U.S. patent application number 11/757663 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-13 for thermoplastic packaging.
Invention is credited to Annette Aronson, Jack Aronson, Anthony S. Latella.
Application Number | 20080061065 11/757663 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39153730 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080061065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aronson; Jack ; et
al. |
March 13, 2008 |
THERMOPLASTIC PACKAGING
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a food containment system
comprising at least one container including a primary receptacle
and one or more secondary receptacles. The food containment system
further comprising at least one lid attached to the at least one
container and enclosing the primary and secondary receptacles,
wherein the primary receptacle includes a primary food and the one
or more secondary receptacles include a secondary food. Method for
packaging the containers described above is also contemplated.
Inventors: |
Aronson; Jack; (Bloomfield
Hills, MI) ; Aronson; Annette; (Bloomfield Hills,
MI) ; Latella; Anthony S.; (Clinton Township,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOBRUSIN & THENNISCH PC
29 W LAWRENCE ST, SUITE 210
PONTIAC
MI
48342
US
|
Family ID: |
39153730 |
Appl. No.: |
11/757663 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60824821 |
Sep 7, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/556 ;
206/501; 206/514 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/36 20130101; B65D
77/0486 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/556 ;
206/501; 206/514 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/36 20060101
B65D001/36; B65D 21/032 20060101 B65D021/032; B65D 21/04 20060101
B65D021/04 |
Claims
1. A food containment system comprising: at least one container,
the at least one container including: a primary receptacle; and one
or more secondary receptacles; at least one lid attached to the at
least one container and enclosing the primary and secondary
receptacles, wherein: i. the primary receptacle includes a primary
food; and ii. the one or more secondary receptacles include a
secondary food.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary food comprises
chickpeas.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the primary food is hummus.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary food comprises fresh
tomato sections.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the primary food is a salsa.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary food is selected from
a salad dressing, a dip, a guacamole, or any combination
thereof.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondary food includes one
or more ingredients selected from garlic, black peppers, cayenne
peppers, green peppers, red peppers, jalapeno peppers, habanero
peppers, chili peppers, poblano peppers, cayenne pepper, Jamaican
Scotch Bonnet peppers, avocadoes, black beans, red beans, white
beans, pine nuts, soybean, eggplants, garbanzo beans, sesame
tahini, artichokes, onions, sundried tomatoes, salt, cane sugar,
cilantro, carrots celery, parsley, basil, cumin, peaches, spinach,
dill, corn, vinegar, water, olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil,
soy sauce, limes, lemons, pineapples, apricots, strawberries,
cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, mangos,
olives, potatoes, sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise or cheese.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein at least two of the ingredients
are organically produced.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the primary food
and the secondary food consist essentially of natural
ingredients.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the secondary food includes
roasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, roasted red peppers, spicy
cilantro, or combinations thereof.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one container
includes a first container defining the primary receptacle and a
second container separate from the first container defining the one
or more secondary receptacles.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more secondary
receptacles includes a first receptacle having a first height and a
second receptacle having a second height, wherein the first height
is different from the second height.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the first container is
positioned above the second container, the first container is
positioned below the second container, or the first container an
the second container are positioned side-by-side with one
another.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first container includes a
first lid and the second container includes a second lid for
enclosing the primary and secondary receptacles.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein either the first container or
the second container is at least partially disposed within the
other component.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more secondary
containers includes a first receptacle having one or more secondary
foods and wherein the primary food has about 150% greater volume
than the volume of the one or more secondary foods included in the
first receptacle.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the primary food has about 200%
greater volume than the volume of the one or more secondary foods
included in the first receptacle.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the primary food has about 70%
greater volume than the volume of the one or more secondary foods
included in the first receptacle.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one container is
formed of a thermoplastic polymer and a nanoparticle including an
element exhibiting anti-microbial activity, or an alloy or compound
of the element, selected from silver, gold, platinum, palladium,
iridium, zinc, magnesium, tin, copper, antimony, or bismuth.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one container is
formed by blow molding, injection molding, rotational molding,
thermoforming, rotational extruding, die cutting, vacuum forming,
or any combination thereof.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is
polyethylene terephthalate.
22. The system of claim 19, wherein the mean particle size of the
nanoparticles of the nanoparticle filler ranges from about 1 to
about 10 nm.
23. The system of claim 1, further comprising a protective layer
over at least a portion of the at least one container.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the protective layer is a
plastic film, a plastic sheet, or both.
25. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
label.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one label is
affixed to the at least one container by dry transfer labeling, hot
stamping, thermal labeling, screen printing, pad printing or any
combination thereof.
27. The system of claim 25, wherein the at least one label includes
nutrition labeling.
28. A food containment system comprising: a first container
including a primary receptacle a second container including one or
more secondary receptacles; a primary lid attached to the second
container and enclosing the one or more secondary receptacles,
wherein: i. the primary receptacle includes a primary food; ii. the
one or more secondary receptacles include a secondary food; and
iii. the second container is at least partially disposed within the
first container.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the primary food includes
chickpeas.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein the primary food is hummus.
31. The system of claim 28, wherein the secondary food includes one
or more ingredients selected from garlic, black peppers, cayenne
peppers, green peppers, red peppers, jalapeno peppers, habanero
peppers, chili peppers, poblano peppers, cayenne pepper, Jamaican
Scotch Bonnet peppers, avocadoes, black beans, red beans, white
beans, pine nuts, soybean, eggplants, garbanzo beans, sesame
tahini, artichokes, onions, sundried tomatoes, salt, cane sugar,
cilantro, carrots celery, parsley, basil, cumin, peaches, spinach,
dill, corn, vinegar, water, olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil,
soy sauce, limes, lemons, pineapples, apricots, strawberries,
cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, mangos,
olives, potatoes, sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise or cheese.
32. The system of claim 31, wherein the secondary food i s roasted
pine nuts, garlic cloves, roasted red peppers, or spicy
cilantro.
33. The system of claim 28, wherein the first container and the
second container are engageable with one another for enclosing the
first container.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the at least one lid is
engageable with the second container for enclosing the second
container.
35. The system of claim 31 wherein one or more primary foods or the
one or more secondary foods comprises an oil based food that is at
least about 10% by weight and the other comprises a water based
food that is at least about 10% by weight.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present invention claims the benefit of the priority of
the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/824,821
filed Sep. 7, 2006, which is herein incorporated by reference for
all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to thermoplastic
packaging and more particularly to sealable storage containers
employing a plurality of individual receptacles for separating
foods and improving food product shelf life for transport to, and
use by, the consumer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There is an ever-growing need for improved packaging,
particularly for foods, which are capable of maintaining product
freshness for prolonged periods as well as providing point-of-sale
packaging features to the consuming public to facilitate the
mixture and preparation of food products at the time of
consumption. This need can become quite important for fresh foods
or comestible products, particularly those that are substantially
free of added preservatives. It can be necessary to preserve
product freshness in a sealed container for periods in excess of
several days or even weeks from date of manufacture and filling of
the container. Additionally, since consumer tastes and preferences
differ among the general population, there is a need to provide
product packaging, (e.g. point-of-purchase packaging), which allows
the end consumer to select desired toppings, mixes or other
accompanying food products based upon their tastes and preferences
while still maintaining product freshness.
[0004] It is recognized with respect to conventional food
containers, which relates to separation of ingredients of a food
product, such as water, oils, or otherwise. This can be problematic
not only for properly maintaining the freshness of multiple
separated comestibles, but it can also be problematic to design
packaging that can inhibit leakage through the seal or sealable
area. Accordingly, there remains a need for separating ingredients
that may not mix well and/or when mixed together, decrease the
shelf life of the food product.
[0005] Recent years have seen the increase in the use of
nanoparticles in containers. See, e.g., U.S. Published Patent
Application No. 2004/0142132, incorporated by reference. Nanoclays
have been incorporated in some families of plastics. See, e.g.,
U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2006/0009556. Mineralized ash
as a plastic filler is disclosed in U.S. Published Patent
Application No. 2004/0266933, incorporated by reference. Packaging
that includes nanoparticles also have been described. See, e.g.,
U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2005/0224425, incorporated by
reference. The use of certain metals for antimicrobial properties
is discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,928,174; 6,355,858; 6,365,220;
6,605,751; 6,719,987; 6,897,349; and 6,989,157, all incorporated by
reference. An antimicrobial silicone rubber including silver
nanoparticles is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,822,034. There
remains a need for alternative economical approaches to plastic
packaging, particularly using materials that employ
nanoparticles.
[0006] Based on the above, there exists a need for a food product
container that can accommodate several separated food products, can
increase product shelf life, or both.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention meets the above needs by providing an
improved approach to the manufacture of packaging and the
processing and storage of articles, particularly fresh foods and
their accompanying selection and choices of toppings, ingredients,
mixes, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention is
directed to a method for packaging an article, comprising the steps
of dispersing in a matrix of, or otherwise contacting with a
thermoplastic polymer (and particularly a polymer selected from
polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene or any
combination thereof), a nanoparticle including an element, or an
alloy or compound of an antimicrobial, and particularly an element
selected from silver, gold, platinum, palladium, iridium, zinc,
magnesium, tin, copper, antimony, or bismuth.
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a packaged
food article comprising at least one container having a primary
receptacle and one or more secondary receptacles, at least one lid
attached to the at least one container and enclosing the primary
and secondary receptacles. Typically, the primary receptacle
includes a primary food and the one or more secondary receptacles
include a secondary food.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides a first
container including one or more receptacles, a second container
including one or more receptacles, and at least one primary lid
attached to the first container, the second container, or both. The
first and second containers can each include one or more primary
receptacles, one or more secondary receptacles, or a combination
thereof. Preferably, the primary lid encloses the one or more
receptacles, the first receptacle, or both. It is can also be
desirable for the primary receptacle to include a primary food and
the one or more secondary receptacles to include one or more
secondary foods. It is also contemplated that the second container
can be at least partially disposed within the first container.
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention can provide a food
container or packaging having or integrating a plurality of
compartments for the placement, storage, and transport of
comestible food products for use with other comestible food
products by the end consumer. It is contemplated that the packaging
of the present invention provides at least one, and preferably, a
multiplicity of sealable containers or individual receptacles of
varying dimension, size, and volume suitable for receiving and
containing food products. The containers or individual receptacles
of the present invention are used to contain, store, preserve and
transport food or comestible products selected from a multiplicity
of ingredients, toppings, mixes, etc. as product packaging and
point-of-purchase merchandise for sale or distribution to the
consumer, who selects a desired food of comestible product based
upon individual taste, desire, or preference for mix and enjoyment
by the consumer after purchase.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIGS. 1a and 1b are plan views of one illustration of one
embodiment according to the present invention.
[0012] FIGS. 2a and 2b are plan views of one illustration of
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 3 and 3a are plan views of another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention is directed to a food containment
system comprising at least one container including a primary
receptacle and one or more secondary receptacles. The food
containment system further comprises at least one lid attached to
the at least one container and enclosing the primary and secondary
receptacles. The primary receptacle typically includes a primary
food and the one or more secondary receptacles typically include
secondary foods.
[0017] Accordingly, it is contemplated that in one embodiment, the
at least one container can include only one container having a
primary receptacle and one or more secondary receptacles, such as
one, two, three, four, five, or more receptacles. Preferably, the
at least one container includes a first container having a primary
receptacle and a second container having one or more secondary
receptacles. In such an instance, the containers can be connected
to each other and/or the containers can be separable from each
other. Optionally, the first container or the second container can
include a primary receptacle only, multiple primary receptacles, a
mix of one or more primary receptacles, and one or more secondary
receptacles. It is further contemplated that wherein the first
container is separate from the second container, the first and
second containers are positioned one above the other, side-by-side
with one another, one within the other, or otherwise and are
attached together.
[0018] In one embodiment, the primary receptacle includes a primary
food that is a dip or sauce, such as a salsa, a salad dressing, a
hummus, or a guacamole. Accordingly, to one embodiment, the primary
food is a tomato-based product, or otherwise comprises peeled or
unpeeled fresh tomato sections. In another particular embodiment,
the primary food is a chickpea-based product, (e.g., hummus).
[0019] The one or more secondary receptacles can include one or
more secondary foods or any combination of thereof selected from
garlic, black peppers, cayenne peppers, green peppers, red peppers,
jalapeno peppers, habanero peppers, chili peppers, poblano peppers,
cayenne pepper, Jamaican Scotch Bonnet peppers, avocadoes, black
beans, red beans, white beans, pine nuts, soybean, eggplants,
garbanzo beans, sesame tahini, artichokes, onions, sundried
tomatoes, salt, cane sugar, cilantro, carrots celery, parsley,
basil, cumin, peaches, spinach, dill, corn, vinegar, water, olive
oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, soy sauce, limes, lemons,
pineapples, apricots, strawberries, cherries, blueberries,
raspberries, blackberries, apples, mangos, olives, potatoes, sour
cream, yogurt, mayonnaise or cheese. Preferably, there are one,
two, three, four, or more secondary receptacles having one, two,
three, four, or more secondary foods or any combination thereof
selected form the ingredients described herein. More preferably,
there are four secondary receptacles, each having a secondary food
that is roasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, roasted red peppers, or
spicy cilantro.
[0020] As mentioned above, the at least one container includes a
primary receptacle and one or more secondary receptacles, wherein
the primary receptacle includes a primary food and the one or more
secondary receptacles include one or more secondary foods.
Accordingly, the primary and secondary receptacles include a
primary food and one or more secondary foods so as to define a
volume of food in each receptacle. In particularly, the volume of
the primary food or the primary receptacle is about 150%,
respectively, of the volume of each of the one or more secondary
foods or each of the one or more secondary receptacles. Preferably,
the volume of the primary food or the primary receptacle is about
200%, respectively, of the volume of each of the one or more
secondary foods or each of the one or more secondary receptacles.
More preferably, the volume of the primary food or the primary
receptacle is about 300%, respectively, of the volume of each of
the one or more secondary foods or each of the one or more
secondary receptacles.
[0021] It is further contemplated that the one or more primary
foods and the one or more secondary foods may be mutually exclusive
foods wherein the one or more of primary foods or the one or more
secondary foods is an oil based food, while the other is a water
based food. In particular, the one or more primary foods can be an
oil based food that comprises an oil ingredient in at least about
10% by weight, preferably in at least about 20% by weight, or more
preferably in at least about 30% by weight, the one or more
secondary foods is a water based food that comprises water in at
least about 10% by weight, preferably in at least about 20% by
weight, or more preferably in at least about 30% by weight, or vice
versus.
[0022] With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, examples of possible
packages includes a first container 10, comprising a primary
receptacle 11, a first bottom surface 12, an upstanding continuous
side wall 14 that terminates at a first lip 16, and optionally
includes a stack region 18. A lid 20 is also shown, which radially
extends from the continuous sidewall 14. The first lid engages the
lip about the periphery for generally sealing the package.
[0023] With reference to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b further examples
of possible packages include a second container 30. The second
container comprises a top surface 32 interconnecting a plurality of
downward extending perimeter walls 34 that define a plurality of
secondary receptacles 36, which are adapted for receiving an
article of food. The perimeter wall of each receptacle terminates
at a second bottom surface 44. The second container further
comprises a second lip 38 radially extending from portions of the
top surface 32 and the perimeter walls. Optionally, the first
container may also include a lid 40.
[0024] Optionally the first and second containers may further
comprise a top layer, respectively. The top layer may include a lid
as discussed above, a plastic film 22 or sleeve that is wrapped
(e.g., shrink-wrapped) around the resulting joint of the lip and
the lid of the respective container, a plastic sheet 24 that is
releasably attached to the top surface and/or lip of the respective
container, or combinations thereof. In one optional embodiment, the
plastic film and/or the plastic sheet itself includes nanoparticles
having antimicrobial activity. Such a film or sheet may be
elastomeric, and be re-usable.
[0025] In one embodiment, FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate a second
container having four secondary receptacles. The receptacles share
portions of their respective downward extending perimeter walls
with adjacent receptacles. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
3a and 3b, the four secondary receptacles of the second container
may each include an exclusive perimeter wall 46, which is not
shared by an adjacent secondary receptacle. As such, valleys 42 are
formed between the exclusive perimeter walls of two or more
individual secondary receptacles and the interconnecting second top
surface, thereabove. The interconnecting second top surface can
provide additional support for the second container as well as
provide for attachment areas for the plastic sheet.
[0026] In another embodiment, the plastic sheet, (FIG. 3) is
releasably attached to the second lip and the top surface,
resulting in a sealed cavity within the first, second, third and/or
fourth secondary receptacles. Optionally, a lid may be placed over
the plastic sheet or the plastic sheet may be used in place of or
in addition to the lid, the plastic film, or both. The plastic
sheet is releasably attached to the top surface or portions thereof
using known techniques such as adhesion or otherwise.
[0027] Accordingly, it is also appreciated that the one or more
primary receptacles, the one or more secondary receptacles, or
combinations thereof may be different in shape, size, orientation,
or otherwise from one receptacle to another. For example, the
height of the perimeter wall for one receptacle may be larger than
the perimeter wall height of a second receptacle and/or the
dimensions of the bottom surface for one receptacle may be
different from the dimensions of the bottom surface of a second
receptacle.
[0028] The first container and the second container may be packaged
together or separately, but preferably packaged together. It is
contemplated that the packaged food component may comprise a first
container and a second container that are positioned on top of one
another, side-by-side, or otherwise positioned with respect to one
another. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first container
is positioned beneath the second container and the first container
is releasably attached to the second container using a plastic film
22 or otherwise.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the packaged food container may
comprise a first container or a second container that is at least
partially disposed within the other container. Preferably, as shown
in FIG. 4, the second container is entirely disposed within the
first container wherein, the second lip of the second container is
contacting the first lip of the first container. Optionally, the
first and second lips may be engageable with one another, thereby
forming at least a partial seal of the bottom container. It is also
appreciated that the positions of the first and second containers
may be exchanged with respect to one another. It is further
appreciated that the first and second containers may be releasably
attached using a plastic film as discussed above.
[0030] The present invention is directed to a method for packaging
an article, comprising the steps of dispersing in a matrix of, or
otherwise contacting with, a thermoplastic polymer (and
particularly a polymer selected from polyethylene terephthalate,
polyethylene, polypropylene or any combination thereof), a
nanoparticle including an element exhibiting anti-microbial
activity, or an alloy or compound of the element, and particularly
an element selected from silver, gold, platinum, palladium,
iridium, zinc, magnesium, tin, copper, antimony, or bismuth.
Packaging components prepared by the above steps are also
contemplated.
[0031] More specifically, one particular aspect of the invention is
directed to a method for packaging an article, comprising the steps
of a) admixing a polyethylene terephthalate polymer with a
nanoparticle filler including an element, or an alloy or compound
of an element selected from silver, gold, platinum, palladium,
iridium, zinc, magnesium, tin, copper, antimony, zirconium,
titanium or bismuth (and more specifically an alloy or compound of
an element selected from silver or gold); b) heating the
polyethylene terephthalate polymer to soften it; and c) shaping the
polyethylene terephthalate polymer with the nanoparticle filler
admixed therein to form a package component.
[0032] While the present invention is disclosed in connection with
a particular class of materials, for which unexpected property
improvements are believed possible, other classes of materials are
possible also. Thus, even though a preferred material is
polyethylene terephthalate, other plastics may be processed
according to the present teachings, such as polyolefins (e.g.,
high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene,
or any combination thereof), polycarbonate, polyvinylchloride,
polystyrene or any combination thereof. Desirably, the plastics are
of a type that can be readily recycled. They may be substantially
amorphous, or may exhibit some crystallinity. It is also possible
that the plastics are elastomeric, rubber, or even thermoset.
[0033] An example of one typical polyethylene terephthalate will
exhibit a melting point greater than about 250.degree. C., e.g.,
from about 255 to about 275.degree. C. Thus, it is contemplated
that certain of the processes herein will involve heating the
polymer (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) to a temperature above
its melting point. Of course, some processing may occur at a lower
temperature, e.g., above any softening point of the polymer. In one
embodiment, the resulting plastic will have a tensile strength of
at least about 30 MPa, and more preferably at least about 50
MPa.
[0034] The nanoparticles may be provided in elemental form, or as a
compound or alloy. For example, without limitation, among the
compounds that may be employed herein are nitrates, halides,
citrates, sulphates, acetates, oxides, or any combination thereof.
For example, if the nanoparticle is to include silver, examples of
suitable compounds may include one or any combination of silver
nitrate, silver bromide, silver chloride, silver oxide, silver
acetate, silver citrate, or silver sulphate. Alloys including
silver may include one or more other noble metals. The compounds or
alloys may be such that they result in a gradual decomposition over
time for releasing ions or atoms in an efficacious amount.
[0035] Desirably the nanoparticles employed according the present
teachings will exhibit some anti-microbial activity. In one
embodiment, the nanoparticles are known to kill one or more microbe
selected from Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus,
Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter,
Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus,
Shigella, Salmonella, or Escherichia coli.
[0036] Additionally, though the preferred fillers are disclosed in
the above discussion, other fillers may be used in addition to or
as an alternative to the present fillers. For example, nanofillers
such as nanoclays, mineralized ash, talc, silica, silicate,
Boehmite alumina, aluminorganic, carbon, graphite, kaolin,
cellulose, calcium carbonate, mica, Montmorillonite, Wollastonite,
poly oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), or any combination thereof
may be employed.
[0037] The plastics may also include one or more other
art-disclosed additive ingredient, such as (without limitation), a
UV stabilizer, a flame retardant, a colorant, nucleating agent
(e.g., without limitation, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,015,267,
incorporated by reference), a reinforcement, an anti-oxidant, a
lubricant, an anti-static additive, a release agent, an impact
modifier, a processing aid, or any combination thereof. The total
amount of such other additives is expected to generally be less
than about 20% by weight of the total resulting plastic.
[0038] The ingredients may be dry-blended, melt-blended or a
combination of both. In one embodiment, the ingredients, the
nanoparticles and any optional components are pre-compounded (e.g.,
in a screw and barrel assembly). Thus they may fabricated into
pellets or another preform for further processing downstream into a
package component (e.g., shaping by molding, extruding,
thermoforming, or otherwise). The ingredients may be dry-blended,
melt-blended or a combination of both.
[0039] In general, the mean particle size of the nanoparticles of
any nanofiller employing generally ranges up to about 500 nm, but
more preferably are less than about 100 nm, and still more
preferably are less than about 20 nm, e.g., from about 1 to about
10 nm, and more specifically about 2 to about 7 nm.
[0040] The amount of the nanoparticles used as a nanofiller may
vary from application to application. It may be included, for
example, so that the nanoparticles are present in an amount as
great as about 75% by weight of the resulting material. More
typically, the nanoparticles will be present as a nanofiller in an
amount less than about 50% by weight of the resulting material,
more specifically less than about 35% by weight of the resulting
material, and still more specifically less than about 20% by weight
of the resulting material. In one particular aspect, the elements
of the nanoparticles may be present in an amount of 0.001 to about
1000 ppm, and more specifically about 1 to 100 ppm. It is
contemplated, in one illustrative aspect of the invention, that the
nanoparticles that are exposed on the surface of any resulting
material will be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to
about 100 micrograms per square centimeter (e.g., about 1 to 50
micrograms per square centimeter).
[0041] The nanoparticles used herein are contemplated to be
dispersed generally uniformly throughout a matrix of the polymer.
However, the nanoparticles could be discretely located at
predetermined locations within or on the surface of a polymeric
body. For example, a polymeric body can be surface treated with the
nanoparticles, such as by a solvent coating, electrocoating, plasma
treating, vapor deposition, sputtering, impregnating, or otherwise
contacting the surface with the nanoparticles. The polymeric body
may be shaped to its desired shape prior to, during, or subsequent
to the surface treatment. For example, a pellet, parison, sheet,
film or other preform of a polymer (e.g., selected from a
polyethylene terephthalate, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, or any
combination thereof) may be formed with or without a nanoparticle
therein. Then, the pellet, parison, sheet, film or other preform is
surface treated, followed by a step of shaping the pellet, parison,
sheet, film or other preform to its final shape. For one specific
example, a polyethylene terephthalate parison is surface contacted
or impregnated with a nanoparticle (e.g., a particle including the
atomic or ionic form of an element having anti-microbial activity
herein, such as silver, gold, or both). Thereafter, the parison is
blow molded. The impregnation or surface treatment thus results in
a compositional gradient of the nanoparticle across the wall
thickness of the resulting part, preferably with the higher
concentration of nanoparticle located proximate the article to be
contained. In one approach, the interior wall of a tubular parison
is selectively contacted with the nanoparticles for achieving
anti-microbial activity prior to blow molding, thereby resulting in
an interior wall that has the nanoparticles present. The exterior
wall may thus have the nanoparticles present in a lower
concentration relative to the interior wall, or it may even be
substantially free of the nanoparticles.
[0042] The nanofillers may be pre-treated using an art-disclosed
technique. They may be coated. They may comprise an active
ingredient (e.g., a biocide). The particles of the nanofillers may
be tubular in shape, substantially spherical, or otherwise shaped.
The nanoparticles may be substantially solid, or they may be
porous. They may have a surface charge, be substantially free of a
surface charge, or be treated to modify the surface charge.
Moreover, the nanoparticles may be treated to render them
hydrophilic or hydrophobic.
[0043] The package component may be any suitable configuration for
containing or carrying an article, and particularly for use in a
package that will enclose the article. Accordingly, the package
component may be selected from a lid, a cap, a receptacle, a
removable protective film, or any combination thereof. The package
component may include a divider wall for separating the component
into different compartments. Other variations are also possible.
Typically the package component will have a wall thickness at its
thinnest point of at least about 0.05 mm, and more specifically at
least about 0.2 mm (e.g., from about 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm).
Variations of wall thicknesses across a particular volume of
material are also possible.
[0044] Any of a variety of art-disclosed techniques can be used for
shaping a package component according to the present teachings. For
example, one preferred approach is to mold the package. Other steps
may be employed. For example, the shaping step may be selected from
blow molding the polyethylene terephthalate polymer with the
nanoparticle to form the package component; injection molding the
polyethylene terephthalate polymer with the nanoparticle to form
the package component; rotational molding the polyethylene
terephthalate polymer with the nanoparticle to form the package
component; thermoforming the polyethylene terephthalate polymer
with the nanoparticle to form the package component; rotational
extruding the polyethylene terephthalate polymer with the
nanoparticle to form the package component; die cutting the
polyethylene terephthalate polymer with the nanoparticle to form
the package component; vacuum forming the polyethylene
terephthalate polymer with the nanoparticle to form the package
component; or any combination thereof. Any shaping step that may be
employed may include a two-shot molding step, an insert molding
step, or both. Of course, any of the above practices may also be
employed for processing any other thermoplastics herein. Further,
it is possible that one of the above shaping steps is performed
without the presence of any nanoparticle and thereafter the
nanoparticle is contacted with the package component.
[0045] Any blow molding step may include extrusion blow molding,
injection blow molding, stretch blow molding, or a combination
thereof. Blow molding can be done using an apparatus including a
rotary wheel apparatus, a shuttle apparatus, a reciprocating screw,
an accumulator head, or any combination thereof. Molds against
which a parison is expanded may be heated or cooled as desired.
[0046] The methods herein contemplate that one or more secondary
operations are performed in connection with making a package. For
example, the methods may further comprise a step of applying a
protective layer (which itself may include a nanofilled plastic)
over at least a portion of the package component. Another operation
may include a step of labeling the package component. For example,
the step of labeling may be selected from dry transfer labeling,
hot stamping, thermal labeling, screen printing, pad printing or
otherwise. Such labeling may be to denote the source of the
product. In instances where the article to be packaged is a food,
it may include nutrition labeling, freshness data, freshness
indicators or otherwise. Labels employed herein themselves may
include one or more of the antimicrobial nanoparticles.
[0047] Articles apart from foods are contemplated as being
contained within the packages of the present invention. For
example, the packages herein might be employed to contain plants,
flowers, medicine, cleansers, personal hygiene products, toys,
electronic goods, camera film, recording media, chemicals or
otherwise.
[0048] A particularly preferred application of the invention
includes a step of filling the package with a food, and
particularly a fresh food, (e.g., a food or a fresh food, that
consists essentially of natural ingredients). For example, one
approach is to fill the package with a dip or sauce, such as a
salsa, a salad dressing, a hummus, or a guacamole. In a particular
aspect, the food is a tomato-based product, or otherwise comprises
peeled or unpeeled fresh tomato sections, and thus the methods
herein may include a step of removing substantially the entirety of
the peel of the tomato sections. In another particular aspect, the
food is a chickpea-based product. It is also contemplated that the
foods packaged herein may comprise one or any combination of
ingredients selected from garlic, black peppers, cayenne peppers,
green peppers, red peppers, jalapeno peppers, habanero peppers,
chili peppers, poblano peppers, cayenne pepper, Jamaican Scotch
Bonnet peppers, avocadoes, black beans, red beans, white beans,
pine nuts, soybean, eggplants, garbanzo beans, sesame tahini,
artichokes, onions, sundried tomatoes, salt, cane sugar, cilantro,
carrots celery, parsley, basil, cumin, peaches, spinach, dill,
corn, vinegar, water, olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, soy
sauce, limes, lemons, pineapples, apricots, strawberries, cherries,
blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, mangos, olives,
potatoes, sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise or cheese. It is possible
that one or more of the ingredients are organically produced.
Vitamins or other nutrients may be added. Other ingredients, such
as citric acid, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate may be
employed for taste and food preservation. The ingredients may be in
fresh whole or segmented form, in pureed form, powdered form,
liquid form (e.g., as a juice, a cider (such as apple cider), an
oil, a syrup or otherwise), dried form, seed form, in a concentrate
or any combination thereof. The food packaged herein may be a
beverage, a juice, or possibly even a juice concentrate. The food
may be hot-filled into a package, e.g. at a temperature greater
than about 75.degree. C. As seen, the present invention is useful
for packaging of numerous food product types, including but not
limited to fruits, vegetables, dairy products, egg products, bean
products, meat products, or otherwise.
[0049] In another preferred application of the invention, a
packaged food product contains a primary food such as a chickpeas
based food product and a secondary food product including one or
more of the ingredients as discussed above. The primary food being
separate from the secondary food product so as to sustain the
freshness of the packaged food product. Optionally, the one or more
ingredients of the secondary food product may be further separated
for additional improvement of the shelf life for the packaged food
product. For example, a packaged food product comprises a first
container having a primary food product that is hummus and a second
container having a secondary food product that is one or more of
the ingredients as discussed above, the first container and the
second container being separate from one another. Preferably, the
second container having one or more ingredients that are separated
by one or more receptacles, more specifically, the second container
including a first receptacle having roasted pine nuts, a second
receptacle having minced garlic, a third receptacle having roasted
red pepper, and the fourth receptacle having spicy cilantro.
[0050] It is further contemplated that foods packaged components
herein may reside in one or more individual containers that are
packaged separately or together, wherein each individual container
may comprise one or more ingredients as discussed above. As such,
the individual containers are configured to retain the foods
therein and additionally, may include one or more receptacles for
further separation of the foods and/or ingredients contained within
the individual container. The separation of foods and/or
ingredients prevents mixing, which can help sustain the freshness
and/or shelf life of the foods therein.
[0051] Desirably the package food containers herein are used to
contain a fresh food for preserving freshness of the food. Thus,
typically the step of filling the package occurs within about 72
hours (and more preferably within about 24 hours (e.g., about 6
hours)) of the manufacture of the food.
[0052] The present invention further contemplates a step of
recycling a package component including an antimicrobial
nanoparticle as taught herein. In one approach, the component is
re-melted and mixed with another plastic. In another approach, it
is ground into particles and included as a filler of another
plastic.
[0053] Use of the package components herein with the disclosed
nanoparticles generally exhibits prolonged food freshness as
compared with package that do not employ the nanoparticles. For
example, freshness in a sealed unopened package may be prolonged by
at least 15%, and more specifically, at least 30% of product shelf
life using a conventional unmodified plastic package. Product shelf
life can be extended by at least three days, at least one week, at
least two weeks, or possibly even longer. For example a useful
shelf life of an unopened food prepared from fresh ingredients
(e.g., a salsa or a dip), can be at least 2 weeks, more
specifically at least 4 weeks, and still more specifically at least
6 weeks from the date of filling.
[0054] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are
intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention,
its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the
art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may
be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.
Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as
set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the
invention. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be
determined not with reference to the above description, but should
instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along
with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including
patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference
for all purposes.
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