Abstract: The instant invention pertains to packaging which is suitable for protecting food during handling and storage and which also facilitates optimal heating and service of the food contained therein. In particular, a container having a recessed area surrounded by a sealing rim, and a multiplayer lid that comprises a base layer, an optional barrier layer, and an adhesive layer, are described. The lid is heat sealed to the top edge of the container which contains food to form a food package that may be frozen and that withstands shipping and distribution handling without the need for a protective outer folding carton. Such lids provide automatic venting when heated in a microwave or conventional oven and are easily separated from the container after heating. Unlike present lids which are difficult to remove and leave tears or unsightly exposed paper fibers which may absorb gravies and sauces, the instant lid is easily removed and results in a more convenient and esthetically pleasing package.

Abstract: A composite barrier laminate for a carton for citrus juices that extends the shelf life of the citrus juice by inhibiting the proliferation of microbial growth therein. The composite barrier laminate has a plurality of layers with one layer being a thin barrier skin coat in contact with the juice. The skin coat is impervious to the antimicrobial agent D-limonene and is effective to prevent the migration of the D-limonene found in the citrus juice. A method for extending the shelf life of a citrus juice stored in a paperboard carton for preventing the D-limonene present in the citrus juice stored in a carton from migrating into the carton structure by making the innermost layer of the carton impervious to D-limonene is disclosed as is a method for preserving the antimicrobial properties present in a citrus juice that is stored in a paperboard carton formed from a laminate by preventing migration of D-limonene from the citrus juice into the laminate by making the innermost layer impervious to D-limonene.

Abstract: A composite barrier laminate for a carton for citrus juices that extends the shelf life of the citrus juice by inhibiting the proliferation of microbial growth therein. The composite barrier laminate has a plurality of layers with one layer being a thin barrier skin coat in contact with the juice, The skin coat is impervious to the antimicrobial agent D-limonene and is effective to prevent the migration of the D-limonene found in the citrus juice. A method for extending the shelf life of a citrus juice stored in a paperboard carton for preventing the D-limonene present in the citrus juice stored in a carton from migrating into the carton structure by making the innermost layer of the carton impervious to D-limonene is disclosed as is a method for preserving the antimicrobial properties present in a citrus juice that is stored in a paperboard carton formed from a laminate by preventing migration of D-limonene from the citrus juice into the laminate by making the innermost layer impervious to D-limonene.

Abstract: A die set is provided for forming a multi-compartmented tray from sheet material. The die set includes a female die assembly formed to include at least two mold cavities and a drawing surface bounding said mold cavities, a first compartment-former for pressing sheet material into a selected mold cavity to form a compartment therein, a second compartment-former for pressing sheet material into the remaining mold cavities to form compartments therein, and a draw ring for holding sheet material against the drawing surface during movement of the first and second compartment-formers into their respective mold cavities. The first compartment-former includes a first die for pre-forming the comparment, a second die for finish-forming the compartment, and a projection system for moving the first die relative to the second die in a direction toward the cavity to a leading position.

Abstract: A tray is formed from coated paperboard or plastic and is provided with a top peripheral flange onto which a tray lid is sealed. The tray lid includes an inner membrane member which is secured to the tray flange by an adhesive coated into the membrane. Also included in the lid is an outer paperboard member which is adhesively secured to the membrane and tray flange. The outer lid member can be peeled off of the membrane without the membrane releasing from the tray flange. The membrane can then be peeled off of the tray flange to open the tray. A method for forming the sealed trays is also disclosed.

Abstract: A color contrast gauge to determine and test the proper contrast of a light background to a darker machine-readable symbol printed thereon.