Dynamic modified atmosphere package system

Abstract

A dynamic modified atmosphere package system providing a package comprising, according to one embodiment, a sealable container having a first interior space for holding a quantity of product and a second interior space separated from the first interior space, the sealable container configured so that a liquid is able to pass from the first interior space into the second interior space, the liquid becoming substantially trapped within the second interior space, and the sealable container configured so that a gas is able to vent from the second interior space into the first interior space. In one embodiment, the package is capable of providing a pressurized gaseous modified atmosphere for a quantity of product such as, for example, fresh-cut fruits or vegetables. In one embodiment, the package is capable of providing a pressurized carbon dioxide rich atmosphere for carbonating or maintaining the carbonation of a quantity of fruits or vegetables. In one embodiment, an optimum amount of oxygen is provided to avoid harmful anaerobic conditions. In one embodiment, the package includes a pull-tab lid with additional features to slow the release of pressure when the pull-tab lid is opened to access the first interior space and the quantity of product therein.

1 . A dynamic modified atmosphere package comprising a sealable container having a first interior space for holding a quantity of product and a second interior space separated from said first interior space, said sealable container capable of retaining a positive pressure within said first and second interior spaces, said sealable container configured so that a liquid is able to pass from said first interior space into said second interior space, said liquid becoming substantially trapped within said second interior space, and said sealable container configured so that a gas is able to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space. 
   
   
       2 . The package of  claim 1 , further comprising a separating member having at least one liquid passage hole configured so that said liquid is able to pass from said first interior space into said second interior space, and said separating member having at least one gas venting hole configured so that said gas is able to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space. 
   
   
       3 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein said separating member includes a ridge portion having at least one gas venting hole thereon so that a predetermined quantity of said liquid is contained within said first interior space without blocking at least one gas venting hole thereby permitting said gas to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space even if said liquid accumulates within said first interior space at said liquid passage hole at a liquid accumulation rate that exceeds a liquid passage rate through said liquid passage hole. 
   
   
       4 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein said liquid passage hole has a liquid passage hole diameter large enough for said liquid to pass substantially freely from said first interior space into said second interior space without becoming blocked due to adhesive forces between molecules of said liquid and surfaces of said liquid passage hole. 
   
   
       5 . The package of  claim 4 , wherein said liquid passage hole diameter is between two milimeters and six milimeters inclusively. 
   
   
       6 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein said gas venting hole has a gas venting hole diameter large enough for said gas to vent substantially freely through said gas venting hole from said second interior space into said first interior space and small enough to substantially block passage of said liquid through said gas venting hole from said second interior space into said first interior space. 
   
   
       7 . The package of  claim 6 , wherein said gas venting hole diameter is between 0.25 millimeter and one millimeter inclusively. 
   
   
       8 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein one of said gas venting holes is positioned near a first edge area of said separating member and another of said gas venting holes is positioned near a second edge area of said separating member, said first edge area and said second edge area being substantially opposite from one another. 
   
   
       9 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein said liquid passage hole is substantially centrally positioned between a first edge area of said separating member and a second edge area of said separating member, said first edge area and said second edge area being substantially opposite from one another. 
   
   
       10 . The package of  claim 9 , wherein at least a portion of said separating member in communication with said first interior space forms a depression protruding into said second interior space and having said liquid passage hole positioned therein. 
   
   
       11 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein said separating member includes at least one groove protruding into said second interior space and oriented to channel said liquid to said liquid passage hole. 
   
   
       12 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein said sealable container comprises a cup, and said separating member comprises an insert that fits into a bottom of said cup. 
   
   
       13 . The package of  claim 12 , wherein said insert includes a ridge portion having said gas venting hole thereon so that a predetermined quantity of said liquid is contained within said first interior space without blocking at least one gas venting hole thereby permitting said gas to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space even if said liquid accumulates within said first interior space at said liquid passage hole at a liquid accumulation rate that exceeds a liquid passage rate through said liquid passage hole. 
   
   
       14 . The package of  claim 12 , wherein at least a portion of said insert in communication with said first interior space forms a depression protruding into said second interior space toward said bottom of said cup and having said liquid passage hole positioned therein. 
   
   
       15 . The package of  claim 12 , wherein said bottom includes a raised portion extending toward said first interior space and leaving a depressed portion substantially about a periphery of said bottom, thereby allowing said liquid to collect within said depressed portion. 
   
   
       16 . The package of  claim 15 , wherein said depressed portion of said bottom is large enough to hold at least one gas generating tablet within said second interior space. 
   
   
       17 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said sealable container comprises a semi-rigid cup. 
   
   
       18 . The package of  claim 17 , wherein said semi-rigid cup comprises a transparent plastic material. 
   
   
       19 . The package of  claim 18 , wherein said first interior space comprises a four ounce or eight ounce volume suitable for said quantity of product. 
   
   
       20 . The package of  claim 17 , wherein said quantity of product comprises a portion of fruit or vegetables, said gas comprises enough carbon dioxide for said portion of fruits or vegetables to absorb at least some of said carbon dioxide, and said gas comprises enough oxygen to avoid anaerobic conditions within said first and second interior spaces. 
   
   
       21 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said positive pressure is at least thirty pounds per square inch. 
   
   
       22 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said sealable container comprises a pull-tab type lid sealing an opening to said first interior space. 
   
   
       23 . The package of  claim 22 , wherein said lid includes at least one score line feature for slowing a release of pressurized gas when said lid is opened to access said first interior space. 
   
   
       24 . The package of  claim 23 , wherein said at least one score line comprises at least one pressure release score line designed to puncture through a portion of said lid when a pull-tab on said lid is pulled in an outward direction away from said lid and said first interior space. 
   
   
       25 . The package of  claim 23 , wherein said score line feature provides a two-stage opening mechanism for slowing said release of pressurized gas from said first and second interior spaces, said two-stage opening mechanism including as a first stage opening mechanism a pressure release score line capable of puncturing a portion of said lid when a pull-tab on said lid is initially pulled in an outward direction away from said lid and said first interior space, and said two-stage opening mechanism including as a second stage opening mechanism an opening score line about a periphery of said lid that breaks away for removal of said pull-tab and lid material circumscribed by said opening score line. 
   
   
       26 . The package of  claim 22 , wherein said lid includes a reduced profile opening score line about a periphery of said lid that breaks away for removal of said pull-tab and lid material circumscribed by said opening score line, said reduced profile opening score line for at least reducing a sharpness of an inside edge of said lid that remains after said removal of said pull-tab and lid material. 
   
   
       27 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said second interior space is large enough to hold at least one gas generating mechanism. 
   
   
       28 . The package of  claim 27 , wherein said gas generating mechanism comprises a substance capable of generating said gas when mixed with said liquid, 
   
   
       29 . The package of  claim 28 , wherein said gas generating substance is capable of generating enough carbon dioxide that a portion of fruits or vegetables within said first interior space absorbs at least some of said carbon dioxide and enough oxygen to avoid anaerobic conditions within said first and second interior spaces. 
   
   
       30 . The package of  claim 29 , wherein said substance comprises sodium bicarbonate and citric acid for generating carbon dioxide when mixed with water and sodium percarbonate for generating oxygen when mixed with water. 
   
   
       31 . The package of  claim 27 , wherein said gas generating mechanism comprises one or more tablets, said tablets capable of generating said gas when mixed with said liquid. 
   
   
       32 . The package of  claim 31 , wherein said one or more tablets comprise sodium bicarbonate and citric acid for generating carbon dioxide when mixed with water and sodium percarbonate for generating oxygen when mixed with water. 
   
   
       33 . The package of  claim 31 , wherein said one or more tablets comprise active ingredients compressed to a density at least partially dependent upon a desired generation rate of said gas when said one or more tablets are mixed with a predetermined amount of said liquid. 
   
   
       34 . The package of  claim 31 , wherein said one or more tablets are capable of generating enough carbon dioxide that a portion of fruits or vegetables within said first interior space absorbs at least some of said carbon dioxide and enough oxygen to avoid anaerobic conditions within said first and second interior spaces. 
   
   
       35 . A separating member for a package, said package having a first interior space for holding a quantity of product and a second interior space separated from said first interior space by said separating member, said separating member having at least one liquid passage hole configured so that a liquid is able to pass from said first interior space into said second interior space and having at least one gas venting hole configured so that a gas is able to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space, said liquid becoming substantially trapped within said second interior space. 
   
   
       36 . The separating member of  claim 35 , further comprising a ridge portion having said gas venting hole thereon so that a predetermined quantity of said liquid is contained within said first interior space without blocking at least one gas venting hole thereby permitting said gas to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space even if said liquid accumulates within said first interior space at said liquid passage hole at a liquid accumulation rate that exceeds a liquid passage rate through said liquid passage hole. 
   
   
       37 . The separating member of  claim 35 , wherein said liquid passage hole has a liquid passage hole diameter large enough for said liquid to pass substantially freely from said first interior space into said second interior space without becoming blocked due to adhesive forces between molecules of said liquid and surfaces of said liquid passage hole. 
   
   
       38 . The separating member of  claim 37 , wherein said liquid passage hole diameter is between two milimeters and six milimeters inclusively. 
   
   
       39 . The separating member of  claim 35 , wherein said gas venting hole has a gas venting hole diameter large enough for said gas to vent substantially freely through said gas venting hole from said second interior space into said first interior space and small enough to substantially block passage of said liquid through said gas venting hole from said second interior space into said first interior space. 
   
   
       40 . The separating member of  claim 39 , wherein said gas venting hole diameter is between 0.25 millimeter and one millimeter inclusively. 
   
   
       41 . The separating member of  claim 35 , wherein one of said gas venting holes is positioned near a first edge area of said separating member and another of said gas venting holes is positioned near a second edge area of said separating member, said first edge area and said second edge area being substantially opposite from one another. 
   
   
       42 . The separating member of  claim 35 , wherein said liquid passage hole is substantially centrally positioned between a first edge area of said separating member and a second edge area of said separating member, said first edge area and said second edge area being substantially opposite from one another. 
   
   
       43 . The separating member of  claim 42 , wherein at least a portion of said separating member in communication with said first interior space forms a depression protruding into said second interior space and having said liquid passage hole positioned therein. 
   
   
       44 . The separating member of  claim 43 , further comprising at least one groove protruding into said second interior space and oriented to channel said liquid to said liquid passage hole. 
   
   
       45 . The separating member of  claim 35 , wherein said package comprises a cup, and said separating member comprises an insert that fits into a bottom of said cup. 
   
   
       46 . The separating member of  claim 45 , wherein said insert includes a ridge portion having said gas venting hole thereon so that a predetermined quantity of said liquid is contained within said first interior space without blocking at least one gas venting hole thereby permitting said gas to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space even if said liquid accumulates within said first interior space at said liquid passage hole at a liquid accumulation rate that exceeds a liquid passage rate through said liquid passage hole. 
   
   
       47 . The separating member of  claim 45 , wherein at least a portion of said insert in communication with said first interior space forms a depression protruding into said second interior space toward said bottom of said cup and having said liquid passage hole positioned therein. 
   
   
       48 . A system for dynamically modifying an atmosphere within a package, said system comprising:
 a sealable container capable of retaining a positive pressure;   a quantity of product within a first interior space within said sealable container;   a separating member within said sealable container separating said first interior space within said sealable container from a second interior space within said sealable container;   a gas generating substance within said second interior space within said sealable container; and   a predetermined quantity of a liquid capable of reacting with said gas generating substance within said second interior space to generate a pressurized carbon dioxide rich atmosphere within said first interior space, said pressurized carbon dioxide rich atmosphere including enough oxygen to avoid anaerobic conditions associated with said quantity of product.   
   
   
       49 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein said positive pressure is at least thirty pounds per square inch. 
   
   
       50 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein said sealable container comprises a pull-tab type lid sealing an opening to said first interior space. 
   
   
       51 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein said lid includes a two-stage opening mechanism for slowing a release of pressurized gas from said sealable container, said two-stage opening mechanism including as a first stage opening mechanism a pressure release score line capable of puncturing a portion of said lid when a pull-tab on said lid is initially pulled in an outward direction away from said lid and said first interior space, and said two-stage opening mechanism including as a second stage opening mechanism an opening score line about a periphery of said lid that breaks away for removal of said pull-tab and lid material circumscribed by said opening score line. 
   
   
       52 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein said quantity of product comprises a portion of fruits or vegetables, said portion of fruits or vegetables defining a portion of a single type of fruit, a portion of a mixture of different types of fruit, a portion of a single type of vegetable, a portion of a mixture of different types of vegetable, or a portion of a mixture of one or more types of fruit and one or more types of vegetable, at least some of said fruits or vegetables capable of absorbing at least some carbon dioxide for acquiring an effervescent quality. 
   
   
       53 . The system of  claim 52 , wherein said fruits or vegetables comprise fresh-cut or minimally processed fruits or vegetables. 
   
   
       54 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein said separating member comprises at least one liquid passage hole configured so that said liquid is able to pass from said first interior space into said second interior space and at least one gas venting hole configured so that gas generated by said gas generating substance is able to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space, said liquid becoming substantially trapped within said second interior space. 
   
   
       55 . The system of  claim 54 , wherein said separating member further comprises a ridge portion having said gas venting hole thereon so that said predetermined quantity of said liquid is contained within said first interior space without blocking at least one gas venting hole thereby permitting said gas to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space even if said liquid accumulates within said first interior space at said liquid passage hole at a liquid accumulation rate that exceeds a liquid passage rate through said liquid passage hole. 
   
   
       56 . The system of  claim 55 , wherein said liquid comprises water and said gas generating substance comprises sodium bicarbonate and citric acid for generating carbon dioxide when mixed with water and sodium percarbonate for generating oxygen when mixed with water. 
   
   
       57 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein said predetermined quantity of said liquid comprises said liquid surrounded by a membrane and positioned within said second interior space, said membrane capable of rupturing in response to a vigorous shake or tap of said sealable container, thereby allowing said liquid to mix with said gas generating substance, and wherein said separating member comprises at least one gas venting hole configured so that gas generated by said gas generating substance is able to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space, said liquid becoming substantially trapped within said second interior space. 
   
   
       58 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein said predetermined quantity of said liquid comprises a membrane filled with said liquid and positioned within said second interior space proximate a deformable exterior convexity or button on said sealable container, said membrane capable of rupturing in response to a movement of said deformable exterior convexity or button, thereby allowing said liquid to mix with said gas generating substance, and wherein said separating member comprises at least one gas venting hole configured so that gas generated by said gas generating substance is able to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space, said liquid becoming substantially trapped within said second interior space. 
   
   
       59 . The system of  claim 48 , further comprising a membrane filled with said gas generating substance and positioned within said second interior space proximate a deformable exterior convexity or button on said sealable container, said membrane capable of rupturing in response to a movement of said deformable exterior convexity or button, thereby allowing said gas generating substance to mix with said liquid, and wherein said separating member comprises at least one gas venting hole configured so that gas generated by said gas generating substance is able to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space, said liquid becoming substantially trapped within said second interior space. 
   
   
       60 . A method for dynamically modifying an atmosphere within a package, said method comprising:
 providing a sealable container capable of retaining a positive pressure and having a first interior space and a second interior space;   placing a gas generating substance into said second interior space of said sealable container;   inserting a separating member into said sealable container thereby separating said first interior space within said sealable container from said second interior space within said sealable container;   introducing a quantity of product into said first interior space within said sealable container;   introducing a predetermined quantity of a liquid into said first interior space within said sealable container, said liquid capable of reacting with said gas generating substance within said second interior space to generate a pressurized carbon dioxide rich atmosphere within said first interior space, said pressurized carbon dioxide rich atmosphere including enough oxygen to avoid anaerobic conditions associated with said quantity of product; and   sealing an opening in said first interior space thereby sealing said sealable container.   
   
   
       61 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein said positive pressure is at least thirty pounds per square inch. 
   
   
       62 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein said sealable container comprises a pull-tab type lid sealing said opening to said first interior space. 
   
   
       63 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein said lid includes a two-stage opening mechanism for slowing a release of pressurized gas from said sealable container, said two-stage opening mechanism including as a first stage opening mechanism a pressure release score line capable of puncturing a portion of said lid when a pull-tab on said lid is initially pulled in an outward direction away from said lid and said first interior space, and said two-stage opening mechanism including as a second stage opening mechanism an opening score line about a periphery of said lid that breaks away for removal of said pull-tab and lid material circumscribed by said opening score line. 
   
   
       64 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein said quantity of product comprises a portion of fruits or vegetables, said portion of fruits or vegetables defining a portion of a single type of fruit, a portion of a mixture of different types of fruit, a portion of a single type of vegetable, a portion of a mixture of different types of vegetable, or a portion of a mixture of one or more types of fruit and one or more types of vegetable, at least some of said fruits or vegetables capable of absorbing at least some carbon dioxide for acquiring an effervescent quality. 
   
   
       65 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein said fruits or vegetables comprise fresh-cut or minimally processed fruits or vegetables. 
   
   
       66 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein said separating member comprises at least one liquid passage hole configured so that said liquid is able to pass from said first interior space into said second interior space and at least one gas venting hole configured so that gas generated by said gas generating substance is able to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space, said liquid becoming substantially trapped within said second interior space. 
   
   
       67 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein said separating member further comprises a ridge portion having said gas venting hole thereon so that said predetermined quantity of said liquid is contained within said first interior space without blocking at least one gas venting hole thereby permitting said gas to vent from said second interior space into said first interior space even if said liquid accumulates within said first interior space at said liquid passage hole at a liquid accumulation rate that exceeds a liquid passage rate through said liquid passage hole. 
   
   
       68 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein said liquid comprises water and said gas generating substance comprises sodium bicarbonate and citric acid for generating carbon dioxide when mixed with water and sodium percarbonate for generating oxygen when mixed with water. 
   
   
       69 . A dynamic modified atmosphere package capable of carbonating fruits or vegetables and for prolonging the shelf-life of carbonated fruits or vegetables, said package comprising a sealable container capable of holding said fruits or vegetables and retaining a positive pressure dynamic modified atmosphere within said sealable container when said sealable container is sealably closed. 
   
   
       70 . The package of  claim 69 , wherein said positive pressure dynamic modified atmosphere within said sealable container comprises a carbon dioxide rich atmosphere for carbonating said fruits or vegetables. 
   
   
       71 . The package of  claim 70 , wherein said carbon dioxide rich atmosphere includes enough oxygen to prevent anaerobic conditions within said sealable container. 
   
   
       72 . The package of  claim 69 , wherein said positive pressure is at least thirty pounds per square inch. 
   
   
       73 . The package of  claim 69 , wherein said positive pressure dynamic modified atmosphere within said sealable container comprises enough oxygen to prevent anaerobic conditions within said sealable container. 
   
   
       74 . The package of  claim 69 , wherein said sealable container comprises means for generating carbon dioxide gas from within said sealable container and means for generating enough oxygen gas from within said sealable container to prevent anaerobic conditions within said sealable container. 
   
   
       75 . The package of  claim 74 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating means and said oxygen generating means dynamically modify said positive pressure dynamic modified atmosphere within said sealable container as said fruits or vegetables respire within said sealed sealable container. 
   
   
       76 . The package of  claim 69 , further comprising means for prolonging the shelf-life of said carbonated fruits or vegetables. 
   
   
       77 . The package of  claim 69 , wherein said package is capable of extending the shelf-life of said carbonated fruits or vegetables to at least ten days, said carbonated fruits or vegetables retaining an effervescent quality for at least ten days. 
   
   
       78 . The package of  claim 69 , further comprising mechanical mixing means for initiating carbonation of said fruits or vegetables after said fruits or vegetables are sealed within said sealable container.