Abstract: A method of sealing a peelable lid (7) to a package is disclosed. The package contains a base (1) and a potentially rupturable flexible web (5) of plastics material covering the base (1) which together define a sealed space therebetween. The lid (7) is in turn sealed above the flexible web (5). The method comprises the steps of: 1) placing a lid (7) over a thin flexible web (5); 2) sealing the lid (7) to the thin flexible web (5) over the base (1) with a strip like seal (13) which extends around the perimeter of the space so the lid (7) will be sealed at the same region as the thin flexible web (5) is sealed to the base (1). The sealing is achieved by a thermosealing process which provides a temperature gradient across the width provides the seal (13) with a peelable adhesion gradient across its width so that when the lid (7) is stripped from the package, it will be unlikely to rupture the thin flexible web (5). A package made by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of packaging goods such as red meats is disclosed. The goods (5) are packaged on a base (1) with an inner skin lid (11) which at least partially skin packs the goods (5) to the base (1) to hold the goods (5) to the base (1). An outer lid (7) is placed over the inner skin lid (11)and gas pressure is reduced therebetween causing the inner skin lid (11) to be urged relatively towards the undersurface of the outer lid (7). The outer lid (7) is then sealed to the inner lid (11) and the base (1). The inner skin lid (11) is of a material which will allow a required gas such as O.sub.2 to penetrate the inner skin lid (11) when the outer lid (7) is opened, removed or ruptured to, in turn, allow the red meat, if discolored, to bloom to a red color. The method enables unwanted gases such as O.sub.2 to be substantially excluded from the packaging until the outer lid (7) is opened, removed or ruptured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging perishable goods such as red meat. The packaging contains a base (1), a lid (3), and a flexible web (5) of gas permeable material held over the goods (7) so the goods are held to the base (1). A suitable gas is retained within the packaging which can permeate the flexible web (5) to enhance the keeping properties of the goods (7). The method and apparatus provide that the flexible web (5) is held between a pair of web holding means (65) and stretched towards the goods (7) as the lid (3) is moved to close the package, all within a gas flushing chamber. Such stretching holds the goods (7) firmly to the base (1).

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.