EP4126697A1 - Package configured to hide or otherwise visually obscure an active member attached thereto - Google Patents

Abstract

A package configured to hold product includes an active component and a label. The active component can be placed on or attached to an interior surface of the package and the label can be placed on or attached to an exterior surface of the package. The label can be placed on the package to cover the active component so that the active component generally cannot be seen from the external environment.

Description

PACKAGE CONFIGURED TO HIDE OR OTHERWISE VISUALLY OBSCURE AN ACTIVE MEMBER ATTACHED THERETO

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S . Provisional Application No. 63/004,328, filed April 2, 2020 and titled “PACKAGE CONFIGURED TO HIDE OR OTHERWISE VISUALLY OBSCURE AN ACTIVE COMPONENT ATTACHED THERETO”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The presently disclosed technology relates generally to packages for containing product, such as, but not limited to, foodstuff or perishable items. In one optional embodiment, the presently disclosed technology relates to a package having an active component or member visually obscured (e.g., at least partially hidden, or not visible) from an exterior of the package, such as by a label.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART [0003] Various types of packaging require, or at least benefit from, controlled environmental conditions. For example, some products require the absence of moisture or environments with a specific narrow window for relative humidity within a package. Other products degrade in the presence of ethylene. Still, other products, e.g., produce, such as lettuce, may risk being exposed to contamination and would benefit from a means to address such contamination, e.g. through release of an antimicrobial compound in the headspace of a package.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] One way to address the need for controlled environmental conditions for packaging of certain product is to provide a component, optionally in the form of a film that has some type of absorbing, adsorbing, and/or releasing activity or capacity. Such component can optionally be an entrained polymer film with an active agent, e.g., a desiccant polymer or antimicrobial releasing polymer. Optionally, the entrained polymer film can also include a channeling agent to help regulate the sorption or release of a given material.

[0005] In packaging applications where such a component or film is placed on an inner portion of a transparent or translucent package (e.g., on the underside of a clear lid or lidding film), the component or film may be unsightly to customers. In one embodiment, the presently disclosed technology includes placing an entrained polymer film underneath or behind the package label (or where the package label would be placed) to hide the active polymer film.

[0006] In one optional embodiment, the active member (e.g., including an antimicrobial agent) can form part of, be integral with, and/or be embedded into the label. In such an embodiment, the label can optionally be attached to an interior surface of the package.

[0007] In another optional embodiment, a label is attached to the package on or at a portion of the package that is transparent or translucent. The label can prevent the active member from being seen or making it more difficult to see the active member from an external environment of the package

[0008] Optionally, a method according to the presently disclosed technology includes placing an active component on an inside of a package, wherein the active component is hidden or otherwise at least partially or completely concealed from the external environment of the package by a sticker or label attached to an exterior of the package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating the presently disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings various illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a package according to one optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology, wherein an active member otherwise not visible (e.g., from a front elevation view of the package) is shown in phantom for clarity of the invention only; and [0011] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a package according to a second optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology, wherein an active member otherwise not visible (e.g., from a top plan view of the package) is shown in phantom for clarity of the invention only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] While systems, devices and methods are described herein by way of examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. Rather, the presently disclosed technology covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features of any one embodiment disclosed herein can be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

[0013] Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to) rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0014] As used herein, the term “active” is defined as capable of acting on, interacting with or reacting with a selected material (e.g., moisture or oxygen) according to the presently disclosed technology. Examples of such actions or interactions may include absorption, adsorption or release of the selected material. Another example of “active” is an agent capable of acting on, interacting with or reacting with a selected material in order to cause release of a released material.

[0015] As used herein, the term “active agent” is defined as a material that (1) can be immiscible with the base polymer and when mixed and heated with the base polymer and the channeling agent, will not melt, i.e., has a melting point that is higher than the melting point for either the base polymer or the channeling agent, and (2) acts on, interacts or reacts with a selected material. The term “active agent” may include but is not limited to materials that absorb, adsorb or release the selected material(s).

[0016] The active agents of one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology are those that release antimicrobial gas(es), such as but not limited to chlorine dioxide gas. Active agents according to the presently disclosed technology can be in the form of particles such as minerals (e.g., molecular sieve or silica gel, in the case of desiccants), but the presently disclosed technology should not be viewed as limited only to particulate active agents. For example, in some embodiments, an oxygen scavenging formulation may be made from a resin which acts as, or as a component of, the active agent.

[0017] The term “antimicrobial releasing agent” refers to an active agent that is capable of releasing a released antimicrobial material, e.g. in gas form. This active agent may include an active component and other components (such as a catalyst and trigger) in a formulation (e.g., powdered mixture) configured to release the antimicrobial gas. A “released antimicrobial material” is a compound that inhibits or prevents the growth and proliferation of microbes and/or kills microbes, e.g., chlorine dioxide gas. The released antimicrobial material is released by the antimicrobial releasing agent. By way of example only, an antimicrobial releasing agent may be triggered (e.g., by chemical reaction or physical change) by contact with a selected material (such as moisture). For example, moisture may react with an antimicrobial releasing agent to cause the agent to release a released antimicrobial material.

[0018] As used herein, the term “base material” is a component (preferably a polymer) of an entrained active material, other than the active agent, that provides structure for the entrained material.

[0019] As used herein, the term “base polymer” is a polymer optionally having a gas transmission rate of a selected material that is substantially lower than, lower than or substantially equivalent to, that of the channeling agent. By way of example, such a transmission rate is a water vapor transmission rate in embodiments where the selected material is moisture and the active agent is an antimicrobial gas-releasing agent that is activated by moisture or a water-absorbing desiccant. This active agent may include an active component and other components in a formulation configured to release the antimicrobial gas. In one embodiment, the primary function of the base polymer is to provide structure for the entrained polymer.

[0020] Suitable base polymers for use in the invention include thermoplastic polymers, e.g., polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonates, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene- methacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyesters, polyanhydrides, polyacrylianitrile, polysulfones, polyacrylic ester, acrylic, polyurethane and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0021] Referring to such a comparison of the base polymer and channeling agent water vapor transmission rate, in one embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least two times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least five times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least ten times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least twenty times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least fifty times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least one hundred times that of the base polymer.

[0022] As used herein, the term “channeling agent” or “channeling agents” is defined as a material that is immiscible with the base polymer and has an affinity to transport a gas phase substance at a faster rate than the base polymer. Optionally, a channeling agent is capable of forming channels through the entrained polymer when formed by mixing the channeling agent with the base polymer. Optionally, such channels are capable of transmitting a selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than in solely the base polymer.

[0023] As used herein, the term “channels” or “interconnecting channels” is defined as passages formed of the channeling agent that penetrate through the base polymer and may be interconnected with each other.

[0024] As used herein, the term “entrained polymer” is defined as a monolithic material formed of at least a base polymer, an active agent and optionally also a channeling agent entrained or distributed throughout. An entrained polymer thus are at least two phases (without a channeling agent) or at least three phases (with a channeling agent). A “mineral loaded polymer” is a type of entrained polymer, wherein the active agent is in the form of minerals, e.g., mineral particles such as molecular sieve or silica gel. The term “entrained material” is used herein to connote a monolithic material comprising an active agent entrained in a base material wherein the base material may or may not be polymeric.

[0025] As used herein, the term “monolithic,” “monolithic structure” or “monolithic composition” is defined as a composition or material that does not consist of two or more discrete macroscopic layers or portions. Accordingly, a “monolithic composition” does not include a multi-layer composite.

[0026] As used herein, the term “phase” is defined as a portion or component of a monolithic structure or composition that is uniformly distributed throughout, to give the structure or composition its monolithic characteristics.

[0027] As used herein, the term “selected material” is defined as a material that is acted upon, by, or interacts or reacts with an active agent and is capable of being transmitted through the channels of an entrained polymer. For example, in embodiments in which a desiccant is used as an active agent, the selected material may be moisture or a gas that can be absorbed by the desiccant. In embodiments in which a releasing material is used as an active agent, the selected material may be an agent released by the releasing material, such as moisture, fragrance, or an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorine dioxide). In embodiments in which an adsorbing material is used as an active agent, the selected material may be certain volatile organic compounds and the adsorbing material may be activated carbon.

[0028] As used herein, the term “three phase” is defined as a monolithic composition or structure comprising three or more phases. An example of a three phase composition according to the invention is an entrained polymer formed of a base polymer, active agent, and channeling agent. Optionally, a three phase composition or structure may include an additional phase, e.g., a colorant, but is nonetheless still considered “three phase” on account of the presence of the three primary functional components.

[0029] Entrained polymers may be two phase formulations (i.e., comprising a base polymer and active agent, without a channeling agent) or three phase formulations (i.e., comprising a base polymer, active agent and channeling agent). Entrained polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,911,937, 6,080,350, 6,124,006, 6,130,263, 6,194,079, 6,214,255, 6,486,231, 7,005,459, and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2016/0039955, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0030] An entrained material or polymer includes a base material (e.g., polymer) for providing structure, optionally a channeling agent, and an active agent (collectively, sometimes referred to as an “active member”). However, other variations of an active member are possible. For example, an active member can also consist of a base material and an active agent, without a channeling agent. The channeling agent forms microscopic interconnecting channels through the entrained polymer.

[0031] At least some of the active agent is contained within these channels, such that the channels communicate between the active agent and the exterior of the entrained polymer via microscopic channel openings formed at outer surfaces of the entrained polymer. The active agent can be, for example, any one of a variety of absorbing, adsorbing or releasing materials, as described in further detail below. While a channeling agent is preferred, the invention broadly includes entrained materials that optionally do not include channeling agents, e.g., two phase polymers.

[0032] In any embodiment, suitable channeling agents may include a polyglycol such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerin polyamine, polyurethane and polycarboxylic acid including polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Alternatively, the channeling agent can be, for example, a water insoluble polymer, such as a propylene oxide polymerisate-monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol B01/240, produced by CLARIANT. In other embodiments, the channeling agent could be a propylene oxide polymerisate monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol BO 1/20, produced by CLARIANT, propylene oxide polymerisate, such as Polyglykol DO 1/240, produced by CLARIANT, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon 6, nylon 66, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0033] Suitable active agents according to the presently disclosed technology include absorbing materials, such as desiccating compounds. If the active agent is a desiccant, any suitable desiccant for a given application may be used. Typically, physical absorption desiccants are preferred for many applications. These may include molecular sieves, silica gels, clays and starches. Alternatively, the desiccant may be a chemical compound that forms crystals containing water or compounds which react with water to form new compounds.

[0034] Optionally, in any embodiment, the active agent may be an oxygen scavenger, e.g., an oxygen scavenging resin formulation.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms “package,” “packaging” and “container” may be used interchangeably herein to indicate an object that holds or contains a good, e.g., food product and foodstuffs. Optionally, a package may include a container with a product stored therein. Non limiting examples of a package, packaging and container include a tray, box, carton, bottle receptacle, vessel, pouch and flexible bag. A pouch or flexible bag may be made from, e.g., polypropylene or polyethylene. The package or container may be closed, covered and/or sealed using a variety of mechanisms including a cover, a lid, lidding sealant, an adhesive and a heat seal, for example. The package or container is composed or constructed of various materials, such as plastic (e.g., polypropylene or polyethylene), paper, Styrofoam, glass, metal and combinations thereof. In one optional embodiment, the package or container is composed of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer, optionally polypropylene or polyethylene, and preferably has sufficient rigidity to retain its shape under gravity.

[0036] Referring now in detail to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, Fig. 1 shows a package, generally designated 10, which may be used according to an aspect of the disclosed concept. Optionally, the package 10 can form a cavity 11 to hold product (e.g., foodstuff, medicine, or other perishable items) and can include a label or advertisement 12 and a component 14, such as an active member. The label 12 can include or display indicia, writing, one or more trademarks, one or more colors, one or more images, or the like, possibly representative of the product within the package 10 or a particular company, cause, or individual.

[0037] In one optional embodiment, the label 12 can be placed on or attached to an exterior surface of the package 10 and the component 14 can be placed on or attached to an interior surface of the package 10. The label 12 and the component 14 can be aligned so that the label 12 blocks visibility of the component 14 from the exterior (at least some perspectives or all perspectives) of the package 10. In an alternative embodiment, the label 12 and the component 14 can both be attached to an interior surface of the package 10. The label 12 and the component 14 can optionally be separate, or combined into one item.

[0038] In one embodiment, the label 12 and the component 14 have generally the same shape (e.g., rectangle or circle) in Fig. 1. However, the label 12 and the component 14 can have different sizes, shapes and/or configurations. For example, the component 14 could have a rectangular shape while the label 12 could have a circular or eccentric shape. Further, the label 12 and the component 14 can optionally be exactly or substantially the same size, or the label 12 can be larger than the component 14.

[0039] Optionally, the component 14 can be in the form of an entrained polymer film can have a thin layer on its underside (e.g., the side facing the interior of the package 10) to permit activity (e.g., absorption, adsorption, releasing capabilities, etc.), but prevent direct contact of the active ingredient(s) with the product (e.g., foodstuff). Optionally, the component 14 can include an antimicrobial releasing agent.

[0040] Optionally, the package 10 is at least partially or completely formed of a translucent or transparent material, such that the contents of the package 10 or at least a portion thereof are generally visible from an exterior environment. More particularly, the package 10 can optionally have one transparent or translucent side or surface. The component 14 would also be visible, save for the presence of the label 11, which can optionally be opaque. The package 10 can optionally be formed from a roll of plastic film, such as by a horizontal form fill and seal machine or a vertical form fill and seal machine.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of the presently disclosed technology. Similar or identical structure as between the embodiment of Fig. 1 and the embodiment of Fig. 2 is distinguished in Fig. 2 by a reference number with a magnitude one hundred (100) greater than that of Fig. 1. Description of certain similarities between the embodiment of Fig. 1 and the embodiment of Fig. 2 may be omitted herein for convenience and brevity only.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, a polyethylene (PET) clamshell package 110, such as often used to store and/or transport strawberries, for example, can include an active member 114, such as entrained polymer film, optionally placed on the underside of the lid where or near the package label 112 is disposed atop (e.g., on the exterior surface of) the lid. However, the active member 114 is not limited to such a position, as the active member 114 can be placed anywhere on an interior of the package 110 where a label or a visual blocker is located.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows the active member 114 being significantly (e.g., eight times) smaller than the label 112 and positioned at, near, or approaching a corner of the label 112. However, the active member 114 can be moved with respect to the label 112, or the active member 114 and/or the label 112 can be larger or smaller than what is shown in Fig. 2.

[0044] In an alternative optional embodiment, where a flexible lidding film is used atop a package, an entrained polymer can be placed on the underside of the film beneath the package label.

[0045] In one optional embodiment, the label 12, 112 is attached to an interior surface of the package, and the active member 14, 114 forms part of, is integral with, and/or embedded in the label 12, 112. In such a configuration, the active member 14, 114 can be configured to preserve the product within the package 10, 110 without being visible to the user or purchaser.

[0046] The presently disclosed technology is not limited to use with or for antimicrobials. Instead, the presently disclosed technology may encompass any film, for example, with an active component.

[0047] In one aspect, the presently disclosed technology is optionally directed to a method of forming a package containing an active member on an interior surface of the package and a label on an exterior surface of the package. The label and the active member can be alighted so that the label obscures or blocks the active member from being visible to an external environment of the package.

[0048] The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are part of this Detailed Description. These exemplary embodiments are set forth in a format substantially akin to claims (each set including a numerical designation followed by a letter (e.g., “A,” “B,” etc.), although they are not technically claims of the present application. The following exemplary embodiments refer to each other in dependent relationships as “embodiments” instead of “claims.”

[0049] 1A. A package comprising an active component attached to an interior surface of the package and a label attached to an opposing exterior surface of the package.

[0050] 2A. The package of embodiment 1A, wherein the label is non-transparent and non- translucent.

[0051] 3A. The package of embodiment 1A or 2A, wherein the label is larger than the active component.

[0052] 4A. The package of any one of embodiments 1A-3A, wherein the active component is an entrained polymer film.

[0053] 5A. The package of any one of embodiments 1A-4A, wherein the active component is located on a lid of the package.

[0054] IB. A package configured to aesthetically present foodstuff includes an active component beneath a label to hide the active component.

[0055] 2B. The package of embodiment IB, wherein the active component is attached to an interior surface of the package.

[0056] 3B. The package of embodiment IB or 2B, wherein the label is attached to an exterior surface of the package.

[0057] 4B. The package of one of embodiments 1B-3B, wherein the label completely or entirely blocks or hides the active component.

[0058] While the presently disclosed technology has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present presently disclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A package forming a cavity and configured to hold or store perishable product, the package comprising: an active member attached to an interior surface of the package, the active member comprising a base material and an active agent; and a label attached to the package on or at a portion of the package that is transparent or translucent, the label preventing the active member from being seen or making it more difficult to see the active member from an external environment of the package.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the label is attached to an exterior surface of the package.

3. The package of claim 1, wherein the label is attached to an interior surface of the package.

4. The package of claim 3, wherein the active member is embedded in, integral with, or attached to the label.

5. The package of any previous claim, wherein the active member a film configured to absorb or adsorb.

6. The package of claim 5, wherein the active member is an entrained polymer film.

7. The package of any one of claims 1-4, wherein product is placed in the cavity, and wherein the active member contributes to preservation of the product.

8. The package of claim 7, wherein the product is perishable foodstuff.

9. The package of any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least a portion of the package is transparent.

10. The package of claim 9, wherein the entire package is transparent except for the label.

11. The package of claim 9, wherein the label is opaque.

12. The package of any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least a portion of the package is translucent.

13. The package of claim 12, wherein the entire package is translucent except for the label.

14. The package of claim 12, wherein the label is opaque.

15. The package of claim 2, wherein the label is larger than the active member.

16. The package of claim 2 or claim 15, wherein the label and the active member have the same shape.

17. The package of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the package is a bag formed from a roll of plastic film.

18. The package of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the package is formed of polyethylene.

19. The package of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the active member includes desiccant or antimicrobial material.

20. The package of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the active member includes a channeling agent.

21. A package configured to hold or store product, the package forming a cavity to hold perishable product, the package comprising: at least one transparent or translucent side or surface; a label attached to an interior of the transparent or translucent side or surface, the label being opaque; and an active member comprising a base material and an active agent, the active agent being attached to, integral with, or embedded in the label, wherein the label hides the active member from being visible in an external environment to the package.

22. The package of claim 21, wherein the active member is an entrained polymer film.

23. The package of claim 21 or 22, wherein the package is a bag formed from a roll of plastic film.

24. The package of claim 21 or 22, wherein the package is formed of polyethylene.

25. The package of claim 21 or 22, wherein the active member includes desiccant or antimicrobial material.

26. A method of forming a package containing an active member on an interior surface of the package and a label on an exterior surface of the package, the method comprising: aligning the label and the active member so that the label obscures or blocks the active member from being visible to an external environment of the package.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the active member is configured to absorb, adsorb, or release.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the active member is an entrained polymer film.

29. The method of any one of claims 26-28, wherein the active member includes a base material and an active agent.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the active member includes a channeling agent.