A package for the presentation and storage of a portion of a culinary preparation

Abstract

A package (1) for the storage and presentation of a preparation of a meal in the form of a series of unitary portions, comprising: a main base (10) made of a biodegradable material based on sugar cane pulp and having a first bottom (101) and a first flange (102) extending from a periphery of the first bottom; a plurality of second bases (12) adapted to be placed within the main base (10) and each to receive one of the unitary portions, the plurality of second bases (12) made of a biodegradable material based on sugar cane pulp and each having a second bottom (121) and a second flange (122) extending from a periphery of the second bottom, at least the second bottom (121) being covered with a tight biodegradable coating; and a cover (11) adapted to fit over the main base (10) for protecting and containing a portion of the preparation of the meal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] <Field of the Invention> The present invention relates to the containment, storage and presentation of elaborate culinary preparations in the form of unitary pieces. More particularly, the present invention relates to packages suitable for portions of such culinary preparations, such as bites, portions, or portions of the culinary preparations.

[0002] <Prior art> Such culinary preparations are often prepared by caterers and served on trays for immediate consumption, without providing solutions for long-term preservation, transportation, storage and labelling, especially for elaborately manufactured products.

[0003] For example, it is not envisaged that such dishes would be served in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, or upon request, such as in a restaurant, without a chef being called in to prepare, plate and present them.

[0004] Furthermore, in the field of packaging of food products, numerous solutions are known which allow commercialization, for example in the mass retail sector.

[0005] In particular, packages in the form of cases are known which consist of a container covered by a removable or connectable cover, in which food products can be stored in a substantially orderly manner.

[0006] Typically, these cases are made from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), high density (HDPE) or low density (LDPE) polyethylene plastics or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0007] To improve the containment of food products, especially delicate culinary preparations, plastic support subplates may be used. Such support platforms may have cells adapted to receive and align the products. For example, such support platforms are used for relatively delicate small quantity packages such as macarons.

[0008] One drawback of this solution is that the case and / or supporting subplate cannot be used at temperatures above 120° C. Therefore, more heat resistant and therefore more expensive plastics must be used.

[0009] Another drawback of this solution is that the manufacture of the container, cover and subplate may require the use of different materials for each of these components, keeping in mind that these different materials do not necessarily fit selective sorting or have different recycling modalities, making it difficult for users to properly recycle these components.

[0010] This solution is therefore unsatisfactory, especially since these packages are disposable, i.e. intended for one-time use, and most of the packaging currently used is not biodegradable, which means that it has a significant impact on the environment if it is not properly recycled.

[0011] Yet another drawback is that the presentation of the products is at best effected via a sub-plate that serves as a tray, which is of poor quality and hardly practical in use: the user can, of course, place portions one after the other on a tray or dish, but such an operation is time-consuming and in any case unhygienic, since it involves possible contact between the hands and the product.

[0012] It is also known to use waxed paper solely to serve as a support for the individual presentation of each food portion or to package it, in particular to avoid the sticking of the culinary products to the case in which they are placed.

[0013] One drawback of this solution is that the presentation of the food products in the case is not aesthetically pleasing, even if the paper is shaped (e.g. its periphery is corrugated or pleated). The same applies to the overall appearance when the packages are arranged, for example, on store shelves. This is in fact a recurring drawback of known packages for storing and displaying culinary products.

[0014] Another drawback is that the transportation of packages of food products is not always simple, especially due to the special shape and in some ways elaborate nature of some of these packages and preparations, e.g., being divided into several layers.

[0015] There is therefore a need to provide new solutions for packaging culinary portions that are ecological, easy to use, aesthetically pleasing and ecological, in particular for elaborate culinary products that require a high quality and therefore optimal and original presentation, and that do not require the intervention of a professional, in particular a caterer or chef, during the presentation and the preparation immediately prior to this presentation, while allowing good storage and easy transport.The invention therefore also makes it possible to simply heat up the culinary products, if required.

[0016] <Summary of the Invention> The technology of the present invention makes it possible to overcome at least some of the drawbacks presented by the prior art. More specifically, the present invention relates to a package for storing and presenting culinary preparations in the form of a series of unit parts.

[0017] According to the invention, the package comprises: a main base made of a biodegradable material based on sugar cane pulp and having a first bottom portion and a first flange extending from a periphery of the first bottom portion; - a plurality of second bases adapted to be disposed within said main base and each adapted to receive one of said modular portions, said second bases being made of a biodegradable material based on sugar cane pulp, each having a second bottom and a second flange extending from a periphery of said second bottom, at least said second bottoms being covered with a dense biodegradable coating; a cover adapted to fit over said main base for protecting and containing a portion of the food product of said dish;

[0018] The main base and the cover are dimensioned to receive the plurality of secondary bases along a unique ligne.

[0019] Thus, an original and innovative package is provided, which is particularly suitable for storing and presenting prepared culinary products and which is completely biodegradable.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cover has a truncated pyramid shape.

[0021] This allows the cover sets to be easily stacked and stored, and gives the package a luxurious feel.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the package includes a transparent protective part made of a biodegradable material and fitted onto the second base.

[0023] Such a transparent protective part is intended to be added to the second base and allows to avoid flavor transfer between the parts of the food products of two adjacent dishes. The transparent protective part also improves the shelf life of the food products of the dishes. It also participates in the protection of the food products of the dishes against the external environment (e.g. insects, contact by consumers...), especially if the package is used / presented in a reception buffet. The transparent protective part also allows to place a part of the food products of the dishes on the second base. The transparent protective part also allows to keep the temperature of the food products of the dishes constant after heating.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the tight biodegradable coating may be recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET).

[0025] The use of a laminated material, recycled polyethylene terephthalate, helps to avoid the transfer of substances between the second base and the food product. Such a material is suitable for oven heating and freezing storage. This biodegradable and compostable material also prevents the food product from sticking to the second base.

[0026] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the first bottom of said main base and the second bottom of said second base may be substantially rectangular or square.

[0027] Such a shape allows optimal retention of the food product inside the package. It also facilitates the assembly of the cover and the transparent protective part on the main base and the secondary base, respectively. It also facilitates the storage of several packages by superimposing / stacking. Finally, this shape is particularly suitable for shipping or use on airplanes and ships.

[0028] According to yet another particular aspect of the invention, the package may have a unique identification code for the food product contained and presented within the package.

[0029] In particular, the introduction of such a code allows optimal traceability of the preparation of food products.

[0030] In particular, the identification code and / or the second code may be configured in the form of an image readable and interpretable by suitable electronic means so as to enable the obtaining of information related to the or part of the preparation of the dish contained within the package and presented.

[0031] Such a code, for example of the QR code type, makes it possible to provide precise information about the product of said cuisine contained in the package and presented therein, such as the product's identifier, its recipe, nutritional information, allergens, etc., its technical data sheet (cooking time, storage, etc.), etc. This code allows optimal consumption of the product of the cuisine contained in the package.

[0032] According to another particular aspect of the invention, said information may belong to the group consisting of: - information about the preparation of the food contained in said package; - information about the production and origin of the culinary preparation contained in said package; - information about the storage and expiry date of the food preparation contained in said package; -Information on the use, in particular the cooking, of the food contained in said package.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, the package may comprise a rectangular parallelepiped overpackage such that the package is inserted and extracted by one of the small sides of the parallelepiped overpackage.

[0034] Such overpackaging facilitates storage and transportation, and can facilitate presentation and storage of the packages according to the invention on the retail shelf. Such overpackaging is particularly adapted to facilitate use of the package on an airplane / ship / train or for delivery.

[0035] In particular, the overpackage may be sealed with a disposable guarantee element that certifies that the package has not been opened.

[0036] This security element ensures optimal storage by limiting the risk of unwanted opening of the overpackage. For example, a ring-shaped security element can also guarantee the traceability of the prepared food product contained in the package inserted in the overpackage.

[0037] According to another particular aspect of the invention, the cover may include at least one stop configured to allow controlled stacking of multiple covers for storage thereof.

[0038] This fastening implementation facilitates storage of empty packages (i.e., without a portion of the meal preparation), transportation, and removal of the stacked covers.

[0039] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the package may be configured to withstand high temperatures, ie, at least 240°C, and ultra-low temperatures, ie, at least -180°C.

[0040] Thus, the package of the present invention is adapted to allow optimal storage in the freezer or refrigerator, and low temperature processing, as well as heating or baking of the product, for example in an oven.

[0041] <List of Figures> The present invention, as well as the various advantages it possesses, may be more readily understood from the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main base and cover of a package according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main base and cover of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a package according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a secondary base and optional protective portion as received on the main base and cover of FIGS. 1 to 3; FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the second base and the protective part of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an empty, open overpackage into which a package according to the invention may be inserted; and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a closed overpackage with a package according to the present invention inserted therein.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a package according to the present invention.

[0043] <Detailed Description of the Invention> The general principle of the invention is based on the use of multiple elements made of biodegradable materials in a package for the presentation and storage of portions of a culinary preparation.

[0044] 1 and 2 partially show an example of a package 1 according to the invention.

[0045] In particular, such a package 1 consists of an elongated main base (tray) 10 and a cover 11 for covering said central base 10. The central base 10 and the cover 11 are made of sugarcane pulp, which is a biodegradable and recyclable material, and therefore such a package has a very low impact on the environment.

[0046] Moreover, such materials are adapted to withstand high temperatures, in particular temperatures above 240° C., making it possible to heat the culinary preparations before consumption, for example in an oven, and thus avoiding the transfer of their flavors and deterioration during heating at such temperatures.

[0047] Moreover, such materials can withstand very low temperatures, in particular temperatures below -180° C. Thus, the portions of the food products contained in the package according to the invention can be easily preserved, and can also be frozen and subjected to cryogenic treatments directly in the package.

[0048] The main base 10 has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0049] The main base 10 comprises a bottom 101 and a flange 102 that extends from the bottom wall 101 around the entire periphery of the bottom wall 101. The flange may be perpendicular to the bottom or, preferably, forms an angle with the bottom that is substantially greater than 90°.

[0050] More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, the flange forms an angle α of approximately 92° with the bottom as shown in Figure 2, which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cover 11 and main base 10. Such an angle allows multiple main bases 10 to be stacked when not in use for presentation and storage of a portion of a meal, thus allowing for controlled stacking of the main bases 10 for storage before and after use. Separation of the main bases 10 is also facilitated by this slightly obtuse angle.

[0051] Such a flange 102 also makes it possible to maintain the position of the cover 11 on the main base 10. In fact, the dimensions of the cover 11 and the main base 10 are adapted so that the cover 11 is fixed on the main base 10 without rotation and translation relative to the main base 10.

[0052] The cover 11 has a substantially truncated pyramid-like shape with a bottom wall 111 extended around its periphery by side walls 112 that extend at an angle relative to the bottom wall 111. More specifically, the side walls 112 are inclined according to an angle β of about 95°, as shown in Figure 2, which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cover 11 and the main base 10.

[0053] The end of the side wall 112 of the cover 11 opposite the bottom wall 111 forms an edge 113 having a general shape corresponding to the bottom wall 101 of the main base 10. As described herein above, the side wall 112 has dimensions at its edge 113 adapted for the cover 11 to cooperate with the central base 10.

[0054] 1, the corners of the side walls 112 have stops 114 that allow for easy and optimal stacking of the covers 11 when the covers 11 are not being used to cover the main base 10 and a portion of the food product of the meal contained within the main base 10. The stops 114 thus allow for controlled stacking of the covers 11 to facilitate storage of the covers 11. The stops 114 also prevent the covers 11 from being stacked too deeply on top of each other to facilitate separation of the covers 11.

[0055] In this example, each corner or edge of the side wall 112 is provided with such a stop 114. Nevertheless, it may be contemplated to implement only two stops 114, for example at opposite corners, and it should be readily understood that it is also conceivable to provide stops 114 at other locations along the side wall 112 and on the inwardly facing surface of the cover 11.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 1, the package 1 has an identification code 115, here affixed to the cover. This identification code 115 is unique and allows optimal / full traceability of the food preparations presented and contained in the package. The identification code 115 may also be located elsewhere on the package 1, provided that it is easily accessible.

[0057] For example, the unique identification code 115 is in the form of a bar code or a QR code ("Quick Response Code"), which allows obtaining various information about the food preparation stored in the package 1, in addition to traceability information.

[0058] For example, such an identification code 115 allows retrieval of different information such as the food preparation identifier / product name, recipe, nutritional information, allergens, or information regarding the preparation / consumption of the food preparation such as storage temperature, optimum heating conditions, expiration date, etc.

[0059] Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a package 1 according to the present invention. The main base 10 and cover 11 are substantially identical to the main base and cover described hereinabove with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The main base 10 and cover 11 of Figure 3 differ from the main base and cover of Figures 1 and 2 only in that they are different in size.

[0060] This figure 3 shows an essential aspect of the invention. In fact, according to the invention, as shown in figure 3, the package 1 receives a number of secondary bases 12 arranged on / in the main base 10. Each of these secondary bases 12 is adapted to receive a unit portion (not shown) of a dish.

[0061] The dimensions of the secondary base and the main base are adapted so that the unit portions, and thus the secondary base, are aligned and easily presentable and consumable. In some cases, all of the portions are identical. In other cases, they may be different, for example corresponding to successive dishes, ranging from appetizers to dessert. This arrangement is particularly appealing when eaten alone, for example on an airplane or in a hotel room.

[0062] The second base 12 is made of sugar cane pulp, which is a biodegradable and recyclable material. Therefore, such packaging has a very low impact on the environment. Furthermore, such a material can withstand high and low temperatures, as mentioned above. Therefore, such a material is suitable for the intended use of such packaging.

[0063] According to the invention, the upper surface 123 of the bottom wall 121 of each second base 12 is covered with a coating of a biodegradable material that is tight. More specifically, the upper surface 123 is the surface of the bottom wall that receives the food product of the dish, i.e. that comes into contact with the food product of the dish.

[0064] The implementation of this tight additional coating is essential for the presentation and preservation of the culinary preparation, in particular to ensure optimal presentation (no smearing or leakage of the food product) and to facilitate particulate detachment upon consumption.

[0065] Preferably, the material covering the top surface 123 is recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET). Such material is compatible for use with food products and withstands high temperatures (above 240° C.) and low temperatures (below −180° C.).

[0066] Such a material makes it possible to protect the second base 12 from moisture and thus avoid undesirable deterioration of the second base 12, in particular during heating of the food product.

[0067] The second bases 12 are shown in more detail in Figures 4 and 5. Optionally, each second base 12 may be covered with a preferably transparent, protective cap or shell 13. The protective cap or shell 13 may separate and protect the portion of the food product present on each second base 12 prior to consumption.

[0068] In the example shown in these figures, the second base 12 has a substantially square shape. It is of course understood that the second base 12 can also have, in particular, a substantially rectangular shape. The shape and dimensions of the second base 12 are determined to correspond to the shape and dimensions of the main base 10. In fact, the second bases 12 are arranged in the main base 10 facing each other in order to prevent them from moving within the main base 10, in particular during transport. In other words, the second bases 12 are clamped together and cannot move within the main base 10.

[0069] The second base portion 12 comprises a bottom wall 121 and a flange 122 that extends substantially perpendicularly to the bottom wall 121 and around the entire periphery of the bottom wall 121 .

[0070] More specifically, the flange 122 is inclined according to an angle σ of about 92°, as shown in Fig. 5, which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the second base 12 and the protective cap 13. Such an inclination angle allows stacking of a number of second bases 12 when not in use for the presentation and storage of the product portions of a dish. Thus, a controlled stacking of the second bases 12 is obtained. Such a flange 122 also allows for an optimal centering and retention of the product portions of a dish within the second base 12.

[0071] The protective shell 13, also referred to as the protective part in the following description, is housed in the mating second base part 12 and is preferably made of a transparent material in order to allow easy identification of the presented culinary products. Furthermore, the use of a transparent protective part allows the culinary products to be aesthetically pleasingly presented.

[0072] The transparent protective part 13 has a substantially truncated pyramid shape extended by a dome, although of course other shapes are conceivable without departing from the principles of the invention.

[0073] Preferably, the transparent protective part 13 has a first portion 131 having a shape corresponding to the second base 12 so as to cooperate with the second base 12. More specifically, the first portion 131 of the transparent protective part 13 has dimensions slightly larger than the second base 12 so as to cover the second base 12 and at least partially encase the flange 122.

[0074] The first part 131 may, for example, have a locking or blocking means at its corners, such as a clip (not shown) that cooperates with the flange 122 of the second base 12 to hold the transparent protective part 13 in place on the second base 12.

[0075] Here, the transparent protective part 13 is shown to cover only one second base 12. In a variant not shown, it is also conceivable to implement a unique transparent protective part that covers a plurality of second bases 12. Nevertheless, this unique transparent protective part may be shaped to individually separate a portion of the cooked food of each dish placed on the second base 12.

[0076] Figures 6 and 7 show the overpackage 14 in perspective, with the package 1 inserted through one of the small sides of the formed parallelepiped. More specifically, Figure 6 illustrates the overpackage 14 empty and open, while Figure 7 illustrates the overpackage 14 closed, with the package 1 inserted containing a portion of a cooked dish.

[0077] Such an overpackage 14 is of conventional shape, for example a parallelepiped having an open (small size) end provided with a tab or flap 141 making it possible to close the overpackage 14 .

[0078] Preferably, the overpackage is also made from sugar cane pulp, which is a biodegradable and easily recyclable material, although other biodegradable and / or recyclable materials may be used without departing from the principles of the invention.

[0079] In this way, once a portion of the food product of the dish has been placed on the secondary bases 12, each secondary base 12 is covered by a transparent protective portion 13 and then placed / placed on the main base 10 which is covered by the cover 11.

[0080] Optionally, a retention bracelet (not shown) may be implemented to retain the cover 11 on the main base 10. For example, this retention bracelet may encircle the cover 11 and the main base 10 to prevent undesired opening of the package, particularly during shipping or heating. Preferably, such a retention bracelet is made of a material that is resistant to high and very low temperatures, as described herein above. Preferably, the retention bracelet is made of a resilient material to facilitate easy attachment and removal from the package 1.

[0081] Package 1 can then be inserted into an overpackage 14 to facilitate its storage and transportation, and overpackage 14 can facilitate display and placement on shelves, for example, in food preparation retail stores, hotels, airplanes, etc.

[0082] Each overpackage 14 may bear an identification code 145 associated with the package 1 and the food preparation contained therein. This code 145 may be the same as the previously described code 115 carried on the cover 11 of the package 1. For example, the identification code 145 may be affixed to one of the tabs 141 of the overpackage 14 so that it is visible when the overpackages are stacked for storage, shipping, and placement on a shelf. Other locations of the identification code 145 on the overpackage are contemplated without departing from the principles of the present invention.

[0083] 7, a guarantee ring 142 is implemented to seal the overpackage 14. In this example, the guarantee ring is in the form of an adhesive tape placed at the junction of the tab 141 of the overpackage 14. Other shapes of guarantee rings are contemplated without departing from the principles of the invention.

[0084] This security ring 142 in particular makes it possible to avoid undesired opening of the overpackage 14 and to guarantee good traceability of the preparation of the food contained in the package 1 .

[0085] 8 shows an example of a package according to the invention, in which a cover 11 is placed on a main base 10. It should be understood that inside the cover 11, a number of secondary bases 12 and a number of transparent protective parts 13 are placed on the main base 10. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the package 1 is provided with two security collars 15 that make it possible to hold the cover 11 in position on the main base 10. Such security collars make it possible to avoid undesired opening of the package.

[0086] For example, these warranty collars 15 may be decorated and / or bear a logo or any advertising lettering, as also the overpackage 14 described above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0087] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main base and cover of a package according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main base and cover of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a secondary base and optional protective portion as received in the main base and cover of FIGS. 1-3. [Diagram 5] 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the second base portion and the protective portion of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an empty, open overpackage into which a package according to the present invention is inserted. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a closed overpackage with a package according to the present invention inserted therein. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a package according to the present invention.

Claims

1. A package (1) for the storage and presentation of culinary preparations in the form of a series of unit portions, comprising: - a main base (10) made of a biodegradable material based on sugar cane pulp, having a first bottom portion (101) and a first flange (102) extending from a periphery of said first bottom portion; - a plurality of second bases (12) adapted to be placed within said main base (10) and each adapted to receive one of said modular parts, said second bases (12) being made of a biodegradable material based on sugar cane pulp, each having a second bottom (121) and a second flange (122) extending from a periphery of said second bottom, at least said second bottom (121) being covered with a tight biodegradable coating; and - a cover (11) adapted to fit over said main base (10) for protecting and containing part of the product of said dish; It is equipped with The main base (10) and the cover (11) are dimensioned to receive the plurality of secondary bases (12) according to unique lines. A package (1) characterized in that

2. 2. The package (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (11) has a truncated pyramidal shape.

3. 2. A package (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a number of transparent protective parts (13) made of a biodegradable material, each of said transparent protective parts fitting into one of said second base parts (12).

4. 2. The package (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tight biodegradable coating is recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET).

5. 5. The package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first bottom of the main base (10) and the second bottom of the second base (12) are substantially rectangular or square.

6. 6. A package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a unique identification code (115) of the food product contained and presented within the package (1).

7. 7. The package (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the identification code (115) and / or the second code (145) are arranged in the form of an image that is readable and interpretable by suitable electronic means, so as to enable the obtaining of information related to the product or part of the dish presented, contained in the package (1).

8. 8. The package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the package (1) comprises a rectangular parallelepiped overpackage (14) which is inserted and extracted by one of the small sides of the parallelepiped overpackage (14).

9. 9. The package (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the overpackage (14) is sealed with a disposable guarantee element (142) which certifies that the package has not been opened.

10. 10. The package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cover (11) comprises at least one stop (114) configured to enable controlled stacking of multiple covers (11) for storage of the covers.

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