Reusable food tray with sealing strip.

Abstract

The invention relates to a food tray (1) comprising at least one hollow compartment (3) delimited by a base (3A) and a peripheral wall (3B) which follows the contours of said base, which wall (3B) having an upper edge (3B.1), and a removable lid (5), the lid (5) comprising a peripheral rim (5B) made of elastomer bearing against the entire upper edge (3B.1) of the compartment (3), and a rigid portion (5C) extending over or into all or part of said rim (5B), the food tray (1) further comprising at least one sealing strip (7) surrounding the compartment (3) and the lid (5), the closure of the at least one strip (7) exerting pressure on the rim (5B) and on the rigid portion (5C) so that said rim (5B) is in airtight contact against the entire upper edge (3B.1) and that said lid (5) hermetically seals the compartment (3). Figure from the summary: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Reusable food tray with sealing strip. Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to a food tray comprising at least one hollow compartment with a lid, and closed by at least one sealing strip. The invention also relates to a method of airtight sealing of a food tray.

[0002] The invention relates to the technical field of hermetically sealed food trays. These trays are used in particular for the transport of foodstuffs, such as food or medicinal products, and are particularly suitable for use in central kitchens. State of the art.

[0003] Currently, food trays are used to preserve, among other things, foodstuffs intended for consumption. The preservation of foodstuffs contained in the trays can be carried out at room temperature, in the refrigerator or in the freezer, for example.

[0004] Some trays are preferred by individuals because they are reusable. Furthermore, these trays can be used directly to reheat food in the microwave, for example, and / or to store it in a refrigerator or even a freezer. These trays are generally made of glass and / or plastic. Finally, the lid of these trays usually includes fasteners that clip onto the compartment below.

[0005] However, trays designed for home use are hardly suitable for central kitchens. Glass is unsuitable due to its weight and fragility. Plastic, on the other hand, can leach potentially toxic compounds into the food. Finally, the aforementioned sealing process can be time-consuming and difficult to implement, especially if the production and delivery of meals in trays is high-volume.

[0006] Food trays developed for central kitchens are therefore generally designed differently. So-called "central" or "institutional" kitchens are kitchens that allow either delivery to individuals, for example to their homes, or deliveries to institutions, such as hospitals or educational establishments. These kitchens produce a larger quantity of food, in the form of individual or collective meals, depending on their delivery location. The food trays must therefore, in this case, be easy to to use, and to be inexpensive.

[0007] This is why the delivery of meals produced in central kitchens was generally carried out in disposable, heat-sealed plastic containers. This heat sealing, achieved using a film glued to the container, made the tray watertight. However, recently, legislation has required central kitchens to use reusable or recyclable food trays, particularly for home delivery. The choice of metal containers seems obvious, due to their ease of cleaning and their compatibility with food. However, the heat sealing of these containers is generally not very effective. Improvements are therefore still needed.

[0008] The published utility certificate CN 216887955 U discloses a food tray comprising a compartment and a lid, used for storing food for private individuals. A seal is positioned between the lid and the tray's compartment. The tray also includes an internal silicone support that allows for different cooking methods. However, these trays are complex to manufacture and clean, and are difficult to adapt for use in central kitchens. Therefore, this document does not provide a satisfactory solution for transporting food prepared in central kitchens.

[0009] The invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. More specifically, the invention aims to find alternatives for the manufacture of food trays used in central kitchens. These trays must be simpler to use, less expensive, and easier to clean and manufacture. Presentation of the invention.

[0010] The solution proposed by the invention is a food tray comprising at least: a hollow compartment delimited by a base and a peripheral wall which follows the contours of said base, which wall has a top edge, and a removable lid configured to hermetically close said compartment, the lid comprising a peripheral elastomer rim configured to rest against the entire top edge of the compartment, and a rigid portion extending over or into all or part of said rim, and the food tray further comprises at least one sealing strip surrounding the compartment and the lid, the closure of at least one strip exerting pressure on the rim and on the rigid portion so that said rim rests hermetically against the entire top edge of the compartment and that said lid hermetically closes the compartment.

[0011] Food trays are airtight containers that both hold foodstuffs and facilitate their transport, whether these foodstuffs are liquid or The trays are sturdy and also facilitate long-term storage. These trays come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes depending on their intended use, and according to the preferences of the customer or supplier, for example. Preferably, the trays are round or rectangular.

[0012] Foodstuffs are goods that are likely to be consumed and require appropriate storage to limit the risk of contamination or spoilage. Foodstuffs can, for example, be food or medicinal products. These foodstuffs are likely to be prepared in central kitchens (also called institutional kitchens) that provide meals to individuals at home, or to communities such as, for example, educational institutions or hospitals. Thus, food trays can be individual or collective depending on their delivery location.

[0013] The hollow compartment may be single or segmented, so as to include one or more foods, presented mixed or separate.

[0014] Preferably, the peripheral edge of the lid extends on either side of the upper edge of the compartment below when the lid is positioned on the compartment. No interlocking between the lid and the tray compartment is necessary. The lid simply resting on the compartment, after being closed with the sealing strip(s), provides a seal.

[0015] The choice of elastomer for manufacturing the rim allows said rim to act as a seal, sealing the lid to the upper edge of the compartment. This material must therefore possess all the necessary characteristics to make the food tray airtight.

[0016] The rigidity of the rigid portion depends on the material used to manufacture said portion. This material is configured to allow the transmission of forces from the pressure zones exerted by the band(s) on the tray to the entire edge of the lid in contact with the upper edge of the compartment. A material sufficiently rigid to perform this function advantageously has a Young's modulus between 50 and 100 GPa. Thus, the rigid portion, by pressing against the edge, will ensure a seal between the lid and the compartment.

[0017] By "a rigid portion extending over or into all or part of said border", it is understood that the rigid portion extends over at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably still at least 90% of the width of the border, so that this portion comes into watertight contact with the entire upper edge of the compartment.

[0018] The width of the elastomer border is important to have the best possible seal between the lid and the compartment.

[0019] The term "sealing strip" refers to a strip capable of initiating the sealing process between the compartment and the lid of the food tray. This strip encircles the entire tray, including the compartment and the lid, by applying pressure to specific areas of the lid and the compartment beneath. Thus, while this strip hermetically seals the food tray, this seal is not permanent, since removing the strip releases the pressure exerted on the tray, allowing it to be opened. This temporary seal allows the compartment and lid to be reused multiple times after the strip is removed, ideally at least 500 times. Several sealing strips can be used on a single tray, particularly if the food tray is long.

[0020] Other advantageous features of the tray that is the subject of the invention are listed below. Each of these features may be considered alone or in combination with the notable features defined above. Each of these features contributes, where applicable, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the notable features defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter may, where applicable, be the subject of one or more divisional patent applications.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rigid portion is fitted into the peripheral elastomer border.

[0022] This fitting allows the transmission of forces to the entire edge.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rim has a U-shaped cross-section into which the rigid portion fits.

[0024] Inserting the rigid portion into the U-shaped section of the rim is easy to implement and manufacture. This simplifies the production of the food tray and also facilitates its cleaning. The rim and the rigid portion are advantageously bonded together using techniques known to those skilled in the art, which are easily reproducible and compatible with the food industry.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper edge of the compartment includes a rim which projects from said upper edge and which is oriented outwards from said compartment.

[0026] The rim is advantageously oriented horizontally to facilitate the support of the lid and the cleaning of the compartment.

[0027] Advantageously, the rim of the compartment has a width between 0.5 cm and 3 cm. The size of the rim must be sufficient to effectively support the lid and allow the tray to be watertight after closure by the band(s).

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the edge of the lid covers at less than 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90% of the width of the compartment rim.

[0029] Furthermore, the rim extends centrally over a width at least 1.5 times, preferably at least twice, the width of the rim of the compartment below when the lid is positioned on said compartment. The width of the rim is advantageously dependent on the width of the rim of the compartment below. The more the rigid portion covers the rim of the compartment, the more effective the sealing of the tray.

[0030] The rigid portion must extend over at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and even more preferably at least 90% of the rim. The minimum proportion of rigid material in the rim is important to ensure proper sealing of the tray by improving the distribution of forces between the bearing area(s) of the sealing strip(s) and the rest of the rim. The more the rigid portion covers the rim, the more effective it will be at transmitting forces to the rest of the lid.

[0031] Advantageously, the lid includes a central part preferably made in one piece with the rigid portion, thus facilitating the manufacture of the lid by limiting the number of parts and materials required.

[0032] Advantageously, the central part of the lid is made of a transparent material.

[0033] Having a lid that is at least partially transparent allows the contents of the tray to be seen, thus improving the visual appeal for the customer. The rigid material can be any rigid transparent material, such as glass, tempered glass, or plastic.

[0034] Alternatively, the central part of the lid may be made of another material, such as an elastomeric material, this material being, in this case, preferably manufactured continuously with the rim. Advantageously, the lid includes a blade of rigid material fitted into the rim so as to be positioned above the upper edge of the compartment, once said lid is positioned on the compartment. In this alternative, the central part may also include the rigid material over all or part of its central portion.

[0035] Advantageously, the elastomer of the rim and, optionally, of the central part of the lid, is silicone. The use of silicone is particularly advantageous because it is perfectly suited for making trays containing food for consumption. Silicone is a material that is easy to work with using techniques known to those skilled in the art, and it is also waterproof. The peripheral elastomer rim protects the rigid portion and / or the central part of the lid, particularly from impacts.

[0036] Advantageously, the removable lid, and more particularly, the rim These elastomer-based peripherals can be made in different colors, each color corresponding to a specific lid size for a given compartment. This facilitates differentiation between lids of similar sizes, particularly in central kitchens. Indeed, when compartments and / or lids are of similar sizes, differentiating between two similar lid sizes can be very time-consuming.

[0037] Advantageously, the rim of the lid has a width between 0.3 cm and 4 cm. The minimum width of the rim allows, in particular, for a watertight seal.

[0038] Advantageously, the rim may include a lateral end, said rim having a slope from said end towards the upper edge, such that the upper edge is higher than said end. The presence of the slope improves the support and sealing between the edge of the lid and the rim of the compartment. This slope advantageously extends at an angle between 0 and 45° to the horizontal.

[0039] Advantageously, the edge of the lid is flush with the lateral end of the rim of the compartment below. This facilitates the installation of the sealing strip(s) and improves the seal.

[0040] Advantageously, the rim of the compartment has, in its lateral end, a fold curved inwards, this fold allowing the compartment to be used in the microwave.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid has an upper face and a lower face oriented towards the compartment, which lower face includes positioning lugs configured to butt against the wall of the compartment so as to position the lid on said compartment.

[0042] The lugs serve to facilitate the positioning of the lid on the compartment below.

[0043] Advantageously, the rim of the lid has a thickness of between 0.3 cm and 2 cm, excluding the tabs. Thus, the height of the tabs is in addition to the thickness of the rim. Advantageously, the height of the tabs is at least equal to, and preferably at least twice, the height of the rim. The thickness of the rim must be sufficient to ensure the food tray is watertight.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper face of the lid has positioning lugs arranged in mirror image of the positioning lugs of the lower face.

[0045] The positioning of the lugs is therefore identical on both sides of the lid. Thus, the lid is reversible and can be positioned on the compartment on either side. or the other of its sides.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the positioning lugs are four in number, positioned equidistant from each other, when the tray is cylindrical in shape.

[0047] Positioning the lugs equidistant from each other, when the tray is cylindrical in shape, allows for balance and adequate support of a tray positioned above a first tray, particularly during its transport.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the positioning lugs are four in number, positioned at corners of the lid or in the middle of each of the sides of said lid, when the tray is parallelepiped in shape.

[0049] When the tray is parallelepiped in shape, the positioning of the aforementioned lugs allows for balance and adequate support of the tray positioned above.

[0050] The tabs also maintain a gap between the glass of the tray below and the bottom of the compartment of the tray above. This gap allows stacked trays to cool and detach easily, without risking tearing the sealing strip. These tabs also allow the lids to be stacked and leave space between them to facilitate drying after washing.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lugs are formed in the elastomer border.

[0052] The lugs made of the same material as the rim make it easier to manufacture the lid.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid further comprises at least one gripping tab.

[0054] The gripping tab is advantageously made of the same material as the rim, its flexibility facilitating the removal of the lid from the compartment below. It can be positioned around the edge of the lid, but preferably, when the tray is parallelepiped-shaped, the tab is positioned on a corner of the lid.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, each sealing strip is positioned between the lugs, which lugs form stop elements preventing its removal.

[0056] Preventing the removal of the sealing strip(s) by sliding them between the tabs maintains the tray's airtight seal and ensures that the contents have not been altered after sealing. Each sealing strip preferably has a width between 3 cm and 8 cm, depending on the strips available on the market. Preferably, a sealing strip of at least 5 cm is preferred. Because it allows, in particular, for greater reliability in sealing the tray, by enlarging the pressure zones on the lid. A larger size will also facilitate any marking of the band(s).

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the compartment and / or the lid are advantageously made of reusable materials.

[0058] Reusable materials are preferably understood to mean metallic materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum, but other types of materials are conceivable.

[0059] The invention also relates to a method of airtight sealing of a food tray comprising at least one compartment and a lid, said method comprising the following steps: positioning of the lid on an upper edge of the compartment, then airtight sealing of said lid, the lid comprising at least a peripheral elastomer rim configured to bear against the entire upper edge of the compartment and a rigid portion extending over or into all or part of the peripheral elastomer rim, the airtight seal is achieved by placing at least one sealing strip on the compartment closed by the lid, the airtight seal of the at least one strip exerting pressure on the lid so as to distribute the forces over the entire rim.

[0060] To achieve the hermetic sealing method for a food tray according to the invention, it is necessary to use a lid and at least one sealing strip according to the invention. A compartment of the prior art known to those skilled in the art, or a compartment as previously described, can therefore be closed using a lid and at least one sealing strip according to the invention. The lid only needs to correspond to the shape and size of the container to be sealed.

[0061] Thanks to this new method, the airtight seal is easy to implement and reproduce, without requiring any special expertise. This seal allows the tray to be quickly sealed and ensures that it has not been reopened after sealing.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, each band is hermetically sealed and / or marked, the gluing and / or marking being configured to be carried out by a banding machine using ultrasound.

[0063] The banding machine preferentially uses ultrasound to seal the band(s). This banding machine is easy to use, particularly in central kitchens. Indeed, temperature fluctuations (depending on refrigerators and freezers, as well as cooking areas) and humidity conditions can make sealing the bands difficult. The ultrasonic method is perfectly suited to these challenging conditions.

[0064] The marking, applied directly to the strip, eliminates the need for additional labels. This also facilitates subsequent cleaning of the lid and / or compartment.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the food tray is according to the invention.

[0066] The method is easy to implement, inexpensive and efficient using a food tray according to the invention. Brief description of the figures.

[0067] Other advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred embodiment which will follow, with reference to the attached drawings, made by way of indicative and non-limiting examples and on which: - [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a compartment for a food tray according to the invention. - [Fig.2] is a top view of a lid for a food tray according to the invention. - [Fig.3] is a side view of the lid of [Fig.2]. - [Fig. 4] is a side view of the food tray shown in figures 1 to 3, sealed with a sealing strip. - [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the sealed food tray from [Fig.4]. - [Fig. 6] is a side view of two sealed storage trays and mounted one on top of the other. Description of the implementation methods.

[0068] As used here, and unless otherwise indicated, the use of the ordinal adjectives "first," "second," etc., to describe an object simply indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are mentioned and does not imply that the objects thus described must be in any given sequence, whether in time, space, ranking, etc. "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that in the various accompanying drawings, the objects are drawn arbitrarily to facilitate their reading.

[0069] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a compartment for a food tray according to the invention.

[0070] A food tray according to the invention is shown in these figures as having a parallelepiped shape, a standard for meal production in central kitchens. Thus, the food tray includes a compartment 3 also of parallelepiped shape. Only this compartment 3 is shown in [Fig. 1].

[0071] Compartment 3 is hollow and delimited by a substantially flat bottom 3A, from which At least one peripheral wall 3B extends along the contours of the base 3A. More preferably, in these figures, at least one wall 3B forms four sides of compartment 3. "Virtually flat" means that the base 3A is horizontal with a margin of error of plus or minus 10%, depending in particular on manufacturing variations. This base 3A may optionally include embossing to improve the strength and / or prevent twisting of said compartment 3.

[0072] The peripheral wall(s) 3B of compartment 3 therefore have a perimeter smaller than the contours of said bottom 3A of said compartment 3, and a perimeter larger on the opposite side, at which there is an upper edge 3B.1, preferably rounded. Particularly preferred, the perimeter of the bottom 3A of compartment 3 is smaller than the perimeter of compartment 3 at the upper edge 3B.1 of wall 3B.

[0073] The upper edge 3B.1 may optionally include a lip 3B.la projecting from said edge 3B.1, the lip 3B.la preferably being oriented outwards from the compartment 3. Thus, the lip 3B.la is continuous with the upper edge 3B.1 of the wall 3B. This lip 3B.la may preferably extend into a lateral end 3B.lb by means of a curved fold 3B.lc towards the wall 3B, this fold 3B.lc allowing the compartment 3 to be used in a microwave oven. In Figures 1 to 6, the lip 3B.la is always shown.

[0074] The rim 3B.la of compartment 3 preferably has a width, around its perimeter, of between 0.5cm and 3cm. In these figures, the rim 3B.la is positioned horizontally.

[0075] Alternatively, but not shown in these figures, the rim 3B.la of compartment 3 may have a slope extending from the lateral end 3B.lb of the rim B.la to the upper edge 3B.1 of the peripheral wall 3B. This slope advantageously extends at an angle between 0 and 45° to the horizontal. This particular shape of the rim 3B.la improves the sealing of the food tray.

[0076] Preferably, compartment 3 is made of reusable materials, more specifically metallic materials suitable for containing foodstuffs, such as stainless steel or aluminum. Preferably, these materials are recyclable.

[0077] Alternatively, but not shown in these figures, the compartment may be cylindrical in shape. This compartment therefore comprises a single wall with the upper edge and optionally the aforementioned rim.

[0078] Figures 2 and 3 show two views of a lid for the food tray according to the invention.

[0079] The cover 5 according to the invention is removable and can be easily positioned by the handler.

[0080] The lid 5 comprises a central part 5A preferably made of rigid materials such as glass or plastic (in this case, polyvinyl chloride, abbreviated as "PVC", is preferred). Stainless steel can also be considered, but must have a certain thickness to limit the risk of twisting and to ensure the lid 5's durability. Glass is preferred, however, because of the visibility it provides of the contents of the tray. In particular, tempered glass is especially preferred.

[0081] The cover 5 further includes a peripheral elastomer rim 5B, preferably having a width between 0.3cm and 4cm, and a thickness between 0.3cm and 2cm.

[0082] By "elastomer" is meant a material serving as a seal, this material preferably being a polymer such as rubber, or, particularly preferably, silicone.

[0083] The cover 5 further comprises a rigid portion 5C extending over or into all or part of the peripheral rim 5B. Preferably, the rigid portion 5C is fitted into the peripheral elastomer rim 5B. Preferably, the rim 5B has a U-shaped cross-section into which the rigid portion 5C is fitted. Advantageously, the rigid portion 5C extends over at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and more preferably at least 90% of the width of the rim 5B.

[0084] Preferably, the rigid portion 5C and the central part 5A of the lid 5 can be manufactured as a single unit. Advantageously, the rim 5B is bonded to the rigid portion 5C using methods known to those skilled in the art. These methods must be resistant to temperature changes and suitable for food trays. This bonding also has the advantage of preventing microorganisms from entering between the rim 5B, the rigid portion 5C, and the central part 5A, thereby limiting the risk of contamination of the food contained in the tray.

[0085] In a particularly preferred manner, the cover 5 comprises a lower face 5D and an upper face 5E, determined according to the positioning of said cover 5 on the underlying compartment, at least one of the faces (5D, 5E) having positioning lugs 5F. Advantageously, at least the lower face 5D comprises lugs 5F. More preferably, the upper face 5E of the cover 5 also has positioning lugs 5F which are arranged in mirror image with respect to the lugs 5F of the lower face 5D. These lugs 5F are advantageously two in number, preferably four per face of the cover 5. Advantageously, the lugs 5F are positioned symmetrically and on either side of the central portion 5A. The identical positioning of said lugs 5F on both faces (5D, 5E) allow the lid 5 to be reversible on the compartment. Advantageously, the lugs 5F are formed in the rim 5B, so they are preferably made of the same material.

[0086] In these figures, the lugs 5F are positioned on the corners of the cover 5, but they can also be positioned on each of the sides of said cover 5, since the shape of the cover 5 is parallelepiped. Alternatively, if the cover is cylindrical, the lugs can be positioned equidistant from each other, so as to maintain the same functions. This alternative embodiment is not shown in these figures.

[0087] Advantageously, the cover 5 includes a gripping tab 5G preferably made continuous with the edge 5B and of the same material. This tab 5G facilitates the removal of the cover 5.

[0088] As a non-preferred alternative, the central portion may be made of flexible materials. These materials may be elastomer, as with the rim, and be continuous with it. In this alternative, the rigid portion must cover at least the upper edge and, when said edge also includes the rim, at least a portion of said rim. When the rigid portion is included in the elastomer rim, said portion forms a blade positioned above the upper edge of the compartment. Preferably, in this embodiment, the rigid portion should cover as much of the rim as possible when the lid is positioned on the compartment, so as to allow for the best possible sealing of the food tray.Preferably, the central part is made of a transparent material, so that the contents of the tray can be seen once it is closed. The central part can be made of both rigid materials and elastomers.

[0089] Figure 4 shows a side view of the food tray shown in Figures 1 to 3, closed by a sealing strip. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of said tray. These two figures are described together and illustrate the compartment and lid features mentioned in Figures 1 to 3.

[0090] The food tray 1 of Figures 4 and 5 comprises the hollow compartment 3 with the upper edge 3B.1 and the rim 3B.1a, as well as the removable lid 5. This lid 5, once positioned on the compartment 3, will seal the assembly, thus preserving the food contained in the food tray 1. The rim 5B of the lid 5 is advantageously positioned opposite the lateral end 3B.1b of the rim 3B.1a, said rim 5B being configured to extend over all or part of the rim 3B.1a of the compartment 3 when the compartment 3 is closed by the lid 5.

[0091] Thus, the elastomer edge 5B comes into contact with the upper edge 3B.1, and even 3B.la of compartment 3. More specifically, the elastomeric rim 5B rests against the entire upper edge 3B.1 of said compartment 3, and against the rim 3B.la. The rim 5B therefore covers the entire upper edge 3B.1, and possibly at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and even more preferably at least 90% of the rim 3B.la of said compartment 3. Thus, in the case where compartment 3 includes the rim 3B.la, the width of the rim 5B of the lid 5 depends on the width of said rim 3B.la. Indeed, the more the rim 5B, and more specifically, the more the rigid portion 5C covers the rim 3B.la, the better the seal between said compartment 3 and the lid 5. Therefore, the rigid portion 5C covers at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90% of the rim 3B.la of compartment 3.

[0092] The rim 5B also includes the positioning lugs 5F located on both faces (5D, 5E) of the lid 5. The specific positioning of the lugs is provided, firstly, to allow easy and proper positioning of the lid 5, thus facilitating the subsequent airtight closure of the food tray 1. Indeed, the lugs 5F will allow the lid 5 to be specifically and quickly oriented onto the compartment 3, by coming against the peripheral wall 3B of said compartment 3. The specific positioning of the lugs 5F will also allow the reversibility of the lid 5.

[0093] The food tray 1 further includes at least one sealing strip 7 which surrounds the compartment 3 and the lid 5, the closure of the strip 7 exerting pressure on the rim 5B and the rigid portion 5C of the lid 5 which will allow the airtight closure of the lid 5 on the compartment 3. In these figures, only one sealing strip 7 is shown, but several strips can be used, in particular if the size of the tray 1 is larger. Thus, the rim 5B is in a watertight bearing against the entire upper edge 3B.1 of compartment 3. More specifically, the sealing is made possible in this case, on the one hand by the presence of the rim 5B made of elastomer, which acts as a seal between compartment 3 and cover 5, and the rigid portion 5C, which will allow a distribution of forces to the whole of the rim 5B in contact with the upper edge 3B.1, and possibly, with the rim 3B.the compartment 3, after closure of the sealing strip 7. These forces are transmitted from the pressure zones of the strip 7 in contact with the lid 5 and the compartment 3, to the rest of the rim 5B.

[0094] Advantageously, the sealing strip 7 has a width between 3 cm and 8 cm, depending on the available strip width and the desired size of the food tray 1. Preferably, the strip 7 is at least 5 cm wide, so that writing can be integrated into the strip and be legible to the manufacturer and / or the end user, for example. This size also ensures that the pressure is sufficient to effectively seal tray 1. The band 7 is positioned between the lugs 5F to prevent it from slipping after sealing. This also ensures both that the tray 1 has been properly closed and that its contents have not been altered after sealing.

[0095] The sealing band 7 is advantageously installed and secured by a banding machine. The banding machine allows the installation of bands 7 around products, such as trays or fruit, for example, and is known to those skilled in the art. Depending on the product to be banded, the band tension can be adjusted; this characteristic is what makes it possible to seal the tray 1. This machine has the advantage of being less expensive than a heat-sealing machine. It also allows for the direct integration of markings into the band 7, thus avoiding the need for additional labels, which could be difficult to remove. Such markings can include dates (product manufacturing date, expiration date, for example), the product name and / or manufacturer, the list of ingredients and potential allergens, etc.The sealing strip 7 can be positioned lengthwise or crosswise on tray 1, when tray 1 is rectangular. In this case as well, mounting the strip 7 parallel to the shorter sides can be cost-effective, as less strip is used. To improve pressure, especially if tray 1 is elongated, positioning the strip 7 parallel to the longer side of tray 1 can also be considered.

[0096] Fig. 6 is a side view of two food trays according to the invention superimposed.

[0097] The term "first tray" will refer to the food tray 1 positioned below, and the term "second tray" will refer to the food tray 1 positioned on top of the first tray 1, in this figure.

[0098] The first and second stacked trays 1 have a gap between them. This gap is due to the presence of the lugs 5F on the two faces 5E of the lids 5 according to the invention. Indeed, while the lugs 5F ensure the correct positioning of the lid 5 on the compartment 3, they also allow the second tray 1 to be raised relative to the central part of the lid 5. This gap allows air to pass between the two trays 1, and also helps to hold the second tray 1 on top of the first tray 1, by positioning the base 3A of the second tray 1 between the lugs 5F of the first tray 1. The airflow facilitates the cooling of the stacked trays 1, prevents sticking between the strips 7, and facilitates the removal of the trays 1 during delivery. Such a stacking of the trays 1 also facilitates their transport by stabilizing them.

[0099] To allow this stacking, the perimeter of the peripheral wall 3B of compartment 3, at the level of the base 3A, is smaller than the perimeter of the wall 3B at the level of the upper edge of said compartment 3 (said upper edge not being shown in [Fig. 6]). More preferably, when the lid 5 includes lugs 5F, the positioning of the lugs 5F is such that another identical tray 1 can surround the base 3A and the wall 3B, and stabilize said tray 1.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in these figures, the food tray may have a rounded shape. The compartment has a single wall, with a circumference at its upper edge that is larger than the circumference around the bottom of said compartment. A rim may or may not be present. The edge of the lid may have the same characteristics as previously described, with lugs positioned equidistant from each other and around the perimeter of said edge, so that a second tray of the same shape and size fits between the lugs of the first, and is held in place by the perimeter of the second tray. The difference between the circumferences of the compartment is also important. In particular, the circumference of the compartment around the bottom must correspond to the circumference between the lugs, in order to allow the trays to be stacked.In this variant, the tab can be positioned anywhere around the lid. In an embodiment where the food tray is round, simply positioning the strip between the lugs of the lid is sufficient, since the pressure exerted by the strip will be the same.

[0101] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in these figures, the compartment may comprise the upper edge, against which the rim of the lid rests. The rim must have sufficient thickness to allow the upper edge to be effectively pressed into said rim, and to provide a seal between the lid and the compartment below.

[0102] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in these figures, the food tray may include several sealing strips. This embodiment is particularly suitable for large food trays. Thus, in order to improve the seal and ensure that the seal between the lid and the compartment below has been properly achieved, several sealing strips may be positioned around the tray, preferably spaced apart, to improve the effectiveness of the airtight closure. Preferably, at least two strips are positioned along the length of the tray. These strips may be of one or more different sizes on the same tray. Preferably, the strips are of a single size. One or more of these strips may be marked. This embodiment may be applied, whether for the shape of the tray, but is particularly preferred in the case of a particularly elongated parallelepiped shape.

[0103] The invention also relates to a method for hermetically sealing a food tray comprising at least one compartment and a lid. This method will be described in conjunction with Figures 1 to 6 previously described.

[0104] The compartment corresponds to any compartment as previously described or belonging to the prior art, and capable of supporting a lid 5 according to the invention. Particularly preferred, the compartment is a compartment 3 as previously described. This compartment 3 comprises a wall 3B with an upper edge 3B.1, the lid 5 being adapted to the size and shape of the underlying compartment 3. This is important in order to effectively seal the tray 1. Thus, in the following text, the term "compartment" may refer to a compartment of the prior art known to those skilled in the art, or to a compartment as defined in the present application, without distinction.

[0105] In this method, the cover 5 is a cover as defined above. This cover 5 therefore comprises at least the peripheral elastomeric rim 5B configured to bear against the entire upper edge 3B.1 of the compartment 3. Alternatively, the rim 5B may also extend over all or part of the edge 3B.1 of the underlying compartment 3, said cover 5 being configured to seal the compartment 3 tightly. The cover 5 further comprises the rigid portion 5C configured to extend over or into all or part of the rim 5B, so as to cover the upper edge 3B.1.

[0106] The method comprises the following steps.

[0107] The first step consists of positioning the cover 5 on the upper edge 3B.1 of the compartment 3, and optionally on the rim 3B.la, if one is provided. Preferably, the cover 5 according to the invention, thanks to the positioning lugs 5F, can be easily positioned reversibly on the edge 3B.1 and / or the rim 3B.la of the compartment 3. The two faces (5E, 5D) of the cover 5 are, particularly advantageously, identical.

[0108] The second step consists of hermetically sealing the lid 5 onto the compartment 3, so as to make the food tray 1 airtight. The sealing is achieved by at least one sealing strip 7 which is / are installed on the compartment 3 closed by the lid 5. The sealing of at least one strip 7 makes it possible to exert pressure on the lid 5, at pressure zones of the rim 5B, in order to distribute the forces over the rest of said rim 5B. As previously described, several strips 7 can be positioned on the same compartment 3, particularly when this compartment 3 is large. The sealing is carried out by a banding machine, said banding machine being specifically designed for Adjust the tension of the band 7 to effectively seal the food trays 1. Therefore, the band(s) 7 must exert sufficient tension on the lid 5 to seal the tray 1. Preferably, the banding machine uses ultrasound to seal the band(s) 7, as this method is particularly well-suited to withstand the temperature and humidity conditions found in kitchens. Marking of the band(s) 7 can also be provided; an additional module can be added to the banding machine to allow this marking directly onto the band 7 attached to the tray 1.

[0109] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0110] Furthermore, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be combined with one or more other features described only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be generalized to other embodiments, even if this or these features are described only in combination with other features.

[0111] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in a claim.

Claims

Demands

1. A food tray (1) comprising at least: - a hollow compartment (3) delimited by a base (3A) and a peripheral wall (3B) conforming to the contours of said base, which wall (3B) having an upper edge (3B.1), and - a removable lid (5) configured to hermetically seal said compartment, characterized in that the lid (5) comprises a peripheral elastomer rim (5B) configured to bear against the entire upper edge (3B.1) of the compartment (3), and a rigid portion (5C) extending over or into all or part of said rim (5B), and that the food tray (1) further comprises at least one sealing strip (7) surrounding the compartment (3) and the lid (5), the closure of at least one strip (7) exerting pressure on the rim (5B) and on the rigid portion (5C) so that said rim (5B) bears tightly against the entire upper edge (3B.1) of compartment (3) and that said cover (5) hermetically seals compartment (3).

2. Food tray (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigid portion (5C) is fitted into the peripheral elastomer rim (5B).

3. Food tray (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the rim (5B) has a U-shaped cross-section into which the rigid portion (5C) fits.

4. Food tray (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper edge (3B.1) of the compartment (3) comprises a rim (3B.la) which projects from said upper edge (3B.1) and is oriented outwards from said compartment.

5. Food tray (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the rim (5B) of the lid (5) covers at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 90% of the width of the rim (3B.la) of the compartment (3).

6. Food tray (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (5) has an upper face (5E) and a lower face (5D) oriented towards the compartment (3), which lower face (5D) includes positioning lugs (5F) configured to butt against the wall (3B) of the compartment (3) so as to position the cover (5) on said compartment.

7. Food tray (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the upper face (5E) of the lid (5) has positioning lugs (5F) arranged in mirror image of the positioning lugs (5F) of the lower face (5D).

8. Food tray (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the positioning lugs (5F) are four in number, positioned equidistant from each other, when the tray (1) is cylindrical in shape.

9. Food tray (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the positioning lugs (5F) are four in number, positioned at corners of the lid (5) or in the middle of each of the sides of said lid (5), when the tray (1) is parallelepiped in shape.

10. Food tray (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the lugs (5F) are formed in the elastomer rim (5B).

11. Food tray (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (5) further comprises at least one gripping tab (5G).

12. Food tray (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that each sealing strip (7) is positioned between the lugs (5F), which lugs (5F) form stop elements preventing its removal.

13. Food tray (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compartment (3) and / or the lid (5) are advantageously made of reusable materials.

14. A method for hermetically sealing a food tray (1) comprising at least one compartment (3) and a lid (5), said method comprising the following steps: - positioning the lid (5) on an upper edge (3B.1) of the compartment (3), then - hermetically sealing said lid, characterized in that the lid (5) comprises at least one peripheral rim (5B) elastomer configured to bear against the entire upper edge (3B.1) of the compartment (3) and a rigid portion (5C) extending over or into all or part of the peripheral elastomer rim (5B), the airtight closure is achieved by placing at least one sealing strip (7) on the compartment (3) closed by the lid (5), the airtight closure of at least one strip (7) exerting pressure on the lid (5) so as to distribute the forces over the entire rim (5B).

15. Hermetic closure method according to claim 14, characterized in that each band (7) is hermetically sealed and / or marked, the gluing and / or marking being configured to be carried out by a banding machine using ultrasound.

16. Hermetic closure method according to any one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the food tray (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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