Food packaging

US9346599B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NESTEC S.A. · CH

Inventors

• Erik Strilich · Roselle, US
• Bethanie L. Gasperson · Chesterfield, US
• Paul Andrew Cogley · Gurnee, US
• Alison M. Wilker · Paddy Lane, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 17, 2012
• Grant date: May 24, 2016
• Expiry date: Dec 17, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D81/3216
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Food packaging has a base tray and a second tray which nests in the base tray. The base tray has one or more walls terminating in a land. The land has an indent in its upper surface at least partially surrounded by an indent wall which extends continuously along an inward side of the indent so as to separate the indent from a main cavity formed by the base tray walls. The second tray nested has a flange supported by the land. The flange extends partially over the indent. The indent is sized to admit a finger within the indent below the flange. In consequence, after cooking of the foods in the trays, the consumer can use the indent in gripping the flange of the second tray without direct exposure to steam from the food cooked in the base tray. The consumer can then add a selected amount of food from the second tray to the base tray.