Co2 generating absorbent pads

Abstract

A method and means for enhancing the inner environment of a package containing perishable merchandise include taking a closable package containing perishable merchandise and placing in the package a multi-layered sheet including a plurality of layers comprised of moisture absorbing materials to absorb any residual moisture emanating from the perishable merchandise. The multi-layered sheet includes a quantity of C0 2 generating material incorporated therein. The C0 2 generating material is exposable to humidity and any residual moisture within the package and any moisture absorbing material to allow the C0 2 generating material to emit an atmosphere of C0 2 within the package from exposure to moisture within the air in the package, and to absorb any residual moisture in the package.

1 . A method of enhancing the inner environment of a package containing perishable merchandise comprising: 
 taking a closable package containing perishable merchandise,    placing in the package a multi-layered sheet including a plurality of layers comprised of moisture absorbing fiber materials to absorb any residual moisture emanating from the perishable merchandise;    placing within the sheet a quantity of C0 2  generating material exposable to humidity and any residual moisture within the package and any moisture absorbing fiber material to allow the C0 2  generating material to emit an atmosphere of C0 2  within the package from exposure to moisture within the air in the package, and to absorb any residual moisture in the package; and    closing the package.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the multi-layered sheet is comprised of a plurality of airlaid layers of cellulose fibers.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein a lower layer of the sheet is pervious material.  
     
     
         4 . An absorbent pad comprised of a plurality of layers of absorbent material, with a quantity of moisture actuated C0 2  generating material located between at least two of the layers; 
 wherein the absorbent material has a basis weight of 150 grams per square meter that contains 40 grams per square meter of a mixture by weight of 20% acid and 80% sodium bicarbonate; and    wherein the moisture actuated CO 2  generating material is operable below 0° C.    
     
     
         5 . The absorbent pad of  claim 4  wherein the absorbent material has a basic weight of 150 grams per square meter that contains 22.5 grams per square meter of a mixture by weight of 12% acid and 88% of sodium bicarbonate.  
     
     
         6 . The absorbent pad of  claim 5  wherein the acid is citric acid.  
     
     
         7 .- 8 . (canceled)  
     
     
         9 . A package containing perishable merchandise, comprising: 
 a multi-layered sheet having a plurality of layers comprised of moisture absorbing material; and    a quantity of CO 2  generating material placed within the multi-layered sheet and exposed to humidity contained in the sheet to modify the atmosphere within the package.    
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 9  wherein the moisture absorbing material is an airlaid pad.  
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 9  wherein the moisture absorbing material is a non-woven pad.  
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 9  wherein the moisture absorbing material is recycled paper.  
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 9  wherein the quantity of CO 2  generating material is exposed to humidity absorbed in the multi-layered sheet.  
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 9  wherein the quantity of C02 generating material is not in direct contact with the perishable merchandise.  
     
     
         15 . An absorbent pad comprised of a plurality of layers of absorbent material, with a quantity of moisture actuated CO 2  generating material located between at least two of the layers wherein the moisture actuated CO 2  generating material is operable below 0° C.  
     
     
         16 . The absorbent pad of  claim 15  wherein the absorbent material has a basic weight of between 150 grams and 250 grams per square meter that contains 40 to 150 grams per square meter of a mixture by weight of 20% to 40% acid and 60% to 80% of base.