Abstract: Improved packaging for perishable goods such as meats comprising a base over which the goods are placed, and a lid positioned over the top of its base and sealed to said base. Strands are placed over the goods for holding said goods relative to the packaging, with a space above the goods and under the lid. A gas is introduced in the space for enhancing preservation of the packaging goods by contacting the surface of the goods. The gas contacts the goods by passing through the strands, with the strands being of a size permitting viewing of a major portion of an upper surface of the goods. The invention further includes the method of and apparatus for producing the packaging.

Abstract: A method of producing packaging in which the goods to be packaged are engaged against a rigid base and a flexible material is held taut over the goods. Portions of the flexible material near the side edges thereof are engaged and moved to a position below the top of the goods. The intermediate portions of the flexible material are tensioned and stretched thereby compressing the goods to the base. A lid is applied over the base so there is a space between the lid and the flexible material which is secured to the base below the goods to maintain the goods against the base. A gas is charged into the space to preserve the goods, ad the lid and flexible material are sealed to the base with the gas in the space.

Abstract: Improved packaging for goods including a base on which goods are placed, and a flexible, gas-permeable web covering the goods, with portions of the web being secured to the base at positions below the top of the goods. The web is in tension and engages and holds the goods to the base, which is relatively rigid compared to the web. A lid is positioned over and sealed to the base and defines a space between the web and the lid. A preservation-enhancing gas is in the space and permeates the web for enhancing preservation of the goods. The goods are retained against said relatively rigid base by the securing of the web to the base at positions below the top of the goods.

Abstract: The invention comprises improved packaging for goods such as, for example, meats, and method and apparatus for producing such packaging. The package comprises a base over which the goods are placed. A web of flexible material is positioned over the goods, with the web being in tension and tightly engaging and compressing the goods to the base. The side portions of the web are secured to the base at positions below the top of the goods. A lid is positioned over the base and the web, and is sealed to the base and spaced from the web. The space is charged with a gas enhancing the preservation of the goods, with the gas preferably being at a pressure higher than the pressure under the web so that the goods are retained on the base both by the tension in the web and by the pressure differential which serves to further hold the goods on the base.

Abstract: A method of packaging goods within a packaging casing in which a substantially gas impermeable cup-shaped first casing part is provided having a depression and a peripheral lip. A web of gas permeable skin packaging material is placed over the depression and spaced from the bottom of the depression to form a space therebetween. A gas is then provided in the space. The web is sealed to the peripheral lip providing at least atmospheric pressure above to create a pressure differential above and below the web resulting in the web being stretched down inwardly of the depression. Goods are placed over the web, and an outer casing member is placed over the goods and the lip so that the permeable web is further stretched. The outer casing member is then sealed to the lip so that gas in the depression is allowed to permeate over an extended period of time through the web to the goods to enhance the keeping qualities of the goods.

Abstract: A method of packaging goods including providing a base and placing goods over the base. A flexible web of gas permeable skin wrapping plastics material is then applied over the base and the goods, and air or gas is evacuated from between the base and the skin wrapping so as to allow the skin wrapper to flexibly displace onto the goods to at least partially skin pack the goods. A lid is then applied over the skin wrapping and spaced from the wrapping. A desired gas is then provided in the space between the lid and the skin wrapping to enhance the keeping properties of the packaged goods by permeating the skin wrapping. The lid is sealed to the base so that the space is permanently retained, and the skin wrapping is attached relative to the base.

Abstract: A method of packaging goods including placing goods such as meat over a base, applying a flexible web of gas permeable skin wrapping plastics material over the base and the goods, evacuating air or gas from between the base and the skin wrapping so as to allow the skin wrapping to flexibly displace onto the goods and to at least partially skin pack said goods. A lid is then applied over the skin wrapping and spaced therefrom. A gas is provided in the space between the lid and the skin wrapping to enhance the keeping properties of the packaged goods by permeating the skin wrapping. The lid is sealed to the base so that the space is permanently retained, the skin wrapping is attached relative to the base. Following discoloration of the packaged goods over a period of time, a fresh gas is allowed to enter the package and contact the surface of the goods within the skin wrapping without removal of the skin wrapping, whereby the color of the goods is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing perishable goods in which perishable foods are placed in a pre-formed base. A first flexible gas permeable plastic web is then placed over said goods, and a reduced pressure is established below the first web relative to that above the first web for effecting at least partial skin packing of the first web over the goods. A second plastic web is then placed over the first web, the goods and the base. A second web is then sealed to the base so as to provide a space between the first web and the second web. A gas is provided in the space between which can permeate through the first web toward the base to enhance preservation of the goods. The second web comprises a lid serving to retain the gas in the space.

Abstract: A package containing skin-packed perishable goods including a base, goods on the base, a flexible plastic web over the goods and the base to, at least partially, skin pack the goods, and a lid for the base. A gas to permeate the web and enhance preservation of the goods is contained in the space between the lid and the skin packed goods.

Abstract: An improved packaging method for producing trays for packaging of food.

Abstract: Packaging for foodstuffs, particularly meat, comprises a rigid tray (3) of plastic material, preferably polypropylene, enclosed between two opposing, preferably transparent, plastic webs (2, 4), one of which (4) has a depression formed therein in which the tray nests. The tray has corrugations (5) which give it its rigidity, with those on the base (7) also serving to support and space the contents above the base. The package is air evacuated and filled with a desired gas to prevent deterioration of the contents. The method of packaging essentially entails placing the tray, with contents, in the depression, overlying the upper web, evacuating and gasifying the partially completed package and sealing the webs together. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.