Product package having multi-layer labeling cover assembly

Abstract

A product package ( 10 ) having multi-layer labeling cover assembly ( 26 ), having a container base ( 20 ), a display layer ( 34 ), a label ( 32 ), an oxygen absorber ( 30 ) and a protective layer ( 28 ), is utilized to provide a product package that can have the top protective layer of the cover assembly removed for display purposes without requiring the package to be relabeled. The container base has a plurality of sidewalls ( 13 ) extending upwards from the container base, ending in a perimeter lip ( 18 ) around the top of the sidewalls. The display film layer is attached to the perimeter lip to close the container. The label and oxygen absorber are positioned on the display layer. A protective film layer is placed over the label and oxygen absorber and adhered to the display layer around the perimeter of the container.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A labeling cover assembly, comprising: 
 a bottom film layer,    a label located on top of the bottom film layer, and    a top film layer positioned over the label.    
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the bottom film layer comprises a gas permeable bottom film layer.  
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the top film layer is attached to the bottom film layer.  
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the top film layer comprises a gas impermeable top film layer.  
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the top film layer comprises a top film layer removable by peeling from the bottom layer and label.  
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the label is adhered to the outer side of the bottom film layer.  
     
     
         7 . A package comprising: 
 a container base;    a cover assembly operable to close the container base, the cover base including: 
 a display layer,  
   a label placed on top of the display layer, and    a protective layer placed on top of the label.    
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7  wherein the display layer comprises a gas permeable display layer.  
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 7  wherein the protective layer comprises a gas impermeable protective layer.  
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 7  wherein the protective layer comprises a protective layer removable by peeling from the display layer and label.  
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 7  wherein an oxygen absorber is placed above the display layer and label.  
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11  wherein the oxygen absorber is adhered to the inner side of the protective layer.  
     
     
         13 . A method for packaging items, including: 
 introducing an item into a container base,    closing the container base with a tri-layer labeling laminate.    
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13  wherein closing the container base comprises heat sealing the laminate to the top of the container.  
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13  wherein the tri-layer laminate comprises: 
 a bottom film layer,  
 a top film layer; and  
 a middle label positioned between the top and bottom film layers  
 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 13  wherein an inert gas is back filled into the container after the air is evacuated.  
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 13  wherein the tri-layer laminate comprises: 
 a top layer that is gas impermeable, and  
 a bottom layer that is gas permeable.  
 
     
     
         18 . A method for packaging items using vacuum sealing, including: 
 introducing an item into a container base,    closing the container base with a display layer,    positioning a label on the display layer,    placing a protective layer over the label.    
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18  wherein closing the container base comprises heat sealing the display layer to the top of the container.  
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 18  wherein the display layer comprises a gas permeable display layer.  
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 18  wherein the protective layer comprises a gas impermeable protective layer.  
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 18  further comprising the protective layer for display.  
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 18  wherein positioning the label on the display layer comprises printing the label.  
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 18  further comprising positioning an oxygen absorber between the display layer and the protective layer, and removing the protective layer and the oxygen absorber for display.  
     
     
         25 . A multi-layer laminate comprising: 
 a display layer;    a label positioned on the display layer; and    a protective layer covering the label.    
     
     
         26 . The laminate according to  claim 25  further comprising an oxygen absorber positioned between the display layer and the protective layer.  
     
     
         27 . A package comprising: 
 a container base having a bottom, a plurality of side walls, and a perimeter;    a cover assembly operable to close the container base, the cover assembly including: 
 a gas permeable display layer,  
 a label positioned on top of the display layer,  
 an oxygen absorber positioned on the display layer, and  
 a gas impermeable protective layer adhered to the outer side of the display layer around the perimeter of the container base, and wherein the protective layer is removable by peeling from the display layer and label.  
   
     
     
         28 . A method for packaging items using vacuum sealing, including: 
 closing the container base with a gas permeable display layer by heat sealing,    printing a label,    placing the label on the display layer,    placing an oxygen absorber on the display layer next to the label,    placing a gas impermeable protective layer over the label and oxygen absorber,    removing the protective layer by peeling for display, and    removing the oxygen absorber for display.