U.S. patent application number 10/202592 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-29 for method for packaging perishable foods and other articles, and package therefor.
Invention is credited to Miller, Drayton.
Application Number | 20040016212 10/202592 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30769861 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040016212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller, Drayton |
January 29, 2004 |
Method for packaging perishable foods and other articles, and
package therefor
Abstract
Method of packaging a perishable item wherein the perishable
item is put into a liquid and gas tight container having an opening
located above the perishable item, and the container opening is
sealed with a liquid tight film of material permeable to gases with
the film containing ingredients that will produce CO.sub.2 and
ClO.sub.2 when contacted by moisture vapor. A package made of a
liquid and gas tight container having an opening located in an
upper portion, a perishable item located in the container below the
opening, and a liquid tight film of material permeable to gases
sealing said opening with the film containing ingredients that will
produce CO.sub.2 and ClO.sub.2 when contacted by moisture
vapor.
Inventors: |
Miller, Drayton; (Mobile,
AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLEIT KAIN GIBBONS GUTMAN & BONGINI
COURVOISIER CENTRE II, SUITE 404
601 BRICKELL KEY DRIVE
MIAMI
FL
33131
US
|
Family ID: |
30769861 |
Appl. No.: |
10/202592 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/434 ; 53/432;
53/471; 53/474 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 25/062
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/434 ; 53/432;
53/471; 53/474 |
International
Class: |
B65B 031/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of packaging a perishable item comprising the steps of
placing the perishable item in the interior of a liquid tight
container; and generating CO.sub.2 and ClO.sub.2 gases within the
liquid tight container.
2. The method of packaging according to claim 1 wherein the
container is also gas tight.
3. The method of packaging according to claim 1 wherein the
container allows moisture vapor to pass through to the
interior.
4. The method of packaging according to claim 1 wherein the
generation of gases is effected through activation by moisture
vapor present in the interior of the container.
5. The method of packaging according to claim 1 wherein the
generation of gases is effected by gas generating ingredients
dispersed in a portion of the container.
6. The method of packaging according to claim 1 wherein the
generation of gases is effected by gas generating ingredients
present in a pad located in the container.
7. The method of packaging according to claim 1 wherein the
generation of gases is effected by gas generating ingredients
dispersed in a coating located within the container.
8. The method of packaging according to claim 1 wherein the
container is a bag.
9. The method of packaging according to claim 1 wherein the
container is a tray.
10. The method of packaging according to claim 1 wherein the
container is a pouch
11. The method delivering CO.sub.2 and ClO.sub.2 to an object
comprising the steps of incorporating CO.sub.2 and ClO.sub.2 gas
generating ingredients when subjected to moisture vapor into a
patch attachable to an object.
12. A method of packaging a perishable item comprising the steps of
placing the perishable Item in a liquid and gas tight container
having an opening located above the perishable item; and sealing
the container opening with a liquid tight film of material
permeable to gases with the film containing ingredients that will
produce CO.sub.2 and ClO.sub.2 when contacted by moisture
vapor.
13. A method of packaging according to claim 12 wherein the film
material constitutes a laminate of a top film a bottom film and a
layer of adhesive binding said films together, with the ingredients
being dispersed in the adhesive.
14. A method of packaging according to claim 13 wherein the top
film is characterized as having (1) a high moisture vapor
transmission rate and (2) a low gas transmission rate, and the
bottom film is characterized by having (1) a low moisture vapor
transmission rate and (2) a high gas transmission rate.
15. A package comprising, a liquid and gas tight container having
an opening located in an upper portion; a perishable item located
in the container below the opening; and a liquid tight film of
material permeable to gases sealing said opening with the film
containing ingredients that will produce CO.sub.2 and ClO.sub.2
when contacted by moisture vapor.
16. A package according to claim 15 wherein the film material
constitutes a laminate of a top film a bottom film and a layer of
adhesive binding said films together, with the ingredients being
dispersed in the adhesive.
17. A package according to claim 16 wherein the top film is
characterized as having (1) a high moisture vapor transmission rate
and (2) a low gas transmission rate, and the bottom film is
characterized by having (1) a low moisture vapor transmission rate
and (2) a high gas transmission rate.
18. A package according to claim 15 wherein the perishable item is
selected from the class consisting of meats, poultry, flowers,
vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood.
19. A package according to claim 18 wherein the perishable item is
fish.
20. A package according to claim 18 wherein the perishable item is
seafood.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for packaging
perishable foods and other articles and especially to a method for
packaging fresh fish and seafood and to a novel package,
particularly for fresh fish and seafood. More particularly the
present invention relates to a method for packaging perishable
items using s modified atmosphere packaging of gases from lidding
material, that is, materials used for forming lids that can be
hermetically heat sealed to plastic containers. The invention also
relates to a novel food tray or bag that will create in a food
package a modified gas atmosphere.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Existing, conventional, modified atmosphere packaging is
flushed with CO.sub.2 gas. While this addresses the aerobic
bacteria, it does not address anaerobic bacteria that can cause
illnesses such as botulism. Up to the present, it has not been
possible to sell packaged fresh fish and/or seafood in supermarkets
and other retail outlets, because of the presence of both aerobic
and anaerobic bacteria that can cause a number of serious
illnesses, including botulism. Therefore, all fresh fish and
seafood is currently sold on ice, non-packaged. All other fish and
seafood is sold only in a frozen condition.
[0005] In addition, other foods and articles, such as, meat,
poultry, seafood, produce including fruits and vegetables, and
flowers, to name a few, degrade in a relatively short period of
time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The principal object of the present invention is to provide
a method for packaging perishable foods and other articles, and in
particular, to a method for packaging fresh fish and seafood in a
modified and controlled atmosphere, and to a novel package
therefor.
[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a
method of packaging a perishable item comprising the steps of
placing the perishable item in a liquid and/or gas tight container
having an opening located above the perishable item, and sealing
the container opening with a liquid tight film of material
permeable to gases with the film containing ingredients that will
produce CO.sub.2 and ClO.sub.2 when contacted by moisture vapor. In
the methods described, the film material can constitute a laminate
of a top film, a bottom film and a layer of adhesive binding said
films together, with the gas generating ingredients being dispersed
in the adhesive. Further, the top film can be characterized as
having (1) a high moisture vapor transmission rate and (2) a low
gas transmission rate and the bottom film can be characterized by
having (1) a low moisture vapor transmission rate and (2) a high
gas transmission rate. Alternatively, the film can comprise only
two layers, a first one that is a gas tight barrier layer and a
second one that is a layer containing the gas generating
ingredients. The second layer is heat scalable either to close a
container, or to form the container, i.e., bag, itself; such a
construction is useful where the product in the container has
sufficient moisture in it. Further, a single layer that contains
the gas generating ingredients can be coated on the inside of a
tray or on a pad in a tray or bag.
[0008] In a further development of the invention, a package is
provided comprising, a liquid and gas tight container having an
opening located in an upper portion, a perishable item located in
the container below the opening, and a liquid tight film of
material permeable to gases sealing said opening with the film
containing ingredients that will produce CO.sub.2 and ClO.sub.2
when contacted by moisture vapor. The novel package of the
invention can be formulated so that the film material constitutes a
laminate of a top gas tight barrier layer, and a bottom layer that
is heat scalable to the rim of a tray or to form its own container,
e.g. a bag, with the gas generating ingredients being dispersed in
the bottom layer. Further, the novel package can be arranged so
that the top film is characterized as having no transmission to
liquids and gases, i.e., a barrier layer, and the bottom film is
characterized by having (1) a good moisture vapor transmission rate
and (2) a high gas transmission rate.
[0009] As noted above, fresh seafood is subject to the formation of
aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The novel modified atmosphere
packaging system according to the present invention contains a
flexible lidding (plastic film) material which releases gases, such
as, carbon dioxide and chlorine dioxide, thereby addressing both
the aerobic and anaerobic (illness forming and product degrading)
bacteria and viruses. The novel package of the present invention
provides a modified atmosphere package allowing healthier, more
convenient seafood (case ready), which enjoys improved presentation
and extended shelf life.
[0010] As noted above, the present invention utilizes the lidding
materials employed to seal the tops of containers, like food trays.
Lidding materials are typically comprised of several materials that
are combined either through coextrusion and/or lamination. The
bottom layer of a lidding material is a heat scalable material that
is pressed against the top lip of the tray with heat to form a bond
between the two surfaces.
[0011] According to the present invention, the preferred lidding
material (containing a barrier layer or not depending on use) is a
heat scalable material that is a polymer, such as a linear
low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), into which has been blended in
powder or particulate form chemicals capable of releasing gases
(such as, both carbon dioxide and chlorine dioxide) when water
vapor, passing through the film or present in the package, contacts
the heat scalable layer of the lidding material. The powdered gas
producing material could also be dispersed in an adhesive used to
bond the heat scalable material to the next upper layer in the
lidding structure. Further, the powdered gas producing material can
be formulated, compounded, dispersed in, interspersed or
impregnated in any layer or interstitial part of the lidding
material. Also, the lidding material structure can contain a
liquid-gas barrier layer above the portion of the lidding material
carrying the powdered gas producing material, so long as the
powdered gas producing material is exposed to the package interior
via gas permeability of the lidding material structure between the
location of the powdered gas generating material and the package
interior.
[0012] The invention is accomplished by packaging the food or other
perishable article in a modified and controlled atmosphere, as is
evident from the foregoing. A better understanding of the nature
and scope of the present invention can be gained by considering,
for example, the packaging of fresh fish. For example, fresh fish
is inserted or placed in a gaslight container, such as a tray
having an open top that presents a peripheral rim. A special
laminated film structure is sealed around the top rim of the
opening at the top of the tray. The seal is a hermetic seal. The
fresh fish is positioned in the bottom of the container or tray
prior to sealing the laminated film structure. The interior chamber
of the tray and the fresh fish are subject to a modified and
controlled atmosphere by passage of gases through the laminated
film structure. The laminated film is constructed of a top sheet or
film that is liquid tight and permeable to moisture vapor and other
gases, but is especially characterized to have a high transmission
rate to moisture vapor and a low transmission rate for other gases.
The bottom sheet or film is liquid tight and permeable to moisture
vapor and other gases, but is characterized to have a high
transmission rate for other gases and a low transmission rate for
moisture vapor. The two sheets or films are laminated together with
a suitable adhesive, in a known manner. The adhesive, however,
according to the present invention has dispersed therein particles
of a first chemical substance that generates CO.sub.2 when
subjected to moisture, and a second chemical substance that
generates ClO.sub.2 gas when subjected to moisture. The chemicals
that will so react to moisture to evolve the mentioned gases are
well known in the art.
[0013] The advantages of the invention are simplicity, cost savings
and convenience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Other objects and advantages will become readily apparent
from the following detailed description of the invention when taken
in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of a tray containing fresh fish that
was made according to the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 2 is a section through the lamination sealed across the
top of the tray containing fresh fish depicted in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying figures of the drawing with respect to preferred
embodiments.
[0018] Referring to the figures of the drawing, FIG. 1 shows a
standard plastic tray 10 that is both liquid tight and gas tight,
as currently being used for packaging meat, poultry or the like.
The tray is molded from suitable plastic material with a shallow
cup shape or central depression to receive an article of food. As
shown in FIG. 1, a fish product, designated by the reference
numeral 12, is loaded or positioned in the bottom of the tray.
Whereas only one item of food is shown in the tray, the contents of
the tray will depend on the nature of the food and the number of
pieces of each food item that are desirable to place in the tray.
The amount of the contents of the tray is incidental to the present
invention. The tray 10 has an open top defined by a reversely
curved rim 14 as is common practice. The open top of the tray is
seal by a special laminated film structure 16, which will be
described herein in greater detail, that is hermetically sealed to
the rim to close and seal the open top of the tray to complete a
fully enclosed package.
[0019] The special laminated film structure 16 is shown in cross
section in FIG. 2, and consists of a top film laminate 20 that is
characterized by having (1) a high moisture vapor transmission rate
and (2) a low gas transmission rate; a bottom film laminate 22 that
is characterized by having (1) a low moisture vapor transmission
rate and (2) a high gas transmission rate; and adhesive 24 for
lamination of the films 20 and 22 the contains (1) a moisture
activated ingredient which creates CO.sub.2 gas and (2) a moisture
activated ingredient which creates ClO.sub.2 gas. The films 20 and
22 are made of plastic and their composition and construction are
known in the art. Also, the adhesives that are useful for
laminating plastic films are well known in the art. Further, the
ingredients, constituents, or chemicals that can generate CO.sub.2
or ClO.sub.2 gases are well known in the art, as well, as the
nature and character of the particles that can be dispersed in the
known adhesives. Since such is known to those skilled in the art,
therefore, there is no need to explain or elaborate on such known
materials or their properties and characteristics.
[0020] With the package made by the method described, the package
is case-ready, and provides a modified atmosphere packaging for
fresh seafood. Moisture/humidity passes through the top film
laminate 20, see arrow marked A, and activates the CO.sub.2 and
ClO.sub.2 ingredients in the adhesive 24 generating or creating
CO.sub.2 and ClO.sub.2 gases which, being heavier than air, pass
down through the bottom film laminate 22, see arrow B, and form a
gaseous shroud or cloud 26 around the fish or seafood 12. This gas
shroud or cloud 26 forms an modified atmosphere in the package that
kills bacteria (aerobic and anaerobic) and viruses.
[0021] In another embodiment, the film 16 is composed of two
layers, a top layer of barrier material, and a bottom layer
containing the gas generating ingredients. Such an embodiment is
useful for food and other items that contain sufficient moisture,
and do not need for moisture to penetrate into the package to
generate the gases. Such a film (including a barrier layer or not
depending on use) can be fabricated into and used directly as a bag
or pouch. Also, the film of this embodiment can be used as a liner
for a tray or on a pad in a tray. In still another embodiment, a
moisture permeable coating or layer containing the gas generating
ingredients can be coated on, attached or integrated directly on
the tray, or pad used in the tray. In a still further embodiment, a
film containing the gas generating ingredients, structured as a
monolayer, as a series of overlaying laminations with or without
adhesives or binders, with or without a barrier layer depending on
use and the presence of moisture in the packaged item, can be made
as a patch, or a patch can be made of plastic film containing a
barrier layer and having an adhesive on one face containing the gas
generating ingredients. The adhesive may be covered with a
strippable protective covering that is remove just before use when
the patch, adhesive side exposed, is stuck or applied to the object
that is to be treated with the gases. The plastic forming the patch
may not have a barrier layer, if it is desired to have moisture
penetrate through the patch to activate the adhesive containing the
gas generating ingredients.
[0022] In a further development of the invention, a permeable
plastic film of substantial thickness having dispersed therein the
gas generating ingredients may be made as an independent free
standing structure, like a pad, and inserted in a package. The film
can be perforated to increase the contact between the moisture and
the gas generating ingredients. Also, the pad can contain a means,
like an adhesive, so it can be applied to a part of the interior of
the package or its contents, or the film can be tacked by heat
sealing to an appropriate portion of the interior of the package.
If tacked only at spaced locations, such as the four corners, or at
spaced intervals around the perimeter or periphery, the moisture in
the package can contact both sides of the film, thereby increasing
the generation of gases. If the film is perforated as well, even
greater contact can be had.
[0023] The inventive method and inventive packaging 1) promotes
food safety; 2) prevents cross-contamination; 3) extends shelf
life; and 4) enhances presentation. All materials used in the
method and package of the present invention are GRAS and meet FDA
and USDA requirements for direct food contact.
[0024] As previously noted, the present invention, both the method
and the package, would apply to all modified-atmosphere packaging
applications, e.g., meat, poultry, seafood, produce
(fruits/vegetables) and flowers, and such like foods and articles.
The invention enables fresh seafood to be packaged at a processor
and shipped to the market, case-ready, and made available in stores
alongside case-ready meat (steaks, pork chops etc.) and poultry
(whole bird and pieces). Further, the invention will enable a
better modified-atmosphere packaging of meats, poultry, flowers,
vegetables, fruits and any other perishable commodity.
[0025] Although the invention has been shown and described with
respect to a preferred embodiment and alternatives therefore,
nevertheless changes and modification can be made. Such changes and
modifications as will be evident to those skilled in the art from a
knowledge of this disclosure and its teachings are deemed to fall
within the purview of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *