FR2578512A1 - Cushion for the sealing of packages intended for packaging products releasing liquid and ensuring the separate retention of this liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

Cushion intended to line the bottoms of packages containing products releasing liquid. It allows the separation of the liquid released by the packaged products, the absorption of this liquid which penetrates into the cushion through perforations 5, the retention of this liquid by absorbent or gelling products 7. The spacers 6 housed in the cushion do not allow the syringe effect as a result of pressure, or the return of the gelled liquid into the packaged product. This invention is more particularly intended for packaging shellfish but is also applicable to other products.

Description

 The subject of the present invention is: an absorbent cushion, flexible or rigid, intended: for the separation, the final and complete fixing, of the liquid released by certain food or other products, the return to the packaged product of this liquid, whatever : the type, of packaging, the pressure exerted at the closing strapping, or the position of the packaging, even returned.

To date, we do not know any system or process ensuring the function of our absorbent cushion
Many products, including: shellfish, oysters, mussels, meadows, etc. - release large quantities of water. They are housed in generally wooden packaging, energetically encircled to avoid the opening of the shells so that they retain the maximum amount of water to prolong their survival, and therefore conservation.

 The leaktight cover allows gas and heat exchange (cold room or refrigerated truck).

 Despite an energetic strapping, the full packages are humid, because the shells release water.

Distribution channels require: to be able to deliver to their branches all products combined - without risk of contamination
However, shellfish, for example, release up to 20% of their weight of water.

 The packaging, in sealed units, is not suitable from a certain volume to be conditioned, even assuming that these packaging can be sealed.

 The products are bathed in the released liquid, a veritable culture broth produced by anerobic fermentation. So: poor conservation, and significant risks of toxicity.

 The invention described ensures better preservation of the products, hygiene requirements are respected, as well as consumer safety.

FIGURE 1
It represents a packaging 1 whatever the wood, plastic, or cardboard material, etc. This last material, cardboard, was not usable until today, humidity reduced its mechanical resistance and did not provided protection for handling and transport.

 The packaging is lined with waterproof plastic material 2 ~ in sheet form, economical or thermoformed system more expensive process.

 On the bottom, an absorbent cushion 3 is placed, this cushion can be produced using several techniques.

FIGURE 2
It represents the flexible absorbent cushion comprising a flexible, closed envelope, made of plastic 4, perforated on all of its faces, the diameter of the perforations 5, their number, are defined according to each product.

 The dimensions of the finished envelope are slightly higher than the dimensions of the bottom of the basic packaging, to obtain a bowl effect.

 The envelope is lined with rigid spacers 6, organically inert, resistant to humidity and of sufficient mechanical strength to prevent crushing and therefore the return of the liquid in the packaged product.

 These spacers 6 are distributed in the envelope allowing free movement throughout the surface.

 They can be made of full or hollow expanded polystyrene (weight advantage) or any other material. The shape and dimensions of the spacers will be determined according to the load to be supported.

 The free volume 12, the difference between the volume of the lens 4 and the volume of the spacers 6, will always be greater than the volume of the liquid to be fixed.

 A product 7 will be introduced into the envelope, absorbing and fixing the liquid.

 For example: synthetic polymer - crosslinked polyacrilamide - which transforms into a stable gel - from 200 to 700 times its weight of water depending on Ph.

 Open cell plastic foam or kieselguhr grains or other absorbent products.

 In the case of absorbent terracotta, the rigid spacers 6 can be reduced or even eliminated.

 The presence of rigid spacers 6 which are not contiguous, creates on the upper surface of the plastic sheet, undulations (cuvettes) which promote the penetration of the liquid into the envelope.

FIGURE 3
It represents a rigid absorbent cushion 8 made of Une0U gND urspièsas, made of plastic material: injected, thermoformed, or thermo-blown,
The edges are slightly raised to allow the bowl effect 9.

 The surface will be provided with ribs or bosses 10 to ensure sufficient mechanical strength in order to avoid crushing. The ribs or bosses will be designed to communicate to allow the free circulation of the liquid over the entire surface.

 The perforations ss1, will be made and determined by the nature and the volume of the liquid released.

 The free volume 12 will always be greater than the volume of liquid to be fixed.

 The absorbent and fixing products 7 will consist of the same elements as those described in FIG. 2 (lines 25 to 31).

Claims (2)

 1) Cushion intended to garnish the bottoms of packaging containing products releasing liquid.  packaging.  stacking and transport, or overturning or return  closing by energetic strapping, compression  fluid retention in the cushion) despite  in the packed product, keeps the useful volume  avoids 2! syringe effect so the return of the gel  - the compressive strength of the spacers  bant or gelling agent  - the fixation of this same liquid by absorbed product  - the penetration of the liquid into the cushion  packed up  - separation of the liquid released by the product  The cushion design allows  The free volume of the cushion, the material of the absorbent product, the perforations and spacers, will be determined according to the packaged product and the liquid released.  2) The choice of cushion will be determined by the process of  best suited and most economical manufacturing.