U.S. patent application number 13/453359 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-25 for container for preservation of perishable food items.
Invention is credited to Julianne L. NOLAN.
Application Number | 20120269463 13/453359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47021401 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120269463 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NOLAN; Julianne L. |
October 25, 2012 |
CONTAINER FOR PRESERVATION OF PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS
Abstract
A container for preserving food items includes a sidewall
extending from a sidewall base, the sidewall defining an open
interior space and a rim of the sidewall defining an opening in the
container, the opening providing access to the open interior space.
The container is constructed of an organic cotton fabric having a
density of about 6-10 ounces per square yard (oz./sq. yd.).
Inventors: |
NOLAN; Julianne L.; (West
Babylon, NY) |
Family ID: |
47021401 |
Appl. No.: |
13/453359 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61478256 |
Apr 22, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/75 ;
383/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23B 7/0433 20130101;
A23V 2002/00 20130101; B65D 33/28 20130101; B65D 85/34 20130101;
B65D 81/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/75 ;
383/117 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/24 20060101
B65D081/24; B65D 33/28 20060101 B65D033/28; B65D 30/04 20060101
B65D030/04 |
Claims
1. A container for preserving food items, comprising; a sidewall
extending from a sidewall base, the sidewall defining an open
interior space; and a rim of the sidewall defining an opening in
the container, the opening providing access to the open interior
space, wherein the container is constructed of an organic cotton
fabric having a density of about 6-10 ounces per square yard
(oz./sq. yd.).
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the fabric is a woven
structure of warp and fill yarns.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein the fill yarns have a denier
(d) of at least 400 d and the warp yarns have a denier of at least
50 d.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the fabric is a light to
medium duty fabric having an abrasion resistance of between
3,000-15,000 double rubs.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the fabric has a seam slippage
of at least 40 pounds.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the fabric has a load recovery
of at least 95%.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the fabric has an abrasion
resistance of 6,000 double rubs.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the fabric has a load recovery
of at least 90%.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the fabric has a density of
about 8 oz./sq. yd.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the open interior space is
secured in a substantially closed position by a drawstring strung
within a seam, the seam running around the rim of the opening.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the rim extends along an
upper edge of the sidewall, the rim defining the opening.
12. A reusable container for preserving produce, comprising; a
sidewall extending from a sidewall base, the sidewall defining an
open interior space; and an opening providing access to the open
interior space, wherein the container is constructed of an organic
cotton fabric, the organic cotton fabric having a density of about
6-10 ounces per square yard (oz./sq. yd.).
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/478,256 filed on Apr.
22, 2011 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field Of The Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a container, and
more particularly, to a reusable container for preserving
perishable food items.
[0004] 2. Brief Description Of The Related Art
[0005] Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is the first step
towards a healthy diet. However, due to quick spoilage, eating
fresh fruits and vegetables is challenging. There are several
contributing factors to the quick spoilage of fruits and
vegetables.
[0006] After fruits and vegetables are harvested, they begin to
emit ethylene, a colorless and odorless gas. Ethylene emission is a
part of the ripening process, but also results in faster spoilage.
Some fruits and vegetables are strong ethylene emitters, while
others are low emitters. Some fruits and vegetables are more
sensitive to ethylene, meaning that they decay faster in its
presence, while others are less so. For example, cantaloupe
exhibits a high rate of ethylene production, but has only a medium
level of sensitivity. Conversely, watermelon emits a low rate of
ethylene, but is highly sensitive to its presence. These
observations have led the agriculture industry to develop
guidelines setting forth which fruits and vegetables can be stored
together and which should be stored separately due to differences
in ethylene emission and sensitivity.
[0007] Aside from keeping incompatible fruits and vegetables
separate, slowing the rate of spoilage requires a balance between
allowing ethylene gas to escape while also containing the fruits
and vegetables to slow the rate of respiration. Refrigeration is
one method for slowing the rate of respiration of fruits and
vegetables.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention has been made to address at least the
above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the
advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present
invention relates to a container for preserving perishable food
items.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a
container is provided. The container for preserving food items
includes a sidewall extending from a sidewall base, the sidewall
defining an open interior space and a rim of the sidewall defining
an opening in the container, the opening providing access to the
open interior space. The container is constructed of an organic
cotton fabric having a density of about 6-10 ounces per square yard
(oz./sq. yd.).
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
reusable container is provided. A reusable container for preserving
produce includes a sidewall extending from a sidewall base, the
sidewall defining an open interior space and an opening providing
access to the open interior space. The container is constructed of
an organic cotton fabric, the organic cotton fabric having a
density of about 6-10 ounces per square yard (oz./sq. yd.).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The above and other objects, features and advantages of
certain embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent
from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a reusable container according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a table illustrating results of experiments on
control groups indicating how typical fruits and vegetables ripen
and begin to spoil over a given period of time while stored in a
refrigerator;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating results of experiments on
fruits and vegetables stored in a reusable container according to
an embodiment of the present invention compared with typical
plastic bags; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a table illustrating results of experiments on
fruits and vegetables stored in a reusable container according to
an embodiment of the present invention compared with a typical
rigid plastic container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0016] The following detailed description of embodiments of the
present invention will be made with reference to the accompanying
drawings. In describing the invention, an explanation of related
functions or constructions known in the art is omitted for the sake
of clarity in understanding the concept of the invention that would
otherwise obscure the invention with unnecessary detail.
[0017] A reusable container, according to an embodiment of the
present invention, is constructed of an organic fabric, such as an
organic cotton fabric, not typically used for such applications.
Specifically, the organic cotton fabric has a density of about 6-10
ounces per square yard (oz./sq. yd.). The density of the organic
cotton may be 8 oz./sq. yd. according to an embodiment of the
present invention. The organic cotton fabric may have a woven
structure of warp and fill yarns. Further, according to an
embodiment of the present invention, the fill yarns have a denier
(d) of at least 400 d and the warp yarns have a denier of at least
50 d.
[0018] The organic cotton fabric is a light to medium duty fabric
having an abrasion resistance of between 3,000-15,000 double rubs,
seam slippage of at least 40 pounds (lbs.), and load recovery of at
least 95%. While the specifications above are preferable,
acceptable fabrics can be, in some cases, realized in which the
abrasion resistance is 6,000 double rubs and the load recovery is
90%. The organic cotton fabric may be obtained from a company such
as Organic Cotton Plus and is preferably certified according to the
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
[0019] Referring initially to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates a reusable
container according an embodiment of the present invention.
Specifically, a reusable container 100 is configured in a bag-like
structure and may be constructed in a variety of shapes, such as a
cylinder, a cube, a cuboid, a pyramid or a sphere. The reusable
container 100 is constructed of a flexible material, such as the
organic cotton fabric described above. The reusable container 100
includes a sidewall 104 extending from a sidewall base 102, with
one or more edges of the sidewall 104 joined at a seam 114. The
sidewall 104 defines an open interior space 106 and an opening
provides access to the open interior space 106. A rim 108 extends
along an upper edge of the sidewall 104, and defines the
opening.
[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sidewall 104
may include a plurality of sidewalls attached by one or more
sidewall seams to form the reusable container 100. The plurality of
sidewalls may be attached to the sidewall base 102 by a base seam.
More particularly, the sidewall base 102 may be configured as a
flat surface, the plurality of sidewalls therefore extending
perpendicularly up from the sidewall base 102. The flat surface of
the sidewall base 102 allows the reusable container to stand
upright.
[0021] A drawstring 110, or other type of closure mechanism, may be
strung within a seam 112. The seam 112 runs around the rim 108 of
the opening. The drawstring 110 includes a plurality of strings
strung within the seam 112. The strings exit the seam 112 at seam
openings located at opposite sides of the rim 108. Pulling the
strings away from the reusable container 100 tightens the strings.
The opening, and therefore the open interior space 106, is secured
in a substantially closed position when the drawstring 110 is
pulled tight. Securing the opening closed with the drawstring 110
allows for some minimal venting of the open interior space 106. The
opening generally remains about 0.1-3 inches open when the
drawstring is tightened. Specifically, optimal gas exchange occurs
when the opening is 1-2 inches open. However, the opening may also
be secured completely closed by, for example, a zipper running
along the rim 108 of the opening.
[0022] Constructing the reusable container 100 of the organic
cotton fabric described above, in conjunction with the minimal
venting provided when the opening is pulled closed by the
drawstring 110, achieves an optimal balance of restriction of
respiration while allowing gas to escape. Specifically, the
reusable container slows the ripening and spoilage of fruits and
vegetables by absorbing and/or releasing ethylene gas and water,
while concurrently keeping produce fresh by creating a barrier to
restrict respiration. Thus, the reusable container achieves the
balance of slowing respiration of the stored fruit or vegetable
through containment while allowing ethylene gas and moisture to
escape.
[0023] Results of several experiments are provided herein
demonstrating the efficacy of the above-described organic cotton
fabric as a reusable container. The results presented are
unexpectedly successful compared with typical products available
for preservation of perishable food items, such as fruits and
vegetables.
[0024] All fruits and vegetables were refrigerated at 40.degree. F.
Results may vary depending on refrigerator temperature, amount and
type of food in a container, open air flow of the refrigerator, and
the stage of the fruit and vegetable's ripening at the time of
purchase. Where a fruit or vegetable became rotten prior to the
observation date, the data is indicated as Not Applicable
("N/A").
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a table illustrating
results of experiments on control groups indicating how typical
fruits and vegetables ripen and begin to spoil over a given period
of time while stored in a refrigerator. Specifically, the results
provided in FIG. 2 demonstrate that fruits and vegetables stored in
open air or in a paper bag in a refrigerated environment generally
last for less than 10 days before showing signs of decay, mold,
wilting or mushiness. Fruits stored in a paper bag in a
refrigerator, such as red and black berries, become dry, mushy, and
shriveled within 10 days. Vegetables, also stored for 10 days in a
paper bag, become limp, wilted and dry.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a table illustrating
results of experiments on fruits and vegetables stored in a
reusable container according to an embodiment of the present
invention compared with typical plastic bags. Specifically, FIG. 3
compares the reusable container 100 to Consumer Product 1, which
represents a typical plastic bag claiming to absorb ethylene gas
and Consumer Product 2, which represents a plastic storage bag
claiming to allow ethylene gas to escape while preserving fruits
and vegetables within.
[0027] The results provided in FIG. 3 demonstrate that various
berries stored in the reusable container retain their color and
flavor for up to 16 days. The vegetables stored in the reusable
container show slight degradation, but are generally still
usable.
[0028] However, the fruits and vegetables stored in Consumer
Products 1 and 2 become mushy and soft within 10 days and show
signs of mold and decomposition. Berries stored in Consumer
Products 1 and 2 experience early softening, loss of flavor and
color, as well as decay. The fruit generally tastes foul, leaving
an aftertaste likely a result of ethylene gas absorption. The
vegetables also show signs of decay within 10 days and become slimy
and wilted. For both the fruits and vegetables, observations
indicate that Consumer Products 1 and 2 retain moisture as well as
ethylene gas.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a table illustrating
results of experiments on fruits and vegetables stored in a
reusable container according to an embodiment of the present
invention compared with a typical rigid plastic container. The
typical rigid plastic container, identified as Consumer Product 3,
is a made of solid plastic and includes adjustable vents that
attempt to provide control of airflow.
[0030] The results provided in FIG. 4 demonstrate that after three
days of refrigeration the fruits remain solid, with no moisture
accumulation observed in the reusable container or on the fruit.
Lettuce, cucumbers and celery also remain firm and with natural
color. In contrast, moisture accumulates on an inside portion of a
lid of Consumer Product 3, and the berries appear wet and soggy.
Moisture does not noticeably escape from Consumer Product 3 despite
the adjustable vent.
[0031] After 10 days, strawberries stored in the reusable container
of the present invention remain firm and full of color, while black
berries and raspberries are slightly soft. The cucumber and celery
stored in the reusable container remain firm, while the lettuce is
wilted. The fruits stored in Consumer Product 3 are mushy, wet and
rotting. The lettuce stored in Consumer Product 3 is soggy and the
celery is limp with accumulated moisture.
[0032] After 14 days, the fruits and vegetables stored in the
reusable container are slightly dry, with no moisture accumulation
on the fruit or in the reusable container. The fruit stored in
Consumer Product 3 is moldy and rotten with moisture accumulation
within the container. The lettuce stored in Consumer Product 3 is
wet and soggy, while the celery is limp and unusable.
[0033] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to certain embodiments of the present invention it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *