Container for food preservation and display

Abstract

A container for a food product is disclosed, the container comprising a base and an inlay core. The base includes a base plate and a peripheral bead having an inner side wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the base plate, a top wall extending laterally outwardly from an upper end of the inner side wall, and an outer side wall extending downwardly from a laterally outer edge of the top wall. At least the lower portion of the inner side wall and the base plate laterally and from below enclose the liquid collection reservoir. The base includes a base peripheral engagement surface extending around the collection reservoir. The insert core includes a support plate having an insert core peripheral engagement surface releasably interlockable with the base peripheral engagement surface to assemble the insert core onto the base such that the support plate covers the collection reservoir. The support plate has at least one aperture for discharging liquid from above into the collection reservoir.

Description

[0001] Citation of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 414,271, filed on Oct. 7, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The teachings disclosed herein relate to containers for food, and more particularly to a container including a reservoir for collecting liquid exuded by food held therein. Background Art

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 5,705,213 (Guillin) discloses a package for packaging and preserving fresh foods such as meats, seafoods, etc. The package is of the type including a tray on which the fresh food is placed and a heat-shrinkable film sheet for covering the food received in the tray. The tray includes a first container portion that is relatively rigid and impermeable and a second container portion on which the fresh food is placed. The second container portion is fitted within the first container portion and includes orifices that allow fluids that may exude from the fresh food to pass therethrough. The second container portion is placed on a corrugated structure or ribs of the first container portion to define a desired number of enclosed chambers, characterized in that, in order to allow for the even hardening of the first container portion and the controlled collection of fluids exuded by the fresh food into the chambers, the ribs are distributed in a network of at least one approximate parallel rib. Each rib extends in at least two directions such that each point of the rib is oriented to resist a corresponding component of the ambient stress caused by the film material wrapping the package.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 7,921,992 (LaRue et al.) discloses a container including a first tray and a second tray disposed within the space of the first tray to define a reservoir therebetween. The first tray has a first bottom wall and a surrounding first sidewall that extends generally upwardly from the first bottom wall to define a space therein. The second tray has a second bottom wall and a surrounding second sidewall that also extends generally upwardly from the second bottom wall. The second bottom wall has at least one orifice defined in its central region and also has an upper surface that slopes downwardly toward the at least one orifice. The reservoir defined between the first tray and the second tray is in fluid communication with the orifice.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 10,414,571 (Wallace) relates to a container and other formed articles (such as trays and plates) for containing food items such as meat chunks and poultry or liquid-sensitive electronic components. In one aspect, the container has a reservoir portion in which liquid can be isolated. In another aspect, the container includes a thermoformable base, a liner, and a lid, and the lid and the liner define a compartment for containing an article. The compartment can be separated from the base by separating the liner from the base without damaging the compartment. Most of the container can be recycled by separating the liner and / or the lid from the base. The disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a thermoformed article having multiple layers, which method does not rely on the use of a coextruded or other base containing a composite thermoplastic. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the teachings of the present applicant, but does not limit any invention.

[0008] In one aspect, a container for food is disclosed. The container includes a base and an insert. The base is made of a transparent plastic and includes a reservoir bottom plate and a surrounding flange. The surrounding flange has an inner flange sidewall that surrounds the perimeter of the reservoir bottom plate and extends upward from the perimeter, a flange top wall that extends laterally outward from the upper end side of the inner flange sidewall, and an outer flange sidewall that extends downward from the lateral outer edge of the flange top wall. At least the lower portion of the inner flange sidewall and the reservoir bottom plate enclose a liquid collection reservoir laterally and from below. The base includes a lower surrounding engagement surface of the base that extends around the liquid collection reservoir. The insert is made of plastic and includes a support plate having a lower surrounding engagement surface of the insert. The lower surrounding engagement surface of the insert can be releasably interlocked with the lower surrounding engagement surface of the base to assemble the insert onto the base, at which time the support plate covers the liquid collection reservoir. The support plate has at least one drain orifice for draining liquid into the liquid collection reservoir from above. At least a portion of the outer flange sidewall is at the same height as the lower portion of the inner flange sidewall and is laterally outwardly spaced from the lower portion of the inner flange sidewall to impede viewing of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lower surrounding engagement surface of the base includes at least a portion of the inner flange sidewall.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lower surrounding engagement surface of the base includes at least a portion of the flange top wall.

[0011] In some embodiments, the insert includes an insert lower sidewall that extends upward from the plate perimeter of the support plate and also includes an insert lower flange that extends laterally outward from the upper end side of the insert lower sidewall.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the insert and the base are assembled together, the insert lower flange abuts against the flange top wall.

[0013] In some embodiments, the under-chip peripheral engagement surface includes at least a portion of the under-chip sidewall.

[0014] In some embodiments, the base includes a flow regulator for each discharge orifice of the chip. The flow regulator projects upward from the reservoir bottom plate and aligns with the discharge orifice when the chip is assembled to the base. When the container is tilted or inverted, the flow regulator blocks the central portion of the discharge orifice to regulate the liquid flow through the discharge orifice and inhibit backflow of the liquid from the liquid collection reservoir through the discharge orifice.

[0015] In some embodiments, an upper portion of the flow regulator extends through the discharge orifice.

[0016] In some embodiments, the discharge orifice is circular and the flow regulator includes a circular upwardly projecting protrusion concentric with the discharge orifice.

[0017] In some embodiments, an annular flow gap is provided between an outer surface of the flow regulator and an inner surface of the discharge orifice.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support plate includes a plate upper surface and a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions projecting upward from the plate upper surface. Each protrusion has a protrusion top surface spaced above the plate upper surface for holding food above the plate upper surface in the container and facilitating liquid flow from the food along the plate upper surface between the protrusions and to the discharge orifice.

[0019] In some embodiments, the support plate includes a recess associated with each discharge orifice. The recess has a lowered central wall having an upwardly directed surface lower than the plate upper surface adjacent the recess. The discharge orifice extends through the central wall of the recess.

[0020] In some embodiments, the chip includes an upper chip sidewall having a first end of the upper chip sidewall joined to an outer edge of the flange and a second end of the upper chip sidewall vertically spaced above the first end of the upper chip sidewall.

[0021] In some embodiments, the upper chip sidewall includes a chip periphery formed at the second end of the upper chip sidewall. The chip periphery may be circular to facilitate tear-free engagement with a film wrapped around the container, thereby maintaining the freshness of the food.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second end of the upper chip sidewall includes an upper peripheral engagement surface of the chip extending around the container.

[0023] In some embodiments, the base includes a base sidewall having a first end of the base sidewall that engages the lower end of the outer sidewall of the curled edge, and a second end of the base sidewall that is vertically spaced above the first end of the base sidewall.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second end of the base sidewall includes a base periphery. The base periphery can be circular to facilitate tear - free engagement with a film wrapped around the container, thereby maintaining the freshness of the food.

[0025] In some instances, the second end of the base sidewall includes an upper peripheral engagement surface of the base that extends around the container.

[0026] In some embodiments, the insert includes an upper insert sidewall having a first end of the upper insert sidewall that engages the outer edge of the flange, and an upper peripheral engagement surface of the insert that extends around the container along a second end of the upper insert sidewall spaced above the first end of the upper insert sidewall.

[0027] In some embodiments, the base includes a base sidewall having a first end of the base sidewall that engages the lower end of the outer wall of the curled edge, and an upper peripheral engagement surface of the base that extends around the container along a second end of the base sidewall vertically spaced above the first end of the base sidewall. When the insert is assembled to the base, at least the portion of the base sidewall between the first end of the base sidewall and the second end of the base sidewall is disposed laterally outward from the upper insert sidewall.

[0028] In some embodiments, when the insert is assembled to the base, the upper peripheral engagement surface of the insert can be releasably interlocked with the upper peripheral engagement surface of the base. A sealed chamber extends vertically between the interlocked upper and lower peripheral engagement surfaces of the base and the insert and extends around the perimeter of the container. The sealed chamber provides a thermal barrier between the outer surface of the base sidewall and the interior of the container.

[0029] In some embodiments, the base and the insert are formed from a single - piece plastic sheet and are connected together along respective first edges by a first living hinge, and assembling the insert to the base includes pivoting the insert relative to the base about the living hinge.

[0030] In some embodiments, the container includes a lid that can be releasably engaged with the periphery of at least one of the base and the insert.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lid is formed from a single - piece plastic sheet together with the base and the insert, and the lid is connected to the base by a second living hinge along a second edge of the base.

[0032] In another aspect, a container for food is disclosed. The container includes a base and an insert. The base is made of transparent plastic and includes a reservoir bottom plate and reservoir side walls. The reservoir side walls surround the perimeter of the reservoir bottom plate and extend upward from the perimeter. The base also includes a shoulder extending laterally outward from the upper end side of the reservoir side walls, and an upper side wall extending upward from the lateral outer edge of the shoulder. At least the lower portion of the reservoir side walls and the reservoir bottom plate enclose a liquid collection reservoir laterally and from below. The base also includes a base lower peripheral engagement surface extending around the liquid collection reservoir. The insert is made of plastic and includes a support plate having an insert lower peripheral engagement surface. The insert lower peripheral engagement surface is releasably interlockable with the base lower peripheral engagement surface to assemble the insert to the base, with the support plate covering the liquid collection reservoir. The support plate has at least one discharge orifice for discharging liquid from above into the liquid collection reservoir. When assembled to the base, at least the lower portion of the reservoir side walls is laterally inwardly spaced from the upper side wall by a lateral distance that is at least as large as the vertical distance that the lower portion of the reservoir side walls extends between the reservoir bottom plate and the lower surface of the insert, to impede viewing of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir.

[0033] In some embodiments, the reservoir side walls include an upper portion that is laterally outwardly disposed from the lower portion and is connected to the lower portion by a substantially horizontal step surface that engages the lower surface of the insert when the insert is assembled to the base.

[0034] In some embodiments, the upper portion of the reservoir side walls extends downward from the base shoulder to the lateral outer edge of the step surface, and the lower portion of the reservoir side walls extends downward from the lateral inner edge of the step surface to the reservoir bottom plate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the insert lower engagement surface includes the lower surface of the peripheral portion of the support plate that is configured to abut the step surface.

[0036] In some embodiments, the insert lower engagement surface includes the outer surface of the insert lower side wall that is configured to abut the upper portion of the reservoir side walls.

[0037] By reading the description of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure below, other aspects and features of the teachings disclosed herein will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to more clearly show how they function, the following will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary container for food according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein;

[0040] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of a container;

[0041] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the base of the container;

[0042] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a portion of the base taken along line 4-4;

[0043] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container taken along line 5-5;

[0044] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the container taken along line 6-6;

[0045] Figure 7 is Figure 6 an enlarged view of a portion of the container marked at frame 7;

[0046] Figure 8 is Figure 6 an enlarged view of a portion of the container marked at frame 8;

[0047] Figure 9 is

[0048] Figure 10 a perspective view of another container for food according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein;

[0049] Figure 11 is Figure 10 an exploded perspective view of a container;

[0050] Figure 12 is Figure 10 a cross-sectional view of the container taken along line 12-12;

[0051] Figure 12A is Figure 12 an enlarged view of a portion of the container marked at circle 12A;

[0052] Figure 13 is

[0053] Figure 14 is Figure 13 an exploded perspective view of a container;

[0054] Figure 15 is Figure 13Cross-sectional view of the container taken along line 15-15;

[0055] Figure 15A is at Figure 15 Enlarged view of the portion of the container marked at circle 15A;

[0056] Figure 16 Is a perspective view of another exemplary container for food according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein;

[0057] Figure 17 is Figure 16 Exploded perspective view of the container;

[0058] Figure 18 is along Figure 16 Cross-sectional view of the container taken along line 18-18;

[0059] Figure 19 Is a perspective view of another container for food according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein;

[0060] Figure 20 is Figure 19 Exploded perspective view of the container;

[0061] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the container taken along line 21-21 Figure 19 ;

[0062] Figure 21A is at Figure 21 Enlarged view of the portion of the container marked at frame 21A;

[0063] Figure 22 Is a perspective view of another container for food according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein;

[0064] Figure 23 is Figure 22 Cross-sectional view of the container in a partially assembled configuration; and

[0065] Figure 24 is Figure 22 Cross-sectional view of the container in a fully closed configuration.

[0066] The accompanying drawings included herein are intended to illustrate various embodiments of the apparatus and methods in accordance with the teachings of the specification, but are not intended to limit in any way the scope of the teachings. Detailed Description

[0067] Various apparatuses or processes will now be described to provide embodiments of each claimed invention. The embodiments described below do not limit any claimed invention, and any claimed invention may cover processes and apparatuses different from those described below. A claimed invention is not limited to an apparatus or process having all of the features of any one of the apparatuses or processes described below or the common features of several or all of the apparatuses described below. The apparatuses or processes described below may not be embodiments of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in the apparatuses or processes described below that is not claimed herein may be the subject of another protective instrument, such as a continuation patent application, and the applicant, inventor, and / or owner do not intend to disclaim, abandon, or dedicate to the public any such invention by the disclosure herein.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a container 100 for food according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein includes liquid management features to help better preserve the food contained in the container and to help make the food in the container look more appealing to potential purchasers. Certain foods, such as fresh meat, fresh fruit, cut fruit, or vegetables, have a high moisture content and exude liquid when placed in a container for sale to the end consumer. For example, if the food is in contact with this liquid for an extended period of time, the liquid can damage the food. This liquid may also be unsightly (especially if the liquid is a biological liquid, such as blood), and make the purchase of the food unappealing to the consumer.

[0069] As disclosed in more detail subsequently herein, the container 100 alleviates these problems by providing a base 102 and a core 104 removably attached to the base 102. When the core 104 is assembled onto the base 102, the container 100 provides a space above the core 104 to hold the food and a space inside the base 102 below the core 104 to collect the liquid exuded from the food, such that the food is separated from the liquid and the visibility of the liquid is reduced (e.g., when the container is displayed for sale). This obviates the need to place a separate pad under the food to absorb the liquid, and, after use, the core 104 can be removed from the base 102 to facilitate flushing any exuded liquid, thereby promoting the recyclability of the container 100.

[0070] The base 102 includes a reservoir bottom plate 106 for closing the liquid collection reservoir 124 ( Figure 6 ) from below. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 also includes a peripheral curl 108 surrounding the perimeter of the reservoir bottom plate 106. The peripheral curl 108 has a curl inner sidewall 110 surrounding the perimeter 112 of the reservoir bottom plate 106 and extending upward from the perimeter 112 ( Figure 6 , Figure 8)), a curled top wall 114 extending laterally outward from the upper end 116 of the curled inner side wall 110, and a curled outer side wall 118 extending downward from the lateral outer edge 120 of the curled top wall 114. At least the lower portion 122 of the curled inner side wall 110 and the reservoir bottom plate 106 enclose the liquid collection reservoir 124 laterally and from below.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 and the insert 104 are formed from a plastic sheet during a thermoforming process. In the illustrated embodiment, the plastic sheet is an uncolored transparent PET material that is easily recyclable. In some embodiments, portions of the uncolored material can be treated (e.g., embossed) to have a frosted appearance such that those portions are semi-transparent. In some embodiments, the base 102 and the insert 104 are formed from a semi-transparent or opaque plastic material. The size and shape of the container 100 can be selected to meet the requirements of food packagers. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 100 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0072] Please refer again to Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the base 102 includes a base lower peripheral engagement surface 126 that extends around the liquid collection reservoir 124. The insert 104 includes a support plate 128 that has an insert lower peripheral engagement surface 130. The insert lower peripheral engagement surface 130 can releasably interlock with the base lower peripheral engagement surface 126 to assemble the insert 104 onto the base 102, at which time the support plate 128 covers the liquid collection reservoir 124.

[0073] In some embodiments, the base lower peripheral engagement surface 126 includes at least a portion of the curled inner side wall 110. In some embodiments, the base lower peripheral engagement surface 126 includes at least a portion of the curled top wall 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the base lower peripheral engagement surface 126 includes the upper portion of the curled inner side wall 110 and the lateral interior of the curled top wall 114 ( Figure 8 ).

[0074] In the exemplary container 100, the insert 104 includes an insert lower side wall 140 (see Figure 2 ) that extends upward from the plate periphery 142 of the support plate 128 ( Figure 8 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 104 further includes an insert lower flange 144 that extends laterally outward from the upper end 146 of the insert lower side wall 140. When the exemplary insert 104 and the base 102 are assembled together, the insert lower flange 144 abuts against the curled top wall 114.

[0075] In some embodiments, the under-chip peripheral engagement surface 130 includes at least a portion of the under-chip sidewall 140. In some embodiments, the under-chip peripheral engagement surface 130 includes at least a portion of the under-chip flange 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the under-chip peripheral engagement surface 130 at least includes the upper portion 148 of the under-chip sidewall 140 and the lateral interior 149 of the under-chip flange 144.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, by making the upper end of the crimp inner sidewall 110 define (or delimit) an opening slightly smaller than the footprint defined by the lower edge of the under-chip sidewall 140, it facilitates the snap-fit interlocking assembly of the under-base peripheral engagement surface 126 and the under-chip peripheral engagement surface 130. To assemble the chip 104 onto the base 102, the lower edge of the under-chip sidewall 140 can be pressed vertically downward (as Figure 8 shown) onto the base 102 and forced through the upper end of the crimp inner sidewall 110, causing the corresponding surfaces of the chip and the base to elastically deform until these surfaces pass each other, and the crimp inner sidewall 110 and the under-chip sidewall 140 spring back towards their undeformed state. Some elastic compressive force remains on the assembly, thereby providing a substantially fluid-tight seal through the interlocking engagement of the under-peripheral engagement surfaces 126, 130.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion 134 of the crimp outer sidewall 118 is at the same height as the lower portion 122 of the crimp inner sidewall 110 and is laterally spaced outward therefrom ( Figure 8 ). Spacing the crimp outer sidewall 118 laterally outward from the crimp inner sidewall 110 provides a gap that spaces the liquid collection reservoir 124 further laterally inward compared to a situation without such a gap. This gap can provide a thermal barrier between the crimp outer sidewall 118 and the liquid collection reservoir 124, which, for example, can help protect a user's hand from the high or low temperatures associated with handling the container when the container is filled with hot or cold contents. The crimp outer sidewall 118 arranged laterally outward from the crimp inner sidewall 110 can additionally or alternatively help hide the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 124 by obstructing the view of the liquid.

[0078] Please refer back to Figure 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner crimp wall 110 extends vertically upward from the reservoir bottom plate to the crimp top wall 114, and the lower portion 122 of the inner crimp wall 110 spans the height extending upward from the reservoir bottom plate 106 to the lower end of the inlay lower side wall 140. The outer crimp wall 118 extends downward and laterally outwardly (about 45 degrees in the illustrated embodiment) from the crimp top wall 114 to a height substantially equal to the height of the reservoir bottom plate 106. The lower portion 134 of the outer crimp wall 118 spans the same height as the lower portion 122 of the inner crimp wall 110, that is, the height extending upward from the reservoir bottom plate 106 to the lower end of the inlay lower side wall 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 is formed of a transparent plastic, and a single transparent side wall such as the inner crimp wall 110 can hardly prevent the liquid against it from being seen. As illustrated in the illustrated embodiment, the outer crimp wall 118 positions the reservoir inside the periphery of the container 100 and provides a second wall in the line of sight, which, as taught by the present inventor, can significantly impede the view of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 includes an optional base side wall 186 (described in more detail below), which further impedes the view of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 124.

[0079] Please refer again to Figure 1 , the support plate 128 has at least one discharge orifice 132 for discharging liquid into the liquid collection reservoir 124 from above. In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 128 has three discharge orifices 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the three discharge orifices 132 are spaced along the longitudinal center line of the support plate 128. The number of discharge orifices 132 included in the support plate 128 may vary according to the size of the container 100. For example, a larger container 100 may include more discharge orifices 132 than a smaller container 100.

[0080] In some embodiments, the support plate 128 may be shaped to facilitate the flow of liquid along the upper surface 164 of the plate to one or more of the discharge orifices 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the support plate 128 at a position near the inlay lower side wall 140 is higher than the height of the support plate 128 at the discharge orifice 132 ( Figure 6 ). This configuration helps the exuded liquid to flow along the upper surface 164 of the plate to the discharge orifice 132 ( Figure 7 ). In the case where the container 100 is inverted, this configuration also impedes the collected liquid from flowing along the lower surface of the support plate 128 to one or more of the discharge orifices 132 (i.e., because the lower surface of the plate is inclined away from the discharge orifice 132 when the container 100 is inverted).

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 includes a flow regulator 150 for each discharge orifice 132 of the cartridge 104 ( Figure 2 ). Referring to Figure 7 , when the cartridge 104 is assembled to the base 102, the flow regulator 150 projects upwardly from the reservoir floor 106 and is aligned with the discharge orifice 132. When the container 100 is tilted or inverted, the flow regulator 150 blocks the central portion of the discharge orifice 132 to regulate the flow of liquid through the discharge orifice 132 and further helps to inhibit backflow of liquid from the liquid collection reservoir 124 through the discharge orifice 132.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, an upper portion 154 of the flow regulator 150 extends through the discharge orifice 132 ( Figure 7 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge orifice 132 is circular and the flow regulator 150 includes a circular upwardly projecting boss 156 that is concentric with the discharge orifice 132. In the illustrated embodiment, an annular flow gap 158 is provided between an outer surface 160 of the flow regulator 150 and an inner surface 162 of the discharge orifice 132.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 128 includes a plate upper surface 164 and a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 166 that project upwardly from the plate upper surface 164 ( Figure 2 and Figure 5 ). Each protrusion 166 has a protrusion top surface 168 that is spaced above the plate upper surface 164 ( Figure 5 ), which is used to hold food above the plate upper surface 164 in the container 100 and helps liquid flow from the food along the plate upper surface 164 between the protrusions 166 and to the discharge orifice 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate upper surface 164 between the protrusions 166 is generally flat and slopes toward the discharge orifice 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 168 of each protrusion 166 is circular to facilitate drainage of liquid from the food to the plate upper surface 164.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 166 has a hollow interior 169 that is at least partially defined by a concave inner surface 167 ( Figure 5 ). The inner surface 167 of the protrusion points toward the reservoir floor 106 and forms a ceiling of the liquid collection reservoir 124 ( Figure 6 ). In cases where the container 100 can be inverted or nearly inverted, such as during handling by a potential purchaser, liquid can collect in the protrusion interior 169, which helps prevent liquid from flowing back from the (inverted) liquid collection reservoir 124 through the discharge orifice 132 to the food in the container 100.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 128 includes recesses 170 associated with each discharge orifice 132( Figure 5 and Figure 7 ). In the illustrated embodiment, each recess 170 has a reduced central wall 172 having an upwardly facing surface that is lower than the upper surface 164 of the plate adjacent the recess 170( Figure 7 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge orifice 132 extends through the reduced central wall 172 of the recess 170. This configuration increases the vertical spacing between the discharge orifice 132 and the upper surface 164 of the plate of the support plate 128 of the insert 104. The recesses 170 can facilitate the discharge process. For example, in the case where a certain volume of liquid seeps out at a rate faster than the possible rate at which the liquid passes through the discharge orifice 132, the recesses 170 can serve as overflow pools. In addition, the recesses 170 can help prevent liquid from flowing back from the liquid collection reservoir 124 through the discharge orifice 132 to the food. For example, in the case where the container 100 can be inverted, the height of the discharge orifice 132 is spaced above the upper surface 164 of the plate (and further above the inner surface 167 of the protrusion) such that liquid is less likely to flow back through the discharge orifice 132.

[0086] Please refer again to Figure 6 and Figure 8 , in the illustrated embodiment, the insert 104 includes an upper insert sidewall 174 having a first end 176 of the upper insert sidewall that engages the outer edge 178 of the flange 144 and a second end 180 of the upper insert sidewall that is vertically spaced above the first end 176 of the upper insert sidewall( Figure 8 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the upper insert sidewall 174 includes an insert periphery 182 formed at the second end 180 of the upper insert sidewall. The insert periphery 182 can be circular to facilitate tear - free engagement with the film wrapped around the container 100, thereby maintaining the freshness of the food.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the second end 180 of the upper insert sidewall includes an upper peripheral engagement surface 184 that extends around the container 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper peripheral engagement surface 184 extends around the container 100 along the second end 180 of the upper insert sidewall.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 includes a base sidewall 186 having a first end 188 of the base sidewall that engages the lower end 190 of the outer sidewall 118 of the curl and a second end 192 of the base sidewall that is vertically spaced above the first end 188 of the base sidewall( Figure 8 ).

[0089] The second end 192 of the base sidewall includes a base periphery 194. The base periphery 194 can be circular or cooperate with a circular inlay periphery 182 to facilitate a tear - free engagement with a film wrapped around the container 100.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the second end 192 of the base sidewall includes an upper circumferential engagement surface 196 of the base that extends around the container 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper circumferential engagement surface 196 of the base extends around the container 100 along the second end 192 of the base sidewall.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, when the inlay 104 is assembled onto the base 102, a portion of the base sidewall 186 between the first end 188 and the second end 192 of the base sidewall is disposed laterally outward from the crimp outer sidewall 118 ( Figure 8 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 187 of the base sidewall 186 is at the same height as the lower portion 122 of the crimp inner sidewall 110 and is spaced laterally outward from the lower portion 122 of the crimp inner sidewall 110, which further hinders viewing of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 124. In some embodiments, the lower portion 187 of the base sidewall 186 is translucent or opaque to further hinder viewing of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 124.

[0092] When the inlay 104 is assembled onto the base 102, the upper circumferential engagement surface 184 of the inlay can releasably interlock with the upper circumferential engagement surface 196 of the base. In the illustrated embodiment, a seal chamber 200 extends between the interlocked upper circumferential engagement surfaces 184, 196 and the interlocked lower circumferential engagement surfaces 126, 130 and extends around the container 100. The seal chamber 200 provides a thermal barrier between the outer surface 202 of the base sidewall 186 and the interior 204 of the container 100 ( Figure 8 ). This helps to isolate the heated or cooled food in the container from the environment, so that the food maintains its desired temperature for a longer time. The seal chamber 200 also helps to prevent liquid from leaking out of the container 100, for example, when the container is inverted or overturned. More specifically, in some cases, the interlocking engagement between the base and the upper circumferential engagement surfaces 196, 184 of the inlay and the interlocking engagement between the base and the lower circumferential engagement surfaces 126, 130 of the inlay help to prevent liquid from leaking out of the container 100.

[0093] In use, the insert 104 is assembled to the base 102 by pressing the circumferential engagement surface 130 around the insert against the circumferential engagement surface 126 of the base to form a snap-fit interlocking seal. At the same time, the circumferential engagement surface 184 around the insert can be pressed against the circumferential engagement surface 196 of the base to form a snap-fit interlocking seal. When assembling the insert 104 to the base 102, food can be loaded onto the support plate 128 of the insert 104, and a plastic film or lid can be installed to cover the top of the container 100. Liquid exuded from the food can be drained into the liquid collection reservoir 124, where the liquid is isolated from the food and is at least hidden from view by the outer wall 118 of the crimp of the circumferential crimp 108.

[0094] After use, the base 102 and the insert 104 can be separated for ease of cleaning and recycling. For example, the base 102 and the insert 104 can be separated to dispose of any liquid collected in the liquid collection reservoir 124. The cleaned and separated base 102 and insert 104 can then be introduced into the recycling process.

[0095] Now refer to Figure 9 , another exemplary container 1100 according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein includes the base 102 and the insert 104 of the container 100, but the base 102 and the insert 104 are formed together from a single piece of plastic sheet and are connected together along a first living hinge 1206. The first living hinge 1206 is formed between the respective first upper edges of the base 102 and the insert 104. Assembling the insert 104 to the base 102 of the container 1100 includes pivoting the insert 104 relative to the base 102 about the first living hinge 1206.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the container 1100 further includes an optional lid 1208 that can releasably engage at least one of the insert periphery 182 and the base periphery 194 to open and close the container. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 1208 is formed from the same sheet of plastic as the base 102 and the insert 104. The lid 1208 is connected to the base 102 along a second edge of the base by a second living hinge 1210. The container 1100 can be selectively opened and closed by pivoting the lid 1208 relative to the base 102 about the second living hinge 1210.

[0097] Refer to Figures 10 - 12A , another embodiment of a container 2100 according to aspects of this teaching is somewhat similar to the container 100, and like features are identified with the same reference characters plus 2000.

[0098] Refer to Figure 11, the container 2100 includes a base 2102 and an inlay 2104. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 2102 includes a reservoir bottom plate 2106 and a lower peripheral engagement surface 2126 of the base, which is similar to the composition of the base 102 of the container 100.

[0099] Please refer to Figure 12 and 12A , the base 2102 further includes a reservoir side wall 2218 that surrounds the perimeter of the reservoir bottom plate 2106 and extends upward from the perimeter, a base shoulder 2220 that extends laterally outward from the upper end of the reservoir side wall 2218, and an upper side wall 2186 of the base that extends upward from the lateral outer edge of the base shoulder 2220. At least the lower portion of the reservoir side wall 2218 and the reservoir bottom plate 2106 enclose the liquid collection reservoir 2124 laterally and from below. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid collection reservoir is laterally enclosed by the lower portion of the reservoir side wall 2218 and is enclosed from below by the reservoir bottom plate 2106. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper side wall 2186 of the base further includes a base perimeter 2194.

[0100] The lower portion of at least the reservoir side wall 2218 is laterally spaced inward from the upper side wall 2186 of the base by a lateral distance 2222. As will be discussed subsequently herein, the lateral distance 2222 between the lower portion of the reservoir side wall 2218 and the upper side wall 2186 of the base helps to impede the view of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 2124.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower peripheral engagement surface 2126 of the base includes the upper portion of the reservoir side wall 2218 and the lateral interior of the base shoulder 2220 ( Figure 12A ). In the illustrated embodiment, the base 2102 does not have a peripheral curl (similar to the peripheral curl 108 of the base 102) that surrounds the perimeter of the reservoir bottom plate 2106.

[0102] The inlay 2104 includes a support plate 2128 having at least one discharge orifice 2132, a lower side wall 2140 of the inlay, a lower flange 2144, and a lower peripheral engagement surface 2130 of the inlay, which is similar to the composition of the inlay 104 of the container 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlay 2104 is a thin inlay and does not have an upper side wall of the inlay (similar to the upper side wall 174 of the inlay) that extends upward from the flange 2144 to the upper end of the container 2100. The inlay 2104 also does not have an upper peripheral engagement surface of the inlay (similar to the upper peripheral engagement surface 184 of the inlay). In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 2128 further includes a recess 2170 associated with each discharge orifice 2132, and the recess 2170 is similar to the recess 170 of the support plate 128 ( Figure 12 ).

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 2102 also includes a flow regulator 2150 for each discharge orifice 2132 of the cartridge 2104, and the flow regulator 2150 is similar to the flow regulator 150 of the base 102( Figure 11 ).

[0104] In use, the cartridge 2104 is assembled to the base 2102 by pressing the lower peripheral engagement surface 2130 of the cartridge to form a snap-fit interlocking seal with the lower peripheral engagement surface 2126 of the base( Figure 12 and 12A ). Food can be loaded onto the support plate 2128 of the cartridge 2104, and a plastic film or lid can be installed to cover the top of the container 2100. Liquid exuding from the food can be drained into the liquid collection reservoir 2124, where the liquid is isolated from the food and is at least blocked from view by the lateral distance between the lower portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 and the upper sidewall 2186 of the base.

[0105] When the cartridge 2104 is assembled to the base 2102, a vertical distance 2223 extends between the reservoir bottom plate 2106 and the lower surface of the support plate 2128. The lateral distance 2222 between the lower portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 and the upper sidewall 2186 of the base is at least as large as the vertical distance 2223 between the reservoir bottom plate 2106 and the lower surface of the support plate 2128( Figure 12 ). When the cartridge 2104 is assembled to the base 2102, this configuration helps to impede the view of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 2124. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral distance 2222 between the lower portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 and the upper sidewall 2186 of the base is approximately three times the vertical distance 2223 between the reservoir bottom plate 2106 and the lower surface of the support plate 2128.

[0106] After use, the cartridge 2104 can be separated from the base 2102 by disengaging the releasable engagement surfaces 2126, 2130. Then, the cartridge 2104 and the base 2102 can be cleaned and sent to a recycling process.

[0107] Please refer to Figures 13 - 15A , another embodiment of a container 3100 according to aspects of the present teachings is somewhat similar to the container 100, and like features are identified with the same reference characters plus 3000.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 14, the container 3100 includes a base 3102 and a cartridge 3104. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 3102 includes a reservoir floor 3106, a peripheral curl 3108, and a lower peripheral engagement surface 3126 of the base, which is similar to the composition of the base 102 of the container 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 3102 is a thin base without an upwardly extending base sidewall (e.g., similar to the base sidewall 186 of the container 100).

[0109] The cartridge 3104 includes a support plate 3128 having at least one discharge orifice 3132, a lower sidewall 3140 of the cartridge, a lower flange 3144 of the cartridge, and a lower peripheral engagement surface 3130 of the cartridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 3104 further includes an upper sidewall 3174 of the cartridge with a cartridge periphery 3182.

[0110] In use, the cartridge 3104 is assembled to the base 3102 by pressing the lower peripheral engagement surface 3130 of the cartridge to form a snap-fit interlocking seal engagement with the lower peripheral engagement surface 3126 of the base ( Figure 15 and 15A ). Food can be loaded onto the support plate 3128 of the cartridge 3104, and a plastic film or lid can be installed to cover the top of the container 3100. Liquid exuded from the food can be drained into the liquid collection reservoir 3124, where the liquid is isolated from the food and is at least blocked from view by the outer sidewall 3118 of the peripheral curl 3108.

[0111] After use, the cartridge 3104 can be separated from the base 3102 by disengaging the releasable engagement surfaces 3126, 3130. Then, the cartridge 3104 and the base 3102 can be cleaned and sent to a recycling process.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 16 , another embodiment of the container 4100 according to aspects of the present teachings is somewhat similar to the container 100, and the same features are identified with the same reference characters plus 4000.

[0113] Also please refer to Figure 17, the container 4100 includes a base 4102 and a cartridge 4104. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 4100 has a plurality of food receiving compartments 4228 isolated from each other, and corresponding liquid collection reservoirs 4124 located beneath at least one of the compartments. The base 4102 provides a corresponding sub-base peripheral engagement surface 4126 around each of the at least one liquid collection reservoir 4124, and the cartridge 4104 provides a corresponding cartridge peripheral engagement surface 4130 around the lower end of each compartment 4228, which cartridge peripheral engagement surface 4130 covers a corresponding one of the at least one liquid collection reservoir 4124. Each corresponding sub-cartridge peripheral engagement surface 4130 can be releasably interlocked with the corresponding sub-base peripheral engagement surface 4126 to assemble the cartridge 4104 into a sealed interlocking engagement with the base 4102 around the periphery of each liquid collection reservoir 4124.

[0114] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the container 4100 has five compartments, including four outer compartments 4228a circumferentially spaced apart from each other around a central compartment 4228b. The base 4102 in the illustrated embodiment has five liquid collection reservoirs 4124, including four outer liquid collection reservoirs 4124a circumferentially spaced apart around a central liquid collection reservoir 4124b.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 4102 includes corresponding reservoir bottom plates 4106a, 4106b for closing each corresponding liquid collection reservoir 4124a, 4124b from below. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 4102 includes a central bottom plate 4106b( Figure 17 ), which central bottom plate 4106b forms the lower surface of the central liquid collection reservoir 4124b. In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed from above, it can be seen that the central bottom plate 4106b is generally circular. The base 4102 also includes a central peripheral flange 4108b having a central flange inner sidewall 4110b extending upward from the periphery of the central bottom plate 4106b, a central flange top wall 4114b extending laterally outward from the upper end of the central flange inner sidewall 4110b, and a central flange outer sidewall 4118b extending downward from the lateral outer edge of the central flange top wall 4114b. At least the lower portion of the central flange inner sidewall 4110b laterally encloses the central liquid collection reservoir 4124b. The base 4102 also includes a central base peripheral engagement surface 4126b extending around the central liquid collection reservoir 4124b, and, in the illustrated embodiment, includes the upper portion of the central flange inner sidewall 4110b.

[0116] The cartridge 4104 includes a central compartment support plate 4128b that is disposed at the lower end of the central compartment 4228b and has a central cartridge peripheral engagement surface 4130b that is releasably interlockable with the central base peripheral engagement surface 4126b. The central support plate 4128b includes at least one orifice 4132 for discharging liquid from above into the central liquid collection reservoir 4124b.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 4102 includes four outer bottom plates 4106a ( Figure 17 ), and each outer bottom plate 4106a forms the lower surface of a respective one of the liquid collection reservoirs 4124a. In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed from above, each outer bottom plate 4106b is generally kidney-shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer (circumferential) liquid collection reservoirs 4124a are separated by radially extending webs 4224 ( Figure 17 ), and each web 4224 has spaced-apart web sidewalls 4226 that extend upwardly from the circumferential ends of adjacent bottom plates 4106a and a web top wall 4230 that extends laterally between the upper ends of the web sidewalls 4226.

[0118] The base 4102 also includes a plurality of outer peripheral curled portions 4108a, and each outer peripheral curled portion 4108a has an outer curled inner wall 4110a that extends upwardly from a peripheral segment of the outer bottom plate 4106a, an outer curled top wall 4114a that extends laterally outwardly from the upper end of the outer curled inner wall 4110a, and an outer curled outer wall 4118a that extends downwardly from the lateral outer edge of the central curled top wall 4114a. At least the lower portion of the outer curled inner wall 4110a laterally encloses the outer liquid collection reservoir 4124a ( Figure 18 ). The peripheral curled segments 4108a impede viewing of the liquid in the respective outer liquid collection reservoir 4124a. In particular, the outer curled outer wall 4118a that is disposed laterally outwardly from the outer curled inner wall 4110a can help to conceal the liquid by preventing viewing of the liquid in the respective liquid collection reservoir 4124a.

[0119] The base 4102 also includes a plurality of circumferentially extending web segments 4232, and each web segment has a web inner wall 4234 that extends upwardly from a radially inward peripheral segment of the outer bottom plate 4106a and a web upper wall 4236 that extends laterally inwardly from the upper end of the web inner wall 4234 ( Figure 18 ). The circumferentially opposite ends of the web inner wall 4234 abut the respective web sidewalls 4226 of the radially extending web 4224 ( Figure 17 ). At least the lower portion of the web inner wall 4234 and the opposing web sidewalls 4226 laterally enclose the outer liquid collection reservoir 4124a.

[0120] The base 4102 also includes corresponding outer base peripheral engagement surfaces 4126a that extend around corresponding outer liquid collection and storage reservoirs 4124a, and, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the outer base peripheral engagement surfaces 4126a includes the upper portions of each of the outer peripheral crimp inner sidewalls 4110a, the web inner sidewalls 4234, and the opposing web sidewalls 4226.

[0121] The insert 4104 includes corresponding outer compartment support plates 4128a that are disposed at the lower ends of each corresponding outer compartment 4126a and have outer insert peripheral engagement surfaces 4130a, each of which is capable of releasably interlocking with a corresponding outer base peripheral engagement surface 4126a. Each outer support plate 4128a includes at least one aperture 4132 for draining liquid from above into the corresponding outer liquid collection and storage reservoir 4124a therebelow.

[0122] In use, the insert 4104 is assembled to the base 4102 by pressing the insert peripheral engagement surface 4130 into snap - fit and interlocking sealing engagement with the corresponding base peripheral engagement surface 4126( Figure 18 ). The same or different foods can be loaded onto each of the support plates 4128a, 4128b of the insert 4104, and a plastic film or lid can be installed to cover the top of the container 4100. Liquid exuding from each food can drain into the corresponding liquid collection and storage reservoirs 4124a, 4124b located below the food, where the liquid is isolated from the food. The liquid collected in the outer liquid collection and storage reservoir 4124a is at least occluded from view by the outer crimp outer sidewall 4118a of the corresponding outer peripheral crimp segment 4108a. The liquid collected in the central liquid collection and storage reservoir 4124b is at least occluded from view by the central crimp outer sidewall 4118b of the central peripheral crimp segment 4108b.

[0123] After use, the insert 4104 can be separated from the base 4102 by disengaging the releasable engagement surfaces 4126, 4130. Then, the insert 4104 and the base 4102 can be cleaned and sent through a recycling process.

[0124] Please refer to Figures 19 - 21A , another embodiment of a container 5100 in accordance with aspects of the present teachings is somewhat similar to the container 2100, with like features identified by the same reference characters plus 3000.

[0125] Please refer to Figure 20, the container 5100 includes a base 5102 and a cartridge 5104. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 5102 includes a reservoir bottom plate 5106 and a lower peripheral engagement surface 5126, which is similar to the composition of the base 2102 of the container 2100.

[0126] Please refer to Figure 21A , the base 5102 further includes a reservoir side wall 5218 that surrounds the perimeter of the reservoir bottom plate 5106 and extends upward from the perimeter, a base shoulder 5220 that extends laterally outward from the upper end of the reservoir side wall 5218, and an upper base side wall 5186 that extends upward from the lateral outer edge of the base shoulder 5220. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir side wall 5218 and the reservoir bottom plate 5106 laterally enclose the liquid collection reservoir 5124 from below. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper base side wall 5186 further includes a base periphery 5194.

[0127] At least the lower portion 5238 of the reservoir side wall 5218 is laterally spaced inward from the upper base side wall 5186 by a lateral distance. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 5238 of the reservoir side wall 5218 is laterally spaced inward from the upper base side wall 5186 by a lateral distance 5222. The lateral distance 5222 between the reservoir side wall 5218 and the upper base side wall 5186 helps to impede the view of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 5124.

[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir side wall 5218 includes an upper portion 5240 that is laterally disposed outward from the lower portion 5238 and is connected to the lower portion 5238 by a generally horizontal step surface 5241. When the cartridge 5204 is assembled onto the base 5202, the step surface 5241 engages the lower surface of the cartridge 5204.

[0129] Please refer to Figure 21A , the upper portion 5240 of the reservoir side wall 5218 extends downward from the base shoulder 5220 to the lateral outer edge of the step surface 5241. The lower portion 5238 of the reservoir side wall 5218 extends downward from the lateral inner edge of the step surface 5241 to the reservoir bottom plate 5106.

[0130] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower peripheral engagement surface 5126 includes the step surface 5241 and the upper portion 5240 of the reservoir side wall 5218 ( Figure 21A ). In the illustrated embodiment, the base 5102 does not have a peripheral curl (similar to the peripheral curl 108 of the base 102) that surrounds the perimeter of the reservoir bottom plate 5106.

[0131] Please refer to Figure 20 and 21A, the insert core 5104 includes a support plate 5128 having at least one discharge orifice 5132, an insert core lower sidewall 5140, a lower flange 5144, and an insert core lower peripheral engagement surface 5130, which is similar in composition to the insert core 2104 of the container 2100. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert core lower peripheral engagement surface 5130 includes the lower surface of the peripheral portion of the support plate 5128, and this lower surface is configured to abut against the step surface 5241.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the insert core lower peripheral engagement surface 5130 includes the insert core lower sidewall 5140 and the peripheral portion of the support plate 5128 ( Figure 21A ). In the illustrated embodiment, the insert core lower engagement surface 5130 further includes the outer surface of the insert core lower sidewall 5140, and this outer surface is configured to abut against the upper portion 5240 of the reservoir sidewall 5218.

[0133] In the illustrated embodiment, the insert core 5104 is a thin insert core without an insert core upper sidewall (similar to the insert core upper sidewall 174) that extends upward from the flange 5144 to the upper end of the container 5100. The insert core 5104 also does not have an insert core upper peripheral engagement surface (similar to the insert core upper peripheral engagement surface 184).

[0134] Please refer to Figure 20 and 21 , in the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 5128 further includes a recess 5170 associated with each discharge orifice 5132, and this recess 5170 is similar to the recess 2170 of the support plate 2128. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 5102 further includes a flow regulator 5150 for each discharge orifice 5132 of the insert core 5104, and this flow regulator 5150 is similar to the flow regulator 2150 of the base 2102.

[0135] Please refer to again Figure 20 , in the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 5128 has nine discharge orifices 5132 for discharging liquid from above into the liquid collection reservoir 5124. In the illustrated embodiment, five of the discharge orifices 5132 are spaced apart along the longitudinal centerline of the support plate 5128. In the illustrated embodiment, the four remaining discharge orifices 5132 are spaced apart along the lateral centerline of the support plate 5128, and this lateral centerline extends through the central discharge orifice among the five longitudinally spaced-apart discharge orifices 5132. Two of the four laterally spaced-apart discharge orifices 5132 are located on each side of the longitudinal centerline.

[0136] Please still refer to Figure 20, in the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 5128 includes a plate upper surface 5164 and a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 5166 that project upward from the plate upper surface 5164. Each protrusion 5166 has a protrusion top surface spaced above the plate upper surface 5164 for holding food in the container 5100 above the plate upper surface 5164. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 5166 are elongated compared to the protrusions 166 of the container 100 ( Figure 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment, each protrusion 5166 extends from a first protrusion end 5242 located near the perimeter of the support plate 5128 to a second protrusion end 5244 located near a respective one of the discharge orifices in the discharge orifice 5132. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate upper surface 5164 between the protrusions is generally flat and slopes toward the discharge orifice 5132. This configuration helps liquid flow from the food along the plate upper surface 5164 between the elongated protrusions 5166 to one or more of the discharge orifices in the discharge orifice 5132.

[0137] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 5102 includes a plurality of spaced-apart plate struts 5246. Each plate strut 5246 projects upward from the reservoir bottom plate 5106 and is generally cylindrical. When the insert 5104 is assembled onto the base 5102 ( Figure 21 and 21A ) and one or more foods are loaded onto the support plate 5128, the plate struts 5246 can help maintain a vertical spacing between the support plate 5128 and the reservoir bottom plate 5106 by abutting against the lower surface of the support plate 5128. Maintaining the vertical spacing between the support plate 5128 and the reservoir bottom plate 5106 can prevent the reservoir bottom plate 5106 from obstructing the flow of liquid through the discharge orifice 5132 into the liquid collection reservoir 5124. If the support plate 5128 is allowed to sag under the load of the food, the capacity of the liquid collection reservoir 5124 may be reduced. Maintaining the vertical spacing between the support plate 5128 and the reservoir bottom plate 5106 can also maintain the capacity of the liquid collection reservoir 5124 when the support plate 5128 is under load.

[0138] Please refer again to Figure 20 , in the illustrated embodiment, some of the plate struts 5246 are located on the reservoir bottom plate 5106 near the flow regulator 5150. When the insert 5104 is assembled onto the base 5102, these plate struts 5246 abut against the lower surface of the support plate 5128 at a location near one or more of the discharge orifices in the discharge orifice 5132. This configuration can further ensure a vertical spacing between the discharge orifice 5132 and the reservoir bottom plate 5106 to allow liquid exuded from the food to pass into the liquid collection reservoir 5124.

[0139] In some embodiments, the base 5102 includes additional structural elements for maintaining a vertical separation between the support plate 5128 and the reservoir bottom plate 5106 when the die 5104 is assembled onto the base 5102. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 5102 includes a plurality of elongated plate struts 5247 projecting upwardly from the reservoir bottom plate 5106. Each elongated plate strut 5247 has a rounded top surface that abuts the lower surface of the support plate 5128 between adjacent protrusions 5166 when the die 5104 is assembled onto the base 5102. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 5102 further includes a plurality of supplemental plate struts 5249 spaced generally around the perimeter of the reservoir bottom plate 5106. The supplemental plate struts 5249 project upwardly from the reservoir bottom plate 5106 and abut the lower surface of the support plate 5128 when the die 5104 is assembled onto the base 5102. The struts 5247, 5249 can further assist in maintaining the vertical separation between the support plate 5128 and the reservoir bottom plate 5106 by abutting the lower surface of the support plate 5128 when the die 5104 is assembled onto the base 5102 and one or more food items are loaded onto the support plate 5128.

[0140] Please refer to Figure 21 , in the illustrated embodiment, the height of the support plate 5128 near the lower sidewall 5140 of the die is greater than the height of the support plate 5128 at the discharge orifice 5132. This configuration facilitates the seepage of liquid along the upper surface 5164 of the plate to the discharge orifice 5132. In the case where the container 5100 is inverted, this configuration also inhibits the collected liquid from flowing along the lower surface of the support plate 5128 to one or more discharge orifices 5132 (i.e., because the lower surface of the plate slopes away from the discharge orifice 5132 when the container 5100 is inverted).

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, when the die 5104 is assembled onto the base 5102, the base lower shoulder 5238 supports the peripheral portion of the support plate 5128 from below. This engagement helps to maintain the vertical separation between the support plate 5128 and the reservoir bottom plate 5106 around the perimeter of the liquid collection reservoir 5124.

[0142] Please refer again to Figure 20, the insert 5104 includes optional nesting features that facilitate stacking of the containers. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 5104 includes four nesting members 5248 in the form of raised wedge-shaped protrusions. Each nesting member 5248 projects upward from the plate upper surface 5164 near a respective corner of the support plate 5128. Each nesting member 5248 has a top surface. The top surface of each nesting member 5248 is at a higher height than i) the top surface of each protrusion 5166 and ii) the lower flange 5144 of the insert 5104. When multiple containers 5100 are stacked together, the nesting members 5248 of the lower container 5100 in the stack abut the lower surface of the reservoir bottom plate 5106 of the immediately adjacent container 5100 above. During manufacturing, when one container 5100 drops onto another, the nesting members 5248 can help keep the stack of containers in a straight stacked state. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the reservoir bottom plate 5106 has corresponding concave nesting members that engage with the convex nesting members 5248 of the container 5100 above. This engagement can further enhance the stability of the stacked containers.

[0143] In use, the insert 5104 is assembled to the base 5102 by pressing the lower peripheral engagement surface 5130 of the insert into a snap-fit interlocking seal engagement with the lower peripheral engagement surface 5126 of the base ( Figure 21A ). Food can be loaded onto the support plate 5128 of the insert 5104, and a plastic film or lid can be installed to cover the top of the container 5100. Liquid oozing from the food can drain into the liquid collection reservoir 5124.

[0144] In the illustrated embodiment, facilitating the snap-fit interlocking assembly of the base and the lower peripheral engagement surfaces 5126, 5130 of the insert is achieved by making the upper end of the base intermediate sidewall 5240 define (or delimit) an opening that is slightly smaller than the footprint defined by the lower edge of the insert lower sidewall 5140. To assemble the insert 5104 to the base 5102, the lower edge of the insert lower sidewall 5140 can be pressed vertically downward (as Figure 21A shown) onto the base 5102 and forced through the upper end of the base intermediate sidewall 5240, causing the respective surfaces of the insert and the base to elastically deform until these surfaces pass each other and the base intermediate sidewall 5240 and the insert lower sidewall 5140 spring back toward their undeformed states. Some elastic compressive force remains in the assembly, thereby providing a substantially fluid-tight seal through the interlocking engagement of the lower peripheral engagement surfaces 5126, 5130.

[0145] When the cartridge 5104 is assembled onto the base 5102, a vertical distance 5223 extends between the reservoir bottom plate 5106 and the lower surface of the support plate 5128. A lateral distance 5222 between the lower portion 5238 of the reservoir sidewall 5218 and the upper sidewall 5186 of the base is at least as large as the vertical distance 5223 between the reservoir bottom plate 5106 and the lower surface of the support plate 5128. When the cartridge 5104 is assembled onto the base 5102, this configuration helps to impede visibility of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 5124. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral distance 5222 between the lower portion 5238 of the reservoir sidewall 5218 and the upper sidewall 5186 of the base is approximately two times greater than the vertical distance 5223 between the reservoir bottom plate 5106 and the lower surface of the support plate 5128 ( Figure 21A ).

[0146] After use, the cartridge 5104 can be separated from the base 5102 by disengaging the releasable engagement surfaces 5126, 5130. Then, the cartridge 5104 and the base 5102 can be cleaned and sent through a recycling process. Refer to Figure 20 , in the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 5104 includes an optional user tab 5250 to facilitate separation of the cartridge 5104 and the base 5102. Pulling the user tab 5250 away from the reservoir bottom plate 5106 can overcome the compressive force between the lower surrounding engagement surfaces 5126, 5130 and elastically deform the cartridge 5104, which gives clearance to the lower sidewall 5140 of the cartridge to disengage from the upper portion 5240 of the reservoir sidewall 5218.

[0147] Refer to Figures 22 - 24 , another embodiment of a container 6100 according to aspects of the present teachings is somewhat similar to the container 1100, and like features are identified with the same reference characters plus 5000. The container 6100 includes a base 6102 and a cartridge 6104 formed together from a single piece of plastic sheet and connected together along a first living hinge 6206. The first living hinge 6206 is formed between the respective first upper edges of the base 6102 and the cartridge 6104.

[0148] The base 6102 includes a reservoir bottom plate 6106, a surrounding curl 6108, a base lower surrounding engagement surface 6126, and a base sidewall 6186, which is similar in composition to the base 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the base sidewall 6186 further includes a base periphery 6194. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 6102 does not have a base upper surrounding engagement surface (similar to the base upper surrounding engagement surface 196 of the base 102).

[0149] Refer to Figure 23, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 6102 further includes a base bottom wall 6252 that laterally extends between the circumferential curl 6108 and the base sidewall 6186. In the illustrated embodiment, the base bottom wall 6252 is at the same height as the reservoir bottom plate 6106. Since both the base bottom wall 6252 and the reservoir bottom plate 6106 can engage with the support surface, this configuration can enhance the stability of the container 6100 when placed on the support surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the base bottom wall 6252 increases the lateral spacing between the circumferential curl 6108 and the lower portion of the base sidewall 6186. The increased lateral spacing between the circumferential curl 6108 and the lower portion of the base sidewall 6186 further hinders the view of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 6124.

[0150] Please refer to Figure 22 , the insert 6104 includes a support plate 6128 having at least one discharge orifice 6132, an insert lower sidewall 6140, a lower flange 6144, and an insert lower circumferential engagement surface 6130, which is similar to the composition of the insert 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 6104 does not have an insert upper circumferential engagement surface (similar to the insert upper circumferential engagement surface 184 of the base 102). In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 6104 further includes an insert upper sidewall 6182 with an insert periphery 6174.

[0151] Assembling the insert 6104 to the base 6102 of the container 6100 involves pivoting the insert 6104 relative to the base 6102 about a first movable hinge 6206 ( Figure 23 ). Then, by pressing the insert lower circumferential engagement surface 6130 to form a snap-fit interlocking seal engagement with the base lower circumferential engagement surface 6126, the insert 6104 can be releasably fixed to the base 6102. The interlocking engagement between the base and the insert lower circumferential engagement surfaces 6126, 6130 helps prevent leakage of liquid from the liquid collection reservoir 6124 ( Figure 24 ).

[0152] Please refer to Figure 22 , in the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 6128 further includes a recess 6170 associated with each discharge orifice 6132, and the recess 6170 is similar to the recess 170 of the support plate 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 6102 further includes a flow regulator 6150 for each discharge orifice 6132 of the insert 6104, and the flow regulator 6150 is similar to the flow regulator 150 of the base 102.

[0153] Please refer to Figure 23, in the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 6128 includes a plate upper surface 6164 and a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 6166 protruding upward from the plate upper surface 6164. Each protrusion 6166 has a protrusion top surface spaced above the plate upper surface 6164 for holding food in the container 6100 above the plate upper surface 6164. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate upper surface 6164 between the protrusions 6166 is generally flat and slopes toward the discharge orifice 6132. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface of each protrusion 6166 is circular to facilitate drainage of liquid from the food to the plate upper surface 6164.

[0154] In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 6166 has a hollow interior at least partially defined by a concave inner surface. The inner surface of the protrusion 6166 faces the reservoir bottom plate 6106 and forms a ceiling of the liquid collection reservoir 6124 ( Figure 24 ). In cases where the container 6100 can be inverted or nearly inverted, such as during handling by a potential purchaser, liquid can collect within the protrusion, which helps prevent liquid from flowing back from the (inverted) liquid collection reservoir 6124 through the discharge orifice 6132 into the food in the container 6100.

[0155] Please refer again to Figure 22 , the base 6102 optionally includes a plurality of spaced-apart plate struts 6246, which are similar to the plate struts 5246 of the base 5102. Each plate strut 6246 protrudes upward from the reservoir bottom plate 6106. When the insert 6104 is assembled onto the base 6102 and one or more foods are loaded onto the support plate 6128, the plate struts 6246 can help maintain a vertical spacing between the support plate 6128 and the reservoir bottom plate 6106 by abutting against the lower surface of the support plate 6128. Maintaining the vertical spacing between the support plate 6128 and the reservoir bottom plate 6106 can prevent the reservoir bottom plate 6106 from obstructing the flow of liquid through the discharge orifice 6132 into the liquid collection reservoir 6124. If the support plate 6128 is allowed to sag under the load of the food, then the capacity of the liquid collection reservoir 6124 ( Figure 24 ) may be reduced. When the support plate 6128 is under load, maintaining the vertical spacing between the support plate 6128 and the reservoir bottom plate 6106 can also maintain the capacity of the liquid collection reservoir 6124.

[0156] In the illustrated embodiment, each plate strut 6246 has an upper end spaced above the reservoir bottom plate 6106. In the illustrated embodiment, when the insert 6104 is assembled onto the base 6102 ( Figure 24) The upper end of each plate strut 6246 is sized to fit within the hollow interior of a corresponding one of the protrusions in the protrusion 6166 of the support plate 6128. This engagement between the plate strut 6246 and the protrusion 6166 can further help maintain the vertical separation between the support plate 6128 and the reservoir bottom plate 6106.

[0157] In the illustrated embodiment, the container 6100 also includes an optional lid 6208 having a lid peripheral edge 6154 that can releasably engage the base peripheral edge 6194 to open and close the container 6100. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 6208, the base 6102, and the insert 6104 are formed from the same sheet of plastic. The lid 6208 is connected to the base 6102 along a second edge of the base 6102 by a second living hinge 6210. The container 6100 can be selectively opened and closed by pivoting the lid 6208 relative to the base 6102 about the second living hinge 6210.

[0158] Please refer to Figure 22 , in the illustrated embodiment, the base peripheral edge 6194 is interrupted by a first living hinge 6206 that connects the base 6102 and the insert 6104. The base peripheral edge 6194 does not completely surround the perimeter of the base 6102 to provide space for the first living hinge 6206. The lid peripheral edge 6154 includes an assist operation recess (or accessibility recess) 6156 that aligns with the interruption of the base peripheral edge 6194 when the lid 6208 is closed. The assist operation recess 6156 provides a convenient location for a user to grasp and open the lid 6208.

[0159] The base 6102 optionally includes a plurality of base vents 6258. In the illustrated embodiment, the base vents 6258 are laterally spaced around the perimeter of the base 6102. In the illustrated embodiment, each base vent 6258 has a lower portion formed in the base bottom wall 6252 and an adjoining upper portion formed in the base side wall 6186 that extends upward from the lateral outer edge of the lower portion.

[0160] The insert 6104 optionally includes a plurality of insert vents 6260. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert vents 6260 are laterally spaced around the perimeter of the insert 6104. In the illustrated embodiment, each insert vent 6260 has a lower portion formed in the lower flange 6144 and an adjoining upper portion formed in the insert upper side wall 6174 that extends upward from the lateral outer edge of the lower portion.

[0161] When the cartridge 6104 is assembled onto the base 6102 and the lid 6208 is closed, the base vent 6258 and the cartridge vent 6260 allow air to enter and exit the interior of the container 6100. Some foods (such as fruits) naturally release ethylene gas when stored. Ethylene accelerates the ripening of fruits. The base vent 6258 and the cartridge vent 6260 allow the released gas to escape so that the stored food does not spoil too quickly.

[0162] In the illustrated embodiment, when the cartridge 6104 is assembled onto the base 6102, each cartridge vent 6260 is aligned with a corresponding one of the base vents 6258. This configuration provides a direct path for air to flow into and out of the interior of the container 6100. In an alternative embodiment, when the cartridge 6104 is assembled onto the base 6102, the cartridge vents 6260 and the base vents 6258 are not aligned. The lid 6208 optionally includes a plurality of lid vents 6262. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid vents 6262 are laterally spaced around the perimeter of the lid 6108. The lid vents 6262 further increase the amount of air that can circulate through the interior of the container 6100.

[0163] After use, the lid 6208 can be opened by pivoting the cartridge 6104 relative to the base 6102 about the first active hinge 6206 with sufficient force to disengage the releasable mating surfaces 6126, 6130, and the cartridge 6104 can be removed from the base 6102. Then, the cartridge 6104, the base 6102, and the optional lid 6208 can be cleaned and sent to a recycling process.

[0164] The container 6100 includes optional stacking features that facilitate stacking of the containers 6100 when in the closed configuration ( Figure 24 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 6208 includes four stacking members 6264. Each stacking member 6264 projects upward from the upper surface of the lid 6208 at a location near a respective corner of the lid 6208. In the illustrated embodiment, the stacking members 6264 are configured to fit within a portion of the peripheral curl 6108 of the underlying container. When a plurality of containers 6100 are stacked, the stacking members 6264 on the lid 6108 of a container 6100 engage the peripheral curl 6108 of the immediately adjacent container 6100 above. This engagement can prevent the stacked containers 6100 from sliding laterally relative to each other, thereby enhancing the stability of the stacked containers. This can be particularly beneficial in the case where the containers 6100 are stacked on an inclined surface of a merchandising display case.

[0165] The foregoing is intended to illustrate by way of example embodiments of the teachings disclosed herein and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent claims given thereby. The scope of such claims should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the entire specification.

Claims

1. A container for food, comprising: a) A base formed of transparent plastic and including a reservoir bottom plate and a surrounding flange. The surrounding flange has an inner flange side wall surrounding the perimeter of the reservoir bottom plate and extending upward from the perimeter, a top flange wall extending laterally outward from the upper end side of the inner flange side wall, and an outer flange side wall extending downward from the lateral outer edge of the top flange wall. At least the lower portion of the inner flange side wall and the reservoir bottom plate enclose a liquid collection reservoir laterally and from below, and the base includes a lower surrounding engagement surface of the base extending around the liquid collection reservoir; b) A core formed of plastic and including a support plate having a lower surrounding engagement surface of the core. The lower surrounding engagement surface of the core can be releasably interlocked with the lower surrounding engagement surface of the base to assemble the core onto the base such that the support plate covers the liquid collection reservoir. The support plate has at least one discharge orifice for discharging liquid from above into the liquid collection reservoir; wherein at least a portion of the outer flange side wall is at the same height as the lower portion of the inner flange side wall and is laterally outwardly spaced from the lower portion of the inner flange side wall to impede viewing of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the lower engagement surface of the base includes at least a portion of the inner flange side wall.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the lower engagement surface of the base includes at least a portion of the top flange wall.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the core further includes a lower side wall of the core extending upward from the plate perimeter of the support plate and further includes a lower flange of the core extending laterally outward from the upper end side of the lower side wall of the core.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein, When the core and the base are assembled together, the lower flange of the core abuts against the top flange wall.

6. The container according to claim 4, wherein the lower engagement surface of the core includes at least a portion of the lower side wall of the core.

7. The container according to claim 4, wherein [list some features providing a snap fit; this is more important for the specification than for the claims] 8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the base further includes a flow regulator for each discharge orifice of the core. When the core is assembled onto the base, the flow regulator projects upward from the reservoir bottom plate and is aligned with the discharge orifice. The flow regulator blocks the central portion of the discharge orifice to regulate the liquid flow through the discharge orifice and inhibits liquid from flowing back through the discharge orifice from the liquid collection reservoir when the container is tilted or inverted.

9. The container according to claim 8, wherein the upper portion of the flow regulator projects through the discharge orifice.

10. The container according to claim 8, wherein the discharge orifice is circular and the flow regulator includes a circular upwardly projecting protrusion concentric with the discharge orifice.

11. The container according to claim 8, wherein an annular flow gap is provided between the outer surface of the flow regulator and the inner surface of the discharge orifice.

12. The container according to claim 1, wherein the support plate includes a plate upper surface and a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions protruding upward from the plate upper surface, each of the protrusions having a protrusion top surface spaced above the plate upper surface, the protrusion top surface being for holding the food in the container above the plate upper surface and facilitating the flow of liquid from the food along the plate upper surface between the protrusions and to the discharge orifice.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the support plate includes a recess associated with each discharge orifice, wherein the recess has a reduced central wall, the central wall having an upwardly directed surface lower than the plate upper surface adjacent to the recess, and wherein the discharge orifice passes through the reduced central wall of the recess.

14. The container according to claim 4, wherein the insert includes an insert upper sidewall having a first end of the insert upper sidewall joined to the outer edge of the flange and a second end of the insert upper sidewall spaced above the first end of the insert upper sidewall.

15. The container according to claim 14, wherein the insert upper sidewall includes an insert periphery formed at the second end of the insert upper sidewall, wherein the insert periphery is circular to facilitate tear-free engagement with a film wrapped around the container, thereby maintaining the freshness of the food.

16. The container according to claim 14, wherein the second end of the insert upper sidewall includes an insert upper peripheral engagement surface extending around the container.

17. The container according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a base sidewall having a first end of the base sidewall joined to the lower end of the outer sidewall of the curl and a second end of the base sidewall vertically spaced above the first end of the base sidewall.

18. The container according to claim 17, wherein the second end of the base sidewall includes a base periphery, wherein the base periphery is circular to facilitate tear-free engagement with a film wrapped around the container, thereby maintaining the freshness of the food.

19. The container according to claim 17, wherein the second end of the base sidewall includes a base upper peripheral engagement surface extending around the container.

20. The container according to claim 4, wherein: the insert includes an insert upper sidewall having a first end of the insert upper sidewall joined to the outer edge of the flange and an insert upper peripheral engagement surface extending around the container along a second end of the insert upper sidewall spaced above the first end of the insert upper sidewall; The base includes a base sidewall having a first end of the base sidewall joined to the lower end of the outer wall of the curled edge and a base upper peripheral engagement surface extending around the container along a second end of the base sidewall vertically spaced above the first end of the base sidewall. When the insert is assembled onto the base, at least a portion of the base sidewall between the first end and the second end of the base sidewall is disposed laterally outward from the upper sidewall of the insert; and when the insert is assembled onto the base, the upper peripheral engagement surface of the insert can be releasably interlocked with the base upper peripheral engagement surface, wherein a sealed chamber extends between the interlocked upper peripheral engagement surfaces and around the container, and the sealed chamber provides a thermal barrier between the outer surface of the base sidewall and the interior of the container.

21. The container according to claim 1, wherein the base and the insert are formed from a single piece of plastic sheet and are joined together along respective first edges of the base and the insert by a first living hinge, and wherein assembling the insert onto the base includes pivoting the insert relative to the base about the living hinge.

22. The container according to claim 21, further comprising a lid that can be releasably engaged with the periphery of at least one of the base and the insert, wherein the lid is formed from a single piece of plastic sheet together with the base and the insert, and wherein the lid is connected to the base along a second edge of the base by a second living hinge.

23. A container for food, comprising: a) a base formed of transparent plastic and including a reservoir bottom plate and reservoir sidewalls that surround the perimeter of the reservoir bottom plate and extend upward from the perimeter, the base further including a base shoulder extending laterally outward from the upper end of the reservoir sidewalls and a base upper sidewall extending upward from the lateral outer edge of the shoulder, at least the lower portion of the reservoir sidewalls and the reservoir bottom plate enclose a liquid collection reservoir laterally and from below, and the base includes a base lower peripheral engagement surface extending around the liquid collection reservoir; b) an insert formed of plastic and including a support plate having an insert lower peripheral engagement surface that can be releasably interlocked with the base lower peripheral engagement surface to assemble the insert onto the base such that the support plate covers the liquid collection reservoir, the support plate having at least one discharge orifice for discharging liquid into the liquid collection reservoir from above; wherein, when assembled onto the base, at least the lower portion of the reservoir sidewalls is laterally inwardly spaced from the base upper sidewall by a lateral distance that is at least as large as the vertical distance that the lower portion of the reservoir sidewalls extends between the reservoir bottom plate and the lower surface of the insert to impede viewing of the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir.

24. The container according to claim 23, wherein the side wall of the reservoir includes an upper portion that is arranged laterally outward from the lower portion and is connected to the lower portion by a substantially horizontal step surface that engages the lower surface of the insert when the insert is assembled onto the base.

25. The container according to claim 24, wherein the upper portion of the side wall of the reservoir extends downward from the base shoulder to the lateral outer edge of the step surface, and the lower portion of the side wall of the reservoir extends downward from the lateral inner edge of the step surface to the reservoir bottom plate.

26. The container according to claim 25, wherein the lower engaging surface of the insert includes the lower surface of the peripheral portion of the support plate that is configured to abut against the step surface.

27. The container according to claim 26, wherein the lower engaging surface of the insert includes the outer surface of the lower side wall of the insert that is configured to abut against the upper portion of the side wall of the reservoir.

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