U.S. patent application number 14/352728 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for packaging comprising a breathable valve for perishable products.
The applicant listed for this patent is INSTITUTO DE CAPACITACION E INVESTIGACION DEL PL STICO Y DEL CAUCHO ICIPC.. Invention is credited to Elkin David Cardona Jimenez, Alberto Naranjo Carvajal, Juan Diego Sierra Munneton, Jorge Ivan Villegas Cardona.
Application Number | 20140251858 14/352728 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48141500 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140251858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cardona Jimenez; Elkin David ;
et al. |
September 11, 2014 |
PACKAGING COMPRISING A BREATHABLE VALVE FOR PERISHABLE PRODUCTS
Abstract
The invention relates to packaging comprising a breathable
valve, intended to extend the green life of perishable products.
The packaging comprises a flexible container (1) and a breathable
valve assembly (2) that can be used to control the concentration of
oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor and ethylene in the atmosphere
inside the container, such as to maintain a desired value depending
on the weight and the respiration rate of the product. The
breathable valve assembly (2) comprises a ring (3) and a breathable
lid (4) assembled in order to close the flexible container (1). The
packaging is advantageous over the prior art in that it can be
assembled without using any heat-sealing technique and in that it
can extend the green life of perishable products, such as fruits
and vegetables.
Inventors: |
Cardona Jimenez; Elkin David;
(Envigado, CO) ; Naranjo Carvajal; Alberto;
(Envigado, CO) ; Sierra Munneton; Juan Diego;
(Envigado, CO) ; Villegas Cardona; Jorge Ivan;
(Envigado, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INSTITUTO DE CAPACITACION E INVESTIGACION DEL PL STICO Y DEL CAUCHO
ICIPC. |
Medellin |
|
CO |
|
|
Family ID: |
48141500 |
Appl. No.: |
14/352728 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
October 19, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2012/055765 |
371 Date: |
April 18, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524.6 ;
220/367.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/263 20130101;
B65D 51/1611 20130101; B65D 1/40 20130101; B65D 85/345
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/524.6 ;
220/367.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/40 20060101
B65D001/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 19, 2011 |
CO |
11-140.033 |
Claims
1. A breathable packaging intended to extend the green life of
perishable products comprising: a. a flexible container with a
mouth; and b. a device that allows the respiration of the
perishable product, wherein the device is fastened to the mouth of
the container by a mechanical coupling.
2. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the device that allows
respiration of the perishable product is a breathable valve.
3. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the flexible container is a
polymeric film.
4. The packaging of claim 3, wherein the polymeric film is
manufactured with a polymer selected from the group comprising
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide,
polystyrene copolymers, cellophane, polylactic acid, cellulose
acetate, thermoplastic starch and its derivatives, and mixtures
thereof.
5. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the breathable valve
comprising: a. a ring located on the periphery and outer surface of
the flexible container's mouth; and b. a breathable lid
mechanically coupled to the ring.
6. The packaging of claim 5, wherein the mechanical coupling of the
breathable lid to the ring is made using pressure fitting or
interference fit.
7. The packaging of claim 6, wherein the breathable lid has tapered
annular walls.
8. The packaging of claim 5, wherein the breathable lid has
multiple microperforations or nanoperforations.
9. The packaging of claim 5, wherein the ring and the breathable
cap are assembled in such way that the material of the flexible
container's mouth lies between the two making part of the
mechanical coupling.
10. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the breathable valve
comprising: a. a ring located on the outer periphery of the
flexible container's mouth; b. an annular section mechanically
coupled to the ring; and c. a permeable membrane located between
the ring and the annular section, making part of the mechanical
coupling between the two.
11. The packaging of claim 6, wherein the ring and the breathable
lid are manufactured using a polymer preferably selected from the
group comprising thermoplastic polyurethane, vulcanized
thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polystyrene
copolymers, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, thermoplastic
starch and its derivatives, and mixtures thereof.
12. A breathable valve to allow the respiration of the perishable
products stored in a flexible container, characterized by: a. a
ring arranged to be located on the periphery and outer surface of
the flexible container's mouth; and b. a breathable lid arranged to
mechanically couple the ring and the flexible container's
mouth.
13. The valve of claim 12, wherein the ring and the breathable lid
shape is circular.
14. The valve of claim 12, wherein the breathable lid has multiple
microperforations.
15. The valve of claim 12, wherein the mechanical coupling is made
through pressure fit or interference fitting.
16. The valve of claim 15, wherein the breathable lid has tapered
annular walls.
17. A breathable valve to allow the respiration of perishable
products stored in a flexible container, characterized by: a. a
ring arranged to be located on the periphery and outer surface of
the flexible container's mouth; b. an annular section mechanically
coupled to the ring, arranged to receive and fast a permeable
membrane, while mechanically coupling to the ring and the flexible
container's mouth.
Description
PURPOSE
[0001] The present invention relates to the packaging of perishable
items such as vegetables and fruits, in particular to the means for
controlling gas composition in the atmosphere inside the container
and facilitating manual closure, for instance, of the packing
without using automatic techniques such as heat sealing.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0002] Some perishable products, such as vegetables and fruits,
continue their ripening and ageing process after being harvested.
During ripening and ageing, the product undergoes a respiratory
process characterized by oxygen absorption and the release of
carbon dioxide and ethylene. Additionally, the product transpires
moisture, reducing its weight. Decreasing respiration and
transpiration in the packaging is critical to extend the green life
of perishable products. Another problem associated with
uncontrolled respiration is reaching a high concentration of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere inside the packaging, which can affect
the organoleptic properties of the perishable product.
[0003] Prior art includes some alternatives for the control of
respiration and transpiration in packaging perishable products.
These technologies include the following: transportation in
refrigerated containers; hypobaric packaging, containers with
devices that remove ethylene; active packaging that traps oxygen,
carbon dioxide, and ethylene; modified atmosphere packaging,
coatings on cardboard; direct chemical or physical treatment on the
product; and breathable packaging. Compared with breathable
packaging, other technologies have some disadvantages, such as the
possibility of damage due to low temperatures in refrigerated
alternatives, high costs, consumer perception, and difficulties in
packaging operations.
[0004] Breathable packaging is one of the most commonly used
packaging for perishable products due to its benefits in terms of
costs. Breathable packaging technology offers various options,
including: high permeability films; macro and microperforated
films; permeable patches and windows; air vents and valves.
[0005] Macro and micro perforated films have been disclosed in
several patents (U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,152, US2005180664,
DE202005011737, GB1106265, GB1134667, GB2141688, and JP6199385).
This alternative has some disadvantages, such as the need to seal
the mouth of the packaging, the product may block some of the
perforations, and the need for additional operations in the
manufacture of the film or bag.
[0006] Permeable patches and windows have been disclosed in prior
art (U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,875, U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,440, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,045,331, GB1071586, FR2686577, and CN1036539). The main
disadvantages of this technology are: the need to seal the mouth of
the packaging and the need for additional operations in the
manufacture of the film or bag.
[0007] Air vents have been disclosed in prior art (US2004131731,
US2007257040, US2008116098, WO2007008459, WO2010141467, and
JP2002308293). The main disadvantages of this technology are: the
need to seal the mouth of the packaging and the need for additional
operations in the manufacture of the bag.
[0008] Although some valves have been disclosed in prior art (U.S.
Pat. No. 3,937,396, U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,800, US2003152296,
WO2004108557, WO2004043191, EP0700839, JP1279073, JP11301743, and
JP2006125559), all valves require sealing the bag, as well as
additional operations in the manufacturing of the bag.
[0009] The packaging of the present invention discloses a
combination of a flexible container and a breathable valve,
composed in turn by a ring and a breathable lid to extend the green
life of perishable products, such as fruits and vegetables. The
packaging of the present invention provides the possibility of
mechanical assembly, either manually or automatically, without the
need of heat-sealing technology or additional operations in the
manufacture of the bags; it can also be opened and reopened in
ripening chambers; it is recyclable and affordable. In addition,
extending the green life of the product can increase the growth
period of the fruit or vegetable in the plant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a packaging with a breathable
valve to extend the green life of perishable products that undergo
a respiratory process after being harvested, such as vegetables and
fruits. The packaging comprises a flexible container and a valve
assembly that is assembled in the mouth of the flexible package in
order to create a controlled gaseous atmosphere inside the package.
In turn, the valve assembly comprises a ring located outside the
flexible container and a breathable lid located inside the flexible
container; these two components can be mechanically assembled
without the need of heat sealing technologies to close the mouth of
the flexible container. The breathable lid has fastening means to
attach both parts to the middle of the flexible container, which
can be an interference fit and pressure fittings. The breathable
lid can be a plastic cover with multiple microperforations or
nanoperforations, or an annular section that allows the
installation of a permeable membrane interspersed among the ring,
the flexible container and the breathable lid.
[0011] The permeable membrane can be a cavitated, microperforated,
or nanoperforated film. The concentration of oxygen, water vapor,
carbon dioxide, and ethylene is controlled by the permeation of the
breathable lid, the weight and respiration rate of the packed
perishable product. The permeation of the breathable lid is
controlled by the number and size of micro and nanoperforations, in
the case of the plastic cover and the micro and nanoperforated
film; and by gas permeability, in the case of the cavitated
film.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a breathable valve (2) assembled and
installed in the mouth of the flexible container (1). The figure
also shows an interference fit as fastening means and a micro or
nanoperforated plastic cover as breathable lid (4). In this
particular embodiment, the breathable lid (4) has a circular cavity
to allow good assembly by interference with the ring (3).
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a breathable valve (2) assembled and
installed in the mouth of the flexible container (1). The figure
also shows an interference fit as fastening means and a micro or
nanoperforated plastic cover as breathable lid (4).
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a breathable valve (2) assembled, a
pressure fitting (6) as fastening means and a micro or
nanoperforated plastic cover as breathable lid (4).
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a breathable valve (2) assembled, a
pressure fitting (6) as fastening means and a micro or
nanoperforated plastic cover as breathable lid (4). The figure also
illustrates a rectangular channel (7) to facilitate release without
moving parts of the pieces to be assembled by pressure (6).
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a breathable valve (2) assembled, an
interference fit (8) in the ring (3) as fastening means and a micro
or nanoperforated plastic cover as breathable lid (4).
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the invention using
a breathable valve (2) of square shape, an interference fit as
fastening means and a micro or nanoperforated plastic cover as
breathable lid (4).
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the invention using
a breathable valve (2) of triangular shape, an interference fit as
fastening means and a micro or nanoperforated plastic cover as
breathable lid (4).
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the invention
wherein the breathable lid of the valve assembly is an annular
section, allowing the installation of a permeable membrane (10)
interspersed among the ring (3), the flexible container (1) and the
breathable ring (9).
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates the evolution of oxygen and carbon
dioxide concentration over time for two prototypes made in
accordance with the present invention. It evaluates two
microperforated plastic covers with 11 and 18 microperforations
that range between 250 and 300 microns in diameter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention provides a packaging fitted with a
breathable valve designed to extend the green life of perishable
products that undergo a respiratory process after being harvested,
such as vegetables and fruits. With reference to the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging comprises a flexible
container (1) characterized by the presence of at least one mouth,
and at least one valve assembly (2) consisting of two parts: a ring
(3), located on the periphery and the outer surface of the flexible
container's mouth (1), and a breathable lid (4), which mechanically
fits to the inner part of the ring (3), such that the material of
the flexible container's mouth (1) is fastened between the
breathable lid (4) and the ring (3).
[0022] The flexible container (1) is a flexible film, manufactured
for example by casting, blowing extrusion, flat film extrusion,
coextrusion, or lamination. The polymeric film is manufactured with
a polymer preferably selected from the group comprising
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide,
polystyrene copolymers, cellophane, polylactic acid, cellulose
acetate, thermoplastic starch and its derivatives, and mixtures
thereof.
[0023] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the valve assembly (2)
comprises two parts: the ring (3) and the breathable lid (4), which
can be mechanically fitted and do not need using heat sealing
technologies to close the flexible container's mouth (1), or
additional operations in the manufacture of the bag. The breathable
lid (4) has fastening means to attach both parts to the flexible
container (1) such that the film that forms the container's mouth
is fixed between the two sides of the valve. The embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 uses a pressure fitting (6). FIGS. 3
and 4 also illustrate a rectangular channel (7) in the breathable
lid (4) to facilitate release without moving parts of the pieces to
be assembled by pressure (6).
[0024] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, in another embodiment of
the present invention, the fastening means for attaching both parts
of the valve assembly (2) to the flexible container (1) are an
interference fit on the ring (3) and a breathable lid (4). In this
sense, it is desirable for the breathable lid (4) to have tapered
sidewalls to facilitate assembly with the ring (3). With reference
to FIG. 5, in a particular embodiment of the present invention, the
interference fit is produced between an extension (8) of the
breathable lid (4) and the corresponding cavity in the ring (3).
With reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, although the preferred embodiment
is a ring (3) and a breathable plug (4) of circular shape, it is
possible to use other shapes, such as triangular or polygonal.
[0025] The ring (3) and breathable lid (4) of the valve assembly
(2) may be manufactured by injection molding or press molding,
using a polymer preferably from the group comprising thermoplastic
polyurethane, vulcanized thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomers,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide,
polystyrene copolymers, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate,
thermoplastic starch and its derivatives, and mixtures thereof. In
a particular embodiment of the present invention, the ring (3) and
breathable lid (4) of the valve assembly (2) are made of a material
whose hardness should be less than the one that produces a mark on
the fruit or vegetable. For example, the hardness for bananas must
be less than 80 Shore A for bananas, preferably less than 60 Shore
A, in order to ensure that the bananas are not damaged or dented by
the valve. The use of rounded contours is advantageous for this
same reason.
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, in another embodiment, the
breathable lid (4) can be a plastic cover characterized by multiple
micro or nanoperforations (5).
[0027] With reference to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the present
invention uses an annular section (9) that allows the installation
of a permeable membrane (10) interspersed among the ring (3), the
flexible container (1), and the annular section (9). The permeable
membrane (10) can be a cavitated, microperforated, or
nanoperforated film. The cavitation film may be manufactured using
a cavitation load such as calcium carbonate. The microperforated
film may be manufactured using for example mechanical, laser, or
electrostatic technology. The present invention can use any type of
breathable lid (4), even with the permeable membrane (10)
interspersed between the ring (3) and the flexible container (1).
The annular section (9) of this embodiment is mechanically fitted
to the ring (3) and the flexible container's mouth (1) for
tensioning the permeable membrane (10).
[0028] The concentration of oxygen, water vapor, carbon dioxide,
and ethylene can be controlled by the permeation of the breathable
lid (4), and the weight and respiration rate of the packed
perishable product. The permeation of the breathable lid (4) is
controlled by the number and size of micro and nanoperforations, in
the case of the plastic cover and the micro and nanoperforated
film, and by gas permeability, in the case of the cavitated
film.
EXAMPLES
[0029] The following examples were obtained using a packaging
prototype comprising a breathable valve for perishable
products:
Example 1
[0030] This example evaluates a packaging prototype of the present
invention having the following characteristics: the flexible
container is a bag made of a 30-microns thick polyethylene film
with dimensions of 300 by 380 mm, a valve assemblage with an
internal diameter of 32 mm with a plastic cover with 11
microperforations between 250 and 300 microns. Approximately 1.2 kg
of bananas were packed and their green life at room temperature and
cooled to 13.degree. C. was evaluated. The prototype of the
disclosed packaging was then compared to the following technologies
available in the state of the art: a 30-microns thick
microperforated bag with 50 microperforations with a diameter of
200 microns, and a 30-microns thick macroperforated bag with 12
perforations with a diameter of 12.5 mm. The packaging comprising a
breathable valve increases green life, decreases weight loss, and
reduces the conversion of starch in carbohydrates (measured as
degrees Brix).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Degrees Weight Green Life Brix Loss, %
Breathable valve with 11 More than 28 12.0 0.49 microperforations
between 250 days and 300 micros at room temperature Breathable
valve with 11 More than 28 6.0 0.17 microperforations between 250
days and 300 micros at 13.degree. C. Microperforated bag with 50 28
days 11.5 0.15 microperforations with a diameter of 200 microns at
13.degree. C. Macroperforated bag with 12 25 days 14.5 0.60
perforations with a diameter of 12.5 mm at 13.degree. C.
Example 2
[0031] This example evaluates a packaging prototype of the present
invention with the following characteristics: the flexible
container is a bag made of a 30-microns thick polyethylene film
with dimensions of 300 by 380 mm, a valve assemblage with an
internal diameter of 32 mm with an annular section, and a
mechanically microperforated film. Approximately 1.2 kg of bananas
was packed and their green life cooled to 13.degree. C. was
evaluated. The prototype of the disclosed packaging was compared to
the technologies available in the state of the art mentioned in
Example 1. The packaging comprising a breathable valve increases
green life, decreases weight loss, and reduces the conversion of
starch in carbohydrates (measured as degrees Brix).
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Degrees Weight Green Life Brix Loss, %
Breathable valve with a More than 28 5.0 0.06 mechanical
microperforated film days in the annular section at 13.degree. C.
Microperforated bag with 50 28 days 11.5 0.15 microperforations
with a diameter of 200 microns at 13.degree. C. Macroperforated bag
with 12 25 days 14.5 0.60 perforations with a diameter of 12.5 mm
at 13.degree. C.
Example 3
[0032] This example compares the evolution of oxygen and carbon
dioxide concentration at 13.degree. C. for two plastic covers with
11 and 18 perforations. The same flexible container was used, the
same valve assembly and the same number of bananas in Example 1.
With reference to FIG. 9, after 4 days the concentration of gases
becomes regulated to a constant value that depends on the number of
perforations.
Example 4
[0033] An important characteristic of the breathable valve's
materials is its hardness and contours, in that no damage is caused
to the perishable product while packing. This example evaluates the
effect that the hardness and contours of the material of the
packaging comprising a breathable valve has on the bananas. The
effect of 3.5 kg (approximately three bunches of green bananas)
applied to the breathable valve and on the banana peel was
evaluated. Using a Shore A hardness of less than 80 and a valve
with a rounded contour is essential to prevent the banana peel from
denting.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Hardness Material Shore A Shore D Surface
Result Polyurethane 80 Rounded No dents Polyurethane 80 Sharp edges
Dents High density polyethylene 55 Sharp edges Dents Polypropylene
78 Rounded Dents Rubber 62 Rounded No dents
[0034] The above methods, figures, and examples are merely
illustrative of the inventive concept. Any person skilled in the
art will understand that evident variations and enhancements may be
made without departing from the inventive concept, which is defined
only by the following claims.
* * * * *