Pre-packaged food tray kit and method of use

Abstract

A party tray kit comprises a variety of ready-to-eat foods of sufficient quantity for a plurality of individuals that are sealed within a serving tray and ready to serve. The party tray kit also includes a carrier. The carrier includes a compartment for the serving tray and a compartment for a variety of condiments and relishes in ready-to-use packets. The party tray kit can be kept under refrigeration for a considerable period of time. In use, the party try kit is removed from refrigerated storage, the serving tray is removed from the kit and a releasable lidding film is removed from the serving tray. In one exemplary embodiment, the party tray kit may include a selection of cold-cuts and cheeses. When this embodiment is used, the serving tray may be presented to a gathering of individuals who can consume the various food items and condiments as desired.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention is directed to a packaged food tray. [0003] 2. Related Art [0004] As food quality, sanitation, refrigeration and packaging practices have improved, the ability and opportunity to provide prepared and ready-to-eat food products has increased. While there has been an exponential increase in packaged foods that are frozen or not refrigerated, such as crackers, chips and frozen foods packaged as single entrees or complete meals, there has not been an equally explosive growth in ready-to-eat foods that require only refrigeration. [0005] While prepared frozen foods come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, foods that are more appetizing when refrigerated are neither available in such large varieties, nor are most refrigerated foods amenable to long-term storage. For example, deli-style foods are not readily amenable to drying or freezing for long-term storage because such processes adversely affect their ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] This invention separately provides a food tray having a clear, sealed covering that maintains the quality and freshness of the contents for a substantial period of time.

[0012] This invention separately provides a food tray having a clear, sealed covering that allows the contents to be easily visually inspected.

[0013] This invention s

Problems solved by technology

While there has been an exponential increase in packaged foods that are frozen or not refrigerated, such as crackers, chips and frozen foods packaged as single entrees or complete meals, there has not been an equally explosive growth in ready-to-eat foods that require only refrigeration.

While prepared frozen foods come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, foods that are more appetizing when refrigerated are neither available in such large varieties, nor are most refrigerated foods amenable to long-term storage.

For example, deli-style foods are not readily amenable to drying or freezing for long-term storage because such processes adversely affect their taste, texture and/or appearance.

Large ready-to-serve platters t

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