CA3134818A1 - Modified atmosphere packaging containers - Google Patents
Modified atmosphere packaging containersInfo
- Publication number
- CA3134818A1 CA3134818A1 CA3134818A CA3134818A CA3134818A1 CA 3134818 A1 CA3134818 A1 CA 3134818A1 CA 3134818 A CA3134818 A CA 3134818A CA 3134818 A CA3134818 A CA 3134818A CA 3134818 A1 CA3134818 A1 CA 3134818A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sachet
- container
- cartridge
- lid
- agent
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000009448 modified atmosphere packaging Methods 0.000 title description 17
- 239000013543 active substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 21
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 20
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 19
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical group [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 14
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 14
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 14
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 10
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 10
- OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxidochlorine(.) Chemical compound O=Cl=O OSVXSBDYLRYLIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000005969 1-Methyl-cyclopropene Substances 0.000 description 8
- SHDPRTQPPWIEJG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-methylcyclopropene Chemical compound CC1=CC1 SHDPRTQPPWIEJG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 description 7
- 235000003095 Vaccinium corymbosum Nutrition 0.000 description 7
- 235000017537 Vaccinium myrtillus Nutrition 0.000 description 7
- 235000021014 blueberries Nutrition 0.000 description 7
- 230000005070 ripening Effects 0.000 description 7
- 240000000851 Vaccinium corymbosum Species 0.000 description 6
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 235000021022 fresh fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 6
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 6
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000004155 Chlorine dioxide Substances 0.000 description 5
- 240000008415 Lactuca sativa Species 0.000 description 5
- 235000003228 Lactuca sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 241000186779 Listeria monocytogenes Species 0.000 description 5
- 235000019398 chlorine dioxide Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 description 5
- 241001646719 Escherichia coli O157:H7 Species 0.000 description 4
- 240000004808 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Species 0.000 description 4
- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005538 encapsulation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 3
- 241000607142 Salmonella Species 0.000 description 3
- 241001148470 aerobic bacillus Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000005556 hormone Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229940088597 hormone Drugs 0.000 description 3
- 239000002917 insecticide Substances 0.000 description 3
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229920001817 Agar Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000588724 Escherichia coli Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000233866 Fungi Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000293869 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium Species 0.000 description 2
- RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphur dioxide Chemical compound O=S=O RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000008272 agar Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004599 antimicrobial Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 150000001943 cyclopropenes Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002779 inactivation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000016709 nutrition Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000035764 nutrition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000009434 Actinidia chinensis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000298697 Actinidia deliciosa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000009436 Actinidia deliciosa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920001450 Alpha-Cyclodextrin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000002566 Capsicum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000241257 Cucumis melo Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000015510 Cucumis melo subsp melo Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000858 Cyclodextrin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000007688 Lycopersicon esculentum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000002129 Malva sylvestris Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000006770 Malva sylvestris Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000008790 Musa x paradisiaca Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000025272 Persea americana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000008673 Persea americana Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000758706 Piperaceae Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000220324 Pyrus Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000005708 Sodium hypochlorite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 240000003768 Solanum lycopersicum Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- HFHDHCJBZVLPGP-RWMJIURBSA-N alpha-cyclodextrin Chemical compound OC[C@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H]1O)O)O[C@H]2O[C@@H]([C@@H](O[C@H]3O[C@H](CO)[C@H]([C@@H]([C@H]3O)O)O[C@H]3O[C@H](CO)[C@H]([C@@H]([C@H]3O)O)O[C@H]3O[C@H](CO)[C@H]([C@@H]([C@H]3O)O)O3)[C@H](O)[C@H]2O)CO)O[C@@H]1O[C@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]3O[C@@H]1CO HFHDHCJBZVLPGP-RWMJIURBSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229940043377 alpha-cyclodextrin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000845 anti-microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003963 antioxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000006708 antioxidants Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000021015 bananas Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009924 canning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013351 cheese Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013270 controlled release Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002542 deteriorative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001873 dinitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000003623 enhancer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 108091054761 ethylene receptor family Proteins 0.000 description 1
- RAQDACVRFCEPDA-UHFFFAOYSA-L ferrous carbonate Chemical compound [Fe+2].[O-]C([O-])=O RAQDACVRFCEPDA-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 230000037406 food intake Effects 0.000 description 1
- 244000078673 foodborn pathogen Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000021474 generally recognized As safe (food) Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000021472 generally recognized as safe Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000021473 generally recognized as safe (food ingredients) Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000008216 herbs Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011796 hollow space material Substances 0.000 description 1
- QWPPOHNGKGFGJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N hypochlorous acid Chemical compound ClO QWPPOHNGKGFGJK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013622 meat product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002906 microbiologic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004005 microsphere Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019837 monoammonium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003472 neutralizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000014571 nuts Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000019645 odor Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000021017 pears Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 244000144977 poultry Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000009257 reactivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 description 1
- HFHDHCJBZVLPGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N schardinger α-dextrin Chemical group O1C(C(C2O)O)C(CO)OC2OC(C(C2O)O)C(CO)OC2OC(C(C2O)O)C(CO)OC2OC(C(O)C2O)C(CO)OC2OC(C(C2O)O)C(CO)OC2OC2C(O)C(O)C1OC2CO HFHDHCJBZVLPGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000014102 seafood Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000009758 senescence Effects 0.000 description 1
- SUKJFIGYRHOWBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium hypochlorite Chemical compound [Na+].Cl[O-] SUKJFIGYRHOWBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013599 spices Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010561 standard procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009461 vacuum packaging Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container
- B65D51/2857—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening of the container the additional article or materials being released by displacing or removing an element enclosing it
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
- B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
- B65D81/266—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants
- B65D81/268—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants the absorber being enclosed in a small pack, e.g. bag, included in the package
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/30—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials for desiccators
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2069—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere
- B65D81/2076—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas in a special atmosphere in an at least partially rigid container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
- B65D81/28—Applications of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2205/00—Venting means
- B65D2205/02—Venting holes
Abstract
A modified atmosphere container is provided. The container contains a body for receiving a product, a lid configured to provide a seal with a body opening, and a cartridge having a defined internal space. An active agent for preserving the freshness of the product may be disposed within the cartridge.
Description
2 PCT/US2019/023896 MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING CONTAINERS
Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/647,250, filed March 23, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Background The present disclosure relates to containers for perishable goods or other goods having limited shelf lives. In particular, the present disclosure relates to containers configured to provide modified atmospheres in order to preserve goods.
Detailed Description It will be readily appreciated that the many embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in a wide variety of applications and industries. The present invention can be utilized with the transportation, treatment, and storage of a plethora of items. Items such as but not limited to produce, cheeses, flowers, poultry and other meats and seafoods, nuts, dehydrated foods, mail, parcels, medical tools and equipment, etc. The items can be treated while being transported and or stored. Such treatments are carried out through the use of the various treatment sacks or sachets of the present invention as described below. The sacks, depending upon the application may be utilized to sanitize, eliminate and/or inhibit molds and/or pathogens, delay ripening and aging or senesce, and the like.
Conventional Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) devices modify the atmosphere of fresh fruits and products by controlling the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) within the packaging by the use of a permeable membrane. One such device is a rigid container as described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,880,748 and 7,597,240. Other designs of MAPs include non-rigid or soft containers, such as bags. The present invention expands on the MAP devices by including at least one agent releasable device. The at least one agent releasable device or agent releasable sack or sachet, which at the choice of a user, has the capability to release at least one agent into the MAP and thus further modify the atmosphere of the MAP to gain the desired effect of the user.
Examples of some agents available for release into the MAP are, but are not limited to, an insecticide, anti-microbial agent, ethylene gas, nitrogen gas or a combination. Additionally, the releasing device may also be configured to control a release of chlorine dioxide (C102) for sanitation of the contents of packaging. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for releasing agents into a modified atmospheric package. Use of sachets in MAP applications has been described in reference to other devices including in U.S. Pat. No. 9,527,684, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
As shown in FIG. 1, a modified atmosphere packaging system 10 may generally include a cylindrical container 12, a lid 14, and a cartridge 16. Container 12 is shown generally as a hollow body having an open top and a cylindrical shape. The shape of container 12, however, may be of any of a variety of suitable shapes including those having triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, or other cross-sectional shapes. Container 12 generally defines an interior, hollow space for receiving and storing goods. The space may be at least partially defined by a wall 18 extending from a floor 20 to a rim 22. An optional sealing ridge 24 is provided as a continuous raised ridge traversing the perimeter of the exterior of wall 18. Sealing ridge 24 may be positioned such that it contacts a corresponding ridge on an interior of lid 14 whereby when lid 14 is pressed downwardly over container 12, the ridge in lid 14 snaps over sealing ridge 24 to lock lid 14 in place with respect to container 12. Alternatively, lid 14m container 12 or both may include compression seals, screw threads, or other means for providing a sealed engagement.
Cartridge 16 includes a cover label sachet label 26, sachet 28, sachet containment tray 30, and sachet release label 32. Sachet cover label 26 may include printed information regarding the contents of container 12, sachet 28, or both. Such information may include expiration dates, ingredients, warnings, or other information. Alternatively, sachet cover label 26 may include a color indicator that changes with the concentration of an agent released by sachet 28 whereby a user may be provided with a visual indication of the concentration of such agent and, therefore, the potential effectiveness of an assembled cartridge 16. In such embodiments, lid 14 may be provided with a transparent portion or be manufactured from a transparent material through which a user could assess the efficacy of cartridge 16 after it is installed on container 12 containing a good without the need to break a seal between lid 14 and container 12 and exposing the interior of container 12 to the external atmosphere.
Sachet 28 includes at least one active ingredient held within a permeable container 34.
While a sachet is shown, other devises such as sacks, pucks, or other devices suitable for providing the active ingredient may be used. The active ingredient may be selected to release one or more agent within cartridge 16. Depending upon the application, the active ingredient and agent(s) may be utilized to sanitize, eliminate and/or inhibit molds and/or pathogens, delay ripening and aging or senesce, and the like.
Sachet 28 in the present embodiment may be a dry chemical sachet, commonly known in the art of dry chemical sachets. One example of a dry chemical sachet that may be employed in the present embodiment is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generally Recognized As Safe
Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/647,250, filed March 23, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Background The present disclosure relates to containers for perishable goods or other goods having limited shelf lives. In particular, the present disclosure relates to containers configured to provide modified atmospheres in order to preserve goods.
Detailed Description It will be readily appreciated that the many embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in a wide variety of applications and industries. The present invention can be utilized with the transportation, treatment, and storage of a plethora of items. Items such as but not limited to produce, cheeses, flowers, poultry and other meats and seafoods, nuts, dehydrated foods, mail, parcels, medical tools and equipment, etc. The items can be treated while being transported and or stored. Such treatments are carried out through the use of the various treatment sacks or sachets of the present invention as described below. The sacks, depending upon the application may be utilized to sanitize, eliminate and/or inhibit molds and/or pathogens, delay ripening and aging or senesce, and the like.
Conventional Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) devices modify the atmosphere of fresh fruits and products by controlling the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) within the packaging by the use of a permeable membrane. One such device is a rigid container as described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,880,748 and 7,597,240. Other designs of MAPs include non-rigid or soft containers, such as bags. The present invention expands on the MAP devices by including at least one agent releasable device. The at least one agent releasable device or agent releasable sack or sachet, which at the choice of a user, has the capability to release at least one agent into the MAP and thus further modify the atmosphere of the MAP to gain the desired effect of the user.
Examples of some agents available for release into the MAP are, but are not limited to, an insecticide, anti-microbial agent, ethylene gas, nitrogen gas or a combination. Additionally, the releasing device may also be configured to control a release of chlorine dioxide (C102) for sanitation of the contents of packaging. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for releasing agents into a modified atmospheric package. Use of sachets in MAP applications has been described in reference to other devices including in U.S. Pat. No. 9,527,684, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
As shown in FIG. 1, a modified atmosphere packaging system 10 may generally include a cylindrical container 12, a lid 14, and a cartridge 16. Container 12 is shown generally as a hollow body having an open top and a cylindrical shape. The shape of container 12, however, may be of any of a variety of suitable shapes including those having triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, or other cross-sectional shapes. Container 12 generally defines an interior, hollow space for receiving and storing goods. The space may be at least partially defined by a wall 18 extending from a floor 20 to a rim 22. An optional sealing ridge 24 is provided as a continuous raised ridge traversing the perimeter of the exterior of wall 18. Sealing ridge 24 may be positioned such that it contacts a corresponding ridge on an interior of lid 14 whereby when lid 14 is pressed downwardly over container 12, the ridge in lid 14 snaps over sealing ridge 24 to lock lid 14 in place with respect to container 12. Alternatively, lid 14m container 12 or both may include compression seals, screw threads, or other means for providing a sealed engagement.
Cartridge 16 includes a cover label sachet label 26, sachet 28, sachet containment tray 30, and sachet release label 32. Sachet cover label 26 may include printed information regarding the contents of container 12, sachet 28, or both. Such information may include expiration dates, ingredients, warnings, or other information. Alternatively, sachet cover label 26 may include a color indicator that changes with the concentration of an agent released by sachet 28 whereby a user may be provided with a visual indication of the concentration of such agent and, therefore, the potential effectiveness of an assembled cartridge 16. In such embodiments, lid 14 may be provided with a transparent portion or be manufactured from a transparent material through which a user could assess the efficacy of cartridge 16 after it is installed on container 12 containing a good without the need to break a seal between lid 14 and container 12 and exposing the interior of container 12 to the external atmosphere.
Sachet 28 includes at least one active ingredient held within a permeable container 34.
While a sachet is shown, other devises such as sacks, pucks, or other devices suitable for providing the active ingredient may be used. The active ingredient may be selected to release one or more agent within cartridge 16. Depending upon the application, the active ingredient and agent(s) may be utilized to sanitize, eliminate and/or inhibit molds and/or pathogens, delay ripening and aging or senesce, and the like.
Sachet 28 in the present embodiment may be a dry chemical sachet, commonly known in the art of dry chemical sachets. One example of a dry chemical sachet that may be employed in the present embodiment is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generally Recognized As Safe
3 (GRAS) or foreign lands approved insecticide such as, but not limited to, sulfur dioxide. However, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the sachet 28 may contain an anti-microbial such as but not limited to chlorine dioxide. Still further, the sachet 40 may contain releasable gases such as but not limited to ethylene, carbon dioxide or nitrogen.
An example of the at least one agent releasable sack 40 is described in a report tilted EFFICACY OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE GAS SACHETS FOR ENHANCING THE
MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY AND SAFETY OF BLUEBERRIES by Popa, I; Hanson, E J;
Todd, E C; Schilder, A C; and Ryser, E T of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. 48824, Sep. 7, 2009. "In response to increasingly stringent microbial specifications being imposed by purchasers of frozen blueberries, chlorine dioxide (C102) gas generated by a dry chemical sachet was assessed for inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 as well as five yeasts and molds known for blueberry spoilage. Fresh blueberry samples (100 g) were separately inoculated with cocktails of L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli 0157:H7 (three strains each), or yeasts and molds (five strains each) to contain approximately 10(6) CFU/g and exposed to C102 (4 mg/liter, 0.16 mg/g) for 12 h a sealed 20-liter container (99.9% relative humidity) at approximately 22 degrees C. After gassing, 25 g of blueberries was added to 225 ml of neutralizing buffer, pulsified for 1 min, and plated using standard procedures to quantify survivors. This treatment yielded reductions of 3.94, 3.62, 4.25, 3.10, and 3.17 log CFU/g for L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli 0157:H7, yeasts, and molds, respectively. Thereafter, 30 lugs of uninoculated blueberries (approximately 9.1 kg per lug) were stacked on 1.2 by 1.2-m pallets (5 lugs per level x six levels), tarped, and exposed to C102 (18 mg/liter, 0.13 mg/g) for 12 h. After gassing, significant (P<0.05) reductions of 2.33, 1.47, 0.52, 1.63, and 0.48 log CFU/g were seen for mesophilic aerobic bacteria,
An example of the at least one agent releasable sack 40 is described in a report tilted EFFICACY OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE GAS SACHETS FOR ENHANCING THE
MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY AND SAFETY OF BLUEBERRIES by Popa, I; Hanson, E J;
Todd, E C; Schilder, A C; and Ryser, E T of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. 48824, Sep. 7, 2009. "In response to increasingly stringent microbial specifications being imposed by purchasers of frozen blueberries, chlorine dioxide (C102) gas generated by a dry chemical sachet was assessed for inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 as well as five yeasts and molds known for blueberry spoilage. Fresh blueberry samples (100 g) were separately inoculated with cocktails of L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli 0157:H7 (three strains each), or yeasts and molds (five strains each) to contain approximately 10(6) CFU/g and exposed to C102 (4 mg/liter, 0.16 mg/g) for 12 h a sealed 20-liter container (99.9% relative humidity) at approximately 22 degrees C. After gassing, 25 g of blueberries was added to 225 ml of neutralizing buffer, pulsified for 1 min, and plated using standard procedures to quantify survivors. This treatment yielded reductions of 3.94, 3.62, 4.25, 3.10, and 3.17 log CFU/g for L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli 0157:H7, yeasts, and molds, respectively. Thereafter, 30 lugs of uninoculated blueberries (approximately 9.1 kg per lug) were stacked on 1.2 by 1.2-m pallets (5 lugs per level x six levels), tarped, and exposed to C102 (18 mg/liter, 0.13 mg/g) for 12 h. After gassing, significant (P<0.05) reductions of 2.33, 1.47, 0.52, 1.63, and 0.48 log CFU/g were seen for mesophilic aerobic bacteria,
4 coliforms, E. coli, yeasts, and molds, respectively, compared with non-gassed controls. No significant differences (P>0.05) in microbial inactivation were seen between lug levels and, with one exception (mesophilic aerobic bacteria), between the bottom and top surface of individual lugs. Based on these findings, C102 sachets may provide a simple, economical, and effective means of enhancing the microbial shelf life and safety of blueberries."
Similarly, in an article by S. Y. Lee, M. Costello and D. H. Kang of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., 99164 dated September 2007 states the following: "Aqueous solutions of sodium hypochlorite or hypochlorous acid are typically used to sanitize fresh fruits and vegetables. However, pathogenic organisms occasionally survive aqueous sanitization in sufficient numbers to cause disease outbreaks.
Chlorine dioxide (C102) gas generated by a dry chemical sachet was tested against food borne pathogens on lettuce leaves. Lettuce leaves were inoculated with cocktail of three strains each of Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium and treated with C102 gas for 30 min, 1 h, and 3 h in a model gas cabinet at room temperature (22 2 C.).
After treatment, surviving cells, including injured cells, were enumerated on appropriate selective agar or using the overlay agar method, respectively. Total C102 generated by the gas packs was 4.3, 6.7, and 8.7 mg after 30 min, 1 h, and 3 h of treatment, respectively.
Inoculated lettuce leaves exposed to C102 gas for 30 min experienced a 3.4-log reduction in E. coli, a 4.3-log reduction in Salmonella Typhimurium, and a 5.0-log reduction in L. monocytogenes when compared with the control. After 1 hour, the three pathogens were reduced in number of CFU by 4.4, 5.3, and 5.2 log, respectively. After 3 h, the reductions were 6.9, 5.4, and 5.4 log, respectively. A similar pattern emerged when injured cells were enumerated. The C102 gas sachet was effective at killing pathogens on lettuce without deteriorating visual quality. Therefore, this product can be used during storage and transport of lettuce to improve its microbial safety." This type of agent is utilized in the sack in another exemplary embodiment made in accordance with the present invention.
Another example of a dry chemical sachet that may be employed in the at least one agent releasable sack or sachet is an oxygen absorber type packet. An oxygen absorber packet can be used to prolong the shelf life of food and retard the growth of oxygen using aerobic micro-organisms such as fungi. The presence of oxygen in the packaging of fresh fruits and produce supports the growth of micro-organisms and cause changes in color of the product. The presence of oxygen in the packaging also can cause rancid odors. Oxygen absorbers absorb oxygen and effectively reduce the aerobic environment and can be used to achieve a 0%
oxygen level within the packaging. Therefore, aerobic bacteria and fungi are less likely to grow in an oxygen depleted environment. An advantage of oxygen sachets versus vacuum packaging is that the food products are not crushed or squeezed, as some products are of high value or can be damage easily from the packaging. Another advantage is simplicity of use. Oxygen-absorbers are made in different formulations to match the water activity of different foods. Oxygen absorbers can be activated by the presence of humidity. An example of an oxygen absorber common in the art is a sachet of iron carbonate.
Still another example of a dry chemical sachet that may be employed in the at least one agent releasable sack or sachet is a carbon dioxide generating type packet.
One type of carbon dioxide generating sachet can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,235, by Boldt.
Further, it is anticipated by the present invention that products other than fresh fruits and vegetables will benefit from this invention. For instance, certain flowers or meat products that do not require a modified atmosphere package may be banned from being shipped into certain countries because of micro-organisms that may infest the flowers. The packaging system 10 of the present invention may be use to disperse an insecticide on such products, even though a MAP is not required, thus allowing a supplier access to more locations for his products.
In the present embodiment, the at least one agent releasable sack 40 is constructed using various paper and polymer combinations, which are filled with microspheres embedded with chemicals, anti-oxidants, herbs, spices and plant based materials. An example of an at least one agent releasable sack 40 can be found in U.S. Patent Application number 2008/0131395, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The at least one agent releasable sack 40, in various other exemplary embodiments includes a temperature controlled release valve. Particularly, one exemplary embodiment would include that sack lining being comprised of a material that acts as a valve at particular temperatures. As fresh fruits and produce are shipped, they are also refrigerated. As the produce nears the intended destination, the temperature of the environment of the device 10 may be warmed. At a preset temperature, the temperature release valve opens and a gas chosen by the user is released into the package 20. For example, an erogenous ethylene gas may be introduced through the release valve into the MAP environment. The introduction of ethylene gas will wake up the product and accelerate the ripening process. The ripening process of fresh fruits, bananas, avocados, kiwi, peppers, melons, pears, stone fruits, tomatoes, etc, which are stored or contained in MAP
environments, is generally suppressed by the presence of CO2, which further inhibits ripening. In order to ripen, CO2 must be exhaled from the package 20 and oxygen allowed to enter the MAP
environment. The release of CO2 and the ingestion of oxygen allows ethylene gas generated by the fruits or ethylene gas introduced to reach a proper level and become effective in ripening the fruits. An example of a CO2 releasing sack can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
7,189,666, Finnegan, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Further, a hormone can be released from the sachet to assist with delaying ripening and senesce. An example of one such hormone is SmarFresh marketed by AgroFresh Inc. This hormone is a synthetic produce quality enhancer based on 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). The 1-MCP's mode of action is via a preferential attachment to the ethylene receptor, thereby blocking the effects of both endogenous and exogenous ethylene. Another example is the use of a combination of 5-10% 02 and 0-5% CO2 gas released by the sachets can be useful for delaying senescence and for firmness retention in produce, such as oranges. U.S. Pat.
No. 6,017,849 and EP1237411 disclose incorporation of these gaseous cyclopropenes into a molecular encapsulation agent complex in order to stabilize their reactivity and thereby provide a convenient and safe means of storing, transporting, and applying or delivering the active compounds to plants, avoiding the problems presented by the unstable gases. For the most effective cyclopropene derivative disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,988, 1-methylcyclopropene ("1-MCP"), the preferred molecular encapsulation agent is a cyclodextrin, with alpha-cyclodextrin being the most preferred. The encapsulation of 1-MCP improves the stability of the product during transportation and storage by allowing the 1-MCP to be delivered in a powdered form and later activated by contacting the complex with gaseous or liquid water to release the 1-MCP gas. Thus, the application or delivery of these active compounds to plants is accomplished by simply adding water or humidity from within the container to the molecular encapsulation agent complex that is disposed within the sack or sachet of the present invention. All of the above patents referenced in this paragraph are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
Sachet containment tray 30 provides a hollow recess in which one or more sachets 28 may be placed. In general, sachet containment tray includes a rim 36, a floor 38 having a plurality of perforations 40. Rim 36 may be sized to interface with rim 22 of container 12 such that floor 38 is maintained in a position above floor 20.
When assembled before use, cartridge 16 includes at least one sachet 28 positioned in containment tray 30. Cover sachet label 26 covers sachet containment tray 30 and may be adhesively or otherwise coupled to sachet containment tray 30 to provide an air-tight seal. Sachet release label 32 is adhered to a bottom of sachet containment tray 30 such that perforations 40 are covered and the interior of cartridge 16 is not in fluid communication with the air outside the interior of sachet containment tray 30.
The configuration of cartridge 16 allows for a streamlined process of packaging goods. A
user or machine may fill container 12 with a desired product and removing sachet release label 32 by means of pulling a tab 42. Once sachet release label 32 is removed, the interior of sachet containment tray 30 is placed in fluid communication with the atmosphere external to cartridge 16 by way of perforations 40. When assembled with container 12 and lid 14, this places the hollow region of container 12 in which the goods have been placed in fluid communication with the interior of cartridge 16 where sachet 28 releases one or more agents. Lid 14 and container 12 provide a seal whereby a closed atmosphere is created and conditioned by the agent released by sachet 28.
Alternatively, other means of placing sachet 28 in fluid communication with the interior of container 12 may be utilized. These may include breakable seals, pre-scored perforations that may be broken, or the like. The design of cartridge 16 may be such that a packaging system with a container and lid may be reused with a new cartridge. This may be done to allow a container of goods to be re conditioned with a new cartridge without the need to replace container 12 and/or lid 14, or to permit cleaning and reuse of these components upon consumption of the goods.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a standard mason jar can be the basis of a MAP
container.
Container 112 may be a standard mason jar where lid portion 114 includes a ring 146 and canning lid 148. Container 112 includes a shoulder 150 that tapers the overall diameter to a standard opening neck 152 that includes threads 154. Ring 146 is used to secure lid 148 to neck 152 as is conventionally done with mason jars. Cartridge 116 may be adhered to an underside of lid 148.
Lid 148 includes a raised portion 156 along its perimeter which allows for a rubber seal 158 to be disposed within a corresponding recess along the underside of lid 148.
Cartridge 116 includes a sachet (not shown) disposed within sachet containment housing 130 which includes a floor 138 and perforations 140 that allow for fluid communication, namely air circulation, between the interior of housing 130 and its sachet and the surrounding air. Release label 132 may cover perforations 140 until it is necessary to assemble a MAP container in the same manner as release label 32 in the previous embodiment. This provides a single use lid that may be used in combination with reusable mason jars for purposes of allowing small scale users to rapidly assemble MAP containers for storage of goods.
As shown in FIG. 4, a cylindrical container with a removable lid may be provided. In some embodiments, the containers may be stackable for storage of larger quantities of goods. The lid may include raised portions to act as spacers permitting airflow around the containers. There can be an optional hole or port, which can be permanent and or removable such as a perforated opening that can be quickly removed.
On an underside of the lid may include bracket configured to removably retain a cartridge containing a sachet of an active agent. A lower side of the cartridge that is positioned distal to the lid when the cartridge is installed may include a plurality of perforations or be comprised of an air permeable material. This side may be covered with a cover label. When a container is loaded and ready for use the cover label may be removed to allow air movement between the interior of the cartridge where the active agent is held, and the interior of the container.
In some embodiments, the lid may be configured to allow air, gases or moisture (or any combination) to pass above the cartridge and pass through the hole or ported area.
In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to facilitate air circulation around the goods in the container. In such situations, a vented spacer may be positioned at the bottom of the container. The vented spacer may include a plurality of openings in a planar section that extends generally parallel to a bottom of the container. On an underside of the vented spacer, features may be provided to raise the planar section above the bottom of the container.
These features may be in the form of feet, projections, and/or protrusions configured to allow air circulation beneath the goods in the container. In some embodiments, the spacer may not include vents.
The embodiment of FIG. 4 provides a cylindrical container to have a sealable lid, which may incorporate some or all of the following:
1) Lid may or may not have raised portions. The raised portions allow passage of air between the lid and bottom of another cylinder container placed on top the cylinder lid 2) Optional, a passage way / hole which is covered by a lable or breathable material capable of controlling, regulating and or managing moisture or exchange of gasses or both 3) A mechanism to slide or attach a cartridge or dispensing unit. Cartridge or dispensing unit would contain substances or sachets which manage the interior atmosphere of the cylinder.
- Cartridge could be sealed with on pervious materials - Cartridge could have a cover label which changes colors, visbible without opening container 4) Inserted false bottom, which has feet to act as spacers. Bottom can have vents or be solid
Similarly, in an article by S. Y. Lee, M. Costello and D. H. Kang of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., 99164 dated September 2007 states the following: "Aqueous solutions of sodium hypochlorite or hypochlorous acid are typically used to sanitize fresh fruits and vegetables. However, pathogenic organisms occasionally survive aqueous sanitization in sufficient numbers to cause disease outbreaks.
Chlorine dioxide (C102) gas generated by a dry chemical sachet was tested against food borne pathogens on lettuce leaves. Lettuce leaves were inoculated with cocktail of three strains each of Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium and treated with C102 gas for 30 min, 1 h, and 3 h in a model gas cabinet at room temperature (22 2 C.).
After treatment, surviving cells, including injured cells, were enumerated on appropriate selective agar or using the overlay agar method, respectively. Total C102 generated by the gas packs was 4.3, 6.7, and 8.7 mg after 30 min, 1 h, and 3 h of treatment, respectively.
Inoculated lettuce leaves exposed to C102 gas for 30 min experienced a 3.4-log reduction in E. coli, a 4.3-log reduction in Salmonella Typhimurium, and a 5.0-log reduction in L. monocytogenes when compared with the control. After 1 hour, the three pathogens were reduced in number of CFU by 4.4, 5.3, and 5.2 log, respectively. After 3 h, the reductions were 6.9, 5.4, and 5.4 log, respectively. A similar pattern emerged when injured cells were enumerated. The C102 gas sachet was effective at killing pathogens on lettuce without deteriorating visual quality. Therefore, this product can be used during storage and transport of lettuce to improve its microbial safety." This type of agent is utilized in the sack in another exemplary embodiment made in accordance with the present invention.
Another example of a dry chemical sachet that may be employed in the at least one agent releasable sack or sachet is an oxygen absorber type packet. An oxygen absorber packet can be used to prolong the shelf life of food and retard the growth of oxygen using aerobic micro-organisms such as fungi. The presence of oxygen in the packaging of fresh fruits and produce supports the growth of micro-organisms and cause changes in color of the product. The presence of oxygen in the packaging also can cause rancid odors. Oxygen absorbers absorb oxygen and effectively reduce the aerobic environment and can be used to achieve a 0%
oxygen level within the packaging. Therefore, aerobic bacteria and fungi are less likely to grow in an oxygen depleted environment. An advantage of oxygen sachets versus vacuum packaging is that the food products are not crushed or squeezed, as some products are of high value or can be damage easily from the packaging. Another advantage is simplicity of use. Oxygen-absorbers are made in different formulations to match the water activity of different foods. Oxygen absorbers can be activated by the presence of humidity. An example of an oxygen absorber common in the art is a sachet of iron carbonate.
Still another example of a dry chemical sachet that may be employed in the at least one agent releasable sack or sachet is a carbon dioxide generating type packet.
One type of carbon dioxide generating sachet can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,235, by Boldt.
Further, it is anticipated by the present invention that products other than fresh fruits and vegetables will benefit from this invention. For instance, certain flowers or meat products that do not require a modified atmosphere package may be banned from being shipped into certain countries because of micro-organisms that may infest the flowers. The packaging system 10 of the present invention may be use to disperse an insecticide on such products, even though a MAP is not required, thus allowing a supplier access to more locations for his products.
In the present embodiment, the at least one agent releasable sack 40 is constructed using various paper and polymer combinations, which are filled with microspheres embedded with chemicals, anti-oxidants, herbs, spices and plant based materials. An example of an at least one agent releasable sack 40 can be found in U.S. Patent Application number 2008/0131395, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The at least one agent releasable sack 40, in various other exemplary embodiments includes a temperature controlled release valve. Particularly, one exemplary embodiment would include that sack lining being comprised of a material that acts as a valve at particular temperatures. As fresh fruits and produce are shipped, they are also refrigerated. As the produce nears the intended destination, the temperature of the environment of the device 10 may be warmed. At a preset temperature, the temperature release valve opens and a gas chosen by the user is released into the package 20. For example, an erogenous ethylene gas may be introduced through the release valve into the MAP environment. The introduction of ethylene gas will wake up the product and accelerate the ripening process. The ripening process of fresh fruits, bananas, avocados, kiwi, peppers, melons, pears, stone fruits, tomatoes, etc, which are stored or contained in MAP
environments, is generally suppressed by the presence of CO2, which further inhibits ripening. In order to ripen, CO2 must be exhaled from the package 20 and oxygen allowed to enter the MAP
environment. The release of CO2 and the ingestion of oxygen allows ethylene gas generated by the fruits or ethylene gas introduced to reach a proper level and become effective in ripening the fruits. An example of a CO2 releasing sack can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
7,189,666, Finnegan, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Further, a hormone can be released from the sachet to assist with delaying ripening and senesce. An example of one such hormone is SmarFresh marketed by AgroFresh Inc. This hormone is a synthetic produce quality enhancer based on 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). The 1-MCP's mode of action is via a preferential attachment to the ethylene receptor, thereby blocking the effects of both endogenous and exogenous ethylene. Another example is the use of a combination of 5-10% 02 and 0-5% CO2 gas released by the sachets can be useful for delaying senescence and for firmness retention in produce, such as oranges. U.S. Pat.
No. 6,017,849 and EP1237411 disclose incorporation of these gaseous cyclopropenes into a molecular encapsulation agent complex in order to stabilize their reactivity and thereby provide a convenient and safe means of storing, transporting, and applying or delivering the active compounds to plants, avoiding the problems presented by the unstable gases. For the most effective cyclopropene derivative disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,988, 1-methylcyclopropene ("1-MCP"), the preferred molecular encapsulation agent is a cyclodextrin, with alpha-cyclodextrin being the most preferred. The encapsulation of 1-MCP improves the stability of the product during transportation and storage by allowing the 1-MCP to be delivered in a powdered form and later activated by contacting the complex with gaseous or liquid water to release the 1-MCP gas. Thus, the application or delivery of these active compounds to plants is accomplished by simply adding water or humidity from within the container to the molecular encapsulation agent complex that is disposed within the sack or sachet of the present invention. All of the above patents referenced in this paragraph are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
Sachet containment tray 30 provides a hollow recess in which one or more sachets 28 may be placed. In general, sachet containment tray includes a rim 36, a floor 38 having a plurality of perforations 40. Rim 36 may be sized to interface with rim 22 of container 12 such that floor 38 is maintained in a position above floor 20.
When assembled before use, cartridge 16 includes at least one sachet 28 positioned in containment tray 30. Cover sachet label 26 covers sachet containment tray 30 and may be adhesively or otherwise coupled to sachet containment tray 30 to provide an air-tight seal. Sachet release label 32 is adhered to a bottom of sachet containment tray 30 such that perforations 40 are covered and the interior of cartridge 16 is not in fluid communication with the air outside the interior of sachet containment tray 30.
The configuration of cartridge 16 allows for a streamlined process of packaging goods. A
user or machine may fill container 12 with a desired product and removing sachet release label 32 by means of pulling a tab 42. Once sachet release label 32 is removed, the interior of sachet containment tray 30 is placed in fluid communication with the atmosphere external to cartridge 16 by way of perforations 40. When assembled with container 12 and lid 14, this places the hollow region of container 12 in which the goods have been placed in fluid communication with the interior of cartridge 16 where sachet 28 releases one or more agents. Lid 14 and container 12 provide a seal whereby a closed atmosphere is created and conditioned by the agent released by sachet 28.
Alternatively, other means of placing sachet 28 in fluid communication with the interior of container 12 may be utilized. These may include breakable seals, pre-scored perforations that may be broken, or the like. The design of cartridge 16 may be such that a packaging system with a container and lid may be reused with a new cartridge. This may be done to allow a container of goods to be re conditioned with a new cartridge without the need to replace container 12 and/or lid 14, or to permit cleaning and reuse of these components upon consumption of the goods.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a standard mason jar can be the basis of a MAP
container.
Container 112 may be a standard mason jar where lid portion 114 includes a ring 146 and canning lid 148. Container 112 includes a shoulder 150 that tapers the overall diameter to a standard opening neck 152 that includes threads 154. Ring 146 is used to secure lid 148 to neck 152 as is conventionally done with mason jars. Cartridge 116 may be adhered to an underside of lid 148.
Lid 148 includes a raised portion 156 along its perimeter which allows for a rubber seal 158 to be disposed within a corresponding recess along the underside of lid 148.
Cartridge 116 includes a sachet (not shown) disposed within sachet containment housing 130 which includes a floor 138 and perforations 140 that allow for fluid communication, namely air circulation, between the interior of housing 130 and its sachet and the surrounding air. Release label 132 may cover perforations 140 until it is necessary to assemble a MAP container in the same manner as release label 32 in the previous embodiment. This provides a single use lid that may be used in combination with reusable mason jars for purposes of allowing small scale users to rapidly assemble MAP containers for storage of goods.
As shown in FIG. 4, a cylindrical container with a removable lid may be provided. In some embodiments, the containers may be stackable for storage of larger quantities of goods. The lid may include raised portions to act as spacers permitting airflow around the containers. There can be an optional hole or port, which can be permanent and or removable such as a perforated opening that can be quickly removed.
On an underside of the lid may include bracket configured to removably retain a cartridge containing a sachet of an active agent. A lower side of the cartridge that is positioned distal to the lid when the cartridge is installed may include a plurality of perforations or be comprised of an air permeable material. This side may be covered with a cover label. When a container is loaded and ready for use the cover label may be removed to allow air movement between the interior of the cartridge where the active agent is held, and the interior of the container.
In some embodiments, the lid may be configured to allow air, gases or moisture (or any combination) to pass above the cartridge and pass through the hole or ported area.
In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to facilitate air circulation around the goods in the container. In such situations, a vented spacer may be positioned at the bottom of the container. The vented spacer may include a plurality of openings in a planar section that extends generally parallel to a bottom of the container. On an underside of the vented spacer, features may be provided to raise the planar section above the bottom of the container.
These features may be in the form of feet, projections, and/or protrusions configured to allow air circulation beneath the goods in the container. In some embodiments, the spacer may not include vents.
The embodiment of FIG. 4 provides a cylindrical container to have a sealable lid, which may incorporate some or all of the following:
1) Lid may or may not have raised portions. The raised portions allow passage of air between the lid and bottom of another cylinder container placed on top the cylinder lid 2) Optional, a passage way / hole which is covered by a lable or breathable material capable of controlling, regulating and or managing moisture or exchange of gasses or both 3) A mechanism to slide or attach a cartridge or dispensing unit. Cartridge or dispensing unit would contain substances or sachets which manage the interior atmosphere of the cylinder.
- Cartridge could be sealed with on pervious materials - Cartridge could have a cover label which changes colors, visbible without opening container 4) Inserted false bottom, which has feet to act as spacers. Bottom can have vents or be solid
Claims
1. A modified atmosphere container system comprising:
a container body for receiving a good;
a lid configured to seal the container body;
a cartridge defining an internal space;
an active agent disposed within the internal space of the cartridge.
a container body for receiving a good;
a lid configured to seal the container body;
a cartridge defining an internal space;
an active agent disposed within the internal space of the cartridge.
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TWI695799B (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2020-06-11 | 川本國際包裝有限公司 | Self-service dry food preservation packaging bag structure |
JP7462200B2 (en) * | 2019-04-26 | 2024-04-05 | 株式会社カネカ | Material for packaging fruits and vegetables, method for manufacturing material for packaging fruits and vegetables, packaged fruit and vegetables, and method for preserving freshness of fruits and vegetables |
CN112938190B (en) * | 2021-03-03 | 2022-10-18 | 贵州民族大学 | Kiwi fruit air conditioning preservation case |
US20220332483A1 (en) * | 2021-04-16 | 2022-10-20 | Tsang-Hung Hsu | Elastic stretchable lid capable of absorbing moisture |
CN115447915A (en) * | 2022-08-31 | 2022-12-09 | 苏州立人听力器材有限公司 | Inner wire spiral connection drying box for hearing aid |
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CN2069395U (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 1991-01-16 | 李秀芝 | Fresh-keeping beer bottle-top |
KR19980049963U (en) * | 1996-12-30 | 1998-10-07 | 김창호 | Dehumidification sealed container |
IL152399A0 (en) * | 2002-10-21 | 2003-05-29 | Yissum Res Dev Co | A method for obtaining a high aroma impact for multiple openings of a package, and a article produced using said method |
JP6059136B2 (en) * | 2010-04-19 | 2017-01-11 | フレッシュテック インコーポレイテッドFreshtec,Inc. | Adjusted atmosphere packaging processing |
KR101285817B1 (en) * | 2011-04-26 | 2013-07-12 | 주식회사 아이팩피앤디 | Packaging container with for casepreservative |
GB2513163A (en) * | 2013-04-18 | 2014-10-22 | British American Tobacco Co | Container |
US10220991B2 (en) * | 2015-01-12 | 2019-03-05 | Thomas R. Lutz | System and methods for de-oxygenation of a closed container |
-
2019
- 2019-03-25 US US17/040,940 patent/US20210016944A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-03-25 EP EP19771487.6A patent/EP3768607A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2019-03-25 CA CA3134818A patent/CA3134818A1/en active Pending
- 2019-03-25 MX MX2020009933A patent/MX2020009933A/en unknown
- 2019-03-25 WO PCT/US2019/023896 patent/WO2019183632A2/en unknown
-
2021
- 2021-08-25 US US17/412,039 patent/US20220073243A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20210016944A1 (en) | 2021-01-21 |
WO2019183632A3 (en) | 2020-10-15 |
MX2020009933A (en) | 2020-11-24 |
WO2019183632A2 (en) | 2019-09-26 |
EP3768607A4 (en) | 2022-01-19 |
US20220073243A1 (en) | 2022-03-10 |
EP3768607A2 (en) | 2021-01-27 |
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