TW201902795A - Wrapped in 3D loop material - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a packaging article. In an embodiment, the packaging article comprises (A) a rigid container having side walls and a bottom wall, the walls defining a compartment, and (B) a sheet of 3-dimensional random loop material (3DRLM) in the compartment. A food item (C) may be located in the compartment, the food item contacts the sheet of 3DRLM.

Description

Packaging with 3D loop material

The present invention provides a packaging product for fresh foods such as meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, and berries.

Many fresh foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, and berries, are packed in plastic trays with heat-shrinkable or stretch-wrapped films for protection, joint operations, and transportation. These trays are typically thermoformed trays made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a polystyrene or polypropylene sheet. Fresh foods typically contain liquids that are discharged or shed from the food during storage. The liquid accumulates at the bottom of the package. Liquid accumulation increases the risk of microbial growth, which can spoil fresh food and make food for consumption unsafe. The accumulation of liquid in fresh food packaging also adversely affects the shape of the food, during which consumers will refuse to buy food.

Conventional fresh food packaging uses an absorbent pad between the food and the tray. The absorbent pad is typically made of cellulose pulp and / or superabsorbent polyacrylate, enclosed in a non-woven fabric-covered bag. The absorbent pad can only hold the discharged liquid to a limited extent. Because the liquid and food remain in contact at the interface of the absorbent pad, the absorbent pad cannot completely exclude microbial growth in the food package. In addition, the liquid in the absorbent pad remains in liquid or hydrogel form, increasing the risk of microbial growth. Due to food contact regulations, biocides cannot typically be used inside absorbent packages or pads. In addition, when consumers remove food from their packaging and force consumers to contact the absorbent pad, the absorbent pad is known to easily tear and / or adhere to food.

The art therefore recognizes the need for food packaging capable of preventing fluid accumulation and minimizing microbial growth without the need for an absorbent pad.

The invention provides a packaging product. In one embodiment, the packaging article includes (A) a rigid container having a side wall and a bottom wall, the wall defining a compartment; and (B) a 3-dimensional random loop material (3DRLM) located in the compartment ) Thin layer. Food (C) may be located in the compartment, the food being in contact with the 3DRLM thin layer. Definition and test method

All references to the periodic table in this article shall refer to the copyrighted periodic table of the elements published by CRC Press, Inc. in 2003. In addition, any reference to one or more families shall refer to the one or more families reflected in this periodic table using the IUPAC system for numbering the families. All components and percentages are by weight unless stated to the contrary, the context implies, or is customary in the art. For purposes of U.S. patent practice, the contents of any patents, patent applications, or publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety (or their equivalent US versions are hereby incorporated by reference) .

The numerical range disclosed herein includes all values from the lower limit value to the upper limit value and includes the lower limit value and the upper limit value. For ranges containing exact values (such as 1, or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7), include any subranges between any two exact values (such as 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 To 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6 etc.).

Unless stated to the contrary, the context implies, or is customary in the art, all components and percentages are by weight and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this invention.

Apparent density. Cut the sample material into squares measuring 38 cm x 38 cm (15 in x 15 in). This block volume is calculated using the thickness measured at four points. Divide the weight by the volume to obtain the apparent density (average of four measurements), and its value is reported in grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc).

Bending stiffness. Bending stiffness was measured using a Frank-PTI bending tester, using a compression-molded sheet with a thickness of 550 µm, and according to DIN 53121. Samples were prepared by compression molding resin particles according to the ISO 293 standard. The compression molding conditions are selected according to the ISO 1872-2007 standard. The average cooling rate of the melt was 15 ° C / min. Bending stiffness was measured at room temperature using a span of 20 mm, a sample width of 15 mm, and a bending angle of 40 ° through a 2-point bending configuration. Apply bending at 6 ° / sec (s) and after full bending, take a force reading of 6 to 600 s. The various materials were evaluated four times and the results are reported in Newton millimeters ("Nmm").

"Blend", "polymer blend" and similar terms are combinations of two or more polymers. Such blends may or may not be miscible. Such blends may or may not be phase separated. Such blends may or may not contain one or more domain configurations, as determined by transmission electron spectroscopy, light scattering, x-ray scattering, and any other method known in the art. The blend is not a laminate, but one or more layers of the laminate may comprise a blend.

¹³ C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

Sample Preparation

By adding about 2.7 g of a tetrachloroethane-d2 / o-dichlorobenzene 50/50 mixture (0.025 M in chromium ethylacetate (relaxing agent)) to a 0.21 g sample in a 10 mm NMR tube To prepare a sample. The sample was dissolved and homogenized by heating the tube and its contents to 150 ° C.

Data acquisition parameters

Data were collected using a Bruker 400 MHz spectrometer equipped with a Bruker dual DUL high temperature CryoProbe. At a sample temperature of 125 ° C, data were acquired using 320 transients per data file, a 7.3-second pulse repetition delay (6-second delay + 1.3-second acquisition time), a 90-degree flip angle, and reverse gated decoupling. All measurements were performed on non-spun samples in locked mode. The sample was homogenized just before it was inserted into a heated (130 ° C) NMR sample converter, and data acquisition was allowed after 15 minutes of thermal equilibration in the probe.

"Composition" and similar terms are a mixture of two or more materials. The composition includes pre-reaction, reaction, and post-reaction mixtures, the latter including reaction products and by-products, unreacted components in the reaction mixture, and decomposition products (if present) formed from one or more components of the reaction or reaction mixture .

The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their derivatives are not intended to exclude the presence of any other component, step, or procedure, whether or not specifically disclosed. For the avoidance of any doubt, unless stated to the contrary, all compositions claimed through the use of the term "comprising" may include any other additives, adjuvants or compounds, whether polymerized or otherwise. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes any other components, steps, or procedures from any subsequent enumeration, except for those components, steps, or procedures that are not necessary for operability. outer. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step or procedure not specifically recited or enumerated.

Crystal dissociation fractionation (CEF) method

The comonomer distribution analysis was performed using the Crystallization Dissociation Fractionation (CEF) method (Polymer Spain) (B Monrabal et al., Macromol. Symp.) 257, 71-79 (2007). Ortho-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) containing 600 ppm of the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was used as a solvent. Sample preparation was performed using an autosampler at 160 ° C, with shaking at 4 mg / ml for 2 hours (unless otherwise noted). The injection volume was 300 μm. The temperature distribution of CEF is: crystallization from 110 ° C to 30 ° C at 3 ° C / min, thermal equilibrium at 30 ° C for 5 minutes, and dissolution from 30 ° C to 140 ° C at 3 ° C / min. The flow rate during crystallization was 0.052 ml / min. The flow rate during dissolution was 0.50 ml / min. Collect data at one data point / second. The CEF column was filled with 125 μm glass beads + 6% (MO-SCI Specialty Products) 1/8 inch stainless steel tube by Dow Chemical Company. Glass beads were washed with acid by MO-SCI Specialty at the request of The Dow Chemical Company. The column volume was 2.06 ml. Column temperature calibration was performed by using a mixture of NIST standard reference materials linear polyethylene 1475a (1.0 mg / ml) and eicosane (2 mg / ml) in ODCB. The temperature was calibrated by adjusting the dissolution heating rate so that NIST linear polyethylene 1475a had a peak temperature of 101.0 ° C and eicosane had a peak temperature of 30.0 ° C. Calculate the CEF column resolution in the presence of a mixture of NIST linear polyethylene 1475a (1.0 mg / ml) and hexadecane (Fluka, purum,> 97.0, 1 mg / ml). Baseline separation of hexadecane from NIST polyethylene 1475a was achieved. The area of hexadecane (35.0 to 67.0 ° C) is 50 to 50 relative to the area of NIST 1475a at 67.0 to 110.0 ° C, and the amount of soluble dissociated fraction below 35.0 ° C is <1.8 wt%. CEF column resolution is defined by the following program: The column resolution is 6.0.

Density is measured according to ASTM D 792, where values are reported in grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc).

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to measure the melting and crystallization characteristics of polymers over a wide range of temperatures. For example, this analysis was performed using a TA Instruments Q1000 DSC equipped with an RCS (Freezing Cooling System) and an autosampler. During the test, a nitrogen purge gas flow of 50 ml / min was used. Each sample was melt-pressed into a film at about 175 ° C; the molten sample was then air-cooled to room temperature (about 25 ° C). Film samples were formed by pressing a "0.1 to 0.2 gram" sample at 175 ° C, 1,500 psi and 30 seconds to form a "0.1 to 0.2 mil thick" film. A 3-10 mg 6 mm diameter sample was extracted from the cooled polymer, weighed, placed in a lightweight aluminum pan (approximately 50 mg), and the bead was closed. An analysis is then performed to determine its thermal characteristics. The thermal characteristics of a sample are determined by slowly increasing and decreasing the sample temperature to establish a heat flow versus temperature profile. First, the sample was quickly heated to 180 ° C and kept isothermal for five minutes in order to remove its thermal history. Subsequently, the sample was cooled to -40 ° C at a cooling rate of 10 ° C / min, and kept isothermal at -40 ° C for 5 minutes. The sample is then heated to 150 ° C at a heating rate of 10 ° C / min (this is a "second heat" linear change). Record the cooling and second heating curves. The cooling curve was analyzed by setting the baseline endpoint from the start of crystallization to -20 ° C. The heat curve was analyzed by setting the baseline endpoint from -20 ° C to the end of melting. The measured values are peak melting temperature (Tm), peak crystallization temperature (Tc), initial crystallization temperature (Tc onset), heat of fusion (Hf) (Joules / gram); use: the crystallinity of PE = (( Hf) / (292 J / g)) × 100 calculated crystallinity% of polyethylene sample, and using: crystallinity% of PP = ((Hf) / 165 J / g)) × 100 calculated crystallinity of polypropylene sample %. The heat of fusion (Hf) and peak melting temperature are reported according to the second heat curve. The peak crystallization temperature and the initial crystallization temperature are determined using a cooling curve.

Flexible reply. Resin pellets are compression molded to a thickness of about 5-10 mils in accordance with ASTM D4703 Annex A1 Method C. As detailed in ASTM D1708, geometric micro-tensile test specimens are stamped from the formed sheet. Condition the test specimen for 40 hours before testing according to Procedure A of Practice D618.

The samples were tested in a screw-driven or hydraulically-driven tensile tester using a flat rubber-faced handle. The distance between the handles is set to 22 mm, which is equal to the gauge distance of the micro-tensile specimen. The sample was stretched to 100% strain at a rate of 100% / min and held for 30 seconds. The crosshead is then returned to the original handle pitch at the same rate for 60 seconds. The sample was then 100% strained at the same 100% / min strain rate.

The elastic response can be calculated as follows:

"Ethylene-based polymer" is a polymer containing more than 50% by weight of polymerized ethylene monomer (based on the total weight of polymerizable monomers) and optionally containing at least one comonomer. Ethylene-based polymers include ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers (meaning units derived from ethylene and one or more comonomers). The terms "ethylene-based polymer" and "polyethylene" are used interchangeably. Non-limiting examples of ethylene-based polymers (polyethylene) include low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear polyethylene. Non-limiting examples of linear polyethylene include linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), ethylene-based multicomponent copolymer (EPE), ethylene / Alpha-olefin multiblock copolymers (also known as olefin block copolymers (OBC)), single-site catalyzed linear low density polyethylene (m-LLDPE), substantially linear or linear plastomers / elastomers, and high-density polymers Ethylene (HDPE). In general, heterogeneous catalyst systems (such as Ziegler-Natta catalysts) can be used in gas-phase fluidized bed reactors, liquid slurry reactors, or liquid solution reactors, Homogeneous catalyst systems produce polyethylene that includes Group 4 transition metals and ligand structures such as metallocenes, non-metallocene metal centers, heteroaryl groups, heterovalent aryloxyethers, phosphinimines, and others . Combinations of heterogeneous and / or homogeneous catalysts can also be used in single or dual reactor configurations.

"High-density polyethylene" (or "HDPE") is an ethylene homopolymer or ethylene / α-olefin produced with at least one C ₄ -C ₁₀ α-olefin comonomer or C _4- C ₈ α-olefin comonomer Copolymer with a density greater than 0.94 g / cc or 0.945 g / cc or 0.95 g / cc, or 0.955 g / cc to 0.96 g / cc, or 0.97 g / cc, or 0.98 g / cc. HDPE may be a unimodal copolymer or a multimodal copolymer. "Unimodal ethylene copolymer" is an ethylene / C ₄ -C ₁₀ α-olefin copolymer having a unique peak in gel permeation chromatography (GPC) exhibiting a molecular weight distribution. "Multimodal ethylene copolymer" Display of the GPC molecular weight distribution having at least two ethylene / C ₄ -C ₁₀ α- olefin copolymers of unique peaks. Multimodal includes copolymers with two peaks (bimodal) and copolymers with more than two peaks. Non-limiting examples of HDPE include DOW ™ high density polyethylene (HDPE) resin (available from The Dow Chemical Company), ELITE ™ reinforced polyethylene resin (available from The Dow Chemical company), CONTINUUM ™ bimodal polyethylene Resins (available from The Dow Chemical Company), LUPOLEN ™ (available from LyondellBasell), and HDPE products from Borealis, Ineos, and ExxonMobil.

An "interpolymer" is a polymer prepared by polymerizing at least two different monomers. This general term includes copolymers, which is commonly used to refer to polymers made from two different monomers, and polymers made from more than two different monomers, such as trimers, tetramers, and the like.

"Low-density polyethylene" (or "LDPE") consists of an ethylene homopolymer or an ethylene / α-olefin copolymer, said α-olefin copolymer comprising at least one C ₃ -C ₁₀ α-olefin, preferably having 0.915 C ₃ -C ₄ with a density from g / cc to 0.940 g / cc and containing long chain branches with wide MWD. LDPE is typically prepared by means of high-pressure radical polymerization (tubular reactor or autoclave using a radical initiator). Non-limiting examples of LDPE include MarFlex ™ (Chevron Phillips), LUPOLEN ™ (LyondellBasell), and LDPE products from Borealis, Ineos, ExxonMobil, and others.

"Linear Low Density Polyethylene" (or "LLDPE") is a linear ethylene / α-olefin copolymer containing a heterogeneous short chain branching distribution, comprising units derived from ethylene and at least one C ₃ -C ₁₀ α-olefin Comonomer or unit of at least one C ₄ -C ₈ α-olefin comonomer or at least one C ₆ -C ₈ α-olefin comonomer. LLDPE is characterized by very few long-chain branches (if present) compared to conventional LDPE. The density of LLDPE is 0.910 g / cc, or 0.915 g / cc, or 0.920 g / cc, or 0.925 g / cc to 0.930 g / cc, or 0.935 g / cc, or 0.940 g / cc. Non-limiting examples of LLDPE include TUFLIN ™ linear low density polyethylene resin (available from The Dow Chemical Company), DOWLEX ™ polyethylene resin (available from The Dow Chemical Company), and MARLEX ™ polyethylene (available from Chevron Phillips) ).

"Ultra Low Density Polyethylene" (or "ULDPE") and "Very Low Density Polyethylene" (or "VLDPE") are each a linear ethylene / α-olefin copolymer containing a non-uniform short chain branch distribution, including ethylene-derived ethylene Units and units derived from at least one C ₃ -C ₁₀ α-olefin comonomer or at least one C ₄ -C ₈ α-olefin comonomer or at least one C ₆ -C ₈ α-olefin comonomer. ULDPE and VLDPE each have a density of 0.885 g / cc or 0.90 g / cc to 0.915 g / cc. Non-limiting examples of ULDPE and VLDPE include ATTANE ™ ultra-low density polyethylene resin (available from The Dow Chemical Company) and FLEXOMER ™ very low density polyethylene resin (available from The Dow Chemical Company).

"Ethylene-based multicomponent copolymer" (or "EPE") includes units derived from ethylene and at least one C ₃ -C ₁₀ α-olefin comonomer or at least one C ₄ -C ₈ α-olefin copolymer Monomers or units of at least one C ₆ -C ₈ α-olefin comonomer, such as described in patent documents USP 6,111,023; USP 5,677,383; and USP 6,984,695. The density of EPE resin is 0.905 g / cc or 0.908 g / cc or 0.912 g / cc or 0.920 g / cc to 0.926 g / cc or 0.929 g / cc or 0.940 g / cc or 0.962 g / cc. Non-limiting examples of EPE resins include ELITE ™ enhanced polyethylene (available from The Dow Chemical Company), ELITE AT ™ advanced technology resin (available from The Dow Chemical company), and SURPASS ™ polyethylene (PE) resin (available from Available from Nova Chemicals) and SMART ™ (available from SK Chemicals Co.).

"Single-point catalyzed linear low density polyethylene" (or "m-LLDPE") is a linear ethylene / α-olefin copolymer containing a uniform short chain branching distribution, comprising units derived from ethylene and at least one C ₃ -C ₁₀ α-olefin comonomer or at least one C ₄ -C ₈ α-olefin comonomer or at least one C ₆ -C ₈ α-olefin comonomer unit. The density of m-LLDPE is 0.913 g / cc or 0.918 g / cc or 0.920 g / cc to 0.925 g / cc or 0.940 g / cc. Non-limiting examples of m-LLDPE include EXCEED ™ metallocene PE (available from ExxonMobil Chemical), LUFLEXEN ™ m-LLDPE (available from LyondellBasell), and ELTEX ™ PF m-LLDPE (available from Ineos Olefins & Polymers).

"Ethylene plastomer / elastomer" is a substantially linear or linear ethylene / α-olefin copolymer containing a uniform short chain branching distribution, comprising units derived from ethylene and at least one C ₃ -C ₁₀ α-olefin copolymer monomer Or a unit of at least one C ₄ -C ₈ α-olefin comonomer or at least one C ₆ -C ₈ α-olefin comonomer. The density of ethylene plastomers / elastomers is 0.870 g / cc, or 0.880 g / cc, or 0.890 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc, or 0.902 g / cc, or 0.904 g / cc, or 0.909 g / cc, or 0.910 g / cc, or 0.917 g / cc. Non-limiting examples of vinyl plastomers / elastomers include AFFINITY ™ plastomers and elastomers (available from The Dow Chemical Company), EXACT ™ plastomers (available from ExxonMobil Chemical), Tafmer ™ (available from Mitsui), Nexlene ™ (available from SK Chemicals Co.) and Lucene ™ (available from LG Chem Ltd.).

Melt flow rate (MFR) is measured according to ASTM D 1238, conditions 280 ° C / 2.16 kg (g / 10 minutes).

Melt index (MI) is measured according to ASTM D 1238, conditions 190 ° C / 2.16 kg (g / 10 minutes).

As used herein, "melting point" or "Tm" (also known as the melting peak, with reference to the shape of the DSC curve drawn) is typically as described in USP 5,783,638 by DSC for measuring the melting point or peak of a polyolefin ( Differential scanning calorimetry) technology measurement. It should be noted that many blends containing two or more polyolefins have more than one melting point or peak, and many individual polyolefins contain only one melting point or peak.

The molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) was measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Specifically, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polymer were measured using a conventional GPC measurement method, and Mw / Mn was measured. The gel permeation chromatography system consists of a Polymer Laboratories model PL-210 or a Polymer Laboratories model PL-220 instrument. The column and transfer chamber were operated at 140 ° C. Three Polymer Laboratories 10 micron Mixed-B columns were used. The solvent was 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. Samples were prepared at a concentration of 0.1 g of polymer in 50 ml of a solvent containing 200 ppm of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Samples were prepared by gently stirring at 160 ° C for 2 hours. The injection volume used was 100 microliters and the flow rate was 1.0 ml / min.

GPC column sets were calibrated with 21 narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene standards with molecular weights in the range of 580 to 8,400,000, which were configured as 6 "cocktail" mixtures with individual molecular weights differing by at least ten times. Standards were purchased from Polymer Laboratories (Shropshire, UK). For the preparation of polystyrene standards, for a molecular weight of 1,000,000 or more, 0.025 grams in 50 ml of solvent; and for a molecular weight of less than 1,000,000, 0.05 g in 50 ml of solvent. Stir gently at 80 ° C for 30 minutes to dissolve the polystyrene standard. Narrow standard mixtures are operated first and in descending order of highest molecular weight components to minimize degradation. Use the following equations (as described in Williams and Ward, J. Polym. Sc.), Polym. Let., 6, 621 (1968) to convert polystyrene The standard peak molecular weight was converted to polyethylene molecular weight: M _{polypropylene} = 0.645 (M _polystyrene ).

Polypropylene equivalent molecular weight calculation was performed using Viscotek TriSEC software version 3.0.

As used herein, an "olefin-based polymer" is a polymer that contains more than 50% by weight of a polymerized olefin monomer (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) and may optionally contain at least one comonomer. Non-limiting examples of olefin-based polymers include ethylene-based polymers and propylene-based polymers.

"Polymer" is a compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of the same or different types, which provides a plurality of and / or repeating "units" or "mer units" that make up the polymer in a polymerized form . Thus, the generic term polymer encompasses the term homopolymer, which is commonly used to refer to polymers made from only one type of monomer; and the term interpolymer, which is often used to refer to polymers made from at least two types of monomers polymer. It also covers all forms of copolymers, such as random, block, etc. The terms "ethylene / α-olefin polymer" and "propylene / α-olefin polymer" mean copolymers prepared by polymerizing ethylene or propylene and one or more other polymerizable α-olefin monomers, respectively, as described above. It should be noted that although polymers are often referred to as being "made" from one or more specific monomers, "based on" a specific monomer or monomer type, and "containing" a specific monomer content or the like, in this context, the term "Monomer" is understood to mean the polymerization residue of a particular monomer and not the unpolymerized species. Generally speaking, polymers herein refer to "units" based on the polymerized form of the corresponding monomer.

A "propylene-based polymer" is a polymer that contains (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) more than 50% by weight of polymerized propylene monomer and may optionally contain at least one comonomer.

The invention provides a packaging product. In one embodiment, the packaging article includes (A) a rigid container having a side wall and a bottom wall. The wall defines a compartment. The packaging product also includes (B) a thin layer of 3D random loop material (3DRLM) located in the compartment. A. Container

Referring to the drawings and referring first to FIGS. 1 to 2, the packaged product is generally designated by the component symbol 10. The packaged article 10 includes a container 12. The container 12 includes a side wall 14, a bottom wall 16 and a top wall 18 as appropriate. The side wall 14 extends between the bottom wall 16 and the top wall 18 as appropriate. Although FIG. 1 depicts a container 12 having four side walls 14, it should be understood that the container may have three or four to five or six or seven or eight or more than eight side walls.

The top wall 18 exists as appropriate. The container 12 may have an open top gap of the top wall. When the top wall is present, the top wall 18 may or may not be attached to one or more side walls.

In one embodiment, the top wall is present and the top wall is a discrete discrete component that is placed on the side wall to form a closed compartment (along with the bottom wall). The attachment between the freestanding top walls can be by means of a snap fit, a friction fit, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, a top wall 18 is present and articulatedly attached to the side wall 14 to provide a shell clamshell container as shown in FIGS. 1-2. A "shell shell container" is a rigid container with a top (top wall 18 walls) and a bottom (walls 14-16). The thermoformed top is connected to the bottom by means of a hinge 19. Shell clamshell containers are popular because of their cheapness, versatility, and excellent protection for food, such as producing and presenting desirable consumer packaging. Shell clamshell containers are most commonly used for consumer packaging of high-value products (such as small amounts of fruit, berries, mushrooms, etc.) or items that are easily damaged by extrusion. Shell clamshell containers are widely used for pre-cut products and prepared salads.

The walls 14-16 (the top wall 18 if present) form the compartment 20. The compartment 20 can be accessed by disengaging the top wall 18 (when present) from the side wall 14.

The walls 14-18 are made of a hard material. Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for walls 14-18 include cardboard, corrugated cardboard, polymer materials, metals, wood, fiberglass, thermal insulation materials, and any combination thereof.

The container may contain two or more than two embodiments disclosed herein. B. Thin layer of 3D random loop material

The packaged article 10 includes at least one thin layer 22 of a 3-dimensional random loop material 30. As shown in FIG. 1A, a "three-dimensional random loop material" (or "3DRLM") is a block or structure of a plurality of loops 32 formed by winding continuous fibers 34 to allow the respective loops to melt each other in a molten state Contact, and thermally bond or otherwise melt bond most of the contact points 36. Even when large stress is applied to cause significant deformation, the 3DRLM 30 absorbs the stress by itself deforming through a complete network structure composed of a fusion-integrated three-dimensional random loop; and once the stress is removed, the elasticity of the polymer Restoring the self display allows the original shape of the structure to be restored. When a network structure composed of continuous fibers made of a known non-elastic polymer is used as a cushioning material, plastic deformation occurs and recovery cannot be achieved, resulting in poor thermal durability. When the fibers are not melt-bonded at the contact point, the shape cannot be maintained and the structure does not change its shape integrally. As a result, fatigue occurs due to stress concentration, leading to long-lasting unfavorable degradation and deformation resistance. In some embodiments, fusion bonding is a state in which all contact points are fusion bonded.

A non-limiting method for producing 3DRLM 30 includes the following steps: (a) In a typical melt extruder, the molten olefin-based polymer is heated to melt at a temperature between 10 ° C and 140 ° C above the melting point of the polymer. (B) By allowing the fibers to fall naturally (by gravity), the molten interpolymer is discharged downstream from a nozzle with multiple orifices to form a loop. The polymer may be used in combination with a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic non-elastic polymer, or a combination thereof. The distance between the nozzle surface and the lead-out conveyor installed on the cooling unit for fiber solidification, the polymer melt viscosity, the orifice diameter and the discharge volume are the factors that determine the loop diameter and fiber fineness. Form a loop as follows: Hold and allow the transferred molten fibers to reside on a pair of outgoing conveyor belts (belts or rollers) provided on the cooling unit (the distance between them can be adjusted). The distance is such that the circuits so formed are in contact with each other so that the contacting circuits are thermally bonded or otherwise melt-bonded when they form a three-dimensional random circuit structure. Next, continuous fibers (where the contacts are thermally bonded when the circuit forms a three-dimensional random circuit structure) are continuously fed into a cooling unit for solidification to obtain a network structure. After that, the structure is cut to a desired length and shape. The method is characterized in that the olefin-based polymer is melted and heated at a temperature of 10 ° C. to 140 ° C. higher than the melting point of the interpolymer, and in a molten state is conveyed downstream from a nozzle having a plurality of orifices. When the polymer is discharged at a temperature lower than the melting point by less than 10 ° C, the transferred fibers become cooled and have less fluidity, causing insufficient thermal bonding at the contact points of the fibers.

The characteristics of the fibers (such as the loop diameter and fineness) that make up the buffer network structure provided herein depend on the distance between the nozzle surface and the outgoing conveyor belt mounted on the cooling unit for the curing of the interpolymer, and the interpolymer melting Body viscosity, orifice diameter, and amount of interpolymer transferred from it. For example, reduced interpolymer transfer volume and lower melt viscosity after transfer cause a decrease in the fineness of the fiber and a decrease in the average loop diameter of the random loop. On the contrary, the shortening of the distance between the nozzle surface and the lead-out conveyor belt mounted on the cooling unit for the curing of the interpolymer caused a slight increase in the fineness of the fibers and an increase in the average loop diameter of the random loop. The combination of these conditions enables continuous fibers to achieve the required fineness of 100 denier to 100,000 denier and the average diameter of the random loop does not exceed 100 mm, or 1 mm (mm) or 2 mm or 10 mm to 25 mm or 50 mm . By adjusting the distance from the aforesaid conveyor belt, the thickness of the structure can be controlled, while the thermally bonded mesh structure is in a molten state, and a structure having a desired thickness and a flat surface formed by the conveyor belt can be obtained. Because cooling is performed before thermal bonding, the speed of the conveyor belt is too high and thermal bonding at the contact points fails. On the other hand, too slow speeds result in higher densities, which is the result of too long a residence time of the molten material. In some embodiments, the distance from the conveyor belt and the conveyor speed should be selected so that the desired apparent density of 0.005-0.1 g / cc or 0.01-0.05 g / cc can be achieved.

In one embodiment, 3DRLM 30 has one, some or all of the following characteristics (i)-(iii): (i) an apparent density of 0.016 g / cc, or 0.024 g / cc, or 0.032 g / cc, Or 0.040 g / cc, or 0.050 g / cc, or 0.060 to 0.070 g / cc, or 0.080 g / cc, or 0.090 g / cc, or 0.100 g / cc, or 0.150 g / cc; and / or (ii) The fiber diameter is 0.1 mm, or 0.5 mm, or 0.7 mm, or 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm to 2.5 mm, or 3.0 mm; and / or (iii) the thickness (processing direction) is 1.0 cm, 2.0 cm, or 3.0 cm, or 4.0 cm, or 5.0 cm, or 10 cm, or 20 cm, to 50 cm, or 75 cm, or 100 cm or more. It should be understood that the thickness of 3DRLM 30 will vary based on the type of product to be packaged.

The 3DRLM 30 is formed into a three-dimensional geometry to form a thin layer (i.e., 稜鏡). 3DRLM 30 is an elastic material that compresses and stretches and restores its original geometry. As used herein, an "elastic material" is a rubber-like material that is compressible and / or stretchable and that expands / contracts very quickly to its approximate original shape / length when a force applied with compression and / or stretching is released. When no compressive force and no tensile force are applied to the 3DRLM 30, the three-dimensional random loop material 30 has a "neutral state". When a compressive force is applied to the 3DRLM 30, the three-dimensional random loop material 30 has a "compressed state". When a tensile force is applied to the 3DRLM 30, the three-dimensional random loop material 30 has a "stretched state".

The three-dimensional random loop material 30 is composed of one or more olefin-based polymers. The olefin-based polymer may be one or more ethylene-based polymers, one or more propylene-based polymers, and blends thereof.

In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is an ethylene / α-olefin polymer. The ethylene / α-olefin polymer may be an ethylene / α-olefin random polymer or an ethylene / α-olefin multi-block polymer. The α-olefin is a C ₃ -C ₂₀ α-olefin, or a C ₄ -C ₁₂ α-olefin, or a C ₄ -C ₈ α-olefin. Non-limiting examples of suitable alpha-olefin comonomers include propylene, butene, methyl-1-hexene, hexene, octene, decene, dodecene, tetradecene, hexadecene, octadecene , Cyclohexyl-1-propene (allyl cyclohexane), vinyl cyclohexane and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is a homogeneously branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer.

A "random copolymer" is a copolymer in which at least two different monomers are arranged in a non-uniform order. The term "random copolymer" specifically excludes block copolymers. The term "homogeneous ethylene polymer" as used to describe ethylene polymers is used in a conventional sense in accordance with Elston's original disclosure in US Patent No. 3,645,992, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and is Refers to an ethylene polymer in which comonomers are randomly distributed within a given polymer molecule and wherein substantially all of the polymer molecules have substantially the same ethylene to comonomer mole ratio. As defined herein, substantially linear ethylene polymers and uniformly branched linear ethylene are homogeneous ethylene polymers.

The uniformly branched random ethylene / α-olefin copolymer may be a uniformly branched ethylene / α-olefin random linear copolymer or a uniformly branched chain ethylene / α-olefin substantially linear random copolymer. The term "substantially linear ethylene / α-olefin copolymer" means that the polymer backbone is replaced by: 0.01 long chain branches / 1000 carbons to 3 long chain branches / 1000 carbons, or 0.01 long chain branches / 1000 carbons to 1 long chain branch / 1000 carbons, or 0.05 long chain branches / 1000 carbons to 1 long chain branch / 1000 carbons. In contrast, the term "linear ethylene / α-olefin copolymer" means that the polymer backbone does not have long-chain branches.

The homogeneously branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer may have the same ethylene / α-olefin comonomer ratio in all copolymer molecules. Copolymer homogeneity can be described by SCBDI (Short Chain Branch Distribution Index) or CDBI (Composition Distribution Branch Index) and is defined as a polymer molecule with a comonomer content within 50% of the median total mole comonomer content Weight percent. The CDBI of a polymer can be easily calculated using data obtained from techniques known in the art, such as temperature dissolution fractionation (abbreviated herein as "TREF"), as described in US Patent No. 4,798,081 (Hazlitt et al.), Or As disclosed in US Patent No. 5,089,321 (Chum et al.), The disclosures of all of the above patents are incorporated herein by reference. The SCBDI or CDBI of the homogeneously branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer is preferably greater than about 30%, or greater than about 50%.

The homogeneously branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer may include at least one ethylene comonomer and at least one C ₃ -C ₂₀ α-olefin, or at least one C ₄ -C ₁₂ α-olefin comonomer. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, C ₃ -C ₂₀ α-olefins may include, but are not limited to, propylene, isobutylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1- Heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, and 1-decene, or in some embodiments, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, and 1-octene.

The homogeneously branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer may have one, some or all of the following characteristics (i)-(iii): (i) Melt index (12) is 1 g / 10 min, or 5 g / 10 min, or 10 g / 10 min, or 20 g / 10 min to 30 g / 10 min, or 40 g / 10 min, or 50 g / 10 min, and / or (ii) a density of 0.075 g / cc, Or 0.880 g / cc, or 0.890 g / cc to 0.90 g / cc, or 0.91 g / cc, or 0.920 g / cc, or 0.925 g / cc; and / or (iii) the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) is 2.0 , Or 2.5, or 3.0 to 3.5, or 4.0.

In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is a heterogeneously branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer.

The non-uniform branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer differs from the uniform branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer mainly in its branch distribution. For example, non-uniform branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymers have a branched distribution, including high branched portions (similar to very low density polyethylene), medium branched portions (similar to medium branched polyethylene), and substantially linear Partially (similar to linear homopolymer polyethylene).

Like the uniformly branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer, the non-uniformly branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer may include at least one ethylene comonomer and at least one C ₃ -C ₂₀ α-olefin comonomer, or At least one C ₄ -C ₁₂ α-olefin comonomer. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, C ₃ -C ₂₀ α-olefins may include, but are not limited to, propylene, isobutylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1- Heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, and 1-decene, or in some embodiments, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, and 1-octene. In one embodiment, the non-uniformly branched ethylene / α-olefin copolymer may comprise greater than about 50 wt% ethylene comonomer, or greater than about 60 wt.% Or greater than about 70 wt.% Ethylene comonomer. Similarly, the heterogeneously branched ethylene / α-olefin copolymer may contain less than about 50 wt% α-olefin monomer, or less than about 40 wt.% Or less than about 30 wt.% Α-olefin monomer.

The non-uniform branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer may have one, some or all of the following characteristics (i)-(iii) as follows: (i) density is 0.900 g / cc, or 0.0910 g / cc, or 0.920 g / cc to 0.930 g / cc, or 0.094 g / cc; (ii) Melt index (I ₂ ) is 1 g / 10 min, or 5 g / 10 min, or 10 g / 10 min, or 20 g / 10 min To 30 g / 10 min, or 40 g / 10 min, or 50 g / 10 min; and / or (iii) Mw / Mn is 3.0, or 3.5 to 4.0, or 4.5.

In one embodiment, 3DRLM 30 is composed of a blend of a homogeneously branched ethylene / α-olefin random copolymer and a heterogeneously branched ethylene / α-olefin copolymer, and the blend has the following characteristic (i) -(v) one, some or all: (i) Mw / Mn is 2.5, or 3.0 to 3.5, or 4.0, or 4.5; (ii) the melt index (I ₂ ) is 3.0 g / 10 min, or 4.0 g / 10 min, or 5.0 g / 10 min, or 10 g / 10 min to 15 g / 10 min, or 20 g / 10 min, or 25 g / 10 min; (iii) density of 0.895 g / cc, or 0.900 g / cc, or 0.910 g / cc, or 0.915 g / cc to 0.920 g / cc, or 0.925 g / cc; and / or (iv) the I ₁₀ / I ₂ ratio is 5 g / 10 min, or 7 g / 10 min to 10 g / 10 min, or 15 g / 10 min; and / or (v) a crystallinity percentage of 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40% to 45%, or 50%, or 55 %.

According to crystallization dissociation fractionation (CEF), the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend may have about 5 wt.% To about 15 wt.% Or about 6% to about 12% in a temperature region of 90 ° C to 115 ° C. Or about 8% to about 12% or greater than about 8% or greater than about 9% by weight. Additionally, as detailed below, the copolymer blend may have a comonomer distribution constant (CDC) of at least about 100 or at least about 110.

When measured using a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a temperature below 130 ° C, the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend of the present invention may have at least two or three melting peaks. In one or more embodiments, the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend may include a highest temperature melting peak of at least 115 ° C or at least 120 ° C or about 120 ° C to about 125 ° C or about 122 to about 124 ° C. Without being bound by theory, the non-uniformly branched ethylene / α-olefin copolymer is characterized by two melting peaks, and the uniformly branched ethylene / α-olefin copolymer is characterized by one melting peak, thereby forming three melting peaks.

In addition, the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend may include about 10 to about 90% by weight or about 30 to about 70% by weight or about 40 to about 60% by weight of a homogeneous branched ethylene / α-olefin copolymer. Similarly, the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend may include from about 10 to about 90% by weight, from about 30 to about 70% by weight, or from about 40 to about 60% by weight of a non-uniform branched ethylene / α-olefin copolymer . In a particular embodiment, the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend may include from about 50% to about 60% by weight of a uniformly branched ethylene / α-olefin copolymer, and from 40% to about 50% of a non-uniform branch. Ethylene / α-olefin copolymer.

In addition, the strength of the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend can be characterized by one or more of the following metrics. One such metric is elastic resilience. Here, the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend has an elastic recovery Re (%) of 50 to 80% under one cycle under 100% strain. Additional details regarding the resilient reply are provided in US Patent 7,803,728, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blends can also be characterized by their storage modulus. In some embodiments, the ratio of the storage modulus G '(25 ° C) of the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend at 25 ° C to the storage modulus G' (100 ° C) at 100 ° C may be About 20 to about 60, or about 20 to about 50, or about 30 to about 50, or about 30 to about 40.

In addition, the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend may also have a bending strength of at least about 1.15 Nmm / 6 s or at least about 1.20 Nmm / 6 s or at least about 1.25 Nmm / 6 s or at least about 1.35 Nmm / 6 s. Degree characterization. Without being bound by theory, these stiffness values indicate how the ethylene / α-olefin copolymer blend provides cushioning support when incorporated into the bonded 3DRLM fibers to form a cushioned network structure.

In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is an ethylene / α-olefin interpolymer composition having one, some, or all of the following characteristics: (i) 90.0 ° C to 115.0 ° C Melting peak at highest DSC temperature; and / or (ii) zero shear viscosity ratio (ZSVR) from 1.40 to 2.10; and / or (iii) density in the range of 0.860 to 0.925 g / cc; and / or (iv) 1 g Melt index (I ₂ ) from / 10 min to 25 g / 10 min; and / or (v) Molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) in the range of 2.0 to 4.5.

In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer contains a functional comonomer, such as an ester. The functional comonomer may be an acetate comonomer or an acrylate comonomer. Non-limiting examples of suitable ethylene-based polymers formed with functional comonomers include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene methyl acrylate EMA, ethylene ethyl acrylate (EEA), and any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the olefin-based polymer is a propylene-based polymer. The propylene-based polymer may be a propylene homopolymer or a propylene / α-olefin polymer. The α-olefin is a C ₂ α-olefin (ethylene) or a C ₄ -C ₁₂ α-olefin or a C ₄ -C ₈ α-olefin. Non-limiting examples of suitable alpha-olefin comonomers include ethylene, butene, methyl-1-hexene, hexene, octene, decene, dodecene, tetradecene, hexadecene, octadecene , Cyclohexyl-1-propene (allyl cyclohexane), vinyl cyclohexane and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the propylene interpolymer includes 82 wt% to 99 wt% of units derived from propylene and 18 wt% to 1 wt% of units derived from ethylene, and has one of the following characteristics (i)-(vi) Some or all: (i) a density of 0.840 g / cc or 0.850 g / cc to 0.900 g / cc; and / or (ii) a maximum DSC melting peak temperature of 50.0 ° C to 120.0 ° C; and / or (iii) melting Volume flow rate (MFR) is 1 g / 10 min, or 2 g / 10 min to 50 g / 10 min, or 100 g / 10 min; and / or (iv) Mw / Mn is less than 4; and / or (v ) Crystallinity percentage is in the range of 0.5% to 45%; and / or (vi) DSC crystallization start temperature Tc-start is less than 85 ° C.

In one embodiment, the olefin-based polymer used to make 3DRLM 30 contains one or more additives as appropriate. Non-limiting examples of suitable additives include stabilizers, antimicrobials, antifungals, antioxidants, processing aids, ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers, slip additives, antisticking agents, pigments or dyes, antistatic agents, fillers Agents, flame retardants, and any combination thereof.

Returning to FIGS. 1-2, the packaging article 10 includes a thin layer 22 (hereinafter referred to as “thin layer 22”) made of 3DRLM 30. The sheet 22 can be moved to / from the compressed state, moved to / from the neutral state, and moved to / from the stretched state. The composition and / or size and / or shape of the thin layer 22 may be adapted to accommodate the size and shape of the compartment 20.

In one embodiment, the thin layer 22 extends between and contacts at least two opposing side walls 14 of the container 12. In another embodiment, the thin layer 22 extends between and contacts the four sidewalls 14. Although FIGS. 1-2 show a single thin layer 22, it should be understood that two, three, four, or more than four thin layers can be placed in the compartment 20. In addition to the inner substrate wall 16, one or more other thin layers may be lined, for example, one, some or all of the side walls 14. Alternatively, a single thin layer may be configured to line the walls: the side walls 14 and the bottom wall 16.

In one embodiment, the thin layer 22 is dimensioned and shaped to frictionally fit the four side walls 14 and also dimensioned within the substrate wall 16. In another embodiment, the thin layer 22 is removable from the container 10. The thin layer 22 is therefore reusable and / or recyclable. C. Food

The packaged article 10 includes a food product 24, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The food item 24 may be a meat item, a poultry item, a fish item, a shellfish item, a vegetable item, a fruit item, a berry item, a derivative thereof such as a slice and / or a portion of a food item, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable meat items include beef, pork, lamb, and goat. Non-limiting examples of suitable poultry items include chicken, turkey, and duck. Non-limiting examples of suitable fish items include anchovies, salmon, green herring, anchovies, swordfish, kelp, and cod. Non-limiting examples of suitable shellfish items include shrimp, crab, lobster, clam, mussel, oyster and scallop. Non-limiting examples of suitable fruit items include cherries, kiwis, peppers, and tomatoes. Non-limiting examples of suitable vegetable items include celery, lettuce, broccoli, broccoli, carrots, and eggplant.

Non-limiting examples of suitable berry items include acai berry, amalika, baneberry, barbados cherry, barberry, Bearberry, bilberry, bittersweet berry, blackberry, bilberry, black mulberry, boysenberry, buffalo berry, bunchberry ), Chokeberry, chokecherry, cloudberry, cowberry, cranberry, currant, dewberry, elderberry Elderberry, farkleberry, goji berry, gooseberry, grape, holly berry, huckleberry, Indian plum, ivy berry, tang fruit (Juneberry), juniper berry, lingonberry, logan berry, mulberry, nannyberry, persimmon, Pokeberry, raspberry, salmonberry, strawberry, sugarberry, tayberry, fruitberry, wineberry, holly , Young strawberry (youngberry).

The food 24 has a liquid 26 that accumulates and / or flows out of the food 24 over time during storage, as shown in FIG. 2A. The liquid 26 is emitted from the food product 24 and thus includes components of the food product. Non-limiting examples of the components of the liquid 26 include water, microorganisms, proteins, fats, blood, small food particles (water-soluble particles and / or water-insoluble particles), food juice, and combinations thereof.

The liquid 26 may appear as a result of damage to one or more individual pieces of food during handling and / or storage, triggering the drainage of the damaged liquid from the food. Alternatively, food can naturally produce excess liquid over time during storage, which is common to, for example, freshly cut meat, raw meat, fresh fish, or chicken. Regardless of the source of liquid 26, it is known that the long-term contact between food 24 and liquid 26 is detrimental to the freshness, consumption, and vitality of food 24. The growth of microorganisms in the liquid 26 can cause the food 24 to degrade over time. In summary, the contact between the food 24 and the liquid 26 increases the risk of spoilage of the bulk food in the container 12.

1 to 2 show that the food is a raspberry 24a. One or more individual raspberries may be injured during handling, handling, and / or storage, causing liquid (in this case, raspberry juice 26a) to drain from raspberries 24a. The open loop structure of the 3DRLM 30 allows the liquid 26a to be discharged through the thin layer 22 and away from the food 24a. In this way, the thin layer separates the food 24a from the liquid 26a, thereby advantageously extending the food storage period (raspberry 24a), reducing food spoilage and protecting the food from liquid 26a.

Figure 2A shows that liquid 26 flowing through 3DRLM 30 is raspberry juice 26a. After the raspberry 24a flows through the 3DRLM 30, the raspberry juice 26a accumulates on the bottom wall 16. The thin layer 22 (relative to the open loop structure of the 3DRLM 30) allows the raspberry juice 26a to drain from the raspberry 24a and at the same time, the thin layer 22 separates the raspberry 24a from the raspberry juice 26a accumulated on the bottom wall 16. The packaging product of the present invention provides the following synergistic advantages: (1) the liquid 26 is discharged from the food 24; (2) the separation between the food and the liquid; and (3) the food is prevented from contacting the liquid accumulated on the bottom wall. In this manner, the thin layer 22 separates the food product 24 from the liquid 26, thereby advantageously extending the storage period, reducing spoilage, and protecting the food 24 from the liquid 26.

The thin layer 22 may include a coating or film layer, as appropriate, which contains an antimicrobial material that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the thin layer 22 is configured such that all or substantially all of the liquid 26 discharged from the food product 24 during storage is removed from and in contact with the food product 24. The thin layer 22 separates the food product 24 from the liquid 26 on the bottom wall 16.

The container 10 may or may not include an orifice that discharges liquid from the compartment 20. In one embodiment, the container 10 includes an orifice 40 for draining or otherwise removing accumulated liquid from the bottom wall 16. D. Cold source

The present invention provides another packaging article as shown in Figures 3 to 5A. In one embodiment, a packaged article 110 is provided that includes a container 112 having a side wall 114 and a bottom wall 116. The walls 114-116 define a compartment 120. The container 112 may include a top wall (not shown) as appropriate. The packaged article includes a thin layer 122 of 3DRLM 130 located in the compartment 120.

In one embodiment, the container 112 is an insulated container. As used herein, an "insulated container" is a container that prevents or reduces heat transfer. Non-limiting examples of insulated containers include vacuum flasks (Thermos ^TM bottles), containers with thermal blankets or thermal linings, molded expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers, molded polyurethane foam containers, molded Polyethylene foam container, container with reflective material lining (metallized film), container with blister packaging lining, and any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the thin layer 122 extends between contact with at least two opposing sidewalls 114 of the container 112, as disclosed above. In another embodiment, the thin layer 122 extends between the contacts with the four sidewalls 114, as disclosed above. The thin layer 122 may be sized and shaped to frictionally fit the four sidewalls 114 and also sized within the substrate wall 116, as disclosed above. The thin layer 122 may be removed from the container 112 and thus reusable and / or recyclable.

Food 124 is present in the compartment 120.

The packaged article 110 includes a cold source 128. As used herein, a "cold source" is an object that generates or radiates cold. Non-limiting examples of suitable cold sources include wet ice packs, ice, ice bottles, dry ice (frozen CO ₂ ) packs, refrigerant packs (typically water and ammonium nitrate, and including frozen gel packs), and any of them combination.

The food 124 contacts the surface of the thin layer 122 and / or contacts the cold source 128. The cold source 128 is placed adjacent to the food 124 and / or placed on the food 124. Alternatively, the cold source 128 is placed between the thin layer 122 and the food 124.

In one embodiment, the food is fresh fish 124a and the cold source is ice 128a, as shown in Figures 3 to 5A. The fresh fish 124 a contacts the surface of the thin layer 122. Alternatively, the ice 128a is placed on the thin layer 122, and the fresh fish 124a is placed on the ice 128a. The ice 128a is located below the fresh fish 124a, adjacent to and on the fresh fish 124a. As the ice 128a melts, the fresh fish 124a eventually contacts the thin layer 122.

As the ice 128a melts, a liquid 126a is formed. The liquid 126a includes water, fish particles, microorganisms, and other organisms from fish, and any combination thereof. The liquid 126a is discharged through the thin layer 122 by means of the open loop structure of the 3DRLM 130, as shown in FIG. 4A. The thin layer 122 separates the fresh fish 124a from the liquid 126a (melted ice or water) accumulated on the bottom wall 116. In one embodiment, the thin layer 122 is sized and shaped to have a height sufficient to separate the fresh fish 124a from the accumulated liquid 126a when all the ice 128a is molten. In other words, when all the ice 128a is melted, the thickness of the thin layer 122 is sufficient to prevent contact between the fresh fish 124a (rested on the top surface of the thin layer 122) and the liquid 126a accumulated on the bottom wall 116.

In one embodiment, the container 112 includes an orifice 140 for draining the accumulated liquid 126a from the container 112, as shown in FIG. 4A.

In one embodiment, the packaged article 110 includes two containers: a container 112 and a container 212. The container 212 is the same as or substantially the same as the container 112. The container 212 has a side wall 214 and a bottom wall 216 that are the same as or similar to the corresponding walls 114, 116 of the container 112. The containers 112, 212 are stackable, with the container 212 being placed on the container 112. The container 212 fits on the container 112 in a mating manner, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A.

The container 212 contains a thin layer 222 of 3DRLM 230 and a second batch of food, in this case a second batch of fresh fish 224a. It should be understood that the second batch of food may be the same or different from the original food. The container also contains a cold source: ice 228a.

In one embodiment, a third thin layer (not shown) of 3DRLM is placed between the top of the container 112 and the bottom of the container 212. When the ice 128 in the container 112 melts, the third thin layer provides support and stability to the container 212.

In one embodiment, the container 212 includes an orifice 240 that allows liquid 226a to drain from the container 212. The liquid 226a is discharged into the container 112 and continues to be discharged through the thin layer 122 and finally to the bottom wall 116 of the container 112. The orifice 140 allows liquid 226a (from container 212) and liquid 126a to be discharged from container 112.

The packaging product 110 is retractable, provided that each of the one, two, three, or more than three containers has a corresponding thin layer of 3DRLM, a corresponding food, and a cold source as appropriate. The packaging product 110 of the present invention provides the following synergistic advantages: (1) the liquid is discharged away from the food 24 (in multiple containers); (2) the food is separated from the liquid; and (3) the food is prevented from accumulating on the bottom wall Between liquids.

It is particularly hoped that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and descriptions contained herein, but includes modified forms of their embodiments, including a part of the embodiments and a combination of elements of different embodiments, as within the scope of the accompanying patent application Presented.

1A‧‧‧ Area of Figure 1

2A‧‧‧Picture 2

4A‧‧‧Picture 4

5A‧‧‧Picture 5

10‧‧‧Packaging products

12‧‧‧ container

14‧‧‧ sidewall

16‧‧‧ bottom wall

18‧‧‧ top wall

19‧‧‧ hinge

20‧‧‧ compartment

22‧‧‧ thin layer

24‧‧‧ Food

24a‧‧‧ Raspberry

26‧‧‧Liquid

26a‧‧‧Raspberry Juice

30‧‧‧3 DRLM

32‧‧‧loop

34‧‧‧ continuous fiber

36‧‧‧contact point

40‧‧‧ orifice

110‧‧‧Packaging products

112‧‧‧container

114‧‧‧ sidewall

116‧‧‧ bottom wall

120‧‧‧ compartment

122‧‧‧ thin layer

124‧‧‧ Food

124a‧‧‧Fresh fish

126a‧‧‧Liquid

128‧‧‧ Cold Source

128a‧‧‧ice

130‧‧‧3DRLM

140‧‧‧ orifice

212‧‧‧container

214‧‧‧ sidewall

216‧‧‧ bottom wall

222‧‧‧ thin layer

224a‧‧‧Fresh fish

226a‧‧‧Liquid

228a‧‧‧ice

230‧‧‧3DRLM

240‧‧‧ orifice

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a packaging article according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is an enlarged perspective view of a region 1A of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the packaging article of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2A-2A of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a packaging article according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the packaging product of FIG. 3. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4A-4A of FIG. 4. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a packaging article according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 5.

Claims (9)

A packaging article comprising: A. a rigid container having a side wall and a bottom wall, the wall defining a compartment; and B. a thin layer of 3D random circuit material (3DRLM) located in the compartment. The packaged product according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, comprising food in said compartment; and said food contacts the surface of said 3DRLM sheet. The packaged product according to item 2 of the patent application scope, wherein the liquid from the food passes through the 3DRLM and onto the bottom wall. The packaging product according to item 3 of the patent application scope, wherein the 3DRLM separates the food from the liquid on the bottom wall. The packaged article according to any one of claims 2 to 4 of the patent application scope, comprising (D) a cold source located in the compartment. The packaged product according to item 5 of the scope of patent application, wherein the cold source is ice in contact with the food; and the molten ice passes through the 3DRLM thin layer and onto the bottom wall. The packaging product according to item 6 of the patent application scope, wherein when all the ice is melted, the 3DRLM thin layer separates the food from the liquid on the bottom wall. The packaging article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the 3DRLM thin layer extends across two opposing walls. The packaged article as described in claim 1, wherein the container includes a top wall.