IL193533A - Liner mat for shelves and drawers - Google Patents

Description

0303 nu?pn Patent Application for: LINER MAT FOR SHELVES AND DRAWERS LINER MAT FOR SHELVES AND DRAWERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a liner mat for shelves and drawers that diminishes the spoilage and maintains the freshness of stored perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the course of storing perishable food items, particularly fruits and vegetables, the bottom portion of individual stored items tend to compress against the upwards facing surface of the storage space. The compression of the bottom portion of the product items, especially in the case of soft and ripe items, damages the outer most layers of the skin causing cellular dissolution. The cellular dissolution may cause an esthetical disfiguration as well as poor taste and accelerated spoilage of the effected items. The cellular dissolution causes the leakage of liquid with nutrients that serve as growth medium for fungi and bacteria. The microorganisms that proliferate in the medium "invade" the injured stored items and cause their decay. The cellular dissolution may start with a minor cellular dissolution and, depending on the surrounding, may rapidly develop to an advanced spoilage of the stored food items.

[0003] To remove the liquids with nutrients from the surfaces of stored and compressed produce items various food-product-supports with a draining ability grilllike surface have been introduced. Examples of such liquid-contact controlling grilllike surfaces are given in US 3,698,783 (Swett et al.) and US 3,915,532 (Ashton), where the surfaces are directed to the storage of food items in closed containers.

[0004] Cooling perishable stored food items in refrigerators is common particle to increase their perishing time period. The relatively cool conditions reduce the proliferation rate of microorganisms but do not arrest their metabolic activity. To efficiently utilize the storage benefit of cooling food items in a refrigerator, cold air derived from the compressor of the refrigerator has to readily come into contact with the stored food produce. In addition, as was previously mentioned, liquid with nutrients has to be removed from the vicinity of compressed and injured stored fruits and vegetables. An example of a refrigerator liner is given in: US 6,173,580 (Rosenburg) "Refrigerator crisper drawer liner for preventing the spoilage of produce stored in a refrigerator drawer". The main body of the drawer liner provides a generally upwardly facing produce-supporting-surface on which items of produce can be placed and has a plurality of openings formed therethrough which enable fluids and air to flow through the main body. The supporting surfaces engage liner supporting surfaces inside the crisper drawer so as to support the items of produce in spaced relation above the floor of the crisper drawer and allow fluids and air to flow along the floor of the drawer beneath the produce supporting body, thereby allowing fluids to drain away from the items of produce through the openings and allowing chilled air within the crisper drawer to flow beneath the items of produce and generally upwardly through the openings to provide circulation to lower portions of the produce.

[0005] The draw back of the drawer liner described in Rosenburg's patent is the use of a rigid grill-like upwardly facing surface with integrated rolling support structures which is cumbersome to maintain and difficult to keep clean. In addition, the support-feet of the liner hinder the full free movement of cold air.

[0006] To reduce spoilage, either in refrigerated or ambient conditions, grill-like surfaces structures as well as foams and fabrics of various kinds are typically used. These liners are inefficient in draining and concurrently hinder the free movement of air for drying leaked liquid with nutrients. The hindering of the free movement of air in refrigerating conditions reduces the storage efficiency of spoilable foods. Drying of the liquid reduces the risk of contamination by proliferating microorganisms as well as reduces the stench caused by the decay of some food items under decomposing conditions. In addition, at times sticky remnants from decomposing food items stick and remain on the liner and are difficult to wash and remove.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention describe the use of mono-filament knit fabrics for the use as surface liners for stored food produce. Both terms "filament" and "fibers" used in the text refer to a thread structure and are used interchangeably fromhere in after. The mono-filament knit fabrics, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, provide for efficient drainage of leaked fluids from damaged food produce and for the free movement of air beneath and in the immediate vicinity of 193533/version 2 3 contact location between the stored food produce and the liner upper surface. In addition, mono-filament knit fabrics liners are simple and easy to clean and do not rust or damage when in contact with liquids drained from produce.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a liner mat for storage of perishable food items comprising a three- dimensional knit in an initial configuration made of knitted polymeric fiber which substantially resumes the initial configuration after it is released from stretching or compressing forces.

[0010] Furthermore, the liner mat has a dimension which changes substantially more than other orthogonal dimensions of the liner mat, when subjected to stretching or compressing forces.

[0011] Furthermore, the polymeric fiber of the liner mat is made from material selected from a group of polymer compounds consisting Polyamide, Polyester, Polyurethane, Polyvinyl, Acryl, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, PEEK, and Polystyrene.

[0012] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the liner mat comprises mono-filament polymeric fibers.

[0013] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the liner mat comprises mono-filament fibers and multi-filament fibers.

[0014] Furthermore, the liner mat is provided with handles so as to facilitate the stretching of the liner mat.

[0015] Furthermore, the three-dimensional knitted liner mat comprises a top face and a bottom face with fibers connecting between the faces.

[0016] Furthermore, top face and bottom face of the liner mat comprise knitted loops that form substantially parallel rows or columns.

[0017] Furthermore, the knitted liner is cut so as to fit the area it is meant to cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a detailed isometric illustration of a ripped and leaking tomato placed on a 3D fabric liner mat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, placed on a support platform.

[0020] Fig. 2 is an isometric illustration of produce (shown are tomatoes and cucumbers) placed on a 3D fabric liner mat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and the liner mat placed over a support platform.

[0021] Fig. 3 is an isometric illustration of a typical produce storage drawer with a 3D fabric liner mat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, placed on the bottom surface of the drawer.

[0022] Fig. 4 is an isometric illustration of a stretched 3D fabric liner mat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in the process of being rinsed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The liner mat for shelves and drawers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are fabrics composed of knits made of mono-filament polymeric fibers. In other embodiments of the present invention knits fabrics are composed of both mono-filament and multi-filament fibers.

[0024] Liners in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are 3 dimensional knit fabrics (referred from herein after as "3D knits") structured with two faces of knitted loops having connecting filaments between the two faces and filaments intertwined in the space between the two faces. The close proximity of the looped filaments in the 3D knit in the two faces enables the support and maintenance of food produce such as fruits and vegetables on the upwards directed face of the filaments 193533/version 2 5 while allowing for the streaming of fluid-materials (air and leaked fluids) through the knit fabric.

[0025] The 3D knit liners are constructed with interlock knitted on alternate knitting needles, where the sequence of the knitting needles defines the distance between the faces of the knit (the width of the structure). The 3D knit is elastic, flexible and resilient, so that when it is subjected to crushing forces it may yield and when relieved from these forces it regains its original configuration. (0026] In the context of the present invention, of the three dimensions of the knit the X and Y dimensions indicate the width and length dimensions respectively, "two faces of knitted loops" refers to the two opposite flat-sides of the knit. The Z dimension indicates the thickness of the knit (see 25 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4).

[0027] The present invention refers to the core of the device disclosed in WO2006/033101 (Hascalovich P. and Tokarsky B.), which described the use of fibers produced from threads of high stiffness for textile cores and sandwich structures. The 3D textile in the mentioned patent application is preferably produced from anisotropic synthetic materials, which have a long range ordering in one preferred direction over other orthogonal directions. Non-limitative examples of fibers made from such materials include crystalline or semi-crystalline nylon 6,6, isotactic polypropylene, and HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), Polyester.

[0028] Despite the above, it is not to be construed that the present invention is limited in any way only to the use of amsotropically oriented materials for the fabrication of the 3D knit. Preferable construction materials may also be selected from the following list: Polyamide (e.g., PA 6), Polyester (e.g., PCT, PET, PTT), Polyurethane (e.g., PUR, EL, ED), Polyvinyl (e.g., CLF, PUDF, PVDC, PVAC), Acryl (PAN), Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, Polystyrene. PEEK Carbon, Basalt and similar materials may also be of use.

[0029] In embodiments of the present invention the choice of the mono-filament or multi filament polymers used and the knitting technology of the filaments are such that the produced 3D knit comprises knitted loops that form substantially parallel rows or columns. The" X-dimension" of the knit refers to the orthogonal dimension in which pulling the edges of the knit in opposite directions would result in substantial 193533/version 2 6 separation of the rows of loops with respect to one another ("stretching state" of the knit). The orthogonal direction in which no gaps or only relatively minor gaps are found between the rows of loops upon pulling of the edges is referred to as the "Y- dimension". On stretching the knit in either the X-dimension or Y-dimension the thickness of the knit, referred to as the orthogonal "Z-dimension" diminishes somewhat due to the stretching of the fibers, but the knit remains resilient and regains its original configuration when the pulling forces are stopped ("relaxed state" of the knit). The construction of the knit is demonstrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4.

[0030] The "stretching" and "relaxing" characteristics of the 3D knits described above have been utilized in WO2009004612 (Gavrieli and Hascalovich) titled "A method and a device for removing contaminants from fluid-material".

[0031] The choice of the type or mode of knitting, typically done by automatic industrial kitting machines, together with the choice of the composition of the filaments, predetermines the compaction of the fibers in the knit, thus the porosity, surface area and the specific weight of the knit can be engineered. The 3D knit comprises a single fiber or a plurality of fibers, depending on the engineering of the 3D knit.

[0032] The utilization of 3D fabric liners in accordance with the present invention for storing of produces, typically fruits and vegetables is done by placing a sheet of 3D fabric liner over a support platform. The support platform can be the upwards facing surface of a shelf or the upwards facing surface of the bottom of a drawer. The shelves and drawers can be in ambient surroundings as well as in temperature-controlled environments. Produce are placed on the upwards facing surface of the 3D fabric liner placed over the support platform.

[0033] The spaces and pores between the loops of the filaments in the surface of the face of the 3D fabric liner on which stored produce are places enables the drainage of liquids from fruits and vegetables that have had their skin injured or have become over- ripped. The removal of the liquids from direct contact with the produce substantially reduces the amount of nutrients and moisture readily available for spoilage-causing microorganisms. Drained liquids drip and enter the space between the two faces of the 3D fabric where they dry on the fibers or accumulate and pass through the spaces of the bottom face of 3D fabric liner and to the support platform if a substantial amount of liquid is discharged. Free air flow through the spaces between the fibers that connect the top and bottom sides of the 3D fabric liner and through the spaces between the loops in the upper side of fabric provides conditions for speedy drying of the drained liquids. In addition, the air flow dries the skin surface of leaking produce, thus reducing the spoilage microbiological metabolic activity and extending the shelf life of the produce.

[0034] The leaked and drained liquids from stored fruits and vegetables leave on the 3D fabric liner fibers an undesired concentrate-"patches" of previously dissolved substances such as organic compounds and minerals. The patches may be completely dried or moist; they can be unaesthetic and have a foul smell. In addition, spoilage microorganisms (typically fungi) may develop in leakage liquid droplets (when not completely dried) and produce spores that will affect stored produce not in direct contact with the leaked liquids.

[0035] To clean concentrate-patches from fibers of a 3D fabrics the stored produce are taken off the fabric and the fabric removed from the support platform. The fabric is stretched and concurrently rinsed with running water. The stretching motion of the fabric tears to fragments and flakes the dried crud that binds between fibers and enables their removal. To verify the removal of the remains of concentrate-patches and to eliminate especially stubborn patches, some scrubbing with a hard brush or cloth may be required.

[0036] Focus is now turned to the Figures:

[0037] Fig. 1 is a detailed isometric illustration of a ripped and leaking tomato 10 placed on a 3D fabric liner mat 20. The 3D fabric liner is illustrated placed on a support platform 12. Tomato 10 is shown with its skin injured 14 and liquid drops 16 with dissolved organic, inorganic minerals and minerals dripping from the tomato into and through 3D fabric liner 20. 3D fabric liner, shown in a relaxed state (as opposed to its stretched state illustrated in Fig. 4) is composed of two face-surfaces of knitted loops 19, an upwards facing face-surface 18 and downward facing face-surface 22. The two face-surfaces are connected by mono-fiber filaments 24 or, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, by both mono-fiber and multi-fiber filaments, 24 and 26, respectively. While the mono-fiber filaments bestow the resilient and stretchable characteristics to the 3D fabrics, the multi-fiber filaments act as "fillers" between the mono-fibers, thus reducing the spaces and passages in the volume between the two face-surfaces 18 and 22. Liquid drops 16 from the tomato 10 pass through surface face 18 and drip and smear on fibers 24 (or on fibers 24 and 26 in accordance with another embodiment) and accumulate in face-surface 22 and on platform 12. Air currents from the surroundings, indicated by arrows 28, flow freely throw passages between fibers 24 (or 24 and 26) between face-surfaces 18 and 22 and through face-surface 18. In the course of passing through the air currents dry the liquid drops and smears leaving "concentrate-patches", as was previously explained.

[0038] 3D knit fabric liner 20 in the Fig. 1 is illustrated with the knitted loops 19 forming face-surfaces 18 and 22 positioned in parallel and in closely adjacent rows. The length directional axis of the loop rows is referred to as the "Y-dimension" and the orthogonal, breadth direction axis of the parallel loop rows is referred to as the "X-dimension". The height direction axis that runs from face-surface 22 to face-surface 18, indicating the thickness of the 3D knit fabric, is referred to as the "Z-dimension". The arrangement of the axis relatively to the 3D fabric isometric illustration is drawn in coordinate-system 25 in the Fig.

[0039] Fig. 2 is an isometric illustration of products 30 (shown are tomatoes and cucumbers) placed on a 3D fabric liner mat 20, the liner mat placed over a support platform 12. Liner mat 20 is shown with the edges on both sides of the fabric along the Y-dimension (the significance of the dimensions is explained in Fig. 1) connected to two rigid handles, 32 and 34. Handles 32 and 34 are made of, but not limited to, either metal or plastic or wood or a combination of these or other rigid materials. The pulling in opposite directions of handles 32 and 34 induces 3D knit fabric 20 to change to a stretched-state, as is explained in detail in Fig. 4. In another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, 3D knit fabric 20 has exposed (neither covered nor coated) fabric edges on both sides and is without handles 32 and 34. By holding to the edges and pulling in opposite directions 3D knit fabric 20 is induced to change from a relaxed-state to a stretched-state. Support platform 12 in the Fig. is an illustration of a universal produce storage platform such as, but in no way limited to, a typical shelf in a domestic or commercial storage facility or a shelf in a refrigerator or a produce handling component in a produce-processing instillation. The fibers that comprise 3D knit fabric 20 can be cut by sharps objects such as scissors and sharp knifes while still maintaining the characteristics of the fabric. Cutting of 3D knit fabric sheets enables the size-adjustment of 3D knit fabric to fit and cover with desired precision support platforms.

[0040] Fig. 3 is an isometric illustration of a typical produce storage drawer 40 with a 3D fabric liner mat placed on the surface of the bottom of the drawer (the surface designated 42, not directly seen in the Fig.). Drawer 40 is an illustration of a typical produce storage drawer use in, but not limited to, refrigerators and in ambient temperature produce storage in domestic and commercial facilities. Produce storage drawers have various shapes and dimensions. To fit to the bottom surface 42 of a particular drawer a sheet of 3D knit fabric 20 needs to be cut into the appropriate shape.

[0041] Fig. 4 is an isometric illustration of a stretched 3D fabric liner mat 20 in the process of being rinsed. The arrangement of the axis relatively to the 3D fabric isometric illustration is drawn in coordinate-system 25 in the Fig.

[0042] 3D fabric liner 20 is illustrated in Fig. 1 in a relaxed state with "concentrate patches" of dried liquid drops material 16 from an injured vegetable (tomato 10) smeared and deposited on the fibers 24 (alternatively, 24 and 26) and on face-surfaces, 18 and 22. By pulling the edges of 3D knit fabric 20 in opposite directions along the X-dimension, illustrated in Fig. 4, a substantial separation of the rows of loops in respect to one another ("stretching state" of the knit) is obtained. The separation of the loops 19 occurs concurrently with a change in the configuration of connecting fibers 24 (alternatively 24 and 26). By pulling the edges along the Y-dimension only relatively minor gaps are formed between the rows of the loops. On stretching the knit in either the X-dimension or Y-dimension the thickness of the knit, the Z-dimension, only diminishes somewhat. The 3D knit fabric remains resilient and regains its original configuration when the pulling forces are stopped (retiming to a "relaxed state" of the knit). The switching in states between relaxed and stretched can be repeated very many times without losing the resilient characteristics of the 3D knit fabric.

[0043] By stretching the 3D knit fabric 20 the "concentrate-patches" of dried liquid drops 16 that are affected by the change in the spatial configuration are broken to flakes and are dislodged from the fibers. By passing a current of running water (indicated as arrows numbered 44) through the stretched 3D knit fabric flaked dried "concentrate-patches" 46 are removed from the fabric matrix. Remains of "concentrate-patches" that are not removed by the running water are efficiently removed by slight brushing and scrubbing of stretched 3D knit fabric.

[0044] It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

[0045] It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention. τ 193533/version2 11

Claims (6)

1. A liner mat for storage of perishable food items comprising a three-dimensional knit in an initial configuration made of knitted polymeric fiber which substantially resumes the initial configuration after it is released from stretching or compressing forces, wherein, said liner mat has a dimension which changes substantially more than other orthogonal dimensions of the liner mat, when subjected to stretching or compressing forces.

2. The liner mat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polymeric fiber is made from material selected from a group of polymer compounds consisting Polyamide, Polyester, Polyurethane, Polyvinyl, Acryl, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, PEEK, and Polystyrene.

3. The liner mat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liner mat comprises mono-filament polymeric fibers.

4. The liner mat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liner mat comprises mono-filament fibers and multi- filament fibers.

5. The three-dimensional knitted liner mat as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the liner mat comprises a top face and a bottom face with fibers connecting between the faces.

6. The top face and bottom face of the liner mat as claimed in claim 7, wherein the faces comprise knitted loops that form substantially parallel rows or columns.