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 placing the containe

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 placing the container in contact with a cooling element partially surrounding the container. The cooling element may hold liquid which is evaporated to enhance the cooling. 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 collar 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 frozen cooling element;a container having an interior and exterior, the container being closable with products therein, the container restricting the exchange of gase

[ We claim:] [1.] A package manually transportable by a single individual for perishable food and horticultural products comprising:a frozen cooling element;a container having an interior and exterior, the container being closable with products therein, 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 a decreased oxygen concentration relative to carbon dioxide concentration and oxygen concentration in air when the container is closed and the container providing a controlled flow of gas between the interior and exterior of the container when the container is closed, the exterior of the container being positioned in proximity to at least a portion of the frozen cooling element;the cooling element substantially surrounding the container and which is in contact with at least thirty to fifty percent of the exterior surface of the container;a receptacle, the cooling element and container being positioned at least partially within the receptacle; andthe cooling element, container, receptacle and products in the container being manually transportable by a single individual.