Methods of preparing food and a multi-compartment container and lid assembly for practicing the methods

Abstract

Methods of preparing food and a divided container system used in the preparation. The container system has a master tray having an interior portion and a peripheral top edge, at least one insertable sub-tray positionable within the interior portion of the master tray, in which each sub-tray includes a peripheral top edge and an interior portion, and a lid for sealing both the master tray and the at least one insertable sub-tray. There are means securing a sub-tray in place within in the master tray.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 741,285 filed Dec. 18, 2003.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a container for holding at least one item, and more particularly, to a compartmentalized container particularly adapted for storing multiple items separated from each other within a single container for storage and transportation thereof, such as fresh sandwich and salad ingredients.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Restaurants, typically of the take-out variety, such as those involved mostly with sandwich and salad preparations, have developed methods of storing ingredients required to prepare sandwiches and salads to an individual order. Special tray arrangements contain the precut ingredients, typically in large quantities, readily available for use. Similarly, many supermarkets have point-of-sale storage and display arrangements for volume sales of such prec...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]In accordance with the present invention, a storage and display compartmentalized tray system is provided to allow for effective separation of ingredients included within a single tray, such as would be particularly advantageous for strong flavored ingredients (e.g., onions, peppers, olives, etc.) and for ingredients having different storage requirements (e.g., juicy tomatoes vs. moisture-sensitive lettuce). Such a tray system is desirably designed and manufactured to retain ingredient freshness and eye-appeal for extended time periods. In addition, the tray system of the present invention advantageously provides for convenient and safe transport of the ingredients without refrigeration, such as for meals away from home or for outdoor activities. The storage system includes optional features to aid in maintaining the contents of the container at an acceptable low temperature for an extended period.

Problems solved by technology

For example, in a restaurant or supermarket, volume sales may require frequent replenishment of ingredients, and food and health laws may deter storage of ingredients from one day to the next.

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