U.S. patent application number 11/005536 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for pre-packaged food tray kit and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to Iowa Turkey Growers Cooperative, LLC. Invention is credited to Edward S. Garrett.
Application Number | 20060121161 11/005536 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36574573 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060121161 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garrett; Edward S. |
June 8, 2006 |
Pre-packaged food tray kit and method of use
Abstract
A party tray kit comprises a variety of ready-to-eat foods of
sufficient quantity for a plurality of individuals that are sealed
within a serving tray and ready to serve. The party tray kit also
includes a carrier. The carrier includes a compartment for the
serving tray and a compartment for a variety of condiments and
relishes in ready-to-use packets. The party tray kit can be kept
under refrigeration for a considerable period of time. In use, the
party try kit is removed from refrigerated storage, the serving
tray is removed from the kit and a releasable lidding film is
removed from the serving tray. In one exemplary embodiment, the
party tray kit may include a selection of cold-cuts and cheeses.
When this embodiment is used, the serving tray may be presented to
a gathering of individuals who can consume the various food items
and condiments as desired.
Inventors: |
Garrett; Edward S.; (West
Liberty, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LATHROP & CLARK LLP
740 REGENT STREET SUITE 400
P.O. BOX 1507
MADISON
WI
537011507
US
|
Assignee: |
Iowa Turkey Growers Cooperative,
LLC
West Liberty
IA
|
Family ID: |
36574573 |
Appl. No.: |
11/005536 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/0433 20130101;
B65D 81/2069 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/120 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32 |
Claims
1. A ready-to-serve party tray kit, comprising: a carrier, the
carrier including at least a first compartment, and a top; a
serving tray placed within the first compartment of the carrier,
the serving tray containing at least a first compartment and a
second compartment, the first and second compartments of the
serving tray containing a plurality of food items, wherein the
plurality of food items is of sufficient quantity to feed multiple
individuals; and a releasable lidding film adhered to the serving
tray so as to hermetically seal the plurality of food items from
the outside environment.
2. The party tray kit of claim 1, wherein the carrier further
includes a second compartment, wherein the second compartment
contains at least one condiment, garnish and/or other food item
placed within the second compartment of the carrier.
3. The party tray kit of claim 1, wherein the kit is loaded and
packaged under sanitary conditions at a food processing
facility.
4. The party tray kit of claim 1, wherein the top of the carrier
has a first section and a second section.
5. The party tray kit of claim 4, wherein the first section at
least partially defines the first compartment, and the second
section at least partially defines the second compartment.
6. The party tray kit of claim 5, wherein: the first section has a
window, and the window provides a view of the contents of at least
a portion of the serving tray.
7. The party tray kit of claim 1, wherein at least one type of food
item is placed within the first compartment, and at least one other
type of food item is placed in the second compartment.
8. The party tray kit of claim 7, wherein at least one food
item-comprises cold-cuts.
9. The party tray kit of claim 1, wherein the first compartment
includes at least one or more auxiliary receptacles.
10. The party tray kit of claim 9, wherein each of the one or more
auxiliary receptacles are available to contain at least one of a
garnish, a condiment or another food item.
11. The party tray kit of claim 1, wherein the serving tray is back
flushed with at least one gas before application of the releasable
lidding film.
12. The party tray kit of claim 11, wherein at least one of at
least nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other preservative gas is
back-flushed into the serving tray before application of the
releasable sealing film.
13. The party tray kit of claim 2, wherein at least one of the at
least one condiment, garnish and/or other food item placed within
the second compartment is provided in a ready-to-use package.
14. The party tray kit of claim 1, wherein the serving tray is made
of at least a semi-rigid material.
15. The party tray kit of claim 14, wherein the serving tray is
formed of an oxygen-barrier polymer.
16. A party tray kit, comprising: an outer carrier, the outer
carrier having a bottom, four sides and a top piece, wherein the
carrier is divided into a first compartment and a second
compartment; a serving tray placed in the first compartment of the
carrier, the serving tray having a bottom, outer walls and at least
one inner wall, the walls defining at least a first compartment and
a second compartment, wherein a plurality of at least one
ready-to-eat food item is placed within the first compartment of
the serving tray and a plurality of at least one other ready-to-eat
food item is placed within the second compartment of the serving
tray and wherein the plurality of food items in the first and
second compartments is of sufficient quantity to feed multiple
individuals; at least one condiment, garnish and/or other food item
is contained in the second compartment of the carrier, wherein at
least one of the at least condiments garnish and/or other food item
is contained within a sealed package.
17. The party tray kit of claim 16, wherein the kit is loaded and
packaged under sanitary conditions at a food processing
facility.
18. The party tray kit of claim 16, wherein the top piece comprises
a first section and a second section, the first section at least
partially defining the first compartment of the carrier and the
second section at least partially defining the second compartment
of the carrier.
19. The party tray kit of claim 18, wherein a window is defined in
the first section of the top piece, the window providing a view of
at least a portion of the contents of the serving tray.
20. The party tray kit of claim 16, wherein at least one of the at
least one inner wall of the serving tray is co-extensive with the
outer walls of the serving tray.
21. The party tray kit of claim 20, wherein a lidding film is
releasably sealed to the outer walls and the at least one inner
wall of the serving tray.
22. The party tray kit of claim 20, wherein the bottom of the
serving tray is differentially raised.
23. The party tray kit of claim 22, wherein at least a portion of
the bottom of the serving tray is differentially raised, the raised
portions of the bottom defining a sloped bottom of at least one of
the first and/or second compartments of the serving tray.
24. The party tray kit of claim 23, further comprising at least one
auxiliary receptacle located in at least one compartment of the
serving tray.
25. The party tray kit of claim 23, wherein the bottom of the first
compartment is differentially raised to form a sloping annular
surface having a receptacle.
26. The party tray kit of claim 16, wherein the first compartment
of the serving tray includes at least one receptacle.
27. The party tray kit of claim 16, wherein the first compartment
contains at least one type of ready-to-eat meat product.
28. The party tray kit of claim 27, wherein at least one type of
ready-to-eat meat product comprises cold-cuts.
29. The party tray kit of claim 16, wherein the second compartment
contains cheese.
30. The party tray kit of claim 16, wherein the bottom of the
second compartment of the serving tray is differentially
raised.
31. A method of assembling a party tray kit comprising: providing a
serving tray, the serving tray having a first compartment and a
second compartment; placing in the serving tray a quantity of at
least one type of ready-to-eat food item that is of sufficient
quantity for multiple individuals; sealing the serving tray with a
releasable lidding film so as to hermetically seal the food items
from the outside environment; providing a carrier, the carrier
having, at least a first compartment and a second compartment;
placing the serving tray in the first compartment of the carrier;
and placing at least one condiment, garnish or other food item in
the second compartment.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein placing the quantity of at
least one type of food item in the serving tray comprises placing
the food items in the serving tray under sanitary conditions in a
food processing facility.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the second compartment of the
serving tray contains at least one type of food item.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein at least one food item
contained in the second compartment of the serving tray is at least
one variety of cheese.
35. The method of claim 31, wherein the party tray kit is kept
refrigerated.
36. The method of claim 31, wherein the serving tray is fabricated
of at least semi-rigid material.
37. A method of using a party tray kit comprising: obtaining a
refrigerated, pre-packaged serving tray contained within a carrier,
the serving tray containing at least one food item in a first
compartment and at least one food item in a second compartment,
wherein the food items in the first and second compartments are
preserved by the application of a lidding film and are of
sufficient quantity for multiple individuals; removing the serving
tray from the carrier; removing the lidding film from the serving
tray; serving the serving tray to multiple individuals.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the carrier has a first
compartment and a second compartment; and removing the serving tray
comprises removing the serving tray from the first compartment.
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising removing at least
one condiment from the second compartment.
40. The method of claim 39, further comprising placing at least one
condiment into an auxiliary receptacle associated with a first
compartment of the serving tray.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is directed to a packaged food tray.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] As food quality, sanitation, refrigeration and packaging
practices have improved, the ability and opportunity to provide
prepared and ready-to-eat food products has increased. While there
has been an exponential increase in packaged foods that are frozen
or not refrigerated, such as crackers, chips and frozen foods
packaged as single entrees or complete meals, there has not been an
equally explosive growth in ready-to-eat foods that require only
refrigeration.
[0005] While prepared frozen foods come in a wide variety of styles
and sizes, foods that are more appetizing when refrigerated are
neither available in such large varieties, nor are most
refrigerated foods amenable to long-term storage. For example,
deli-style foods are not readily amenable to drying or freezing for
long-term storage because such processes adversely affect their
taste, texture and/or appearance. While some deli-style foods are
commercially available refrigerated, these items are only available
as pre-packaged single items, such as luncheon meats. Large
ready-to-serve platters that serve parties of multiple users need
to be ordered on a short-term basis and have a short shelf-life. As
a consequence, the consumer is limited to attractively arranged
party trays that must be prepared shortly before customer pick-up
or delivery. Such trays must normally be used shortly after pick-up
or delivery due to the risk of spoilage and/or the rapidly
deteriorating appearance of the food items on the large, difficult
to refrigerate trays. Further, the retailer is limited in its
ability to prepare and store large pre-made food trays for the same
reasons.
[0006] Other types of refrigerated, deli-type foods are available
as kits. Such kits comprise either single-serving items and/or
require further preparation for use and/or must be consumed within
a short period of time. Numerous pre-packaged, refrigerated food
trays are known that, for the most part, comprise individual
serving meals. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,558, which
discloses a kit for assembling a sandwich, such as a turkey hoagie,
a hamburger or a hotdog, in which all of the components are
individually wrapped. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,084 discloses
a ready-to-assemble pizza kit comprising a pizza crust and
toppings, which are each individually packaged within a rigid tray.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,403 discloses a packaging system for a meal kit
comprising a paperboard carton containing individually wrapped
items, such as breads, sauces, beverages and candies. U.S. Pat. No.
6,022,571 discloses a pre-packaged serving tray containing shrimp
in which the shrimp are presented ready-to-eat in an attractive
arrangement. However, unlike the kits described above, the shrimp
tray must be shipped frozen and has a short shelf-life once placed
in a refrigerated display case for sale.
SUMMARY OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS
[0007] While these known, refrigerated, pre-packaged food products
provide meals or appetizers, none provides a pre-packaged food
assortment which provides a ready-to-serve party tray comprising
various attractively arranged meats or other foods or consumables,
including toppings, garnishes and/or condiments. Further, none of
the refrigerated food products comes in a sealed, clear package
that also has sufficient shelf-life that it can be assembled and
shipped by a manufacturer, displayed by a retailer and purchased
and stored by the consumer over a reasonably long period without
compromising the quality, taste and/or appearance of the food items
contained within the package.
[0008] This invention provides a pre-packaged food tray having a
variety of consumables that are ready-to-eat.
[0009] This invention separately provides a pre-packaged food tray
that easily and attractively presents the foodstuffs for
consumption.
[0010] This invention separately provides a pre-packaged food tray
that contains a sufficiently large amount of food so that it can
feed multiple individuals during the course of a party or large
gathering.
[0011] This invention separately provides a food tray having a
clear, sealed covering that maintains the quality and freshness of
the contents for a substantial period of time.
[0012] This invention separately provides a food tray having a
clear, sealed covering that allows the contents to be easily
visually inspected.
[0013] This invention separately provides a carrier for the food
tray that allows the contents of the food tray to be easily shipped
and displayed.
[0014] This invention separately provides a carrier that safely and
conveniently holds a food tray during shipping and storage while
providing a window that allows the contents of the tray to be
inspected while stored.
[0015] This invention separately provides a carrier for a food tray
that has inner compartments providing storage for condiments,
relishes and/or other food items.
[0016] This invention separately provides a kit of components of a
food tray containing a quantity of various deli-style food items
preserved under refrigeration.
[0017] This invention separately provides a kit in which the
various deli-style meat items may be loaded in an attractive and
easily usable fluffed or folded array.
[0018] This invention separately provides a method for assembling a
kit containing a quantity of various deli-style food items usable
by a number of people and having a substantial shelf-life when kept
under refrigeration.
[0019] This invention separately provides a method of using a kit
containing a quantity of various deli-style food items kept under
refrigeration.
[0020] This invention provides a method for assembling a food tray
that contains a quantity of food items, can be stored for a period
of time and can be shipped for distribution while allowing the
contents to be visually inspected and easily displayed.
[0021] This invention provides a method for using a food tray that
contains a quantity of food items, can be stored for a period of
time and has a variety of condiments, sauces, relishes and
garnishes that are usable by multiple individuals.
[0022] In various exemplary embodiments, a food tray kit containing
a quantity of food items usable by a number of people, may be
loaded under sanitary conditions with sliced food items and sealed
against spoilage at the factory. The food tray kit can be stored
for a period of time and can be shipped for distribution while
allowing the contents to be visually inspected and easily
displayed. In various exemplary embodiments, the food tray kit
includes a serving tray that has an annular area containing
ready-to-eat food products. The serving tray has a number of
peripheral areas around the annular area into which toppings or
condiments, which are included in the food tray kit and are readily
preserved when the food tray kit is stored under refrigeration, can
be placed. In various other exemplary embodiments, the food tray
has an array of individual compartments and/or receptacles usable
to store various food products.
[0023] In various exemplary embodiments, a food tray kit containing
a quantity of food items is prepared under sanitary conditions and
sealed against spoilage at the factory. The food tray kit can be
stored for a substantial period of time and can be shipped for
distribution while allowing the contents to be visually inspected
and easily displayed. In various exemplary embodiments, the food
tray kit includes a serving tray that has first compartment
containing ready-to-eat food products suitable for use by a number
of people. In various other exemplary embodiments, a second
compartment containing accompanying food items is provided. The
serving tray has a number of peripheral or interior receptacles
into which toppings or condiments, which are included in the food
tray kit and are readily preserved when the food tray kit is stored
under refrigeration, can be placed. In various other exemplary
embodiments, the food tray kit has at least one other individual
compartment and/or receptacle usable to store various food
products.
[0024] In various exemplary embodiments, a method of assembling a
food tray kit according to this invention provides a quantity of at
least one of a food item, appropriate for use by a number of
individuals, loaded in a first compartment and at least one of an
accompanying food item loaded in a second compartment of a serving
tray. The serving tray is hermetically sealed with a lidding film
to maintain freshness. The serving tray is packaged within a
carrier, the carrier providing protection during shipment and
storage for at least one condiment and/or relish to accompany the
at least one food item in the serving tray. The food tray kit
according to this invention can be stored for a substantial period
of time under refrigeration.
[0025] In various exemplary embodiments, a method of using a food
tray kit according to this invention is described. In various
exemplary embodiments, a refrigerated food tray kit is purchased by
a user and kept refrigerated until use. A serving tray packaged
with a quantity of at least one food item is removed from a carrier
of the food tray kit. A protective lidding film is removed from the
serving tray. Condiments and/or relishes contained within the
carrier are placed about the serving tray.
[0026] These and other features and advantages of various exemplary
embodiments of the party tray and methods according to this
invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following
detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the
article and methods according to this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Various exemplary embodiments of the structures according to
this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the
following figures, wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of
a food tray according to this invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the food tray shown in FIG. 1,
loaded with various food items;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the food tray shown in FIG.
2, having condiments and relishes placed in the corner
receptacles;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the food tray of FIG. 2
taken along section line 4;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the food tray of FIG. 2
taken along section line 5;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second exemplary
embodiment of a food tray according to this invention;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a food tray shown in FIG. 6,
loaded with various food items;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the food tray of FIG. 6
taken along section line 8;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the food tray of FIG. 6
taken along section line 9;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a third exemplary embodiment
of a food tray according to this invention;
[0038] FIGS. 11 and 12 are a flowchart outlining one exemplary
embodiment of a method for preparing the food tray according to
this invention; and
[0039] FIG. 13 is a flowchart outlining one exemplary embodiment of
a method for using the food tray according to this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0040] While there is no shortage of prepared or pre-cooked food
products for ready consumption, those that afford the most choice
and versatility for the user tend to be frozen products. While
frozen foods come in a multitude of cooking styles and sizes,
frozen products generally take further preparation, such as thawing
and heating, to make them ready for consumption. In contrast, foods
kept under refrigeration may be ready-to-eat, but their shelf-life
is short or, in the case of luncheon meats, they are packaged in a
way that does not make them amenable to a pleasing presentation
and/or eating without further preparation. In addition, many
refrigerated, pre-packaged, pre-cooked food items do not allow for
long-term storage of the food items due to the risk of spoilage,
which compromises the appearance, quality and/or taste of the
food.
[0041] The spoilage risk of pre-packaged, refrigerated food
products has at least two causes. First, regardless of sanitary
procedures followed in any retail delicatessen, food cannot be
prepared in a germ-free environment. Second, retail delicatessens
or food outlets do not have the equipment available to package meat
products in a modified atmosphere or hermetic packaging environment
suitable for long-term storage. Because of the inherent risk of
spoilage, items such as deli-style foods generally require
preparation, pick-up and consumption within about 24 hours. This
short timeframe means that large party food items, suitable for
multiple individuals, cannot be prepared in absence of a specific
order and stored for subsequent sale. Similarly, the retailer must
have sufficient personnel available who can individually prepare
refrigerated food trays on short notice.
[0042] The following detailed description discloses various
exemplary embodiments of a refrigerated, pre-packaged, ready-to-eat
food tray that allows long-distance shipment and extended storage
without compromising the taste, quality and/or attractiveness of
the food products contained within the food tray.
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of
a party tray kit 100 according to this invention. As illustrated,
the party tray kit 100 includes a box or carrier 110 containing a
pre-packaged serving tray 200 in a first compartment 120 and
condiments, garnishes and/or sauces in a second compartment
130.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the carrier 110 has a bottom side
111, two short sides 112 and 114, two long sides 113 and 115, a
first top flap 116 and a second top flap 117. In various exemplary
embodiments, the long sides 113 and 115 are twice the height of the
carrier 110. In such exemplary embodiments, the sides 113 and 115
are folded in half and folded into the carrier 110 resulting in a
double-wall construction of the long sides 113 and 115. Further, in
some such exemplary embodiments, as well as various other exemplary
embodiments, the long sides 113 and 115 have a slit cut in the
upper half such that, when folded over, a slot 119 is formed in the
inner portions of the long side walls 113 and 115. In the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each of the top flaps 116 and 117 has a
portion 118 such that, when the top flaps 116 and 117 are closed,
the portions 118 fit into the slots 119. When closed, the first top
flap 116, along with its portion 118, the short sides 114 and the
adjacent portions of the long sides 113 and 115 and the bottom 111
define the first compartment 120 that holds the serving tray
200.
[0045] In various exemplary embodiments, the first top flap 116 may
define an opening or window 116a that allows a purchaser to view
the contents of the first compartment 120. When closed, the second
top flap 117, along with its portion 118, the short side 112 and
the adjacent portions of the long sides 113 and 115 and the bottom
111 defines the second compartment 130, which is typically used to
hold a variety of condiments and/or other food items, including,
for example, relishes and/or garnishes provided in various
ready-to-serve packages 131. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the packages of condiments may include mustard 132,
mayonnaise 134, olives 136 and pickles 138.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, in various exemplary embodiments, the
serving tray 200 may be thermoformed from unitary thermoplastic
sheet material. The serving tray 200 may have two long outer walls
202 and 204, two short outer walls 203 and 205 and an inner wall
206. The inner wall 206 is perpendicular to outer walls 202 and 204
and, with the outer walls 202-205, defines a first compartment 210
and a second compartment 220. As shown in FIG. 1, in various
exemplary embodiments, the bottom of the first compartment 210
comprises a sloped annular surface 212 and a flat bottom 214. In
some exemplary embodiments, the sloped annular surface 212 of the
first compartment may have a frustoconical shape. One or more
corner pockets or receptacles 218 are formed between the side 213
of the sloped annular surface 212, the bottom of the serving tray
216, the outer walls 202, 203, and 204 and the inner wall 206. It
should be appreciated, however, that the flat bottom 214 can be
omitted or located away from the center of the first compartment
210.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, in various exemplary embodiments, the
second compartment 220 is defined by the short outer wall 205 and
the inner wall 206 and the adjacent portions of long walls 202 and
204. A middle divider 222 divides the second compartment 220 into a
first side 230 and a second side 240. FIG. 1 illustrates that, in
various exemplary embodiments, the first side 230 and the second
side 240 have sloped bottom surfaces 232 and 242 and flat portions
234 and 244, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment shown on
FIG. 1, the sloped bottom surfaces 232 and 242 slope toward the
outer walls 202 and 204, respectively, but of course, could slope
in the opposite direction if desired. The flat portions 234 and 244
connect to the walls 202 and 204, respectively. In various
exemplary embodiments, the flat portions 234 and 244 can be
omitted.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the exemplary embodiment of the
serving tray 200 illustrated in FIG. 1 when loaded with food items.
In this exemplary embodiment, the sloped annular surface 212 of the
first compartment 210 is loaded with food items 251. Similarly, the
first side 230 and second side 240 of the second compartment 220
contain food items 252 and 253, respectively. In some exemplary
embodiments, when the food items 251 in the first compartment 210
are meats, such as cold-cuts, the food items 252 and 253 in the
second compartment 220 may be cheeses, such as American cheese,
provolone cheese, Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, or some other
desired cheese, or two or more such cheeses. Further, when the food
items 251 are cold-cuts, the cold-cuts may be loaded in the first
compartment 210 in a folded or "fluffed" manner. This places the
"fluffed" cold-cuts in an attractive arrangement while allowing the
cold-cuts to be easily removed from the serving tray 200. In
general, although not required by this invention, the food items
252 and 253 will be appropriately related to the food item 251.
However, it should be appreciated that the food items 251-253 in
the serving tray 200 may be any desired food items that are
appropriately used with the serving tray 200 and party tray kit 100
according to this invention.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the serving tray 200 shown
in FIG. 2 with corner receptacles 218 filled and fully ready to
serve to the multiple individuals. In this view, condiments, such
as mustard 132 and mayonnaise 134, and relishes, such as olives 136
and pickles 138, have been taken out of the packages 131 stored in
the second compartment 130 of the carrier 110 and placed in the
corner receptacles 218. As shown, when fully ready for use, the
serving tray provides an attractive presentation of the food items
251 arranged on the annular surface 210, surrounded by various
condiments and/or relishes 132-138, and the accompanying food items
252 and 253. If desired, the user can provide bread or rolls or any
other item to accompany the food items 251-253 contained in the
serving tray.
[0050] It should be appreciated that other condiments, sauces or
relishes, such as horseradish, seafood sauce, pepper relish,
chutney, or the like, are easily included with the party tray kit
100. If more or different food items are desired than the number of
receptacles provided for with the party tray kit 100 (and/or are
added by the user), additional sauces, relishes, or condiments or
the like may be provided in additional containers arranged about
the serving tray 200 as desired.
[0051] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the serving tray 200
taken through section line 4 of FIG. 2 and viewed in the direction
of the arrows. FIG. 4 shows the sloped or inclined annular surface
212 of the first compartment 210 when loaded with the food items
251. FIG. 4 also shows the corner receptacles 218 formed by side
213, the outer walls 203 or the inner wall 206, and top surface
201. FIG. 4 further shows the middle divider 222 of the second
compartment 220, and the bottom face of the sloped or inclined
bottom 232 of the first side 230 and the schematically shown food
items 253. In addition, FIG. 4 shows a transparent lidding film 260
that can be releasably applied to the top surface 201 of the
serving tray 200 in a fluid-tight relation by heat sealing,
adhesive or other hermetic sealing method.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the serving tray 200
taken along section line 5 of FIG. 2 and viewed in the direction of
the arrows. FIG. 5 shows the second compartment 220, including the
first side 230 and the second side 240, which are separated by
middle divider 222. As shown in FIG. 5, in various exemplary
embodiments, the middle divider 222 is not as high as the top
surface 201. FIG. 5 also shows the sloped or inclined bottoms 232
and 242 of the first and second sides 230 and 240, respectively.
FIG. 5 further shows the bottom face of the sloped or inclined
annular surface 212 and the flat bottom 214 of the first
compartment 210 behind the second compartment 220. As shown in FIG.
5, the sloped or inclined bottoms 232 and 242 of the first and
second sides 230 and 240, respectively, reach the depth of the
serving tray 200 prior to meeting the side walls 236 and 246 of the
second compartment 220, resulting in the flat portions 234 and 244.
The food items 252 and 253 are shown loaded in the second
compartment 220 and the lidding film 260 is applied to the top
surface 201.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second exemplary
embodiment of the party tray kit 100 according to this invention.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 the party tray kit 100
includes the box or carrier 110 as described above for FIG. 1.
While the carrier 110 is generally constructed as described above,
as shown in FIG. 6, in various exemplary embodiments, the carrier
110 may have a structural and/or decorative bar or slat 121
positioned in the window of the first top flap 116.
[0054] FIG. 6 also illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a
serving tray 300 according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 6,
the serving tray 300 has two long outer walls 302 and 304 and two
short outer walls 303 and 305. The serving tray 300 also has an
inner wall 306 extending perpendicular to the walls 302 and 304 and
that, with the walls 302-305, divides the interior of the serving
tray 300 into a large first compartment 310 and a smaller second
compartment 320. In this exemplary embodiment, the first
compartment 310 has a flat bottom 311 and a receptacle 312 formed
by a wall 313. It should be appreciated that, in this exemplary
embodiment, the wall 313 need not be as tall as the top surface
301. In addition, the receptacle 312 has an internal bottom 314
that, in various exemplary embodiments, need not be as deep as the
bottom 311 of the first compartment 310.
[0055] It should be appreciated that, while the receptacle 312 is
shown in FIG. 6 as being round and centrally located, the
receptacle 312 can be located anywhere within the first compartment
310 and can be any desired and obtainable shape. It should also be
appreciated that, if the receptacle 312 is located adjacent to one
or more of the walls 302-304 and/or 306, those wall(s) could be
used with the wall 313 to form the receptacle 312. Additionally, it
should be appreciated that multiple ones of the receptacle 312 can
be provided and/or one or more of the provided receptacle(s) 312
could be sub-divided into separate portions by one or more interior
walls. Any condiment, garnish, relish, sauce, dip, or any other
desired food item, or the like, can be placed into the receptacle
312.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the second compartment 320 also has a
middle divider 322 situated between the outer wall 305 and the
inner wall 306. As with the circular wall 313, in various exemplary
embodiments, the middle divider 322 need not, but may, be as tall
as the top surface 301. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the middle
divider 322 divides the second compartment 320 into a first side
330 and a second side 340. As shown in FIG. 6, both the first side
330 and the second side 340 have flat bottoms 332 and 342,
respectively.
[0057] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the serving tray 300
illustrated in FIG. 6 when loaded with food items 351-353. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, in various exemplary embodiments, when the
food items 351 are cold-cuts, the cold-cuts maybe loaded in the
first compartment 310 in an annular array around the receptacle 312
in a folded or "fluffed" manner. Fluffed cold-cuts provide an
attractive display and allows the individual meat slices to be
easily removed from the first compartment 310. In addition, the
other food items 352 and 353, are loaded in the first side 330 and
second side 340, respectively, of the second compartment 320. In
various exemplary embodiments, food items 352 and 353 are any food
items that desirably accompany the food item 351. As shown in FIG.
7, a releasable lidding film 360 may be applied to the top surface
301 in a fluid-tight relation to hermetically seal the compartments
and their contents from the atmosphere.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment
of the serving tray 300 illustrated in FIG. 7 taken along section
line 8 and viewed in the direction of the arrows. FIG. 8 shows the
interior of the first compartment 310 and the receptacle 312 formed
by the wall 313. FIG. 8 also shows the middle divider 322 of the
second compartment 320. The releasable lidding film 360 is applied
to the top surface 301 to seal in the schematically shown contents
of the serving tray 300.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the serving tray
illustrated in FIG. 7, taken through line section line 9 and viewed
in the direction of the arrows. FIG. 9 shows the outer walls 302
and 304 of the serving tray 300. FIG. 9 also shows how the middle
divider 322 of the second compartment 320 divides the second
compartment 320 into the first side 330 and the second side 340.
FIG. 9 also shows how the schematically shown food items 352 and
353 are loaded into the first side 330 and the second side 340,
respectively. The releasable lidding film 360 is applied to the top
surface 301 to hermetically seal in the food items 351, 352 and 353
loaded in the serving tray 300.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a third exemplary embodiment
of a serving tray 400 according to this invention. As shown in FIG.
10, the serving tray 400 has long sides 402 and 404, short sides
403 and 405 and inner walls 406, 407 and 408. Accordingly, in this
exemplary embodiment, the serving tray has a first portion 410
having a first compartment 411, a second compartment 412, a third
compartment 413 and a fourth compartment 414. In addition, the
serving tray 400 includes a second portion 420 having a middle
divider 422 that divides the second portion into a first side 430
and a second side 440. In the exemplary embodiment shown, primary
food items 451 and 454-456 are loaded in the first 411, second 412,
third 413 and fourth 414 compartments, respectively, while second
and third food items 452 and 453 are loaded in the first side 430
and second side 440, respectively. In some exemplary embodiments,
the food items 451 and 454-456 may all be the same type of item,
such as, for example, cold-cuts of meat. Further, when the food
items 451 and 454-456 are the same type of item, such as cold-cuts,
the primary food items 451 and 454-456 may all be of the same
variety or they may all be different varieties. In addition, the
second and third food items 452 and 453 may be items such as cheese
or other foodstuffs chosen to accompany the food items packaged in
the first portion 410.
[0061] FIGS. 1-10 illustrate three exemplary embodiments of a party
tray kit according to this invention. In the exemplary embodiments
shown in these figures, the food items packaged in the first
compartment or portion may be shaved and folded, or "fluffed",
meats including roast beef, smoked turkey, smoked ham and/or the
like. In some exemplary embodiments, the serving tray according to
this invention may be pre-packaged with different cold-cuts in
different compartments. When the food items are cold-cuts, loading
them in a folded or "fluffed" style results in an attractive
display. At the same time, fluffing allows individual meat slices
to be easily grasped and separately removed from the tray for use.
In various exemplary embodiments, at least 16 ounces each of three
different types of cold-cuts that can be placed into the first
compartment or portion so that it can be used by multiple
individuals. Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments, the food
items loaded in the second compartment or portion may be one or
more varieties of cheese. In various exemplary embodiments, if
cheese is loaded in the second compartment or portion,
approximately 8 ounces may be placed in each of the first and
second sides. However, it should be appreciated that the types and
amounts of food items included in the party tray kit 100 may vary
depending on the size of the party tray desired and/or taste of the
purchaser. For example, while the food items contained in the party
tray kit 100 may comprise cold-cuts, they may also include other
food items, such as pork, chicken, seafood and the like.
[0062] Lidding films are known in the art. Such films can be used
with modified atmosphere packaging techniques to maintain the
freshness of the products packaged within. Briefly, the serving
tray is loaded with the desired food items, and a lidding film,
which may be a laminate of, for example, polyester and
polyethelyne, and which may include an anti-fog agent, is unwound
from a roll of film onto the top of the serving tray. A sealing die
is applied, and the air inside the serving tray is evacuated by a
vacuum. Nitrogen, carbon dioxide or other desirable preservative
gases, including inert gases, are then back-flushed into the die
chamber in various ratios depending on the food item contained
within. The lidding film is then sealed to the top of the serving
tray by heat. However, it should be appreciated that the film can
be sealed to the top surface of the walls and by any appropriate
known or later-developed method, such as adhesives, sonic and/or
radio frequency welding or the like.
[0063] While the serving tray 200, 300 or 400 may be made of any
convenient material, in various exemplary embodiments, the serving
tray is made of a substantially rigid, fluid-tight, easily
sanitized material. Accordingly, convenient ways to form the
serving tray include thermoforming and injection molding. When
these methods are used, the tray may be formed using polymers that
provide an effective oxygen barrier, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol
(EVOH). In addition, copolymers of EVOH that include nylon and
nylon blends may be used. However, it should be appreciated that
the serving tray can be formed by other suitable methods and
materials known or later-developed.
[0064] In various exemplary embodiments, the carrier 110 is made of
cardboard or paper board. The carrier 110 can be made of any
appropriate known or later-developed, low-cost material that
appropriately encloses and protects the serving tray 200, 300 or
400. Such materials may include any appropriate plastic(s), such as
polystyrene, or the like or any other known or later-developed
appropriate material. Similarly, the carrier 110 may be any size
sufficient to contain the desired serving tray 200, 300 or 400 and
condiments. In addition, the carrier 110 may have printing or
adhesive labels on it describing the contents of the carrier 110
and the virtues of the kit 100. For example, the carrier 110 may
disclose, by words or pictures, the different items packaged in the
serving tray and describe a recommended method of storage and/or
use. In use, the serving tray 200, 300 or 400 is removed from the
carrier 110, and the releasable lidding film is removed from the
tray. The relishes, condiments or other accompanying food items are
removed from the second compartment of the carrier 110 and may be
placed in the corner receptacles 218 of the serving tray 200, the
at least one compartment 312 of the serving tray 300 or about the
serving tray 200, 300 or 400 in any other desired manner.
[0065] In addition, it should be appreciated that the serving tray
according to this invention is not limited to the exemplary
embodiments of the serving tray described above. For example, the
exemplary embodiment of the serving tray 200 shown in FIG. 1 has a
first compartment 210 in which the differentially raised bottom of
the annular surface 212 slopes down to the flat bottom 214.
However, it should be appreciated that the annular surface could
slope upwards to a raised surface. Similarly, in the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first and second side 230 and 240,
respectively, slope down from the middle divider 222. However, in
various other exemplary embodiments, the flat portions 234 and 244
can be located adjacent to the middle divider 222 and the bottoms
of the first and second compartments 230 and 240 slope up to the
adjacent portions of walls 202 and 204, respectively.
[0066] It should also be appreciated that, in various other
exemplary embodiments, the first and second sides 230 and 240
respectively, could have flat bottoms, like the first and second
sides 330 and 340 shown in FIGS. 6-9. Alternatively, it should be
appreciated that, in various other exemplary embodiments, the first
and second sides 330 and 340 could have sloped bottoms, similar to
the first and second sides 230 and 240 shown in FIGS. 1-5.
Additionally, it should be appreciated that one or more of the
first through fourth compartments 411-414, the first side 430
and/or the second side 440 could also have sloped bottoms. Of
course, the number and sizes of the various compartments may be
varied as desired. Various exemplary embodiments of the serving
tray 200, 300 and 400 described here have walls and/or dividers
that are not co-extensive with the sealing surface. However, in
other exemplary embodiments, all or a portion of the walls and/or
dividers may be co-extensive with the sealing surface, such that
the lidding film seals the contents of each compartment from the
others.
[0067] It should also be appreciated that, in various other
exemplary embodiments, the bottom surface 311 of the first
compartment 310 can slope between the receptacle 312 and the walls
302-304 and 306, and in either direction. Similar exemplary
embodiments could be provided by replacing the flat bottom portion
214 with the receptacle 312 and wall 313 in the first compartment
210. In short, while various exemplary embodiments according to the
invention are described herein, various features and/or elements
may be substituted, interchanged or their orientations altered to
result in various other exemplary embodiments according to the
invention that may have mixtures or combinations of the elements
and/or features not specifically shown in the exemplary embodiments
illustrated herein.
[0068] FIGS. 11 and 12 are a flowchart outlining one exemplary
embodiment of a method of assembling a party tray kit according to
this invention. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the method begins in
step S100 and continues to step S110 where a selection of prepared
food components to be loaded into the party tray kit is made. Next,
in step S115, the selected products, such as cold-cuts, are
arranged in a first compartment of the serving tray. Then, in step
S120, accompanying food products, such as cheese, are placed in a
second compartment of the serving tray. It should be appreciated
that the food components can be an initially processed food product
which is received and possibly stored in a designated area of a
food processing facility that meets appropriate standards of
cleanliness and hygiene. Such methods of food preparation and
hygiene are described in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/818,944, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. Operation then continues to step S130.
[0069] In step S130, a lidding film is placed over the filled
serving tray. Then, in step S135, a vacuum is used to evacuate the
residual air inside the tray, and the serving tray is back-flushed
with an inert or preservative gas, according to recognized
principles of modified atmosphere packaging techniques. Next, in
step S140, the lidding film is sealed to the serving tray by
application of the heated die. Operation then continues to step
S145.
[0070] In step S145, the sealed serving tray is transferred to a
packaging area. Next, in step S150, the sealed serving tray is
placed into the first compartment of a carrier. Then, in step S155,
hermetically sealed pouches or containers of selected condiments
appropriate for the foods sealed in the serving tray are placed in
the second compartment of the carrier and the carrier is closed,
and, optionally sealed. Operation then continues to step S160.
[0071] In step S160, the closed carrier is transferred to a
refrigerated holding area. Then, in step S165, the party tray kits
are shipped under refrigeration to a wholesale, retail,
institutional or end-use customer, as desired. Operation then
continues to step S170, where operation of the method ends.
[0072] FIG. 13 is a flowchart outlining one exemplary embodiment of
a method of using the party tray kit according to this invention.
As shown, the method begins at step S200 and continues to step
S210, where the consumer purchases the carrier containing the party
tray kit. Next, if not used immediately, in step S220, the
purchaser keeps the party tray kit under refrigeration until use.
Then, in step S230, the user removes the serving tray from the
carrier. Operation then continues to step S240.
[0073] In step S240, the releasable lidding film is removed from
the serving tray. Next, in step S250, the condiments are removed
from the second compartment of the carrier. Then, in step S260, the
condiments are arranged for use around the serving tray, such as,
for example, in one or more peripheral receptacle(s) and/or one or
more receptacles located within the first compartment of the
serving tray. Operation then continues to step S270, where
operation of the method ends.
[0074] It should be appreciated that, depending on the exemplary
embodiment of the party tray kit purchased, the condiments may
either be arranged in one or more peripheral receptacles, as shown
in the exemplary embodiment of the serving tray 200 illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2, in one or more interior receptacles, such as the
receptacle 312 shown in the exemplary embodiment of the serving
tray 300 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, or variously about the
serving tray as the user desires.
[0075] While the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein describe
the contents of the first compartment or portion as deli-style
meats, the serving trays according to this invention can be used
with any appropriate perishable food item. The party tray kit is
particularly amenable to use with perishable food items that are
not easily stored or desirably preserved by freezing, canning or
dehydrating. While one desirable method for sealing the lidding
film to the tray is by heat sealing, any other known or
later-developed suitable method can be used, such as, for example,
the use of releasable adhesives or sonic or radio wave frequency
welding.
[0076] The above-outlined exemplary embodiments of the party tray
according to this invention are usable to prepare, store and serve
food items that are desirably stored in a refrigerated environment.
Each of the various structures and methods described herein are
separately useful. It should be appreciated that party trays and
kits according to this invention do not need to use all or even a
plurality of the various structures disclosed herein and can use
specific features selected from each of a number of such exemplary
embodiments.
[0077] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the exemplary embodiments outlined above, various alternatives,
modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial
equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently
unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least an
ordinary skill in the art. The exemplary embodiments of the
invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not
limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. The invention is intended to
embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications,
variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.
* * * * *