Molded plastic overwrap tray
US5503858A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 13, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S206/815
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A molded plastic overwrap tray is disclosed having a base and sidewalls. The upper edges of the sidewalls define an upper surface of the tray. The base and sidewalls define a food retaining chamber. Adjacent sidewalls of the tray are connected to one another through a corner reinforcing rib extending from the base to the upper edges of the associated sidewalls. The reinforcing rib defines a channel in communication with the food retaining chamber to provide finger access to food positioned in the food retaining chamber to facilitate removal thereof. Each of the corner ribs provides reinforcement to resist deflection of the upper edges of the sidewalls, whereby an overwrap on the tray is supported by the upper surface of the tray to minimize sagging of the overwrap and prevent the overwrap from coming into contact with food in the food retaining chamber. In another embodiment, a center post is provided having its upper end substantially level with the upper surface of the tray. The post contacts the under surface of the overwrap and assists in preventing contact between the food and the overwrap upon stacking one tray on top of another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.