, removing the food material therefrom, and then repackaging and/or possibly reworking the food material to form a new (packaged) product. Where the food product comprises a confectionery item such as a chocolate bar, the chocolate material may be reprocessed via melting, tempering and/or moulding, for example to form a new confectionery item from the recovered confectionery material.

In some instances this may be performed manually by one or more operators. However, this is time consuming, and this problem is exacerbated in a mass production process to the point where manual inspection and recovery of faulty food products is not suitable given the quantity of products being produced. Accordingly, there has been a move to automate the recovery process, but to date no complete solution has been provided.

For example, it is known from GB2268892A to cut the packaging material to form an opening therein and allowing or causing the contained food product to be separated from the packaging material, for example by allowing the food product to fall through the formed opening. However, the solution provided by this document is specific to food items such as crisps or nuts which may readily fall through a formed opening, but is not able to efficiently separate confectionery items in the form of blocks or bars (e.g. chocolate bars) from its packaging which due to their size and consistency may not readily fall through a slit or cut provided in the packaging material.

One solution may be to provide a larger or an increased number of cuts in the packaging material in order to allow larger items (e.g. bars of confectionery material) to be removed therefrom. However, this may introduce a further problem in the form of an increased number of pieces of packaging material which are then subsequently required to be separated from the confectionery material. This disadvantageously increases the probability of pieces of packaging material being present in the recovered material when it is sent for further processing. It is important to eliminate or at least substantially reduce the presence of any packaging material being inadvertently included in any reprocessing steps of the separated food material. For example, in instances where the food product comprises a chocolate confectionery item the presence of packaging material within the recovered material may necessitate a further separation step where the chocolate is melted and sieved to remove any remining pieces of packaging material therefrom, but this leads to further wastage. For example, for confectionery items which include solid inclusions such as nuts, fruits, biscuit or combinations thereof, such inclusions may also be separated from the melted confectionery when performing this additional separation step.

There is therefore a need for a method and apparatus for recovering confectionery material from a packaged confectionery item which is more efficient compared with prior art solutions in both removing and separating a confectionery item from its packaging material.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to overcome or mitigate at least one problem of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method for separating a packaged confectionery item from its packaging, the method comprising the steps of: applying external pressure to the packaged confectionery item to break the confectionery item into two or more confectionery item pieces; passing the broken packaged confectionery item through a cutting means to provide a cut along at least a portion of the packaging; and subsequently agitating the packaged confectionery item to separate the confectionery item pieces from the cut packaging.

Advantageously, the method provides an improved way for separating a packaged confectionery item from its packaging, which includes an initial step where pressure is applied to the packaged item to break up the confectionery items into a plurality of confectionery item pieces. By performing this step, the packaging and confectionery item pieces are more efficiently separated than prior art examples which aim to separate complete, unbroken items from its packaging, e.g. through necessity (where the items are required to be retained substantially in its packaged form for reuse) or through design. The present invention makes use of the fact that the confectionery item may subsequently be reprocessed in a manner (e.g. melted, tempered, moulded or otherwise processed to reform a confectionery item from the confectionery material) where it may not be necessary to retain the confectionery item in its packaged form for it to be reused.

The step of applying external pressure to the packaged confectionery item may be such that the confectionery item is caused to snap or break at one or more inherent points or lines of weakness in the confectionery item, for example, areas surrounding inclusions within the confectionery item, or regions of the confectionery item which are thinner in thickness e.g. which define individual consumable units of the confectionery item.

The method may comprise snapping or breaking the packaged confectionery item at substantially the location at which the external pressure is applied. The method may comprise applying external pressure at multiple locations along the length of the packaged confectionery item to substantially snap the packaged confectionery item at each location. In embodiments the method may comprise snapping or breaking the packaged confectionery item at a location upstream or downstream of the location at which pressure is applied, preferably upstream. In such embodiments pressure may be applied at one location which causes bending at a location upstream or downstream thereof, resulting in snapping or breaking at the bending location. The method may comprise applying the external pressure at one or more unsupported locations of the confectionery item. For example, the method may comprise supporting the confectionery item at one or more ends thereof, and applying pressure between said supported ends, or at an unsupported end of the confectionery item. In embodiments, the method may comprise applying pressure to the confectionery item as the item passes from one section of a transport system to another, for example from one conveyor to another. The conveyors may be provided at an angle with respect to one another, for example with the downstream conveyor being inclined with respect to the upstream conveyor. As the confectionery item passes between such conveyors it may be supported at ends thereof, specifically at a first end by the upstream conveyor and at a second end by the downstream conveyor. Where said downstream conveyor is inclined with respect to the upstream conveyor, the confectionery item may be unsupported between its ends, for example as the end of the conveyor supported by the downstream conveyor is lifted. The method may comprise applying external pressure at the unsupported location.

Preferably, the external pressure is applied through the packaging, but without cutting or otherwise breaking the packaging such that the broken confectionery item is retained fully within the packaging after applying the external pressure thereto. The applied pressure may comprise an applied force of at least 30 N, 35 N, 40 N, 45 N, 50 N, 55 N or 60 N and/or no more than 60 N, 55 N, 50 N, 45 N, 40 N, 35 N or 30 N. The applied pressure may comprise an applied force of between 30 to 60 N, such as between 40 to 50 N, or 45 to 50 N.

The external pressure may be applied using mechanical pressure, and may be provided using any suitable device. For example, the method may comprise applying external pressure using a piston or press having a pressing surface which is brought into contact with the packaged confectionery item to apply the external pressure thereto.

The method may comprise applying external pressure to the packaged confectionery item using a roller. For example, the method may comprise passing the packaged confectionery item through, under or over a roller. The roller may comprise a pin roller. The pin roller may comprise a central cylindrical shaft with at least one set of protrusions located around the circumference of the roller. The protrusions may act as pistons or presses when rotated onto packaged confectionery item. The or each set of protrusions may comprise a single protrusion or a plurality of protrusions. The or each set of protrusions may comprise a set of protrusions located annularly (i.e. in the form of a ring) around the circumference of the pin roller. The pin roller may rotate about an axis parallel with the width of the packaged confectionery item. In preferred embodiments, the pin roller rotates such that its protrusions apply external pressure to the packaged confectionery item whenever the rotation of the roller brings a protrusion into contact with the packaged confectionery item.

The method may comprise providing a cut longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the packaging. The cut may be provided along substantially the entire length of the packaging. The cut may also be provided at least partly through the confectionery item. In preferred embodiments, the cut is provided through the confectionery item. For example, in some embodiments the method comprises providing a single cut through both the packaging and the confectionery item along substantially the entire length of the packaged confectionery item, thereby splitting the packaged confectionery item in two. Advantageously, providing a single cut through the entire length of the packaging and product keeps the number of separate pieces of packaging to a minimum (i.e. two), reducing the likelihood of small pieces of packaging proceeding undetected through the recovery process and into subsequent reprocessing of the recovered confectionery item itself. Applying pressure to the confectionery item and thereby breaking it into two or more pieces prior to the cutting step overcomes the prior art issues where a single cut may not be sufficient to allow for the larger confectionery item to be easily removed (e.g. fall out from) from the packaging through said cut.

The cutting means may comprise a cutting device which may include one or more cutting blades or knives. The one or more cutting blade or knives may comprise a static knife or blade, or a rotary knife or blade. In preferred embodiments, the cutting means comprises a rotary cutting blade. Agitating the packaged confectionery item may comprise applying an airflow across the packaged confectionery item. The airflow may comprise a vacuum or a positive airflow (e.g. blowing) across the packaged confectionery item. Advantageously, the airflow acts to separate the lighter packaging from the relatively heavy confectionery item pieces.

The confectionery item may be moved in a first direction as the airflow is provided across it. The airflow may be provided in the first direction, or in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction.

Agitating the packaged confectionery item may comprise passing the packaged confectionery item through a rotating barrel. The rotating barrel may comprise one or more blades or forks configured to be brought into contact with the packaged confectionery item within the rotating barrel in order to cause agitation thereof (e.g. through moving, rotating, flipping, etc. of the packaged confectionery item). Advantageously, the rotating barrel may act to agitate or move the packaged confectionery item in a way so as to urge the confectionery item pieces to become separate from (e.g. fall out from) the packaging, for example through openings in the packaging caused by the cutting step. The rotating barrel may be inclined such that the confectionery item moves along a length of the barrel under gravity.

The method may comprise applying an airflow across the packaged confectionery item as it is moved by, and optionally along, the rotating barrel. Advantageously, the airflow may act to move the packaging which has been separated from the confectionery material through agitation by rotation of the rotating barrel.

The confectionery item may comprise a bar of confectionery material, such as candy or chocolate, or combinations thereof, for example. In preferred embodiments, the confectionery item comprises a chocolate bar. The chocolate may be milk, dark, plain, which or compound chocolate.

The confectionery item may include one or more inclusions. The confectionery item may include more than one different types of inclusions. Suitable inclusions may comprise, for example, hazelnut (such as chopped hazelnut, whole hazelnut and/or crushed hazelnut), raisins, cranberry, cherry, candy pieces, chocolate pieces, biscuit pieces, cake pieces, corn (such as crushed com and/or popcorn), caramel (such as salted caramel), almond (such as chopped almond, whole almond and/or crushed almond), crisp rice, apricot, any other type of nut, or dried fruit, or any combination thereof.

The method may further comprise, subsequent to the agitating step, using a separating device to separate any remaining packaging from the confectionery item pieces. For example, the method may comprise passing the confectionery item pieces and any remaining pieces of packaging over, through, onto or into a separating device.

The separating device may comprise a sieve or a tray. The sieve or tray may include a plurality of apertures therein sized so as to allow the pieces of confectionery item to move therethrough. The method may comprise vibrating the sieve so as to urge the pieces of confectionery item to move through the apertures.

The method may comprise cooling the packaged confectionery item. The method may comprise cooling the packaged confectionery item prior to the step of applying the external pressure thereto. This may be advantageous where the confectionery item may be “sticky” or “tacky” at room temperature, e.g. where the confectionery item comprises a particular chocolate, and hence may be partly stuck to the packaging preventing or reducing the likelihood of the two being separated by agitation.

The packaged confectionery item may be cooled by any suitable cooling means. For example, the method may comprise passing the packaged confectionery item through a cooling tunnel.

The method may comprise performing (or equally not performing) one or more of the optional steps described herein in dependence on the form of the confectionery item. For example, the method may comprise performing (or not performing) one or more of the optional steps described herein in dependence on the presence (or absence) of one or more components, e.g. a particular type or inclusion, in the confectionery item. The presence of nuts or other inclusion may affect the consistency of the confectionery item such that a precooling step may not be necessary.

The packaging may comprise a flow-wrapped package, for example. The method may comprise using a transport system, such as a belt, belt system, movable belt system or conveyor system, for example, for moving the confectionery item between components of an apparatus for performing the method described herein.

The method may comprise reprocessing the separated pieces of the confectionery item. The method may comprise reworking the pieces of the confectionery item, e.g. by melting, tempering, moulding, repackaging and/or the like.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for separating a packaged confectionery item from its packaging, comprising: a device for applying external pressure to the packaged confectionery item to break the confectionery item into two or more confectionery item pieces; a cutting device for providing a cut along at least a portion of the packaging; and a separating device provided downstream of the cutting device and configured to agitate the packaged confectionery item to separate the confectionery item pieces from the packaging.

The device for applying external pressure may be configured to apply the pressure through the packaging, but without cutting or otherwise breaking the packaging such that the broken confectionery item is retained fully within the packaging after applying the external pressure thereto. The applied pressure may comprise an applied force of at least 30 N, 35 N, 40 N, 45 N, 50 N, 55 N or 60 N and/or no more than 60 N, 55 N, 50 N, 45 N, 40 N, 35 N or 30 N. The applied pressure may comprise an applied force of between 30 to 60 N, such as between 40 to 50 N, or 45 to

50 N.

The device for applying external pressure may comprise a mechanical device for applying mechanical pressure to the packaged item. For example, the mechanical device may comprise a piston or press having a pressing surface which is configured to be brought into contact with the packaged confectionery item, in use, to apply the external pressure thereto.

The mechanical device may comprise a roller. For example, the apparatus may be configured such that external pressure is applied, in use, to the packaged confectionery item when the item is passed through, under or over the roller. The roller may comprise a pin roller. The pin roller may comprise a central cylindrical shaft with at least one set of protrusions located around the circumference of the roller. The protrusions may act as pistons or presses when rotated onto packaged confectionery item. The or each set of protrusions may comprise a single protrusion or a plurality of protrusions. The or each set of protrusions may comprise a set of protrusions located annularly (i.e. in the form of a ring) around the circumference of the pin roller. The pin roller may be rotatable about an axis parallel with the width of the packaged confectionery item. In preferred embodiments, the pin roller is configured to rotate such that, in use, its protrusions apply external pressure to the packaged confectionery item whenever the rotation of the roller brings a protrusion into contact with the packaged confectionery item.

The cutting device may be configured to provide a cut longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the packaging. The cutting device may be configured to provide a cut along substantially the entire length of the packaging. The cutting device may be configured to provide the cut at least partly through the confectionery item in addition to the packaging. In preferred embodiments, the cutting device is configured to provide a cut through the confectionery item. For example, in some embodiments the cutting device is configured to provide a single cut through both the packaging and the confectionery item along substantially the entire length of the packaged confectionery item, thereby splitting the packaged confectionery item in two.

The cutting device may include one or more cutting blades or knives. The one or more cutting blade or knives may comprise a static knife or blade, or a rotary knife or blade. In preferred embodiments, the cutting device comprises a rotary cutting blade.

The separating device may comprise means for applying an airflow across the packaged confectionery item. For example, the apparatus may comprise a fan or vacuum for applying a positive or negative airflow across the packaged confectionery item.

The separating device may comprise a rotating barrel. The rotating barrel may comprise one or more blades or forks configured to be brought into contact with the packaged confectionery item within the rotating barrel in order to cause agitation thereof (e.g. through moving, rotating, flipping, etc. of the packaged confectionery item). Advantageously, the rotating barrel may act to agitate or move the packaged confectionery item in a way so as to urge the confectionery item pieces to become separate from (e.g. fall out from) the packaging, for example through openings in the packaging caused by the cutting device. The rotating barrel may be inclined such that the confectionery item moves along a length of the barrel under gravity.

The apparatus may comprise a secondary separating device configured to separate any remaining packaging from the confectionery item pieces.

The secondary separating device may comprise a sieve or a tray. The sieve or tray may include a plurality of apertures therein sized so as to allow the pieces of confectionery item to move therethrough. The sieve or tray may be configured to vibrate so as to urge the pieces of confectionery item to move through the apertures, in use.

The apparatus may comprise a cooling device for cooling the packaged confectionery item, in use, and preferably for cooling the packaged confectionery item prior to applying the external pressure thereto. The cooling device may comprise a cooling tunnel through which the packaged confectionery item may be passed, in use.

The packaging may comprise a flow-wrapped package, for example. The apparatus may comprise a transport system, such as a belt, belt system, movable belt system or conveyor system, for example, for moving the confectionery item between components of the apparatus.

Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a roller forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a cutting device forming part of the apparatus of the preceding Figures;

Figure 4 illustrates a separating device forming part of the apparatus of the preceding Figures;

Figure 5 illustrates an example of a secondary separating device for use in conjunction with the apparatus shown in the preceding Figures; and

Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method of the invention.

In general, the present invention relates to a method 100 and apparatus 10 for separating a packaged confectionery item 25 from its packaging 28.

Figures 1 - 4 illustrate an embodiment of an apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a mechanical device in the form of a roller 12 which is operable to apply an external pressure to a packaged confectionery item 25 to break the packaged confectionery item 25 into two or more confectionery item pieces 27. The apparatus additionally includes a cutting device in the form of a rotary blade 14, and a separating device in the form of a rotating barrel 16. As discussed herein, the barrel 16 is operable to agitate the packaged confectionery item 25 to cause separation of the confectionery item pieces 27 from its packaging 28. A transport system comprising a series of conveyors 23a, 23b, 24 is provided for moving the confectionery item between components of the apparatus 10.

As shown in Figure 2, the roller 12 comprises a central cylindrical shaft with a series of protrusions 13 located around the circumference of the roller 12. The protrusions 13 form surfaces which may be brought into contact with the packaged confectionery item 25 as the roller 12 is rotated and the confectionery item 25 passed underneath. In use, the contact between the protrusions 13 on the roller 12 and the confectionery item 25 causes a force to be applied to the item 25, an external pressure which encourages the item 25 to break at one or more locations (e.g. at the point of contact, or at one or more points or lines of weakness in the item itself) into a series of confectionery item pieces 27. To assist with the breaking action caused by the roller 12, the apparatus 10 is configured such that the roller 12 is positioned at the point where conveyor 23a meets conveyor 24. As shown, conveyor 24 is inclined with respect to conveyor 23a such that as the confectionery item 25 passes over the gap between the two, a leading edge of the confectionery item 25 is caused to lift. This, in conjunction with the applied pressure from the roller 12, acts to break the item 25.

As shown specifically in Figure 3, the rotary blade 14 is positioned substantially centrally with respect to the transport system, with the packaged item 25 moving lengthways through the apparatus 10. In this way, the blade 14 is configured cut the packaged confectionery item 25 along substantially the entire length of the packaging 28 as the packaged item 25 is moved therethrough under the action of the conveyor 23b, specifically providing a single cut through both the packaging 28 and the confectionery item 25, and thereby splitting the packaged confectionery item 25 in two into a first half 26a and a second half 26b. The formed halves 26a, 26b of the packaged confectionery item 25 includes confectionery item piece(s) 27 contained within an outer packaging 28a, 28b, but with the packaging 28a, 28b being open allowing the pieces 27 to fall out from therefrom - e.g. upon agitation of the halves 26a, 26b in the manner described hereinbelow.

Figure 4 illustrates the rotating barrel 16 in further detail. As shown, the barrel 16 comprises a hollow, cylindrical device into which items (specifically the halves 26a, 26b formed by the rotary blade 14) are introduced, in use. The barrel 16 includes a series of blades 30 which, through rotation of the barrel 16, are brought into contact with the halves 26a, 26b, or indeed separated confectionery item pieces 27 and/or packaging halves 28a, 28b as they move along the barrel 16. The contact between the blades 30 and the items within the barrel 16 causes the items to be flipped, turned, rotated etc. as they are moved by the blades 30 in the direction of rotation before falling under gravity. This agitation causes confectionery item pieces 27 to fall out from within the packaging halves 28a, 28b, thereby separating the pieces 27 from the packaging 28. The barrel 16 is additionally inclined (as shown in Figure 1) from an end at which the items are introduced to a distal end of the barrel 16. The incline acts to urge items within the barrel 16 to move along the barrel 14 under gravity during agitation of the items.

The apparatus 10 additionally includes an air supply 18 which is used to provide an airflow through the barrel 16 to assist with the separation of the packaging 28 and confectionery item pieces 27, specifically by causing the packaging 28 to be moved by the airflow, here up and away from the confectionery item pieces 27 and along a chute 20 provided at the distal end of the barrel 16 for disposal. In contrast, the relatively heavy confectionery item pieces 27 remain within the barrel 16 and are subsequently deposited into a container 22 as the pieces move along and then out of the end of the barrel 16. The confectionery item pieces 27 can then be reused, reprocessed as desired, for example to form further confectionery items from the recovered confectionery material.

Figure 5 illustrates a variant of the apparatus 10 and specifically a secondary separating device in the form of a sieve 32 for use with the apparatus 10. As described herein, the purpose of the sieve 32 is to prevent any remaining packaging 28 which has not been removed by the airflow in the barrel 16 contaminating the recovered confectionery pieces 27.

The sieve 32 comprises a mesh having a plurality of apertures defined therein through which confectionery item pieces 27 can fall through, in use. In use, confectionery item pieces 27 and any remaining packaging (e.g. packaging halves 28a, 28b) is directed onto an upper surface of the sieve 32 after falling out of the end of the rotating barrel 16, rather than falling directly into the recovery container 22. The apertures in the sieve 32 are sized so as to allow the confectionery item pieces 27 to fall through. To assist with this, the sieve 32 is configured to be vibrated using a motor 40 fixed thereto.

As with the barrel 16, the sieve 32 is inclined. Here, the incline causes items deposited therein to move along the sieve 32 under gravity towards an open end 36, which in the illustrated example directs any remaining items - i.e. preferably just any remaining packaging 28 - into a disposal container 38.

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of a method 100 in accordance with the invention for using the apparatus 10 described herein for separating a confectionery item 25 from its packaging 28

At step 102, external pressure is applied to a packaged confectionery item to break the confectionery item into two or more confectionery item pieces 27. Specifically, the packaged confectionery item 25 is passed under the roller 12, and protrusions 13 thereof are brought into contact with the exterior of the packaging 28. This applied force causes the confectionery item 25 to break at one or more locations into two or more confectionery item pieces 27.

The broken packaged confectionery item 25 is then, at step 104, passed through a cutting means to provide a cut along at least a portion of the packaging. Specifically, a rotary cutting blade 14 is used to cut the packaged item 25 longitudinally along its entire length and through both the packaging 28 and the item 25 to form packaged halves 26a, 26b of the confectionery item 25. Here, the rotary cutting blade 14 remains stationary with the conveyor system moving the packaged item 25 through and into contact with the rotating blade 14 to provide the cut.

The two halves 26a, 26b of the packaged confectionery item 25 are then passed, at step 106, into a separation device in the form of a rotating barrel 16. The barrel 16 is used to agitate the items introduced thereto, causing them to be turned, flipped, rolled, etc. to cause the broken confectionery item pieces 27 to fall out from the cut packaging halves 28a, 28b. As described herein, the barrel 16 includes a series of blades 30 which are brought into contact with items within the barrel 16 as they move therealong.

The agitation step 106 additionally includes applying an airflow across the packaged confectionery item 25 as it moves along and is agitated by the rotating barrel 16. In doing so, the packaging 28 is moved by the airflow, specifically up and away from the confectionery item pieces 27 and along a chute 20 for disposal. The relatively heavy confectionery item pieces 27 remain within the barrel 16 and are subsequently deposited into a container 22 as the pieces move along and then out of the end of the barrel 16.

As an optional step, the method 100 may additionally include, at step 101, cooling the packaged confectionery item, for example by passing the confectionery item through a cooling tunnel or the like. Such a method step may be performed where the confectionery item is of a type which may become “sticky” or “tacky” at room temperature and hence may be more difficult to separate from the packaging. As shown, the cooling step 101 may be performed prior to the application of the external pressure at step 102.

As a further optional step, the method may comprise a secondary separation step 107 in which the confectionery item pieces and any packaging remaining after the agitation step - i.e. any packaging which has not been successfully removed by the airflow - is passed over a sieve, e.g. sieve 32, which includes apertures sized such that the confectionery item pieces 27 can pass through and into a recovery container 34 but which prevents the remaining packaging 28 passing through.

In the illustrated embodiment the confectionery item 25 comprises a bar of confectionery material, specifically chocolate, but it will be appreciated that other types of confectionery are equally suitable. The confectionery item may also include one or more inclusions, such as hazelnut (such as chopped hazelnut, whole hazelnut and/or crushed hazelnut), raisins, cranberry, cherry, candy pieces, chocolate pieces, biscuit pieces, cake pieces, com (such as crushed corn and/or popcorn), caramel (such as salted caramel), almond (such as chopped almond, whole almond and/or crushed almond), crisp rice, apricot, any other type of nut, or dried fruit, or any combination thereof, for example.

In a variant, the roller 12 may be replaced with (or be supplemented by) a further mechanical device such as a piston or press for applying the external pressure to the packaged confectionery item 25.

In a further variant, the apparatus 10 may include a cooling device such as a cooling tunnel through which the packaged confectionery item may be passed, in use.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for separating a packaged confectionery item from its packaging, the method comprising the steps of: applying external pressure to the packaged confectionery item to break the confectionery item into two or more confectionery item pieces; passing the broken packaged confectionery item through a cutting means to provide a cut along at least a portion of the packaging; and subsequently agitating the packaged confectionery item to separate the confectionery item pieces from the cut packaging.

2. A method of claim 1, wherein the external pressure is applied through the packaging, but without cutting or otherwise breaking the packaging such that the broken confectionery item is retained fully within the packaging after applying the external pressure thereto.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the external pressure is applied using mechanical pressure.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the external pressure is applied using a piston or press having a pressing surface which is brought into contact with the packaged confectionery item to apply the external pressure thereto.

5. A method as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the method comprises applying external pressure to the packaged confectionery item using a roller.

6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising providing a cut longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the packaging.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cut is provided along substantially the entire length of the packaging.

8. A method as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the cut is also provided at least partly through the confectionery item.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, comprising providing a single cut through both the packaging and the confectionery item along substantially the entire length of the packaged confectionery item, thereby splitting the packaged confectionery item in two.

10. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cutting means comprises a rotary cutting blade.

11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein agitating the packaged confectionery item comprises applying an airflow across the packaged confectionery item.

12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein agitating the packaged confectionery item comprises passing the packaged confectionery item through a rotating barrel.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the rotating barrel comprises one or more blades or forks configured to be brought into contact with the packaged confectionery item within the rotating barrel in order to cause agitation thereof.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, when dependent on claim 11, comprising applying an airflow across the packaged confectionery item as it is moved by, and optionally along, the rotating barrel.

15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising, subsequent to the agitating step, using a separating device to separate any remaining packaging from the confectionery item pieces.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the separating device comprises a sieve or a tray having plurality of apertures therein sized so as to allow the confectionery item pieces to move therethrough.

17. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising cooling the packaged confectionery item prior to the step of applying the external pressure thereto.

18. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cutting means forms a single cut longitudinally along the length of the packaging.

19. An apparatus for separating a packaged confectionery item from its packaging, comprising: a device for applying external pressure to the packaged confectionery item to break the confectionery item into two or more confectionery item pieces; a cutting device for providing a cut along at least a portion of the packaging; and a separating device provided downstream of the cutting device and configured to agitate the packaged confectionery item to separate the confectionery item pieces from the packaging.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the device for applying external pressure comprises a mechanical device for applying mechanical pressure to the packaged item.

21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the mechanical device comprises a roller.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the roller is provided with a plurality of ridges extending along a length of the roller.

23. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the cutting device comprises a rotary cutting blade.

24. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the separating device comprises means for applying an airflow across the packaged confectionery item.

25. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 24, wherein the separating device comprises a rotating barrel.

26. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 25, comprising a secondary separating device configured to separate any remaining packaging from the confectionery item pieces.

27. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 26, comprising a cooling device for cooling the packaged confectionery item, in use, prior to applying the external pressure thereto.

28. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 27, wherein the cutting device is configured to form a single cut longitudinally along the length of the packaging.