Hermetically sealed food package
Abstract
Abstract PACKAGE COMPRISES A FLANGED CONTAINER OF SEMI-RIGID, GAS-IMPERMEABLE, TRANSPARENT PLASTIC CONTAINING A FOOD PRODUCT AND A SHEET OF STRETCHABLE GAS-IMPREABLE FILM SEALED TO THE FLANGES. THE PACKAGE IS EVACUATED PRIOR TO SEALING AND CAN INCLUDE AN INERT GAS ATMOSPHERE. A RIGID BOARD IS ATTACHED TO THE FILM AT THE FLANGE AREA WITH A BOND STRONGER THAN THAT BETWEEN THE FILM AND CONTAINER. APPARATUS FOR FORMING THE PACKAGE INCLUDES A FIRST PACKAGING STATION WHERE THE FILM IS SEALED AROUND A PORTION OF THE FLANGE AREA BY HEAT SEAL BARS AND VACUUM MEANS TO DRAW THE FILM INTERIOR OF THE FLANGE TOWARD A HEATING ELEMENT INTERIORR OF THE SEAL BARS. SECOND PACKAGING STATION INCLUDES MEANS TO EVACUATE THE PACKAGE, COMPLETE THE SEAL BETWEEN THE FILM AND THE CONTAINER, AND A CHECK VALVE WHICH VENTS THE AREA ABOVE THE FILM WHILE MAINTAINING THE VACUUM BELOW THE CONTAINER. THE ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE CAUSES THE STRETCHED FILM TO BE PASSED INTO TIGHT FITTING CONTACT WITH THE UPPER SURFACE OF THE FOOD PRODUCT.
Inventors
- 👤 W Pinney
- 👤 R Mahaffy
- 👤 J Hamilton
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 0References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-09 | 1976-07-10 | 1977-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-09 | 1980-07-10 | 1981-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-09 | 1984-07-10 | 1985-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |