CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/140,639, filed January 22, 2021 and titled “PACKAGE CONFIGURED TO PRESERVE PERISHABLE PRODUCT, AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING SAME,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The presently disclosed technology relates generally to packages for containing product, such as, but not limited to, foodstuff or perishable items, and/or methods for forming packaging to utilize, and/or increase the effectiveness of, an active member, for example, to preserve product therein and/or prevent contamination thereof.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Various types of packaging require, or at least benefit from, controlled environmental conditions. For example, some products require the absence of moisture or environments with a specific narrow window for relative humidity within a package. Other products degrade in the presence of ethylene. Still, other products, e.g., produce, such as lettuce, may risk being exposed to contamination and would benefit from a way to address the contamination, e.g., through release of an antimicrobial compound in the headspace of a package.

[0004] In the packaging industry, two types of form fill and seal machines are widely used: the horizontal form fill and seal machine (HFFS) and the vertical form fill and seal machine (VFFS). One difference between these two types of machines is how products (e.g., foodstuff) are dispensed into the packages created by these machines.

[0005] As shown in Figs. 1-3, a prior art VFFS includes a roll of film stock 101 and a tube or cylinder 107 a having an opening at an upper end thereof to receive product 112 therein and to receive the film stock 101 thereon. The prior art VFFS also includes a vertical sealing bar 102a, a pair of opposing rollers or conveyors 103a, and a pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or jaws 104a. One or each horizontal sealing bar 104a include a cutter or sharp interior 106a that is configured to pierce or cut through the film stock. The prior art VFFS creates a final package that can be in the form of a sealed bag or pouch, for example. The typical field of application for a VFFS includes products 112 that are loose, granulated, doughy, or difficult to handle. The prior art VFFS is aimed at both food and non-food markets. In contrast to the prior art HFFS, as described below, the film or laminate travels through the prior art VFFS in a vertical direction.

[0006] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a prior art HFFS can include or utilize a plastic film roll 101, a pair of opposing bottom seam sealing bars or jaws 102b, a pair of opposing cross sealing bars or jaws 103b, a pair of opposing closing sealing bars or jaws 104b, and a pair of opposing separators 105b. The prior art HFFS is capable of producing a pouch (Fig. 5), and/or a spout and cap assembly (Fig. 4), from a roll stock film 101.

[0007] In the prior art HFFS, filling and sealing of a package takes place on the same apparatus, filling can occur through an open top of the pouch, and the machine fills in the same operation that the pouch is created and sealed. More particularly, the film or laminate travels through the machine in a horizontal direction. This process accounts for all parts of manufacturing a complete pouch product, from film unwinding, pouch forming, filling and sealing. A benefit of using the prior art HFFS is that it optimizes the total cost of ownership and allows for more flexibility in sizes and shapes in production. The prior art HFFS also provides the manufacturer with total control of their packaging process. Other benefits include consistent packing rate, less expense than pre-made pouches, increased production rate and reduced number of worker shifts, easy and quick clean-out between production batches, and the ability to provide readable bar code and product information.

[0008] A key difference in which type of machine should be used often settles on what types of products will be packaged. While the prior art HFFS is best suited for products that are solid and easily contained and handled (e.g., small toys or candy bars), the prior art VFFS tends to be better for products that are loose, granulated, doughy, or difficult to handle manually. The prior art VFFS is often better suited for packaging products such as sugar, liquids, and chips, for example.

[0009] Various types of sealing methods can be used in either the prior art HFFS or the prior art VFFS. Exemplary seals that can be employed include heat seals, ultrasonic seals, and inductions seals. A heat seal is based on electric resistance and has low maintenance. An ultrasonic seal is based on ultrasonic frequency and creates a hermetic seal. An induction seal is based on electromagnetic resistance and allows for sealing and cooling at the same step.

[0010] In addition, various filing methods can be used in either the prior art HFFS or the prior art VFFS. Exemplary filing methods that can be employed include hot fill for heat processed products, clean fill for non-heat processed products, and ultra clean for cold-chain distribution. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0011] Despite the numerous benefits of an HFFS and a VFFS, these machines and their processes of creating a package could be improved. For example, the prior art has not yet been able to address how to preserve or extend the freshness of product within a package formed by an HFFS or a VFFS. The presently disclosed technology overcomes the above and other drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] One way to address the need for controlled environmental conditions for packaging of certain product is to provide an active member, optionally in the form of a film that has some type of absorbing, adsorbing, and/or releasing activity or capacity. Such an active member can optionally be an entrained polymer film with an active agent, e.g., a desiccant polymer or antimicrobial releasing polymer. Optionally, the entrained polymer film can also include a channeling agent to help regulate the sorption or release of a given material. It can be preferable if the active member does not and cannot directly contact the packaging.

[0013] To overcome the above and/or other deficiencies of the prior art, the presently disclosed technology is optionally directed to forming a package using a form fill and seal machine (either a HFFS or a VFFS) that includes at least one active member therein. In one optional embodiment, an active member can be placed in a compartment that is adjacent (e.g., horizontally or vertically) to a compartment holding perishable product, wherein the two compartments are sealed from the external environment, product in one compartment cannot physically contact the active agent in the other compartment, but gas can flow between each compartment, thereby extending the shelf-life or preserving the product.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the present application is directed to a method of forming a package with a form fill and seal machine. The method includes sealing a first portion of a film to itself using a pair of opposing horizontal first sealing bar or jaw. The method further includes sealing a second portion of the film to itself using at least one second vertical sealing bar or jaw. The method further includes sealing a third portion of the film to itself using at least one third vertical sealing bar or jaw. The third portion can form a separator extending between a first compartment of the package and a second compartment of the package. The separator can include one or more unsealed portions and one or more sealed portions. The method further includes sealing a fourth portion of the film to itself to enclose the first compartment and the second compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating the presently disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings various illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0016] Fig. l is a perspective view of a VFFS according to the prior art in the act of forming a package, wherein product is fed through a hopper into a partially formed package and seals have been formed to create the side and bottom of a partially formed package, and wherein certain components are omitted for clarity only;

[0017] Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the VFFS shown in Fig. 1, wherein the filling and sealing is further along in the process;

[0018] Fig. 3 is still another perspective view of the VFFS shown in Fig. 1, wherein the filling and sealing is even further along in the process and one complete package has been formed;

[0019] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation of a HFFS according to the prior art;

[0020] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a HFFS according to the prior art;

[0021] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a package according to an optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

[0022] Fig. 7 is a perspective view a VFFS according to an optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

[0023] Fig. 8 is a perspective view a VFFS according to another optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

[0024] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a HFFS according to an optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

[0025] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a HFFS according to another optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology; and

[0026] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a HFFS according to yet another optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] While systems, devices and methods are described herein by way of examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. Rather, the presently disclosed technology covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features of any one embodiment disclosed herein can be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

[0028] Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to) rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0029] As used herein, the term “active” is defined as capable of acting on, interacting with or reacting with a selected material (e.g., moisture and / or oxygen) according to the presently disclosed technology. Examples of such actions or interactions may include absorption, adsorption or release of the selected material. Another example of “active” is an agent capable of acting on, interacting with or reacting with a selected material in order to cause release of a released material.

[0030] As used herein, the term “active agent” is defined as a material that (1) can be immiscible with the base polymer and when mixed and heated with the base polymer and the channeling agent, will not melt, i.e., has a melting point that is higher than the melting point for either the base polymer or the channeling agent, and (2) acts on, interacts or reacts with a selected material. The term “active agent” may include but is not limited to materials that absorb, adsorb or release the selected material(s).

[0031] As used herein, the term “active member” is defined as a structure that includes or is formed of an active agent, and possibly one or more other materials or substances, such as a base polymer. Optionally, an active member can be in the form of an entrain polymer film.

[0032] The active agents of one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology are those that release antimicrobial gas(es), such as but not limited to chlorine dioxide gas. Active agents according to the presently disclosed technology can be in the form of particles such as minerals (e.g., molecular sieve or silica gel, in the case of desiccants), but the presently disclosed technology should not be viewed as limited only to particulate active agents. For example, in some embodiments, an oxygen scavenging formulation may be made from a resin which acts as, or as a component of, the active agent.

[0033] The term “antimicrobial releasing agent” refers to an active agent that is capable of releasing a released antimicrobial material, e.g. in gas form. This active agent may include an active component and other components (such as a catalyst and trigger) in a formulation (e.g., powdered mixture) configured to release the antimicrobial gas. A “released antimicrobial material” is a compound that inhibits or prevents the growth and proliferation of microbes and/or kills microbes, e.g., chlorine dioxide gas. The released antimicrobial material is released by the antimicrobial releasing agent. By way of example only, an antimicrobial releasing agent may be triggered (e.g., by chemical reaction or physical change) by contact with a selected material (such as moisture). For example, moisture may react with an antimicrobial releasing agent to cause the agent to release a released antimicrobial material. Optionally, the antimicrobial releasing agent is a chlorine dioxide gas forming agent, such as those described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2019/060937 and in U.S. Publication No. 2019/00335746 Al, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. Disclosed in PCT/US2019/060937 is a chlorine dioxide gas forming agent that is provided with a carrier material within the polymer composition that comprises silica or silica gel which is preferably acidified. Alternatively, the carrier material comprises polysulfonic acid. Alternatively, the carrier material comprises a phyllosilicate, such as Montmorillonite clay. Optionally, the chlorine dioxide gas forming agent comprises, consists essentially of or consists of a carrier material (e.g., silica gel), an active compound and a moisture trigger. The carrier material preferably comprises an acidified silica gel having a pH of from 1.4 to 3.1 and is 50% to 90% by weight with respect to the total weight of the antimicrobial releasing agent. The active compound preferably comprises a metal chlorite and is from 5% to 30% by weight with respect to the total weight of the antimicrobial releasing agent. The trigger preferably comprises a hygroscopic compound and is from 2% to 20% by weight with respect to the total weight of the antimicrobial releasing agent. In one optional embodiment, the chlorine dioxide gas forming agent comprises, consists essentially of or consists of from 10% to 15% sodium chlorite, from 5% to 15% calcium chloride, and from 70% to 80% silica gel by weight based on the total weight of the chlorine dioxide gas forming agent. Preferably, the carrier of the chlorine dioxide gas forming agent has a pH of from 1.0 to 3.5, optionally from 1.4 to 3.1.

[0034] As used herein, the term “base material” is a component (preferably a polymer) of an entrained active material, other than the active agent, that provides structure for the entrained material.

[0035] As used herein, the term “base polymer” is a polymer optionally having a gas transmission rate of a selected material that is substantially lower than, lower than or substantially equivalent to, that of the channeling agent. By way of example, such a transmission rate is a water vapor transmission rate in embodiments where the selected material is moisture and the active agent is an antimicrobial gas-releasing agent that is activated by moisture or a water-absorbing desiccant. This active agent may include an active component and other components in a formulation configured to release the antimicrobial gas. In one embodiment, the primary function of the base polymer is to provide structure for the entrained polymer.

[0036] Suitable base polymers for use in the invention include thermoplastic polymers, e.g., polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonates, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylenemethacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyesters, polyanhydrides, polyacrylianitrile, polysulfones, polyacrylic ester, acrylic, polyurethane and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0037] Referring to such a comparison of the base polymer and channeling agent water vapor transmission rate, in one embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least two times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least five times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least ten times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least twenty times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least fifty times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least one hundred times that of the base polymer.

[0038] As used herein, the term “channeling agent” or “channeling agents” is defined as a material that is immiscible with the base polymer and has an affinity to transport a gas phase substance at a faster rate than the base polymer. Optionally, a channeling agent is capable of forming channels through the entrained polymer when formed by mixing the channeling agent with the base polymer. Optionally, such channels are capable of transmitting a selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than in solely the base polymer.

[0039] As used herein, the term “channels” or “interconnecting channels” is defined as passages formed of the channeling agent that penetrate through the base polymer and may be interconnected with each other.

[0040] As used herein, the term “entrained polymer” is defined as a monolithic material formed of at least a base polymer, an active agent and optionally also a channeling agent entrained or distributed throughout. An entrained polymer thus are at least two phases (without a channeling agent) or at least three phases (with a channeling agent). A “mineral loaded polymer” is a type of entrained polymer, wherein the active agent is in the form of minerals, e.g., mineral particles such as molecular sieve or silica gel. The term “entrained material” is used herein to connote a monolithic material comprising an active agent entrained in a base material wherein the base material may or may not be polymeric. [0041] As used herein, the term “monolithic,” “monolithic structure” or “monolithic composition” is defined as a composition or material that does not consist of two or more discrete macroscopic layers or portions. Accordingly, a “monolithic composition” does not include a multi-layer composite.

[0042] As used herein, the term “phase” is defined as a portion or component of a monolithic structure or composition that is uniformly distributed throughout, to give the structure or composition its monolithic characteristics.

[0043] As used herein, the term “selected material” is defined as a material that is acted upon, by, or interacts or reacts with an active agent and is capable of being transmitted through the channels of an entrained polymer. For example, in embodiments in which a desiccant is used as an active agent, the selected material may be moisture or a gas that can be absorbed by the desiccant. In embodiments in which a releasing material is used as an active agent, the selected material may be an agent released by the releasing material, such as moisture, fragrance, or an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorine dioxide). In embodiments in which an adsorbing material is used as an active agent, the selected material may be certain volatile organic compounds and the adsorbing material may be activated carbon.

[0044] As used herein, the term “three phase” is defined as a monolithic composition or structure comprising three or more phases. An example of a three phase composition according to the invention is an entrained polymer formed of a base polymer, active agent, and channeling agent. Optionally, a three phase composition or structure may include an additional phase, e.g., a colorant, but is nonetheless still considered “three phase” on account of the presence of the three primary functional components.

[0045] Entrained polymers may be two phase formulations (i.e., comprising a base polymer and active agent, without a channeling agent) or three phase formulations (i.e., comprising a base polymer, active agent and channeling agent). Entrained polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,911,937, 6,080,350, 6,124,006, 6,130,263, 6,194,079, 6,214,255, 6,486,231, 7,005,459, and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2016/0039955, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0046] An entrained material or polymer includes a base material (e.g., polymer) for providing structure, optionally a channeling agent and an active agent. The channeling agent forms microscopic interconnecting channels through the entrained polymer. At least some of the active agent is contained within these channels, such that the channels communicate between the active agent and the exterior of the entrained polymer via microscopic channel openings formed at outer surfaces of the entrained polymer. The active agent can be, for example, any one of a variety of absorbing, adsorbing or releasing materials, as described in further detail below. While a channeling agent is preferred, the invention broadly includes entrained materials that optionally do not include channeling agents, e.g., two phase polymers. [0047] In any embodiment, suitable channeling agents may include a polyglycol such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerin polyamine, polyurethane and polycarboxylic acid including polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Alternatively, the channeling agent can be, for example, a water insoluble polymer, such as a propylene oxide polymerisate-monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol BO 1/240, produced by CLARIANT. In other embodiments, the channeling agent could be a propylene oxide polymerisate monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol BO 1/20, produced by CLARIANT, propylene oxide polymerisate, such as Polyglykol DO 1/240, produced by CLARIANT, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon 6, nylon 66, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0048] Suitable active agents according to the presently disclosed technology include absorbing materials, such as desiccating compounds. If the active agent is a desiccant, any suitable desiccant for a given application may be used. Typically, physical absorption desiccants are preferred for many applications. These may include molecular sieves, silica gels, clays and starches. Alternatively, the desiccant may be a chemical compound that forms crystals containing water or compounds which react with water to form new compounds.

[0049] Optionally, in any embodiment, the active agent may be an oxygen scavenger, e.g., an oxygen scavenging resin formulation. Optionally, in any embodiment, the oxygen scavenger may be green tea and/or carrots, as taught in International Application Nos. PCT/US2021/070240 and PCT/US2021/70237, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Optionally, in any embodiment, the active agent may be a melanosis inhibitor such as green tea, as taught in PCT/US2020/038181, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0050] Furthermore, the terms “package,” “packaging” and “container” may be used interchangeably herein to indicate an object that holds or contains a good, e.g., food product and foodstuffs. Optionally, a package may include a container with a product stored therein. Nonlimiting examples of a package, packaging and container include a tray, box, carton, bottle receptacle, vessel, pouch and flexible bag. A pouch or flexible bag may be made from, e.g., polypropylene or polyethylene. The package or container may be closed, covered and/or sealed using a variety of mechanisms including a cover, a lid, lidding sealant, an adhesive and a heat seal, for example. The package or container can be composed or constructed of various materials, such as plastic (e.g., polypropylene or polyethylene), paper, Styrofoam, glass, metal and combinations thereof. In one optional embodiment, the package or container is composed of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer, optionally polypropylene or polyethylene, and preferably has sufficient rigidity to retain its shape under gravity.

[0051] Referring now in detail to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, Fig. 6 schematically shows a package or container, generally designated 130, which can be used according to an aspect of the disclosed concept. The package 130 can optionally be designed to hold, store, and/or otherwise preserve product 112 (shown schematically in Fig. 6), such as but not limited to one or more perishable items, like foodstuff (e.g., lettuce, vegetables, candy, and the like) or medicine or pharmaceutical product. The package 130 can also optionally be designed to contain at least one active member 114. Optionally, the package 130 can be formed using a form fill and seal machine, such as an HFFS or a VFFS, from a plastic film roll, or from a pre-formed plastic pouch, for example.

[0052] The package 130 can include a first compartment 116 and a second compartment 118. In one embodiment, the first compartment 116 is optionally larger than the second compartment 118. Optionally, each compartment 116, 118 is a sealed, enclosed space, except for a separator optionally having one or more unsealed portions 120 and one or more sealed portions between the first and second compartments 116, 118. The first compartment 116 is configured to hold the product 112, and the second compartment 18 is configured to hold the at least one active member 114.

[0053] In any embodiment, the separator and/or the one or more unsealed portions 120 can optionally be located between the one or more sealed portions. For example, the one or more sealed portions can be imprints or seals, and the one or more unsealed portions 120 can be notches or holes formed in and/or between the separator and/or the one or more sealed portions that divides the first compartment 116 from the second compartment 118. Optionally, the separator and/or the one or more unsealed portions 120 can extend in a linear fashion and extend parallel to lateral sides of the package 130 and/or a longitudinal axis of the at least one active member 114. Alternatively, the one or more unsealed portions 120 can be at least slightly vertically offset, so that the separator and/or the one or more unsealed portions 120 do not extend in an exact linear fashion, or the one or more unsealed portions 120 can extend at an angle or curve-linear arrangement.

[0054] The separator and/or the one or more unsealed portions 120 allow the at least one active member 114 to communicate (e.g., gas flow) with the product 112, but the active member 114 is not able to contact the product 112 due to the presence of the seals between the one or more unsealed portions 120. More specifically, the separator and/or the one or more unsealed portions 120 allow gas flow between the two compartments 116, 118, which allows the at least one active member 114 to preserve and/or extend the freshness of the product 112. Optionally, the compartments 116, 118 are otherwise hermetically sealed to the external environment.

[0055] In the optional embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the first and second compartments 116, 118 are laterally adjacent. However, the presently disclosed technology is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first and second compartments 116, 118 can optionally be vertically adjacent. In one optional embodiment, the at least one active member 114 can be inserted in the package 130 before the one or more unsealed portions 120 are formed or created. Next, the one or more unsealed portions 120 can be formed or created, thereby forming the second compartment 118 with the at least one active member 114 therein. Then, the product 112 can be inserted into the first compartment 116 and the periphery of the package 130 can be sealed. In such an arrangement, the second compartment 118 is vertically adjacent and below the first compartment 116. In an alternative optional embodiment, the second compartment 118 can be vertically adjacent and above the first compartment 116.

[0056] In one optional embodiment, the active member 114 is in the form of a film. Optionally, the active member 114 is in the form of an entrained polymer film, optionally including a base polymer, an active agent, and optionally a channeling agent. The presently disclosed technology is not limited to use with or for antimicrobials. For example, the active agent can optionally including at least one of an antimicrobial, a releasing agent, or a desiccant. Optionally, the active member 114 is rectangular or square in shape. However, other sizes, shapes, and/or configurations are possible from that shown and described herein.

[0057] An optional method of the presently disclosed technology includes sealing portions of a film to form a first compartment adjacent to a second compartment. The compartments can be sealed simultaneously or in series. The method can include inserting at least one perishable product into the first compartment. The method can include inserting at least one active member into the second compartment. The method can include sealing a top of each of the first and second compartments to enclose the at least one perishable product and the at least one active member, respectively therein. One or more opening can exist within the package between the first and second compartments such that the at least one active member is configured to extend the shelf life or viability of the at least one perishable product.

[0058] Fig. 7 shows one example of a VFFS, generally designated 150, of the presently disclosed technology that is designed to form the package 130 (e.g., schematically shown in Fig. 6) from a roll of film 101 that is unraveled and reconfigured around a hollow tube or cylinder 107a. Like elements between the present embodiment and the prior art shown in Figs. 1-3 are identified with like reference numbers, and description of certain similarities between the two may be omitted herein for brevity purposes only.

[0059] In contrast to the prior art VFFS, the VFFS 100 of the presently disclosed technology can include a first vertical sealing bar or sealer 102a, optionally one or a pair of opposing vertical rollers or conveyors 103a or other mechanism configured to move the film 101 downwardly with respect to the cylinder 107a, a pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or jaws 104a, and at least one or a pair of opposing second vertical sealing bars or sealers 154. [0060] The first and second vertical sealing bars 102a, 154 can each independently and at separate locations seal the film 101 to itself (at least partially in the case of the second vertical sealing bar 154) by pressing opposing sides or ends of the film 101 against the tube or cylinder 107a, for example, and optionally applying heat and/or an adhesive, for example. Each of the first and second vertical sealing bars 102a, 154 and the conveyors 103a can be vertically oriented such that a longitudinal axis of each extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder 107 a.

[0061] Optionally, each conveyor 103a can include a belt that extends over and around two spaced-apart and parallel shafts. A longitudinal axis of each shaft can extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 107a. A cover (not shown) can enclose the conveyor and shafts for protection and/or aesthetics.

[0062] The second vertical sealing bar(s) 154 can be configured to form the one or more unsealed portions 120 that separate the first and second compartments 116, 118 described above and shown in Fig. 6. Optionally, the second vertical sealing bar(s) 154 can create or form one or more heat seals, ultrasonic seals, and/or inductions seals at spaced-apart intervals. The intervals can be sized, shaped, and/or configured to allow the passage of gas around a periphery thereof.

[0063] The second vertical sealing bar(s) 154 can optionally be laterally and/or vertically separated or spaced-apart from the first vertical sealing bar 102a. For example, the second vertical sealing bar(s) 154 can be laterally spaced from the first vertical sealing bar 102a and/or the lateral edge of the cylinder 107a by a distance that is equal to the desired width of the first compartment 116 of the package 130. As an alternative or additional example, the one or the pair of opposing second vertical sealing bars 154 (only one of which is visible from the perspective shown in Fig. 7) can be located beneath the lower edge of the cylinder 107a. When pressed together, the pair of opposing second vertical sealing bars 154 can touch or mate (e.g., by moving radially inwardly) to form the spaced-apart intervals of the package 130. Optionally, the second vertical sealing bar(s) 154 can be located vertically below the first vertical sealing bar 102a and vertically above the pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or jaws 104a.

[0064] Optionally, the location of each second vertical sealing bar 154 can be adjusted and/or moved between or during production runs to change the size of the first compartment 16 and/or the second compartment 18, depending upon the desired dimensions of the completed package.

[0065] Optionally, each of the first and second vertical sealing bars 102a, 154 can be square or rectangular in shape. Optionally, each second vertical sealing bar 154 can be slightly or significantly smaller or the same size, shape, and/or configuration as compared to the first vertical sealing bar 102a. But each of the first and second vertical sealing bars 102a, 154 is not limited to the size, shape, and/or configuration as shown and described herein.

[0066] The at least one active member 114 can optionally be attached to an interior surface of the second compartment 118 before the package 130 is sealed shut. For example, the at least one active member 114 can be adhered to the interior surface of the film 101 that corresponds to the second compartment 114 before the pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or jaws 104a clamp together and enclose one of the packages 130.

[0067] In a modified version, the roll of film 101 optionally can be a pre -formed pouch made of film 101.

[0068] Fig. 8 shows another example of a VFFS, generally designated 170, of the presently disclosed technology that is designed to form a package with the second compartment vertically adjacent and below the first compartment. The VFFS shown in Fig. 8 is substantially similar to that shown in Fig. 7 described above. Like elements between the two embodiments are identified with like reference numbers, and description of certain similarities between the two embodiments may be omitted herein for brevity purposes only.

[0069] A difference between the two embodiments is that the omission of the second vertical sealing bar(s) 154 in favor of at least one or a pair of opposing second horizontal sealing bars or jaws 175 positioned vertically above or below the pair of opposing first horizontal sealing bars or jaws 104a. In such a configuration, the second compartment 118 could be formed beneath the first compartment 116 of a given package. Optionally, the at least one active member 114 can be adhered or otherwise attached to an interior surface of the film prior to the horizontal sealing bar(s) or jaw(s) 175 creating or forming the one or more unsealed portions 120. [0070] The second horizontal sealing bar(s) or jaw(s) 175 can optionally extend across and beyond the width of the cylinder 107a and/or the package 130. A longitudinal axis of the second horizontal sealing bar(s) or jaw(s) 175 can extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first horizontal sealing bars or jaws 104a and/or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 107 a.

[0071] Optionally, the second horizontal sealing bar(s) or jaw(s) 175 can be adjusted vertically upward or downward with respect to the cylinder 107a, the vertical sealing bar 102a, and/or the opposing pair of opposing first horizontal sealing bars or j aws 104a. This adj ustment can enlarge or reduce the size of the second compartment 118 of the package 130, for example. [0072] Fig. 9 shows one example of a HFFS, generally designated 180, according to an optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology. The HFFS 180 of Fig. 9 is designed and/or configured to form the package 130 schematically shown in Fig. 6. Like elements between the present embodiment and the prior art shown in Figs. 4-5 are identified with like reference numbers, and description of certain similarities between the two may be omitted herein for brevity purposes only.

[0073] In contrast to the prior art HFFS, the HFFS 180 of the presently disclosed technology includes two pairs of opposing vertical sealing bars or jaws 103a, 182. The first pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 103b can be the same or similar to those employed in the prior art. The second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 (one of which is shown schematically in Fig. 9) can be laterally separated (e.g., downstream) from the first pair of vertical sealing bars 103b and can be configured to form the one or more unsealed portions 120 that separate the first and second compartments 116, 118 described above and shown in Fig. 6. For clarity and ease of illustration only, only one of the second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 is shown in Fig. 9.

[0074] In operation, the HFFS 180 can be loaded with a roll of film 101, which can be used to form the package 130. Possible materials for the film 101 can be thermo-sealable films with single or double layers, such as PP-PP, PP-PE, PA-PE, PE-PET, BOPP, and CPP. The film 101 is unrolled, then straightened along an axis, then folded in half, and is then pulled or directed in a horizontal position, consequently passing through a variety of mechanisms, whose function is to close the vertical seals, form the bottom of the package, and apply eventual extras to the package (e.g. a zipper for dosing and opening the package).

[0075] In addition to the pair of opposing bottom seam sealing jaws 102b (only one is shown in Fig. 9 for clarity), the first pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 103b, and the second pair of opposing vertically sealing bars 182 (only one is shown in Fig. 9 for clarity), the HFFS 180 can optionally include a pair of opposing upper or closing sealing bars or jaws 104b and a separator or cutting mechanism 105b. Following the cutting mechanism 105b, individual packages 130 can be placed or dropped onto an output or conveyor belt, for example.

[0076] In one optional embodiment, the second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 is located downstream of the first pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 103b and upstream of the pair of opposing closing sealing bars 104b. However, the presently disclosed technology is not limited to such a configuration, as the location of the second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 can be modified depending upon the type, size, and/or configuration of the package desired to be produced. For example, in one optional embodiment, the second pair of vertical sealing bars 182 can be located upstream of the first pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 103b.

[0077] Optionally, the second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 can create or form one or more heat seals, ultrasonic seals, and/or inductions seals, as described above with respect to other sealing bars or jaws.

[0078] The product 112 and the active member(s) 114 can be inserted into the partially formed package 130 simultaneously or in series. Optionally, both the product 112 and the active member(s) 114 can be dispensed or dropped into the partially formed first and second compartments 116, 118, respectively. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, both the product 112 and the active member(s) 114 are inserted into the partially formed first and second compartments 116, 118, respectively, after or downstream of the second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 and upstream of the pair of opposing upper or closing sealing bars or jaws 104b

[0079] Figs. 10 and 11 show other examples of a HFFS 190, 196 according to optional embodiments of the presently disclosed technology, which are designed to form a package with the second compartment vertically adjacent and below the first compartment. The HFFS 190, 196 shown in Figs. 10 and 11 are substantially similar to that shown in Fig. 9 described above. Like elements between the three embodiments are identified with like reference numbers, and discussion of certain similarities between the embodiments may be omitted herein for brevity and convenience only.

[0080] A difference between the embodiments is that the omission of the second pair of opposing vertical sealing bars 182 from the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 in favor of a pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or jaws 192, 198 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 10 and 11. The pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or jaws 192, 198 can be the third pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or jaws. [0081] The pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or jaws 192, 198 shown in Figs. 10 and 11 can be located upstream (see Fig. 10) or downstream (see Fig. 11), respectively, of the vertical sealing bars 103b. As shown in Fig. 11, such a configuration can create a first compartment 116 above and separated from a second compartment 118 by one or more unsealed portions 120. The pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or jaws 192, 198 can create or form the one or more unsealed portions 120. The at least one active member 114 can optionally be affixed to an interior surface of the film 101 used to make the package 130.

[0082] As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 10, the pair of opposing horizontal sealing bars or jaws 192 can optionally be vertically above the pair of opposing bottom seam sealing bars or jaws 102b.

[0083] The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are part of this Detailed Description. These exemplary embodiments are set forth in a format substantially akin to claims (each set including a numerical designation followed by a letter (e.g., “A,” “B,” etc.), although they are not technically claims of the present application. The following exemplary embodiments refer to each other in dependent relationships as “embodiments” instead of “claims.”

[0084] 1A. A method of forming a package using a form fill and seal machine, wherein the package includes at least one active member therein to preserve or extend the freshness of product within the package. In one optional embodiment, an active member can be placed in a compartment that is adjacent to a compartment holding perishable product, wherein the two compartments are sealed from the external environment but accessible to each other, thereby extending the shelf-life or preserving the product.

[0085] 2A. The method of embodiment 1A, wherein the active member is placed in a compartment adjacent to a compartment holding the product.

[0086] 3A. The method of embodiment 1A or 2A, wherein the two compartments are sealed from the external environment but accessible to each other, thereby extending the shelflife or preserving the product.

[0087] IB. A method of preserving perishable foodstuff in a package, the method includes forming two compartments in the package through which gas can flow therebetween, wherein one of the compartments contains the perishable foodstuff and the other of the two compartments contains an active member.

[0088] 2B. The method of embodiment IB, wherein the active member includes an active agent.

[0089] 1C. A package formed entirely and/or exclusively from film, the package comprising: a first compartment and a second compartment, each compartment being sealed except for one or more unsealed portions between the first and second compartments, the first compartment being configured to hold one or more perishable product, the second compartment being configured to hold at least one active member, wherein gas is able to pass through the one or more unsealed portions to preserve or extend a useful like of the one or more perishable product.

[0090] 2C. The package of embodiment 1C, wherein the film and/or the package are translucent or transparent.

[0091] 3C. The package of embodiment 1C, wherein the film and/or package are opaque. [0092] ID. A method of forming a package with a form fill and seal machine, the method comprising: sealing portions of a film to form a first compartment adjacent to a second compartment; inserting at least one perishable product into the first compartment; inserting at least one active member into the second compartment; and sealing a top of each of the first and second compartments to enclose the at least one perishable product and the at least one active member, respectively, therein, wherein one or more openings exist within the package between the first and second compartments to enable gas transmission between the compartments such that the at least one active member is configured to extend the shelf life or viability of the at least one perishable product.

[0093] While the presently disclosed technology has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present presently disclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.