Device to Force Moisture Removal Inside a Food Container

Abstract

A method, a food container, a lid, and absorbent pad for a food container that actively removes moisture in the food container without changing the food temperature inside the container in a meaningful way are disclosed herein. The removal of moisture is achieved by introducing a cold spot (below the dew point temperature) at or within the absorbent pad, which is inside the food container. This cold spot forces condensation of moisture from the air to form locally on the absorbent pad. The condensed moisture is then captured by an absorbent element placed below, and preferably adjacent to/collocated with, the cold spot and between the cold spot and the stored food. The cold spot is preferably achieved by a properly chosen frozen substance such as an ice cube or a frozen gel packet or ice suspended inside an absorbent pad.

1 . A kit for keeping unfrozen food from getting soggy, the kit comprising:
 an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer comprising an absorbed substance, wherein the absorbent layer is less than fifty percent saturated with the absorbed substance and wherein the absorbed substance comprises water and an agent where the agent is selected from the group consisting of anti-mold and anti-microbial agents.   
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein the group of anti-mold and anti-microbial agents comprises potassium sorbate, calcium propanoate, sodium benzoate, tricalcium phosphate, butylated hydroxyanisole, and hypochlorous acid. 
     
     
         3 . The kit of  claim 1  further comprising an adhesive layer for connecting the absorbent layer to an inside surface of a food container. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus for keeping non-frozen food from getting soggy, the apparatus comprising:
 a container comprising an enclosed volume for holding food,   an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer comprising an absorbed substance, wherein the absorbed substance comprises a volume of less than 3 tablespoons for every 4 ounces of food to be held by the container, and   an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer for connecting the absorbent layer to an surface of the enclosed volume.   
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for keeping hot food from getting soggy, the apparatus comprising:
 a container comprising an enclosed volume for holding food, the enclosed volume comprising a first temperature,   an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer comprising an absorbed substance, the absorbent layer at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is below the first temperature, and   an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer for connecting the absorbent layer to an inside surface of the enclosed volume.   
     
     
         6 . An apparatus for keeping non-frozen food from getting soggy, the apparatus comprising:
 a container comprising an enclosed volume for holding food,   an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer comprising an absorbed substance, and wherein the absorbent layer retains the capacity to absorb 0.05 lbs of water from the air per cubic foot of enclosed volume, and   an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer for connecting the absorbent layer to an surface of the enclosed volume.   
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for keeping non-frozen food from getting soggy, the apparatus comprising:
 a container comprising an enclosed volume for holding food,   an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer comprising an absorbed substance, wherein the absorbent layer is not more than 50% saturated, and   an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer for connecting the absorbent layer to an surface of the enclosed volume.