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Package comprising a multilayer sheet

a multi-layer sheet and packaging technology, applied in the field of composite or multi-layer sheets or wraps, can solve the problems of less than optimal food quality of using these wraps and sheets, and leave food undesired soggy

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-11-24
CHAMBERS JEFFREY ALLEN +5
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a rigid tray made of a liner that has three layers: a water-wicking layer, an absorbent and insulating layer, and a structural layer. The liner can be used to make trays, lids, and boxes for packaging. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a tray that can effectively absorb and insulate food or beverages, while also being strong and durable."

Problems solved by technology

Liquid water from condensation is often still left in contact with food, which can leave the food undesirably soggy.
The resulting food quality of using these wraps and sheets is less than optimum.

Method used

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  • Package comprising a multilayer sheet
  • Package comprising a multilayer sheet
  • Package comprising a multilayer sheet

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

example 1

Preparation of Multilayer Sheet

[0055] A multilayer sheet for hot food packaging was made according to the process described above and as illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the first layer, 1, is a water-wicking material, second layer, 2, s an absorbent and insulating material, and a third layer, 3, is a structural layer. In this example, interposed between these layers are porous, thermoplastic adhesive scrims, 4. These adhesive scrims, 4, are constructed of polyester materials that are spunlaced. They provide a web-like layer, with an abundance of holes, through which water vapor or condensed water can easily pass through. These layers were bonded together by thermal lamination means on a tunnel laminator with a calendar roll, such as the one provided by Inta-Roto Machine Company of Richmond, Va. The adhesive layers, 4, were activated at temperatures between 240 and 350° F. (116-177 C).

[0056] In this example the structural layer, 1, was a film of the type sold by DuPont Teijin under t...

example 2

Preparation of Multilayer Sheet:Bicomponent Third Layer

[0057] A multilayer sheet for hot food packaging was made according to the process described above and as illustrated in FIG. 2 wherein the first layer, 1, was a water-wicking material, second layer, 2, was an absorbent and insulating material, and a third layer, 3, was a structural layer. In this example, the structural layer, 3, was a bicomponent film of polyester and a heat-sealable layer. The heat-sealable layer acts as the adhesive required to laminate the structural layer to the absorbing and insulating layer. An adhesive scrim, 4, as described in Example 1 (above) was used to adhere the absorbent and insulation layer, 2, to the water-wicking nonwoven layer, 1. These layers were bonded together by thermal lamination means on a tunnel laminator with a calendar roll, such as the one provided by Inta-Roto Machine Company of Richmond, Va. The adhesive layers were activated at temperatures between 240 and 350° F. (116-177 C). ...

example 3

Chicken Nuggets—Insulated v. Un-insulated Trays

[0059] Using a small-scale deep fryer, two portions of chicken nuggets were produced to test the effectiveness of the multilayer sheet in packaging for heat retention with moisture control. The deep fryer was filled with vegetable oil and set to 340° F. A batch consisting of 18 frozen “Banquet” brand chicken nuggets was placed into the hot oil for 4 minutes. After cooking, the hot nuggets were allowed to drain for 15 seconds. After draining, the nuggets were quickly placed into a “take out”-style, polyester (PET) tray, typically available in supermarkets or restaurants for packaging fresh, hot foods.

[0060] The PET tray typically comprises a bottom tray reservoir portion and a top tray or lid, similar in size and shape to the bottom tray. The lid fits over the bottom portion to generally seal along the perimeter (where the lid and bottom portion meet) and lock in place, typically through the use of small protruding notches on the perim...

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Abstract

Disclosed is a tray comprising a liner. The liner has at least two layers comprising a water-wicking material, such as a nonwoven material, with a moisture-vapor transmission rate of at least about 20,000 g / m2-day and a hydrostatic head pressure of less than about 5 cm H2O and an absorbent and highly-thermally insulating material.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 554566, filed Mar. 19, 2004, the entire description of which is incorporated herein by reference. [0002] The invention relates to a thermoplastic tray comprising a liner and the liner comprises a multilayer sheet.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Composite or multilayer sheets or wraps have long been used for packaging foods. Such sheets aim to keep freshly-made food hot from the time it is prepared until it is consumed. Current commercial sheets or wraps include polyethylene-coated paper or tissue, hot-melt coated paper, foil / tissue laminations, tissue / aluminum foil / polyethylene film, dry wax, etc. These wrap materials are of high moisture resistance to maximize heat retention. Liquid water from condensation is often still left in contact with food, which can leave the food undesirably soggy. [0004] Most of the known sheets or wraps involve an absorbent layer and an impermeable layer. See, for e...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A47J39/00B32B7/02B32B27/00B65D1/00B65D65/40B65D81/26B65D81/38D04H13/00
CPCB32B7/02B65D81/264Y10T428/1303D04H13/002Y10T428/1352B65D81/3823D04H1/4374B32B27/065B32B2398/20B32B2439/70B32B5/022B32B5/245B32B2367/00B32B27/12B32B5/26B32B27/36B32B7/12B32B2307/518
Inventor CHAMBERS, JEFFREY ALLENVISIOLI, DONNA LYNNGRASSEL, WILLIAM HARRYROBBINS, BRUCESMITH, DONALD ROBERTSPEER, ROBERT JAMES
Owner CHAMBERS JEFFREY ALLEN