Plastic packaging for super sweet corn

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plastic packaging for sweet corn, characterized by comprising: a packaging body (10) for receiving sweet corn; an anti-fogging layer (20) formed on the inner surface of the packaging body (10) for spreading water vapor generated by the respiration of sweet corn in the form of a thin film; and a printing layer (30) formed on the outer surface of the packaging body (10) for displaying a product name.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plastic packaging for sweet corn, and more specifically, to a plastic packaging for sweet corn that can maintain the freshness of the packaged sweet corn for a long period of time, is not easily damaged by external impact, and can be cooked directly in a microwave oven while packaged. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, corn is one of the world's top three grains because it is easy to cultivate and has a high yield. Corn has been widely cultivated due to its advantages of high yield per unit area, growing well in any soil, and withstanding cold climates. The types of corn cultivated in Korea include yellow corn, white corn, glutinous corn, Gangnae corn, and super sweet corn.

[0003] Corn possesses edema-relieving properties that activate diuretic action to eliminate swelling and prevent kidney stones. Furthermore, it is not only low in calories but also low in fat and rich in dietary fiber, making it beneficial for weight loss. Additionally, the abundant linoleic acid helps lower cholesterol levels, thereby improving cardiovascular health. Other expected benefits include hangover relief, constipation relief, tooth decay prevention (thanks to becis-sitosterol), skin beautification, liver function enhancement, and anticancer effects (thanks to melatonin). Consequently, corn is being commercialized in various forms, such as bread, beverages, ice cream, canned goods, and salads.

[0004] Super sweet corn is a different variety from glutinous corn; it has a sugar content 2 to 3 times higher than glutinous corn and a crunchy texture. While super sweet corn is typically steamed, it can also be eaten raw and is suitable as a snack due to its very high sugar content. This super sweet corn is distributed in plastic packaging with the husks removed, and it is often stored frozen and then cooked in a microwave before consumption.

[0005] However, in the case of ordinary plastic packaging, because the gas permeability is low, the sugar in the corn kernels is rapidly converted into starch through the respiration process, so the sweetness is significantly reduced and it becomes bland, the characteristic crunchy texture like fruit disappears, and the texture changes to dry and tough like regular glutinous corn when it gets old.

[0006] In addition, when intending to heat and cook sweet corn in a microwave, the sweet corn was removed from the plastic packaging, placed in a container, and the process was carried out.

[0007] However, there was a problem in that the crisp texture of the sweet corn became tough as moisture evaporated rapidly during the heating and cooking process. The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention was created to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a plastic packaging for sweet corn that can store the contained sweet corn for a long period and possesses sufficient durability, tensile strength, and pinhole resistance so as not to be easily damaged by external impacts.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a plastic packaging for sweet corn that prevents the sweet corn from exploding due to moisture pressure generated from the sweet corn when heated in a microwave oven with the sweet corn contained therein. means of solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the plastic packaging for sweet corn according to the present invention comprises: a packaging body (10) for receiving sweet corn; an anti-fogging layer (20) formed on the inner surface of the packaging body (10) for spreading water vapor generated by the respiration of the sweet corn in the form of a thin film; and a printing layer (30) formed on the outer surface of the packaging body (10) for displaying a product name.

[0011] In the present invention, the packaging body (10) comprises an LDPE layer (11) on which the anti-fog layer (20) is formed, an HDPE layer (12) on which the printing layer (30) is formed, and an LLDPE (13) formed between the LDPE layer (11) and the HDPE layer (12).

[0012] In the present invention, the LDPE layer (11) is mixed with an antimicrobial capsule (11a) that emits an antimicrobial substance to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms.

[0013] In the present invention, an organic ultraviolet absorber for blocking ultraviolet rays is mixed into the HDPE layer (12).

[0014] The present invention further includes a patch valve (40) attached to cover a main hole (15) formed on the upper side of the packaging body (10), which opens the main hole (15) by the moisture pressure generated from the corn when the packaging body (10) is placed in a microwave oven for heating and cooking.

[0015] In the present invention, the patch valve (40) comprises a button tape (41) that is attached to the packaging body (10) while covering the main hole (15) and has a plurality of sub-holes (41a) formed therein, a membrane film (42) that is attached to the back surface of the button tape (41) and introduces external oxygen into the packaging body (10) and exhausts carbon dioxide generated during the respiration process of the corn to the outside air, and an adhesive layer (43) formed in a ring shape on the back surface of the button tape (41) on the outside of the membrane film (42). Effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the packaging body (10) comprises an LDPE layer (11), an HDPE layer (12), and an LLDPE (13), thereby having excellent tensile strength and pinhole resistance that is soft but not torn, and does not easily get punctured even when pierced by sharp edges or pointed contents, and furthermore, has cold resistance that does not easily break even when frozen at sub-zero temperatures.

[0017] In addition, by having an anti-fog layer (20) formed on the inner surface of the packaging body (10), water vapor generated by the respiration of sweet corn can be spread in the form of a thin film without forming water droplets inside the packaging body (10), and accordingly, it is possible to prevent the corn kernels from becoming mushy or mold from forming due to water droplets.

[0018] And by employing a patch valve (40) attached to cover the main hole (15) of the packaging body (10), when the packaging body (10) is placed in a microwave oven for heating and cooking, the main hole (15) is opened by the moisture pressure generated from the sweet corn, thereby preventing the plastic packaging from exploding, and furthermore, since the heating and cooking is performed while moisture is contained in the plastic packaging, the unique crispy texture of the sweet corn can be maintained. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sweet corn plastic packaging sheet according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vinyl packaging of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the cross-sectional composition by extracting one side of the vinyl packaging of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a patch valve that is adhered to cover a main hole formed in the packaging body of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken of the patch valve of FIG. 4 to explain the structure, FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining that when the packaging body of FIG. 5 is placed in a microwave oven and heated, the patch valve opens the main hole due to the moisture pressure generated from the corn. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] The vinyl packaging for sweet corn according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0021] In the following, terms described as "upper" or "upper" may include not only those directly above in contact but also those above without contact. Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. Terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when a part is described as "comprising" a component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Additionally, terms such as "...part," "module," etc., as used in the specification refer to a unit that performs at least one function or operation. Where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or proceed in the reverse order of description.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plastic packaging sheet for sweet corn according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic packaging sheet of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the cross-sectional configuration by extracting one side of the plastic packaging sheet of FIG. 2.

[0023] A plastic packaging for sweet corn according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a packaging body (10) for receiving sweet corn; an anti-fogging layer (20) formed on the inner surface of the packaging body (10) for spreading water vapor generated by the respiration of sweet corn in the form of a thin film; and a printing layer (30) formed on the outer surface of the packaging body (10) for displaying a product name.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the vinyl constituting the packaging body (10) includes an LDPE layer (11) on which an anti-fog layer (20) is formed, an HDPE layer (High-Density Polyethylene; 12) on which a printing layer (30) is formed, and an LLDPE (13) formed between the LDPE layer (11) and the HDPE layer (12).

[0025] The LDPE layer (11) is located on the inner surface of the packaging body (10) and has a soft and pliable feel, as well as flexibility and elasticity that allows it to stretch well, chemical stability that does not react when in contact with sweet corn, and transparency for checking the contents. Since this LDPE layer (11) has the property of melting well at a relatively low temperature (about 105 to 115°C), it has excellent heat sealability (processability), and as a result, the opening of the packaging body (10) can be perfectly sealed through heat fusion.

[0026] The HDPE layer (12) has a structure (linear) in which molecular chains are arranged densely in a straight line without branches, so it has a higher density than the LDPE layer (11). Although it has lower elasticity than LDPE, it has high mechanical strength and toughness, thereby reinforcing the durability of the packaging body (10) and protecting the packaging body (10) from external scratches or impacts. A printing layer (30) is formed on this HDPE layer (12) to display product names or nutritional components, and it has a higher heat resistance temperature than the LDPE layer (11).

[0027] The LLDPE layer (13) has a molecular structure in which short branches are regularly arranged on a single long straight (linear) column, thereby compensating for the disadvantage of being softer but easily torn than conventional LDPE. Because the LLDPE layer (13) is much tougher and stronger than the LDPE layer (11), it has excellent tensile strength and pinhole resistance, so it does not easily get punctured even when pierced by sharp edges or pointed parts, and it stretches very well even when made thin and does not break easily even when pulled taut. In addition, it has cold resistance, so it does not freeze, crumble, or break easily even at sub-zero temperatures.

[0028] By having a structure in which the packaging body (10) is laminated with an LDPE layer (11), an HDPE layer (12), and an LLDPE (13), it is soft but does not tear, and has excellent tensile strength and pinhole resistance so that it does not easily get punctured even when pierced by sharp edges or pointed contents, and furthermore, it has cold resistance so that it does not freeze and break easily even at sub-zero temperatures.

[0029] In the LDPE layer (11), as shown in FIG. 3, an antimicrobial capsule (11a) that emits an antimicrobial substance to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms is mixed.

[0030] The antibacterial capsule (11a) is manufactured in the form of a capsule by concentrating inorganic antibacterial agents such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), or natural antibacterial extracts, to a high concentration, and is formed into a thin film form by high heat while mixed with LDPE pellet raw materials, thereby completing the LDPE layer (11) containing the antibacterial capsule (11a).

[0031] The LDPE layer (11) containing these antibacterial capsules (11a) emits antibacterial substances into the packaging body (10), thereby limiting microbial activity caused by sugars generated from packaged sweet corn, and thus preventing spoilage or mold growth, while also preventing cloudiness (a phenomenon where the packaging body (10) becomes cloudy) caused by microbial activity, thereby increasing marketability.

[0032] An organic UV absorber for UV blocking is mixed into the HDPE layer (12).

[0033] Benzotriazoles are organic UV absorbers, and even when incorporated into HDPE, they exhibit minimal discoloration, thereby maintaining transparency. Organic UV absorbers block ultraviolet rays by converting them into minute thermal energy after absorption.

[0034] An organic ultraviolet absorber is incorporated into the HDPE layer (12) by mixing it into the HDPE pellet raw material when molding the HDPE layer (12).

[0035] The HDPE layer (12) containing such ultraviolet absorbers prevents external ultraviolet rays from entering the packaging body (10), thereby preventing the destruction of the ‘carotenoid’ pigment, which is the appetizing yellow color characteristic of corn, and thus preventing the entire color of the sweet corn from fading to white or becoming dull.

[0036] In addition, it prevents the breakdown of vitamin C and various water-soluble nutrients abundant in sweet corn, and prevents the oxidation of trace fatty acids contained in the corn kernels, thereby preventing the occurrence of unpleasant odors (rancidity).

[0037] The anti-fog layer (20) is realized by thinly applying a liquid coating solution composed of a hydrophilic polymer resin and hydrophilic inorganic nanoparticles to the surface of the LDPE layer (11) facing the inside of the packaging body (10) and then curing it. At this time, the hydrophilic polymer resin may be polyurethane or acrylic resin, and the hydrophilic inorganic nanoparticles may be silica sol. The anti-fog layer (20) is realized by thinly applying the liquid coating solution composed of a hydrophilic polymer resin and hydrophilic inorganic nanoparticles using a gravure roller or spray and curing it with hot air drying or UV, and the realized anti-fog layer (20) forms a physical and stable hydrophilic film on the surface of the LDPE layer (11).

[0038] Due to the characteristic high moisture content and active respiration of sweet corn, the humidity inside the packaging body (10) increases, and the increase in humidity causes water droplets (dew) to form inside the packaging body (10). When these water droplets are left in contact with the sweet corn kernels for a long time, bruising and mold may occur.

[0039] In the present invention, by employing an anti-fog layer (20), water vapor generated by the respiration of sweet corn does not condense into water droplets on the inside of the packaging body (10) but spreads out in the form of a thin film, thereby preventing bruising and mold caused by water droplets coming into direct contact with the corn kernels.

[0040] The printed layer (30) is printed on the surface of the HDPE layer (12) facing the outside of the packaging body (10) and provides information such as the product name or nutritional components of sweet corn.

[0041] In addition, the printing layer (30) includes a discoloration layer that changes color when the corn becomes rancid.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a patch valve that is adhered to cover a main hole formed in the packaging body of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the patch valve of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining that the patch valve opens the main hole due to the moisture pressure generated from the corn when the packaging body of FIG. 5 is placed in a microwave oven and heated.

[0043] It is characterized by including a patch valve (40) that is attached to cover a main hole (15) formed on the upper side of a packaging body (10), and opens the main hole (15) by the moisture pressure generated from the corn when the packaging body (10) is placed in a microwave oven for heating and cooking.

[0044] The patch valve (40) includes a button tape (41) that is attached to the packaging body (10) while covering the main hole (15) and has a plurality of sub-holes (41a) formed as shown in FIG. 5, a membrane film (42) attached to the back surface of the button tape (41) that introduces external oxygen into the packaging body (10) and exhausts carbon dioxide generated during the respiration process of the corn to the outside air, and an adhesive layer (43) formed in a ring shape on the back surface of the button tape (41) on the outside of the membrane film (42).

[0045] The button tape (41) is made of silicone material, and in this embodiment, seven subholes (41a) are formed.

[0046] The membrane film (42) is attached to the back surface of the button table (41) while covering the subhole (41a). The membrane film (42) is implemented by forming a number of micro-perforations with an inner diameter of 1 to 10 μm in a film made of EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol). The membrane film (42) exhausts carbon dioxide generated from the corn kernels and introduces oxygen from the outside air, thereby maintaining the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the vinyl packaging (100) and putting the corn into a kind of 'hibernation' state to suppress respiration.

[0047] The adhesive layer (43) is formed on the back surface of the button tape (41) on the outer side of the membrane film (42). The adhesive layer (43) adheres the button tape (41) to the outer surface of the packaging body (10), specifically the HDPE layer (12), while covering the main hole (15).

[0048] These patch valves (40) allow the corn contained in the packaging body (10) to be stored for a long time by causing it to enter a dormant state that inhibits respiration.

[0049] In addition, when the packaging body (10) containing the sweet corn is placed directly into a microwave oven for heating and cooking, as shown in FIG. 6, the patch valve (40) is partially separated from the packaging body (10) by the pressure from the moisture generated from the sweet corn, thereby opening the main hole (15) and preventing the packaging body (10) from exploding.

[0050] In addition, since the point at which the patch valve (40) is separated from the packaging body (10) is when the corn is sufficiently cooked, it can be confirmed that the heating cooking is complete depending on the degree to which the patch valve (40) is separated.

[0051] As such, according to the present invention, the packaging body (10) comprises an LDPE layer (11), an HDPE layer (12), and an LLDPE (13), thereby having excellent tensile strength and pinhole resistance that is soft but not torn, and is not easily punctured by sharp edges or pointed contents, and furthermore, has cold resistance that does not easily break even when frozen at sub-zero temperatures.

[0052] In addition, by having an anti-fog layer (20) formed on the inner surface of the packaging body (10), water vapor generated by the respiration of sweet corn can be spread in the form of a thin film without forming water droplets inside the packaging body (10), and accordingly, it is possible to prevent the corn kernels from becoming mushy or mold from forming due to water droplets.

[0053] And by employing a patch valve (40) attached to cover the main hole (15) of the packaging body (10), when the packaging body (10) is placed in a microwave oven for heating and cooking, the main hole (15) is opened by the moisture pressure generated from the sweet corn, thereby preventing the plastic packaging from exploding, and furthermore, since the heating and cooking is performed while moisture is contained in the plastic packaging, the unique crispy texture of the sweet corn can be maintained.

[0054] The present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Explanation of the symbols

[0055] 100 ... plastic packaging for sweet corn 10 ... packaging body 11 ... LDPE layer 11a ... antibacterial capsule 12 ... HDPE layer 13 ... LLDPE 15 ... Main Hall 20 ... anti-fog layer 30 ... printing layer 40 ... patch valve 41 ... button tape 41a ... subhole 42 ... membrane film 43 ... adhesive layer

Claims

Claim 1 A packaging body (10) for receiving sweet corn; an anti-fogging layer (20) formed on the inner surface of the packaging body (10) to spread water vapor generated by the respiration of the sweet corn in the form of a thin film; and a printing layer (30) formed on the outer surface of the packaging body (10) to display a product name. and a patch valve (40) attached to cover a main hole (15) formed on the upper side of the packaging body (10), which opens the main hole (15) by moisture pressure generated from the sweet corn when the packaging body (10) is placed in a microwave oven for heating and cooking; wherein the packaging body (10) comprises an LDPE layer (11) on which the anti-fog layer (20) is formed, an HDPE layer (12) on which the printing layer (30) is formed, and an LLDPE (13) formed between the LDPE layer (11) and the HDPE layer (12); wherein an antibacterial capsule (11a) that emits an antibacterial substance to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms is mixed in the LDPE layer (11), and an organic ultraviolet absorber for blocking ultraviolet rays is mixed in the HDPE layer (12); and the patch valve (40) covers the main hole (15) and is connected to a plurality of the main hole (15). A vinyl packaging for sweet corn, comprising: a button tape (41) made of silicone material having a subhole (41a) formed therein; a membrane film (42) attached to the back surface of the button tape (41) with the subhole (41a) covered therein, which introduces external oxygen into the packaging body (10) and exhausts carbon dioxide generated during the respiration process of sweet corn to the outside air; and an adhesive layer (43) formed in a ring shape on the back surface of the button tape (41) on the outside of the membrane film (42), wherein the membrane film (42) is implemented by forming a plurality of micro-perforations with an inner diameter of 1 to 10 μm in a film made of EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) material, and the printing layer (30) includes a discoloration layer that changes color when the sweet corn becomes rancid. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete

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