US20220041366A1 - Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items - Google Patents

Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items Download PDF

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Publication number
US20220041366A1
US20220041366A1 US17/346,401 US202117346401A US2022041366A1 US 20220041366 A1 US20220041366 A1 US 20220041366A1 US 202117346401 A US202117346401 A US 202117346401A US 2022041366 A1 US2022041366 A1 US 2022041366A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
food items
container
container according
item
items
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US17/346,401
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English (en)
Inventor
Jared Cannon
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.)
Sapor Food Group Inc
Original Assignee
Sapor Food Group Inc
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 Sapor Food Group Inc filed Critical Sapor Food Group Inc
Priority to US17/346,401 priority Critical patent/US20220041366A1/en
Assigned to Sapor Food Group, Inc. reassignment Sapor Food Group, Inc. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CANNON, Jared
Priority to EP21183064.1A priority patent/EP3950529A1/de
Priority to EP23196533.6A priority patent/EP4269273A3/de
Priority to CA3127058A priority patent/CA3127058A1/en
Publication of US20220041366A1 publication Critical patent/US20220041366A1/en
Priority to US18/311,019 priority patent/US20230303304A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B65D81/18—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
    • 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
    • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
    • B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
    • 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
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • 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
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/08—Materials, e.g. different materials, enclosed in separate compartments formed during filling of a single 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
    • B65D81/32—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 for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • 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
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
    • B65D2251/0093—Membrane

Definitions

  • This invention relates to packaged, fresh, ready to eat foods.
  • the invention concerns a cylindrical container for holding food items.
  • the container comprises a cylindrical sidewall surrounding a central space for receiving the food items.
  • the sidewall defines an opening at a first end.
  • a bottom is attached to a second end of the sidewall opposite to the first end.
  • a gas permeable membrane covers the opening and is attached to the sidewall to promote and extend freshness and edible life of the food items.
  • a lid covers the membrane and is removably attached to the sidewall.
  • the sidewall is cylindrical and the opening has a diameter equal to or less than 3.75 inches in diameter.
  • food items within the container may be primarily comprised of fresh, ready to eat vegetables and lettuces.
  • the food items may be primarily comprised of fresh, ready to eat fruits.
  • one or more inert gases are contained within the central space of the container.
  • the inert gases may include carbon dioxide or nitrogen or combinations thereof. Further by way of example, the gases may comprise residual oxygen contained within the central space.
  • the inert gases comprise carbon dioxide over a range from 0% to 40% by volume.
  • the inert gases comprise nitrogen over a range from 60% to 100% by volume.
  • the gases may have a gas content from 0.5% to 20% oxygen by volume.
  • the inert gases may comprise 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen by volume.
  • the gas permeable membrane has a permeability such that equilibrium between the central space and the ambient is achieved within 48 hours of sealing the membrane to the container.
  • the gas permeable membrane may have a permeability such that the ready to eat food items maintain freshness from 30% to 40% longer than comparable packaged ready to eat food items.
  • the gas permeable membrane has a permeability such that the food items maintain freshness for at least 10 days.
  • FIG. 1 is an isometric view of example packaged ready to eat food items according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is an isometric view of example packaged ready to eat food items with the lid removed from the container;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of example packaged ready to eat food items according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of preparing a packaged salad according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example embodiment of packaged, fresh food items, in this example a salad 10 according to the invention. It is understood that the invention is not limited to salads, but is applicable to a wide range of food items, salads being used herein by way of example.
  • the example packaged salad 10 comprises a container 12 and a plurality of food items 14 positioned within a central space defined by the container.
  • the food items primarily comprise fresh, ready to eat vegetables and lettuces as well as fresh, ready to eat fruits.
  • the plurality of food items 14 includes at least a salad dressing 16 positioned lowermost in the container 12 and a lettuce item 18 positioned uppermost in the container.
  • the container 12 comprises a gas impermeable sidewall 20 and a bottom 22 . It is advantageous to form container 12 from a food grade polymer resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which is resistant to breaking and can withstand repeated washings and sanitizing processes to allow reuse of the container.
  • Sidewall 20 defines an opening 24 ( FIG. 2 ) oppositely disposed from the bottom. It is thought advantageous that the sidewall be cylindrical and the opening be equal to or less than 3.75 inches in diameter.
  • a membrane 26 is attached to the container overlying and enclosing the opening 24 .
  • the membrane comprises a gas permeable barrier film used in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and may be formed of materials such as low density polyethylene, polyvinylchloride and polypropylene. Barrier films are appropriate because they can provide decreased permeability to moisture and oxygen and thereby preserve an atmosphere within the container 12 which delays oxidation and inhibits the growth of aerobic spoilage organisms when used with gas flushing techniques associated with modified atmosphere packaging.
  • Membrane 26 advantageously has a permeability such that equilibrium between the central space of the container and the ambient is achieved within 48 hours of sealing the membrane to the container 12 . Furthermore, the membrane's permeability is such that the food items maintain freshness form 30% to 40% longer than comparable packaged food items, such that the food items within the container maintain freshness for at least 10 days.
  • an atmosphere of one or more gases is established within the container by drawing a partial vacuum within the container and then flushing the container with the gas or gases, which may be, for example, relatively inert gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen and combinations thereof. Residual oxygen may also be within the container 12 .
  • Practical atmospheres within the container may comprise carbon dioxide over a range from 0%-40%, nitrogen over a range from 60%-100%, and oxygen over a range from 0.5%-20%.
  • the atmosphere within the container 12 may comprise 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen. (All ranges are specified as a volume percentage.)
  • a partial vacuum in a range between about 500 to 975 millibars below standard atmospheric pressure is established within the container (with about ⁇ 600 millibars being thought advantageous).
  • the container is then flushed with a gas or a mixture of gases comprising about 0% to 40% by volume carbon dioxide and about 60% to 100% by volume nitrogen, with about 30% carbon dioxide and about 70% nitrogen by volume being thought advantageous.
  • the gas flush is conducted at a pressure ranging from about 800 to 1013 millibars below standard atmospheric pressure, with about ⁇ 950 millibars being thought advantageous.
  • the container 12 is then sealed with the membrane 26 with the gas atmosphere within the container at the sub-atmospheric pressure.
  • the gas pressure within the container after the container is sealed comprises oxygen over a range from about 5% to 10% by volume, carbon dioxide over a range of about 5% to 40% by volume and nitrogen over a range of about 67% to 95% by volume. Specific gas content of 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen by volume is thought to be advantageous.
  • the packaged salad 10 may further comprise a lid 28 removably attached to the container overlying the opening 24 and protecting the membrane 26 .
  • container 12 comprises a jar wherein opening 24 has substantially the same diameter as the bottom 22 .
  • Other types of containers are of course feasible.
  • the food items comprising the packaged salad 10 are further protected from spoilage by the order in which they are positioned within the container 12 .
  • the dressing 16 be positioned lowermost within contain 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 .
  • a pickled vegetable item 30 may be positioned above the dressing 16 .
  • a grain food item 32 and/or a pasta food item 34 may be positioned above the pickled vegetable item 30 .
  • a raw vegetable item 36 and/or a cooked vegetable item 38 may be positioned.
  • a protein item 40 may be positioned above the cooked/raw vegetable layers 36 and 38 followed by a cheese item 42 positioned beneath the lettuce item 18 which occupies the uppermost position within the container 12 .
  • lettuce item as used herein is meant to cover a broad range of plant items including leaf lettuce, Romaine, Iceberg, Boston, Bibb, kale, arugula, spinach, radicchio, endive and Frisee' as well as various cabbages such as green cabbage, Savoy, red cabbage, Napa, Bok Choi and Brussels Sprouts to cite some examples.
  • the invention also encompasses a method of preparing a packaged salad.
  • a method of preparing a packaged salad is shown in FIG. 4 and may comprise:
  • the one or more gases may comprise nitrogen, carbon dioxide and combinations thereof.
  • the membrane may be a gas permeable membrane.
  • the partial vacuum drawn within the container may be from about 500-975 millibars below standard atmospheric pressure, with about ⁇ 600 millibars thought advantageous.
  • the gas flush is conducted at a pressure below standard atmospheric over a range of about 800-1013 millibars, with a pressure of about ⁇ 950 millibars being thought advantageous.
  • the gas flush may comprise carbon dioxide over arrange from about 0% to 40% by volume, and nitrogen over a range from about 60% to 100% by volume. A gas flush mixture of about 30% carbon dioxide and about 70% nitrogen by volume is thought advantageous.
  • the gas content of the container may range from about 5% to 10% oxygen by volume, about 5% to 40% carbon dioxide by volume, and about 60% to 95% nitrogen by volume.
  • a gas content of 5% oxygen, 18% carbon dioxide and 77% nitrogen by volume is thought to be advantageous.
  • An example method according to the invention may further comprise positioning one or more additional food items within the container between the salad dressing and the lettuce item.
  • the additional food items may comprise a pickled vegetable item, a cooked vegetable item, a raw vegetable item, a grain item, a pasta item, a cheese item, a protein item and combinations thereof.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates that a method may also include:
  • packaged salads 10 according to the invention will provide appetizing meals which, under constant refrigeration, will last for at least 10 days without the formation of undesirable levels of bacteria or significant change in appearance of the contents. Furthermore, the packaging of the container contents, complete and without any intervening packaging or structure internal to the container is expected to contribute to the convenience of use, as preparation of the salad merely requires that the jar be shaken before opening to properly intermingle the contents.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
  • Storage Of Fruits Or Vegetables (AREA)
US17/346,401 2020-08-06 2021-06-14 Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items Abandoned US20220041366A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/346,401 US20220041366A1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-06-14 Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items
EP21183064.1A EP3950529A1 (de) 2020-08-06 2021-07-01 Verpackte, verzehrbereite frische lebensmittel und verfahren zum verpacken von frischen, verzehrbereiten lebensmitteln
EP23196533.6A EP4269273A3 (de) 2020-08-06 2021-07-01 Verpackte salat
CA3127058A CA3127058A1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-08-04 Packaged ready to eat fresh food items and method of packaging fresh ready to eat food items
US18/311,019 US20230303304A1 (en) 2020-08-06 2023-05-02 Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202063061957P 2020-08-06 2020-08-06
US17/346,401 US20220041366A1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-06-14 Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US18/311,019 Continuation US20230303304A1 (en) 2020-08-06 2023-05-02 Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20220041366A1 true US20220041366A1 (en) 2022-02-10

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Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US17/346,401 Abandoned US20220041366A1 (en) 2020-08-06 2021-06-14 Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items
US18/311,019 Pending US20230303304A1 (en) 2020-08-06 2023-05-02 Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US18/311,019 Pending US20230303304A1 (en) 2020-08-06 2023-05-02 Packaged Ready to Eat Fresh Food Items and Method of Packaging Fresh Ready to Eat Food Items

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US (2) US20220041366A1 (de)
EP (2) EP4269273A3 (de)
CA (1) CA3127058A1 (de)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040151812A1 (en) * 2003-01-28 2004-08-05 Chiquita Brands, Inc. Method of preserving fresh perishables
US20190322415A1 (en) * 2003-09-23 2019-10-24 Gerry Gersovitz Multi-compartment container

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5692634A (en) * 1993-11-22 1997-12-02 Weirton Steel Corporation Rigid packaging using gas-permeable membrane
US5730311A (en) * 1995-11-13 1998-03-24 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Controlled atmosphere package
US6245368B1 (en) * 1998-03-20 2001-06-12 Made-Rite Sandwich Company Of Chattanooga, Inc. Pre-assembled sandwich bulk packaging and method of sale
EP1084058A2 (de) * 1998-06-04 2001-03-21 Restaurant Technology , Inc. Zufuhrsystem für individuelle nahrungsportionen,sowie der behälter und das verfahren
US20050147718A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2005-07-07 David Watzke Food container barrier
US20040200844A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-10-14 David Watzke Dual chamber salad container
US20070059406A1 (en) * 2005-09-14 2007-03-15 Gourmet Kitchens, Inc. Food package having separate gas atmospheres

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040151812A1 (en) * 2003-01-28 2004-08-05 Chiquita Brands, Inc. Method of preserving fresh perishables
US20190322415A1 (en) * 2003-09-23 2019-10-24 Gerry Gersovitz Multi-compartment container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3950529A1 (de) 2022-02-09
CA3127058A1 (en) 2022-02-06
EP4269273A2 (de) 2023-11-01
EP4269273A3 (de) 2024-02-21
US20230303304A1 (en) 2023-09-28

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Owner name: SAPOR FOOD GROUP, INC., PENNSYLVANIA

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