Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to packaging films that exhibit favorable sealing characteristics and reduced adhesion to meat at high temperatures. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to packages constructed from such films and methods of using the films in high temperature applications.

Abstract: A package includes a support member and a second support member coupled to a base member. The support members may be configurable between a heating position and a storage position. When in the heating position a recess is positioned below the support members. The package may be part of an assembly further including a flexible container. The flexible container may include a first portion with a food product and a second portion configured to receive liquid byproducts given off by the food product. The second portion of the flexible container may be received in the recess when the assembly is in the heating position.

Abstract: An easy-open package includes a pouch including a discrete panel section having a die cut, the panel section including an outer and inner surface, a first and second side edge, and a first and second end, at least a portion of the inner surface comprising a sealant, wherein the panel section and the second side panel are joined together along at least a portion of their respective first and second side edges with a seal, and the first end of the discrete panel section is joined to the second side panel, and a die cut is disposed in the discrete panel section; and the panel section is anchored to the first side panel; and a product disposed in the pouch.

Abstract: An easy-open package includes a pouch including a first and second side panel, and a discrete panel section having an inner surface at least a portion of which includes an easy-open sealant, the discrete panel section and the second side panel joined together along at least a portion of their respective first and second side edges with an easy-open seal, the first end of the discrete panel section joined to the second side panel with an easy-open seal, the package absent a die cut in the first side panel, and the discrete panel section anchored to the first side panel; and a product in the pouch. Methods of packaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an article that enables on-demand blooming of an oxygen-sensitive product packaged within the interior of the article. Specifically, the product can be packaged between two films, wherein at least one of the films is oxygen-permeable. The edges of the films can be attached to one or more suspension frames, such that the product is suspended between the two frames. The oxygen-impermeable film is covered in with an oxygen-impermeable material that can be removed on demand to promote blooming.

Abstract: An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete tape including a base strip between first and second side panels; at least a first portion of the first surface of the strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive and adhered by the adhesive to the inner surface of the first panel at a first location, and a second portion of the first surface of the strip anchored to the inner surface of the first panel at a second location; a die cut in the first panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment, the die cut segment so arranged that when the package is opened, it can be reclosed by adhering at least one of the first and second panels to the adhesive; and a product in the pouch.

Abstract: An optimized tray for case-ready meat products is disclosed. The tray comprises a base, a plurality of sidewalls connected at a plurality of corners, a flange extending from an upper edge of each sidewall, and a plurality of substantially vertical ribs extending from said sidewalls and spaced apart therealong. At least one of the sidewalls is bowed inwardly, and the flange along at least a partial length of the at least one bowed sidewall is varied in width. The ribs can also vary in thickness along at least a partial length of at least one of the sidewalls. The interaction of the at least one bowed sidewall, the varying flange width, and the varying rib thickness allows for optimization of tray resistance to vertical and horizontal stress without increasing the overall outer dimensions of the tray and without substantially decreasing the internal volume of the tray.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is a novel adaptation of a pouch that enables the measurement and dispensing of unit doses of flowable products. Particularly, the disclosed pouch utilizes the addition of a separate section of film that separates the pouch into a main reservoir and a dispensing reservoir. The use of the dividing film allows the structural integrity of the pouch to remain intact. The dividing film also comprises an opening that allows communication between the two reservoirs to achieve dispensing of the flowable product.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a compartmented marinade package comprising a food product, such as a cut of meat, loaded into a first compartment and a frozen food additive loaded into a second compartment. The package includes a rupturable seal separating the two compartments to allow the mixing and marinating of the food product and food additive when desired by a user. The user squeezes the desired storage chamber and the pressure applied thereto causes the rupturable seal to break, allowing intermixing between the compartments.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-layered foamed article. The foam article has a layer of foam material on either side of an inner peel layer disposed roughly in the middle of the foam. The portion of the foam in closest proximity to the peel layer is subjected to the greatest amount of heat during extrusion forming mostly large open cell foam. The foam near the surface of the multiplayer foam article is cooled by the atmosphere or contact with cooling surfaces and comprises mostly small closed-cell foam. There is also provided a method for making a multi-layer foamed article by co-extruding an inner peel layer sandwiched between two expanded layers of a foam material. Each of the expanded foam layers on either side of the peel layer of the article is easily peeled or stripped from the peel inner layer and the multi-layer article is converted into a foamed article with absorbing characteristics on one side and non-absorbing characteristics on the other side.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-layered foamed article. The foam article has a layer of foam material on either side of an inner peel layer disposed roughly in the middle of the foam. The portion of the foam in closest proximity to the peel layer is subjected to the greatest amount of heat during extrusion forming mostly large open cell foam. The foam near the surface of the multiplayer foam article is cooled by the atmosphere or contact with cooling surfaces and comprises mostly small closed-cell foam. There is also provided a method for making a multi-layer foamed article by co-extruding an inner peel layer sandwiched between two expanded layers of a foam material. Each of the expanded foam layers on either side of the peel layer of the article is easily peeled or stripped from the peel inner layer and the multi-layer article is converted into a foamed article with absorbing characteristics on one side and non-absorbing characteristics on the other side.

Abstract: In a method for making a permeable film, a physical force is applied to a film of a first material containing particles of a second material which is different from the first material. The second material has a higher susceptibility to the physical force than does the first material. Applying the physical force to the film affects the particles which in turn affect the first material of the film, thereby increasing permeability of the film.

Abstract: A foam sheet comprising a cellular structure having two or more interconnected cells in fluid communication with one another, the foam sheet being in the form of a tray. One or more perforations are provided in the exterior surface of the tray, and extend into the cellular structure of the foam sheet to fluidly communicate with the interconnected cells. This arrangement is sufficient to permit gas to escape from the cellular structure in order to substantially prevent damage to the tray upon exposure thereof to a reduction in ambient pressure. A method of making the trays and a packaging method employing such trays is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for making a permeable film, a physical force is applied to a film of a first material containing particles of a second material which is different from the first material. The second material has a higher susceptibility to the physical force than does the first material. Applying the physical force to the film affects the particles which in turn affect the first material of the film, thereby increasing permeability of the film.

Abstract: A method for providing a package having a coated inner surface involves inverting a package having an inner surface defining an inner space, an outer surface, and a coating on the outer surface. The package can be inverted by application of a vacuum. The coating can be an additive such as a colorant, a flavorant, an antimicrobial agent, or the like.

Abstract: In a method for making a permeable film, a physical force is applied to a film of a first material containing particles of a second material which is different from the first material. The second material has a higher susceptibility to the physical force than does the first material. Applying the physical force to the film affects the particles which in turn affect the first material of the film, thereby increasing permeability of the film.

Abstract: A method of coding a package for identification includes the steps of providing a package including a product in a bag, the bag having a tail portion; and positioning at least one cut in the tail portion of the bag, the at least one cut having a pre-selected characteristic, wherein the pre-selecting characteristic comprises a code for identification. A coded package comprises a bag; and a product positioned within the bag, the bag having at least one cut positioned therein, the at least one cut having a pre-selected characteristic which comprises a code for identification, the bag being sealed between the product and the at least one cut. A system for providing a coded package includes a manner providing a product in a bag; a manner of vacummizing the bag; a manner of making a cut in the bag; and a manner of sealing the bag.

Abstract: A method for packaging a product includes the steps of providing a composite film including a non-barrier layer and a peelable barrier layer; providing a bottom web having the product supported thereon; removing a strip of the non-barrier layer from an edge of the composite film so as to provide an extending portion of the barrier layer which extends beyond the non-barrier layer; and sealing the composite film over the product to the bottom web so that the non-barrier layer overwraps the product and is sealed to the bottom web wherein the extending portion of the barrier layer forms a pull tab for peeling the barrier layer from the non-barrier layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of heat sealing fitment tubes to pouches or bags of flexible film using a pair of hot bars. Also disclosed is the use of warm bars or cold bars to cool the hot bar seal. An apparatus for producing pouches with fitment tubes sealed thereto as well as the pouches so produced is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, loading a meat product into a thermoplastic bag or casing is disclosed. Particularly, the present invention discloses an apparatus for, and method of, loading a meat product into a thermoplastic bag or casing such that the area used to produce a heat seal closure of the bag or casing is protected against contamination during the product loading process.