Reusable food tray with sealing strip and improved leak-proofness.

Abstract

The invention relates to a food tray (1) comprising a compartment (3) delimited by a wall (3A) having an upper edge (3A.1), and a lid (5) comprising a rigid portion (5B) surrounded by a border (5A) resting on said edge. The border comprises an external segment (5A.1) positioned on the upper edge (3A.1) and an internal segment (5A.2) in the extension of the external segment (5A.1) and extending into the compartment. A peripheral edge of the rigid portion is fitted into a housing of the internal segment so that this edge is located above the compartment. The tray also comprises a sealing strip closing the compartment and the lid by exerting pressure on the external and internal segments (5A.1, 5A.2) of the border so that the rigid portion (5B) distributes the pressure on the lid (5) in order to hermetically close the compartment (3). Figure to be published for the abstract: figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Reusable food tray with sealing strip and improved leak-tightness. Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to a food tray and a hermetic closing method for food trays.

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

[0003] Food trays are mainly used to preserve food intended for consumption. This preservation can be done in the open air, in the refrigerator or in the freezer for example, in a closed tray. These trays can therefore be specifically designed for use by individuals or central kitchens.

[0004] Food trays intended for individuals are generally reusable, and in particular allow food to be heated in the microwave. They are usually made of glass and / or plastic, their lid most often including fasteners which clip onto the underlying compartment so as to close the tray.

[0005] But these trays cannot be used in central kitchens. Indeed, when food trays are made of glass, they are heavier and more fragile, making them difficult to transport. Similarly, trays made of plastic can release potentially toxic compounds into the food. This is particularly true when certain conditions of use are not respected. Finally, the aforementioned closing of the trays is impractical and time-consuming, especially if the number of trays produced is large.

[0006] Food trays used in central kitchens are either used for individual sales, in stores or for home deliveries for example, or used to deliver to communities, such as hospitals or educational establishments. The trays can therefore be of various sizes for one person only or, when the quantity of food produced must be larger, in larger collective dishes.

[0007] These food trays preferably have a maximum total height so that they can be introduced into the levels of most ovens. professional reheaters. However, the height of the step between the two levels of an oven is limited, and generally less than 8cm, or even less than 7cm. Some of these ovens sometimes have a height of less than 55mm between two levels. However, some trays found on the market do not always meet these conditions, resulting in additional costs for the customer.

[0008] The great variability in the sizes and heights of the trays, as well as the limitation of time-consuming production steps, means that these trays have, for the sake of ease, long been single-use. Thus, the delivery of meals produced by central kitchens is today often carried out in heat-sealed plastic compartments, this heat-sealing being carried out by sticking a film on the compartment of the tray, thus allowing it to be sealed. However, recently, the law has required central kitchens to use reusable trays, particularly for home delivery, in order to reduce plastic consumption. The choice of compartments made of metallic materials seems to be essential, in particular because of their ease of cleaning and their compatibility with food. But to date, the heat-sealing of this type of compartment is not yet optimal.

[0009] Published patent document JP 2003-40300 discloses a food tray for individuals. This tray comprises a compartment closed by a lid, this lid being formed by a rim allowing sealing with the underlying compartment. However, such a tray can hardly be used in central kitchens, in particular due to the complexity of its lid, which makes it difficult to clean and close. Mounting the lid on the compartment can also be time-consuming.

[0010] Published patent document US 2007 / 0092610 A1 discloses two food trays, each comprising a compartment and a lid, the two trays being held together by a sleeve. However, these trays are single-use and only allow the simultaneous sale of two different types of food.

[0011] The invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art. More particularly, the invention aims to be simpler to use, less expensive and easier to clean and manufacture. The invention also aims to reduce the height of the trays in order to facilitate their passage through the reheating ovens. Another objective of the invention is to improve the sealing of the tray. Presentation of the invention.

[0012] The solution proposed by the invention is a food tray comprising at least: a hollow compartment delimited by at least one peripheral wall having an upper edge, and a removable cover comprising a rigid portion surrounded by a peripheral elastomer edge configured to bear on the upper edge of the compartment so as to hermetically close it, the peripheral edge comprising: an external elastomer segment configured to be positioned on the upper edge of the compartment, an internal segment in the extension of the external segment and extending at least partially into the compartment, the internal segment having a housing in which a peripheral edge of the rigid portion is fitted, which housing is configured so that the peripheral edge is only located above and / or in the compartment;the food tray further comprising at least one sealing strip surrounding the compartment surmounted by the lid, the closure of the at least one strip exerting pressure on the external and internal segments of the peripheral edge so that the rigid portion distributes the pressure over the entire length of said segments so that the edge is in sealed contact with the upper edge and the lid hermetically closes the compartment.;

[0013] The peripheral edge allows the tray to be sealed. This edge extends over the entire edge of the lid and is preferably configured to be positioned over the entire upper edge of the compartment, so as to allow the best possible seal between the lid and the compartment. This edge also protects the rigid portion from impacts.

[0014] The rigid portion is a central part of the lid, it is defined by the rigidity of the material used for its manufacture. Indeed, this portion allows the transmission of pressure from the areas where the sealing strip(s) press on the peripheral edge, to the rest of said edge in contact with the upper edge of the compartment, this distribution being uniform. Thus, the rigid portion, by pressing on the edge, will allow the sealing of the entire tray. Advantageously, the rigid portion is transparent so that the contents of the tray are visible. The peripheral edge of the rigid portion corresponds to the part of said portion which is inserted into the peripheral edge.

[0015] The elastomer chosen for the manufacture of the border serves as a seal and will seal tempo The lid is usually placed on the upper edge of the compartment. This material must therefore have all the characteristics necessary to make the food tray airtight. Preferably, the elastomer chosen is silicone, its use being particularly advantageous because it is suitable for food contact, in addition to being waterproof and heat-resistant. In addition, silicone is a material that is easy to implement using techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0016] By "external elastomer segment" of the peripheral edge is meant the part of said edge oriented towards the outside of the cover and configured to be mounted on the upper edge of the compartment. It is preferably entirely made made of elastomer. This external segment also has the particularity of not including the rigid portion of the lid, which makes it possible to reduce the maximum total height of the tray.

[0017] The external and internal segments of the peripheral edge are advantageously made in one piece so as to make it more robust. The fixing of the internal segment to the rigid portion can be carried out by methods known to those skilled in the art which are easy to implement. Advantageously, these methods must be able to withstand high temperatures in order to withstand the passage of the tray in ovens and dishwashers, they must also allow them to maintain good strength after a large number of uses. Preferably, the food trays must be able to be used at least 500 times. Thus, the particularly preferred method for assembling the lid is gluing, which must be perfectly carried out so as to avoid the introduction of food between the peripheral edge and the rigid portion, and therefore facilitate the cleaning of the lid.

[0018] In a particularly preferred manner, the lid is designed to be reversible, that is to say that it has two identical upper and lower faces defined according to the positioning of the lid on the compartment. These faces are therefore interchangeable, the upper face being able to easily become the lower face, and vice versa. Whatever the positioning of the lid on the compartment, the seal must always remain as effective. This reversibility is particularly interesting because it allows a considerable saving of time when packing the dishes in the food trays, and more particularly when closing them. This prevents the handler from wasting time checking the correct positioning of the lid before closing it. The positioning of the lid on the compartment is thus made easier.

[0019] The pressure exerted on the peripheral edge at the time of closing the sealing strip is sufficient to cause the tray to be hermetically sealed. This closure results in the appearance of a suction effect between the peripheral edge and the compartment caused by the thrust of the external segment, and possibly of the internal segment of the peripheral edge on or against the wall of the compartment. Thus, the hermetic sealing of the tray is improved, which optimizes the preservation of the food contained in the tray.

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

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, when the cover is in the mounting position on the compartment, the housing of the internal segment has a U-shaped cross-section complementary to the peripheral edge of the rigid portion so that said portion transmits the pressure exerted by the sealing strip to the rest of the peripheral edge when the tray is hermetically closed.

[0022] In the lid, the complementarity between the internal segment of the peripheral edge and the rigid portion improves the robustness of the fixing. The specific shape of the housing is easy to manufacture. In addition, the positioning of the rigid portion laterally to the external segment makes it possible to reduce the maximum total height of the tray, which facilitates its passage through the reheating ovens and increases the number of trays that can be transported together.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, when the cover is in the mounting position on the compartment, the housing of the peripheral edge comprises: a lower branch which extends into the compartment, and an upper branch which extends above the compartment, said branches extending parallel to each other so that the rigid portion fits between said branches.

[0024] The positioning of the upper and lower branches facilitates the insertion and holding in position of the rigid portion in the peripheral edge, and improves its robustness. Preferably, the lower branch is configured to extend away from the wall and into the compartment, which facilitates the positioning of the lid on this compartment and reduces the number of manipulations carried out by the handler when closing the tray. Advantageously, the distance between each of the upper and lower branches of the internal segment and the external segment of the peripheral edge is identical so that the lid is reversible. Thus, the design of the lid improves its stability and minimizes the risk of being moved after its placement on the compartment, while saving time when putting it in place.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, when the sealing strip surrounds the compartment surmounted by the cover, the rigid portion is level with the upper edge of said compartment.

[0026] This level positioning limits the maximum overall height of the tray by lowering the rigid portion into the compartment, and also ensures uniform support of the peripheral edge over the entire upper edge of the compartment. This also ensures uniform closure of the tray and reduces the risk of deformation of the lid under pressure.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, a width (1) of the internal segment of the peripheral border is defined, and a width (L) determines the maximum distance between two opposite points of the upper edge of the compartment, the ratio 1 / L being between 0.03 and 0.3 and defining the dimensions of the rigid portion in relation to the dimensions of the compartment.

[0028] This 1 / L ratio is important for determining the optimal dimensions of the rigid portion in relation to the dimensions of the compartment and the lid. These dimensions ensure the robustness of the lid and its absence of damage or even destruction in the event of impact. Determining the 1 / L ratio also makes it possible to limit the thickness and size of the rigid portion, and therefore to limit the mass of the tray. Indeed, trays that are too heavy are impractical to transport and use. Finally, this ratio makes it possible to optimize both the closing force of the lid and the handling of the tray.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the width of the internal segment is between 40% and 70%, more preferably between 45% and 65% of a total width of the peripheral border.

[0030] Determining the width of the internal segment is important to ensure the best support and retention of the rigid portion in the peripheral edge. This width also ensures the best possible balance between flexibility and rigidity of said segment. An optimal width of the internal segment also allows good distribution of pressure over the entire upper edge of the compartment, therefore can improve the sealing of the cover. Finally, the presence of the internal segment will facilitate the placement of the cover on the compartment, without requiring complex and / or lengthy handling by the handler.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the tray has a maximum total height of less than 60 mm, more preferably less than 55 mm.

[0032] This maximum total height allows the tray to easily adapt to a large number of professional reheating ovens. Indeed, depending on the oven, the height of the step between two levels can vary. Determining the maximum total height of the tray therefore makes it possible to avoid the purchase of new, potentially expensive cooking equipment.

[0033] The choice of the dimensions of the peripheral border depends on the dimensions chosen for the cover and for the compartment. Thus, the dimensions of the border include the width of the border and of each of its external and internal segments. The length and width of the frame of the border surrounding the rigid portion, and possibly the thickness of said border and of each of its segments, can also vary if necessary. The dimensions of the cover and of the compartment group together their respective lengths and widths. Finally, the choice of the length, width and thickness of the rigid portion depends on the aforementioned dimensions chosen for the cover and for the compartment. Optionally, the maximum total height of the tray may exceed the above-mentioned height.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the tray comprises a rim which projects from the upper edge and is oriented towards the outside of the compartment.

[0035] Advantageously, the rim makes it possible both to improve the support of the lid on the compartment, and to improve the sealing of the tray after its hermetic closure. The width of the rim must therefore be sufficient to facilitate the positioning and maintenance of the lid on the compartment. Advantageously, this rim is oriented horizontally relative to the upper edge and towards the outside of the compartment so as to facilitate its cleaning. Optionally, this rim can also be used to heat seal these compartments.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment, the external segment of the peripheral border further comprises at least one gripping tab configured to facilitate the positioning and / or removal of the cover from the underlying compartment.

[0037] The presence of at least one gripping tab makes it easier to position and / or remove the cover from the underlying compartment. Preferably, four tabs are positioned equidistant from each other so as to facilitate positioning of the cover on the compartment. When the tray is parallelepipedal in shape, each tab is preferably positioned at each corner of the cover, facilitating its manufacture.

[0038] Advantageously, the lid of the tray may comprise at least one lug configured to position the sealing strip.

[0039] Advantageously, the at least one lug can help position and maintain the sealing strip on the food tray. These lugs can also limit errors in positioning said strip. Preferably, these lugs are mounted on the internal segment of the peripheral edge, and are positioned in a mirror image on each face of the lid. Thus, the lid retains its reversibility, and its mounting on the compartment is also facilitated. The presence of the lugs would also make it possible to ensure that the food tray has not been opened after the sealing strip has been placed. On the other hand, their presence is not essential for the proper functioning of the invention.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the compartment and / or the cover are advantageously made from reusable materials.

[0041] Manufacturing food trays from reusable materials limits waste and reduces the production of waste from central kitchens and their customers, thus reducing their environmental impact. Washing the trays is also easy to implement since there are no convolutions into which food could have been inserted. They can therefore be easily reused without being thrown away. Advantageously, these trays are also made from materials recycled and / or recyclable.

[0042] The invention also relates to a method for hermetically closing a food tray comprising at least one compartment surmounted by a lid, said lid comprising a rigid portion surrounded by a peripheral elastomer edge configured to bear on an upper edge of the compartment so as to close it hermetically, the method comprising the following steps: positioning the lid on the compartment, then hermetically closing the lid, the peripheral edge comprising: an external elastomer segment configured to be positioned on the upper edge of the compartment, an internal segment in the extension of the external segment and extending at least partially into the compartment, the internal segment having a housing in which a peripheral edge of the rigid portion is fitted, which housing being configured so that the peripheral edge is only located above the compartment;the hermetic closure of the cover being achieved by placing at least one sealing strip around the compartment surmounted by the cover, the closure of the at least one strip exerting pressure on the two segments of the peripheral border so that the rigid portion distributes the pressure over the entire length of the external and internal segments of said border.;

[0043] This method improves the hermetic closure of the tray thanks to the pressure exerted by the sealing strip on a portion of the peripheral edge of the compartment, and more specifically, on a portion of the external and internal segments of said edge. In addition, when the sealing strip is placed, the rigid portion is lowered into the compartment, allowing the uniform transmission of the pressure of the strip to the rest of the peripheral edge thanks to the action of the rigid portion, thus creating a suction effect. This suction effect will be caused by a pressure differential between the interior of the compartment and the external environment, reinforcing the hermetic closure of the tray and improving its reliability.

[0044] The pressure exerted by the sealing strip on the peripheral edge allows the sealing between the upper edge of the compartment and the external segment of said edge. When the internal branch of said edge is positioned at a distance from the wall of the compartment, the positioning of the cover on the compartment is facilitated, reducing the time required to close food trays in central kitchens.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment, each sealing strip is closed by gluing and / or is marked, the gluing and / or marking being configured to be carried out by a wrapping machine.

[0046] The steps of gluing and / or marking the strip are simple to implement. In addition, the wrapping machines are machines known in the industry, they are little

[0047]

[0048]

[0049]

[0050]

[0051] expensive and their use improves the efficiency and security of hermetic sealing. This closure is faster and suitable for mass production of trays. Preferably, an ultrasonic wrapping machine is used to close the sealing strip(s). Indeed, these wrapping machines are easy to use, especially in central kitchens, where the shock between temperatures (between refrigerators, freezers, and cooking areas), as well as humidity conditions, can make closing the sealing strips difficult. The use of ultrasound is particularly suited to these difficult conditions. The marking is done directly on the strip, which avoids the need for additional labels. This also makes it easier to clean the lid and / or compartment later. According to an advantageous embodiment, the food tray is according to the invention. The method is particularly suitable for the tray according to the invention. This allows for the best compatibility between the method and the trays, and also guarantees the effectiveness of the method on a range of trays specifically designed for this closure. Brief description of the figures. Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, produced as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which: - [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a food tray compartment according to the invention. - [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a food tray lid according to the invention. - [Fig.3] is a side view of the cover of [Fig.2]. - [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of a food tray according to the invention comprising a compartment and a cover. - [Fig.5] is a sectional view of a food tray according to the invention comprising a compartment and a lid. - [Fig.6] represents a sectional view of an alternative to the ali tray element according to the invention without the edges of the compartment and without the sealing strip. - [Fig.7] shows a perspective view of a food tray according to the invention comprising a compartment and a lid hermetically sealed by a sealing strip. - [Fig.8] is a sectional view of a food tray according to the invention, comprising a compartment and a lid hermetically sealed by a sealing strip. - [Fig.9] represents two enlargements DI and D2 made at the level of the peripheral edges of a lid mounted on an underlying compartment of two food trays, with and without the sealing strip. Enlargement DI is from [Fig.5] and shows the peripheral border placed on the compartment without the sealing strip. Enlargement D2 is from [Fig.8] and shows the peripheral border placed on the compartment after the action of the sealing strip. Description of the embodiments.

[0052] As used herein, 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 so described must be in a given sequence, whether in time, space, classification, 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 arbitrarily drawn to facilitate their reading. The terms "upper" and "lower" are defined here according to the positioning in use of the lid and the compartment of the tray.

[0053] The food trays according to the invention are airtight boxes which can contain foodstuffs and serve to facilitate their transport and preservation. These foodstuffs can for example be liquid or solid, their preservation being improved in the more or less long term due to their positioning in these trays.

[0054] The food trays can have a wide variety of dimensions and shapes depending on their use, depending on the choices of the customer or the service provider for example. Preferably, the trays are cylindrical or parallelepipedal in shape, but could have other shapes. The figures show different variant embodiments of the trays according to the invention, these variants not being limiting.

[0055] Generally speaking, foodstuffs are goods that can be consumed and that need to be stored appropriately in order to limit the risks of contamination and / or deterioration. These foodstuffs can be of the food or medicinal type, and are likely to be prepared in central kitchens (also called collective kitchens) that provide meals to individuals or to communities such as educational establishments or hospitals for example. Thus, the food trays of the invention can be individual or collective depending in particular on their place of delivery.

[0056] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of an example of a food tray compartment according to the invention, having a parallelepiped shape.

[0057] A compartment 3 according to the invention for a food tray comprises a peripheral wall 3A surrounding a bottom 3B, this compartment 3 then delimiting a hollow space capable of containing foodstuffs. Advantageously, the bottom 3B of the compartment 3 can be embossed so as to improve its robustness and to limit the risks of twisting of the compartment 3, in particular when it is manufactured from metallic materials. The hollow compartment 3 of the tray can be single or segmented so as to contain one or more foodstuffs, arranged together or separately as required.

[0058] The wall 3A of the compartment 3 further comprises an upper edge 3A. 1 positioned opposite the bottom 3B. In a particularly preferred manner, this edge 3A. 1 forms a continuous structure which extends in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the bottom 3B so as to allow the best possible sealing of the tray when the latter is closed. The upper edge 3A. 1 may also be terminated by a bead.

[0059] Advantageously, a rim 3A.1a may project from the upper edge 3A.1 of the wall 3A, this rim 3A.1a being preferably oriented towards the outside of the compartment 3. Alternatively, however, the rim 3A.1a may extend into the compartment 3 in order to reduce the size of the tray. Advantageously, the rim 3A.1a extends along a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the bottom 3B, but alternatively, this rim 3A.1a may extend so that the upper edge 3A.1 is higher than the free end of the rim 3A.1a. Advantageously, the rim 3A.1a of the compartment 3 has a width of between 0.5cm and 3cm, but its width may possibly vary depending on the dimensions of the tray. As with the upper edge 3A.1, the free end of the rim 3A.1a may include a bead. These beads on the upper edge 3A.1 or on the rim 3A.1a serve to improve the safety of the trays and to allow them to be microwaved..

[0060] The materials chosen to manufacture the compartment 3 are preferably metallic (such as stainless steel or aluminum), but other types of materials can also be considered, such as glasses or ceramics, or plant materials such as bamboo. These materials are preferably reusable.

[0061] Figures 2 and 3 show two views of a lid for a food tray according to the invention. In [Fig.2], the lid is shown in perspective, and in [Fig.3], it is shown in side view. In these figures, the lid is shown as being in the mounting position on the compartment, the constituent elements of said lid will therefore be defined according to this positioning.

[0062] A lid 5 for a food tray according to the invention is configured to be removable from the underlying compartment (this compartment not being shown in figures 2 and 3). This cover 5 comprises a peripheral edge 5A made of elastomer, itself comprising at least one external segment 5A.1.

[0063] The outer segment 5A. 1 of the peripheral edge 5A may comprise at least one gripping tab 5A. 1a configured to facilitate the removal and / or positioning of the lid 5 from the underlying compartment. The number of tabs 5A. 1a per lid may vary in particular depending on the shape of the tray. Thus, when the lid 5 comprises several gripping tabs 5A. 1a, they are advantageously positioned equidistant from each other. In the case of a tray of cylindrical shape, a single gripping tab 5A. 1a may be sufficient. In the case of a tray of parallelepiped shape, the outer segment 5A. 1 may preferably comprise four gripping tabs 5A. 1a which are more preferably positioned at each corner of the lid 5, but may, alternatively, be positioned on any of the sides.

[0064] The peripheral edge 5A further comprises an internal segment 5A.2 in the extension of the external segment 5A.1, and having a height at least twice the height of the external segment 5A.1. This internal segment 5A.2 is attached to the external segment 5A.1 by its external face 5A.2a. Advantageously, this attachment is made substantially in the middle of said face so that the cover 5 is reversible. By “reversible”, it is meant that an upper face 5C and a lower face 5D of the cover 5 are identical so that the upper face 5C can become the lower face 5D, and vice versa. This reversibility makes it possible in particular to simplify the positioning of the cover 5 on the compartment by the handler.

[0065] The internal segment 5A.2 of the peripheral edge 5A further comprises a housing preferably having a U-shaped cross-section formed by an upper branch 5A.2b and a lower branch 5A.2c. Due to the aforementioned reversibility, these branches (5A.2b, 5A.2c) can also be reversed so that the upper branch 5A.2b becomes the lower branch 5A.2c, and vice versa. These branches (5A.2b, 5A.2c) extend parallel to each other, with a possible variation of plus or minus 5° depending on the manufacturing hazards of the cover 5. Preferably, each of said branches is positioned equidistant from the external segment 5A.1 of the peripheral edge 5A with a margin of error of plus or minus 5% due to the manufacturing hazards of the cover 5. Preferably, a width (1) of the internal segment 5A.2 is between 40% and 70%, and more preferably, between 45% and 65% of a total width (F) of the peripheral edge 5A. Advantageously, the peripheral edge 5A of the cover 5 has a width (F) between 0.3cm and 5cm, the minimum width of the edge making it possible in particular to achieve sealing.

[0066] As an example, a first model of cover 5 may have a width (1) of the internal segment 5A.2 of approximately 13mm, and a total width (F) of the peripheral edge 5A of 28mm, i.e. a width (1) corresponding to approximately 46% of the total width (F) of said edge. Another model of cover 5 may have a width (1) of the internal segment 5A.2 of approximately 26mm, and a total width (F) of the peripheral edge 5A of 40mm, i.e. a width (1) corresponding to approximately 65% ​​of the total width (F) of said edge. These examples are given for information purposes only.

[0067] The peripheral edge 5A is preferably made of elastomer, the elastomer particularly preferred for its manufacture being silicone. Alternatively, the material chosen may also be a thermoplastic elastomer (whose acronym is "TPE"), natural or synthetic rubber, or even possibly polyurethane, but their use in an oven is not desirable. Fluorinated elastomers (such as Viton) may also be considered. Also, the peripheral edge 5A could be made of a material other than elastomer, provided that this material has similar characteristics allowing the seal to be achieved between the cover 5 and the compartment 3. In a particularly preferred manner, the external segment 5A. 1 of the peripheral edge 5A is entirely made of elastomer, but alternatively, this segment may optionally comprise other materials.

[0068] If the use of silicone is preferred, it is because it allows in particular to produce the cover 5 in different colors, each being adapted to different tray dimensions. Thus, it is easier for the handler to know which cover 5 corresponds to which size of compartment. Other methods of recognizing sizes can be envisaged, such as for example with specific graphics (such as animals for children's trays, for example).

[0069] Finally, the cover 5 comprises a rigid portion 5B configured to be surrounded by the peripheral edge 5A. A peripheral edge of the rigid portion 5B is fitted into the housing of the internal segment 5A.2 of the peripheral edge 5A, between the upper and lower branches (5A.2b, 5A.2c). Thus, said branches extend parallel to each other so that they enclose the peripheral edge of said portion.

[0070] The rigidity of the material chosen for the manufacture of the rigid portion 5B is important so that the seal between the cover 5 and the tray is optimal, and thus allows the transmission of pressure to the entire peripheral edge 5A. Thus, a material sufficiently rigid to perform this function advantageously has a Young's modulus of between 50 and 100 GPa, and more preferably a Young's modulus of approximately 70 GPa. This material can therefore be a silica-based compound (such as glass or tempered glass), or a similar material such as plastic (in this case, Polyvinyl Chloride, whose acronym is "PVC", is preferred). Certain fiber-based composites may optionally be used. Preferably, the material chosen for the rigid portion 5B is transparent, with glass being particularly preferred.

[0071] In order to attach the peripheral edge 5A to the rigid portion 5B, different methods can be used, such as gluing, embedding or the use of sealing gaskets for example. The particularly preferred method is gluing, preferably using polymer-based adhesives. These adhesives are in fact particularly effective for gluing the peripheral edge 5A to the rigid portion 5B.

[0072] Advantageously, the thickness of the cover 5 is less than 1 cm, and more specifically, the thickness of the fraction of the cover visible once this cover is mounted on the compartment is between 0.3 and 1 cm. This low thickness makes it possible to optimize the dimensions of the tray, and, as previously, makes it possible more particularly to ensure that the maximum total height of the tray is adapted to the minimum height of the levels of a large number of professional reheating ovens. This also facilitates the storage and handling of the trays.

[0073] Figures 4, 5 and 6 will be described together and show different views and variants of the tray according to the invention comprising the compartment surmounted by the lid. [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of the cylindrical tray, and [Fig.5] shows a sectional view of a tray which may be parallelepipedal or cylindrical in shape. [Fig.6] shows a sectional view of a tray according to the invention whose compartment does not include the rim.

[0074] The food tray 1 according to the invention comprises the compartment 3 and the cover 5, this cover 5 being supported on the upper edge 3A.1 of the compartment 3 via its peripheral edge 5A. Preferably, this support is carried out on the entirety of said edge so as to improve its sealing.

[0075] More specifically, the cover 5 rests on the compartment 3 by the external segment 5A.1 of its peripheral edge 5A. In Figures 4 and 5, the support of the cover 5 can also be carried out on all or part of the rim 3A.1a, whereas in [Fig.6], this support is only carried out on the upper edge 3A.1. Advantageously, the external segment 5A.1 of the peripheral edge 5A has an external side 5A.1b configured to align or overlap with a free end of said rim 3A.1a. Thus, this external side 5A.1b and the free end of the rim 3A.1a end approximately at the same location, guaranteeing continuity in their alignment. This design facilitates the hermetic closing of the tray 1 and reduces its bulk.

[0076] The internal segment 5A.2 and the external segment 5A.1 of the peripheral border 5A are continuous and are preferably made in one piece, for greater ro bust. In addition, the external face 5A.2a of the internal segment 5A.2 is configured to be opposite and at a distance from an internal face 3A.2 of the wall 3A of the compartment 3, a distance preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0077] More specifically in [Fig.4], the food tray 1 shown is cylindrical in shape. In this variant, the external segment 5A.1 of the peripheral edge 5A has a single gripping tab 5A.1a, but possibly, this segment may comprise several tabs positioned equidistant from each other. This tab 5A.1a is preferably made of the same material as the rest of the edge 5A, but could possibly be made of another material.

[0078] In the case of a tray of parallelepiped shape, the compartment 3 comprises the base 3B in the shape of a parallelogram, each side of the base 3B being extended vertically by four sides forming the wall 3A and which extend substantially perpendicular to each other. The cover 5 of the tray 1 has a shape adapted to the shape and dimensions of the underlying compartment 3. The dimensions of the trays can therefore vary according to the number of people intended for each dish or according to their use.

[0079] In [Fig.5], the cross-section shows the insertion of the rigid portion 5B between the upper and lower branches (5A.2b, 5A.2c) of the internal segment 5A.2. More specifically, the lower branch 5A.2c is positioned in the space formed by the compartment 3 and extends at least partially into this compartment. The upper branch 5A.2b and all or part of the rigid portion 5B are located above and / or in this compartment 3. The external segment 5A.1 of the peripheral edge 5A is fixed substantially in the middle of the internal segment 5A.2. In a particularly advantageous manner, the maximum total height (Ht) of the tray 1 is less than 60mm and more preferably less than 55mm, so as to be able to adapt to different step heights between two levels of a professional reheating oven. This height (Ht) can however be adapted according to needs.Other variations in the shape and thickness of the peripheral border 5A can also be envisaged, the rigid portion 5B being located more or less in the underlying compartment 3 according to variants not shown in these figures.

[0080] On the lids of the invention, the lower branch 5A.2c of the lid 5 may optionally be configured to come into contact with the internal face 3A.2 of the wall 3A of the compartment 3 and thus allow it to be guided when it is put in place. A suction cup effect makes it possible both to certify that the tray 1 is properly closed and to certify that it has not opened after it has been hermetically sealed.

[0081] Alternatively, but not preferably, the cover may comprise lugs positioned in a mirror image on each of the faces of said cover, these lugs being able to serve to assist in the correct positioning of the lid on the tray and / or the correct positioning of the sealing strip. The lid may include at least two lugs positioned diametrically opposite each other so as to prevent the sealing strip from slipping. Optionally, the lid may include four lugs. The lugs are preferably less than 4mm high, and even more preferably less than 2mm high.

[0082] The optimal dimensions of the peripheral edge 5A are determined according to the dimensions of the cover 5 and the corresponding compartment 3, so that it is robust whatever the size of the tray 1. Thus, the internal segment 5A.2 of the peripheral edge 5A is defined by a width (1), this width corresponding to the portion of said edge configured to be positioned in the compartment 3. A second width (L) is defined as the maximum distance between two points located opposite each other and on the upper edge 3A.1 of the compartment 3. Thus, when the tray 1 is cylindrical in shape, these two points are located diametrically opposite each other and on the upper edge 3A.1 of the compartment 3. When the tray 1 is parallelepipedal in shape, these two points are positioned opposite each other on the upper edge 3A.1 and on two opposite sides of the compartment 3.

[0083] These two widths (1, L) are used to define a ratio 1 / L preferably between 0.03 and 0.3, and particularly preferably, this ratio is preferably between 0.04 and 0.22. This ratio is particularly preferred because it provides the best possible balance between the dimensions of the edge 5A and the dimensions of the rigid portion 5B in the lid 5, ensuring in particular the best possible support of the rigid portion 5B in the edge. Indeed, the rigid portion 5B being preferably made of glass, too large a size of this portion compared to the size of the edge 5A would make the lid 5 too fragile. To reduce this fragility and to maintain relatively constant robustness regardless of the size of the lid 5, a thickening of the rigid portion 5B may then be necessary for larger formats, which results in a higher weight of the tray 1.This ratio is therefore optimal so that the cover 5 maintains a similar robustness and hold, whatever the dimensions of the cover 5 and of the compartment 3, without changing the weight of the tray 1 too much.

[0084] The tray 1, and more specifically, the compartment 3 and / or the cover 5 are, in a particularly preferred manner, made from reusable materials. This choice makes it possible to limit the waste produced by central kitchens and by their customers.

[0085] In [Fig.6], the wall 3A of the compartment 3 does not include the rim. Thus, the external segment 5A.1 of the border 5A rests on the upper edge 3A.1 of the compartment, which in particular makes it possible to simplify the cleaning of the tray 1.

[0086] Figures 7 and 8 show two views of the food tray hermetically sealed using a sealing strip according to the invention. [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the tray and [Fig.8] is a sectional view. [Fig.9] shows more specifically two enlargements of the peripheral edge of the lid in contact with the underlying compartment, without the sealing strip (D1) and with the sealing strip (D2). Figures 7, 8 and 9 will be described together.

[0087] In Figures 7 to 9, the sealing strip 7 is configured to surround the compartment 3 closed by the cover 5 so that the peripheral edge 5A is partially deformed by said strip. This strip 7 allows the hermetic closure of the tray 1 thanks to its attachment by a wrapping machine. This sealing strip 7, during its closure, exerts localized pressure on a portion of the peripheral edge 5A of the cover 5, at the contact zones between said strip(s) and the edge 5A. More specifically, this pressure is exerted on the external and internal segments (5A.1, 5A.2) of said edge, and is transmitted to the rest of the edge 5A thanks to the rigid portion 5B, which will distribute and uniformize the pressure and seal the entire food tray 1.

[0088] Thus, the sealing strip 7 presses the external segment 5A.1 of the peripheral edge 5A against the upper edge 3A.1 of the compartment 3, so that this segment partially sinks onto the upper edge, and / or onto all or part of the rim 3A.1a of the wall 3A, when the latter is present. Thus, the peripheral edge 5A is in sealed support on the upper edge 3A.1 of the compartment 3. This sealing is improved by the presence of the rigid portion 5B inserted into said edge.

[0089] Optionally, the cover 5 can come into contact with the internal face 3A.2 of the compartment 3 at its lower branch 5A.2c, in the case where the internal segment 5A.2 of the cover 5 comes into abutment against the wall 3A. This double contact improves the sealing of the tray 1.

[0090] After the sealing strip 7 has been put in place, the pressure exerted by the latter causes a partial lowering of the upper 5A.2b and lower 5A.2c branches of the internal segment 5A.2 in the compartment 3, also allowing the lowering of the rigid portion 5B so that said portion is level with the upper edge 3A.1 of the compartment 3. This lowering is represented in [Fig.9] by a gap (e) between the initial positioning of the upper branch 5A.2b in the absence of the sealing strip 7, and its positioning after closing said strip. This lowering further reduces the total height of the tray 1, in particular facilitating its transport and improving the distribution of the pressure.

[0091] The sealing strip is preferably made from recyclable materials such as cardboard or paper, but it can optionally be made from a material plastic. The sealing strip is configured to be mounted and then closed around the food tray using a stretch wrapper. These stretch wrappers can be, for example, thermal or ultrasonic stretch wrappers. The strip is preferably closed by gluing, but other closing methods can be used, such as, for example, thermal welding or stapling.

[0092] The invention also relates to a method for hermetically sealing the food tray according to the invention. This method will be described in correlation with Figures 1 to 9 previously described.

[0093] The food tray 1 comprises at least the lid 5 and the compartment 3. The peripheral edge 5A made of elastomer is configured to bear on the upper edge 3A. 1 of said compartment so as to close it hermetically. The lid 5 further comprises a rigid portion 5B surrounded by said edge. The method for hermetically closing the tray 1 comprises the following steps.

[0094] First of all, the first step of this method consists of positioning the peripheral edge 5A of the cover 5 on the upper edge 3A.1 of the compartment 3. This positioning can be facilitated by the presence of lugs or by the presence of the lower branch 5A.2c of the internal segment 5A.2 of said cover, as well as by the presence of one or more gripping tabs 5A.1a. The positioning of the cover 5 is done by placing the external segment 5A.1 of the edge 5A on the upper edge 3A.1 of the compartment 3, and possibly by placing said segment on the corresponding rim 3A.1a.

[0095] Then, a second step of the method consists of hermetically closing the cover 5 and the compartment 3. This closure is achieved by placing at least one sealing strip 7 around the tray 1, the attachment of the strip 7 exerting pressure on a portion of the external and internal segments (5A.1, 5A.2) of the peripheral edge 5A against the upper edge 3A.1 of the compartment 3, also causing the rigid portion 5B to lower into the compartment 3. This lowering causes the pressure exerted by the strip to be transmitted to the remainder of the edge 5A. Particularly advantageously, a single sealing strip 7 is provided.

[0096] Thus, the hermetic closure of the sealing strip 7 causes the pressure of the external segment 5A.1 on the upper edge 3A.1 and / or on the rim 3A.1a of the compartment 3, possibly associated with pressure on the internal segment 5A.2 of said rim.

[0097] Alternatively, the lid may be designed to fit the compartment so that the outer face of the lower leg abuts the inner face of the wall of the underlying compartment, thereby facilitating positioning of the lid over said compartment. In this case, the lower leg lower part of the internal segment of the peripheral edge and the compartment wall come into contact after closing the strip, the pressure exerted by said strip thus improving the sealing of the tray, by increasing the contact area between the peripheral edge and the compartment wall.

[0098] Each sealing strip 7 is hermetically sealed by gluing, and may optionally be marked. This gluing and / or marking is preferably carried out by the wrapping machine. Preferably, the strip can support writing such as the characteristics of the product, the presence of allergens and / or the use-by date for example.

[0099] 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.

[0100] Furthermore, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features disclosed only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be generalized to other embodiments, even if that or those features are described only in combination with other features.

[0101] The use of the verb “comprise”, “comprise” or “include” and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those stated in a claim.

Claims

1.

2.

3. Claims Food tray (1) comprising at least: - a hollow compartment (3) delimited by at least one peripheral wall (3A) having an upper edge (3A.1), and - a removable cover (5) comprising a rigid portion (5B) surrounded by a peripheral edge (5A) made of elastomer configured to come to bear on the upper edge (3A.1) of the compartment (3) so as to close it hermetically, characterized in that the peripheral border (5A) comprises: - an external segment (5A.1) made of elastomer configured to be positioned on the upper edge (3A.1) of the compartment (3), - an internal segment (5A.2) in the extension of the external segment (5A.1) and extending at least partially into the compartment (3), the internal segment having a housing in which a peripheral edge of the rigid portion (5B) is fitted, which housing is configured so that the peripheral edge is only located above and / or in the compartment (3); the food tray (1) further comprising at least one sealing strip (7) surrounding the compartment (3) surmounted by the cover (5), the closing of the at least one strip exerting pressure on the external and internal segments (5A.1, 5A.2) of the peripheral edge (5A) so that the rigid portion (5B) distributes the pressure over the entire length of said segments so that the edge (5A) is in sealed contact with the upper edge (3A.1) and the cover (5) hermetically closes the compartment (3). Food tray (1) according to claim 1 wherein, when the cover (5) is in the mounting position on the compartment (3), the housing of the internal segment (5A.2) has a U-shaped cross-section complementary to the peripheral edge of the rigid portion (5B) so that said portion transmits the pressure exerted by the sealing strip (7) to the rest of the peripheral edge (5A) when the tray (1) is hermetically sealed. Food tray (1) according to claim 2 wherein, when the cover (5) is in the mounting position on the compartment (3), the housing of the peripheral edge (5A) comprises: - a lower branch (5A.2c) which extends into the compartment (3), and - an upper branch (5A.2b) which extends above the compartment (3), said branches extending parallel to each other so that the rigid portion (5B) fits between said branches.

4. Food tray (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which, when the sealing strip (7) surrounds the compartment (3) surmounted by the cover (5), the rigid portion (5B) is level with the upper edge (3A.1) of said compartment.

5. Food tray (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which: - a width (1) of the internal segment (5A.2) of the peripheral edge (5A) is defined, and - a width (L) determines the maximum distance between two opposite points of the upper edge (3A.1) of the compartment (3), the ratio 1 / L being between 0.03 and 0.3 and defining the dimensions of the rigid portion (5B) relative to the dimensions of the compartment (3).

6. Food tray (1) according to claim 5 in which the width (1) of the internal segment (5A.2) is between 40% and 70%, more preferably between 45% and 65% of a total width (F) of the peripheral edge (5A).

7. Food tray (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which tray has a maximum total height (Ht) of less than 60mm, more preferably less than 55mm.

8. Food tray (1) according to one of the preceding claims, said tray comprising a rim (3A.la) which projects from the upper edge (3A.1) and is oriented towards the outside of the compartment (3).

9. Food tray (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the external segment (5A.1) of the peripheral edge (5A) further comprises at least one gripping tab (5A.1a) configured to facilitate the positioning and / or removal of the cover (5) from the underlying compartment (3).

10. Food tray (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the compartment (3) and / or the lid (5) are advantageously made from reusable materials.

11. Method for hermetically closing a food tray (1) comprising at least one compartment (3) surmounted by a cover (5), said cover comprising a rigid portion (5B) surrounded by a peripheral edge (5A) made of elastomer configured to come into contact on an upper edge (3A.1) of the compartment (3) so as to hermetically close it, the method comprising the following steps: - positioning the cover (5) on the compartment (3), then - hermetically closing the cover (5), characterized in that the peripheral edge (5A) comprises: - an external segment (5A.1) made of elastomer configured to be positioned on the upper edge (3A.1) of the compartment (3), - an internal segment (5A.2) in the extension of the external segment (5A.1) and extending at least partially into the compartment (3), the internal segment (5A.2) having a housing in which a peripheral edge of the rigid portion (5B) is fitted, which housing being configured so that the peripheral edge is only located above the compartment; the hermetic closure of the cover (5) being achieved by placing at least one sealing strip (7) around the compartment (3) surmounted by the cover (5), the closure of the at least one strip (7) exerting pressure on the two segments (5A.1, 5A.2) of the peripheral edge (5A) so that the rigid portion (5B) distributes the pressure over the entire length of the external and internal segments (5A.1, 5A.2) of said edge.

12. A hermetic sealing method according to claim 11, characterized in that each sealing strip (7) is closed by gluing and / or is marked, the gluing and / or marking being configured to be carried out by a wrapping machine.

13. Hermetic closing method according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the food tray (1) is according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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