EP4341083A1 - Dispositif d'absorption d'humidité pour emballage alimentaire - Google Patents

Dispositif d'absorption d'humidité pour emballage alimentaire

Info

Publication number
EP4341083A1
EP4341083A1 EP22805742.8A EP22805742A EP4341083A1 EP 4341083 A1 EP4341083 A1 EP 4341083A1 EP 22805742 A EP22805742 A EP 22805742A EP 4341083 A1 EP4341083 A1 EP 4341083A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
attaching
moisture absorbing
food container
absorbing device
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
Application number
EP22805742.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
James NOMOTO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP4341083A1 publication Critical patent/EP4341083A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • 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
    • B65D81/267—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 in sheet form
    • 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
    • B65D81/264—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 liquids
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to a moisture absorbing device; and more particularly, to a moisture absorbing device configured for coupling to a food container; and more particularly to a moisture absorbing device configured for coupling to an inside surface of a food container, and a method of using the device to reduce the humidity and moisture inside of a food container containing food being transported inside the food container.
  • a moisture absorbing device for reducing moisture inside of a food container during use.
  • the device can comprise: a carrier layer having a bottom surface and a top surface separated from the bottom surface by a first spaced distance, wherein the first spaced distance defines a thickness of the carrier layer; and an absorbent layer having a bottom surface in continuous contact with the top surface of the carrier layer, and a top surface separated from the bottom surface by a second spaced distance, wherein the second spaced distance defines a thickness of the absorbent layer; and wherein the absorbent layer comprises a hydrogel composition.
  • the absorbent layer further comprises an adhesive.
  • the moisture absorbing device further comprises a ventilation layer having a bottom surface in non-continuous contact with the top surface of the absorbent layer and a top surface separated by a third spaced distance from the bottom surface.
  • the moisture absorbing device can further comprise an attaching layer having a bottom surface in non-continuous contact with the top surface of the ventilation layer and a top surface separated by a fourth spaced distance from the bottom surface, wherein the fourth spaced distance defines a thickness of the attaching layer; wherein the attaching layer comprises an adhesive material on the top surface for attaching the device to a surface of the food container.
  • the moisture absorbing device can further comprise a removable sheet covering the top surface of the attaching layer, wherein the adhesive material on the top surface is exposed upon removal of the removeable sheet.
  • the moisture absorbing device can further comprise a removeable liner covering the bottom surface of the carrier layer, wherein the bottom surface of the carrier layer is exposed to the moisture inside of the food container upon removal of the removeable liner.
  • the hydrogel composition can comprise a polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene, maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl ethers, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinylmorpholinone, or a salt thereof.
  • the hydrogel composition can comprise a polyacrylic acid or an alkali metal salt of a polyacrylic acid.
  • the hydrogel composition can comprise a polyvinyl alcohol or an alkali metal salt of a polyvinyl alcohol.
  • the hydrogel composition is present in an amount from about 5 to about 98 weight percent based on total weight of the absorbent layer.
  • the hydrogel composition can absorb at least 10 times its weight in moisture.
  • the ventilation layer comprises a fluted structure having a first plurality of open channels extending along the top surface of the absorbent layer.
  • the ventilation layer comprises a fluted structure having a first plurality of open channels extending along the top surface of the absorbent layer and a second plurality of open channels extending along the bottom surface of the attaching layer.
  • the ventilation layer is comprised of corrugated paper, paperboard, cardboard, and processed into a fluted, wavy, convoluted, accordion, or honeycomb design.
  • the carrier layer is comprised of a porous material, a fibrous textile, a non-woven fabric, a tight-weaved material, or a combination thereof; and wherein the carrier layer is configured to allow moisture-containing air from the food container to reach the absorbent layer.
  • the removable sheet is comprised of an acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive.
  • a method of reducing the moisture inside of a food container containing food is provided.
  • the food is cooked food having a temperature above room temperature.
  • the method comprises: adding the food to a first surface of the food container; attaching a moisture absorbing device to a second surface of the food container, the device comprising: a carrier layer having a bottom surface and a top surface separated from the bottom surface by a first spaced distance, wherein the first spaced distance defines a thickness of the carrier layer; and an absorbent layer having a bottom surface in continuous contact with the top surface of the carrier layer, and a top surface separated from the bottom surface by a second spaced distance, wherein the second spaced distance defines a thickness of the absorbent layer; wherein the absorbent layer comprises a hydrogel composition; and closing the food container.
  • the absorbent layer in the device of the method further comprises an adhesive; and the method comprises a roll-to-roll assembly of the device, including: providing the carrier layer, depositing the absorbent layer onto the top surface of the carrier layer; and adhering the top surface of the absorbent layer to an interior surface of a food container.
  • the device of the method further comprises a ventilation layer having a bottom surface in non-continuous contact with the top surface of the absorbent layer and a top surface separated by a third spaced distance from the bottom surface.
  • the device in the method further comprises: an attaching layer having a bottom surface in contact with the top surface of the ventilation layer and a top surface separated by a fourth spaced distance from the bottom surface, wherein the fourth spaced distance defines a thickness of the attaching layer; wherein the attaching layer comprises an adhesive material on the top surface for attaching the device to a surface of the food container; and a removable sheet covering the top surface of the attaching layer, wherein the adhesive material on the top surface is exposed upon removal of the removeable sheet.
  • the method further comprises, prior to attaching the moisture absorbing device to the second surface of the food container, removing the removable sheet from the attaching layer.
  • the device in the method further comprises a removeable liner covering the bottom surface of the carrier layer, wherein the bottom surface of the carrier layer is exposed to the moisture inside of the food container upon removal of the removeable liner.
  • the method further comprises, prior to closing the food container, removing the removeable liner from the carrier layer.
  • a method of preparing a moisture absorbing device comprising: a carrier layer having a bottom surface and a top surface separated from the bottom surface by a first spaced distance, wherein the first spaced distance defines a thickness of the carrier layer; and an absorbent layer having a bottom surface in continuous contact with the top surface of the carrier layer, and a top surface separated from the bottom surface by a second spaced distance, wherein the second spaced distance defines a thickness of the absorbent layer; and wherein the absorbent layer comprises a hydrogel composition.
  • the absorbent layer in the device of the method further comprises an adhesive; and the method comprises: a roll-to-roll assembly of the device, including: providing the carrier layer, depositing the absorbent layer onto the top surface of the carrier layer; and joining the top surface of the absorbent layer to an interior surface of a food container.
  • the device of the method further comprises a ventilation layer having a bottom surface in non-continuous contact with the top surface of the absorbent layer and a top surface separated by a third spaced distance from the bottom surface; and an attaching layer having a bottom surface in non-continuous contact with the top surface of the ventilation layer and an top surface separated by a fourth spaced distance from the bottom surface, wherein the fourth spaced distance defines a thickness of the attaching layer; wherein the attaching layer comprises an adhesive material on the top surface for attaching the device to a surface of the food container; and the method comprising a roll-to-roll assembly of the device, including: providing the carrier layer, depositing the absorbent layer onto the top surface of the carrier layer; adhering the bottom surface of the ventilation layer to the top surface of the absorbent layer; adhering the bottom surface of the attaching layer to the top surface of the ventilation layer; and adhering the top surface of the attaching layer to an interior surface of a food container.
  • FIG. l is a cross-sectional view of a moisture absorbing device, taken along the K-K’ line in FIG. 3, in accordance with embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the moisture absorbing device in FIG. 1 in a modified form
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the moisture absorbing device, in accordance with embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the moisture absorbing device in FIG. 3 after attachment to a food container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the moisture absorbing device in FIG. 4 after attachment to a food container.
  • a moisture absorbing device and method of using the device to reduce the moisture present inside of a food container are provided.
  • the device is configured to be attached to various food containers, including disposable food containers.
  • the disposable food containers can be paper, paperboard, corrugated fiberboard, plastic- or wax- coated paper, wood, thermoforming (plastics), molded pulp, chip board, or other materials.
  • Examples of disposable food containers include corrugated cardboard pizza boxes, foam (e.g., Styrofoam) clamshells, paperboard clamshells, insulated paper containers, or other existing food containers currently available for packaging food for delivery.
  • the disposable food container is produced using in-line machinery.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 is configured for coupling to the food container C.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 comprises a multilayer internal construction, in which adjacent layers of a plurality of layers are sequentially positioned, one on top of the next, such that the device extends from the bottom surface 104 to the top surface 126 of the device.
  • top surface refers to the surface of the moisture absorbing device 100 that is configured to contact and attach to the upper interior surface D of the food container C
  • the term “bottom surface” refers to the surface of the moisture absorbing device 100 that faces the lower interior surface B of the food container C and the food F.
  • the multilayer construction of the moisture absorbing device 100 includes the carrier layer 110 and the absorbent layer 115. In some embodiments, the multilayer construction of the moisture absorbing device 100 includes the carrier layer 110, the absorbent layer 115, and the ventilation layer 120. In some embodiments, the moisture absorbing device 100 includes further layers.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 can have any suitable three-dimensional shape, including, for example, shapes that are generally cuboid, rectangular cuboid, cylinder, hemisphere, prism, etc. In such embodiments, the moisture absorbing device 100 has a predetermined height H, as shown in FIG. 2. In this context, the term “generally” is used as a qualifier because certain portions of the device may not fit within the specific shape.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 comprises a generally cuboid or rectangular cuboid shape.
  • the carrier layer 110, the absorbent layer 115, and any additional layers have a complementary generally cuboid or rectangular cuboid shape
  • the ventilation layer 120 has a shape configured to fill a generally cuboid or rectangular cuboid void, as shown in FIGs 1 and 2.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 can have any suitable length L and width W.
  • the length and width are identical (e.g., square); in other embodiments, the length and width are different (e.g., rectangle).
  • the width extends laterally about the x-axis and the length extends longitudinally about the y-axis.
  • the height extends along the z-axis.
  • the cross-sectional views in FIGs. 1 and 2 show the width W.
  • the length L and width W can span from about 1 cm to about 50 cm, or from about 2 cm to about 40 cm, or from about 3 cm to about 30 cm, or from about 4 cm to about 20 cm, or from about 5 cm to about 10 cm, etc.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 has a substantially flat and planar shape so that it can be applied in a manner similar to how a label would be attached to a food container.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 can be rolled onto the food container C during a manufacturing step in, for example, a roll-to-roll fabrication process.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 has a predetermined height H, as shown in FIG. 2, but the height can span a short distance (e.g., 1-10 mm, including 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, etc.) and therefore appear to be a flat or coplanar device from certain perspectives.
  • the height H of the moisture absorbing device 100 along with the internal space of the food container, will determine the distance between food contained inside the food container and the moisture absorbing device 100.
  • the distance between the device and the food is preferably at least 1 cm, or in a range of between about 1 cm and about 10 cm, including any subranges, such as between about 2 cm and about 5 cm, etc.
  • a predetermined distance between the device and the food allows the moisture released from the food (e.g., steam) to be efficiently captured by the device.
  • the carrier layer 110 comprises a bottom surface 109 that faces the food F located on the lower interior surface B of the food container C, and a top surface 111 that faces the upper interior surface D of the food container C, as shown in FIGs. 1-5.
  • the carrier layer 110 provides a physical barrier between the absorbent layer 115 and the food F.
  • the carrier layer 110 separates the food F from the absorbent layer 115.
  • the carrier layer 110 is comprised of a material that can absorb one or more components of the absorbent layer 115, in addition to moisture present in the food container. In such embodiments, if one or more components in the absorbent layer 115 were to leak, the carrier layer 110 would absorb those components and prevent the same from contacting the food F.
  • the carrier layer 110 comprises a water vapor transmission rate that is efficient enough to permit the steam S emanating from the food F, as shown in FIG. 5, to penetrate through to the absorbent layer 115.
  • the carrier layer 110 comprises a porous material, a fibrous textile, a non-woven fabric, a tight-weaved material, or a combination thereof, which permits the steam S emanating from the food F to penetrate from the atmosphere inside the food container C to the absorbent layer 115.
  • the carrier layer 110 comprises a fibrous textile, non-woven fabric, tight weaved material, porous material, or a combination thereof.
  • the fibrous textile, non-woven fabric, and/or porous material comprises one or more vents, slots, and/or channels to assist in the flow of air from the container to the absorbent layer.
  • the carrier layer 110 comprises one or more vents, slots, and/or channels to assist in the flow of air from the container to the absorbent layer 115.
  • the carrier layer 110 comprises a top surface 111 that faces the absorbent layer 115. In some embodiments, the top surface 111 is in contact with a bottom surface 114 of the absorbent layer 115. In some embodiments, the carrier layer 110 serves as a base upon which the absorbent layer 115 may be carried, casted, and/or established on. In such embodiments, the absorbent layer 115 can be deposited on the carrier layer 110, which will carry the absorbent layer 115 during the manufacturing process. In such embodiments, the carrier layer 110 and the absorbent layer 115 are fused together through physical and/or chemical bonding. In some embodiments, the physical and/or chemical bonding is optionally facilitated, catalyzed, or created by an adhesive material.
  • the absorbent layer 115 is positioned between the carrier layer 110 and the ventilation layer 120.
  • the absorbent layer 115 comprises one or more materials or components that are capable of absorbing moisture, whether in a liquid or gas state, or in the form of a droplet, vapor, steam, etc.
  • the one or more absorbing materials can absorb the moisture by physical means, chemical means, or a combination thereof.
  • Suitable absorbent materials for the absorbent layer 115 include organic materials, such as fibrous materials and polymeric materials, and inorganic materials.
  • Organic fibrous materials include woody or non-woody pulp such as cotton, combined cotton, rayon, recycled paper, and pulp fluff.
  • Organic polymeric materials include superabsorbent materials.
  • a “superabsorbenf ’ material refers to a water-swellable, water-soluble organic or inorganic material capable, under favorable conditions, of absorbing at least about 10 times its weight, or at least about 20 times its weight, in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride.
  • Suitable organic superabsorbent materials include natural materials such as guar gum, agar, gelatin, collagen, pectin and the like, and synthetic materials, such as hydrogel polymers.
  • the absorbent layer 115 comprises a hydrogel composition that is capable of absorbing moisture, whether in a liquid or gas state, or in the form of a droplet, vapor, steam, etc.
  • the hydrogel composition can include, for example, one or more of the following: alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acids, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene, maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl ethers, cellulose, okara cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinylmorpholinone, and polymers and copolymers of vinyl sulfonic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyvinylpyrridine, and the like.
  • Suitable superabsorbent materials include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate, and isobutylene maleic anhydride polymers and mixtures thereof.
  • the hydrogel composition comprises polymers that are crosslinked to render the materials substantially water insoluble.
  • the crosslinking may be accomplished, for example, by irradiation or by covalent, ionic, van der Waals, or hydrogen bonding.
  • the superabsorbent materials may be in any form suitable for use in the absorbent layer 115, including, for example, particles, fibers, flakes, spheres, etc.
  • the absorbent layer 115 comprises the superabsorbent material in an amount from about 5 to about 98 weight percent based on total weight of the absorbent layer, whereby the stated range includes any intermediate endpoints and subranges (e.g., from about 10 to about 95 weight percent, about 15 to about 90 weight percent, about 20 to about 85 weight percent, etc.).
  • the absorbent layer 115 comprises a hydrogel composition that is stable enough to be dried during the manufacturing and/or assembly process for the moisture absorbing device 100.
  • the absorbent layer 115 or the moisture absorbing device 100 may be inserted into an oven to fully remove any moisture residing in the hydrogel, the absorbent layer 115, the carrier layer 110, and/or the ventilation layer 120.
  • the absorbent layer 115 further comprises one or more absorption enhancers that increase the rate of condensation (droplet formation) and/or moisture absorption in the absorbent layer 115 or in the superabsorbent hydrogel contained therein.
  • the absorption enhancer is a salt or salt mixture.
  • the salt is calcium chloride (CaCb) or the like.
  • the combination of the one or more absorbing materials and the absorption enhancer allows the device to absorb and hold substantially more moisture (e.g., water) than if the absorbent layer 115 were comprised only of a fabric or a similar textile-based absorbent material.
  • the absorbent layer 115 further comprises one or more adhesives configured to attach the moisture absorbing device 100 to an inside surface of a food container.
  • the adhesive can be a synthetic rubber-based or water-borne acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) material.
  • PSA pressure-sensitive adhesive
  • the adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive configured for application via a hot glue gun or the like. Existing hot-melt adhesives that can be utilized include, for example, tackifying resins, waxes, plasticizers, fugitive glues, etc.
  • absorbent layer 115 comprises a sheet that is removably attached to and configured to cover the top surface 116.
  • the removable sheet be any suitable material, whereby the suitability is based on its ability to be readily released from the absorbent layer 115 while allowing the absorbent layer 115 to maintain its ability to be attached to a food container.
  • the absorbent layer 115 comprises an adhesive or other fastening material that can facilitate the coupling of the moisture absorbing device 100 to a food container, but the removable sheet must be non-reactive and allow the absorbent layer 115 to maintain its adhesive and fastening properties.
  • the absorbent layer 115 includes a synthetic rubber-based or water-borne acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) material.
  • PSA pressure-sensitive adhesive
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 further comprises the ventilation layer 120.
  • the ventilation layer 120 is secured to the top surface 116 of the absorbent layer 115.
  • the ventilation layer 120 is in continuous contact with the top surface 116 of the absorbent layer 115.
  • the ventilation layer 120 is in non-continuous contact with the top surface 116 of the absorbent layer 115.
  • ventilation layer 120 comprises a fluted, wavy, convoluted, accordion, or honeycomb design that is designed to increase the exposed surface area of the top surface 116 of the absorbent layer 115.
  • the ventilation layer 120 comprises a fluted structure.
  • the fluted structure comprises a plurality of lower channels, including channels 119a, 119b, 119c, along the surface of top surface 116 of the absorbent layer 115.
  • the plurality of lower channels provides access to the absorbent layer 115, and therefore increases the surface area of the absorbent layer 115 that is exposed to water vapors during use of the moisture absorbing device 100.
  • the ventilation layer 120 can be comprised of any suitable material.
  • the ventilation layer 120 is corrugated paper, paperboard, cardboard, or a similar material that can be processed into a fluted, wavy, convoluted, accordion, or honeycomb design.
  • the ventilation layer 120 comprises a single layer of material, and in other embodiments, the ventilation layer 120 comprises a plurality of material layers.
  • Single face corrugated paper for example, generally comprises a medium layer that includes the three- dimensional design (fluted, wavy, etc.), and a liner material having flat surfaces attached to the same.
  • the medium layer of the corrugated paper can be utilized as the ventilation layer 120; i.e., without the liner layer.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 further comprises an attaching layer 125, as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2.
  • the attaching layer 125 comprises a top surface 126 and a bottom surface 124.
  • the attaching layer 125 is configured to attach the moisture absorbing device 100 to an inside surface of a food container.
  • the illustrations in FIGs. 4 and 5, for example, show the moisture absorbing device 100 attached to the upper surface D of the food container C.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 can be attached to the food container C using any suitable means, including physical attachment and/or chemical attachment.
  • physical attachment includes coupling the device to the container without an adhesive. For example, if the device has a rectangular shape, two or more corners thereof can be slid into slots present in a surface of the food container C.
  • the attaching layer 125 can be coupled to the ventilation layer 120.
  • the ventilation layer 120 is positioned between the absorbent layer 115 and the attaching layer 125.
  • the fluted structure of the ventilation layer 120 comprises a plurality of upper channels, including channels 121a, 121b, 121c, along the bottom surface 124 of the attaching layer 125.
  • the attaching layer 125 comprises a sheet that is removably attached to and configured to cover the top surface 126.
  • the removable sheet be any suitable material, whereby the suitability is based on its ability to be readily released from the attaching layer 125 while allowing the attaching layer 125 to maintain its ability to be attached to a food container.
  • the attaching layer 125 comprises an adhesive or other fastening material that can facilitate the coupling of the moisture absorbing device 100 to a food container, but the removable sheet must be non-reactive and allow the attaching layer 125 to maintain its adhesive and fastening properties.
  • the attaching layer 125 includes a synthetic rubber-based or water-borne acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) material.
  • the adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive configured for application via a hot glue gun or the like. Existing hot-melt adhesives that can be utilized include, for example, tackifying resins, waxes, plasticizers, fugitive glues, etc.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 further comprises a removable liner 105, as shown in FIG. 1, which is adhered to and covers the bottom surface 109 of the carrier layer 110.
  • FIG. 2 shows the moisture absorbing device 100 with the liner 105 removed and top surface 111 of the carrier layer 110 exposed.
  • the liner 105 is removed and the bottom surface 109 of the carrier layer 110 is exposed and accessible to any moisture (e.g., steam S) in the food container C, thus activating the moisture absorbing device 100.
  • the liner 105 can be any suitable material, whereby the suitability is based on its ability to be readily released from the carrier layer 110.
  • the moisture absorbing device described herein is configured to remove moisture from the inside space of a food container.
  • the function of absorbing moisture in this context must be initiated quickly and last for the amount of time that is typical for food delivery or take out, which ranges about from 5 to 60 minutes, or from about 10 to 45 minutes, or from about 15 to 30 minutes.
  • the moisture absorbing device functions by absorbing the moisture present in the atmosphere, which in turn results in more appetizing food (e.g., dried or fried hot foods).
  • the adjacent layers of the multilayer construction of the moisture absorbing device 100 can be assembled using any suitable method, including, for example, double-sided tape, glue or another liquid adhesive, or an aerosol adhesive.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 can be manufactured manually or mechanically.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 can be assembled in a roll-to-roll process.
  • the assembly of the moisture absorbing device 100 can be coupled to the manufacturing process of a food container.
  • the food container can be manufactured using mechanical systems and then sent to a machine that uses a roll-to-roll process to adhere the device to the food container.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 may be applied to a food container with or without adhesive.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 comprises an adhesive material to join the device to a food container.
  • the adhesive material is absent from the moisture absorbing device 100 and the process utilizes roll-to-roll machines that are configured to apply an adhesive layer to the device before joining it to a food container.
  • the moisture absorbing device 100 is joined to a food container without adhesive.
  • the device is joined to the food container mechanically.
  • the lid of the food container can include slits or tabs that are configured to receive the moisture absorbing device 100.
  • Example 1 A moisture absorbing device comprising an absorbent layer, a carrier layer, a ventilation layer, and an attaching layer, configured in a manner consistent with the device shown in FIG. 2.
  • the absorbent layer comprises a hydrogel composition and a calcium chloride absorption enhancer.
  • the hydrogel composition comprises an alkali metal salt of polyvinyl alcohol.
  • the carrier layer comprises a porous fabric upon which the absorbent layer is deposited on.
  • the device spans about 10 cm in length, about 5 cm in width, and about 3 mm in height.
  • the device was coupled to a first food container using adhesive contained on the top surface of the attaching layer.
  • the first food container included hot food, including French fries, that was purchased from a restaurant and then taken away.
  • a second food container containing the same food was also purchased from the restaurant for use as a control.
  • the second food container did not include the moisture absorbing device.
  • the food inside of the first and second food containers was stored for approximately 30 minutes and then tested.
  • the food contained in the first food container was deemed fresher and crispier than the food contained in the second food container.
  • the food in the second food container was somewhat soggy.
  • the food in the first food container was not soggy.
  • the food in the first food container was more appetizing due to the fresh and crispy nature of the food after the approximately 30 minutes of travel time.
  • Example 2 A moisture absorbing device comprising a carrier layer and an absorbent layer which is a modified version of the device shown in FIG. 2, whereby the modification includes the absence of the ventilation layer and the absence of the attaching layer.
  • the absorbent layer comprises a hydrogel composition and an adhesive material.
  • the combination of the hydrogel and the adhesive provides a dual functionality for the absorbent layer. More specifically, the hydrogel composition is capable of absorbing moisture from the atmosphere inside of a food container having food contained therein, and the adhesive is capable of attaching the device to the food container.
  • the top surface 116 of the adhesive layer 115 is joined directly to the inside surface D of the food container C.
  • ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
  • ranges disclosed herein encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

Un dispositif d'absorption d'humidité, un procédé de préparation du dispositif et un procédé de réduction de l'humidité à l'intérieur d'un récipient alimentaire avec le dispositif sont divulgués. Le dispositif peut comprendre une couche de support et une couche absorbante. La couche absorbante peut comprendre une composition d'hydrogel et, éventuellement, un adhésif. Le dispositif peut en outre comprendre une couche de ventilation. Le dispositif peut en outre comprendre une couche de fixation ayant un matériau adhésif sur une surface exposée pour fixer le dispositif au récipient alimentaire. Le procédé de préparation du dispositif peut comprendre un procédé d'assemblage rouleau à rouleau. Le procédé de réduction de l'humidité à l'intérieur d'un récipient alimentaire avec le dispositif peut comprendre l'ajout d'aliment à une première surface du récipient alimentaire, la fixation d'un dispositif d'absorption d'humidité à une seconde surface du récipient alimentaire et la fermeture du récipient alimentaire.
EP22805742.8A 2021-05-21 2022-05-23 Dispositif d'absorption d'humidité pour emballage alimentaire Pending EP4341083A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202163191876P 2021-05-21 2021-05-21
PCT/US2022/072513 WO2022246478A1 (fr) 2021-05-21 2022-05-23 Dispositif d'absorption d'humidité pour emballage alimentaire

Publications (1)

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EP4341083A1 true EP4341083A1 (fr) 2024-03-27

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US (1) US20220371808A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP4341083A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2024519380A (fr)
CN (1) CN117597230A (fr)
WO (1) WO2022246478A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0717579A (ja) * 1993-06-30 1995-01-20 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd 鮮度保持用シートおよびこれを使用した保存用容器
ATE547348T1 (de) * 2004-08-25 2012-03-15 Graphic Packaging Int Inc Absorbierende mikrowellen-interaktive verpackung
ZA200708142B (en) * 2005-02-21 2008-12-31 Vinay K Mehta Ventilation board, ventilation box, ventilation system, insulating board and method for manufacturing ventilation board and box
US20130056369A1 (en) * 2011-09-03 2013-03-07 Antoinette K. Jorgensen Hot food container moisture absorbent insert
US9744738B2 (en) * 2011-10-13 2017-08-29 Smart Packaging, LLC Embossed sheet and method of making and using same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2024519380A (ja) 2024-05-10
US20220371808A1 (en) 2022-11-24
WO2022246478A1 (fr) 2022-11-24
CN117597230A (zh) 2024-02-23

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