초록 ▼

An improved package is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by evaporation of liqui

An improved package is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by evaporation of liquid from a cooling collar partially surrounding the container. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein. The package is suitable for field packing applications in which the product, such as strawberries, is picked directly into the container surrounded by the cooling collar with the container and cooling collars being placed in an outer box or other receptacle. The modified atmosphere package may be sealed and palletized prior to vacuum cooling.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A package manually transportable by a single individual for perishable food and horticultural products comprising:a cooling element including a liquid holding portion;a closable container for enclosing products therein having an interior and exterior, the container restricting the

[ We claim:] [1.] A package manually transportable by a single individual for perishable food and horticultural products comprising:a cooling element including a liquid holding portion;a closable container for enclosing products therein having an interior and exterior, the container restricting the exchange of gases between the products within the container and the exterior of the container to provide a modified atmosphere environment therein of an increased carbon dioxide concentration and decreased oxygen concentration relative to the concentration in air when the container is closed and a controlled flow of gas between the interior and exterior of the container when the container is closed;the liquid holding portion of the cooling element being positioned outside the interior of the container and the exterior of the container being positioned in close proximity to at least a portion of the liquid holding portion of the cooling element;the cooling element and container being transportable by a single individual; andwhereby evaporation of liquid from the liquid holding portion of the cooling element enhances the cooling of the container and the products therein.