Abstract: A sealed, controlled-atmosphere food packaging container includes a self-supporting, substantially transparent, microwaveable, multilayer thermoplastic, cup-shaped body portion, and a thermoplastic closure portion sealed to the body portion. The multilayer thermoplastic material is capable of maintaining a reduced-oxygen atmosphere over a food product sealed within the container. Preferably, the cup-shaped body portion includes ribs in the form of vertical flutes or crenelations. The ribs are a functional feature of the cup providing rigidity to the cup, particularly during microwave heating of food contents within the cup. In addition, the flutes or crenelations increase the surface area of the cup, which, in turn, increases the rate of oxygen diffusion into and out of the sealed container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oxygen-level controlled, modified atmosphere package consisting of a cup and a lid preferably in the form of a dome. In one preferred embodiment, the dome is not sealed to the flange of the cup, but rather extends circumferentially around such flange and with a hermetically sealed diaphragm disposed over the top opening in said cup. The interior of the package is designed to contain food and other perishable components having defined metabolizing characteristics. The package polymers are controlled to provide a selected environment for preserving the freshness of foods packaged in a modified gas atmosphere sealed inside the package with the food. The invention incorporates various mechanically enhanced characteristics, as well as offering enhanced safety with package tamper evidence visible to the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oxygen-level controlled, modified atmosphere package consisting of a cup and a lid in the form of a dome. The cup and the dome are hermetically sealed along the flange of the cup and the dome. The interior of the package is designed to contain food and other perishable components having certain metabolizing characteristics. The package polymers are selected to provide an optimum environment for preserving the freshness of foods packaged in a modified gas atmosphere sealed inside the package with the food. The invention incorporates various mechanically enhanced characteristics, as well as offering enhanced safety with package tamper evidence visible to the consumer. In particular, the invention hereof further incorporates methodology and structures to produce reduced oxygen packaging (ROP) with the interior headspace automatically regulated to a specific partial pressure of oxygen designed to inhibit the growth of anaerobic pathogens.