초록 ▼

This invention discloses a method and apparatus for packaging fruits or vegetables. The package comprises a reusable plastic food container, a lid for such container, and a layer of breathable transparent film. The container is placed on top of the lid, the fruits or vegetables are placed in the con

This invention discloses a method and apparatus for packaging fruits or vegetables. The package comprises a reusable plastic food container, a lid for such container, and a layer of breathable transparent film. The container is placed on top of the lid, the fruits or vegetables are placed in the container, the assembly is wrapped with the transparent film, such that the edges overlap underneath the lid, and the overlapping edges of the film are heat sealed together. Once the package is unwrapped and the contents are used, the container can be used to store leftovers or other food products in a refrigerator, etc. The clear breathable transparent film allows prospective customers to clearly view the product inside. The film also allows ethylene and other gases emitted from the fruits or vegetables contained therein to escape, thereby maintaining freshness.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A display package for fruits and vegetables, comprising: (a) a container suitable for reuse as a fruit storage container, the container having an open top and a capacity selected to contain a predetermined amount of fruits or vegetables; (b) a lid for the container, the container being positi

1. A display package for fruits and vegetables, comprising: (a) a container suitable for reuse as a fruit storage container, the container having an open top and a capacity selected to contain a predetermined amount of fruits or vegetables; (b) a lid for the container, the container being positioned on top of the lid, the lid being shaped to be capable of releasably sealably enclosing the top of the container, thereby providing an airtight enclosure for storing various food products, once the fruits or vegetables are removed from the container; and (c) a sheet of flexible material sized for overwrapping the container and the lid such that edge portions of the sheet overlap underneath the lid, the edge portions being coupled together so as to secure the lid against the container during handling and display, the material having a composition which allows for visual inspection of the fruits or vegetables and escape of gases generated by the fruits or vegetables. 2. The package defined in claim 1, wherein the sheet of material comprises a clear plastic film. 3. The package defined in claim 2, wherein the plastic film is polyvinyl chloride. 4. The package defined in claim 1, wherein the container and the lid are plastic. 5. The package defined in claim 1, wherein the container and the lid comprise a commercially available reusable food storage container and lid suitable for storing leftovers and other food products. 6. The package defined in claim 2, wherein the overlapping edge portions of the film are heat sealed together. 7. The package defined in claim 1, wherein the container has a peripheral rim with a ridge, and the lid has a peripheral rim with a groove which fits over the ridge so as to form an airtight enclosure when the lid is placed on the container. 8. A display package for fruits or vegetables, comprising a reusable food storage container placed on top of a lid for the container, and a sheet of transparent, flexible, material overwrapping and securing together the container and the lid, wherein the sheet of material comprises a gas permeable film which allows for escape of gases generated by the fruits or vegetables, wherein once the sheet is removed, the container and the lid may be used together to form an airtight enclosure for storing various food products, wherein the sheet comprises a clear plastic material which allows for visual inspection of the fruits or vegetables, and wherein the film has edge portions which overlap underneath the lid, and the edge portions are heat sealed together. 9. The package defined in claim 8, wherein the container and the lid comprise a commercially available reusable plastic food storage container and lid.