TRAY FOR PREVENTING MEAT BROWNING

Abstract

A tray including projections may store a product, such as meat. The projections may extend upward or downward from the tray. The projections may allow the tray to be offset from a subsequent tray or surface. The projections may allow air flow and thus oxygen flow through a film of the tray and into the product stored within.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present patent application claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/590,749 filed on Nov. 27, 2017, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to trays for storing and displaying products for consumers to select. More specifically, the present application relates to trays for storing meat products and preventing premature browning of the meat products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current retail packaging for meat products involve placing meat in a disposable tray and sealing the meat therein with a film. When displayed in a store, such as a grocery or retail store, multiple trays of meat are stacked such that the base of one tray rests directly on the film of a subsequent tray. The weight of the meat in the top tray pushes the film downward and, often, into contact with the meat in the lower tray. This prevents air flow from being allowed to penetrate the film and reach the meat stored in the tray. Myoglobin is a protein in the meat that is responsible for a majority of the red color of the meat. When the myoglobin is mixed with oxygen, it becomes oxymyoglobin and produces a bright red color. If air is not allowed to reach the meat, the myoglobin cannot mix with oxygen, resulting in a brown coloring.

Consumers often select a meat product based on the color of the meat in the package. If consumers see a brown meat, they often assume the meat has spoiled and do not select the meat. In fact, much of the time, the meat has not received enough oxygen to allow for the bright red color produced by the oxymyoglobin. The brown meat is often not spoiled, but instead lacks a flow of oxygen to the meat. Therefore, a need exists to enhance the air flow and the available oxygen to a meat product stored in retail packaging. Enhancing the air flow to the meat product may enhance the oxygen to the meat, prevent premature browning of the meat. A need also exists for reducing the weight or pressure applied to stacked products, especially stacked meat products.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a tray for preventing the browning of meat may have a base, a first wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base, a second wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base, a third wall opposite from the first wall, the third wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base, a fourth wall opposite from the second wall, the fourth wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base; the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall are connected to form a generally rectangular shape, an area defined between the base, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall; a film attached to the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall, offset from the base and configured to seal the area; and a plurality of projections, the plurality of projections connected to at least one of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall and extending axially upward from the film. The plurality of projections may be configured to provide a space between the film and a base of a second tray, the space configured to prevent compression from the second tray on the film of the tray and configured to allow a volume of air to exist between the film of the tray and the base of the second tray.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a tray for preventing the browning of meat may comprise a base, a first wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base, a second wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base, a third wall opposite from the first wall, the third wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base, a fourth wall opposite from the second wall, the fourth wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base; the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall are connected to form a generally rectangular shape, an area defined between the base, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall; a film attached to the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall, offset from the base, and configured to seal the area; and a plurality of projections, the plurality of projections connected to at least one of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall and extending axially downward from the base. The plurality of projections may be configured to prevent compression from the tray on the film of the second tray and configured to allow a volume of air to exist between the film of the second tray and the base of the tray.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for preventing the browning of meat may have a first tray and a surface. The first tray may have a first tray base connected to a first tray wall, the first tray wall extending from the first tray base and surrounding a perimeter of the first tray base; a first tray film connected to the first tray wall and axially offset from the first tray base; and at least one first tray projection extending axially from the first tray wall. The surface may be connected to the at least one first tray projection to define a space between the surface and the first tray, the space configured to prevent compression between the first tray and the surface and configured to allow a volume of air to exist between the first tray and the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tray, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the tray according to FIG. 1 in a stacked configuration;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a tray, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the tray according to FIG. 3 in a stacked configuration;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a tray, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a tray, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. A person skilled in the relevant art would recognize that other equivalent parts can be employed and other methods developed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference as if each had been individually incorporated.

The present disclosure relates to a tray, such as a retail packaging tray, such as a tray for meat storage and/or display. The tray may be for individual sale and may maintain the product, such as meat, therein to remain fresh looking and prevent premature browning. The present disclosure may allow air flow and/or oxygen to reach the meat and yet keep the meat from coming into contact with the film layer securing and sealing the meat. The tray may allow air flow and/or oxygen permeation by providing projections on the meat tray that offset the meat tray from a subsequent surface, such as a display table or another meat tray. The offset meat tray may reduce and/or remove the pressure applied to the film of another meat tray. The meat tray and/or projections may be reusable, recyclable, or disposable. The tray may have upper projections or lower projections. The projections may allow the trays to be stacked when loaded with meat. The trays may be nested when the projections are removed or received in a second tray. The projections may be manufactured to allow the corner projections to be folded in to support a subsequent tray in the stack. Absorbent material pads can be added to the sides of the trays so the trays may be angled up for better presentation. Grooves or slots may be added to the tray bottom to allow air flow under the meat. An empty tray may nest in one alignment and be stacked with clearance if rotated or offset with respect to the previous tray.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a tray 10 is shown. The tray 10 may hold a product, such as meat, to be stored and/or displayed for a consumer. The product may be, for example, any type of meat, including, but not limited to beef, bison, lamb, goat, chicken, turkey, etc. For the purposes of ease of disclosure and comprehension, the tray 10 is referred to herein as a meat tray 10. However, other products, such as, for example produce, may be provided in the tray 10. The product may be any product that changes appearance when there is insufficient air flow and/or oxygen provided to the product.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the meat tray 10 may include a base 12 attached or otherwise coupled to a plurality of sidewalls 14. The base may be attached to the plurality of sidewalls 14 such that a tray, for example, a box or container, is formed. The base 12 and sidewalls 14 may define an interior space (not visible) to hold the meat, or other product, to be stored in the meat tray 10. The interior space may be covered with a film 16. The film 16 may be coupled at the outer periphery 18 to the plurality of sidewalls 14. The film 16 may be an oxygen-permeable film. The meat, or other product, may be placed in the interior space and on top of an interior surface of the base 12 of the meat tray 10 surrounded by the plurality of sidewalls 14. The film 16 may then be coupled to the meat tray 10 such that the film 16 seals the meat, or other product, in the meat tray 10.

Although only a first sidewall 20 and second sidewall 22 are shown, a third sidewall may be located parallel to the first sidewall 20 on the opposing end surface of second sidewall 22. A fourth sidewall may be located parallel to the second sidewall 22 on the opposing end surface of first sidewall 20. In FIG. 1, the meat tray 10 has four sidewalls 14 such that the meat tray 10 is substantially rectangular in a top view and/or a bottom view. Alternatively, only a single sidewall 14 may be provided such that meat tray 10 is substantially circular or elliptical in a top view and/or a bottom view, and thus meat tray 10 would appear substantially cylindrical in FIG. 1. Any number of sidewalls 14 may be provided such that the meat tray 10 may take on a variety of shapes in a top view and/or a bottom view, such as, for example, triangular, square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or other polygonal shapes.

Referring again to FIG. 1, projections 24 may extend axially upward from an upper surface 28 of the sidewalls 14. The sidewalls 14 may also include a lower surface 26. The projections 24 may extend axially upward and past a top surface of the meat tray 10. The projections 24 may extend axially upward and past the top of film 16. The projections 24 may include corner projections 30 and inner projections 32. Although only four corner projections 30 and two inner projections 32 are depicted, more or fewer projections may be provided. For example, the meat tray 10 may have four corner projections 30 and four inner projections 32 such that each sidewall 14 and each corner between the sidewalls 14 includes a projection 24. Alternatively, the corner projections 30 and/or the inner projections 32 may be omitted. Any combination of number, size, location, placement, and orientation of the projections 24 is contemplated. The projections 24 may be integral with or separate from the sidewalls 14. The number and/or placement of the projections 24 may be selected to maximize the available oxygen to the product stored within the meat tray 10. The number and/or placement of the projections 24 may be selected to minimize the weight and/or pressure placed on the product stored within the meat tray 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a first meat tray 10a stacked with a second meat tray 10b is shown. The meat trays 10a, 10b may be a meat tray 10 as described herein. In the stacked configuration of FIG. 2, the base 12b of second meat tray 10b may rest on top of an upper surface of the projections 24a of the first meat tray 10a. Since the projections 24a extend upward from the sidewalls 14a and extend axially past the film 16a, a space 17 is formed between the projections 24a, film 16a, and base 12b. The space may be defined by the film 16a and the base 12b. One or more openings 34 may allow air flow and/or oxygen permeation to the space 17. The one or more openings 34 may be defined by an inner projection 32a, a corner projection 30a, the upper surface 28a of the sidewall 14a of the first meat tray 10a, and the base 12b of the second meat tray 10b. Since the second meat tray 10b is offset from the film 16a of the first meat tray 10a, the space 17 may extend underneath the base 12b and above the film 16a for substantially the entire surface area of the first meat tray 10a and second meat tray 10b.

In the exemplary stacked trays 10a, 10b of FIG. 2, the projections 24 may define openings 34 which allow air flow 36 to enter the space 17 between the film 16a and the base of the tray 10b. Although only three openings 34 are shown, more or fewer openings 34 may be present. The openings 34 may each extend through the space 17 to a respective opposing side where a corresponding opening 34 is provided. The opening 34 provided on the left and right sides and between the corner projections 30a may also extend across the first meat tray 10a and second meat tray 10b. Thus, all of the openings 34 provided between a first meat tray 10a and a second meat tray 10b may be coupled together by the space 17 between the film 16a and the base 12b of the second meat tray 10b. Although the openings 34 are depicted and described as being located between a corner projection 30a and an inner projection 32a and also being located between two corner projections 30a, where more or fewer projections 24a are provided, the projections 24a that define the openings 34 may change. Additionally, the openings may be provided as enclosed apertures in the sidewalls 14 of the trays 10a, 10b such that air is permitted to flow through the apertures to the space 17 between the trays 10a and 10b. For example, the projection 24 may be a single, continuous projection 24 which extends around the periphery of each of the trays 10a, 10b. The single, continuous projection 24 may extend axially upward past the film 16a, 16b of each tray. The single, continuous projection 24 may be provided as an upward extension of the sidewalls 14. The openings 34 may be provided as apertures within the single, continuous projection 24. One or more openings 34 may be provided on one or more sidewalls 14 of the single, continuous projection 24.

The space 17 may allow for oxygen to permeate the film 16a to reach the product stored within the first meat tray 10a. The oxygen and/or air flow may be permitted to flow between about 0 and 0.5 m/s, or any sub-range therein, into the space 17. The size of the openings 34 and/or the placement, size, number, and location of the projections 24a may be selected to achieve the desired oxygen flow and/or permeation. The projections 24a may also permit the second meat tray 10b to be offset from the first meat tray 10a such that the base 12b does not place pressure on the film 16a of the first meat tray 10a. This allows the weight of the second meat tray 10b to not be transferred to the film 16a. The reduction and/or elimination of weight transfer to the first meat tray 10a may result in permitting more oxygen to permeate the film 16a. The oxygen permeation, oxygen flow, the reduction and/or elimination of weight transfer, or combinations thereof, may enhance the red color of the meat and prevent premature browning of the meat stored within the first meat tray 10a. The size or dimensions of the space 17 (e.g. the width, height and/or length) may be selected to minimize or eliminate the pressure of the second meat tray 10b on the film 16a and/or maximize the oxygen allowed to permeate the film 16a.

Two meat trays 10a, 10b are depicted; however, more meat trays may be stacked above and/or below the meat trays 10a, 10b. The meat trays 10 may be stacked substantially vertically, as depicted in FIG. 2, or substantially horizontally along a shelf or table. When the meat trays 10 are stacked horizontally, they may be angled slightly with respect to the horizontal surface.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, when the first meat tray 10a and second meat tray 10b are stacked, the openings 34 allow for air flow 36 between the base 12b of meat tray 10b and the film 16a of the first meat tray 10a in the space 17. In this manner, air and/or oxygen may flow across the film 16a. Alternatively, there may be stagnant air and/or oxygen and oxygen may be allowed to simply permeate the film 16a at substantially no air rate. When film 16a is an oxygen-permeable film, oxygen from the air flow across the film 16a and/or oxygen from the air present in the space 17 may be admitted to the sealed interior space comprising the meat, or other product, stored therein by permeating the film 16a. When oxygen is allowed to flow between first meat tray 10a and second meat tray 10b and penetrate or permeate the film 16a, oxygen may interact with the product stored there, thus oxygenating the meat and preventing the browning and/or premature browning of the meat.

Referring back to FIG. 1, although not depicted, the base 12 and/or bottom surface of the sidewalls 14 of the first meat tray 10 may comprise slots or grooves to receive the projections 24 of an adjacent meat tray 10. The slots or grooves may be offset from the projections 24 when in the stacked configuration of FIG. 2. When one of the first meat tray 10a or second meat tray 10b is rotated, for example, 180 degrees, the slots or grooves may be aligned with the projections 24 such that the projections 24 may be received substantially entirely within the slots or grooves. In this rotated configuration, the meat trays 10a, 10b may be nested such that they may conserve space when not being used to store and/or display a product. The openings 34 may be substantially closed when the first meat tray 10a and second meat tray 10b are nested.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a tray 100 is shown. The tray 100 may be similar to or the same as meat tray 10, except that the projections 124 extend axially downward from a base 112 of the tray 100 or from the sidewalls 114. For the purposes of ease of disclosure and comprehension, the tray 100 is referred to herein as a meat tray 100; however, it may be understood that other products may be provided in the tray 100. The product may be any product that changes appearance when there is insufficient air flow and/or oxygen provided to the product.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the meat tray 100 may include a base 112 attached or otherwise coupled to a plurality of sidewalls 114. The base may be attached to the plurality of sidewalls 114 such that a tray, for example, a box or container, is formed. The base 112 and sidewalls 114 may define an interior space (not visible) to hold the meat, or other product, to be stored in the meat tray 100. The interior space may be covered with a film 116. The film 116 may be coupled at the outer periphery 118 to the plurality of sidewalls 114. The film 116 may be an oxygen-permeable film. The meat, or other product, may be placed in the interior space and on top of an interior surface of the base 112 of the meat tray 100 surrounded by the plurality of sidewalls 114. The film 116 may then be coupled to the meat tray 100 such that the film 116 seals the meat, or other product, in the meat tray 100.

Although only a first sidewall 120 and second sidewall 122 are shown, a third sidewall may be located parallel to the first sidewall 120 on the opposing end surface of second sidewall 122. A fourth sidewall may be located parallel to the second sidewall 122 on the opposing end surface of first sidewall 120. In FIG. 3, the meat tray 100 has four sidewalls 114 such that the meat tray 100 is substantially rectangular in a top view and/or a bottom view. Alternatively, only a single sidewall 114 may be provided such that meat tray 100 is substantially circular or elliptical in a top view and/or a bottom view, and thus meat tray 100 would appear substantially cylindrical in FIG. 1. Any number of sidewalls 114 may be provided such that the meat tray 100 may take on a variety of shapes in a top view and/or a bottom view, such as, for example, triangular, square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or other polygonal shapes.

Referring again to FIG. 3, projections 124 may extend axially downward from a lower surface 126 of the sidewalls 114 and/or from the base 112. An upper surface 128 may be enlarged from the sidewall(s) 114 such that the projections 124 of a subsequent meat tray 100 may sit thereon, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively, the upper surface 128 and the sidewall(s) 114 may be the same width such that the sidewall(s) 114 supports the projections 124 of an adjacent meat tray 100. The upper surface 128 may be sized to accommodate the projections 124 of a second or adjacent meat tray 100. The projections 124 may extend axially downward and past a bottom surface, such as the base 112, of the meat tray 100. The projections 124 may include corner projections 130 and inner projections 132. Although only four corner projections 130 and two inner projections 132 are depicted and described, more or fewer projections may be provided. For example, the meat tray 100 may have four corner projections 130 and four inner projections 132 such that each sidewall 114 and each corner between the sidewalls 114 includes a projection 124. Alternatively, the corner projections 130 and/or the inner projections 132 may be omitted. Any combination of number, size, location, placement, and orientation of the projections 124 is contemplated. The projections 124 may be integral with or separate from the sidewalls 114. The number and/or placement of the projections 124 may be selected to maximize the available oxygen to the product stored within the meat tray 100. The number and/or placement of the projections 124 may be selected to minimize the weight and/or pressure placed on the product stored within the meat tray 100.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a first meat tray 100a stacked with a second meat tray 100b is shown. The meat trays 100a, 100b may be a meat tray 100 as described herein. In the stacked configuration of FIG. 4, the projections 124b of second meat tray 100b may rest on top of an upper surface 128a of the first meat tray 100a. Since the projections 124b extend downward from the sidewalls 114b and extend axially past the base 112b, a space 117 is formed between the sidewalls 114b, projections 124b, base 112b, and film 116a. The space 117 may be defined by the film 116a and the base 112b. One or more openings 134 may allow air flow and/or oxygen permeation to the space. The one or more openings 134 may be defined by an inner projection 132b, a corner projection 130b, the upper surface 128a of the sidewall 114a of the first tray 100a, and the base 112b of the second tray 100b. Since the second meat tray 100b is offset from the film 116a of the first meat tray 100a, the space 117 may extend underneath the base 112b and above the film 116a for substantially the entire surface area of the first tray 100a and second tray 100b.

In the exemplary stacked trays 100a, 100b of FIG. 4, the projections 124 may define openings 134 which allow air flow 136 to enter the space 117 between the film 116a and the base of the tray 100b. Although only three openings 134 are shown, more or fewer openings 134 may be present. The openings 134 may each extend through the space 117 to a respective opposing side where a corresponding opening 134 is provided. The opening 134 provided on the left and right sides and between the corner projections 130b may also extend across the first meat tray 100a and second meat tray 100b. Thus, all of the openings 134 provided between a first meat tray 100a and a second meat tray 100b may be coupled together by the space 117 between the film 116a and the base 11b of the second meat tray 100b. Although the openings 134 are depicted and described as being located between a corner projection 130b and an inner projection 132b and also being located between two corner projections 130b, where more or fewer projections 124b are provided, the projections 124b that define the openings 134 may change. Additionally, the openings may be provided as enclosed apertures in the sidewalls 114 of the trays 100a, 100b such that air is permitted to flow through the apertures to the space 117 between the trays 100a and 100b. For example, the projection 124 may be a single, continuous projection 124 which extends around the periphery of each of the trays 100a, 100b. The single, continuous projection 124 may extend axially downward past the base of each of trays 100a, 100b. The single, continuous projection 124 may be provided as a downward extension of the sidewalls 114. The openings 134 may be provided as apertures within the single, continuous projection 124. One or more openings 134 may be provided on one or more sidewalls 114 of the single, continuous projection 124.

The space 117 may allow for oxygen to permeate the film 116a to reach the product stored within the first meat tray 100a. The oxygen and/or air flow may be permitted to flow between about 0 and 0.5 m/s into the space 117. The size of the openings 134 and/or the placement, size, number, and location of the projections 124b may be selected to achieve the desired oxygen flow and/or permeation. The projections 124b may also permit the second meat tray 100b to be offset from the first meat tray 100a such that the base 112b does not place pressure on the film 116a of the first meat tray 100a. This allows the weight of the second meat tray 100b to not be transferred to the film 116a. The reduction and/or elimination of weight transfer to the first meat tray 100a may result in permitting more oxygen to permeate the film 16a. The oxygen permeation, oxygen flow, the reduction and/or elimination of weight transfer, or combinations thereof, may enhance the red color of the meat and prevent premature browning of the meat stored within the first meat tray 100a. The size or dimensions of the space 117 (e.g. the width, height and/or length) may be selected to minimize or eliminate the pressure of the second meat tray 100b on the film 116a and/or maximize the oxygen allowed to permeate the film 116a.

Two meat trays 100a, 100b are depicted; however, more meat trays may be stacked above and/or below the meat trays 100a, 100b. The meat trays 100 may be stacked substantially vertically, as depicted in FIG. 4, or substantially horizontally along a shelf or table. When the meat trays 100 are stacked horizontally, they may be angled slightly with respect to the horizontal surface.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, when the first meat tray 100a and second meat tray 100b are stacked, the openings 134 allow for air flow 136 between the base 112b of meat tray 100b and the film 116a of the meat tray 100a in the space 117. In this manner, air and/or oxygen may flow across the film 116a. Alternatively, there may be stagnant air and/or oxygen and oxygen may be allowed to simply permeate the film 116a at substantially no air rate. When film 116a is an oxygen-permeable film, oxygen from the air flow across the film 116a and/or oxygen from the air present in the space 117 may be admitted to the sealed interior space comprising the meat, or other product, stored therein by permeating the film 116a. When oxygen is allowed to flow between meat tray 100a and meat tray 100b and penetrate or permeate the film 116a, oxygen may interact with the product stored there, thus oxygenating the meat and preventing the browning and/or premature browning of the meat.

Referring back to FIG. 3, although not depicted, the upper surface 128 of the meat tray 100 may comprise slots or grooves to receive the projections 124 of an adjacent meat tray 100. The slots or grooves may be offset from the projections 124 when in the stacked configuration of FIG. 4. When one of the first meat tray 100a or second meat tray 100b is rotated, for example, 180 degrees, the slots or grooves may be aligned with the projections 124 such that the projections 124 may be received substantially entirely within the slots or grooves. In this rotated configuration, the meat trays 100a, 100b may be nested such that they may conserve space when not being used to store and/or display a product. The openings 134 may be substantially closed when the first meat tray 100a and second meat tray 100b are nested.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of a tray 200 is shown. The tray 200 may be similar to or the same as meat tray 10, except that the projections 224 may be removable from the sidewalls 214. For the purposes of ease of disclosure and comprehension, the tray 200 is referred to herein as a meat tray 200; however, it may be understood that other products may be provided in the tray 200. The product may be any product that changes appearance when there is insufficient air flow and/or oxygen provided to the product.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the meat tray 200 may include a base 212 attached or otherwise coupled to the sidewalls 214. The base 212 may be attached to the sidewalls 214 such that a tray, for example, a box or container, is formed. The base 212 and sidewalls 214 may define an interior space (not visible) to hold the meat, or other product, to be stored in the meat tray 200. The interior space may be covered with a film 216. The film 216 may be coupled at the outer periphery 218 to the plurality of sidewalls 214. The film 216 may be an oxygen-permeable film. The meat, or other product, may be placed in the interior space and on top of an interior surface of the base 212 of the meat tray 200 surrounded by the plurality of sidewalls 214. The film 216 may then be coupled to the meat tray 200 such that the film 216 seals the meat, or other product, in the meat tray 200.

Although only two sidewalls 214 are shown, two more sidewalls may be provided such that the meat tray 200 is substantially rectangular in top view and/or bottom view, similar to meat trays 10, 100. Alternatively, as in meat trays 10, 100, only a single sidewall 214 may be provided such that meat tray 200 is substantially circular or elliptical in a top view and/or a bottom view or any number of sidewalls 214 may be provided such that the meat tray 200 may take on a variety of shapes in a top view and/or a bottom view, such as, for example, triangular, square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or other polygonal shapes.

Referring again to FIG. 5, projections 224 may be provided on a frame 240. The frame 240 may be removable from a body 242 comprising the sidewalls 214, film 216, and base 212. The projections 224 may extend axially upward from a base portion of the frame 240. The frame 240 may rest on an upper surface 228 of the sidewalls 214. Thus, the projections 224 may extend axially upward and past the top of the film 216 and the upper surface 228 of the sidewalls 214. The projections 224 may include corner projections 230 and inner projections 232. More or fewer projections 224, 230, and/or 232 may be provided. Any combination of number, size, location, placement, and orientation of the projections 224 is contemplated.

The frame 240 may be removably or permanently coupled to the body 242 of the meat tray 200. The frame 240 may be coupled to the body 242 after the body 242 has been sealed with film 216. The frame 240 may be coupled to the body 242 at the upper surface 228 or at the base 212. When the frame 240 is coupled to the base 212, the frame 240 may be rotated 180 degrees from the view of FIG. 5 such that the projections 224 extend downward from the base portion of the frame 240. The frame 240 may be coupled to the body 242 by any method or device which secures the frame 240 to the body 242, such as adhesion, snapping, or fastening, etc. The coupling of the frame 240 and body 242 may be permanent once the frame 240 has been affixed to the body 242. The coupling of the frame 240 and body 242 may be non-permanent, such that frame 240 may be removed and used with a subsequent meat tray 200. Thus, the frame 240 may be provided as a separate piece. The frame 240 may be provided to conventional sealed plastic trays as an add-on to allow air flow and/or oxygen flow between adjacent meat trays. Accordingly, the frame 240 may be coupled to a conventional sealed meat tray such that the projections 224 extend either upward, downward, or both from the conventional meat tray. Thus, the conventional meat tray may be retrofitted to reduce the weight from adjacent meat trays and to increase the air flow between adjacent meat trays as compared to conventional stacked meat trays (e.g. meat trays which rest directly on the film of an adjacent meat tray).

Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a tray 300 is shown. The tray 300 may be similar to or the same as meat tray 200, except that the projections 324 may project downward from the frame 340. For the purposes of ease of disclosure and comprehension, the tray 300 is referred to herein as a meat tray 300; however, it may be understood that other products may be provided in the tray 300. The product may be any product that changes appearance when there is insufficient air flow provided to the product.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the meat tray 300 may include the same or similar components and/or alterations as the previously described trays 10, 100, and 200. The meat tray 300 may include a body 342 having sidewalls 314 and a base 312. The interior space (not visible) of the meat tray 300 may be covered with a film 316. The film 316 may be an oxygen-permeable film. The meat, or other product, may be placed in the interior space. The film 316 may then be coupled to the meat tray 300 such that the film 316 seals the meat, or other product, in the meat tray 300.

The frame 340 may be removably or permanently coupled to the body 342 comprising the sidewalls 314. The projections 324 may extend axially downward from the frame 340. The frame 340 may rest on an upper surface 328 of the sidewalls 314. Thus, although the projections 324 extend axially downward from the frame 340, the projections 324 may extend axially upward and past the top of the film 316 and the upper surface 328 of the sidewalls 314. More or fewer projections 324 may be provided. Any combination of number, size, location, placement, and orientation of the projections 324 is contemplated.

The frame 340 may be removably or permanently coupled to the body 342 of the meat tray 300. The frame 340 may be coupled to the body 342 after the body 342 has been sealed with film 316. The frame 340 may be coupled to the body 342 at the upper surface 328 or at the base 312. When the frame 340 is coupled to the base 312, the frame 340 may be rotated 180 degrees from the view of FIG. 5 such that the projections 324 extend upward from the base portion of the frame 340. The frame 340 may be coupled to the body 342 by any method or device which secures the frame 340 to the body 342, such as adhesion, snapping, or fastening, etc. The coupling of the frame 340 and body 342 may be permanent once the frame 340 has been affixed to the body 342. The coupling of the frame 340 and body 342 may be non-permanent, such that frame 340 can removed and used with a subsequent meat tray 300. Thus, the frame 340 may be provided as a separate piece. The frame 340 may be provided to conventional sealed plastic trays as an add-on to allow air flow and/or oxygen flow between adjacent meat trays. Accordingly, the frame 340 may be coupled to a conventional sealed meat tray such that the projections 324 extend either upward, downward, or both from the conventional meat tray. Thus, the conventional meat tray may be retrofitted to reduce the weight from adjacent meat trays and to increase the air flow between adjacent meat trays as compared to conventional stacked meat trays (e.g. meat trays which rest directly on the film of an adjacent meat tray).

Although frames 240 and 340 are depicted and described as coupling to the top surface of a meat tray 200 or 300, respectively, the frames 240, 340 may be coupled to a base of an adjacent tray Once the frames 240, 340 are coupled to the respective meat trays 200, 300 the meat trays 200, 300 may be stacked with adjacent meat trays. That is, the meat trays 200, 300 300 may be stacked similar to meat trays 10 in FIG. 2 and/or meat trays 100 in FIG. 4. In this manner, airflow openings and pathways may be provided between the films 216, 316 and the bases 212, 312 of adjacent meat trays 200, 300, respectively, as was described with relation to FIGS. 2 and 4.

The projections of any of the described trays may be sized and dimensioned to allow for air flow to access the film and/or to prevent the pressure from the weight of an adjacent meat tray. In an exemplary embodiment, the projections may be about 5 mm high, alternatively, the projections may be shorter. The projections may be spaced very close, about 5 mm or less, or any sub-range therein, from an adjacent projection. Accordingly, the projections may be tightly spaced. The projections may be as low profile as possible to maintain the space or gap between adjacent trays and to support the weight of the adjacent tray. The projections may be cut out of or formed in an existing or conventional meat tray thus reducing the packaging required due to the gaps provided by the projections.

The projections of the present disclosure avoid compression from a top meat tray onto a lower meat tray, avoid pressure from a top meat tray onto a lower meat tray, and maintain a space or gap between adjacent meat trays. In addition to preventing, eliminating, or minimizing compression, the projections allow for a volume of air or oxygen to access the film and thus access the product stored within the meat tray. By avoiding, limiting, or preventing compression on the product and by allowing a volume of air or oxygen to access the product, premature browning of the product is prevented or prohibited.

The projections 24, 124, 224, and 324 may conceal an absorbent material located in or on the sidewalls 14, 114, 214, and 314 of the trays 10, 100, 200, and 300. The absorbent material may absorb product fluids, such as meat juices. The projections 24, 124, 224, and 324 may conceal the absorbed meat juices by concealing the absorbent material. The projections 24, 124, 224, and 324 are depicted as rectangular, generally turret shaped projections. The projections 24, 124, 224, 324 may be one or more of teeth or turrets or scallops. However, any shape projections 24, 124, 224, 324 may be provided. The projections 24, 124, 224, 324 may be shaped to provide support for the trays 10, 100, 200, 300 when stacked. The projections 24, 124, 224, 324 may be shaped or oriented to allow air flow between the trays 10, 100, 200, 300 when stacked. Although only one set of projections is shown with respect to each of the described meat trays, more sets of projections may be provided. For example, a set of projections may be provided extending from the upper surface of the meat tray and a set of projections may be provided extending downward from the base of the meat tray. The projections may then interact with a meat tray having no projections. The projections may alternatively interact with a meat tray having projections, such that distal surfaces of the adjacent projections touch when the meat trays are stacked.

Although not depicted, the projections 24 and/or projections 124 may be removable, similar to projections 224 and/or 324. That is, the projections 24 and/or projections 124 may be attached to the sidewalls 14 and 114, respectively, such that the projections 24, 124 may be added to the meat tray 10, 100 or removed from the meat tray 10, 100 at any time. The projections 24, 124 may snap or otherwise fasten or attach to the sidewalls 14, 114. The projections 24, 124, 224, 324 may have a perforation on the connection to the sidewalls 14, 114 or frames 240, 340 such that the projections 24, 124. 224, 324 may be folded down, torn, or detached from the sidewalls 14, 114 or frames 240, 340. The projections 24, 124 and frames 240, 340 may be removable such that when not attached to trays 10, 100, 200, 300 the trays 10, 100, 200, 300 are configured to nest. The projections 24, 124 and frames 240, 340 may then attach to the trays 10, 100 when desired to stack the trays 10, 100, either before or after sealing of the trays with the film. The projections 24, 124 may be permanently attached to the trays 10, 100. The projections 24, 124 may be integrally formed with the trays 10, 100 or permanently attached to the tray 10, 100 after forming.

Any or all of the projections 24, 124, 224, and/or 324 may be foldable such that in one configuration, the projections are upright (e.g. FIGS. 1 and 3) and in a second configuration they are folded. In the upright configuration, the trays 10, 100, 200, 300 may be configured to stack and in the folded configuration, the trays 10, 100, 200, 300 may be configured to nest. Prior to placing the product in the tray, the folded projections may be folded such that they rest on an interior surface of the sidewalls 14, 114 or frame 240, 340. The projections may be moved to an upright configuration and the product may be inserted into the tray 10, 100 and the film 16, 116 may be secured to the sidewalls 14, 114.

Additionally, or alternatively, the projections 24, 124, 224, 324 may be folded on top of the film 16, 116, 216, 316 prior to use, such as prior to display in a store. The projections may rest on top of the film 16, 116, 216, 316 and be unfolded to an upright configuration when it is desired to stack the trays 10, 100, 200, 300. The trays 10, 100, 200, 300 may include one or more feet, and the one or more feet may extend axially downward from the base of the trays 10, 100, 200, 300. The one or more feet may be configured to move from a first position substantially parallel with the base and a second position substantially perpendicular to the base. The one or more feet may support the tray 10, 100, 200, 300 on a surface beneath the trays 10, 100, 200, 300. The one or more feet may be foldable. Additionally, or alternatively, the trays 10, 100, 200, 300 may be folded from a flat configuration (not shown) to the box-like configuration of FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6.

The trays 10, 100, 200, 300 may be constructed of any known material for holding food products, and more specifically for holding meat products. The projections 24, 124, 224, 324 may be constructed of the same or different material as trays 10, 100, 200, 300. The projections 24, 124, 224, 324 may be constructed of a material capable of supporting the trays 10, 100, 200, 300. The trays 10, 100, 200, 300 and/or projections 24, 124, 224, 324 may be constructed of a reusable, recyclable, or disposable material. The trays 10, 100, 200, 300 and/or projections 24, 124, 224, 324 may be constructed of, for example, but not limited to polystyrene, foamed polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or other materials. The trays 10, 100, 200, 300 may be formed as single, unitary trays. The trays 10, 100, 200, 300 may be formed as multiple pieces and attached together, such as, for example, through adhesion. The trays 10, 100 may be formed integrally with projections 24, 124. The trays 10, 100 may be formed separate from the projections 24, 124 and attached subsequent to forming.

The retail packaging of the present disclosure may be provided in the form of a tray, such as a meat tray, to store and display fresh meat. The fresh meat is secured in the tray with an oxygen-permeable film. The tray further has projections to allow the tray to be offset from a second tray when the trays are stacked for display in a store. The weight of the top tray may not be weighing on the film of the lower tray and thus the top tray may place no pressure on the lower tray. In this manner, air, air flow, oxygen, and/or oxygen flow may be allowed in a space between the stacked trays. The air flow is allowed to penetrate the oxygen-permeable film and reach the meat, allowing for oxygenation of the myoglobin in the meat. Oxygenation of the myoglobin in the meat allows the meat to remain red and fresh looking and prevents premature browning of the meat. Thus, the trays do not rest on one another, blocking oxygen flow through the film and to the meat.

Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A tray for preventing the browning of meat, the tray comprising:

a base;

a first wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base;

a second wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base;

a third wall opposite from the first wall, the third wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base;

a fourth wall opposite from the second wall, the fourth wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall are connected to form a generally rectangular shape;

an area defined between the base, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall;

a film attached to the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall, offset from the base and configured to seal the area; and

a plurality of projections, the plurality of projections connected to at least one of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall and extending axially upward from the film,

wherein the plurality of projections are configured to provide a space between the film and a base of a second tray, the space configured to prevent compression from the second tray on the film of the tray and configured to allow a volume of air to exist between the film of the tray and the base of the second tray, and wherein the plurality of projections are configured to move from a first position substantially parallel with the film to a second position substantially perpendicular to the film.

2. The tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections are configured to support the base of the second tray.

3. The tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections are one of teeth and turrets.

4. The tray of claim 1, wherein the film is an oxygen-permeable film and the film is configured to conceal an absorbent material.

5. The tray of claim 1, wherein in a first position, the tray is configured to stack with the second tray, and in a second position, the tray is configured to nest with the second tray.

6. The tray of claim 5, wherein in the first position, the base of the second tray is configured to rest on the plurality of projections, thus providing the space between the film and the base of the second tray and thereby allowing air flow between the tray and the second tray.

7. The tray of claim 5, wherein in the second position, the plurality of projections are configured to extend into a corresponding plurality of slots located in the second tray.

8. The tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections form a plurality of openings between adjacent projections, the plurality of openings configured to permit the volume of air to enter the space, and wherein the plurality of openings are configured to allow air to flow across the film between about 0 m/s and about 0.5 m/s.

9. (canceled)

10. The tray of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of projections has a height of about 5 mm or less.

11. The tray of claim 1, further comprising at least one foot, the at least one foot extending axially downward from the base, the at least one foot configured to move from a first position substantially parallel with the base and a second position substantially perpendicular to the base.

12. (canceled)

13. A tray for preventing the browning of meat, the tray comprising:

a base;

a first wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base;

a second wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base;

a third wall opposite from the first wall, the third wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base;

a fourth wall opposite from the second wall, the fourth wall connected to the base and extending axially upward from the base, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall are connected to form a generally rectangular shape;

an area defined between the base, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall;

a film attached to the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall, offset from the base, and configured to seal the area; and

a plurality of projections, the plurality of projections connected to at least one of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall and extending axially downward from the base,

wherein the plurality of projections are configured to provide a space between the base and a film of a second tray, the space configured to prevent compression from the tray on the film of the second tray and configured to allow a volume of air to exist between the film of the second tray and the base of the tray, and wherein the plurality of projections are removeable.

14. The tray of claim 13, wherein the plurality of projections are configured to sit on an upper surface of a plurality of walls of the second tray.

15. The tray of claim 13, wherein the plurality of projections form a plurality of openings between adjacent projections, the plurality of openings configured to permit the volume of air to enter the space, and wherein the plurality of openings are configured to allow air to flow across the film of the second tray between about 0 m/s and about 0.5 m/s.

16. The tray of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of projections has a height of about 5 mm or less.

17. A system for preventing the browning of meat, the system comprising:

a first tray, the first tray comprising: a first tray base connected to a first tray wall, the first tray wall extending from the first tray base and surrounding a perimeter of the first tray base, a first tray film connected to the first tray wall and axially offset from the first tray base, and at least one first tray projection extending axially from the first tray wall; and

a surface connected to the at least one first tray projection to define a space between the surface and the first tray, the space configured to prevent compression between the first tray and the surface and configured to allow a volume of air to exist between the first tray and the surface;

a second tray, the second tray comprising:

a second tray base connected to a second tray wall; and

a second tray film connected to the second tray wall and axially offset from the second tray base; the surface comprising the second tray film, wherein the at least one first tray projection extends axially downward from the first tray base and wherein the space is provided between the second tray film and the first tray base such that the first tray does not transfer a weight of the first tray onto the second tray film and such that the volume of air is provided between the first tray base and the second tray film.

18. (canceled)

19. The system of claim 18, the surface comprising the second tray base, wherein the at least one first tray projection extends axially upward from the first tray film and wherein the space is provided between the second tray base and the first tray film such that the second tray does not transfer a weight of the second tray onto the first tray film and such that the volume of air is provided between the second tray base and the first tray film.

20. (canceled)