PACKAGING DEVICE

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of a packaging device comprises a lid that is slidably engaged to a tray having a compartment for holding processed sliced meats. The packaging device further includes a manually releasable lid lock for re-sealing the packaging device after use. Also provided in a preferred embodiment of the packaging device is a support foot for stabilizing the package during stacking or vertical display.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of packaging devices. More specifically, this invention involves a packaging device for sliced deli meats, fish, cheeses and other related foods. Even more particularly, this invention relates to an improved packaging device which incorporates a lid that is slidably engaged to a tray.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional packaging for sliced deli meat, smoked fish, cheeses and other processed foods has been in existence for many years. Packaging for these foods has evolved over the years with the goal of providing convenience to consumers, as well as increasing the shelf life of food without sacrificing freshness and taste. Indeed, retail deli-meat packaging continues to grow more important for companies as consumers, who are already accustomed to being exposed to innovative designs in other product areas, look for innovation in packaging that keep foods fresher for longer periods of time and which are easy to open and close.

Generally, current forms of packaging for sliced deli meats and related foods either cannot be resealed or have limited interior accessibility. Vacuum-sealed plastic packaging, for example, has been and continues to be, utilized to keep its contents fresh for a longer period of time. However, vacuum-sealed packages which use relatively thick plastics are often difficult to open without the assistance of a sharp edge. Furthermore, after opening, many vacuum-sealed packages do not lend themselves to being re-sealed, thereby reducing the shelf life of contents if not consumed in a single sitting. Current forms of tray-based deli-meat packaging suffer from similar shortcomings in that once a package is opened, it typically cannot be re-sealed.

To address the foregoing concern, re-sealable plastic packaging with press-to-close zippers was introduced to consumers, eliminating the need for consumers to place contents of an opened vacuum-sealed package in an entirely new container. While a re-sealable package does not eliminate the possibility of contaminants being introduced to the food, it has been utilized to provide consumers with a means to conveniently store the food without having to transfer uneaten portions to a separate bag or container.

Since the introduction of the re-sealable package, other features have been incorporated into packaging as well. For example, one of the latest advancements in packaging involves the use of a sliding zipper which provides a reliable means to open and close a package containing deli meat or other perishables. This has been considered by many to be superior to conventional press-to-close zippers that have been widely available to consumers for years now.

Despite the convenience and other advantages offered by these packaging products, there still remain some inherent disadvantages in current re-sealable deli-meat packaging. in particular, accessibility into the interior of deli-meat packaging is limited, essentially requiring a consumer to reach through a narrow portal and into a narrow space inside the package to retrieve its contents. This is especially unappealing when juices from the meat are present in the package, which can result in a brief (but potentially strong) feeling of revulsion when the juices make contact with the hands of a user.

Another disadvantage of current forms of deli-meat packaging is that the exterior surface conforms to its contents, resulting in a non-uniform surface on which branding, content information, nutritional information and other visual indicia appear. In extreme situations, some information is entirely obscured because select areas of the packaging, whether at the edges or in the middle, are “sucked in” or “folded over” as a result of the manufacturing or sealing process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the deficiencies and drawbacks in the prior art, it is, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging device with a sliding lid that is both re-sealable and provides increased accessibility to the contents thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved packaging device with a sliding lid that has a uniform surface on which branding, content information, nutritional information and other visual indicia is clearly displayed for consumers.

A further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging device packaging device for sliced deli-meats, having a sliding lid engaged to a tray that is easier and more convenient to use as compared to other packaging products.

Another object of the present invention is to create a low-volume product-package combination, thus maximizing space on display shelves and showcases.

Additional objectives will be apparent from the description of the invention that follows.

In summary, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention an improved packaging device comprising a plastic lid that is slidably engaged to a tray having a compartment for sliced deli meat. The packaging device further includes a manually releasable lid lock for re-sealing the package after use. A preferred embodiment of the improved packaging device is an aesthetically pleasing, value added, hermetically sealed, hanging peg-board product that is easy to open and close as needed. By utilizing the product, deli-meat and the like can be kept safely under refrigeration for an extended period of time after initial opening by utilizing the accompanying sliding lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-described and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings of which

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a first preferred embodiment of the packaging device with sliding lid of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the packaging device shown in FIG. 1 with sliced deli-meat positioned and sealed within the tray;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view thereof showing the removal of an interior seal film or wrapping;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view thereof with the sliding lid sliding over the tray;

FIG. 5 is perspective view of the packaging device with sliding lid in a fully closed position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective, exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of the packaging device with sliding lid of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective, exploded view of the packaging device shown in FIG. 8 with sliced deli-meat positioned and sealed within the tray;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view thereof showing the removal of an interior seal film or wrapping;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view thereof with the sliding lid sliding over the tray;

FIG. 12 is perspective view of the packaging device with sliding lid in a fully closed position;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 13-13 of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 7, there is shown a first preferred embodiment of a packaging device 10 of the present invention. The packaging device 10 is sized and adapted to be used in conjunction with sliced deli-meat M or other foods that are customarily sliced and packaged for sale to consumers in supermarkets and convenience stores. The packaging device 10 is composed of a plastic tray 12 that includes a depressed cavity or compartment 14 for holding the sliced deli-meat. The tray 12 comprises a perimeter around the compartment 14 forming a border between the compartment and the edge of the tray 12. The interior width dimension of the compartment 14 is preferably about 4 to 5 inches, generally conforming to the width of a standard slice of deli meat. The interior length dimension is about 8 to 9 inches, but may be varied to hold any number of arranged and layered slices as desired. The depth of compartment 14 varies from the bottom or rearward end 16 where compartment 14 is shallower, then sloping downward to the middle area 18 where the compartment 14 reaches a maximum depth of about ½-¾ of an inch and forms a flat surface 20, and then sloping upward at the top or forward end 22. Although the compartment 14 presented FIGS. 1 through 7 is of a particular configuration, it should be understood that specific dimensions may be subject to change without altering the scope of the invention. For example, a compartment having a single generally uniform surface or one having different divisions therein may be utilized instead of the compartment specifically illustrated in the drawings.

The packaging device 10 further includes a clear plastic lid or cover 30 that is sized and adapted to complement the tray 12. The lid 30 is positioned in sliding engagement with the tray 12, providing a container that is easy to repeatedly open and close as needed, until emptied. The lid 30 and tray 12 are constructed to allow the lid 30 to slide relative to the tray 12 a sufficient distance to expose the tray 12 and allow full access to the contents of the package 10 without contacting the lid 30 during the act of removal of the contents. The lid 30 comprises a section with a uniform surface 32 on which branding, content information, nutritional information and other visual indicia may be clearly displayed for consumers. The lid 30 has a sufficient thickness and rigidity to prevent it from becoming unintentionally deformed, thus providing an aesthetically pleasing display at all times for consumers to view when shopping.

In the preferred embodiment, the lid 30 is incorporated as part of the packaging device 10 subsequent to the contents of the package being sealed (by vacuum sealing or otherwise) with an interior film seal S, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Thus, there is no possibility of the information displayed on the surface 32 of the lid 30 becoming obscured as a result of the sealing process which typically occurs when air is removed.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, sliding engagement is made possible through the presence of a channel 34, 34 which is formed between the top surface 32 of the lid 30 and each of its sides 36, 36. Within each channel 34, 34, the respective lateral edges 38 of the tray 12 are positioned in sliding contact. The channels 34, 34 that are formed each have a depth dimension that comfortably accommodates the lateral edges 38 of the tray so as to prevent the lid 30 from unintentionally disengaging the tray 12. However, this dimension is not intended to be too large or deep so as to prevent the lid 30 from being removed by a user, if desired. in a preferred embodiment, the depth of the channel 34 is approximately ⅜ to ¼ of an inch, but it can be varied more or less as desired.

As also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sides 36, 36 of the lid 30 each culminate in a support foot 40 extending the length of the lid 30. In a preferred embodiment of the packaging device 10, each support foot 40 is positioned at an elevation that is below the lateral edges of the tray, and an elevation that is at or beneath the half way point along the sides 42 of the depressed compartment 14. This feature assists in the stabilization of the packaging device 10 when multiple packaging devices 10 are stacked on one another by preventing them from leaning excessively towards one side. The feature also helps with display spacing by preventing over-bunching of product when the device is hung vertically in a refrigerated display or showcase. Preferably, the support foot 40 is also reinforced by one or more webs or braces 39 that are positioned transverse to the side 36 of the lid 30 forming the foot.

The tray 12 and lid 30 together produce a lid lock 50 that keeps the lid 30 from sliding along the tray 12 and uncovering its contents. The lid lock 50 is formed from creating one or more mating protrusions or depressions 52, 54 in the tray 12 and lid 30 at the top or forward ends thereof. The mating protrusions 52, 54 serve as a lid lock 50 to maintain the packaging device 10 in a closed position. This feature is particularly advantageous in keeping the package closed after the interior seal film (shown in FIG. 3) is removed from the meat and the product is otherwise exposed to the atmosphere.

Aside from the upward protrusion(s) 52 in the tray 12 that produce a lid lock 50, the tray 12 further comprises a raised section or ledge 56 around its entire perimeter. The outer section of the ledge 56 tapers off to form sloped edge 58. Due to the increased height of the tray 12 caused by the ledge, the lid 30 must be formed to accommodate this increase in height of the tray 12. The contact between the lid 30 and ledge 56 helps form a better and more consistent seal after the initial sealing material is removed in order to keep the contents of the compartment 14 fresher longer. The sloped edge 58 helps provide a surface that is conducive to sliding along the channel 34 of the lid 30. While the ledge 56 of the preferred embodiment proceeds around the entire perimeter of the tray 12, it should be understood that the ledge may extend around less than the entire perimeter while still keeping within the spirit and scope of the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 8 through 14, there is shown a second preferred embodiment of a packaging device 110 of the present invention. This embodiment bears close resemblance to that disclosed above both in form and use with changes to some features thereof that are described below. The packaging device 110 is composed of a plastic tray 112 that includes a depressed cavity or compartment 114 for holding the sliced deli-meat. Notably the shape of the compartment 114 is slightly different, comprising a single depressed area that occupies the bulk of the compartment. Similar to packaging device 10, the depth of compartment 114 varies from the bottom or rearward end 116 where compartment 114 is shallower, then sloping downward to the larger middle area 118 where the compartment 114 reaches a maximum depth of about ½ -¾ of an inch and forms a larger flat surface 120, and then sloping upward at the top or forward end 122.

The packaging device 110 further includes a clear plastic lid or cover 130 that is sized and adapted to complement the tray 112. The lid 130 is positioned in sliding engagement with the tray 112, providing a container that is easy to repeatedly open and close as needed, until emptied. The lid 130 comprises a uniform surface 32 on which branding, content information, nutritional information and other visual indicia may be clearly displayed for consumers.

In the preferred embodiment, the lid 130 is incorporated as part of the packaging device 110 subsequent to the contents of the package being sealed (by vacuum sealing or otherwise) with an interior film seal, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. Thus, there is no possibility of the information displayed on the surface 132 of the lid 30 becoming obscured as a result of the sealing process which typically occurs when air is removed.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, sliding engagement is made possible through the presence of a channel 134, 134 which is formed between the top surface 132 of the lid 130 and each of its sides 136, 136. Within each channel 134, 134, the respective lateral edges 138 of the tray 112 are positioned in sliding contact. The channels 134, 134 that are formed each have a depth dimension that comfortably accommodates the lateral edges 138 of the tray so as to prevent the lid 130 from unintentionally disengaging the tray 112. Notably, since the packaging device 110 does not have a ledge, the height of the channel 134 is less than that of channel 34, accommodating the lateral edges 138 without having to accommodate other areas of the tray 112.

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the sides 136, 136 of the lid 130 each culminate in a support foot 140 extending the length of the lid 130. Each support foot 140 is positioned at the same elevation as the bottom surface 121 of the tray 112. As compared to support foot 40 which may be positioned at a relatively higher elevation, support foot 140 permits the packaging device to remain even more stable when stacked on one another and uniformly spaced when hanging vertically in a refrigerated display or showcase.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the lid 130 includes a pair of protrusions 154 that extend downward into a corresponding pair of depressions 152 positioned at the top end 122 of the tray 112. The mating protrusions 154 and depressions 152 serve as a lid lock 150 to maintain the packaging device 110 in a closed position. Notably, a pair of depressions 156 is also positioned at the bottom end 116 of the tray 112. This feature serves as a stop to prevent the lid 130 from completely disengaging the tray 112. The position of the stop at the bottom 116 of the tray 112 allows a user to fully expose or display the contents of the package 110 during use without having worry about being able to re-seal the package if all the food is not eaten.

While the preferred embodiment has protrusions on the lid and depressions located on the tray, it should be understood that the protrusions may be positioned on the tray with depressions located on the lid. Likewise, it should be understood that the lid lock mechanism may be altered to further limit the range within which the lid can slide relative to the tray. It is also possible for a lid to be incorporated into the packaging device without a lid lock.

In connection with the preferred embodiments herein, the contents of the packaging device are preferably vacuum sealed and have been run through a high pressure processing system to remove bacteria and/or other contaminants. Aside from the lid, a thin interior seal film is applied to keep the food fresh and free from contaminants. After the seal film is peeled off or otherwise removed, the lid remains available to re-seal the package and keep contents fresher, longer.

While the interior seal film is typically discarded after the package is opened, another embodiment of the packaging device may incorporate an interior seal film that remains attached to the tray and serves to re-create a fully airtight seal. In such an embodiment, the interior seal film is “pinched” between the tray and the lid after as the lid slides into the closed position. Such a feature may be incorporated with or without the lid lock as well.

The tray 12, 112 of the packaging device 10, 110 is preferably formed of a recyclable mono-layer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material that is commonly utilized in the production of food and beverage containers. The tray 12, 112 is thermo-formed into the required shape and size cavity using a convention horizontal form, fill and seal packaging machine (HFFS). After the tray is formed using the HFFS, sliced deli-meat (or any appropriate product) is loaded into the empty trays in the HFFS's loading area. The trays and meat are then transported via gripper chains into the seal/evacuation station. After the appropriate sealing process has taken place and the tray has been discharged, the tray and meat (or other food) package is run through a high pressure processing (HPP) system. Thereafter, the sliding lid 30, 130 is manually applied to the package. With additional equipment, it is also possible to have the lid automatically applied as part of the production process, Much like the corresponding tray, the lid of the packaging device is preferably formed of a recyclable mono-layer PET material. The lid is thermo-formed into the required shape and size cavity using a HFFS as well.

Although the description above and accompanying drawings contains much specificity, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. The drawings and the description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of the embodiments and are understood as broad and general teachings in accordance with the present invention. While the present embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that modifications and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A packaging device for use in connection with the packaging of sliced meats comprising:

a plastic preformed tray, said tray having a compartment with a bottom surface and, said compartment being surrounded by a perimeter and a pair of lateral edges;

a plastic preformed lid having a channel sized to accommodate said lateral edges of said tray;

a lid lock, said lid lock adapted to maintain said lid in a fixed position relative to said tray;

wherein said channel of said lid enables said lid to slidably engage said tray to assume an open position when said lid lock is disengaged and a closed position when said lid lock is engaged.

2. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said lid further comprises a support foot.

3. The packaging device of claim 2, wherein said support foot extends the length of said lid.

4. The packaging device of claim 2, wherein said support foot is positioned at an elevation equal to said bottom surface of said compartment.

5. The packaging device of claim 2, wherein said support foot is positioned at an elevation that is below the lateral edges of the tray.

6. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said tray further comprises a raised ledge at said perimeter of said tray.

7. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said ledge proceeds around the entire perimeter of said tray.

8. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said tray further comprises a raised ledge that contacts said lid to produce a consistent seal between said lid and said raised ledge.

9. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said lateral edges of said tray comprise a sloped edge.

10. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said lid lock is formed by mating protrusions positioned on said tray and said lid.

11. A packaging device having an original interior seal for use in connection with the packaging of sliced meats comprising:

a tray, said tray having a compartment with a bottom surface with said compartment being surrounded by a perimeter with a raised section and a pair of lateral edges;

a lid having an elongated channel sized to hold said lateral edges of said tray in sliding engagement;

a lid lock, said lid lock adapted to maintain said lid in a fixed position relative to said tray;

wherein said packaging device may be selectively and repeatedly opened and closed by sliding said lid after said original interior seal is broken.

12. The packaging device of claim 11, wherein said lid further comprises a support foot.

13. The packaging device of claim 12, wherein said support foot extends the length of said lid.

14. The packaging device of claim 12, wherein said support foot is positioned at an elevation equal to said bottom surface of said compartment.

15. The packaging device of claim 12, wherein said support foot is positioned at an elevation that is below the lateral edges of the tray.

16. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said lateral edges of said tray comprise a sloped edge.

17. The packaging device of claim 11, wherein said lid lock is formed by mating protrusions positioned on said tray and said lid.

18. The packaging device of claim 11, wherein said raised section of said tray contacts said lid to produce a consistent seal between said lid and said raised section.

19. A packaging device comprising:

a tray, said tray having a compartment with a bottom surface for holding sliced foods;

a lid sized to cover said tray;

a channel connecting said lid and said tray and enabling said tray to slide relative to said lid within said channel;

a lid lock to maintain said lid in a fixed position relative to said tray.

a support foot on the bottom of said lid to stabilize said packaging device when stacked.

20. The packaging device of claim 19, wherein said lid lock is formed by mating protrusions positioned on said tray and said lid.

21. The packaging device of claim 20, wherein said lid lock is formed by mating protrusions positioned on a front end and a rear end of said tray, and a front end and a rear end of said lid.

22. The packaging device of claim 19, wherein said support foot is positioned on the sides of said lid.

23. The packaging device of claim 22, wherein said lid comprises a reinforcing brace at said support foot.

24. The packaging device of claim 23, wherein said brace is positioned transverse to a side of the lid forming said support foot.

25. The packaging device of claim 19, wherein said support foot extends the length of said lid.

26. The packaging device of claim 19, wherein said support foot is positioned at an elevation equal to said bottom surface of said compartment.

27. The packaging device of claim 19, wherein said support foot is positioned at an elevation that is below the lateral edges of the tray.

28. A packaging device for use with packaged deli product comprising:

a tray formed of polyethylene terephthalate;

an interior seal film, said seal film adapted to seal said deli product on said tray when said deli product is loaded on said tray;

a sliding lid, said sliding lid being positioned in sliding engagement with said tray above said interior seal film; and

a manually releasable lid lock, said manually releasable lid lock adapted to keep said sliding lid in a fixed position relative to said tray after said packaging device has been opened.