Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging system and method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner container and an outer container. The inner container is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer container is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner container, the inner container is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner container. The flushed inner container is then sealed and inserted into the outer container without sealing the outer container. Next, the outer container is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer container. After flushing the outer container, the outer container is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mold apparatus and a process for forming a lid latching mechanism in a thermoplastic container. The lid latching mechanism features a large, trapezoidally-shaped opening hole. The trapezoidal shape has been found to reduce the amount of tearing that can occur along the edges of an opening formed during the thermoforming process. The opening is created by the engagement between a fixed shear key mounted in a first mold member and a movable shear key which has a trapezoidally-shaped cutting surface and is mounted in a second mold member. The movable key travels along an inclined path as the mold members close on a preheated thermoplastic sheet to form a container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controlled-release insect repellent device and a method for repelling insects from food, tobacco, or other consumable items. The controlled-release insect repellent device comprises an insect repellent composition contacting a substrate. The controlled-release insect repellent device is prepared by a method comprising applying the insect repellent composition to the substrate wherein the repellent compound used is present in the controlled-release insect repellent device in an amount such that when it is released it is non-toxic to humans and animals. The method for repelling insects comprises placing the controlled-release insect repellent device in an area where insects may be present. The insect repellent composition comprises a repellent compound and a controlled-release agent, the controlled-release agent which comprises a compound which may be synthetic and/or natural, and, optionally, a solvent.

Abstract: A food packaging container is presented having a cover and a base. The cover has a top and a first side wall. The top contains a central portion and a peripheral shoulder, where the shoulder encompasses the central portion. The first side wall extends downward from the shoulder and encompasses the top wall. The first side wall also has at least two generally vertical and outwardly directed ribs repeating in a predetermined rib pattern, where the one rib is generally pointed at an outermost portion thereof, and the second rib is generally fiat at an outermost portion thereof. The two ribs form generally vertical furrows that interconnect adjacent fibs. The base has a bottom and a second side wall which encompasses and extends upward from the bottom. The base is adapted to engage the cover.

Abstract: A plastic bag comprises first and second opposing panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides, a primary bottom, and a secondary bottom. The primary and secondary bottoms extend between the pair of sides. The sides and the secondary bottom define a receptacle space having a mouth formed opposite the secondary bottom. The plastic bag further comprises a bottom header disposed between the primary and secondary bottoms and including first and second opposing header panels. The first header panel is extruded with and extends downward from the first body panel. The second header panel is extruded with and extends downward from the second body panel. The bottom header includes an opening for mounting the plastic bag to a dispensing post.

Abstract: A two-piece, crash-bottom basket carrier includes a bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a pair of opposing end walls, a longitudinal partition, and one or more transverse partitions. The side walls and the end walls extend upward from the bottom wall, and the end walls bridge the opposing side walls. The bottom wall, the side walls, and the end walls are all formed from a first unitary paperboard blank. The longitudinal partition extends between the opposing end walls and is located approximately midway between the opposing side walls. The longitudinal partition is generally perpendicular to the bottom wall and the end walls and is generally parallel to the side walls. A handle is formed along an upper central handle section of the longitudinal partition to permit carrying of the basket carrier. Each of the transverse partitions extends between the longitudinal partition and one of the side walls.

Abstract: A side-filled, flip-top reclosable carton composed of a unitary, continuous blank, comprises opposing top and bottom walls, opposing front and back walls, and opposing first and second side walls. The first and second side walls and the front wall include a continuous horizontal tear element for opening up the carton from a sealed form to form a lid hingedly attached to a base section. The first and second side walls include respective first and second top minor flaps hingedly connected to opposing ends of the top wall. The first and second side walls include respective first and second web flaps hingedly connected at upper edges thereof. The first web flap is hingedly connected to the first top minor flap along a first diagonal score line, and the second web flap is hingedly connected to the second top minor flap along a second diagonal score line.

Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag comprises first and second opposing panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The bag is provided with a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth formed opposite the sealed bottom. The zipper includes a male track with a male profile and a female track with a female profile. A slider is slidably mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The male and female profiles are engaged to each other while the slider is in the closed position. The male and female profiles are disengaged from each other in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To prevent tampering with the contents of the plastic bag prior to being initially opened, the slider is initially parked in the closed position at one end of the zipper, and upper edges of the male and female profiles are detachably connected to each other, except at the one end of the zipper supporting the parked slider.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for opening a paperboard carton that is child resistant. A dual-tab arrangement is used whereby one tab is removed to expose a second tab. The second tab is connected to a tape that is attached to and circles the interior of the carton. When the second tab is pulled it pulls with it the tape. The tape is pulled through the wall of the carton and sequentially severs the carton. The tape circles back to where the second tab was first pulled and, as a result, the carton is completely severed and the user is able to dispense the product contained within the carton.