Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner package and an outer package. The inner package is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer package is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner package, the inner package is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner package. The flushed inner package is then sealed and inserted into the outer package without sealing the outer package. Next, the outer package is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer package. After flushing the outer package, the outer package is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: A container (10) especially adapted for wedge shaped food products is disclosed including a transparent, thermoformed tray (11) receiving a paperboard product card (32) and sealed by a transparent closure layer (15). The tray (11) includes an isosceles trapezoid shaped bottom (16) and a sidewall (18) formed by a first, isosceles trapezoid shaped end (20), sides (24, 26) extending at an angle between an annular flange (12) and the bottom (16) from their upper edges to their lower edges and from their first end edges to their second end edges, a second trapezoid shaped end (22), and a triangular shaped corner panel (28). The product card (32) includes a bottom portion (34) of a size and shape for abutting with the bottom (16) of the tray (11) and end and side portions (36, 40) integrally connected to the bottom portion (34) about fold lines (38, 42) for abutting with the first end (20) and first side (24) of the tray (11).

Abstract: A serving tray handling device having a glass or dish supporting surface and an undersurface provided with a finger-gripping projection or core which is surrounded by a recess or groove so that the user's fingers may be inserted into the recess or groove to grip the exterior wall surface of the projection or core. The core may receive a fitted cap of soft material. The core exterior wall surface is tapered inwardly for easy-grip while an opposing recess defining wall may also be inwardly sloped permitting accommodating of finger insertion into the recess or groove.

Abstract: A package for a food product which includes a rigid tray formed from a single piece of malleable material having flanges located in a reference plane, first and second side walls, first and second end walls and a bottom all integrally joined. Integrally formed tabs are defined at the junction of the side walls and the bottom which extend generally in the plane of the side walls a predetermined distance. Some of the tabs with the peripheral flange form an upright display support permitting the package to be displayed upright with the front panel located in a vertical or near vertical plane facing forward. A hanging feature can also be incorporated into the rigid tray flange to provide peg-board display if desired. This can be accomplished with no added labor or material cost. A thin flexible film covers the tray in the reference plane and attaches to the peripheral flanges to hermetically seal the recessed compartment.

Abstract: A sorting tray (10) includes a substantially planar sorting surface (12) bounded by an upwardly- and outwardly-extending sidewall (14). The sorting surface (12) includes a sorting portion (20) and a nozzle portion (22). The nozzle portion (22) necks down into a spout (16) that extends through the sidewall (14). The spout (16) is offset from the centerline (60) of the sorting surface (12) such that the spout (16) is offset. A flange (44) extends outwardly and downwardly from the top of the sidewall and presents a pair of measuring devices (50,52) and a hanger (46). The sorting tray (10) is particularly useful for assisting a person in sorting numerous differently-sized small objects, such as hardware.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprising a housing having an interior, a door, an arrangement to cool the interior of the housing, and at least one shelf disposed within the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A sample changer (2) for the automatic intake of a multitude of samples into the measurement position on the goniometer axis (a) of an X-ray diffractometer (20) in which the individual samples--each showing a surface, which meets the goniometer axis at a tangent in the measurement position--are linearly arranged on an insertable magazine (3). The samples on the magazine (3) can be moved in the direction of the goniometer axis (a) in order to transport each sample translationally into the measurement position. Furthermore the sample changer (2), the magazine (3) and the mountings (10) show recesses, which allow the refracted X-ray beams from the sample in transmission mode to pass through to the detector (14) unimpeded. The sample changer is suitable for reflection mode as well as transmission mode measurements without having to redesign the system.

Abstract: A tool kit for containing truck or tractor repair tools and parts includes an elongate, unitary body adapted to be supported by the upper peripheral portion of a front tire on either side of a cab-over-engine tractor. The body has a front section and a rear section on which are provided transverse trays for tools or repair parts, a center section having a horizontal plate for the temporary support of tools or parts, and an outer sidewall with larger, longitudinally-extending trays for holding larger tools or parts. The three body sections have a single base wall which has a radius approximately equal to the radius of a tractor tire on which the kit is designed to be supported. The center section includes a pair of handles extending upwardly from the base wall at the forward and rearward ends, respectively, of the horizontal plate.

Abstract: An article holding tray adapted to retain and stabilize a wide variety of articles during their use such as dishware, drinking glasses, eating utensils, video game joy sticks and other articles which are typically usable on a tray or lap tray. The device includes a generally flat tray or board which includes one or more connected elongated slots formed orthogonally through the tray and sized in width for slidable translation of an elongated threaded fastener therealong. Each threaded fastener releasably retains an elongated movable retaining block in a selected position against an upper support surface defined by the tray. Each movable retaining block has at least one side surface, and preferably all of the side surfaces, which is sloped at an angle substantially greater than 90 degrees, and preferably about 105 degrees, with respect to the lower flat surface of the retaining block and the support surface.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere package includes first and second compartments separated by a partition member that is substantially permeable to oxygen. The first compartment contains an oxygen scavenger activated with an oxygen scavenger accelerator. The second compartment contains a retail cut of raw meat. Various techniques are employed to rapidly reduce the oxygen level in the second compartment below pigment sensitive levels so that the growth of metmyoglobin is inhibited. Some of these techniques increase the flow of oxygen from the second compartment to the first compartment through the partition member to a level inhibiting the formation of metmyoglobin in the raw meat.

Abstract: An accurate method and apparatus for installing blown-in-place insulation to a predetermined density and R-value includes the use of a removable container of known unfilled weight and volume located between wall studs during the blowing operation. By removal of the container after filled, and determining its fill weight by weighing it, the density of the insulation is calculated and correlated, if desired, to R-value. If the calculated density is not acceptable, the container is emptied and is reinserted in the cleaned out cavity between the studs. Appropriate adjustments to one or more operating parameters are made until the desired density through further filling of the container and weighing it is achieved. Once achieved, the space to be filled is filled with blown-in-place insulation using the adjusted parameter values.

Abstract: A molded tray having a lid section and a storage section, and a method for its manufacture. The molded tray is especially adapted for the storage and service of food products, such as may be made and sold at take-out restaurants. The device comprises a lid section and a storage section interconnected with a bending, or hinge, section. The hinge section is provided with an area of reduced thickness providing a hinge point, and permitting the lid section to overlie the storage section without significant elastic memory so that the lid remains in the closed position adjacent the storage section. The method comprises the deposition of pulp fibers on a carrier net, with a mask plate positioned to prevent deposition of pulp fiber in the location of the area of reduced thickness.

Abstract: A package having a lid bonded to a support member with a heat-seal to enclose a product between the support member and lid. The lid is at least partially heat-shrinkable and has a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion, the first peripheral portion being heat-contracted toward the heat-seal to a greater degree relative to the second peripheral portion so that the second peripheral portion provides a tab which can be manually grasped for peeling the lid.

Abstract: A serving tray includes a tempered glass panel of a predetermined peripheral configuration defined by a substantially continuous peripheral edge bounded by a one-piece injection molded polymeric/copolymeric synthetic plastic material encapsulation. The encapsulation includes upper and lower leg portions and a bight portion therebetween with an upper surface of the panel and the upper leg portion being in peripheral liquid-tight sealed engagement to define a liquid dam therebetween. Legs projecting beyond the lower leg portions space a lowermost decorative surface of the glass panel away from an adjacent stacked panel or an underlying supporting surface.

Abstract: A catering container assembly for storing, transporting, and presenting food is presented having a tray and a domed cover. The tray has a base and side walls extending upwardly from said base. The domed cover has a top and cover walls extending downwardly from said top. The tray has a plurality of recessed platforms disposed adjacent its side walls while the domed cover has a plurality of indentations adjacent its cover walls. Each indentation abuts a respective one of the recessed platforms for transferring a force from the domed cover into said tray. Both the tray and domed cover preferably have stiffening elements joining and strengthening the side walls and cover walls, respectively. The tray is preferably hexagonal to allow for modular positioning. A bowl similar to the tray is also presented which has longer side walls for containing more food.

Abstract: A disposable, performed reservior which will fit within the existing resevoir of an evaporative cooler. It has molded in air access channels in its sides, edges and bottom. These air access channels permit the differential in air pressure between the inside and out side of the cooler cabinet, when the cooler is in operation, draw a flow of air in, under and between the dispoable reservoir and the cooler's integral resevoir thereby retarding all forms of corrosion. The disposable reservoir is formed of a thin semi-flexible, impermeable material which forms a tray-like article that provides for a convenient means of containing distilled salts and minerals typically realized inside of an evaporative cooler during operation. The disposable reservoir facilities the cleaning and repair of the cooler's permanent reservoir and greatly reduces the opportunity for corrosion to the cooler.

Abstract: A tray for supporting a plurality of nail packs is provided. The tray includes a generally rectangular planar tray body having a nail supporting surface and an outer periphery. A stiffening wall projects vertically from the outer periphery of the tray body and terminates at an upper end. A generally planar lip extends laterally from the upper end of the stiffening wall. A sensing structure extends vertically from the nail supporting surface of the tray body beyond the upper end of the stiffening wall.

Abstract: A tray has sidewalls which extend upwardly from a base sheet. Rodent entrapping adhesive is disposed between the sidewalls on the base sheet. An aggressive mechanical surface, for example in the form of a plurality of closely spaced protruding ridges, are formed to extend upwardly from the base sheet. The adhesive is retained mechanically on the aggressive mechanical surface. A region of the base sheet in the middle of the tray between two regions of aggressive mechanical surface may be left free of ridges to define a reservoir of glue to aid in the rodent entrapping performance of the tray and adhesive assembly.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner package and an outer package. The inner package is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer package is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner package, the inner package is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner package. The flushed inner package is then sealed and inserted into the outer package without sealing the outer package. Next, the outer package is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer package. After flushing the outer package, the outer package is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: A food plate for containing food and supporting a beverage container wherein the plate and beverage container are held together as a unit by one hand of a person. The food plate has a flat top surface and at least one depression formed therein for containing a food item. A first aperture formed in the plate is sized and shaped to allow passage of a beverage container partially therethrough and engage a mid portion of the beverage container such that the center of gravity of the container is even with or below the top surface of the plate and the lower portion of the container exterior is exposed on the underside of the plate. A second aperture formed in the plate adjacent to the first aperture is sized and shaped to receive the thumb of the person's hand from the underside of the plate.

Abstract: A goods carrier (1) which can be fitted to a generally vertical post (2) which supports, for instance, a sunshade or umbrella. The carrier (1) includes a generally radial, open slot (7) whose width corresponds to the diameter of the post, wherein the bottom region (8) of the slot (7) through which the post (2) extends when the carrier (1) is fitted to the post widens axially so as to be broader at the bottom than at the top, when seen in the axial direction of the post (2). Fitted to the post (2) is a holder body (9) whose outer surface is configured to receive the bottom region (8) and to support the carrier (1) on the post (2).

Abstract: A processor tray is provide for maintaining plastic film wrapped thereabout in a taut state. The tray is unitarially formed with a plurality of sidewalls, a comer joining each pair of sidewalls, and a base. A flange is formed to extend outwardly and downwardly from uppermost portions of the sidewalls and the corners preferably in the range of 15.degree.-35.degree.. Additionally, the flange may be formed with varying widths about the perimeter of the tray. The base may be either formed flat or, alternatively, the base may be formed with three concentric regions to define a concavity, with one region being planar and raised relative to the bottom of the tray.

Abstract: A compartmentalized, plastic food package includes a container and sealed cover which have a plurality of individually sealed chambers for distinct foodstuffs. The container includes a top flange or surface which extends about the individual chambers onto which the removable cover is secured by an adhesive or heat sealing. The top flange includes a peripheral shoulder and lip which cooperates with the rear or bottom edge of certain of the chambers to facilitate substantially upright self-display of the container and contents. The sidewalls of the chambers are tapered and include notched or stepped spacers such that the containers may be controllably nested, the spacers preventing overly tight nesting and thus facilitating separation prior to filling and sealing. A plurality of distinct foodstuffs such as meat, cheese, crackers and cookies, for example, may be individually sealed in the chambers, thereby maintaining each foods flavor, aroma and desired moisture content.

Abstract: A case-ready package and method of reducing discoloration in meat or poultry products enclosed within such packages when the packages are disposed in a stack of two or more packages. A non-textured and substantially smooth gas-permeable substrate is attached to the lower surface of the packages to allow air to flow into an underlying package in a stack of packages, thereby preventing or minimizing premature discoloration of packaged fresh meat or poultry product due to insufficient oxygen flow into such packages when disposed in a stack. In addition, the substrate may contain printed product indicia either directly or in the form of a label attached thereto.

Abstract: A food package including a tray and a sleeve surrounding the tray. The tray includes a base defining an opening and a sidewall extending from the base which terminates in a free edge. The free edge defines a tray opening. The sleeve includes a top panel positioned adjacent the tray opening, a bottom panel positioned adjacent to the opening in the base and a side panel positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: A tray for supporting particulate material in an apparatus for processing. The tray includes an upper plate which has pluralities of associated groupings of first apertures formed therein. The tray also includes a lower plate which has a plurality of second apertures formed therein. Each of said second apertures corresponds with, and generally underlies, one of the associated groupings of first apertures formed in the upper plate. Further, the tray also includes a plurality of staybolts which extend between the upper and lower plates. Each staybolt has a first end which circumscribes an associated grouping of first apertures and defines a shoulder in engagement with a lower surface of the upper plate. Each staybolt also has a second end received through one of the second apertures. Each staybolt also has a wall defining a conduit passing therethrough from the first to the second end thereof.

Abstract: A transfer tray or tube assembly 2 is formed by an upper thermoformed sheet 4 that is bonded to a lower thermoformed sheet 6. Each sheet includes protrusions that form interior walls 10 and exterior walls 12 that in turn define channels 8 in which a number of components, such as electrical connectors, can be loaded, unloaded, stored and transferred or shipped. The thermoformed sheets 4 and 6 are bonding along adjoining dual wall sections that form the interior and exterior walls 10 and 12. Discrete bonds 34 are formed at upper and lower levels along flat abutting surfaces at the tops and bottoms of staggered trapezoidal segments 18 and 20 on the top and bottom sheets. These spaced apart discrete bonds 34 reduce warping and bowing due to stressed induced by RF bonds or welds. Interior walls 10 are joined by continuous bonds 36 that are confined to the intersection of a male ridge 42 on one member with a recessed female section 38 on the other member.

Abstract: An article holding tray adapted to retain and stabilize a wide variety of articles during their use such as dishware, drinking glasses, eating utensils, video game joy sticks and other articles which are typically usable on a tray or lap tray. The device includes a generally flat tray or board which includes one or more connected elongated slots formed orthogonally through the tray and sized in width for slidable translation of an elongated threaded fastener therealong. Each threaded fastener releasably retains an elongated movable retaining block in a selected position against an upper support surface defined by the tray. Each movable retaining block has at least one side surface, and preferably all of the side surfaces, which is sloped at an angle substantially greater than 90 degrees, and preferably about 105 degrees, with respect to the lower flat surface of the retaining block and the support surface.

Abstract: A disposable food container comprises a lid and a base optionally connected to each other along a resilient hinge. The lid includes a top wall, a continuous lid side wall, and a plurality of lid corners. The lid side wall encompasses the top wall and extends downwardly and outwardly from the top wall. The plurality of lid corners are at least partially formed by the lid side wall and include a pair of front lid corners. The base includes a bottom wall, a continuous base side wall, and a plurality of base corners. The base side wall encompasses the bottom wall and extends upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall. The plurality of base corners are at least partially formed by the base side wall and include a pair of front base corners. If the container is provided with a resilient hinge, the pair of front lid corners and the pair of front base corners are spaced away from the hinge. The container includes a corner latch closure for releasably engaging the lid and the base in a closed position.

Abstract: A carton for enclosing an object which has a top face defining a plane and having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge. The carton further includes a first side panel attached to the first edge and angled relative to the plane, a second side panel attached to the second edge and angled relative to the plane, a third side panel attached to the third edge and having a planar portion which is parallel to and offset from the plane and a fourth side panel attached to the fourth edge. The first, second, third and fourth side panels each have an unattached edge, where the unattached edges define an opening which is substantially parallel to the planar portion.

Abstract: A bag for holding athletic articles is disclosed which comprises an outer shell having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The outer shell is configured in the shape of an athletic ball and includes a securable opening for inserting and removing articles therefrom. The interior surface of the outer shell is provided with a first strip of fastening means for mating engagement with a second strip of fastening means positioned on the exterior surface of an inner lining which is removably securable within the outer shell such that the inner lining conforms to the shape of the outer shell when it is positioned therein. The inner lining may be machine-washable and is advantageously fabricated from an absorbent material for absorbing sweat and moisture from athletic articles carried within the bag. A handle is provided on the outer shell for carrying and transporting the bag.

Abstract: A sheet of expanded plastics material with absorbent properties towards aqueous liquids has a structure with intercommunicating cells and comprises at least one surfactant and at least one lubricating agent. The invention also relates to a tray (1) of plastics material for foods which may release liquids, comprising a base (2) and side walls (3), wherein the base (2) has holes (4) of 0.1-1.5 mm diameter in the surface (4) which is intended to contact the food, and is produced from a sheet as described above. Methods of producing the sheet and the tray are also described.

Abstract: A bottle organizer includes a tray having a U-shaped open-ended channel for insertably receiving a plurality of food product containers such as bottles with baby formula. The tray has a bottom with a pair of upstanding U-shaped walls that have opposing spaced-apart surfaces defining the channel. Indicia is disposed at the open ends of the channel denoting an entrance and an exit respectively. Fastener elements such as suction cups may be employed to hold the tray onto a storage shelf and the length of the channel is substantially equal to the length of the plurality of bottles or containers held within the channel between its opposite ends. An ancillary storage compartment is defined in the central area between opposing surfaces of the inner wall.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner package and an outer package. The inner package is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer package is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner package, the inner package is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner package. The flushed inner package is then sealed and inserted into the outer package without sealing the outer package. Next, the outer package is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer package. After flushing the outer package, the outer package is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tray which is useful for use on a patio table having an umbrella post. The tray of the present invention has a slot to receive the umbrella post and as such, may be centrally placed, and slidably rotated around the post.

Abstract: A surgical tray for transport of a sharp surgical instrument is formed as a shallow, rectangular tray portion with an integral handle extending therefrom. The tray is made as a molded body of relatively lightweight material, such as plastic, and its dimensions are such that the tray portion is adapted to receive a single sharp surgical instrument. The tray portion has a rounded rim at its top end and the handle merges with the rim. The bottom of the tray portion can be formed with ribs to prevent slippage. The upper surface of the bottom of the tray portion can be formed with ribs to facilitate engagement and removal of the sharp instrument. The end of the handle can be flared to prevent slippage of the handle from the hand of the user.

Abstract: A greeting card and retaining tray assembly comprised of a greeting card constructed with a pair of foldable panels and having an inner gift receiving receptacle capable of retaining a gift such as a living plant, a bottle of wine, etc. to be presented to a recipient of the card. The receptacle may contain an inner liner enabling the retention of water. In this way, the greeting card serves not only to present a greeting, but also functions as a gift holder for a gift which may be given to the receiver, along with the greeting card. The greeting card and the tray both can be constructed of foldable paper stock material. Initially, flat sheets of paper or paperboard material are provided and folded into both the card and the tray. The tray is preferably triangularly shaped and holds the card in a standing upright position. Moreover, the tray provides room for additional gift items and/or other decorative items.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly for optical fibre splices or other optical fibre components comprises a plurality of trays disposed in a stack with the trays inclined at a common angle to a longitudinal axis of the stack. Each tray is of generally elliptical shape in plan and is pivotally mounted, adjacent one end of its major axis, to an upright support.

Abstract: An improved food storage container is formed from a container body having two sides separated by a shared edge, which defines an axis about which the two sides are adapted for movement between open and storage positions. The open position is defined by a substantially planar disposition of the two sides, while the closed position is defined by the formation of a substantially air-tight cavity. A seal extends around the three nonshared sides of the periphery of the first and second container sides. The seal is of a type that is readily adapted for repeated use, and forms a substantially air-tight seal when closed. Finally, a pair of symmetrically-disposed service flaps are provided and adapted for movement between active and stowed positions. In use, the service flaps are responsively attached to the two sides to fold out into the active position when the two container sides are motivated to the open position, and into the stowed position when the two container sides are motivated to the closed position.

Abstract: An improved pan of the kind used for supporting hands and/or feet for working on the cuticles the improvement being a support for a bottle that may hold nail polish or other material. The support is a sloping surface and a pair of VECLRO straps in connection with the inside of one of the side walls the pan. The support may have a sloped bottom surface for supporting the bottle of nail polish at an angle to that of the surface of the pan, thereby allowing the brush to dip into the bottle for maximum use of the polish. Support straps with VELCRO closures may be used to further secure the bottle to the side of the wall.

Abstract: The tray is form from a base piece, shaped as a small cask, forecast to be the bottom of the tray in which a rising double marginal flange is provided and to which at least an other piece is joint, piece that that is part of the side walls of the tray, walls that despite the fact could be made of two or four pieces, and even of other complementary pieces that work as the support for the vertical edges. According to another characteristic of the invention, the mentioned small cask is placed inside of the piece or pieces that form the side walls of the tray, overhanging with respect to the lower edge of the pieces that form the side walls of the tray, so that during the pile up between trays, the bottom part of each of them is assembled to the mouth piece of the immediately lower tray. It has been forecast that the side walls of the tray could be provided with folding flanges, that will fold towards the inside of the tray and be fixed by glue.

Abstract: A food product container including a tray having a base and a sidewall extending from the base and a jacket disposed generally adjacent to the tray. The sidewall of the tray terminates in a flange which together with a portion of the sidewall defines an undercut space. The jacket is dimensioned such that a portion thereof is disposed in the undercut space so that the Jacket can be restrained from separating from adjacent the tray by virtue of the portion engaging against the flange. An associated food product package is also disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable shipping container or tray made of a single blank and preassembled to be unfolded into an open top tray having foldable leg structures depending from the corners of the bottom of the container to engage the outside upper corners of a like container or partition members protruding above the sides of a like container to maintain the containers in alignment with each other in their unfolded condition with the leg structures being foldable relative to the remainder of the container in either its folded or unfolded condition.

Abstract: A food container and assemblage of internal components including a tray with a corrugated and slotted bottom panel supported within the container receptacle, and a cooling pack positioned within the container in a variety of positions to define food chambers wherein the food is maintained out of contact with the cooling pack.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging system and method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner container and an outer container. The inner container is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer container is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner container, the inner container is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner container. The flushed inner container is then sealed and inserted into the outer container without sealing the outer container. Next, the outer container is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer container. After flushing the outer container, the outer container is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: A compartmentalized, plastic food package includes a container and sealed cover which have a plurality of individually sealed chambers for distinct foodstuffs. The container includes a top flange or surface which extends about the individual chambers onto which the removable cover is secured by an adhesive or heat sealing. The top flange includes a peripheral shoulder and lip which cooperates with the rear or bottom edge of certain of the chambers to facilitate substantially upright self-display of the container and contents. The sidewalls of the chambers are tapered and include notched or stepped spacers such that the containers may be controllably nested, the spacers preventing overly tight nesting and thus facilitating separation prior to filling and sealing. A plurality of distinct foodstuffs such as meat, cheese, crackers and cookies, for example, may be individually sealed in the chambers, thereby maintaining each foods flavor, aroma and desired moisture content.

Abstract: A buffet table food pan having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls extending upwardly from a bottom panel. A top flange extends outwardly from the walls. The flange is in sealing engagement with the buffet table when it is placed therein. The flange has a notch defined at each end, so that a space is defined between the flange and the table. The space defines a ledge which can be grabbed, or under which utensils can be placed for the purpose of lifting the pan or removing the pan from the table.

Abstract: A novel manufacturing technique for strengthening integrally molded handles on a membranous or thin-film article against tearing, by integrally molding the peripheries of the handles and adjacent rim regions of the article in a mold which provides a three-dimensional curvilinear pre-bias against the stress-pattern engendered by lifting of masses carried by the article.

Abstract: A package comprising a flanged tray and a wrapper for covering the tray includes an easy opening feature for providing access to the contents of the tray. The wrapper is formed from a substantially rectangular blank of paperboard which is cut and scored to provide a top panel which is adhered to the tray flange, at least one side wall foldably attached to the top panel which lies adjacent to a tray side wall and a bottom flap foldably attached to the side wall which is adhered to the bottom of the tray. The easy opening feature includes a tab element formed from a part of the side panel which is connected to a removable lid portion of the top panel. The tab element and removable lid portion are formed by spaced apart, partial depth cut lines located on the inner and outer surfaces of the top panel and the side panel.

Abstract: A compartmentalized plastic food package includes a container and sealed cover which have a plurality of individually sealed chambers for distinct foodstuffs. The container includes a top flange or surface which extends about the individual chambers onto which the removable cover is secured by an adhesive or heat sealing. The top flange includes a peripheral shoulder and lip which cooperates with the rear or bottom edge of certain of the chambers to facilitate substantially upright self-display of the container and contents. The sidewalls of the chambers are tapered and include notched or stepped spacers such that the containers may be controllably nested, the spacers preventing overly tight nesting and thus facilitating separation prior to filling and sealing. A plurality of distinct foodstuffs such as meat, cheese, crackers and cookies, for example, may be individually sealed in the chambers, thereby maintaining each foods flavor, aroma and desired moisture content.