Package comprising a multilayer sheet

Abstract

Disclosed is a tray comprising a liner. The liner has at least two layers comprising a water-wicking material, such as a nonwoven material, with a moisture-vapor transmission rate of at least about 20,000 g/m 2 -day and a hydrostatic head pressure of less than about 5 cm H 2 O and an absorbent and highly-thermally insulating material.

1 . A rigid, thermoplastic tray comprising a bottom portion and a lid wherein the lid fits over the bottom portion to generally seal along the perimeter where the lid and bottom portion meet; the tray comprises or is produced from a liner; the liner comprises a multilayer sheet comprising or produced from at least two layers including a first layer, a second layer, and optionally a third layer; the first layer comprises or is produced from a water-wicking material; the second layer comprises or is produced from an absorbent and insulating material; the third layer comprises or is produced from a structural material; and the multilayer sheet optionally comprises an additive including a desiccant, thermal and ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer, UV absorber, antistatic agent, processing aid, fluorescent whitening agent, pigment, lubricant, or combinations of two or more thereof.  
   
   
       2 . The tray of  claim 1  wherein the first layer has a moisture-vapor transmission rate of at least about 20,000 g/m 2 -day.  
   
   
       3 . The tray of  claim 1  wherein the first layer has a moisture-vapor transmission rate of at least about 150,000 g/m 2 -day.  
   
   
       4 . The tray of  claim 1  wherein the first layer has a hydrostatic head pressure of less than about 5 cm H 2 O.  
   
   
       5 . The tray of  claim 4  wherein the first layer has a moisture-vapor transmission rate of at least about 170,000 g/m 2 -day.  
   
   
       6 . The tray of  claim 5  wherein the first layer is, or is produced from, a nonwoven.  
   
   
       7 . The tray of  claim 6  wherein the nonwoven comprises a spunlaced fabric comprising a mixture of fibers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and wood pulp.  
   
   
       8 . The tray of  claim 1  wherein the second layer has a thermal resistance, as measured in units of insulation, of at least about 0.0077 m 2. K/W (0.05 CLO).  
   
   
       9 . The tray of  claim 7  wherein the second layer has a thermal resistance, as measured in units of insulation, of at least about 0.0077 m 2. K/W (0.05 CLO).  
   
   
       10 . The tray of  claim 8  wherein the second layer comprises fiberfill batt, melt-blown fibers, foam, knit material, felt, or combinations of two or more thereof.  
   
   
       11 . The tray of  claim 9  wherein the second layer comprises fiberfill batt, melt-blown fibers, foam, knit material, felt, or combinations of two or more thereof.  
   
   
       12 . The tray of  claim 9  wherein the second layer comprises the fiberfill batt, which comprises or is produced from poly(ethylene terephthalate).  
   
   
       13 . The tray of  claim 12  wherein the second layer ranges in thickness from about 10 mils to about 100 mils.  
   
   
       14 . The tray of  claim 13  wherein the multilayer sheet comprises the third layer and the structural material is oriented polypropylene, oriented polyester, or combinations thereof.  
   
   
       15 . The tray of  claim 14  wherein the first layer is a nonwoven comprising a spunlaced fabric having a moisture-vapor transmission rate of at least about 20,000 g/m 2 -day and a hydrostatic head pressure of less than about 5 cm H 2 O, and the second layer has a thermal resistance of at least about 0.0077 m 2. K/W (0.05 CLO).  
   
   
       16 . The tray of  claim 15  wherein the spunlaced fabric comprises a mixture of fibers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and wood pulp, and the second layer is fiberfill batt.  
   
   
       17 . The tray of  claim 16  wherein the lid is substantially the same in size and shape as the bottom portion and the liner is affixed to the inside of the lid.  
   
   
       18 . A lid for covering a package comprising a liner affixed thereto wherein the liner is as recited in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       19 . The lid of  claim 18  wherein the lid comprises oriented polystyrene and the liner is as recited in clam 16.  
   
   
       20 . A box for packaging hot foods comprising paperboard and a liner wherein the liner is as recited in  claim 16.