Sealable portion cups and lids therefor

Abstract

A container ensemble for food packaging comprising a substantially planar lid member formed of a polymeric material which has a plurality of substantially planar lids which are integrally formed and separably joined to each other, each of the lids including a sealing channel around its perimeter and a skirt extending outwardly therefrom. The lid member is provided with tearable portions to facilitate separation. The other component of the ensemble is a cup member formed of a polymeric material defining a plurality of cups which are integrally formed and also separably joined to each other, the cups including a bottom, a sidewall, and a brim about an upper opening of each cup. Each cup has a skirt extending outwardly from its brim provided with tearable portions to facilitate separation. The sealing channels of the lids of the lid member are adapted to mate with the brims of the cups to provide a plurality of separably joined sealed containers when the lid member and cup member are joined in sealing engagement; the ensemble being thereby adapted for sequentially: (i) receiving serving portions of food in a plurality of cups; (ii) lidding the cups to provide sealed containers containing individual portions; (iii) separating the sealed containers; and (iv) distributing the portions.

Description

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY [0001] This non-provisional application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 751,786, entitled “Lidded Container with Linear Brim Segments and Medial Sealing Beads” (Attorney Docket 2391-1 / GP-01-31-1), filed Jan. 5, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 456,207, entitled “Separable Containers Arranged in Arrays With Integrally Formed Lids” (Attorney Docket 2391 / GP-01-31), filed Jun. 6, 2003, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 389,533, filed Jun. 18, 2002. The priorities of the foregoing applications are hereby claimed.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to disposable containers with lids for packaging fresh foods for distribution. Particularly preferred embodiments inclusive of 2, 4 and 6 ounce containers for sauces and condiments are thermoformed on complimentary sheets which may be joined in sealing engagement...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] The present invention provides food containers which are easily filled and sealed while the containers are connected to one another and then separated into individual containers containing a serving. Preferably the lids and cups form substantially continuous seals between them so that the containers are substantially liquid proof; it being understood that the seal, while highly effective, especially when viewed in light of the low cost nature of the articles, is of course less than perfect where the seal formed might allow a few drops of moisture to penetrate when a sealed container is partially filled with water and shaken; but compression, effort and / or agitation is required to remove more than a few drops of liquid. The containers are thus especially suitable for liquid or semi-liquid sauces, condiments, dressings, side dishes and so forth that are prepared and fresh-packaged shortly before consumption.

Problems solved by technology

While the container art is plentiful, there remain largely unresolved issues with respect to lidded containers of low cost that can exhibit superior sealing characteristics, even at low product weight.

Simply making a “tighter” fit between the lid and its associated container or receptacle is ineffective since the increase in the required capping force will crush the container, leading to product failure in too many instances as well as associated spillage.

Likewise, existing containers, especially relatively small containers, are difficult to individually fill and seal, making the process prohibitively time consuming or requiring equipment and skills not generally available at homes, catering establishments and restaurants.

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