Sealed fibrous container

Abstract

A container having an opening sealed with a polymeric film, the container being formed from a pulpable, fibrous material, and less than about 50% of the surface area of the polymeric film being is contact with the container, a method of making such a container, and a method of packaging an article of commerce (e.g., fruit) in said container.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A container having an opening sealed with a polymeric film, wherein the container is formed from a pulpable, fibrous material, wherein less than 50% of the surface area of the polymeric film is in contact with the container, the container having a rim about the opening, wherein the rim comprises a flange extending outwards from, and about, the perimeter of the opening, the seal formed between the polymeric film and the flange, wherein the seal formed between the polymeric film and the flange is the only point of contact between the polymeric film and the container, wherein the polymeric film is bonded to fibres of the container, wherein the sealed container is free of adhesive, and wherein the polymeric film has a thickness of from 5 μm to 50 μm. 
     
     
         25 . A container according to  claim 24 , wherein the seal is formed by the application of heat and/or pressure as the polymeric film is placed over the opening. 
     
     
         26 . A container according to  claim 24 , wherein the container is moulded. 
     
     
         27 . A container according to  claim 24 , wherein the container is formed from a composition comprising a fibrous pulp and wax, for example, paraffin wax. 
     
     
         28 . A container according to  claim 27 , wherein the fibrous pulp is derived from recycled paper. 
     
     
         29 . A container according to  claim 24 , wherein the body of the container comprises at least 90 wt. % fibrous material and from 0.1 to 10 wt. % wax. 
     
     
         30 . A container according to  claim 24 , wherein the polymeric film is recyclable and/or biodegradable. 
     
     
         31 . A container according to  claim 24 , wherein the container is approximately rectangular in plan view. 
     
     
         32 . A container according to  claim 24 , wherein the polymeric film comprises a tab portion sized and configured to enable a user to remove, for example, tear or peel, the polymer film from the container. 
     
     
         33 . A container according to  claim 24 , wherein the polymeric film is breathable, for example, comprises perforations. 
     
     
         34 . A container according to  claim 24 , further comprising an article of commerce contained therein. 
     
     
         35 . A container according to  claim 34 , wherein the article of commerce is fresh produce, for example, pieces of fruit and the like. 
     
     
         36 . A container according to  claim 24 , wherein the polymeric film has a thickness of at least 20 μm. 
     
     
         37 . A method of making a sealed container, said method comprising placing a polymeric film over an opening of a container which is formed from a pulpable, fibrous material, and sealing the opening with the polymeric film by the application of heat and/or pressure to the polymer film and/or container, whereby less than 50% of the surface area of the polymeric film is in contact with the container, the container having a rim about the opening, wherein the rim comprises a flange extending outwards from, and about, the perimeter of the opening, and a seal formed between the polymer film and the flange, and wherein the seal formed between the polymeric film and the flange is the only point of contact between the polymeric film and the container, wherein at least a portion of the polymeric film melts upon the application of said heat and/or pressure, thereby bonding the polymer film to the fibres of the container, wherein the seal between the polymeric film and the container is achieved without the need for an adhesive, and wherein the polymeric film has a thickness of from 5 μm to 50 μm. 
     
     
         38 . A method according to  claim 37 , wherein the polymeric film has a thickness of at least 20 μm. 
     
     
         39 . A method of packaging an article of commerce in a container, said method comprising placing an article of commerce in a container having an opening and which is formed from a pulpable, fibrous material, placing a polymeric film over the opening, and sealing the opening with the polymeric film by the application of heat and/or pressure to the polymer film and/or container, whereby less than 50% of the surface area of the polymeric film is in contact with the container, the container having a rim about the opening, wherein the rim comprises a flange extending outwards from, and about, the perimeter of the opening, and a seal formed between the polymer film and the flange, wherein the seal formed between the polymeric film and the flange is the only point of contact between the polymeric film and the container, wherein at least a portion of the polymeric film melts upon the application of said heat and/or pressure, thereby bonding the polymer film to the fibres of the container, wherein the seal between the polymeric film and the container is achieved without the need for an adhesive, wherein the polymeric film has a thickness of from 5 μm to 50 μm. 
     
     
         40 . A method according to  claim 39 , wherein the article of commerce is fresh produce. 
     
     
         41 . A method according to  claim 39 , wherein the polymeric film has a thickness of at least 20 μm.