WO2016063290A1

WO2016063290A1 - Flexible package for packing individual fruit or vegetable

Info

Publication number: WO2016063290A1
Application number: PCT/IN2015/000365
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ashok Chaturvedi
Original assignee: Ashok Chaturvedi
Priority date: 2014-10-21
Filing date: 2015-09-21
Publication date: 2016-04-28

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flexible package for packaging an individual fruit or a vegetable. The package comprises a pair of opposite panels configured to form a receptacle. The package includes at least one open end for receiving the individual fruit or the vegetable. The package further includes a number of apertures provided on at least one panel / gusset. The apertures are configured to provide a modified atmosphere for the controlled breathing of the individual fruit or the vegetable packed within the package to enhance shelf life.

Description

FLEXIBLE PACKAGE FOR PACKING INDIVIDUAL FRUIT OR VEGETABLE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, in general, to flexible packaging for fruits and vegetables and, in particular, to packaging for individual fruit or vegetable using modified atmosphere packaging.

Background of the Invention

Preservation and packaging of fruits and vegetables has been a field of research for years, due to the damage caused while transporting and exporting them to various places. To meet the increasing demand of fruits and vegetables by both consumers and retailers inside and outside a country, fruits and vegetables suppliers need to transport and deliver packaged fruits and vegetables that remain fresh for a long time. Many a times, these fruits and vegetables need to be preserved for up to a few days or weeks or even longer. In addition to providing long shelf life of these fruits and vegetables, suppliers also need to ensure that the packaged fruits and vegetables are safe from physical damage.

One common method for packaging the fruits and the vegetables is modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). MAP is a method of packaging fruits and vegetables in a container having a modified atmosphere, such as controlled amount of air, oxygen, etc., to reduce respiration of the fruits and the vegetables contained therein. The reduced respiration decreases ripening, retards spread of pathogens, inhibit toughening and undesirable change in color etc., of the fruits and the vegetables.

Conventionally, these fruits and vegetables are packaged in bulk within a single container which provides modified atmosphere packaging. However, when the fruits and vegetables are packed in bulk, there is a high risk of damage as they hit and rub against each other within the container. Therefore, transporting these fruits and vegetables to longer distances becomes unfeasible. Also, when the container is opened or cut to take out one or two or a few of the packaged fruits and vegetables inside it, then for the remaining ones within the container, the MAP doesn't work anymore. Hence, the remaining fruits and vegetables start perishing faster. Further, when one fruit within the package is over ripened or pathogen affected, then due to the growth of the micro organisms, bacteria and/or the l pathogens within the package, all other fruits and vegetables within that package also get affected.

Therefore, there exists a need for an improved packaging solution for perishable food articles, such as fruits and vegetables which provides safe packaging, transportation and storage of the fruits and the vegetables.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, a flexible package for packing an individual fruit or vegetable is provided. The flexible package includes a pair of opposite panels configured to form a receptacle having at least one open end for receiving the individual fruit or the vegetable. Further, the flexible package includes a number of apertures provided on at least one of the panels. The apertures are configured to provide a modified atmosphere for the individual fruit or the vegetable packed within the flexible package. The apertures are of predefined number, size and are provided at predefined locations on the package.

In one more aspect of the present invention, the pair of opposite panels is formed from two separate webs.

In a still another embodiment, the pair of opposite panels is formed from a single web.

In an further embodiment of the present invention, the pair of opposite panels is configured by way of sealing one or more predetermined side(s) of one or more web(s) leaving at least one end open on the flexible package.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the pair of panels is sealed by way of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, laser sealing, adhesive sealing or a combination thereof.

According to a still further embodiment, each of the panels are provided with a sealable material on respective inner surfaces facing each other and configured to be sealed to form a sealed portion to retain the individual fruit or vegetable within the flexible package. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the package includes one or more gussets configured to attach the pair of opposite panels so as to leave at least one open end.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the one or more gussets include one or more of side gussets, bottom gusset, top gusset, or a combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more gussets are formed from one or more gusset web(s) such that edges of the said gusset webs are sealed with the edges of the web(s) of the panels to form the flexible package.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of panels and the one or more gussets are formed from a single web sealed by sealing side edges of the web to form the flexible package.

According to a yet another embodiment of the present invention, one panel of the pair of opposite panels and the one or more gussets are formed from a single web and a separate web is used to form the second panel of the pair of panels, and wherein the edges of both the webs are sealed to form the flexible package.

According to a further embodiment, the apertures are of predetermined shape and size and are provided in predetermined numbers.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the apertures are provided on at least one of the panels or on one or more gussets or in combination thereof.

In a still further embodiment of the present invention, the apertures are provided at predetermined locations on the flexible package.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The advantages and features of the present invention shall be better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate an exemplary flexible package for packing an individual fruit or vegetable, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method of forming a package for packing an individual fruit or vegetable, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG.3 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method of forming a package and filling an individual fruit or vegetable, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description of the Invention

For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description in connection with the above-mentioned drawings. Although the present invention is described with reference to exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Further, it will nevertheless be understood that no limitation in the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the figures and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, reference herein to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the appearances of such phrase at various places herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The present invention provides a flexible package for packaging individual fruit or vegetable offering Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate an exemplary flexible package (100), hereinafter referred to as the package (100), for packing an individual fruit or vegetable (102), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The package (100) facilitates transportation of the fruits and the vegetables (102) to longer distances and also increases their shelf life.

Examples of the fruits that may be packaged in the package (100) may include mango, apple, orange, guava, banana, pineapple, and the likes. Further, the vegetables that may be packaged in the package (100) may include cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, bottle gourd, capsicum, and the likes. It may be contemplated that any type of fruits and vegetables that are capable of being stored individually may be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For the purpose of explanation, the term "individual" refers to an indivisible entity, i.e., the fruit or the vegetable, and is not to be considered in a limiting manner.

In various exemplary embodiments, the package (100) may be made by using various kind of films, laminate structures, single layer substrate, including but not limited to, multi-layer paper laminate, paper-Aluminum laminate, polymeric laminate, single or multilayer polymeric films, laminates of metal foil, fibrous substrate, etc.

Examples of fibrous substrate may include a natural fibre substrate like paper (coated or uncoated), paperboard, non-woven, woven substrate of synthetic fibres and tapes.

Further, examples of single or multilayer polymeric films may include one of or combination of Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) film, Biaxially- Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) film, Poly Carbonate (PC), Cast Polypropylene (CPP) film, Polytetrafluoroethylene, Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), Polyamide (PA), Acrylic (Polymethyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or any other polymer.

Examples of metal foil, besides standalone foil, may include metalized layer of Aluminium, Aluminium Oxide, zinc sulphide, Silicon Oxide, Silver, Gold, Copper, Chrome, silicon monoxide, silicon dioxide, magnesium fluoride, titanium dioxide, tin tungsten oxide and indium tin oxide or any other suitable metal over another substrate layer.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the package (100) comprises a pair of opposite panels, such as a first panel (104) and a second panel (106) configured to define a receptacle (108) having at least one open side. In an exemplary embodiment, the package (100) may be formed by using two webs sealed at a first, second and a third side (110, 112, 114) respectively, to form the receptacle (108). In this case, the two webs form the first and the second panel (104, 106) respectively. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the package (100) may be formed by using a single web which is folded and ends across the width of the web are sealed and another sealing is done perpendicular to the sealed width leaving the other end open to form the receptacle (108) having one open side. In this case, the single web itself forms the first and the second panel (104, 106). The web(s) may be sealed to form the panels, by way of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, laser sealing, adhesive sealing, etc., or a combination thereof. It may be contemplated that any type of flexible packages, such as packages having two side gussets, three side gussets, four side gussets, reclosable zipper packages, slider zipper packages, etc., may be considered within the scope of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more gussets may be formed from one or more gusset web(s) provided separately. For example, edges of the gusset webs are sealed with edges of the one or more web(s) of the panels (104, 106) to form the package (100). In an alternative embodiment, the pair of panels (104, 106) and the one or more gussets are formed from a single web and sealed by sealing side edges of the web of the panels (104, 06) to form the package (100). In a yet another embodiment of the present invention, one panel (104) of the said pair of opposite panels (104, 106) and the one or more gussets are formed from one web and a second web is used to form the second panel (106). Further, edges of both the first and the second webs are sealed to form the package (100).

Further, the package (100) includes a number of apertures (116). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apertures (116) are provided on either of the first and the second panel (104, 106), or on both. In an alternative embodiment, the apertures (116) may be provided on any of the side gussets (not shown) of the package (100) for the sake of simplicity in manufacturing the package (100). It may be contemplated that the apertures (116) may be provided on a combination of the side gussets and/or the panels of the package (100). The apertures (116) are configured to provide a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of the individual fruit or the vegetable (102). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the number and size of the apertures (116) may be predetermined based on the individual fruit or the vegetable (102) to be packaged. More specifically, the number and the size of the apertures (116) may be selected based on the estimated requirement of exchange of oxygen and other gases as per the respiration properties of specific fruit or the vegetable (102).

The modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) facilitates controlled respiration of the individual fruit or the vegetable (102) within the package (100). Typically, fruits and vegetables have specific respiration cycle, which may be measured using any methods and techniques known in the art. For example, the respiration cycles of the fruits and the vegetables may be measured manually or automatically. The measured respiration cycles of these fruits and vegetables may provide a desired rate of exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases and moisture for that fruit or vegetable for packing the fruit or the vegetable within the package (100). Based on the measured respiration cycles and the desired rate of exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide and moisture, for the specific fruit or vegetable, the number of apertures (116) and/or the size of the apertures (116) may be selected for the package (100) made for packaging that specific fruit or vegetable. For example, the number and size of the apertures (116) for a package (100) made for packing of a mango and a package (100) made for packing of a cauliflower may be different. In various exemplary embodiments, the apertures (116) may be made by using Laser beam or mechanically using perforation or die punch, etc.

In a further embodiment, the package (100) may include the apertures (116) at predefined locations. The location of the apertures (116) on the package (100) may be selected based on a condition that the apertures (116) are not blocked by the surface of the specific fruit or the vegetable (102) to be packed within the package (100). In an exemplary embodiment, the package (100) includes at least one open end, such as a top end (118) to facilitate receiving of the fruit or the vegetable (102) within the receptacle (108) of the package (100). Further, the open end or the top end (1 8) may be sealed by sealing at the sealable portion (120) provided on edges of the first and the second panel (104, 106) towards the open end (118). The sealable portion (120), when sealed forms a sealed portion (122), and retains the individual fruit or the vegetable (102) within the package (100). In an exemplary embodiment, the sealed portion (122) may be tearable by a "V" notch (124) to take out the fruit or the vegetable (102) from the package (100). In an alternative embodiment, the sealed portion (122) may be tearable by a straight slit (not shown).

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart for a method (200) of forming the package (100) and packaging an individual fruit or vegetable (102), according to an embodiment of the present invention. This method (200) discloses manufacturing of the pre-formed packages (100) with the apertures (116) and then packaging the fruit or vegetable (102) within the package (100) and subsequently sealing at the open end i.e., top end (118).

In an embodiment the manufacturing of the preformed packages (100) and the packing of the individual fruit or the vegetable may be done at a single site, using different equipment. The packages (100) may be pre formed on a pouch / package making machine, and the fruits and the vegetables are packed on a separate machine or manually and finally the sealing of the package (100) may be done on a separate machine. The term "site" is non-limiting in any manner and broadly refer to having some or all of the steps of forming the package (100), filling the individual fruit or vegetable into the package, and the sealing of the package pre formed at separate locations and / or machines.

At step 202, a number of apertures ( 16) are formed on at least one web. In an exemplary embodiment, the apertures (116) may be formed by using laser beam, perforation or die punching, etc. The size, the number and the position of the apertures (116) may be predefined. The position of the apertures (116) on the package (100) may be selected based on the condition that the apertures are not blocked by the surface of the specific fruit or the vegetable (102) to be packed within the package (100). At step 204, the package (100) is formed from the web(s). As explained previously, the package (100) may be formed by using a single folded web or multiple webs sealed together to form the package (100). The package (100) may be manufactured by using any manufacturing method known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the package (100) includes at least one open end, such as the top end (118).

Although, the apertures (116) are described to be formed on the web before the package (100) formation, it may be contemplated that forming the package (100) first and then forming the apertures (116) on at least one side of the package (100) is also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

According to the embodiment described above, when the packages (100) are pre-formed at the manufacturing unit, they may be transported to the packing site near the plantation, where the individual fruits and vegetables (102) may be subsequently packed. For example, the pre-formed packages (100) may be labelled on the one or more panels and/or gussets of the package (100), according to the desired fruits or vegetables (102) to be packaged within for identification. Further, according to the labelling, the packages (100) may be transported to desired locations. In an embodiment, labelling may be done by printing on any one or more of the panels (104, 106) and/or gussets of the package (100).

Further, at step 206, the individual fruits or vegetables (102) may be received within the package (100). In an embodiment, the individual fruits or the vegetables (102) may be received by using automated feeding means known in the art. It may also be contemplated that the fruits and the vegetables (102) may be packed manually.

At step 208, the package (100) is sealed at the at least one open end, i.e., the top end (118). For example, the sealable portion (120) provided towards the top end (118) is sealed for retaining or closing the individual fruit or the vegetable (102). Furthermore, the sealed portion (122) may be tearable from the "V" notch (124) to take out the individual fruit or the vegetable from the package (100). Although the sealable portion (120) is shown to be towards the top end (118), it may be contemplated that the sealable portion (120) may be provided anywhere on the package (100), as long as it is open to receive the individual fruit or vegetable and seals the package (100) to retain the individual fruit or the vegetable (102). The sealable portion (120) is representing the location of the sealed band which may be restricted to that particular area in case any adhesive or sealing agent is used over the inner surface of the package (100) or the whole inner surface of the package (100) is so designed that it can be sealed anywhere using suitable sealing process / means.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart for a method (300) of forming the package (100) and packing the individual fruit and vegetable (102) inline, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. For example, the method (300) discloses the forming of a tube from one or more webs, sealing the bottom end of the tube to form the receptacle (108) and simultaneously filling of the individual fruit or the vegetable (102) into the receptacle (108) and sealing the top end (which also leaves the sealed bottom end of the following package) of the tube to form package (100) on a single equipment.

At step 302, web(s) are provided with desired structure. For example, the webs may be made by blown, extrusion, lamination process, or the like or a combination thereof, having sealable surfaces as desired.

At step 304, a desired number of apertures (116) are formed on the web. As explained previously, the apertures ( 16) are of predefined size and are located at predefined positions on the web.

Furthermore, at step 306, the package (100) is formed from the one or more web(s), such that the package (100) includes at least one open end. In an example, the pre-formed webs with the apertures (116) may be sealed at first stage from two or three sides, for example, the first side and the third side (110, 114), or the first, second and the third side (110, 112, 114) respectively. In an embodiment, two separate webs may be joined to form the at least one open end on the package. The webs may be folded to form side gussets and sealed. In an alternative embodiment, a single web may be folded and sealed at one side or in the centre to form the tube and sealing the bottom end of the tube to form the receptacle (108) having one open end. The formation of apertures (116) described at step 304 may optionally be done on the equipment used at step 306.

Further, at step 308, the individual fruit or the vegetable (102) may be received within the receptacle (108) through the open end. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fruit or the vegetable (102) may be received by using automated feeding means.

Furthermore, at step 310, the open end of the package (100) may be sealed to retain the individual fruit or the vegetable (102) within the package (100). For example, the package (100) is sealed in a band width which when cut from the middle forms sealed top end of the package (100) and sealed bottom end of the following package (100) at the equipment. For example, the open end (118) of the package (100) may include a sealable portion (120) which may be sealed using known sealing processes such as heat sealing, hot air sealing, laser sealing, ultrasonic sealing, adhesive sealing etc. or a combination thereof. The sealed portion (122) may be tearable from the "V" notch (124) provided in the sealed band.

The package (100) of the present invention facilitates packaging of individual fruit and vegetable (102) based on their specific respiration characteristics, thereby resulting in enhanced shelf life of the fruits and the vegetables (102). Additionally, since the fruits and the vegetables (102) are packed individually, there is no physical damage to the fruits or vegetables due to rubbing / hitting against each other which otherwise would have been caused when packed in bulk within a single package. Individual packing of fruits and vegetables also prevent spread of decay from one fruit or vegetable to others in contact. Furthermore, a user may open only those packages which have as many fruits and / or vegetables as required. Therefore, other fruits and vegetables remain packed in the MAP for a longer time, or more specifically, till the time their individual packages are opened. Furthermore, the packages (100) are cost effective and easy to manufacture.

The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A flexible package for packing an individual fruit or vegetable, the said flexible package comprises:

a pair of opposite panels, i.e. first and second panels configured to form a receptacle comprising at least one open end for receiving the individual fruit or the vegetable; and

a plurality of apertures provided on at least one of the said panels, wherein the plurality of apertures are configured to provide a modified atmosphere for the individual fruit or the vegetable packed in the said flexible package.

2. The flexible package as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the said pair of opposite panels formed from two separate webs.

3. The flexible package as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the said pair of opposite panels formed from a single web.

4. The flexible package as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the said pair of opposite panels configured by way of sealing one or more predetermined side(s) of one or more web(s) leaving at least one end open on the flexible package.

5. The flexible package as claimed in claim 4, wherein the said pair of panels are sealed by way of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, laser sealing, adhesive sealing or a combination thereof.

6. The flexible package as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the panels are provided with a sealable material on respective inner surfaces facing each other configured to be sealed to form a sealed portion and to retain the individual fruit or vegetable within the flexible package.

7. The flexible package as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flexible package includes at least one of a slit or a "V" notch provided on the sealed portion of the panels to tear open the sealed portion and take out the individual fruit or vegetable from the flexible package.

8. The flexible package as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the said flexible package comprises one or more gussets configured to attach the pair of opposite panels so as to leave at least one open end.

9. The flexible package as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more gussets include one or more of side gussets, bottom gusset, top gusset, or a combination thereof.

10. The flexible package as claimed in claim 8, the said one or more gussets are formed from one or more gusset web(s) such that edges of the said gusset webs are sealed with the edges of the web(s) of the panels to form the flexible package.

11. The flexible package as claimed in claim 8, wherein the said pair of panels and the one or more gussets are formed from a single web sealed by sealing side edges of the web to form the flexible package.

12. The flexible package as claimed in claim 8, wherein one panel of the said pair of opposite panels and the one or more gussets are formed from a single web and a separate web is used to form the second panel of the pair of panels, and wherein the edges of both the webs are sealed to form the flexible package.

13. The flexible package as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of apertures are of predetermined shape and size and are provided in predetermined numbers.

14. The flexible package as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures are provided on at least one of the panels or on both the panels or on one or more gussets or in combination thereof.

15. The flexible package as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of apertures are provided at predetermined locations on the flexible package.