Display packaging for fruits or vegetables

Abstract

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

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method for packaging fruits or vegetables, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) placing the fruits or vegetables in a container suitable for reuse as a food storage container;    (b) placing the container on the top of a reusable lid for the container;    (c) overwrapping the container and the lid with a sheet of flexible material sized to extend under and cover the bottom of the lid, the material being suitable to display the fruits or vegetables and to allow gases generated thereby to escape from the container;    (d) folding the sheet underneath the lid such that edge portions thereof overlap; and    (e) coupling the overlapping portions together so as to secure the lid against the container during handling and display.    
     
     
         2 . The method defined in  claim 1 , wherein the material comprises a breathable plastic film.  
     
     
         3 . The method defined in  claim 2 , wherein the overlapping portions of the film are heat sealed together.  
     
     
         4 . The method defined in  claim 1 , wherein the container and lid comprise a commercially available reusable plastic food storage container and lid.