Packaging for fresh foodstuffs

Abstract

An atmosphere controlled foodstuff container includes a base tray and a cover. The cover and base tray are constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material. The cover and base tray are connectable and are hermetically sealed with a sealant or sealing material. The container includes at least one atmosphere control member, such as a membrane or micro-perforations, which controls the flow of gases into and out of the otherwise sealed interior of the container. The base tray may be opaque for use as a serving tray and the cover transparent to permit viewing of the product.

1 . A container for fresh foodstuffs comprising:
 a cover, said cover having an inner surface, an outer surface and a peripheral edge, said cover defining at least one compartment, said cover comprising a generally rigid, essentially gas impermeable member, said cover further defining a first locking member;   a base, said base having an inner surface, an outside surface and a peripheral edge, said inner surface being generally concave and said base comprising a generally rigid, essentially gas impermeable material, said base defining a second locking member, said cover and base connected to one another via engagement of said first and second locking members, said base cooperating with said cover to define an interior area; and   sealant located between said cover and base, said sealant hermetically sealing said cover and said base, whereby said interior area is atmosphere controlled.   
   
   
       2 . The container in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising at least one atmosphere control member, said atmosphere control member configured to permit gas to selectively flow between the interior area of said container and an exterior thereof. 
   
   
       3 . The container in accordance with  claim 1  wherein sealant comprises a sealant layer associated with said cover. 
   
   
       4 . The container in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said sealant is located between said first and second locking members. 
   
   
       5 . The container in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said at least one compartment is an outwardly extending area of said cover. 
   
   
       6 . The container in accordance with  claim 2  wherein said at least one atmosphere control member comprises a plurality of apertures in said cover or base. 
   
   
       7 . The container in accordance with  claim 6  wherein said apertures are laser-formed. 
   
   
       8 . The container in accordance with  claim 2  wherein said at least one atmosphere control member comprises a breathable membrane located over an opening in said cover or base. 
   
   
       9 . The container in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said base tray is constructed of an opaque material and said cover is constructed of a transparent material. 
   
   
       10 . A method of controlling the atmosphere around foodstuffs in a container comprising:
 providing a cover, said cover having an inner surface, an outer surface and a peripheral edge, said cover defining at least one compartment, said cover comprising a generally rigid, essentially gas impermeable member, said cover further defining a first locking member;   providing a base, said base having an inner surface, an outside surface and a peripheral edge, said inner surface being generally concave and said base comprising a generally rigid, essentially gas impermeable material, said base defining a second locking member, said cover and base connected to one another via engagement of said first and second locking members;   placing foodstuffs in said compartment of said cover;   connecting said cover to said base by engaging said first and second locking members to close said container with said foodstuffs in an interior area of said container; and   activating a sealant to hermetically seal said container.   
   
   
       11 . The method in accordance with  claim 10  wherein at least one of said cover and base have at least one atmosphere control member configured to control the atmosphere in said interior area of said container. 
   
   
       12 . The method in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said step of activating comprises applying heat and pressure to said sealant. 
   
   
       13 . The method in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said sealant comprises a sealing layer associated with said cover. 
   
   
       14 . The method in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said foodstuffs comprise fresh fruit and/or vegetables. 
   
   
       15 . The method in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said cover is thermo-formed from a plastic material.