U.S. patent application number 14/022050 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-10 for multi-item packaged food product.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Hillshire Brands Company. The applicant listed for this patent is The Hillshire Brands Company. Invention is credited to Jason C. Billig, Martha E. Cassens, Stuart M. Leslie, Thomas Anthony Lucio, Jin Namkung, Madalyn E. Pappas, Victor Shapiro.
Application Number | 20140099409 14/022050 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50432850 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140099409 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cassens; Martha E. ; et
al. |
April 10, 2014 |
MULTI-ITEM PACKAGED FOOD PRODUCT
Abstract
Packages for food products and food products packaged in such
packages are described. A multi-item packaged food product may
include food items, a bottom portion defining containers, and a top
portion releasably sealed to the bottom portion such that food
items are received in the containers. The top portion defines
removeably coupled cover portions, each cover portion sealing at
least one food item within a corresponding one of the containers.
The top portion is peelable in a first direction to remove at least
two cover portions from the corresponding containers, and the top
portion is peelable in a second direction to remove a single cover
portion from a single container.
Inventors: |
Cassens; Martha E.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Leslie; Stuart M.; (Larchmont,
NY) ; Billig; Jason C.; (Mount Vernon, NY) ;
Pappas; Madalyn E.; (Pelham, NY) ; Shapiro;
Victor; (Brooklyn, NY) ; Lucio; Thomas Anthony;
(Bronx, NY) ; Namkung; Jin; (Elmhurst,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Hillshire Brands Company |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Hillshire Brands
Company
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
50432850 |
Appl. No.: |
14/022050 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61699131 |
Sep 10, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/108 ;
220/260; 220/270 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/02 20130101;
B65D 75/5855 20130101; B65D 75/328 20130101; B65D 43/02 20130101;
B65D 2575/3281 20130101; B65D 75/327 20130101; B65D 2575/3245
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/108 ;
220/260; 220/270 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/02 20060101
B65D043/02 |
Claims
1. A multi-item packaged food product comprising: a plurality of
food items; a bottom portion defining a plurality of containers;
and a top portion releasably sealed to the bottom portion such that
the plurality of food items are received in the plurality of
containers; wherein the top portion defines a plurality of
removeably coupled cover portions, each cover portion sealing at
least one food item within a corresponding one of the plurality of
containers; wherein the top portion is peelable in a first
direction to remove at least two cover portions from the
corresponding containers; and wherein the top portion is peelable
in a second direction to remove a single cover portion from a
single container.
2. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 1, wherein the
bottom portion comprises two rows of containers extending from a
middle portion.
3. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 2, wherein the two
rows of containers are foldable relative to the middle portion such
that the bottoms of the two rows of containers engage each
other.
4. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 3, wherein the
bottoms of the two rows of container comprise corresponding
structural features that engage each other to resist relative
lateral movement between the two rows of containers.
5. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 2, wherein the
middle portion comprises at least one rib to provide rigidity.
6. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 1, wherein the
bottom portion comprises an upper lip releasably sealed to the top
portion, and at least one debossed tab portion extending downward
from the upper lip that is spaced apart from the top portion when
the top is sealed to the upper lip of the bottom portion.
7. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 1, wherein the top
portion and the bottom portion have corresponding score lines
defining individual packages that are removable from one another
along the score lines.
8. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 7, wherein the
individual packages are microwaveable.
9. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 1, wherein the top
portion is a flexible film and the bottom portion is a thermoformed
tray.
10. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 3, wherein the
packaged food product is configured to be supported by the middle
portion in an upright position.
11. The multi-item packaged food product of claim 3, further
comprising a band wrapped around the two rows of containers to
maintain the two rows of containers to be engaged to each
other.
12. A package assembly comprising: a top defining at least one
first pull tab and a plurality of second pull tabs; and a bottom
comprising a thermoformed tray defining a plurality of containers
and releasably sealed to the top; wherein application of a force to
the first pull tab tends to release the top from at least two of
the plurality of containers, and wherein application of a force to
one of the second pull tabs tends to release only a portion of the
top from only a single one of the plurality of containers.
13. The package assembly of claim 12, wherein the bottom portion
comprises an upper lip releasably sealed to the top, and at least
one debossed tab portion extending downward from the upper lip that
is spaced apart from the top when the top is sealed to the upper
lip of the bottom.
14. The package assembly of claim 12, wherein the top and/or bottom
comprise score lines configured to enable separation of individual
containers and corresponding portions of the top while the top is
releasably sealed to the bottom.
15. The package assembly of claim 12, wherein the containers are
arranged in a pair of rows on opposite sides of a middle portion
such that the rows of containers are bendable relative to the
middle portion to form a U-shaped package assembly.
16. The package assembly of claim 15, further comprising a band
wrapped around the pair of rows of containers to maintain the rows
of containers in the U-shape.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/699,131 filed on Sep. 10, 2012,
which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety
for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field
packaged food products, and more specifically, to multi-item
packaged food products providing improved opening and separability
features for opening one or more individual packages.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are many challenges associated with providing food
product packaging for accommodating multiple food items. Structural
integrity considerations as well as visual appearance
considerations can be considered, both of which may, at least in
part, determine the success of a product with consumers.
[0004] Accordingly, various embodiments disclosed herein are
directed to improved packaging for food products and similar
consumer products.
SUMMARY
[0005] One embodiment relates to a multi-item packaged food product
including a plurality of food items; a bottom portion defining a
plurality of containers; and a top portion releasably sealed to the
bottom portion such that the plurality of food items are received
in the plurality of containers. The top portion defines a plurality
of removeably coupled cover portions, each cover portion sealing at
least one food item within a corresponding one of the plurality of
containers. The top portion is peelable in a first direction to
remove at least two cover portions from the corresponding
containers; and the top portion is peelable in a second direction
to remove a single cover portion from a single container.
[0006] Another embodiment related to a package assembly includes a
top defining at least one first pull tab and a plurality of second
pull tabs, and a bottom including a thermoformed tray defining a
plurality of containers and releasably sealed to the top. An
application of a force to the first pull tab tends to release the
top from at least two of the plurality of containers, and an
application of a force to one of the second pull tabs tends to
release only a portion of the top from only a single one of the
plurality of containers.
[0007] Another embodiment relates to a packaged food product
including a bottom defining a plurality of containers, each
container comprising a bottom wall defining at least one raised
portion configured to maintain a space between a food product and a
remainder of the bottom wall; and a top removeably coupled to the
bottom, the top defining a plurality of peel starter portions
usable to remove at least a portion of the top from the bottom. The
top and bottom collectively define a plurality of individual
packages that are removeable relative to one another while the top
is removeably coupled to the bottom.
[0008] Another embodiment relates to a packaged food product
including a package assembly comprising a bottom portion coupled to
a top portion, the bottom and top portions being configured to be
folded about a line between containers and maintained in a folded
position. The bottom portion defines a plurality of containers,
each container comprising an integrated drip tray formed by at
least one embossed portion configured to support a food product
above a remainder of a bottom of the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are a series of illustrations of a
multi-item packaged food product according to a first exemplary
embodiment.
[0010] FIGS. 2A and 2B are a series of illustrations of a bottom
portion of the multi-item packaged food product of FIG. 1 according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of a top portion of the multi-item
packaged food product of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0012] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are a series of illustrations of a
multi-tem packaged food product according to a second exemplary
embodiment.
[0013] FIGS. 5A and 5B are a series of illustrations of a bottom
portion of the multi-item packaged food product of FIG. 4 according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of a top portion of the multi-item
packaged food product of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0015] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are a series of illustrations of a
multi-item packaged food product according to a third exemplary
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a series of illustrations of a top and bottom
portion of the multi-item packaged food product of FIG. 7 according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0017] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are a series of illustrations of a
multi-item packaged food product according to a fourth exemplary
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a series of illustrations of a top and bottom
portion of the multi-item packaged food product of FIG. 9 according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are a series of illustrations of a
multi-item packaged food product according to another exemplary
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Referring to the FIGURES generally, various embodiments
disclosed herein relate to multi-item packaged food products, where
the multi-item packaged food product includes a package assembly
that defines a number of individual packages that are coupled
together. In some embodiments, individual packages having food
products therein may be removed from one another for preparation
and consumption. In further embodiments, the top portion (e.g., a
flexible polymer film, etc.) may be removed such that a user may
choose to remove the entire top portion from the bottom portion, or
alternatively, the user may remove only that portion of the top
portion that corresponds to one of the individual packages, thereby
keeping the remaining food products sealed within the other
packages. In yet further embodiments, one or more of the containers
may include an integrated "drip tray" formed, for example, by
raised/embossed portions in the bottom of the containers, such that
food products such as sausages, etc. can be cooked in the container
and grease, oils, etc. released from the food product during
preparation can be directed to the drip tray beneath the food
product.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, a series of
illustrations of a multi-item packaged food products are shown as
packaged food product 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Packaged food product 10 includes a package assembly 12 and a food
product 14 (which, as discussed in greater detail below, is
distributed between individual packages that make up package
assembly 12). Packaged food product 10 may be any of a variety of
types of products, including non-refrigerated, refrigerated, or
frozen products, and may include food products such as
single-component and/or multi-component food products such as
sandwiches, breakfast sausages, links, patties, and the like. It
should be understood that the various embodiments herein may apply
to a wide variety of food product types in addition to those
specifically disclosed herein.
[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, package assembly 12
includes a top 16 and a bottom 18 that collectively define a
plurality of packages 20. According to one embodiment, top 16 is a
polymer film configured to seal with one or more portions of bottom
18 (e.g., a lip or flange portion of bottom 18, etc.) in a
removable/releasable manner. Top 16 may include graphics, text,
etc. on a top surface to provide various types of information to
users. Furthermore, top 16 may include one or more peel-starting
portions 28 and 38, as discussed in greater detail below. Bottom 18
may be made of a polymer material by way of a molding process,
including injection molding, blow-injection molding, thermoforming,
vacuum forming, blow molding, sheet molding, etc. In one
embodiment, bottom 18 is a thermoformed polymer tray defining a
plurality of individual containers (e.g., receptacles, etc.).
Bottom 18 may be transparent or semi-transparent. In some
embodiments, top 16 may be flexible or rigid and may be a barrier
layer or sheet made of a single or multiple layer, metallic and/or
polymer material. In one embodiment, top 16 is a poly-coated
board.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, packages 20 form two rows of
packages extending from a middle portion 22. The rows of packages
20 and middle portion 22 are in one embodiment configured to be
folded along fold lines 26 such that the bottoms of the two rows of
packages engage one another and the packaged food product may be
displayed in a generally upright position while supported by middle
portion 22. Middle portion 22 includes one or more ribs 23 or
similar features to provide additional rigidity and provide a level
support surface for supporting the packages 20 in a vertical
orientation. A band 30 (e.g., a shrink band, etc.) is wrapped
around the folded packages 20 to maintain the packages 20 in the
folded position during transport, display, etc. In some
embodiments, the bottoms of the two rows of packages 20 are formed
with corresponding raised/recessed portions that maintain alignment
between the rows. In yet further embodiments, as also discussed in
greater detail below, the raised/recessed portions may further
provide integrated "drip trays" on the interior of the
containers.
[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment, top 16 and bottom 18
include aligned score lines 24 such that individual packages 20 may
be removed from one another. The score lines 24, as well as the
fold lines 26, may be formed by perforations, slits, laser scores,
etc. that may extend partially or fully through one or both of top
16 and bottom 18. As such, a user may separate one or more packages
20 from package assembly 12. As shown in the FIGURES, package
assembly 12 includes six individual packages 20 (formed into two
rows of three). According to various other embodiments, more or
fewer packages 20 may be included in package assembly 12, and more
or fewer rows of packages 20 may be utilized.
[0025] In some embodiments, packaged food product 10 may provide
users with different options for opening one or more of packages
20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, top 16 includes multiple covers 34
removeably coupled to each other and a middle seal portion 35 and
separated by score lines 24 (described below). Top 16 also includes
a pair of first peelable tab portions 28 (e.g., a pull tab, etc.)
and a plurality of second peelable tab portions 38. According to an
exemplary embodiment, first tab portion 28 is usable to peel away
multiple covers 34 from their respective containers 32. For
example, should a user grasp first tab portion 28 and pull the tab,
top 16 will tend to release from the entire row of packages and
along score line 24 dividing the row of packages and middle seal
portion 22. As such, top 16 may be provided with two first tab
portions 28, with one being associated with each row of packages.
In other embodiments, a tab portion may be configured so as to tend
to pull the entire top 16 away from bottom 18. According to further
embodiments, tab portions 28, 38 and score lines 24 may be
configured to enable a user to pull off any desired section of top
16.
[0026] In some embodiments, first tab portion 28 is intended to
provide a visual indication that the tab portion is usable to open
multiple packages. As shown in FIG. 3, first tab portion 28 may
define an arc extending along some or all of one of the sides of a
package 20. Furthermore, one or more visual indicators (e.g., text,
graphics, etc.) may be provided to indicate the proper direction to
pull first tab portion 28 (e.g., an arrow, etc.). According to
various embodiments, the location and/or number of first tab
portions 28 may be varied relative to the configuration shown in
the drawings.
[0027] Should a user desire to remove only a single cover 34 from a
single container 32, the user may use one of the second tab
portions 38. As shown in FIG. 3, a separate tab portion 38 is
provided with each individual cover 34. As such, top 16 includes
six separate second tab portions 38. Upon a user pulling on one of
second tab portions 38, an individual cover 34 will release from
the underlying container 32. Score lines 24 are provided in top 16
along the perimeter of each individual cover 34 (e.g., between
adjacent packages 20 and between the packages and middle portion
22).
[0028] In one embodiment, each second tab portion 38 is formed in a
wave-shape having a curved peek, while in other embodiments, other
shapes may be used. Furthermore, one or more visual (e.g., text,
graphics, etc.) indicators may be provided to indicate the proper
direction to pull second tab portions 38 (e.g., an arrow, etc.).
According to various embodiments, the location and/or number of
second tab portions 38 may be varied relative to the configuration
shown in the drawings.
[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or both of first
tab portions 28 and second tab portions 38 extend beyond the
periphery of bottom 18 (e.g., such that a portion of top 16
"overhangs" the edge of bottom 18). This may provide a graspable
portion for users to grasp, and avoid having to initially separate
top 16 from container 18 in order to open one or more packages 20.
According to alternative embodiments, rather than overhanging the
edge of bottom 18, top 16 may be left unsealed from bottom 18 in
the area of the tab portions 28 or 38.
[0030] It should be noted that the various tab portions 28 or 38
may be used to release portions of top 16 from bottom 18 before or
after one or more packages are separated from one another. For
example, a user may separate a single package 20 from packaged food
product 10, and subsequently use second tab portion 38 to open the
individual portion. Alternatively, a user may pull on a single
second tab portion 38 while the package 20 is still coupled to one
or more other packages 20, such that the user opens only one
package 20, yet the container portions of the packages are still
coupled together. Similarly, a user may use first tab portion 28 to
remove top 16 from an entire row (or a portion of a row) either
before or after separating the row from, for example, middle
portion 22 of packaged food product 10.
[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more packages
20 may be heated using a microwave oven either prior to or after
removing top 16. As such, various food products may be prepared in
containers 32, including a variety of meat-based products such as
breakfast sausages (e.g., pork sausages, beef sausages, links,
patties, etc.) and non-meat based products. In some cases, such as
when heating breakfast sausages, the food product may tend to
release liquids such as grease, oils, etc. during heating. To keep
the food product separate from these liquids, containers 32 may be
provided with integrated "drip trays."
[0032] For example, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in one embodiment
container 32 includes one or more raised portions 36 (e.g.,
embossed portions, projections, supports, etc.) that are raised
relative to the remainder of the bottom of the container 32, and
are configured to maintain a food product such as a breakfast
sausage, link, or the like, spaced apart from any liquids that may
be released from the food product during heating. As shown in FIG.
2, raised portions 36 may be a plurality of curved, or contoured
raised portions that extend upward within the container. Thus, the
bottom of container 32 is defined by raised/embossed portions 36
and recessed/debossed portions 40, such that the raised/embossed
portions 36 support the food product, and the recessed/debossed
portions 40 contain any liquids release from the food product
during heating.
[0033] In one embodiment, the containers in a single row of
containers 32 may have the same configuration of raised and
recessed portions, and the containers 32 on the opposite side of
middle portion 22 may have the raised/recessed portions 36 and 40
reversed, such that when bottom 18 is folded along fold lines 26,
the bottoms of the two rows of containers tend to "interlock" such
that relative lateral movement between the two rows is prevented.
It should be noted that while raised portions 36 are shown as
generally having curved, wavy-shaped or contoured features,
according to various alternative embodiments, raised portions 36
may take other shapes and forms. In other embodiments, the two rows
of containers may be held together in other ways, including a
snap-fit, friction fit, adhesives (e.g., one or more glue dots,
etc.), a male/female interlocking structure, nesting features,
etc.
[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment, to produce multi-item
packaged food product 10, bottom 18 is formed (e.g., thermoformed,
etc.) to include multiple containers 32. Food product 14 is
introduced into each container 32, and top 16 is sealed to bottom
18 to enclose the food product within the individual containers 32.
The package components may also be die cut to a desired shape, and
provided with perforations, lasers scores, etc. The package
assembly 12 may then be folded into a U-shape structure and banded
using a band 30 (e.g., an elastic or shrinkable band, etc.). In
some embodiments, band 30 may be omitted and the package held in
the folded position using the mating structural features discussed
above. This structure provides for both vertical (resting on middle
portion 22) and horizontal (resting on one of the rows of packages)
merchandising options. Further, packaged food products 10 may also
be stacked upon one another (e.g., while in the horizontal
orientation). The structural rigidity of packaged food product 10
may be enhanced by the interlocking embossed/debossed features of
the container bottoms 18, which may resists twisting/racking
between the opposing rows of packages 20.
[0035] In use, a consumer may remove band 30 to unfold multi-item
packaged food product 10 and, if desired, remove one or more
individual packages 20 from the package assembly 12. Because of the
score lines/perforations 24, users may separate individual packages
20 without the use of scissors, knives, etc. The user may then heat
the desired portion in a microwave oven while the food product is
still within the packages 20. The packages 20 may be prepared
without the use of additional containers, paper towels, etc.
Because the food products 14 are individually packaged, there is no
need to reseal or use any additional packaging (e.g., zip-lock
bags, plastic wrap, etc.) to maintain any unused portions of food
product 14, as the unused portions are in separately sealed
individual packages. In some embodiments, the package 20 may be
self-venting. For example, the package 20 may include vent portions
formed by perforations, scoring, micro-scoring, weakened areas of
the package configured to burst, etc., and the like. In other
embodiments, the package 20 may be configured to be pre-vented
(e.g., prior to cooking) by the user. For example, the package 20
may be configured to be opened slightly, punched, etc.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 11, a packaged food product 410 is shown
according to an exemplary embodiment. Product 410 shares many of
the features of product 10 shown herein, except that packages 420
are provided in a single row that is divided by a middle portion
422 (e.g., in contrast to product 10, where a middle portion 22
divides two rows of packages 20). As such, product 410 may provide
primary and secondary branding panels for labeling, etc.
Furthermore, like product 10, product 410 may provide first and
second peelable tab portions 428 and 438 to enable a user to open
one or more of containers 420. Because of the position of middle
portion 422, product 410 may provide for different display
alternatives in terms of how a product can be displayed to
consumers.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B and 6, a packaged
food product 110 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
Packaged food product 110 may share many of the features of
packaged food product 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 except as
otherwise noted herein.
[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, packaged food product
110 includes a package assembly 112 and a food product 114. Food
product 114 includes one or more meat products such as sausage
patties (e.g., pork sausage patties, etc.) according to an
exemplary embodiment. Package assembly 112 includes a top 116 and a
bottom 118 and defines a plurality of packages 120. Each package
120 includes a container 132, a cover 134, and raised portions 136
and recessed portions 140 that form an integrated drip tray.
Further, package assembly 112 includes first and second tab
portions 128, 138 that operate in a similar manner to first and
second tab portions 28, 38.
[0039] Referring further to FIGS. 4-6, each container 132 may be
formed in the shape of two circular, or arced compartments or
receptacles, and multiple containers 132 are joined together by a
connecting portion 122. The circular compartments generally conform
to the shape of the food product (e.g., a sausage patty, etc.).
According to other embodiments, other shapes and sizes may be used
in connection with container 132. Furthermore, package assembly 112
includes two rows of packages 120, with each row including two
packages 120.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 8, a multi-item
packaged food product 210 is shown according to an exemplary
embodiment. Packaged food product 210 may share many of the
features of packaged food product 10. Packaged food product 210
also includes an outer sleeve 215 that serves to maintain package
assembly 212 in a folded position and permits viewing of the food
product through a transparent/semi-transparent package assembly
212. Package assembly 212 includes a top 216 and bottom 218 that
collectively enclose a food product 214 (e.g., sausage links,
etc.). Package assembly 212 may define two individual packages 220
that are joined at a score line 224. Each individual package 220
may include a container 232 and a cover 234. Container 232 may
include embossed/debossed features 236 and 240 that provide an
integrated drip tray to collect grease, oils, and the like. The
container 232 may be transparent or semi-transparent to allow
viewing of the food product within the container 232.
[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment, container 232 further
includes a debossed tab 217. Tab 217 is formed on an upper lip, or
flange, of container 232, and is recessed relative to the remainder
of the lip such that when top 216 is sealed to bottom 218, a space
remains between top 216 and debossed tab 217, thereby providing an
"ez-peel" feature and a graspable portion for users to hold and
open the container. Debossed tab 217 may take any suitable shape
and be provided at any suitable location.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 10, a multi-item
packaged food product 310 is shown according to an exemplary
embodiment. Packaged food product 310 may share many features with
packaged food products 10, 110, and 210 disclosed herein. Packaged
food product 310 includes an outer sleeve 311 within which a number
of individual packages 320 are provided (e.g., four, six, etc.).
Each package 320 includes a container 332 and a cover 334 that
collectively enclose a food product 314. As shown in FIG. 9,
packages 320 are provided separated from each other within sleeve
311. Container 332 includes embossed/debossed portions 336 and 340
that form an integrated drip tray. Container 332 further includes a
debossed tab portion 317 that, like tab 217, forms an "ez-peel"
feature on the cover 334 and a graspable portion on the container
332 for users to hold while preparing the food product.
[0043] The multi-item packaged food products disclosed in the
various embodiments herein may provide various advantages over
traditional packaging. For example, the package structure enables
users to microwave food products such as sausage, etc. in the
package without removing the food product from the package prior to
heating. The package structure also enables users to "break off"
one or more individual packages containing a desired portion from
the remainder of the unused packages/food products. Additionally,
the integrated "drip tray" provides a means for collecting grease,
oils, etc., away from the food product during preparation of the
food product. Furthermore, the form and shape of the container and
top may suggest to the user the removal direction for the top,
including removal of the top from individual or multiple packages.
Further yet, the integrated grip and/or handle portions provide
users a secure grasp of individual packages (e.g., to assist in
separating individual packages, opening of packages, etc.).
[0044] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the packaged food products and/or
methods as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative
only. Although a few embodiments have been described in detail in
this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.)
without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited in the various
embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in
the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method
steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative
embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and/or
omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and
arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the
spirit of the present disclosure.
* * * * *