阅读说明：本技术 用三维回路材料包装 (Packaging with three-dimensional loop material ) 是由 E·阿尔瓦雷斯 M·I·阿罗约比利亚 S·帕金森 V·沙哈 于 2018-06-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了一种包装制品(10)。在一个实施例中,所述包装制品包含(A)具有侧壁(14)和底壁(16)的硬质容器(12),所述壁界定了隔室；和(B)位于所述隔室中的3维无规回路材料(3DRLM)薄层(22)。食品(C)可以位于所述隔室中,所述食品与所述3DRLM薄层接触。(The present disclosure provides a packaging article (10). In one embodiment, the packaging article comprises (a) a rigid container (12) having a side wall (14) and a bottom wall (16), the walls defining a compartment; and (B) a thin layer (22) of 3-dimensional random loop material (3DRLM) located in the compartment. A food product (C) may be located in the compartment, the food product being in contact with the 3d lm sheet.)

1. A packaging article comprising:

A. a rigid container having a side wall and a bottom wall, the walls defining a compartment; and

B. a thin layer of 3-dimensional random loop material (3DRLM) located in the compartment.

2. The packaged article of claim 1 comprising (C) a food product located in the compartment; and is

The food product contacts the surface of the 3d lm sheet.

3. The packaging article of claim 2, wherein liquid from the food product passes through the 3d rlm onto the bottom wall.

4. The packaging article of claim 3, wherein the 3D RLM separates the food product from the liquid on the bottom wall.

5. An article of packaging according to any one of claims 2 to 4 comprising (D) a cold source located in the compartment.

6. The packaged article of claim 5, wherein the cold source is ice in contact with the food product; and is

The molten ice passes through the thin 3d lm layer onto the bottom wall.

7. The packaged article of claim 6, wherein said 3DRLM thin layer separates said food product from said liquid on said bottom wall when said ice is fully melted.

8. The packaging article of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the 3DRLM lamina extends across two opposing walls.

9. The packaged article of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a top wall.

Background

Many fresh foods, such as meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits and berries, are wrapped in plastic trays with shrink wrap or stretch wrap for protection, joint handling and transportation. These trays are typically thermoformed trays made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as polystyrene or polypropylene sheet. Fresh food typically contains liquid that drains or flows 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, rendering the food unsafe for consumption. Liquid accumulation in fresh food packages also adversely affects the appearance of the food product, during which time consumers refuse to purchase the food product.

Conventional fresh food packaging uses an absorbent pad between the food product and the tray. The absorbent pad is typically made of cellulose pulp and/or superabsorbent polyacrylate, enclosed in a non-woven fabric cover bag. The absorbent pad can retain discharged liquid only to a limited extent. Since the liquid and the food product remain in contact at the interface of the absorbent pad, the absorbent pad is not completely precluded from microbial growth within the food package. In addition, the liquid in the absorbent pad remains in liquid form or in hydrogel form, increasing the risk of microbial growth. Due to food contact regulations, biocides cannot typically be used inside absorbent packaging or absorbent pads. In addition, absorbent pads are known to easily tear and/or adhere to food items when the consumer removes the food item from the package, forcing the consumer to touch the absorbent pad.

The art thus recognizes the need for food packaging that prevents liquid accumulation and minimizes microbial growth without the need for an absorbent pad.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides a packaging article. In one embodiment, the packaged article comprises (a) a rigid container having side walls and a bottom wall, the walls defining a compartment; and (B) a thin layer of 3-dimensional random loop material (3DRLM) located in the compartment. A food product (C) may be located in the compartment, the food product being in contact with the 3d lm sheet.

Definition and testing method

All references herein to the periodic table shall refer to the periodic table published and copyrighted in 2003 by CRC publishing company (CRC Press, Inc.). Furthermore, any reference to one or more groups shall refer to the group or groups as reflected in this periodic table of the elements using the IUPAC system for numbering groups. Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customary in the art, all components and percentages are by weight. For purposes of U.S. patent practice, the contents of any patent, patent application, or publication mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety (or the equivalent US version thereof is so incorporated by reference).

The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value and include both the lower value and the upper value. For ranges containing an exact value (e.g., 1, or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7), any subrange between any two exact values (e.g., 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6, etc.) is included.

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

Apparent density. The sample material was cut into squares measuring 38cm × 38cm (15in × 15 in). This block volume was calculated using the thickness measured at four points. Weight divided by volume gives the apparent density (average of four measurements taken), which is reported in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc).

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

"blend," "polymer blend," and similar terms are compositions 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 the blend.

¹³C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

Sample preparation

The samples were prepared by adding about 2.7g of tetrachloroethane-d 2/o-dichlorobenzene 50/50 mixture (0.025M in chromium acetyl acetonate (relaxant)) to 0.21g of sample in a 10mm NMR tube. The sample was dissolved and homogenized by heating the tube and its contents to 150 ℃.

Data acquisition parameters

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

"composition" and like terms are a mixture of two or more materials. Included in the composition are pre-reaction, reaction and post-reaction mixtures, the latter including reaction products and by-products as well as unreacted components of the reaction mixture and decomposition products formed from one or more components of the pre-reaction or reaction mixture, if present.

The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and derivatives thereof, are not intended to exclude the presence of any other component, step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. For the avoidance of any doubt, unless stated to the contrary, all compositions claimed through use of the term "comprising" may include any other additive, adjuvant or compound, whether polymeric or otherwise. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of … …" excludes any other components, steps, or procedures from any subsequently enumerated range, except for those components, steps, or procedures that are not necessary for operability. The term "consisting of … …" excludes any component, step, or procedure not specifically recited or recited.

Crystallization Elution Fractionation (CEF) process

Comonomer distribution analysis was performed using Crystal Elution Fractionation (CEF) (B Monrabal et al, "macromolecular reviews" (macro. symp.) 257,71-79 (2007)). Ortho-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) containing 600ppm of antioxidant Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) was used as solvent. Sample preparation was performed using an autosampler at 160 ℃ for 2 hours with shaking at 4mg/ml (unless otherwise stated). The injection volume was 300 μm. The temperature profile of the CEF is: crystallizing at 3 deg.C/min from 110 deg.C to 30 deg.C, heat-equilibrating for 5 minutes at 30 deg.C, and eluting at 3 deg.C/min from 30 deg.C to 140 deg.C. The flow during crystallization was 0.052 ml/min. The flow rate during elution was 0.50 ml/min. Data was collected at one data point/second. The CEF column was packed with 125 μm glass beads + 6% (MO-SCI specialty products)1/8 inch stainless steel tubing by Dow Chemical Company. The glass beads were washed with acid as required by MO-SCI Specialty Chemicals Inc. The column volume was 2.06 ml. Column temperature calibration was performed by using a mixture of NIST standard reference materials linear polyethylene 1475a (1.0mg/ml) and eicosane (2mg/ml) in ODCB. The temperature was calibrated by adjusting the elution heating rate such that NIST linear polyethylene 1475a had a peak temperature of 101.0 ℃ and eicosane had a peak temperature of 30.0 ℃. CEF column resolution was calculated in the presence of a mixture of NIST linear polyethylene 1475a (1.0mg/ml) and hexadecane (Fluka, purum, >97.0, 1 mg/ml). A baseline separation of the hexadecane from NIST polyethylene 1475a was achieved. The area of the hexadecane (35.0 to 67.0 ℃) relative to the NIST 1475a area at 67.0 to 110.0 ℃ was 50 to 50, the amount of soluble fraction below 35.0 ℃ was <1.8 wt%. The CEF column resolution is defined by the following equation:

wherein the column resolution is 6.0.

Density is measured in accordance with ASTM D792, where values are reported in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc).

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The melting and crystallization characteristics of polymers over a wide range of temperatures were measured using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). For example, this analysis was performed using a TAInstructions Q1000 DSC equipped with an RCS (cryo-cooling system) and an autosampler. During the test, a nitrogen purge gas flow of 50ml/min was used. Each sample was melt-pressed into a film at about 175 ℃; the molten sample was then allowed to air cool to room temperature (about 25 ℃). The film samples were formed by pressing the "0.1 to 0.2 gram" samples at 175 ℃ at 1,500psi and 30 seconds to form "0.1 to 0.2 mil thick" films. From the cooled polymer, 3-10mg of a 6mm diameter sample was extracted, weighed, placed in a lightweight aluminum pan (approximately 50mg), and the crimp closed. Analysis is then performed to determine its thermal properties. The thermal properties of the sample are determined by slowly raising and lowering the sample temperature to establish a heat flow versus temperature profile. First, the sample was rapidly heated to 180 ℃ and kept isothermal for five minutes in order to remove its thermal history. Subsequently, the sample was cooled to-40 ℃ at a cooling rate of 10 ℃/min and kept isothermal for 5 minutes at-40 ℃. The sample was then heated to 150 ℃ at a 10 ℃/minute heating rate (this is a "second heat" linear change). The cooling and second heating profiles were recorded. The cooling curve was analyzed by setting the baseline end point from the start of crystallization to-20 ℃. The thermal profile was analyzed by setting a baseline endpoint from-20 ℃ to the end of melting. The values determined are the peak melting temperature (Tm), peak crystallization temperature (Tc), initial crystallization temperature (Tc onset), heat of fusion (Hf) (joules/gram); use of: the% crystallinity of PE ═ the% crystallinity of the polyethylene sample calculated as ((Hf)/(292J/g)) x 100, and the following were used: the% crystallinity of PP ═ Hf/165J/g) × 100. The heat of fusion (Hf) and peak melting temperature are reported in terms of a second thermal curve. The peak crystallization temperature and the onset crystallization temperature are determined using a cooling curve.

And (4) elastic recovery. The resin pellets were compression molded to a thickness of about 5-10 mils according to ASTM D4703 annex a1 method C. The geometric micro tensile test specimens were punched out of the formed sheet as detailed in ASTM D1708. Test specimens were conditioned for 40 hours prior to 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 handle pitch setting is 22mm, which is equal to the gauge length of the micro-tensile test specimen. The sample was elongated to 100% strain at a rate of 100%/min and held for 30 seconds. The crosshead was then returned to the original handle spacing at the same rate and held for 60 seconds. The sample was then subjected to 100% strain at the same 100%/min strain rate.

The elastic recovery can be calculated as follows:

non-limiting examples of ethylene-based polymers (polyethylenes) include Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and linear polyethylene non-limiting examples of linear polyethylenes include Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Ultra Low Density Polyethylene (ULDPE), Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE), ethylene-based multicomponent copolymer (EPE), ethylene/α -olefin multiblock copolymer (also known as Olefin Block Copolymer (OBC)), single site catalyzed linear low density polyethylene (m-LLDPE), substantially linear or linear plastomers/elastomers, and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), generally speaking, a heterogeneous-metallocene catalyst system (e.g., heterogeneous-metallocene-based systems) can be used in a gas phase fluidized bed reactor, a liquid phase solution reactor, or a homogeneous metallocene-based reactor system (e.g., a heterogeneous-metallocene catalyst system), a heterogeneous-based metallocene catalyst system, or a heterogeneous-metallocene catalyst system, such as a homogeneous metallocene-metallocene catalyst system, a heterogeneous-based metallocene-based system, or a heterogeneous metallocene-based system, such as a heterogeneous-metallocene-based system, or a heterogeneous metallocene-based metallocene catalyst system, and a heterogeneous metallocene catalyst system, such as a homogeneous metallocene-based catalyst system.

"high density polyethylene" (or "HDPE") is a polyethylene with at least one C₄-C₁₀α -olefin comonomer or C_4-C₈α -olefin comonomer produces an ethylene homopolymer or ethylene/α olefin copolymer and has a density greater than 0.94g/cc or 0.945g/cc or 0.95g/cc, or 0.955g/cc to 0.96g/cc, or 0.97g/cc, or 0.98 g/cc.HDPE may be a unimodal copolymer or a multimodal copolymer₄-C₁₀α -olefin copolymer "multimodal ethylene copolymer" has ethylene/C with at least two distinct peaks in GPC displaying molecular weight distribution₄-C₁₀α -olefin copolymer, multimodal includes copolymers having two peaks (bimodal) as well as copolymers having more than two peaks^TMHigh Density Polyethylene (HDPE) resin (available from Dow chemical), ELITE^TMReinforced polyethylene resin (available from Dow chemical Co.), CONTINUUM^TMBimodal polyethylene resin (available from Dow chemical Co., Ltd.), LUPOLEN^TM(available from LyondellBasell), and HDPE products available from Borealis, Ineos, and ExxonMobil.

An "interpolymer" is a polymer prepared by polymerizing at least two different monomers. This generic term includes copolymers, which are commonly used to refer to polymers prepared from two different monomers, and polymers prepared from more than two different monomers, e.g., terpolymers, tetrapolymers, etc.

"Low density polyethylene" (or "LDPE") consists of an ethylene homopolymer or an ethylene/α -olefin copolymer, the α olefin copolymer comprising at least one C₃-C₁₀α -olefin, preferably C having a density of 0.915g/cc to 0.940g/cc and containing long chain branches with broad MWD₃-C₄. LDPE is typically produced by means of high pressure free radical polymerisation (tubular reactor or autoclave using free radical initiators). Non-limiting examples of LDPE include MarFlex^TM(Chevron Phillips)、LUPOLEN^TM(LyondellBasell) and LDPE products from Borealis, Ineos, ExxonMobil and others.

"Linear low density polyethylene" (or "LLDPE") is a polyethylene containingLinear ethylene/α -olefin copolymers with heterogeneous short chain branch distribution comprising units derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one C₃-C₁₀α -olefin comonomer or at least one C₄-C₈α -olefin comonomer or at least one C₆-C₈α -units of an olefin comonomer LLDPE is characterized by little, if any, long chain branching compared to conventional LDPE.the LLDPE has a density of 0.910g/cc, or 0.915g/cc, or 0.920g/cc, or 0.925g/cc to 0.930g/cc, or 0.935g/cc, or 0.940g/cc^TMLinear low density polyethylene resin (available from Dow chemical Co.), DOWLEX^TMPolyethylene resin (available from Dow chemical Co.) and MARLEX^TMPolyethylene (available from Chevron Phillips).

"ultra-low density polyethylene" (or "ULDPE") and "very low density polyethylene" (or "VLDPE") are each linear ethylene/α -olefin copolymers containing a heterogeneous short chain branch distribution comprising units derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one C₃-C₁₀α -olefin comonomer or at least one C₄-C₈α -olefin comonomer or at least one C₆-C₈α -units of an olefin comonomer ULDPE and VLDPE each have a density of 0.885g/cc or 0.90g/cc to 0.915g/cc non-limiting examples of ULDPE and VLDPE include ATTANE^TMUltra low density polyethylene resin (available from Dow chemical Co.) and FLEXOMER^TMVery low density polyethylene resins (available from the dow chemical company).

"ethylene-based multicomponent copolymer" (or "EPE") comprising units derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one C₃-C₁₀α -olefin comonomer or at least one C₄-C₈α -olefin comonomer or at least one C₆-C₈α -units of an olefin comonomer, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,023, U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,383, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,695 the EPE resin has a density of 0.905g/cc or 0.908g/cc or 0.912g/cc or 0.920g/cc to 0.926g/cc or 0.929g/cc or 0.940g/cc or 0.962g/cc^TMReinforced polyethylene(available from the Dow chemical company), ELITE AT^TMAdvanced technology resins (available from the Dow chemical company), SURPASS^TMPolyethylene (PE) resins (available from Nova Chemicals) and SMART^TM(available from SK Chemicals Co.).

"Single site catalyzed linear low density polyethylene" (or "m-LLDPE") is a linear ethylene/α -olefin copolymer containing a uniform short chain branch distribution comprising units derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one C₃-C₁₀α -olefin comonomer or at least one C₄-C₈α -olefin comonomer or at least one C₆-C₈α -units of an olefin comonomer non-limiting examples of m-LLDPE having a density of 0.913g/cc or 0.918g/cc or 0.920g/cc to 0.925g/cc or 0.940 g/cc.m-LLDPE include EXCEED^TMMetallocene PE (available from ExxonMobil Chemical), LUFLEXEN^TMm-LLDPE (available from LyondellBasell) and ELTEX^TMPF m-LLDPE (available from Ineos Olefins)&Polymers)。

"ethylene plastomer/elastomer" is a substantially linear or linear ethylene/α -olefin copolymer containing a homogeneous short chain branch distribution comprising units derived from ethylene and units derived from at least one C₃-C₁₀α -olefin comonomer or at least one C₄-C₈α -olefin comonomer or at least one C₆-C₈α -units of an olefinic comonomer the density of the ethylene plastomer/elastomer is 0.870g/cc, or 0.880g/cc, or 0.890g/cc to 0.900g/cc, or 0.902g/cc, or 0.904g/cc, or 0.909g/cc, or 0.910g/cc, or 0.917 g/cc., including AFFINITY^TMPlastomers and elastomers (available from Dow chemical Co.), EXACT^TMPlastomers (available from ExxonMobil chemical), Tafmer^TM(available from Mitsui), Nexlene^TM(available from SK Chemicals Co.) and Lucene^TM(available from LG Chem Ltd.).

Melt Flow Rate (MFR) is measured according to ASTM D1238, condition 280 ℃/2.16kg (g/10 min).

Melt Index (MI) is measured according to ASTM D1238, condition 190 ℃/2.16kg (g/10 min).

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

The molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) was measured using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). In particular, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polymer were determined and Mw/Mn was determined using conventional GPC measurements. The gel permeation chromatography system consisted of Polymer Laboratories model PL-210 or Polymer Laboratories model PL-220 instruments. The column and transfer chamber were operated at 140 ℃. Three Polymer Laboratories 10 micron Mixed-B columns were used. The solvent is 1,2, 4-trichlorobenzene. Samples were prepared at a concentration of 0.1 grams of polymer in 50 milliliters of solvent containing 200ppm of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT). The samples were prepared by gently stirring at 160 ℃ for 2 hours. The injection volume used was 100 microliters and the flow rate was 1.0 ml/min.

The GPC column set was calibrated with 21 narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene standards with molecular weights in the range 580 to 8,400,000, formulated as 6 "cocktail" mixtures with at least ten times difference between the individual molecular weights. Standards were purchased from Polymer Laboratories (Shropshire, UK). Preparing a polystyrene standard having a molecular weight of 1,000,000 or more, in an amount of 0.025 g in 50ml of a solvent; and 0.05g in 50ml of solvent for molecular weights less than 1,000,000. The polystyrene standards were dissolved by gentle stirring at 80 ℃ for 30 minutes. The narrow standards mixtures were run first and in order of decreasing highest molecular weight component to minimize degradation. Polystyrene standard peak molecular weights were converted to polyethylene molecular weights using the following equations (as described in Williams and Ward, journal of polymer science (j.polymer.sc.), (polymer article, 6,621 (1968)):

M_{polypropylene}＝0.645(M_Polystyrene)。

Polypropylene equivalent molecular weight calculations were performed using Viscotek TriSEC software version 3.0.

As used herein, an "olefin-based polymer" is a polymer that contains more than 50 weight percent polymerized olefin monomer (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) and optionally may 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 type, which provides in polymerized form a plurality and/or repeating "units" or "monomer units" (mer units) "making up the polymer, thus the generic term polymer encompasses the term homopolymer, which is commonly used to refer to polymers prepared from only one type of monomer, and the term interpolymer, which is commonly used to refer to polymers prepared from at least two types of monomers, which also encompasses all forms of copolymers, such as random, block, and the like.

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

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a packaging article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1A is an enlarged perspective view of the region 1A of fig. 1.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the packaging article of fig. 1.

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 disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the packaging article 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 disclosure.

Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5A-5A of fig. 5.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure provides a packaging article. In one embodiment, the packaging article comprises (a) a rigid container having a side wall and a bottom wall. The walls define a compartment. The packaging article further comprises (B) a thin layer of 3-dimensional random loop material (3DRLM) located in the compartment.

A. Container with a lid

Referring to the drawings and initially to fig. 1-2, a packaging article is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The packaging article 10 includes a container 12. The container 12 includes side walls 14, a bottom wall 16 and optionally a top wall 18. The side walls 14 extend between a bottom wall 16 and an optionally present top wall 18. Although fig. 1 depicts the container 12 as having four sidewalls 14, it is to be understood that the container may have three or four to five or six or seven or eight or more than eight sidewalls.

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

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

In one embodiment, a top wall 18 is present and hingedly attached to the side wall 14 to provide a clamshell container as shown in fig. 1-2. A "clamshell container" is a rigid container having a top (top wall 18 wall) and a bottom (walls 14-16) to which a thermoformed top is attached by means of a hinge 19. Clamshell containers are popular because they are inexpensive, versatile, and provide excellent protection to food products (e.g., creating and presenting a pleasing consumer package). Clamshell containers are most commonly used for consumer packaging of high value products (e.g. small amounts of fruit, berries, mushrooms, etc.) or items that are easily damaged by squeezing. Clamshell containers of seashells are widely used for pre-cut products and prepared salads.

The walls 14-16 (and optionally the top wall 18) form a compartment 20. The compartment 20 is accessible 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 suitable materials for walls 14-18 include cardboard, corrugated cardboard, polymeric materials, metal, wood, fiberglass, insulation, and any combination thereof.

The container may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

Thin layer of B.3D random loop material

The packaging article 10 includes at least one lamina 22 of a 3-dimensional random loop material 30. As shown in fig. 1A, a "3-dimensional random loop material" (or "3 d rlm") is a mass or structure of numerous loops 32 formed as follows: the continuous fibers 34 are wound, allowing the respective loops to contact each other in a molten state, and a majority of the contact points 36 are thermally or otherwise melt bonded. Even when a large stress is applied to cause significant deformation, the 3d rlm 30 absorbs the stress by deforming itself via a complete network structure consisting of melt-integrated three-dimensional random loops; and once the stress is removed, the elastic recovery of the polymer manifests itself in an original shape that may allow recovery to the structure. When a net structure composed of continuous fibers made of known inelastic polymers is used as a cushioning material, plastic deformation occurs and recovery cannot be achieved, resulting in poor heat-resistant durability. When the fibers are not melt-bonded at the contact points, the shape cannot be maintained and the structure does not cause an integral change in its shape, with the result that fatigue phenomena occur due to stress concentration, resulting in long-lasting unfavorable degradation and deformation resistance. In certain embodiments, fusion bonding is a state in which all contact points are fusion bonded.

One non-limiting method for generating the 3d rlm 30 includes the steps of: (a) heating the molten olefin-based polymer at a temperature of 10 ℃ to 140 ℃ above the melting point of the polymer in a typical melt extruder; (b) the loop is formed by allowing the fibers to naturally fall (due to gravity) and discharging the molten interpolymer in a downstream direction from a nozzle having a plurality of orifices. The polymer may be used in combination with: thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic nonelastic polymers, or combinations thereof. The distance between the nozzle surface and the drawing conveyor mounted on the cooling unit for fiber solidification, the polymer melt viscosity, the orifice diameter and the discharge amount are the factors that determine the loop diameter and the fineness of the fibers. The loop is formed as follows: holds and allows the conveyed molten fibers to reside between (the distance between) a pair of exit conveyors (belts or rollers) disposed on a cooling unit, for which purpose the loops so formed are brought into contact with one another by adjusting the distance between the orifices, such that the contacting loops are thermally or otherwise melt bonded as they form a three-dimensional random loop structure. Then, the continuous fibers, in which the contact points have been thermally bonded when the loops form a three-dimensional random loop structure, are continuously fed into a cooling unit for solidification to obtain a network structure. The structure is then cut to the desired length and shape. The process is characterized by melting and heating an olefin-based polymer at a temperature of 10 ℃ to 140 ℃ above the melting point of the interpolymer and conveying in the molten state in a downstream direction from a nozzle having a plurality of orifices. When the polymer is discharged at a temperature lower than 10 ℃ higher than the melting point, the conveyed fiber becomes cooled and less fluid to cause insufficient thermal bonding at the contact point of the fiber.

The characteristics of the fibers comprising the cushioning network provided herein (e.g., loop diameter and fineness) depend on the distance between the nozzle surface and the exit conveyor mounted on the cooling unit for the interpolymer to solidify, the interpolymer melt viscosity, the orifice diameter, and the amount of interpolymer transferred therefrom. For example, reduced interpolymer conveyance and lower melt viscosity after conveyance cause a reduction in the fineness of the fibers and a reduction in the average loop diameter of the random loop. In contrast, the shortening of the distance between the nozzle surface and the take-off conveyor mounted on the cooling unit for interpolymer solidification caused a slight increase in fineness of the fibers and an increase in average loop diameter of the random loop. The combination of these conditions is such that the continuous fibers achieve the desired fineness of 100 to 100000 denier and such that the average diameter of the random loop does not exceed 100mm, or is 1 millimeter (mm) or 2mm or 10mm to 25mm or 50 mm. By adjusting the distance from the aforementioned conveyor belt, the thickness of the structure can be controlled while the thermally bonded web structure is in a molten state and a structure having the desired thickness and flat surface formed by the conveyor belt can be obtained. Since cooling is performed prior to thermal bonding, too much conveyor speed causes failure of thermal bonding at the point of contact. On the other hand, too slow a speed results in a higher density, which is a result of too long a residence time of the molten material. In some embodiments, the distance from the conveyor belt and the conveyor belt speed should be selected so that a desired apparent density of 0.005-0.1g/cc or 0.01-0.05g/cc can be achieved.

In one embodiment, the 3d rlm 30 has one, some or all of the following characteristics (i) - (iii):

(i) an apparent density of 0.016g/cc, or 0.024g/cc, or 0.032g/cc, or 0.040g/cc, or 0.050g/cc, or 0.060 to 0.070g/cc, or 0.080g/cc, or 0.090g/cc, or 0.100g/cc, or 0.150 g/cc; and/or

(ii) The fiber diameter is 0.1mm, or 0.5mm, or 0.7mm, or 1.0mm or 1.5mm to 2.0mm to 2.5mm, or 3.0 mm; and/or

(iii) The thickness (machine direction) is 1.0cm, 2.0cm, or 3.0cm, or 4.0cm, or 5.0cm, or 10cm, or 20cm, to 50cm, or 75cm, or 100cm or more than 100 cm. It should be appreciated that the thickness of the 3d rlm 30 will vary based on the type of product to be packaged.

The 3d rllm 30 is formed into a three-dimensional geometry to form a thin layer (i.e., a prism). The 3d lm 30 is an elastic material that can be compressed and stretched and recover its original geometry. As used herein, an "elastic material" is a rubber-like material that can be compressed and/or stretched and that expands/contracts very rapidly to its substantially original shape/length when the force of compression and/or stretching is released. The three-dimensional random loop material 30 has a "neutral state" when no compressive force and no tensile force is applied to the 3d rlm 30. The three-dimensional random loop material 30 has a "compressed state" when a compressive force is applied to the 3d rlm 30. The three-dimensional random loop material 30 has a "stretched state" when a stretching force is applied to the 3d rlm 30.

The three-dimensional random loop material 30 is composed of one or more olefin-based polymers. The olefin-based polymer can 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, α -olefin is C₃-C₂₀α -olefin, or C₄-C₁₂α -olefin, or C₄-C₈α -olefin non-limiting examples of suitable α -olefin comonomers include propylene, butene, methyl-1-hexene, octene, decene, dodecene, tetradecene, hexadecene, octadecene, cyclohexyl-1-propene (allylcyclohexane), vinylcyclohexane, 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 according to the original disclosure of Elston in U.S. patent No. 3,645,992, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and refers to an ethylene polymer in which the comonomer is randomly distributed within a given polymer molecule and in which substantially all of the polymer molecules have substantially the same ethylene to comonomer molar ratio. As defined herein, substantially linear ethylene polymers and homogeneously branched linear ethylene are homogeneous ethylene polymers.

The term "substantially linear ethylene/α -olefin copolymer" means that the polymer backbone is substituted with 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.

The CDBI of a polymer is readily calculated using data obtained from techniques known in the art, such as temperature rising elution fractionation (abbreviated herein as "TREF"), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,081 (Hazlitt et al), or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,321 (Chum et al), the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The homogeneously branched ethylene/α -olefin random copolymer may comprise at least one ethylene comonomer and at least one C₃-C₂₀α -olefins, or at least one C₄-C₁₂α -olefin comonomer by way of example, and not by way of limitation, C₃-C₂₀α -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 properties (i) - (iii) as follows:

(i) the melt index (12) is 1g/10min, or 5g/10min, or 10g/10min, or 20g/10min to 30g/10min, or 40g/10min, or 50g/10min, and/or

(ii) A density of 0.075g/cc, or 0.880g/cc, or 0.890g/cc to 0.90g/cc, or 0.91g/cc, or 0.920g/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 non-homogeneously branched ethylene/α -olefin random copolymer.

The heterogeneous branched ethylene/α -olefin random copolymer differs from the homogeneous branched ethylene/α -olefin random copolymer primarily in its branching distribution, for example, the heterogeneous branched ethylene/α -olefin random copolymer has a branching distribution comprising a high branching portion (similar to the very low density polyethylene), a medium branching portion (similar to the medium branched polyethylene), and a substantially linear portion (similar to the linear homopolymer polyethylene).

Like the homogeneously branched ethylene/α -olefin random copolymer, the heterogeneously branched ethylene/α -olefin random copolymer may comprise at least one ethylene comonomer and at least one C₃-C₂₀α -olefin comonomer, or at least one C₄-C₁₂α -olefin comonomer by way of example, and not by way of limitation, C₃-C₂₀α -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 heterogeneously branched ethylene/α -olefin copolymer may contain greater than about 50 wt% ethylene comonomer, or greater than about 60 wt.% or greater than about 70 wt.% ethylene comonomer.

The heterogeneously branched ethylene/α -olefin random copolymer may have one, some or all of the following properties (i) - (iii) as follows:

(i) a density of 0.900g/cc, or 0.0910g/cc, or 0.920g/cc to 0.930g/cc, or 0.094 g/cc;

(ii) melt index (I)₂) Is 1g/10min, or 5g/10min, or 10g/10min, or 20g/10min to 30g/10min, or 40g/10min, or 50g/10 min; and/or

(iii) The Mw/Mn is 3.0, or 3.5 to 4.0, or 4.5.

In one embodiment, the 3d lm 30 is composed of a blend of a homogeneously branched ethylene/α -olefin random copolymer with a heterogeneously branched ethylene/α -olefin copolymer, the blend having one, some, or all of the following properties (i) - (v):

(i) Mw/Mn is 2.5, or 3.0 to 3.5, or 4.0, or 4.5;

(ii) melt index (I)₂) Is 3.0g/10min, or 4.0g/10min, or 5.0g/10min, or 10g/10min to 15g/10min, or 20g/10min, or 25g/10 min;

(iii) a density of 0.895g/cc, or 0.900g/cc, or 0.910g/cc, or 0.915g/cc to 0.920g/cc, or 0.925 g/cc; and/or

(iv)I₁₀/I₂The ratio is 5g/10min, or 7g/10min to 10g/10min, or 15g/10 min; and/or

(v) The percent crystallinity is 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40% to 45%, or 50%, or 55%.

According to Crystallization Elution Fractionation (CEF), the ethylene/α -olefin copolymer blend may have a weight fraction of from about 5 wt.% to about 15 wt.% or from about 6% to about 12% or from about 8% to about 12% or greater than about 8% or greater than about 9% in a temperature zone of from 90 ℃ to 115 ℃.

In one or more embodiments, the ethylene/α -olefin copolymer blend may include a maximum temperature melting peak of at least 115 ℃ or at least 120 ℃ or from about 120 ℃ to about 125 ℃ or from about 122 to about 124 ℃.

In addition, the ethylene/α -olefin copolymer blend may comprise from about 10 to about 90 weight percent, or from about 30 to about 70 weight percent, or from about 40 to about 60 weight percent of the homogeneously branched ethylene/α -olefin copolymer similarly, the ethylene/α -olefin copolymer blend may comprise from about 10 to about 90 weight percent, from about 30 to about 70 weight percent, or from about 40 to about 60 weight percent of the heterogeneously branched ethylene/α -olefin copolymer.

Here, the ethylene/α -olefin copolymer blend has an elastic recovery Re (%) at 100% strain at 1 cycle, other details regarding elastic recovery are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,728, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the storage modulus G '(25 ℃) at 25 ℃ to the storage modulus G' (100 ℃) at 100 ℃ of the ethylene/α -olefin copolymer blend can be from about 20 to about 60, or from about 20 to about 50, or from about 30 to about 40.

Further, the ethylene/α -olefin copolymer blend may also be characterized by a bending stiffness of at least about 1.15Nmm/6s or at least about 1.20Nmm/6s or at least about 1.25Nmm/6s or at least about 1.35Nmm/6 s.

In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer is an ethylene/α -olefin interpolymer composition having one, some, or all of the following properties (i) - (v):

(i) a highest DSC temperature melting peak from 90.0 ℃ to 115.0 ℃; and/or

(ii) A Zero Shear Viscosity Ratio (ZSVR) of 1.40 to 2.10; and/or

(iii) A density in the range of 0.860 to 0.925 g/cc; and/or

(iv) Melt index (I) of 1g/10min to 25g/10min₂) (ii) a And/or

(v) A molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of 2.0 to 4.5.

In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer contains a functionalized comonomer, such as an ester. The functionalized comonomer may be an acetate comonomer or an acrylate comonomer. Non-limiting examples of suitable ethylene-based polymers formed with the functionalized comonomer 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 α -olefin is C₂α -olefins (ethylene) or C₄-C₁₂α -olefins or C₄-C₈α -olefin non-limiting examples of suitable α -olefin comonomers include ethylene, butene, methyl-1-hexene, octene, decene, dodecene, tetradecene, hexadecene, octadecene, cyclohexyl-1-propene (allylcyclohexane), vinylcyclohexane, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, a propylene interpolymer comprises from 82 wt% to 99 wt% units derived from propylene and from 18 wt% to 1 wt% units derived from ethylene, having one, some, or all of the following properties (i) - (vi):

(i) a density of 0.840g/cc or 0.850g/cc to 0.900 g/cc; and/or

(ii) The highest DSC melting peak temperature is from 50.0 ℃ to 120.0 ℃; and/or

(iii) A Melt Flow Rate (MFR) of 1g/10min, or 2g/10min to 50g/10min, or 100g/10 min; and/or

(iv) Mw/Mn is less than 4; and/or

(v) A percent crystallinity in the range of 0.5% to 45%; and/or

(vi) DSC crystallization onset temperature Tc-onset less than 85 ℃.

In one embodiment, the olefin-based polymer used to make 3d rlm 30 contains one or more additives, optionally present. Non-limiting examples of suitable additives include stabilizers, antimicrobials, antifungals, antioxidants, processing aids, Ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers, slip additives, antiblock agents, pigments or dyes, antistatic agents, fillers, flame retardants, and any combination thereof.

Returning to fig. 1-2, the packaging article 10 includes a sheet 22 (hereinafter "sheet 22") made of 3d lm 30. Lamina 22 can move to/from a compressed state, to/from a neutral state, and to/from a stretched state. The composition and/or size and/or shape of the lamina 22 can 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 sidewalls 14 of the container 12 and at least two opposing sidewalls 14 of the container 12. In another embodiment, the thin layer 22 extends between and contacts the four sidewalls 14. Although fig. 1-2 show a single lamina 22, it should be understood that two, three, four, or more than four laminae may be disposed within the compartment 20. In addition to lining the bottom wall 16, one or more other sheets may line, for example, one, some, or all of the side walls 14. Alternatively, a single lamina may be configured to line each wall: side walls 14 and a bottom wall 16.

In one embodiment, the sheet 22 is sized and shaped to frictionally fit with the four sidewalls 14 and is also sized to line the bottom wall 16. In another embodiment, sheet 22 may be removable from container 10. The thin layer 22 is thus reusable and/or recyclable.

C. Food product

The packaging article 10 includes a food item 24, as shown in fig. 1-2. The food product 24 can be a meat item, a poultry item, a fish item, a shellfish item, a vegetable item, a fruit item, a berry item, derivatives thereof (e.g., slices and/or portions of a food product), 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 tuna, salmon, herring cod, catfish, swordfish, douguo 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, kiwifruits, peppers, and tomatoes. Non-limiting examples of suitable vegetable items include celery, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot and eggplant.

Non-limiting examples of suitable berry items include assai berry (acai berry), amaliya (amarika), cimicifuga racemosa (baneberry), babylocherry (barbarbarbarbes berry), barberry (barberry), bearberry (bearberry), raspberry (bilberry), kumquat (bittersweet berry), blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry (boysenberry), bushy berry (buffalo berry), royal orange (buchberry), mountain ash berry (croweberry), wild berry (crowechberry), cloudberry (cloudberry), raglan (cowberry), cranberry (cranberry), black currant (currant), dewberry (dewberry), elderberry (elderberry), white curry (wintergreen), curry (cranberry), cranberry (orange berry), cranberry (orange berry), currant (orange (cranberry), raspberry), currant (orange), cranberry), raspberry (orange (cranberry), blueberry), cranberry (cranberry), cranberry (cranberry), cranberry (cranberry), mulberry, viburnum sargentii (punnyberry), persimmon orange (persimmon), pokeberry (pokeberry), raspberry (raspberry), salmonberry (salmonberry), strawberry (strawberry), hackberry (surgarry), raspberry (tayberry), raspberry (thimbleberry), white raspberry (wineberry), holly, young strawberry (yougberry).

The food product 24 has a liquid 26 that accumulates in the food product 24 and/or flows out of the food product 24 over time during storage, as shown in fig. 2A. The liquid 26 emanates from the food product 24 and thereby comprises a component of the food product. Non-limiting examples of components of the liquid 26 include water, microorganisms, proteins, fats, blood, food particles (water-soluble particles and/or water-insoluble particles), food juices, and combinations thereof.

The liquid 26 may appear as a result of damage to one or more individual pieces of food product during handling and/or storage, with the liquid drain triggering the damage emanating from the food product. Alternatively, the food product may naturally produce an excess of 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 the liquid 26, long-term contact between the food product 24 and the liquid 26 is known to detract from the freshness, consumption, and vitality of the food product 24. Microbial growth in the liquid 26 may degrade the food product 24 over time. In general, contact between the food product 24 and the liquid 26 increases the risk of spoilage of the food product in the bulk form in the container 12.

Fig. 1-2 show that the food product is raspberry 24 a. 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 the raspberries 24 a. The open loop structure of the 3d lm 30 allows the liquid 26a to drain through the thin layer 22 and away from the food product 24 a. In this manner, the thin layer separates the food item 24a from the liquid 26a, thus advantageously extending the shelf life of the food item (raspberry 24a), reducing food spoilage, and protecting the food item from the liquid 26 a.

Fig. 2A shows that the liquid 26 flowing through the 3d lm 30 is raspberry juice 26 a. After flowing through the 3d lm 30 from the raspberry 24a, the raspberry juice 26a accumulates on the bottom wall 16. The thin layer 22 (relative to the open loop configuration of the 3d lm 30) allows 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 that accumulates on the bottom wall 16. The packaging articles of the present disclosure provide the following synergistic advantages: (1) liquid 26 is drained from the food product 24; (2) separation between food and liquid; and (3) preventing contact between the food product and 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 shelf life, reducing spoilage, and protecting the food product 24 from the liquid 26.

The lamina 22 may include an optional coating or film layer containing an antimicrobial material that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the lamina 22 is configured such that all or substantially all of the liquid 26 expelled by the food product 24 during storage is free of the food product 24 and out of contact with the food product 24. The sheet 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 to drain liquid from the compartment 20. In one embodiment, the container 10 includes an aperture 40 for draining or otherwise removing accumulated liquid from the bottom wall 16.

D. Cold source

The present disclosure provides another packaging article as shown in fig. 3-5A. In one embodiment, a packaged article 110 is provided, the packaged article 110 comprising a container 112 having a sidewall 114 and a bottom wall 116. Walls 114 and 116 define a compartment 120. The container 112 may include an optional top wall (not shown). The packaged article includes a thin layer 122 of 3d lm 130 located in 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 (thermoses)^TMA bottle), a container with a thermal blanket or liner, a molded Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) container, a molded polyurethane foam container, a molded polyethylene foam container, a container with a reflective material liner (metallized film), a container with a foam packaging liner, and any combination thereof.

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

A food product 124 is present in the compartment 120.

The packaging 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 bottles, dry ice (frozen CO)₂) Bag, refrigerant package (typicallyWater and ammonium nitrate and including frozen gel packs), and any combination thereof.

Food item 124 contacts the surface of sheet 122 and/or contacts cold source 128. Cold source 128 is positioned adjacent to food item 124 and/or positioned on food item 124. Alternatively, cold source 128 is placed between sheet 122 and food item 124.

In one embodiment, the food product is fresh fish 124a and the cold source is ice 128a, as shown in fig. 3-5A. Fresh fish 124a contacts the surface of sheet 122. Alternatively, ice 128a is placed on sheet 122 and fresh fish 124a is placed on ice 128 a. Ice 128a is located beneath fresh fish 124a, adjacent to fresh fish 124a and on fresh fish 124 a. As ice 128a melts, fresh fish 124a eventually contacts 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. Liquid 126a drains through thin layer 122 by means of the open-loop structure of 3d lm 130, as shown in fig. 4A. The thin layer 122 separates the fresh fish 124a from the liquid 126a (molten ice or water) that accumulates on the bottom wall 116. In one embodiment, thin layer 122 is sized and shaped to have a height sufficient to separate fresh fish 124a from accumulated liquid 126a when all of ice 128a melts. In other words, when all of the ice 128a melts, the thickness of the thin layer 122 is sufficient to prevent contact between the fresh fish 124a (resting 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 the accumulated liquid 126a to drain from the container 112, as shown in fig. 4A.

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

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

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

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

The packaged article 110 is collapsible provided that each of one, two, three, or more than three containers has a respective lamina of 3d rlm, a respective food product, and optionally a heat sink present. The disclosed packaging article 110 provides the following synergistic advantages: (1) draining liquid away from the food product 24 (in multiple containers); (2) a separation between the food product and the liquid; and (3) preventing contact between the food product and liquid accumulated on the bottom wall.

It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.