Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PACKAGES WITH ACTIVE AGENTS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to packages and structures and methods for
releasing
active agents in such packages. More specifically, the present invention
relates to active
agents, such as freshness-extension agents, odor management agents, and other
functional-
agents, and structures and methods for releasing such active agents to extend
the fre~ness of
perishable products and manage or control the odor related to such products
disposed within
such packages.
Background of the Invention
The use of packages for a number of household and industrial purposes has
gained
wide acceptance. For example, bags and containers are commonly used by
commercial
entities and consumers to store perishable products and items. Also for
example, bags or
liners are commonly used in industrial settings and households to collect
garbage or waste.
Reclosable packages, such as food containers with fitted or hinged lids, and
bags
with push to close or slider fasteners, are a great convenience to suppliers
and consumers of
pre-packaged perishables, especially for products such as luncheon meats and
cheeses
where, typically, only a portion of the product is used at any given time.
Reclosable
packages are also especially convenient for in-home use to store leftover
perishable
products. A problem with these reclosable packages, however, is that they do
not contain
any feature that serves to extend the time period that the perishable can be
stored in the
package and remain fresh. Thus, the contents of the package may spoil sooner
and, if so, the
contents will be no longer suitable for human consumption. The cost of
perishable spoilage
is a significant problem for both consumers and commercial users of reclosable
packages.
One attempt to address the problem of perishable spoilage has involved using
layered
tamper resistant seals that are substantially impermeable to oxygen. In this
type of system,
as soon as the packaging is first opened, the seal is broken and does not
fixrther inhibit
spoilage of the perishable. This type of system thus addresses only the issue
of perishable
spoilage before the package is initially opened, and does not serve the in-
home user who is
placing leftover perishable products into the storage bags. A need therefore
exists for a
package with a feature that inhibits perishable spoilage.
Packages such as thermoplastic bags or liners are also commonly used as waste
or
garbage bags. Generally, such bags are constructed from a structure having two
layers of
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thermoplastic film joined along three sides and having a mouth formed along
the fourth side.
This basic structure has been adapted to a range of sizes and configurations
that vary with
the intended use of the bag.
A garbage bag or liner is often used to collect waste that can and often does
produce
unpleasant odors. To address this problem, manufacturers have combined a
scented resin
with one or more polymeric resins during formation of such bags. The scented
resin is
therefore distributed uniformly throughout the bag. Such a waste bag assists
in masking,
neutralizing, and/or reducing at least some of the odors.
However, such waste bags can present a number of disadvantages. For instance,
because the scented resin is distributed throughout the bag, the scent is not
concentrated
where a user is likely to encounter the unpleasant odors (e.g., the mouth of
the bag). Further,
manufacturing difficulties can arise from such bags. For example, to obtain a
desired
amount of scent proximate the mouth of the bag, an excess of scent material
may need to be
distributed throughout the remainder of the bag, which can result in an
overpowering scent.
Of course, if an insufficient amount of scent material is used, the scent
provided may not be
suitable to mask, neutralize, or reduce the unpleasant odors. Additionally,
because the
scented resin used in such garbage bags is likely to be more expensive than
other polymeric
resins used in forming the garbage bags, it can be economically undesirable to
distribute
relatively equal amounts of scented resin throughout the bag. A need therefore
exists for a
package with a feature that manages odor without such disadvantages.
Summary of the Invention
Packages with active agents are disclosed herein.
Generally, each of the disclosed packages of the present invention has a pair
of
opposing body panels joined together along a pair of opposing sides and a
bottom bridging
the sides, a reclosable fastener extending along a mouth formed opposite the
bottom, and at
least one active agent.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a reclosable package is
provided with
a freshness-extension agent that is associated with at least one of the body
panels of the
package for communication with an interior of the package and to inhibit
spoilage of
perishable product disposed therein. The freshness-extension agent is included
in at least
one of a coating, a patch, a pouch, and a tape applied to the at least one of
the body panels.
Alternatively, the freshness-extension agent is distributed in the at least
one of the body
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panels. For example, the freshness-extension agent can be distributed in the
form of
microcapsules in the at least one of the body panels. An isothiocyanate
compound, such as
allyl isothiocyanate, can be included as the freshness-extension agent. The
freshness-
extension agent can further include an acid and/or a fragrant.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a structure to
selectively
initiate release of the freshness-extension agent is provided. Alternatively,
the freshness-
extension agent is released by humidity.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a permeable
freshness-
extension layer includes the freshness-extension agent. The permeable
freshness-extension
layer includes a release agent. In some embodiments, a removeable cover that
is removably
attached to at least a portion of the freshness-extension layer is provided,
in which the
freshness-extension layer is secured to one of the body panels of a reclosable
package and
the removeable cover is secured to the other of the body panels of the
reclosable package.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a barrier layer
associated
with at least one of the body panels of a reclosable package is provided The
barrier layer is
attached to the at least one of the body panels via at least one of an
adhesive, a co-extrusion,
a heat seal, and a weld.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a diffusion layer is
provided and
disposed adjacent to a freshness-extension layer that includes the freshness-
extension agent.
The diffusion layer is located closer to an interior of a reclosable package
than the freshness-
extension layer.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, at least one of the body
panels of
a reclosable package defines a perforation extending therethrough, and a
freshness-extension
layer including the freshness-extension agent is disposed on the exterior of
the at least one of
the body panels adjacent the perforation.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a freshness-extension
layer
including the freshness-extension agent is attached to one of the body panels
of a reclosable
package. The freshness-extension layer includes a one-time breakable element
that extends
between and that is secured to the opposing body panels of the reclosable
package.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a reclosable package is
provided
with a first opposing body panel having an inner surface and an outer surface,
a second
opposing body panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, a reclosable
polymeric
seal, and a polymeric freshness-extension structure. The opposing body panels
are joined
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along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open
mouth at one end
and an interior space. The reclosable polymeric seal extends along the one end
of the inner
surface of the first and second opposing body panels. The polymeric freshness-
extension
structure includes a first polymeric layer being a barrier layer and a second
polymeric layer
being a diffusion layer and including a freshness-extension agent. The second
polymeric
layer is adjacent to the first polymeric layer. The first polymeric layer is
attached to the
package such that the freshness-extension agent of the second layer is in
communication
with the interior space.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a freshness-
extension
structure is provided with a first polymeric layer being a burner layer, a
second polymeric
layer being a diffusion layer and including a freshness-extension agent, and a
removable
cover removably attached to at least a portion of the second polymeric layer.
The second
polymeric layer is adjacent to the first polymeric layer.
These and other features of the disclosed packages of the present invention
can be
more fully understood by referring to the following detailed description and
accompanying
drawings. The drawings are not drawn to scale, but show only relative
dimensions.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a mouth portion of a reclosable package or bag
with the
opposing body panels attached to respective fin portions according to one
embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reclosable package incorporating the mouth
portion depicted in FIG. 1 in which the reclosable fastener or zipper has a
slider mechanism
being opened and the one-time breakable element being partially opened
according to
another embodiment;
FIG. 3a is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
comprising a polymeric structure with one layer according to one embodiment of
the present
invention;
FIG. 3b is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
comprising a polymeric structure with two layers according to one embodiment
of the
present invention;
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FIG. 3c is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
comprising a polymeric structure with three layers according to one embodiment
of the
present invention;
FIG. 3d is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
comprising a polymeric structure with two layers according to another
embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9a is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
that includes a polymeric structure with four layers according to one
embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 9b is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a reclosable package
or bag
that includes a polymeric structure with six layers according to one
embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 10a is a partial cross-section view of two sides of a reclosable package
or bag
that includes two polymeric structures that each comprise two layers according
to one
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. lOb is a partial cross-section view of two sides of a reclosable package
or bag
that includes two polymeric structures that each comprise two layers according
to another
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. l Oc is a partial cross-section view of two sides of a reclosable package
or bag
that includes two polymeric structures that each comprise three layers
according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 a is a partial cross-section view of two sides of a reclosable package
or bag
with a polymeric structure disposed therebetween, in which the polymeric
structure includes
a one-time breakable element.
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FIG. l 1b is a partial cross-section view showing the reclosable package or
bag of
FIG. 11 a after breakage of the one-time breakable element;
FIG. 12a is a partial cross-section view of two sides of a reclosable package
or bag,
in which one side includes a polymeric structure that comprises two layers,
and in which the
polymeric structure is connected to the other side by a removable element; and
FIG. 12b is a partial cross-section view showing the reclosable package or bag
of
FIG. 12a after removal of the removable element.
Detailed Description
The present invention relates to packages, packaging materials, and other
related
structures with an active agent incorporated therein. As such, the invention
has applications
for various flexible and rigid containers and packages, such as reclosable
plastic bags, waste
bags and liners, rigid trash containers, air-tight containers, lunch boxes,
and packaging wraps
and foils commonly used for perishable packaging or perishable covering.
As used herein, the term "package" can be understood to include any kind of
package
or container, such as flexible plastic bags and rigid containers, as well as
foils or wraps
commonly used to package or store perishable items.
As used herein, the term "active agent" can be understood to include any
agent,
ingredient, or composition that provides an enhancing or beneficial effect
within a package
or container. An active agent can include a "freshness-extension" agent for
extending the
freshness or shelf life of food products or other perishables stored in a
package, an "odor
management" agent for masking, neutralizing and/or reducing odors from the
package, or
another functional agent.
Each of the active agents of the present invention can be used in combination
with a
package. More specifically, each freshness-extension agent of the present
invention can be
used to inhibit spoilage of food products or other perishables in the package,
and each odor
management agent of the present invention can be used to reduce, neutralize,
and/or mask
odors from the package. Each of the active agents of the present invention can
be disposed
in the environment of the package, e.g., disposed in the form of a coating,
patch, pouch, or
tape that is attached to a component of the package; extruded with a component
of the
package; sprayed, brushed, coated, laminated, or stamped onto a component of
the package;
impregnated into a component of the package; and/or distributed in the
material of a
component of the package, such as in the form of microcapsules.
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For purposes of illustration and not limitation, the freshness-extension
agents of the
present invention can be disposed in the environment of a polymeric bag for
storing
perishable items. The polymeric bag can be intended for consumer storage of
food products
(e.g., leftover food products) or applications, such as "form, fill, and seal"
food packaging
operations. The polymeric bags can include non-reclosable and reclosable
polymeric bags.
Reclosable polymeric bags are typically made to be reclosable via reclosable
elements or
fasteners, such as resealable adhesive or cohesive seals, mated tracks, and
mated dimples.
The mated tracks can be opened and closed by applying finger pressure or by
using an
auxiliary device, such as a slider. Some examples of reclosable polymeric bags
include the
bags disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,067,208 and 6,147,588 and U.S. Patent
Application
Publication No. 2004/0066985, the contents of which documents are expressly
incorporated
by reference herein in their entireties.
Further for purposes of illustration and not limitation, the freshness-
extension agents
of the present invention can also be disposed in the environment of a rigid
package for
storing perishables, such as bakery containers, deli containers, fruit
containers, lunch boxes,
and roaster containers. Some examples of containers include containers
disclosed in U.S.
Patent Nos. 6,042,586, 6,257,401, 6,349,857, 6,644,494, 6,845,878 and U.S.
Patent
Application Publication Nos. 2004/0074902 and 2005/0000966, the contents of
which
documents are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
Additionally for purposes of illustration and not limitation, the odor
management
agents of the present invention can be used in the environment of bags, liners
and rigid trash
containers for collecting garbage or waste and other containers for collecting
items with
undesirable odors, such as laundry and diapers. Such waste bags can include a
tie feature
that assists in closing the bag or liner securely, forming a handle for
carrying the bag or liner
to be disposed, and/or facilitating the opening of the bag or the liner. Some
examples of
waste bags include the bags disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication
No.
2003/0223657, the contents of which document are expressly incorporated by
reference
herein in its entirety.
Illustrative embodiments will now be described to provide an overall
understanding
of the disclosed packages and related structures and active agents. For
purposes of
illustration and not limitation, the packages of the present invention are
described in the
context of reclosable polymeric bags. One or more examples of the illustrative
embodiments
are shown in the drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand
that each
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disclosed bag having an active agent can be adapted and modified to provide
alternative
embodiments of bags, containers, and other packages with active agents for
other
applications, and that other additions and modifications can be made to the
disclosed
packages and active agents without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. For
example, features of the illustrative embodiments can be combined, separated,
interchanged,
and/or rearranged to generate other embodiments. Such modifications and
variations are
intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a mouth portion of a reclosable
package
with an agent structure 50 containing an active agent. The agent structure 50
is located
10 below a reclosable closure arrangement such as a fastener or zipper 14.
FIG. 2 shows the
reclosable package 10 with the mouth portion depicted in FIG. 1 in a partial
open position.
Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, the mouth portion of the reclosable package 10
includes a
pair of first and second opposing body or wall panels 16, 18 that make up a
package body 20
and define an interior space 22. Connected to the first body panel 16 is a
first track 24
having a first profile 26 and a first fin portion 28 extending generally
downward from the
first profile 26. The first body panel 16 has an outer surface 16a and an
inner surface 16b.
Connected to the second body panel 18 is a second track 30 having a second
profile 32 and a
second fin portion 34 extending generally downward from the second profile 32.
The
second body panel 18 has an outer surface.18a and an inner surface 18b. The
inner surface
16b is attached to the first fin portion 28. The inner surface 18b is attached
to the second fm
portion 34. It is contemplated that one or more of the fin portions can be
attached to the
outer surfaces 16a, 18a.
The first and second profiles 26, 32 are releasably engageable with each other
to
provide a reclosable seal to the package 10. An optional breakable element 12
that initially
extends from the first fin portion 28 to the second fin portion 34 can be
used. The breakable
element 12 of FIG. 1 is depicted with an optional one-time breakable
preferential area of
weakness or preferential tear area 38 to form a one-time breakable tamper
evident feature. It
is not necessary that the breakable element 12 have the one-time breakable
preferential area
of weakness 38. For example, in some embodiments, the breakable element 12
includes a
resealable adhesive or cohesive seal. The one-time breakable preferential area
of weakness
38 can be a score line, a series of perforations, or a highly oriented region.
Additionally, the
preferential area of weakness 38 can be made in a manner to separate by
cutting
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therethrough. The preferential area of weakness 38 inhibits tampering with the
reclosable
package 10 prior to being opened.
The reclosable package 10 can further include an optional slider mechanism 36
(FIG.
2) slidably mounted to the fastener 14 for movement between a closed position
and an open
position. Refernng to FIGs. 1 and 2, the first and second profiles 26, 32 are
engaged to each
other while the slider mechanism 36 is in the closed position, and movement of
the slider
mechanism 36 from the closed position to the open position disengages the
profiles 26, 32
from each other.
The package 10 of FIG. 2 also includes end terminations 37. End terminations
can
have various purposes such as (a) preventing or inhibiting the slider
mechanism 36 from
going past the ends of the fastener 14, (b) interacting with the slider 36 to
give a tactile
indication of being closed, (c) assisting in inhibiting or preventing leakage
from the package
10, and (d) holding the first and second profiles 26, 32 together and
providing additional
strength in resisting stresses applied to the profiles 26, 32 during normal
use of the package
10. Further details concerning the construction and operation of the slider
mechanism 36
and the end terminations 37 can be obtained from United States Patent No.
5,067,208 to
Hernngton, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
It is contemplated that other end terminations can be used instead of the
above-
described end terminations 37. For example, an end weld can be formed by
heated bars
pressed against the end of the fastener, ultrasonic welding, or other ways
known in the art.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reclosable package 10 of the present
invention is
opened by having a consumer grip the slider mechanism 36 and move it such that
the first
and second profiles 26, 32 of the respective first and second tracks 24, 30
are detached from
each other. Next, the consumer tears open the breakable element 12 (if
present) along the
preferential area of weakness 38. Alternatively, the consumer may open the
breakable
element 12, if used, by cutting therethrough. The package can be resealed
utilizing the
fastener 14 and slider mechanism 36. Specifically, the consumer grips the
slider mechanism
36 and moves it from the open position to the closed position so as to engage
the
complementary first and second profiles 26, 32.
A one-time breakable element 12 not only provides a consumer with the
assurance
that a newly purchased package has not been opened before, but also provides a
good initial
seal that preserves the freshness of the perishable contents of the package
prior to its initial
opening and can inhibit or prevent the active agent from being activated by an
activation-
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triggering condition, such as moisture. Since the reclosable closure
arrangements of FIG. 1
are located above the one-time breakable element, (i.e., the reclosable
closure arrangement is
fizrther from the interior space), the operation of the reclosable closure
arrangement is not
hampered by the presence of the one-time breakable element.
Connected to the first body panel inner surface 16b is the agent structure 50
that
contains at least one active agent as schematically depicted in FIG. 1. The
active agent can
include a substance known to provide a desired function or effect on a package
or contents
thereof. In some embodiments, the active agent includes a freshness-extension
agent, which
functions to extend the life or freshness of food products or other
perishables disposed in the
package. In other embodiments, the active agent includes an odor management
agent, which
functions to mask, neutralize, and/or reduce an undesirable odor or to produce
an aromatic
odor in the package.
The agent structure 50 can be provided in a form and structure suitable for
the
desired effect of the agent and the structure of the package. For example, in
some
embodiments, the agent structure 50 can be in the form of a coating, a patch,
a tape, a pouch,
a combination thereof, or in any other form that can be incorporated or
integrated into the
structure of the package 10. The selection of a coating, patch, or pouch, or
tape is often
dependent on the type of active agent being used. For example, an active agent
in a powder
form (e.g., minerals containing chemistry) can be placed in an air-permeable
pouch, rather
than a patch because it is often difficult to embed powders in a patch.
Alternatively, an
active agent in a powder form can be dusted onto a component of the package,
such as a
body panel. Non-limiting examples of powdery active agents that can be
incorporated into
the agent structure 50 include perlite, calcium carbonate, kaolin, and
ASEPTROL~
antimicrobial manufactured by Engelhard.
If a tape or patch is used to support the agent structure S0, the tape or
patch can
include an adhesive, a patch-like component, and/or a release system such as a
slip additive
which assists in inhibiting or preventing the agent structure from sticking to
the adhesive.
For example, the release system can be located on a surface of the tape or
patch that is
located distally from the surface that contacts the body panel to which the
tape or patch is to
be attached, so that sticking is inhibited or prevented when the package is
wound into a roll.
Materials such as siloxane and glycerol monostearate can be among the
components of such
a release system.
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In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the active agent
can be
extruded with the body panel 16. For example, the active agent can be blended
into the body
panel material in oil or powder form, or can be distributed in the form of
microcapsules in
the material of the body panel 16. In a preferred embodiment, the active agent
is
microencapsulated prior to being integrated into the package structure.
Microencapsulation
encloses the active agent within a polymeric material that can withstand heat
during package
processing and manufacturing, but which degrades, dissolves, or otherwise
breaks open and
releases the active agent upon contact with pre-determined environmental
factors such as
moisture. The active agent can be encapsulated into microcapsules, and the
microcapsules
can be interspersed with the molten material of the body panel and extruded
into body panel
16 during bulk production.
The body panel 16 can be otherwise impregnated with the active agent. It is
also
contemplated that the active agent can be sprayed, brushed, coated, laminated,
stamped, or
otherwise applied onto the body panel 16.
In some embodiments, the active agent includes one or more freshness-extension
agents. The freshness-extension agent can be, for example, a natural oil, an
anti-microbial, a
modified atmosphere, or another substance that can extend the freshness or
shelf life of food
products or other perishables. For example, some non-limiting examples of
freshness-
extension ingredients include isothiocyanate such as allyl isothiocyanate
(AIT) from natural
sources, d-limonene, eugenol, allicin, isothymol, thymol, chlorine dioxide,
hydrogen
peroxide, sodium percarbonate, ascorbic acid, citric acid, cinnamic aldehyde,
mustard,
cinnamon, peppermint, spearmint, triclosan, Chinese chive (Album tuberosum),
cinnamon
(Cinnamomum cassia), corni fructus (Cornus officinalis), allyl cyanide, 1-
cyano-2,3-
epithiopropane, allyl thiocyanate, Lactobacillus reuteri, methyl
isothiocyanate, cinnamon
bark oil, lemon grass oil, thyme oil, methyl jasmonate, tea tree oil, ethyl
alcohol,
Salicylaldehyde, carvacrol, cymene, essential oil extracts of various onions,
essential oil
extract of garlic, berry phenolic extracts from cranberry, cloudberry,
raspberry, strawberry,
and bilberry, ellagitannins from cranberry, cloudberry, raspberry, strawberry,
and bilberry,
essential oils from nutmeg, mint, clove, oregano, cinnamon, sassafras, sage,
thyme and
rosemary, vanillin, vanillyl alcohol, vanillic acid, diacetyl, natural honey,
fluorine dioxide,
carbon dioxide, modified atmospheres and combinations thereof. The modified
atmosphere
can include nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
and
combination thereof.
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AIT, which can be naturally obtained from plants or perishables such as
mustard and
wasabi, is particularly advantageous as a freshness-extension agent for its
anti-microbial
properties. Preferably, the AIT is produced from plants such as mustard, which
contains
glucosinolate and myrosinase enzyme. Myrosinase and glucosinolate react with
each other
to produce AIT and, because the reaction involves hydrolysis, humidity
activates AIT
production. AIT has been shown to exhibit anti-bacterial and anti-microbial
properties and,
as it is released in a gaseous form throughout the package atmosphere, it
enhances the
atmosphere so as to inhibit bacterial growth and therefore extend perishable
freshness.
Hence, AIT-producing products, including wasabi, horseradish and mustard in
various
forms, such as extract, powder, oil, or ground seed, can be used as the
freshness-extension
agent in embodiments of the present invention.
In some embodiments, an AIT-containing freshness-extension agent can also be
used
in combination with another functional agent. For example, in one such
embodiment, AIT is
combined with an acid, which greatly enhances the production of AIT from
mustard and,
thus, the anti-microbial effect of mustard. Thus, if ground mustard seed is
used as the
freshness- extension agent, it can be combined, in a desired ratio, with
anhydrous acid such
as anhydrous citric acid for increased AIT production and, thus, enhanced
freshness-
extension function.
The freshness-extension agent can also provide other enhancement functions,
and
therefore can be used for such other purposes. In some embodiments, the
freshness-
extension agent can include a freshness component for extending food freshness
and an odor
component for masking, reducing, and/or neutralizing only a pungent odor of
the freshness
component, but not other odors of the contents stored in a package.
Preferably, the odor
component does not mask the odors of the contents stored in the package, such
as food odors
or food spoilage odors, so that decay or spoilage of the contents can be
detected by smell.
For example, a freshness-extension agent including an AIT freshness component
can also
include a fragrant component, such as vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus oil, which
can mask the
pungent odor of AIT, but not mask or otherwise affect the odor of the stored
contents.
Preferably, the freshness-extension agent does not impart its own organoleptic
properties to
the stored contents, and thus permits a user to readily detect decay or
spoilage of stored
contents by smell.
Alternatively, in some embodiments, the agent structure 50 includes one or
more
odor management agents. Advantageously, the odor management agent can be
incorporated
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into packages configured for collecting garbage or waste to mask, neutralize,
and/or reduce
undesirable odors. Alternatively, the odor management agent can be used to
provide or
create an odor to a package. An odor management agent can thus be incorporated
into
thermoplastic bags or liners and other containers, such as garbage or waste
bags, diaper
containers, laundry bags, storage bags, and disposable medical bags or
containers.
Non-limiting examples of odor management agents include AIT, d-limonene,
mustard, natural oils, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan,
ammonia,
citronella, pine, flowery, and substituted esters such as METAZENE~.
A preferred embodiment of an odor management agent includes AIT, which agent
can be provided by incorporating, for example, mustard in the agent structure
50. Mustard,
whether in the form of ground mustard seed, powder, oil, or paste, can be
provided alone or
in combination with an acid (such as citric acid) to catalyze the production
of AIT from
mustard and enhance the anti-microbial and odor management properties of the
mustard.
Because of its effectiveness in extending perishable freshness as previously
described herein,
AIT can provide multiple functions when incorporated into a perishable
package, e.g., AIT
can perform both freshness-extension and odor- management functions.
In some embodiments, the odor management agent can include an additional
ingredient for providing a pleasant or desired odor or scent to a user. For
example, a natural
oil such as lemon grass oil can be used to manage odors emanating from a
package, to mask
the odor of the primary odor management agent itself, or to make the odor of
the odor
management more pleasant to a user. It has been shown that a composition
comprising
ground mustard seed and anhydrous citric acid mixed with about 5% by weight of
lemon
grass oil is particularly effective at managing unpleasant odors.
If an agent structure 50 includes an aromatic or perfumery ingredient for
providing a
desired scent to a package, an additional material for enhancing scent
concentration in the
interior of the package can be included. For example, the agent structure 50
can include
perlite to increase the scent concentration. Perlite is desirable for use
because of its ability to
retain scent, its stability, and its surface area. Non-limiting examples of
other materials for
enhancing scent include microspheres, talc, silicon, silicate such as aluminum
silicate,
vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof.
Further in accordance with the invention, the agent structure SO can be
provided with
an activation system that is triggered when the reclosable package is opened
or filled with
contents. The activation system can be mechanical in nature, such as a
perforation or a peel
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apart system that once separated initiates the release of the active agent.
Another activation
method can be based on the humidity or moisture level that is present in the
package (e.g.,
which correlates to water activity of the contents). For example, a high
amount of humidity
can initiate a chemical or other reaction that subsequently releases a
volatile chemical such
as carbon dioxide or chlorine dioxide. In such an example, a greater amount of
active agent
is added when the humidity is higher in the reclosable package. Examples of
reactions that
are activated by a high humidity level are salt and acid reactions, such as
sodium bicarbonate
and citric acid, or sodium hypochlorite and citric acid. The release of AIT is
also aided by
humidity as previously explained. In such examples, a greater amount of active
agent is
released into the package atmosphere when the humidity increases.
During a method of operation of a reclosable package with a humidity-activated
freshness extension agent, for example, perishables are placed in the interior
of the package,
and the humidity or moisture level in the perishables activates the freshness-
extension agent.
Additionally, if the agent structure is disposed proximate the mouth of a bag-
like package or
proximate the rim of a container-like package, selective activation or release
can be
accomplished. For example, the humidity or moisture level of the perishables
can activate
the agent as the perishables travel in the vicinity of the agent (e.g.,
through the mouth or past
the rim of the package during the initial placement of the perishable products
into the
interior), while the perishable products remain disposed in the interior, and
upon entry of air
into the interior (e.g., during an opening of the package). Disposing the
agent structure
proximate the mouth or rim of a package can also be advantageous when maximum
display
of the contents is desired in a transparent package.
A humidity activation method can further be controlled by providing a burner
layer
material. For example, it is preferable that the body panels provide a burner
layer or be
formed of a burner material so as to create an enclosed environment to prevent
or inhibit the
introduction of humidity and the release of active agent when the package is
closed. As used
herein, the terms "barrier layer" and "barrier material" include layers or
materials that inhibit
or otherwise control the release of an active agent into a package atmosphere,
rather than
layers or materials that completely block or prevent such release.
An example of such a material is polyethylene glycol (PEG) incorporated into
low
density polyethylenes (LDPE). Other materials providing a burner to transfer
of water,
water vapor, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, ethylene, volatile or non-
volatile active
agents include but are not limited to polymers, copolymers, blends,
extrusions, co-
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WO 2005/077773 PCT/US2005/004079
extrusions, coatings, metalization or laminations of: low density polyethylene
(LDPE),
linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), linear medium-density polyethylene
(LMDPE),
high density polyethylene (HDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE),
metallocene
(mPE), polypropylene (PP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene
(ABS), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile-EPDM-styrene (AES),
ASA/AES
copolymers, polyamide 6, polyamide 66 and their copolyamides, poly vinyl
chloride (PVC),
acrylic, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), thermoplastic polyester (TPE),
ethylene/ethyl
acrylate (EEA), ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVA), polystyrene (PS), high impact
polystyrene
(HIPS), modified polystyrene, ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVAL or EVOH),
polyvinylidene
chloride (PVDC), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyamides, polyacrylic acid
(PAA),
polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene
terephthalate glycol
(PETG), saran, ceramic filled polymers, nanocomposite polymers,
polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),
acrylonitrile-
methyl acrylate (AC-MA), polyphenylene ether (PPE), polyphenylene oxide (PPO),
thermoplastic elastomer, cellophane, nylon, polycarbonate (PC), modified
polyolefins with
barrier properties, cyclic olefin copolymeres, polyacrylonitriles,
acrylonitrile copolymers,
polyacetals, modified polyesters, acrylic derivatives, and inorganic barner
coatings.
It is also contemplated that other barner materials such as foils and
metallized
polymers such as metallized oriented polypropylenes (OPP) can be used. The
barrier layer is
substantially impermeable to at least water vapor and active agents, and, in
some
embodiments, also to oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, or combinations
thereof. The
barrier layer thus inhibits or prevents water vapor (and, in some embodiments,
oxygen,
nitrogen, and carbon dioxide) from entering the interior of the package, while
inhibiting or
preventing the active agent from escaping the interior of the package. An
example of a
cyclic olefin copolymer that can be used in forming the barner layer is TOPAS~
8007.
Useful cyclic olefin copolymers are believed to be available from several
companies. For
example, Ticona, a business of Celanese AG, in Summit N.J. has cyclic olefin
copolymers
available. Other companies that are believed to have cyclic olefin copolymers
available
include Nippon Zeon (Japan), Mitsui Chemical (Japan) and JSR (Japan), formerly
know as
Japan Synthetic Rubber. Ticona, a business of Celanese AG, has commercially
available
cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) under the designation TOPAS~. These cyclic
olefin
copolymers are believed to be prepared with feedstocks of norbornene and
ethylene and the
use of a metallocene catalyst. There are believed to be at least four grades
of TOPAS~
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WO 2005/077773 PCT/US2005/004079
resins available (TOPAS~ 8007, TOPAS~ 6013, TOPAS~ 6015 and TOPAS~ 6017). The
four grades of TOPAS~ resins available Dave glass transition temperatures, Tg,
of 80, 140,
160 and 180°C, respectively. The corresponding norbornene levels of the
four grades of
TOPAS~ resins are 35, 48, 55 and 59 mole %.
The agent structure 50 can be made of polymeric materials including
thermoplastic
materials. Alternatively, if formed as part of the package, a polymeric matrix
layer can be
provided for impregnating or supporting a microencapsulated active agent into
a component
of the package, e.g., a body panel. The matrix layer of the agent structure 50
can be made of
polyolefmic materials such as polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, and
combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of the matrix layer materials
include
polymers, copolymers or blends o~ low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low
density
polyethylene (LLDPE), linear medium-density polyethylene (LMDPE), high density
polyethylene (HDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), metallocene (mPE),
polypropylene (PP), polyamide 6 polyamide 66 and their copolyamide, poly vinyl
chloride
(PVC), acrylic, thermoplastic polyester (TPE), ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVA),
polystyrene
(PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), modified polystyrene, liquid crystal
polymer (LCP),
polyamides, polyacrylic acid (PAA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene
terephthalate
glycol (PETG), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyphenylene ether (PPE),
thermoplastic elastomer, and cellulose and filled plastics. These materials
generally provide
a good barrier to water vapor, but allow permeation of oxygen and active
agents. It may be
desirable to have a patch, tape, or pouch that comprises polyethylene because
of its
recyclability. Another example of a material that can be used to form a patch,
tape, or pouch
structures is ethyl methyl acrylate (EMA). A surface of the patch, tape, or
pouch can be
formed of a porous non-woven material (e.g., gauze) that allows the active
agent such as
freshness extension or odor management agent to be released. For odor
management, one of
the layers of the odor management structure can further include a fragrance
(e.g., a liquid
fragrance), a scent-enhancing mineral, and/or a polymeric resin (e.g., LLDPE).
As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the amount of
agent to be
used in combination with a package will depend on the environment in which the
agent is in
use, e.g., the loss and release rates of the agent. The release rate refers to
the rate at which
the agent is released into the interior of the package, and the loss rate
refers to the rate at
which the released agent escapes from the interior of the package. Preferably,
the agents of
the present invention are disposed in amounts such that the release rate of
the agent is greater
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WO 2005/077773 PCT/US2005/004079
than the loss rate of the agent during a pre-determined "shelf life" or
duration of use, so that
the presence of agent in the interior of a package is replenished faster than
it is lost, thus
ensuring effective performance of the agent. The loss rate of the agent
depends upon a
variety of factors related to package design, construction, and use.
It is contemplated that additional layers can be added to the coating, patch,
pouch, or
tape. For example, a barrier layer can be added to assist in keeping the
freshness-extension
agent in communication with the interior of the reclosable package and, thus,
assist in
preventing or inhibiting the freshness-extension agent from permeating through
the body
panel.
For example, and with reference to the package embodiment of FIG. 1, each of
the
opposing body panels 16, 18 forms a barrier layer that is substantially
impermeable to at
least water vapor and active agents and, in some embodiments, also to oxygen,
nitrogen,
carbon dioxide, or combinations thereof. The opposing body panels 16, 18 thus
can include,
i.e., be at least partially formed from one or more of, the foregoing
materials. The opposing
body panels 16, 18 can include barner layers located on exterior and/or
interior surfaces of
the packages.
For purposes of illustration, the disclosed packages of the present invention
will now
be further described herein with respect to freshness-extension agents. Those
of ordinary
skill in the art will understand that the disclosed packages can be suitably
modified to
include other types of active agents.
In one such embodiment, the barner layer can be located on an inner surface of
a
freshness-extension structure as shown in, for example, FIG. 3a. In FIG. 3a,
one side of a
package 210 is depicted with a body panel 212 that includes a freshness-
extension structure
214, and a second body panel (not shown in FIG. 3a). The freshness-extension
agent of the
freshness-extension structure 214 is in communication with the interior space,
while one
surface of the freshness-extension structure 214 is attached to a surface 212a
of the body
panel 212 via an adhesive, a heat seal, or a weld, e.g., an ultrasonic weld.
It is contemplated
that other attachment methods can be used. For example, the freshness-
extension structure
can be attached to at least one surface of the body panels using mechanical
methods such as
clips or staples. Thus, the freshness-extension structure can be provided as a
coextrusion
structure or as a laminate. Alternatively, it can be coated on a layer of
film.
One example depicted in FIG. 3b includes a reclosable package 230 comprising a
first body panel 212, a second body panel (not shown in FIG. 3b), and a
freshness-extension
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WO 2005/077773 PCT/US2005/004079
structure 234. The structure 234 comprises a first layer 216 that is a burner
layer and a
second polymeric layer 218 that includes a freshness-extension agent. The
first layer 216 can
be a polymeric barrier layer using one of the previously mentioned burner
materials. One
example of a polymer that can be used in the second polymeric layer 218 is a
polyolefin such
as a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). An outer surface 216a of the
first layer 216 of
FIG. 3b is attached to an inner surface 212a of the first body panel 212. The
second
polymeric layer 218 is directly adjacent to the first layer 216 so that the
freshness-extension
agent is in communication with the interior space. Depending on the materials
that form the
first and second layers 216, 218, it may not be necessary to adhesively attach
the layers
together. Rather, for example, the first and second layers can be co-extruded
together if the
materials for forming the first and second layers are compatible.
It is also contemplated that information can be printed on the freshness-
extension
structure 234 such as on the burner layer. It is contemplated that the
printing can occur on
different locations of the structure. For enhanced visibility and readability
of the printing, it
may be desirable to print on the surface of the freshness-extension structure
that is closest to
the body panel when the structure is located in the interior of the reclosable
package. For
example, in FIG. 3b, the printing would be desirably located between the first
body panel
212 and the first layer 216. If adhesive is used to attach the first layer 216
of FIG. 3b to the
surface 212a, then the printing can be located between the adhesive and the
first layer 216. It
is contemplated that other attachment methods can be used such as a heat seal
or mechanical
methods.
Refernng to FIG. 3c, a reclosable package 250 comprises a first body panel
212, a
second body panel (not shown in FIG. 3c), and a freshness-extension structure
254 in the
form of a patch or tape. It is contemplated that the structure can be in the
form of a pouch or
a coating. The freshness-extension structure 254 comprises a first layer 216
that is a burner
layer, and a second polymeric layer 218 that includes a freshness-extension
agent, and a third
polymeric layer 220 that is a diffusion layer. The first layer 216, as
discussed above, can be a
polymeric layer. The second polymeric layer 218 that includes the freshness-
extension agent
is located between the first and third layers 216, 220. One example of a
polymer that can be
used in the second polymeric layer 218 is a polyolefin, such as a linear low
density
polyethylene (LLDPE). The freshness-extension agent is in communication with
the interior
space of the reclosable package via the third polymeric layer 220 that is
permeable. Thus, the
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WO 2005/077773 PCT/US2005/004079
third polymeric layer 220 controls the permeability and must be permeable to
the extent that
the freshness-extension agent can enter the interior of the reclosable package
therethrough.
It is contemplated that the third polymeric layer 220 can comprise a cyclic
olefin
copolymer. The third polymer layer can comprise from about 10 to about 80 wt.%
or, more
specifically, from about 20 to about 40 wt.% cyclic olefin copolymer to assist
in reducing
curling of the polymeric structure. While not being bound by theory, curling
tends to be
caused when the materials forming the polymeric-structure layers are not as
compatible with
each other because of, for example, their different shrink rates. The barner
layer can
comprise a more crystalline material that does not shrink much, if any, over
time as
compared to the diffusion layer that can comprise a material, such as
polyethylene, that tends
to shrink over time. The disadvantage of such structure curl is that the edges
tend to curl in a
transverse direction upon itself and therefore cause processing problems. The
curling of the
polymeric structure can be reduced or inhibited by using a cyclic olefin
copolymer in the
third polymeric layer, whereby the first layer and the third polymeric layer
become more
compatible. The addition of a cyclic olefin copolymer to the third polymeric
layer 220 also
slows the permeation of the freshness extension agent into the interior of the
reclosable
package 250.
As discussed above, it is contemplated that the freshness-extension structure
254 of
FIG. 3c can have a release agent (e.g., a slip additive) that assists in
preventing or inhibiting
the polymeric structure from sticking to itself. It is also contemplated that
information can be
printed on the structure 254. The first layer 216 can be attached to the
surface of the body
panels) via an adhesive, heat seal or other methods.
Refernng to FIG. 3d, a reclosable package 270 comprises a first body panel
212, a
second body panel (not shown in FIG. 3d), and a freshness-extension structure
274 in the
form of a patch or tape. It is contemplated that the structure 274 can be a
pouch. The
freshness-extension structure 274 comprises a first layer 216 being a barner
layer, and a
second polymeric layer 219 being a diffusion layer and including a freshness-
extension
agent. The freshness-extension agent must be able to communicate with the
interior space of
the reclosable package or bag. The first layer 216 can be attached to the body
panel 212 via
an adhesive, a heat seal, a weld, or other methods.
The reclosable package can include more than one freshness-extension structure
that
includes a freshness-extension agent therein. For example, the reclosable
package can
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WO 2005/077773 PCT/US2005/004079
include two or three freshness-extension structures that each contain a
freshness-extension
agent.
A freshness-extension structure (e.g., a freshness-extension agent containing
patch,
tape, pouch, or coating) can vary in size and is dependent on factors such as
the desired
S amount of freshness-extension, the particular freshness-extension agent
being used, the
number of freshness-extension structures being used in the reclosable package,
and the size
of the reclosable package. The dimensions of the freshness-extension structure
are generally
from about 1/2 inch or 1 inch to about 12 inches. Non-limiting examples of
freshness-
extension structure dimensions include 1/2 inch x 1 inch, 1 inch by 1 inch,
1/2 inch x 2
inches, 1 inch x 6 inches, 2 x 4 inches, and 4 x 12 inches. The thicknesses of
the freshness-
extension structures can vary in the present invention but are generally less
than about 20
mils" preferably from about 12 to 16 mils, and more preferably from about 14
to 15 mils.
According to another embodiment, the freshness-extension structure of the
reclosable
package is delivered in a non-woven matrix. The non-woven matrix can be
impregnated after
the non-woven matrix has been formed. The impregnation of the non-woven matrix
can be
accomplished by a freshness-extension agent coating. Alternatively, the non-
woven matrix
can be initially formed with the freshness-extension agent therein. According
to a further
embodiment, the freshness-extension agent of the reclosable package can be
micro-
encapsulated in a freshness-extension structure.
The freshness-extension structure being a patch, tape, pouch, or coating in
one
embodiment is located in the interior of a reclosable package or bag, such as
the reclosable
package 10. For example in FIG. 3a, a partial cross-sectional view of one side
of the
reclosable package 210 is depicted with the body panel 212 and the freshness-
extension
structure 214. The structure 214 is attached to an interior surface 212a of
the body panel 212
in which the interior surface 212a forms an interior portion of the reclosable
package 210.
Alternatively, the freshness-extension structure being a coating, patch,
pouch, or tape
can be located on an exterior surface of an article or within layers of an
article such that the
freshness-extension agent is able to permeate into or communicate with the
interior of the
reclosable package. For example, the freshness-extension structure being a
coating, patch,
pouch, or tape can be located on an exterior surface of a reclosable package
in which a
portion of the body panel is removed such that the freshness-extension agent
from the
freshness-extension structure can permeate into the interior of the reclosable
package. For
example, refernng to FIG. 4, a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a
reclosable
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WO 2005/077773 PCT/US2005/004079
package 310 is shown with a freshness-extension structure 314 attached to an
exterior
surface 316a of a body panel 316. The body panel 316 has at least one opening
318 that
allows the freshness-extension agent from the freshness-extension structure
314 to permeate
into the interior of the reclosable package 310. The openings) 318 can be one
large opening
or a plurality of smaller openings that extends from and through the body
panel 316 of the
reclosable package 310. The openings) 318 can be formed by processes known in
the art
including a perforation process.
In another example, FIG. 5 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of one side
of a
reclosable package or bag 410. The reclosable package or bag 410 comprises an
exterior
layer 412, a freshness-extension structure 414, and an interior layer 416 with
openings) 418.
The freshness-extension structure 414 is located between and attached to the
exterior layer
412 and the interior layer 416. The openings) 418 allows the freshness-
extension agent from
the structure 414 to be in communication with the interior of the reclosable
package or bag
410.
It is contemplated that a layer of a reclosable package can be permeable to
the
freshness-extension agent of the freshness-extension structure such that the
freshness-
extension agent is in communication with the interior of the reclosable
package. FIG. 6
depicts such an example where a partial cross-sectional view of a reclosable
package 510 is
shown. The reclosable package 510 comprises a freshness-extension structure
514 and a
diffusion layer 516. The diffusion layer 516 allows the freshness-extension
agent from the
freshness-extension structure S 14 to enter the interior of the reclosable
package.
The diffusion layer 516 can be made of a suitable material that allows the
freshness-
extension agent to reach the interior of the reclosable package in a
relatively quick fashion.
Thus, materials providing permeation of water, water vapor, oxygen, nitrogen,
carbon
dioxide, ethylene, volatile actives or nonvolatile active agents can be used
for the diffusion
layer. Examples of a diffusion layer 516 include polymers, copolymers, blends,
extrusions,
co-extrusions, coatings or laminations of: low density polyethylene (LDPE),
linear low
density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE),
metallocene
(mPE), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide 6,
polyamide
66 and their copolyamides, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, polybutylene
terephthalate
(PBT), thermoplastic polyester (TPE), ethylene/ethyl acrylate (EEA),
ethylene/vinyl acetate
(EVA), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), modified polystyrene,
ethylene-
vinyl alcohol (EVAL or EVOH), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polylactic acid (PLA),
filled
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polymers, hydrophilic nanocomposite polymers, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),
thermoplastic elastomers, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethylpentene
(PMP),
polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL), and cellulose acetate (CA),
all of
which have general affinity for moisture.
As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the same type of
polymer
material can be used in forming either the matrix, barrier, or diffusion
layer, depending on
the percentage ratio of the material in the layer composition, the quantity of
the material in
the layer composition (e.g., the thickness of the layer composition), and/or
the method of
fabrication. Thus, the use of a particular polymer material as a component for
the matrix,
barrier, or diffusion layer depends on its amount and manner of use.
FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment with a partial cross-sectional view of one
side of
a reclosable package 530 that includes an additional layer (exterior layer S
12) as compared
to the reclosable package 510 of FIG. 6.
It is contemplated that additional layers can be added in forming the
reclosable
packages shown in FIGS. 3-7. For example, an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)
copolymer
or polyvinylidene chloride layer (PVDC) can be used in forming the body panels
of the
reclosable package, or in forming a barrier layer of the package. Such a
barrier layer assists
in keeping the freshness extension ingredient in communication with the
interior of the
reclosable package. Other layers, such as a freshness-extension enhancing
layer, are also
contemplated. A freshness- extension enhancing layer can operate to enhance
delivery of the
freshness extension agent with increasing humidity. Such a freshness-extension
enhancing
layer is particularly advantageous, since increased humidity often results in
a corresponding
increase in bacterial growth that leads to increased perishable spoiling. One
example of a
freshness extension enhancing layer is polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).
The freshness-extension structure 214 can include a peelable cover. An example
of
such an embodiment is depicted in FIG. 8 where a partial cross-sectional view
of one side of
a reclosable package 610 comprises a body panel 612, a freshness-extension
structure 614,
and a peelable cover 622. The peelable cover 622 covers at least a portion of
the freshness-
extension structure 614 and may cover the entire freshness-extension structure
614 that is
exposed in the interior of the reclosable package 610. The peelable cover 622
prevents or
inhibits the freshness-extension agent from escaping the freshness-extension
structure 614 in
its initial position shown in FIG. 8. The peelable cover can be attached to
the body panel 612
and/or the freshness-extension structure 614. The peelable cover 622 is
removed by a user
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WO 2005/077773 PCT/US2005/004079
from the freshness-extension structure 614 to enhance or begin the release of
the freshness-
extension agent from the freshness-extension structure 614. Typically, the
removal of the
peelable cover 622 by the user occurs when a package is going to have
perishable placed into
it. One example of the peelable cover 622 is a barner layer such as EVOH or
PVDC. It is
contemplated that a peelable cover can be used with any of the freshness-
extension
structures that are in the form of a patch, tape, or pouch.
According to one embodiment, a reclosable package is adapted to store items
and
comprises a first thermoplastic body panel, a second thermoplastic body panel,
and at least
one polymeric freshness-extension structure adapted to extend the freshness of
items by
increasing the time items can be stored in the article without spoiling. The
first and second
body panels are joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging
the sides so as
to form an open mouth. The joined first and second body panels form an
interior space for
storing items. The polymeric freshness-extension structure is attached to a
surface of one or
more the first and second body panels and is in communication with the
interior space. The
freshness-extension structure further includes a peelable cover in which the
peelable cover is
adapted to initially cover at least a portion of the polymeric freshness-
extension structure.
According to another embodiment, a reclosable package can be used that
includes
two freshness-extension structures. For example, refernng to FIG. 9a, a
reclosable package
710 comprises a first thermoplastic body panel 712, a second thermoplastic
body panel (not
shown in FIG. 9a) a first freshness-extension structure 714a, and a second
freshness
extension structure 714b. As discussed above, the first and second body panels
are joined
along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form
an open mouth.
The joined first and second body panels form an interior space for storing
items.
The first freshness-extension structure 714a comprises two layers and is a
patch or
tape. It is contemplated that the first and second freshness-extension
structures can form a
pouch. The first freshness-extension structure 714a comprises a first layer
716a being a
barrier layer, and a second polymeric layer 719a being a diffusion layer and
including a
freshness-extension agent. The first layer 716a can be a polymeric layer. The
second
polymeric layer 719a is directly adjacent to the first layer 716a. The first
layer 716a is shown
in FIG. 9a as being attached to the first body panel 712 via an adhesive, heat
seal or other
methods.
Similarly, the second freshness-extension structure 714b comprises two layers
and is
a patch or tape. The second freshness-extension structure 714b comprises a
third layer 716b
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being a barner layer, and a fourth polymeric layer 719b being a diffusion
layer and including
a freshness-extension agent. The fourth polymeric layer 719b is directly
adjacent to the third
layer 716b. The third layer 716b can be a polymeric layer. The second
polymeric layer 719a
is releasably heat sealed at selected locations to the fourth polymeric layer
719b such that the
respective freshness-extension agent permeates into the interior of the
reclosable package
710 via interior area 717.
The interior area 717 can be formed by having the first and second freshness-
extension structures 714a, b curl with respect to each other. As shown in FIG.
9a, the interior
area 717 is formed between the second and fourth polymeric layers 719a, b. A
slight curl of
the freshness-extension structures enables the freshness-extension agent to be
in
communication with the interior of the reclosable package. It is desirable to
have some curl
in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9a to assist in enabling the freshness-
extension agent to
be in communication with the interior of the reclosable package or bag. As
discussed above,
the curling of the freshness-extension structures can be formed from using
materials for
forming the freshness-extension structures that are less compatible (i.e., the
shrink rates of
the materials differ).
It is contemplated that additional layers can be used in forming the two
freshness-
extension structures. For example, in FIG. 9b, a reclosable package 730
comprises a first
thermoplastic body panel 712, a second thermoplastic body panel (not shown in
FIG. 9b), a
first freshness-extension structure 734a, and a second freshness-extension
structure 734b.
The first and second body panels are joined along a pair of opposing sides and
a bottom
bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and second
body panels
form an interior space for storing items.
The first freshness-extension structure 734a comprises three layers and is a
patch or
tape. It is contemplated that the first and second freshness-extension
structures can form a
pouch or a coating. The first freshness-extension structure 734a comprises a
first layer 716a
being a barrier layer, a second polymeric layer 718a comprising a freshness-
extension agent,
and a third polymeric 720a being a diffusion layer. The first layer 716a can
be a polymeric
layer. The second polymeric layer 718a is located between the first and third
layers 716a,
720a. The first layer 716a is shown in FIG. 9b as being attached to the first
body panel 712
via an adhesive or heat seal such that the freshness-extension agent is in
communication with
the interior space. It is contemplated that other attaching methods can be
used such as
mechanical devices like clips or staples.
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Similarly, the second freshness-extension structure 734b comprises three
layers and
is a patch or tape. The second thermoplastic freshness-extension structure
734b comprises a
fourth layer 716b being a barrier layer, a fifth polymeric layer 718b
comprising a freshness-
extension agent, and a sixth polymeric layer 720b being a diffusion layer. The
fourth layer
716b can be a polymeric layer. The fifth polymeric layer 718b is located
between the fourth
and sixth polymeric layers 716b, 720b. The third polymeric layer 720a is heat
sealed at
selected locations to the sixth polymeric layer 720b such that the respective
freshness-
extension agent of the second polymeric layer 718a and the fifth polymeric
layer 718b is
adapted to enter the interior space of the reclosable package between the
third polymeric
layer 720a and the sixth polymeric layer 720b.
As discussed above, an interior area 727 can be formed by having the first and
second freshness-extension structures 734a, b curl with respect to each other.
As shown in
FIG. 9b, the interior area 727 is formed between the third and sixth polymeric
layers 720a, b.
According to another embodiment, a reclosable package 810 is shown in FIG. 10a
comprising a first thermoplastic body panel 812a, a second thermoplastic body
panel 812b, a
first freshness-extension structure 814a, and a second freshness-extension
structure 814b.
The first and second body panels 812a, 812b are joined along a pair of
opposing sides and a
bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and
second body
panels form an interior space for storing items.
The first freshness-extension structure 814a comprises two layers and is a
patch or
tape. It is contemplated that the first and second freshness-extension
structures can be in the
form of a pouch. The first freshness-extension structure 814a comprises a
first layer 816a
being a barrier layer, and a second polymeric layer 819a being a diffusion
layer and
including a freshness-extension agent. The first layer 816a can be a polymeric
layer. The
second polymeric layer 819a is directly adjacent to the first layer 816a. The
first layer 816a is
shown in FIG. 10a as being attached to the first body panel 812a via an
adhesive or heat seal.
It is contemplated that other attachment methods may be used. To adhere to the
first body
panel 812a, the first layer 816a can include a coating that is not sticky or
tacky at room
temperature. Such a coating may become sticky, for example, at higher
temperatures, or
upon exposure to infrared radiation or heat.
Similarly, the second freshness-extension structure 814b comprises two layers
and is
a patch or tape. The second freshness-extension structure 814b comprises a
third layer 816b
being a barrier layer, and a fourth polymeric layer 819b being a diffusion
layer and including
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a freshness-extension agent. The third layer 816b can be a polymeric layer.
The fourth
polymeric layer 819b is directly adjacent to the third layer 816b. The third
layer 816b is
shown in FIG. 10a as being attached to the second body panel 812b via an
adhesive or heat
seal. It is contemplated that other attachment methods may be used. To adhere
to the second
body panel 812b, the third layer 816b may include a coating that is not sticky
or tacky at
room temperature. Such a coating may become s sticky, for example, at higher
temperatures,
or upon exposure to infrared radiation or heat.
It is contemplated that the first freshness-extension structure and the second
freshness-extension structure can be formed of different compositions. For
example, the
first structure can include a first freshness-extension agent, while the
second structure may
be a second freshness-extension agent. In forming such an embodiment, the
first and second
freshness-extension structures can, for example, be formed by extruding two
different
patches, tapes, pouches, or by applying two different coatings.
Alternatively, the reclosable package can be formed by other than two or more
layer
structures. For example, a barner layer need not be provided if the body
panels 812 are
formed of a suitable material to define a barrier layer. Furthermore, as shown
in FIG. 10b, a
reclosable package 830 includes a first freshness-extension structure 834a
that comprises a
first layer 816a that comprises a freshness-extension agent, and a second
polymeric layer
818a that is a diffusion layer. The reclosable package 830 also includes a
second freshness-
extension structure 834b that comprises a third layer 816b that comprises a
freshness-
extension agent, and a fourth polymeric layer 818b that is a diffusion layer.
It is
contemplated that the first and second freshness-extension structures can be
made of
different compositions, such as being made of different freshness-extension
agents or
diffusion layers.
According to yet another embodiment, the reclosable package can be formed by
three
of more layers. For example, as shown in FIG. 10c, a reclosable package 850
includes a first
freshness-extension structure 854a that comprises a first layer 816a that is a
barrier layer, a
second polymeric layer 818a that comprises a freshness-extension agent, and a
third
polymeric layer 820a that is a diffusion layer. The reclosable package 850
includes a second
freshness-extension structure 854b that comprises a fourth layer 816b that is
a barrier layer, a
fifth polymeric layer 818b that comprises a freshness-extension agent, and a
sixth polymeric
layer 820b that is a diffusion layer. The first and second freshness-extension
structures
854a, b are attached to first and second body panels 812a, 812b, respectively,
via an
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adhesive or heat seal. It is contemplated that the first and second structures
can be made of
different compositions, such as being made of different barrier materials or
freshness-
extension agents.
As previously described, the freshness-extension agents of the present
invention can
contain an activation system that is triggered by a user opening a reclosable
package or
placing contents therein. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown
and
described with respect to FIG. 8, the activation system of the freshness-
extension agents of
the present invention is mechanical in nature. For example, in the embodiment
of FIG. 8,
the activation system includes a perforation or a peel-apart system which,
once separated,
initiates the release of the freshness-extension agent.
In accordance with another such aspect of the invention, a reclosable package
910 is
shown in FIG. 11 a comprising a first thermoplastic body panel 912a, a second
thermoplastic
body panel 912b, and a freshness-extension structure 914 disposed
therebetween. The first
and second body panels 912a, 912b are joined along a pair of opposing sides
and a bottom
bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and second
body panels
form an interior space for storing items. The freshness-extension structure
914 can be in the
form of a patch or tape as embodied herein, and comprises three layers.
Particularly, the
freshness-extension structure 914 depicted in FIG. 11 a comprises a first
layer 916a being a
barrier layer, a second polymeric layer 919 being a frangible diffusion layer
with a
freshness-extension agent, and a third layer 916b being a barrier layer.
As shown in FIG. 11 a, the second layer 919 is a one-time breakable element
extending between the first barrier layer 916a and the second barrier layer
916b. The one-
time breakable element of the second layer 919 therefore inhibits or prevents
the freshness-
extension agent from escaping into the package while in its initial position
shown in FIG.
11a.
The one-time breakable element 921 can include one or more polymeric resins
and
polyolefins, and can be used with any of the previously-described freshness-
extension
structures. Polyolefins used as one-time breakable element include, but are
not limited to,
polyethylenes, polypropylenes, and combinations thereof. Some non-limiting
types of
polyethylenes include low density polyethylenes (LDPE), linear low density
polyethylenes
(LLDPE), high density polyethylenes (HDPE), medium density polyethylenes
(MDPE) and
combinations thereof. Other non-limiting examples include plastomers,
elastomers, ethylene
vinyl acetates (EVA), ethyl methacrylates, polymethylpentene copolymers,
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polyisobutylenes, polyolefin ionomers, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), or
combinations
thereof, including with polyethylenes and/or polypropylenes.
The one-time breakable element of the second layer 919 can include a one-time
breakable preferential area of weakness or preferential tear area similar to
the preferential
areas of weakness or tear areas previously described herein or a one-time
breakable adhesive
or cohesive seal. Alternatively, the second layer 919 can be formed by
selectively cross-
linking the diffusion material to define the one-time breakable element.
Generally, the bond
between the second layer 919 and the adjacent layers must be stronger than the
frangible
portion of the one-time breakable element that joins portions 919a and 919b as
described
further below.
As shown in FIG. l 1b, breakage of the one-time breakable element divides the
second layer 919 into a first portion 919a and a second portion 919b, each
having a surface
exposed, and thereby begins or enhances the release of freshness-extension
agent thereto.
Typically, breakage of the one-time breakable element by a user occurs when
the package is
initially opened to place contents therein.
In another such embodiment having a mechanical release mechanism, a reclosable
package 1010 is shown in FIG. 12a comprising a first thermoplastic body panel
1012a, a
second thermoplastic body panel 1012b, a freshness-extension structure 1014,
and a
removable or peelable cover 1021. The first and second body panels 1012a,
1012b are joined
along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form
an open mouth.
The joined first and second body panels form an interior space for storing
items. The
freshness-extension structure 1014 is in the form of a patch or tape and
comprises two
layers, e.g., a first layer 1016 being a barner layer and a second polymeric
layer 1019 being
a diffusion layer and including a freshness-extension agent.
As shown in FIG. 12a, the removable cover 1021 is similar to that of FIG. 8,
but is
securely attached to panel 1012b. The removable cover 1021 covers at least a
portion of the
second layer 1019, and, as shown, preferably covers the entire second layer
1019 that is
otherwise exposed in the interior of the package 1010. As shown in FIG. 12b,
removal of
the cover 1021 exposes the freshness-extension layer 1019 to the interior of
the package
1010 and thereby begins or enhances release of freshness-extension agent
thereto at least
while the package is open. This embodiment of FIGS. 12a and 12b is
particularly suitable
for waste bags and liners or the like.
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Alternatively, in some embodiments, the removable cover 1021 can cooperate
with a
slider of the fastener of the reclosable package 1010, so that the removable
cover can be
removed from the freshness-extension layer when the reclosable package 1010 is
opened via
the slider.
The freshness-extension structures of the present invention, such as a patch,
tape, or
pouch, can be attached to a package such as a reclosable bag by a pressure-
sensitive self
adhesive. The pressure-sensitive self adhesive can be any suitable adhesive
that attaches the
freshness-extension structure to the reclosable package. Non-limiting examples
of pressure-
sensitive adhesives that can be used include acrylic or rubber-based
adhesives.
The freshness-extension structure being a tape or pouch can be roll fed onto a
layers)
of the reclosable package. The roll-fed freshness-extension structure being a
tape or pouch
can also initially include a release liner that assists in preventing or
inhibiting the freshness-
extension agent from sticking to itself before delivery to the reclosable
package. The release
liner, if used, is separated from the roll-fed freshness-extension tape or
pouch before the tape
or pouch is attached to the reclosable package or bag. Examples of release
liners include
silicon-coated paper. Release liners, however, may be undesirable because of
the additional
cost associated therewith. It is contemplated that the freshness-extension
structure can be roll
fed without the use of a release liner before being attached to the reclosable
package or bag.
Alternatively, the freshness-extension structure being a patch or pouch can be
magazine fed during attachment to the reclosable package. The patch is
preferably magazine
fed, while the pouch can be magazine or roll fed. The tape is preferably roll
fed during
attachment to the reclosable package. For example, the tape can be unwound,
cut to length
and attached to the reclosable package.
According to another embodiment, the freshness-extension structure patch,
tape, or
pouch can be heat sealed or welded (e.g., ultrasonically welded) directly to
the reclosable
package or bag. The freshness extension structure can be roll fed or magazine
fed before
being heat sealed or welded to the reclosable package. In a heat-sealing
embodiment, a
release liner would not likely be used because the freshness-extension
structure without any
adhesive should not stick to itself and the release liner adds an unnecessary
cost. The
freshness-extension structure can be attached to the reclosable package at
several locations.
The freshness-extension structure can be attached to the body panels during
the formation of
the heat seals. For example, the freshness-extension structure may be located
between a side
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seal formed between the first and second body panels. It is contemplated that
other attaching
methods can be used.
The reclosable packages, such as reclosable package 10, can be formed of any
suitable material, such as by a thermoplastic material suitable for storing or
collecting items,
including perishables storage. This, of course, includes common-sized
reclosable packages
such as pint storage and freezer bags, quart storage and freezer bags, and
gallon storage and
freezer bags. The reclosable packages are typically formed from polymeric
materials such as
polyolefinic materials. Non-limiting examples of polyolefinic materials
include
polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrene, and combinations thereof For
example, some
types of polyethylenes materials include high density polyethylenes (HDPE),
low density
polyethylenes (LDPE), linear low density polyethylenes (LLDPE), and
combinations
thereof. It is also contemplated that materials such as plastomers,
elastomers, ethylene vinyl
acetates (EVA), ethyl methacrylates, polymethylpentene copolymers,
polyisbutylenes,
polyolefin ionomers, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) or combinations thereof,
including
1 S polyethylenes, and/or polypropylenes may be used in forming the reclosable
packages of the
present invention. The thicknesses of the reclosable packages can vary in the
present
invention, but are generally from about 0.5 mil to about 5 mils and, more
specifically, from
about 1 mil to about 3 mils.
As previously described herein, the freshness-extension agents of the present
invention can be used in combination with a body panel of a package.
Alternatively and/or
in combination, the freshness-extension agents of the present invention can be
used in
combination with fin portions of a fastener of a reclosable package, as
further described in
co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. 086012-38600-
USPT], the
contents of which application are expressly incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety.
While the disclosed packages with active agents have been shown and described
with
reference to the illustrated embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize
and/or be able to ascertain many equivalents to those embodiments. Such
equivalents are
encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.
For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the
present
invention has applications to various types of packages and containers,
including
unreclosable bags and liners, rigid containers such as plastic containers,
lunch boxes, and
rigid trash containers, and perishable packaging wraps and foils. Similarly,
those of ordinary
skill in the art will understand that the present invention has applications
to active agents
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other than freshness-extension agents, such as odor management agents and
other agents
providing a desired function or effect on a package or the contents disposed
therein.
Unless otherwise provided, when the articles "a" or "an" are used herein to
modify a
noun, they can be understood to include one or more than one of the modified
noun.
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