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.

Abstract: Improved polymeric packages with removable non-peelable flange portions of the present invention comprise clamshell packages having a removable and non-peelable package sealing mechanism, which mechanism comprises lines of reduced strength disposed within respective more rigid outside polymeric lid and container layers, which lines of reduced strength do not penetrate the inner disposed less rigid polymeric lid and container layers, whereby the respective lid and container flange portions disposed laterally exterior of the lines of reduced strength can be removed to the package--easily neatly efficiently and without generation of particulate matter.

Abstract: The novel method of the present invention is directed to the continuous formation of a multi-layer, laminated package by in-line thermofusing of several separate films. A first roll of the first film having defined first properties is provided, along with at least a second roll of a second film having defined second properties. A tie layer may be disposed, as either a separate film disposed between, or co-extruded upon contacting surface of one of the first or second films. A tacking station is provided for continuous disposition of the first and second films at the tacking station. At the tacking station, where the first film is tacked to at least the second film. Such tacking is carried out by contacting the respective films and by applying a first pressure to at least a portion thereof to provide a continuous strip of pre-laminated film. The continuous strip of pre-laminated joint film is subjected to sufficient heat and a second pressure sufficient to laminate and to bond together (i.e.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to packaging methods for preserving a comestible, and for extending the shelf-life thereof, while simultaneously providing a freshly baked and locally packaged appearance. The package includes a retractable panel located at an inconspicuous place on the package which panel is pressed inwardly by atmospheric pressure, after the essentially inert modified atmosphere within the package has been partially absorbed by the comestible contained there within.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved combination comprising a resealable container with a matching lockable lid and methods of formation "in-line" and use thereof. The container includes a rounded container lip near the top extremity of the container. The matching lid includes a substantially rounded lid lip which is slightly larger than and of substantially the same shape as the lip for the container. The transverse cross-sectional shape of the lid lip is that of a substantially smooth curve, and the transverse cross-sectional shape of the container lip for receiving, engaging and compressing the smooth curve of the lid lip is substantially V-shaped in order to exert force upon the smooth curve of the lid lip after mating engagement for effectuating a seal therebetween. The novel features of the container and lid hereof are such that they may be formed separately on separate machines or may in other embodiments be formed and used "in-line".

Abstract: The recloseable clamshell package of the invention includes a container portion and a lid portion. The lid portion has a lip portion which is congruently shaped with the container lip portion for mating engagement therewith in order to form a closed package. The lid portion includes corner portions which are congruently shaped with the container portions for mating engagement therewith.