Container systems for storing and transporting food

Abstract

The scope of the invention is a single-use container system for storing and transporting food and beverages, in particular entire menus, with two or more separate containers of identical or different volumes, preferably made from compostable materials. Each container comprises a base, a side wall connected to said base and an opening opposite said base, allowing access to the contents. The containers are securely connected by their upper edges to a common cover sheet, thus forming a multi-layer structure in this area. According to the invention, a removable container lid is provided on the cover sheet, which has the contours of each container opening. After removing the container lid, the skeleton of the cover sheet remains connected to the container edges.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container system for storing and transporting food products according to the preamble of claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] Meal trays are often used in the catering industry to transport and serve meals in hospitals, retirement homes, and schools. The traditional tray concept consists of two main components: the tray itself, and the food served in a suitable container on the tray. The tray has a load-bearing function and must therefore be rigid and sturdy enough to carry the weight of the meal and other components such as cutlery, bread, etc. The containers placed on top of the tray have the function of containing and storing the food and drink, and these often have to be sealed along the top to prevent contamination of the food and drink and to ensure the proper condition of the food and drink stored inside. The two components, the tray and the food container, are independent of each other and are not connected to each other. This means that the tray must support the full weight of the meal container (see Figure 1).

[0003] As a result, load-supporting trays must have a substantial thickness to achieve the required rigidity. Typically, load-supporting trays are 3-6 mm thick. Load-supporting trays are generally made of durable materials such as resin, laminated wood, or durable plastics. They must be cleaned and sterilized / disinfected after each use.

[0004] Food containers can be made of durable (reusable) materials such as ceramic, resin, or durable plastics, and, like load-bearing trays, must be cleaned and sterilized / disinfected after each use. In recent years, reusable food containers have increasingly replaced disposable food containers, which are generally made of plastic or other disposable materials. Disposable food containers have the advantage that they do not need to be cleaned and sterilized / disinfected after each use and can be easily disposed of along with food residues. Considering the reduced cleaning effort associated with disposable food containers, caterers, hospitals, clinics, and school food services are also trying to avoid cleaning load-bearing trays to save water, energy, chemicals, and time.

[0005] An alternative solution in the field proposes to form the load-bearing tray as a single component directly equipped with suitable recesses of different sizes and depths in order to combine the load-bearing function of the tray with the storage function of the food containers (see Figure 2).

[0006] Such combined load-bearing trays / food containers (hereinafter also called meal trays (MT)) can be made from thermoformable plastics or from bagasse, wood chips, etc. The main drawback of these solutions is that the load-bearing function (rigidity) and the storage function (food contact, water and oil resistance, sealing) must be integrated into the entire menu tray. This requires an overall higher consumption of raw materials compared to the above-mentioned solutions with load-bearing trays and separate food containers. High quality materials must be used, since the entire surface of the menu tray must have the properties required for a food container. The drawback of this solution is that there is no flexibility in the preparation of the meal, since the position and size of the recesses to be formed are determined once and for all when designing the shape of the menu plate. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the invention is to propose a single-use container system adapted for storing and transporting food and drink, in particular entire menus, with limited ingredient thickness, which is easy to dispose of and allows flexible combinations of shapes and foods. In particular, the container set must be resistant to heat and deep freezing, and must be particularly suitable for storing, packaging, freezing, heating and / or baking of food and drink in microwave ovens and conventional ovens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a single-use container system for storing and transporting food and beverages, in particular a meal tray having two or more separate containers of the same or different volumes, preferably made from compostable materials, each container comprising a base, a sidewall connected to said base, and an opening opposite said base allowing access to the contents.

[0009] The container system according to the invention is characterized in that said containers are securely connected by their upper edge to a common cover sheet, which forms a multi-layer structure in this area. This results in a stable connection between the containers and the cover plate. Compared to known solutions for serving food, the container system according to the invention differs in that the containers are arranged at the bottom of a load-bearing structure and are securely connected to the load-bearing structure formed from the cover sheet, resulting in a folded plate structure known in the construction field for its mechanical load-bearing capacity. The folded plate structure increases the overall rigidity of the entire container system. The container is preferably a food container and is intended to contain food and drink, which can also be packaged.

[0010] After removal of the container lid, preferably the skeleton of the cover sheet remains connected to the container edge. The container lid is preferably a partial region of the cover sheet. After removal of the container lid from the cover sheet, the region connected to the container edge remains on the cover sheet and forms the inner edge of the opening in the cover sheet formed by pulling the container lid away. A cover sheet with such an opening is described as a skeleton of the cover sheet. The skeleton forms a load-bearing structure that is present after peeling the container lid from the cover sheet. The skeleton of the cover sheet ensures that the container remains connected to the cover sheet. The cover sheet can be split into the container lid and the skeleton, and the container lid can be peeled away from the cover sheet, leaving the skeleton. Separation of the container lid and the skeleton can be achieved by a line of weakness, which allows easy peeling of the container lid from the cover sheet or from the skeleton of the cover sheet.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the container system is a meal tray, which is exclusively used to contain, store and transport a meal, in particular an entire menu, and can also be used to serve a meal.

[0012] Preferably, each container has a flat peripheral edge of a certain width. The flat peripheral edge forms a contact surface against the cover sheet. Due to the flat part of the edge, said edge has a certain width. The wider the flat area of ​​the edge, the greater the contact surface between the container and the cover sheet. The contact surface ensures a stronger connection between the cover sheet and the container, enhancing the effectiveness of the folding plate structure. The strength of the connection increases with increasing contact surface. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the container edge is 1-8 mm, preferably 2-6 mm, particularly preferably 2.5-5 mm. Even though the contact strength increases with increasing contact surface, it is preferred to limit the width of the edge. The width of the edge, and therefore the contact surface, occupies space in the cover sheet, which cannot be used for another container. Thus, the greater the contact surface, the greater the surface on the cover sheet occupied by the container. It is preferred to limit the width of the container edge in order to provide maximum room for designing the distribution of the containers in the cover sheet.

[0013] The edge of the container is preferably at most 25 mm away from the side of the cover sheet. This distance is measured perpendicular to the side of the cover sheet. A short distance between the side of the cover sheet and the edge of the container ensures that the area of ​​the cover sheet is as small as possible, which at the same time saves material. Another advantage is that the short distance increases the stability of the side of the cover sheet, which allows the user to easily grab and lift the cover sheet by its side. The distance between the side of the cover sheet and the edge of the container allows a constant temperature along the side of the cover sheet, so that the side of the cover sheet can be grabbed at any time when transporting hot or cold food in the container.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the container and cover sheet can be heat sealed, which allows existing heat sealing machines typically used to seal food shells to create a secure connection between the container and cover sheet by applying heat and pressure.

[0015] The cover sheet advantageously acts as a lid for the container. The role of the lid is to form a separation between the interior of the container and the external area or surroundings. This role can be achieved by a cover sheet, said cover sheet acting as a lid for the container. As a result, there is no need to provide a separate lid for the container, which leads to an overall reduction in material consumption. The cover sheet is preferably rigid, transparent or opaque, with or without printing, and may consist of different materials compatible with the material of the container. A stiff cover sheet increases bending stiffness, said cover sheet bending less when the container is filled.

[0016] A transparent cover sheet can provide visual access to the interior of the container. Food and beverages in the container can be visually inspected without having to open the container for this purpose. An opaque cover sheet can be used to protect food and beverages that must be protected from light because they may change when exposed to light. The material of the container is preferably compatible with the material of the cover sheet. Two materials are said to be "compatible" if they are capable of forming a connection between the materials as one unit. A connection between two materials that are compatible with each other requires less effort and results in a stronger connection.

[0017] The containers generally have different contents. It may therefore be desirable to open the containers in sequence, rather than simultaneously. While one container is open, the other containers are still closed. Preferably, removable container lids, which have the contours of each container opening, are provided on the cover sheet. When the container lid is opened, only the contents of each container are exposed. The container lid of a container covers the entire area of ​​the opening of that container. This means that the area of ​​the container lid coincides or exactly matches the open area of ​​the container. The container is opened by separating the container lid from the cover sheet, but the container remains connected to the cover sheet via its edges. The cover sheet therefore continues to act as a load-bearing element for the containers arranged thereon, even after the container lid has been opened. After use, the container system exists as an integral unit with the remaining cover sheet and the containers arranged thereon. The secure connection of the containers by the cover sheet simplifies the cleaning of the container system after use, since the containers are always in the same arrangement and therefore can be stacked on top of each other.

[0018] Advantageously, pull-off tabs are provided on the container lid. These facilitate the separation of the container lid from the cover sheet. The container lid is preferably pulled apart by a pulling action. For this purpose, an initial separation point needs to be introduced in the connection between the container lid and the cover sheet. The separation is relatively easily propagated from this separation point, whereby the container lid is subsequently completely separated from the cover sheet. This initial separation point can be formed with the aid of the pull-off tab. As the pull-off tabs are easy to handle, they are an ideal device for initiating the separation process of the container lid.

[0019] Preferably, the pull-off tabs are provided on the side edges of the cover sheet. By arranging the pull-off tabs on the side edges of the cover sheet, the container set is easier to handle since the pull-off tabs are easily accessible. The container lid is advantageously formed by perforations, partial perforations, cuts or semi-cuts. The perforations, partial perforations, cuts or semi-cuts form the periphery of the container lid and at the same time form a contour. They help to remove the container lid from the cover sheet with less effort and ensure that the separation is along the contour. They therefore form lines of weakness in the cover sheet, which lines of weakness form the container lid.

[0020] The perforations and partial perforations are formed by a number of small holes along the contour of the container lid. Continuous holes are called perforations, while discontinuous holes form partial perforations. The cuts extend along the contour of the cover sheet, but they do not have to be formed by straight lines, but can also extend at an angle along the contour. The half cuts are formed by two parallel and discontinuous cuts along the contour, which are respectively arranged on the lower and upper surfaces of the cover sheet. The two parallel half cuts are connected at their ends by a slot parallel to the plane of the cover sheet.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment, the cover sheet has an opening that substantially exactly matches the opening of the container or a partial area of ​​said opening. The cover sheet can be adapted to have an opening for containers whose contents do not need to be protected by a lid. For such containers, a container lid would simply be additional material and processing effort. The opening in the cover sheet can be sealed with a pull-off film. This allows sealing a specific container with an individual film. The film can therefore have different properties than the cover sheet, which may be important for the preservation of the contents of the container.

[0022] The connection between the film and the cover sheet is preferably formed using heat sealing. The connection between the film and the cover sheet is formed by applying a certain temperature and pressure. Heat sealing is a method frequently used in the food industry to attach films and form a sealing connection. Therefore, it is a method widely used in the food industry to form a connection between the film and the cover sheet, and commercially available machines can be used.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment, the container is conical or cylindrical. In the case of a cylindrical or conical shape, the axis of rotation is arranged perpendicular to the cover sheet. A conical or cylindrical shape has the advantage that it has a large capacity with a relatively small wall area.

[0024] Preferably, the containers each have the same height, with the opening being equal to or larger than the base area. The same height of the containers allows the cover sheets to be horizontally aligned when the set of containers is placed on a support surface. The opening being the same size as or larger than the base area provides a container geometry that allows easy and direct access to all areas of the containers from above. At the same time, this geometry allows the containers to be stacked on top of each other, thus saving space both during production and disposal.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment, the container and the cover sheet are made of biodegradable and compostable materials. Thus, the single-use container system of the invention can be disposed of by composting together with food waste. This eliminates the need for separation or sorting of the container and food waste. Due to the use of naturally degradable materials, the production and use of the container set of the invention reduces the environmental burden, since no waste is generated. The compostability of the materials used can be proved by corresponding certificates.

[0026] Preferably, the base and side walls of the container are made of a laminate with a carrier layer made of mechanically comminuted pulp, single or multi-ply paper, pulp or cardboard made from secondary fibers made of renewable and / or preferably biodegradable raw materials, and at least one barrier layer made of oil-, water- and heat-resistant material on the side facing the food and drink to be stored. The use of cardboard or paper is a cost-effective option. The barrier layer is provided to ensure the container meets the requirements regarding hygiene and durability. The cardboard or paper together with the barrier layer form a laminate, which meets the requirements for the inside of the container by means of the barrier layer.

[0027] The cover sheet is preferably made of mechanically comminuted pulp, single or multi-ply paper, pulp or cardboard made from secondary fibres made from renewable and / or preferably biodegradable raw materials. The cover sheet advantageously comprises at least one barrier layer made of an oil-, water- and heat-resistant material on its underside. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier layer may be heat-sealable, whereby the connection between the cover sheet and the container is generated by the barrier layer.

[0028] The container is preferably made of cardboard or paper and has one or more barrier layers. The manufacture of cardboard or paper containers is a cost-effective option and has a low environmental impact. One or more barrier layers can add specific properties to the container that are not present in cardboard or paper. For example, they can be oil-resistant, water-resistant, and heat-resistant. When multiple barrier layers are used, each barrier layer can have specific properties. Among other things, a barrier layer can also be provided to form a connection between the cover sheet and the container. For this purpose, the barrier layer can contain an adhesive or allow a heat-sealing process.

[0029] The container and / or cover sheet are advantageously coated on the inside with a water-based emulsion that provides resistance to oil, grease and moisture as well as heat seal properties. Coating the inside of the container and / or cover sheet with a water-based emulsion is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to achieve oil and water resistance.

[0030] The barrier layer preferably comprises a cellulose hydrate film, which has ideal properties for use in contact with food: it exhibits high water, oil and heat resistance, and is highly compatible with food and beverages, so that food and beverages that come into contact with the cellulose hydrate film are not adversely affected.

[0031] The cover sheet and the container are preferably resistant to heat and cold. The container set is intended to be used under various temperature conditions. The cover sheet and the container must always perform their role, which requires heat and cold resistance. It is conceivable that certain container and cover sheet areas are subjected to heat, while the remaining container and cover sheet areas are subject to a low temperature environment. The container is preferably usable at temperatures between -80°C and 215°C, preferably up to 175°C, particularly preferably up to 145°C. The container comprises a heat and cold resistant material, which allows the container to be used at temperatures between -80°C and 215°C. This temperature range covers the range relevant to food and drink. This allows any food and drink to be stored in the container. At the same time, this property emphasizes the ability of the container set of the present invention to simultaneously accommodate cold and hot food and drink in the container.

[0032] The secure connection between the lid and the container can be produced by means of an adhesive. The adhesive is preferably suitable for contact with food and resistant to low and high temperatures. Achieving a secure connection by means of an adhesive can present a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process. The adhesive may come into unintentional contact with food and drink during use of the container set. To guarantee safety during use of the container set, it is therefore crucial that the adhesive is suitable for contact with food and drink and does not pose a risk to the food and drink. Furthermore, the connection between the cover sheet and the container must be resistant to low and high temperatures. For this reason, it is preferred that the adhesive is also heat- and cold-resistant.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, the container comprises a printing. Said printing can be used, inter alia, to identify the container. Information about the contents of the container can be provided on the outside of the container. This can be useful for a user when storing or using the container.

[0034] The thickness of the cover sheet is preferably at least 0.3 mm, more preferably at least 0.4 mm, and even more preferably at least 0.5 mm. The cover sheet forms a load-bearing structure in the container system of the present invention. Therefore, it is preferable for the cover sheet to have a certain thickness, since this will also increase the strength of the cover sheet at the same time. As a result, by increasing the thickness of the cover sheet, the rigidity can be increased.

[0035] More advantageously, the cover sheet has a Taber bending moment at 15° of at least 7 mNm, preferably at least 35 mNm, in the machine direction and at least 2.5 mNm, preferably at least 14 mNm, in the transverse direction. The Taber bending moment at 15° is a guideline value known to those skilled in the art for determining the bending stiffness of paper and cardboard. This requires measuring the bending moment required to deflect the specimen by 15°. The angle between the bending line of the specimen and the original orientation increases as the bending moment is applied to the specimen. At a deflection of 15°, the Taber bending moment is reached. This can be determined by experiment and is known in the literature for various products in the paper and cardboard industry. Two different values ​​are specified, one for the machine direction and one for the transverse direction, since it is known that paper and cardboard exhibit anisotropic behavior.

[0036] The cover sheet and the container edge preferably have a combined thickness of at least 0.6 mm. This thickness of the cover sheet together with the container edge allows rigidity to be achieved along the container edge, so that this thickness, in addition to the plate structure of the container with the cover sheet, also prevents bending of the cover sheet with the container. Thus, a rigid and stable structure is achieved.

[0037] Advantageously, the container has a constant wall thickness, which facilitates the manufacture of the container and greatly simplifies the estimation of the cost of materials for manufacturing the container, especially when only one material is used to manufacture the container and thus the container is made from one material.

[0038] Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic drawings, in which the drawings are not to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a tray with a container placed thereon. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a tray with an integrated container according to the prior art. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a container system consisting of a cover sheet and a container. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a container system having a cover sheet and various containers. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a container system having separate openings for the containers. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a trolley with the container system placed in it. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a two container system having openings in the cover sheet through which objects protrude. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Hereinafter, the same reference numbers (in different figures) indicate identical or functionally identical elements. Additional apostrophes may serve to distinguish between similar or functionally equivalent or functionally similar elements in further embodiments.

[0041] 1 shows a tray 11 with separate containers 13 placed thereon. This tray 11 facilitates transportation since it eliminates the need to move all the containers 13 independently, instead the containers 13 are placed on the tray 11 and then transported with the tray 11. The containers 13 can be placed anywhere on the tray 11 and can also be repositioned by sliding on the tray 11. An upwardly protruding edge is disposed on the side 15 of the tray 11 to eliminate the possibility of the containers 13 sliding off the tray 11.

[0042] The tray 11 is adapted to be carried by a person by gripping its sides 15. The tray 11 is preferably held or fixed on two opposite sides 15. The tray 11 receives the weight of the containers 13 placed thereon. The stiffness of the tray 11 must be chosen high enough so that no significant bending of the tray 11 occurs when transporting the loaded tray 11.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a tray 11 with an integrated container 13. The container 13 is manufactured at the same time as the tray 11. The container 13 is made of the same material as the tray 11. Some areas of the container 13 have a dual function and form an area of ​​the container 13 and an area of ​​the tray 11 at the same time. For example, the base 17 of the container 13 can also form an area of ​​the tray 11 at the same time. Such a tray 11 can be manufactured, for example, by an injection molding process. A related alternative embodiment, not shown, is where the container opening 19 is formed by an opening in the tray 11 and the container 13 is connected to the tray 11 via the edge 20 of the opening 19. Such an embodiment can be manufactured by compression molding and has a constant wall thickness across the tray 11 and the container 13. The container 13 is formed from the tray 11 by compression molding and is therefore made of the same material as the tray 11.

[0044] FIG. 3 shows a container system of the invention, in which the containers are connected to each other by a cover sheet 21. The container 13 has a base 17, a side wall 23 connected to the base, and an opening 19 arranged on the opposite side of the base 17. The cover sheet 21 is formed in the shape of a plate, so that said cover sheet 21 extends in two directions perpendicular to its thickness. The thickness of the cover sheet is defined by the distance between the lower surface 25 and the upper surface 27 of the cover sheet 21. The container 13 is arranged on the lower surface 25 of the cover sheet 21. The connection to the cover sheet 21 is made through an edge 20 of the opening 19 of the container 13. The edge 20 of the container 13 is formed so as to face in the same direction as the base 17 of the container 13. The edge 20 is therefore arranged parallel to the base 17 of the container 13, forming a surface on which the cover sheet can be placed. A contact surface 29 between the cover sheet 21 and the container 13 is formed by the edge 20 of the container 13. The containers 13 can be arranged in any position, any size and any arrangement with respect to the lower surface 25 of the cover sheet 21. A possible arrangement of the containers 13 on the cover sheet 21 is shown in FIG. 3, which shows a number of containers 13 of different sizes and shapes, but connected to the cover sheet 21 via their edges 20. The edges 20 forming the contact surface 29 with the cover sheet 21 are shown as shaded areas. By connecting the cover sheet 21 to the containers 13 via their upper edges 20, a multi-layer structure is formed on the contact surface 29. The multi-layer structure gives the connection a high strength, which allows it to easily withstand forces in any direction. To tear this connection apart, a purposefully directed force must be applied.

[0045] The cover sheet 21 comprises areas 31 that rest on the container 13. These areas 31 are intended to be torn off from the cover sheet. They can be formed by perforations, partial perforations, cuts or half cuts. The contours 32 of these areas that form the container lid 31 are flush with the inner side of the upper edge 20 of the container. Even after the container lid 31 is torn off and removed, the container 13 remains connected to the cover sheet 21 via its edge 20. The perforations and partial perforations are formed by a number of small holes along the contour 32 of the container lid 31. A continuous hole is called a perforation, whereas a discontinuous hole forms a partial perforation. The cuts extend along the contour of the container lid 31, but they do not have to be formed by a straight line, but can also extend at an angle along the contour 32. Based on the above embodiment, the contour 32 of the container lid 31 is formed by a line of weakness that breaks instantly when a certain force is applied.

[0046] Figure 4 shows two different states of the same embodiment. In Figure 4a, the cover sheet 21 is intact, while in Figure 4b, the container lid 31 has been removed from the cover sheet 21. As shown in Figure 4a, the container lid 31 can have a pull-off tab 33 on a corner or side. This pull-off tab 33 extends beyond the shadow cast by the upper edge 20 of the container. Here, at least after removing the container lid 31, the upper edge 20 of the container is not connected to said cover sheet 21. As can be seen in Figure 4b, the area of ​​the upper edge 20 of the container where the pull-off tab 33 is located is exposed after the pull-off tab 33 is removed, because the pull-off tab 33 is part of the cover sheet 21. The pull-off tab 33 can be located on a side or a corner of the cover sheet 21. This allows a person to easily grab the pull-off tab 33. The pull-off tab 33 can be peeled off from the cover sheet 21 by applying a relatively small force. When the pull-off tab 33 is peeled away from the cover sheet 21, the peel force is simply overcome to pull the container lid 31 away from the container edge. The peel force required to peel the container lid 31 away is much less than the pulling force required to do so.

[0047] Figure 4 shows the structure of the cover sheet 21, which consists of a container lid 31 and a skeleton 34. The skeleton forms the area of ​​the cover sheet 21 which remains after the container lid 31 has been separated from the cover sheet 21. The shape of the skeleton 34 is determined by the arrangement of the container 13 or the container lid 31. In all embodiments, the skeleton 34 forms an integral, continuous structure. Since the container 13 is attached via its edges to the cover sheet 21 and thus to the cover sheet skeleton 34, the container continues to form a common composite with the cover sheet skeleton 34 even after the container lid has been removed, see figure 4b.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows a plan view and a perspective view of an embodiment in which the cover sheet 21 comprises further tabs 35. These tabs 35 are arranged in the container lid 31, i.e. in a position where they rest on the container 13. These tabs 35 can be turned to form ventilation openings 37 in the container lid 31, allowing material to pass between the inside and the outside of the container 13. This is very important, for example, when the container 13 is heated, since the heated air in the container becomes less dense and requires more space for the heated air to expand. The pressure in the container 13 can be maintained at a desired level by allowing the heated air to escape through the ventilation openings 37 in the container lid 31. As this function does not need to be used all the time, the ventilation openings 37 can be opened and closed by the above-mentioned tabs 35. This process of opening and closing these ventilation openings 37 can preferably be repeated as many times as desired. It is also conceivable to use the above-mentioned ventilation openings 37 for other purposes.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows a trolley 39 used to accommodate a tray or a set of containers according to the invention. In the container system according to the invention, the cover sheet 21 forms the load-bearing structure. As already described above, the containers 13 are attached to the underside of the cover sheet 21. In the trolley 39, the cover sheet 21 is placed on two lateral supports on which the weight of the entire container system rests. The cover sheet 21 must have a high rigidity to be able to accommodate the weight of the containers 13 and to maintain a horizontal orientation when supported on two opposite sides. Two areas with different temperatures can additionally be provided in the trolley 39. The cover sheet 21 is located in both areas, one or more containers are accommodated in the cold area of ​​the trolley and the remaining containers are accommodated in the warm area. The cover sheet 21 must absorb the thermal stresses caused by the temperature difference. The material of the cover sheet 21 preferably has a low thermal conductivity, so that little heat flows through the cover sheet 21. The trolley has an intermediate wall 40 separating the warm and cold areas. The intermediate wall 40 includes slots that are approximately at the height of the side supports. The trays are placed into the trolley by inserting the trays into the slots in the intermediate wall 40. At the same time, the trays rest on the side supports.

[0050] The embodiments of FIG. 7 each show a cover sheet 21 which already has openings 41 above the particular container in the initial state. These openings 41 are incorporated above the container 13 which serve to accommodate food and drink or objects that do not require protection by a lid surface. At the same time, this embodiment allows the container 13 of the container system to accommodate objects and food and drink which protrude upwards beyond the cover sheet 21 when placed in the container 13. These openings 41 may cover the entire container opening 19 or may only form the area of ​​the container lid 31 arranged above the container 13. The container lid 31 is marked by its circumferential contour 32, which at the same time forms the dividing line between the container lid 31 and the remaining cover sheet 21, which together with the remaining container lid 31 is formed by the cover sheet skeleton 34.

[0051] Exemplary embodiments The secure connection of the cover sheet to the containers can be achieved by sealing or gluing the underside of the edges of the series of containers with the carrier, a single upper plate, which holds all the components together and also serves as the lid of the containers. As mentioned above, the cover sheet and the containers, when connected to each other, combine their structural mechanical properties to give the meal tray of the present invention rigidity, but both of these components are limited in thickness. The food tray configuration is flexible because containers of various shapes and sizes can be combined with the corresponding cover sheet. Each container forms an independent unit when firmly connected to the cover sheet. Each recess can be used for food, beverages, or other elements of a meal, such as cutlery, napkins, etc. The limited thickness of the individual components makes the structure lighter, uses fewer raw materials, is cheaper, and is easier to dispose of. If the materials selected for the containers and the cover sheet are biodegradable and compostable, the combination of both materials can prove that the structure (the food tray of the present invention) is compostable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 tray 13 Container 15 Tray Side 17 Container Base 19 Container opening 20 Container Edge 21 Cover Sheet 23 Container Side Wall 25 Underside of cover sheet 27 Top of cover sheet 29 Contact surface between container and cover sheet 31 Container Lid 32 Container lid outline 33 Pull-off tab 34 Cover sheet skeleton 35 Ventilation tabs 37 Ventilation opening 39 Trolley 40 Intermediate Wall 41 Cover sheet opening

Claims

1. A single-use container system for storing and transporting food, comprising two or more separate containers (13) of the same or different volumes, wherein each of the containers (13) is - base (17), - Side wall (23) connected to the base (17), and - The base (17) has an opening (19) on the opposite side, In a container system that is a food tray, a common cover sheet (21) is provided that is securely connected to the upper edge (20) of the container, thereby forming a multilayer structure in this area. The cover sheet (21) is provided with a removable container lid (31) having the contour (32) of each of the container openings (19), and The frame (34) of the cover sheet remains connected to the edge of the container after the container lid (31) has been removed. A container system characterized by the following:

2. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the containers (13) has a flat outer edge (20) of a specific width.

3. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that a pull-off tab (33) is provided on the container lid (31).

4. The container system according to claim 3, characterized in that the pull-off tab (33) is provided on the side edge of the cover sheet (21).

5. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the container lid (31) is formed by perforations, partial perforations, cuts or half-cuts.

6. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover sheet has an opening (41) that substantially precisely matches the opening (19) of the container.

7. The container system according to claim 6, characterized in that the opening (41) of the cover sheet can be sealed using a pull-off film.

8. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (13) is adapted to be conical or cylindrical.

9. The container system according to claim 8, characterized in that each of the containers (13) has the same height, and the opening (19) is equal to or greater than the surface of the base.

10. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (17) and side walls (23) of the container are made of a laminate having carrier layers made of cardboard produced from mechanically crushed pulp, single-layer or multi-layer paper, cellulose, or secondary fibers made from renewable and / or biodegradable raw materials, and at least one barrier layer made of an oil-resistant, water-resistant, and heat-resistant material on the side facing the food and beverages to be stored.

11. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (13) and / or the cover sheet (21) are coated on the inside with an aqueous emulsion that provides oil resistance, water resistance, and heat seal properties.

12. The container system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the barrier layer includes a cellulose hydrate film.

13. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (13) can be used at temperatures of -80°C to 215°C, or -80°C to 175°C, or -80°C to 145°C.

14. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the containers (13) is provided with one or more intermediate walls.

15. The container system according to claim 14, characterized in that the side wall (23) and base (17) of the container are thinner than the cover sheet (21).

16. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (17) of the container is provided with recessed and / or protruding portions to reinforce the structure.

17. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover sheet (21) and the container edge (20) together have a thickness of at least 0.6 mm.

18. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (13) has a certain wall thickness.

19. The container system according to claim 1, characterized in that the container system can be stacked after the use of at least two container systems.

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