Reuseable food package

Abstract

A reusable food product package that is initially provided with a polymeric, gas-impermeable film overwrapping that seals the seam of engagement and sufficient portions of the top surface of the lid and the outer surface of the compartment so as to remain in place during shipping. The film may form a two-piece container around the lid and compartment. In particular, respiring foods may be packaged with an oxygen absorber and/or a CO 2 absorber on the food side of the film for freshness. Polypropylene may be used to render the food visible and adapted for reuse. Packaged foods and a method of packaging using the reusable food product package are also disclosed.

1 . A reusable food product package, comprising:
 a compartment comprising a polymer base with a periphery and at least one upstanding polymer sidewall extending from the periphery, the base and sidewall defining an outer surface, an inner surface configured to receive a food product, and an open top;   a polymer lid having a top surface and a bottom surface, the lid and the at least one sidewall configured to removably mate to close the compartment, the lid and the at least one sidewall when mated defining a seam of engagement between the outer surface of the compartment and the lid; and   a container formed from at least one flexible, gas-impermeable film and comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion defining an open top receptacle about the outer surface of the compartment such that the compartment may removably reside within the container, and the second portion being removably adhered to the first portion so as to substantially seal the seam of engagement.   
     
     
         2 . The reusable food product package of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are comprised of the same flexible, gas-impermeable film. 
     
     
         3 . The reusable food product package of  claim 1 , wherein the container covers sufficient portions of the top surface of the lid and the outer surface of the compartment to secure the lid and the compartment in place. 
     
     
         4 . The reusable food product package of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the container includes a brim about the open top and a resilient flap extending in an outward direction a desired distance from the brim of the receptacle along a plane configured to be substantially parallel to the mated lid; and
 the second portion is removably adhered to the flap along a sealing surface.   
     
     
         5 . The reusable food product package of  claim 5 , wherein the flap defines a lateral protrusion, the second portion defines a tab located generally over but not adhered to the protrusion, configured such that a user may grip the tab for removing the second portion from the first portion. 
     
     
         6 . The reusable food product package of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the container covers the entire lid. 
     
     
         7 . The reusable food product package of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sidewall defines an upper lip with a peripheral flange, and the lid is configured with a downwardly open channel to removably mate with the flange to close the compartment. 
     
     
         8 . The reusable food product package of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the polymer base, at least one upstanding polymer sidewall, and lid, is translucent. 
     
     
         9 . The reusable food product package of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the polymer base, at least one upstanding polymer sidewall, and lid, is comprised of polypropylene. 
     
     
         10 . The reusable food product package of  claim 1 , further comprising an oxygen absorber. 
     
     
         11 . The reusable food product package of  claim 10 , further comprising a CO 2  absorber. 
     
     
         12 . The reusable food product package of  claim 11 , wherein the oxygen absorber and CO 2  absorber are disposed within the compartment. 
     
     
         13 . The reusable food product package of  claim 11 , wherein the oxygen absorber and CO 2  absorber are disposed between the film and the lid. 
     
     
         14 . The reusable food product package of  claim 11 , further comprising a depression region in the top surface of the lid, wherein the film overwraps the depression region, and the oxygen absorber and CO 2  absorber are disposed in the depression region of depression between the film and the lid. 
     
     
         15 . The reusable food product package of  claim 1 , wherein the base, at least one sidewall, and lid are each substantially gas-impermeable and valve-less. 
     
     
         16 . The reusable food product package of  claim 1 , further comprising a food item in the compartment, the food item selected from at least one of roasted coffee, cocoa, tea, powdered drink mix. 
     
     
         17 . A reusable roasted coffee package, comprising:
 a compartment comprising a polymer base with a periphery and at least one upstanding polymer sidewall extending from the periphery, the base and sidewall defining an outer surface, an inner surface containing roasted coffee, and an open top;   a polymer lid having a top surface and a bottom surface, the lid and the at least one sidewall configured to removably mate to close the compartment, the lid and the at least one sidewall when mated defining a seam of engagement between the outer surface of the compartment and the lid;   a container formed from at least one flexible, gas-impermeable film and comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion defining an open top receptacle about the outer surface of the compartment such that the compartment may removably reside within the container, and the second portion being removably adhered to the first portion so as to substantially seal the seam of engagement.   
     
     
         18 . The reusable roasted coffee package of  claim 17 , wherein the first portion of the container includes a brim about the open top and a resilient flap extending in an outward direction a desired distance from the brim of the receptacle along a plane configured to be substantially parallel to the mated lid; and
 the second portion is removably adhered to the flap along a sealing surface.   
     
     
         19 . The reusable roasted coffee package of  claim 18 , wherein the flap defines a lateral protrusion, the second portion defines a tab located generally over but not adhered to the protrusion, configured such that a user may grip the tab for removing the second portion from the first portion. 
     
     
         20 . The reusable roasted coffee package of  claim 17 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are comprised of the same flexible, gas-impermeable film.