Containers for storing and displaying food

Abstract

The container for food products includes a base and an insert. The base has a bottom panel and a peripheral bead with an inner sidewall extending upward from the periphery of the bottom panel, a top wall extending laterally outward from the upper end of the inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall extending downward from the lateral outer edge of the top wall. At least a lower portion of the inner sidewall and the bottom panel laterally and from below surround a liquid collection reservoir. The base has a base peripheral engagement surface extending around the collection reservoir. The insert includes a support panel having an insert peripheral engagement surface releasably mateable with the base peripheral engagement surface, so that the support panel covers the collection reservoir when the insert is assembled to the base. The support panel has at least one opening for draining liquid from above into the collection reservoir.

Description

Description of Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 414,271, filed October 7, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD The teachings disclosed herein relate to containers for food products, and more particularly to containers with a reservoir for collecting liquid exuded from food products held therein. [Background technology]

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a package for packaging and storing fresh foods such as meat and seafood. The package includes a tray for holding the fresh food and a thin, heat-shrinkable sheet of film material overlying the food. The tray includes a relatively rigid, impermeable first container portion and a second container portion on which the fresh food is placed. The second container portion fits within the first container portion and includes an opening for allowing the passage of fluids that may ooze from the fresh food. The second container portion rests on corrugations or ribs of the first container portion, defining a desired number of closed chambers, characterized by the ribs being distributed according to at least one network of substantially parallel ribs to enable isostatic stiffening of the first container portion and controlled collection of fluids oozing from the fresh food into the chambers. Each rib extends along at least two directions so that each point of the rib is oriented to resist a corresponding component of the circumferential stress generated by the film material encasing the package.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a container including a first tray and a second tray disposed within the first tray to define a reservoir therebetween. The first tray has a first bottom wall and a peripheral first sidewall extending generally upward from the first bottom wall to define a space therein. The second tray has a second bottom wall and a peripheral second sidewall also extending generally upward from the second bottom wall. The second bottom wall has at least one opening defined in a central region thereof and also has an upper surface sloping downward toward the at least one opening. The reservoir defined between the first and second trays is in fluid communication with the opening.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 5,929,999 relates to containers and other shaped articles (e.g., trays and dishes) for containing items such as food (e.g., meat and poultry fillets) or liquid-sensitive electronic components. In one embodiment, the container has a reservoir portion capable of isolating liquid therein. In another embodiment, the container includes a thermoformed substrate, a liner, and a lid material, the lid and liner defining a compartment for containing the item. The compartment can be removed from the substrate by removing the liner from the substrate without unnecessarily rupturing the compartment. Substantial portions of the described containers can be reused by separating the liner and / or lid from the substrate. This disclosure also relates to methods for producing thermoformed articles having multiple layers that do not rely on the use of coextruded or other composite thermoplastic-containing substrates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,705,213 (Guillin) [Patent Document 2] US Patent No. 7921992 (LaRue et al.) [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 10,414,571 (Wallace) Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the applicants' teachings but is not intended to define the invention in any way.

[0008] In one embodiment, a container for food products is disclosed. The container includes a base and an insert. The base is formed from transparent plastic and includes a reservoir bottom panel and a peripheral bead. The peripheral bead has a beaded inner sidewall extending upward from the periphery of the reservoir bottom panel, a beaded top wall extending laterally outward from the upper end of the beaded inner sidewall, and a beaded outer sidewall extending downward from the lateral outer edge of the beaded top wall. At least a lower portion of the beaded inner sidewall and the reservoir bottom panel laterally and from below surround a liquid collection reservoir. The base has a base lower peripheral engagement surface extending around the liquid collection reservoir. The insert is formed from plastic and includes a support panel having an insert lower peripheral engagement surface. The insert lower peripheral engagement surface is releasably engageable with the base lower peripheral engagement surface to cover the liquid collection reservoir with the support panel and assemble the insert to the base. The support panel has at least one drain opening for draining liquid from above into the liquid collection reservoir, and at least a portion of the beaded outer sidewall is flush with and spaced laterally outward from a lower portion of the beaded inner sidewall to prevent visual access to the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir.

[0009] In one example, the base lower peripheral engagement surface includes at least a portion of the bead inner sidewall.

[0010] In one example, the base lower peripheral engagement surface includes at least a portion of the bead upper wall.

[0011] In one example, the insert includes an insert lower sidewall extending upwardly from the panel periphery of the support panel, and further includes an insert lower flange extending laterally outward from an upper end of the insert lower sidewall.

[0012] In some instances, the insert lower flange seals against the bead upper wall when the insert and base are assembled together.

[0013] In some instances, the insert lower peripheral engagement surface includes at least a portion of the insert lower sidewall.

[0014] In one example, the base includes a flow regulator valve for each discharge opening of the insert. The flow regulator valve protrudes upward from the reservoir bottom panel and is aligned with the discharge opening when the insert is assembled to the base. The flow regulator valve blocks a central portion of the discharge opening to regulate the flow of liquid through the discharge opening and prevent backflow of liquid from the liquid collection reservoir back into the discharge opening when the container is tilted or inverted.

[0015] In some instances, an upper portion of the flow regulator valve protrudes through the discharge opening.

[0016] In one example, the discharge opening is circular and the flow regulator includes a rounded, upwardly protruding bulge concentric with the discharge opening.

[0017] In one example, an annular flow gap is provided between an outer surface of the flow regulator valve and an inner surface of the discharge opening.

[0018] In one example, the support panel includes a panel upper surface and a plurality of spaced apart risers projecting upwardly from the panel upper surface, each of the risers having a riser top surface spaced apart above the panel upper surface for retaining food products within the container above the panel upper surface and facilitating the flow of liquid from the food products along the panel upper surface between the risers and to the discharge opening.

[0019] In one example, the support panel includes a recess associated with each discharge opening, the recess having a depressed central wall with an upwardly facing surface that is lower than the upper surface of the panel adjacent the recess, and the discharge opening extends through the central wall of the recess.

[0020] In one example, the insert includes an insert upper sidewall having an insert upper sidewall first end connected to the outer edge of the flange and an insert upper sidewall second end spaced vertically above the insert upper sidewall first end.

[0021] In some instances, the insert upper sidewall includes a peripheral insert edge formed at the second end of the insert upper sidewall, which can be rounded to promote tear-resistant engagement with a film wrapped around the container to maintain freshness of the food product.

[0022] In some instances, the insert upper sidewall second end includes an insert upper peripheral engagement surface that extends around the container.

[0023] In one example, the base includes a base sidewall having a base sidewall first end connected to a lower end of the bead outer sidewall and a base sidewall second end spaced vertically above the base sidewall first end.

[0024] In some instances, the base sidewall second end includes a base periphery that can be rounded to promote tear-resistant engagement with a film wrapped around the container to maintain freshness of the food product.

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

[0026] In one example, the insert includes an insert upper sidewall having an insert upper sidewall first end connected to the outer edge of the flange and an insert upper peripheral engagement surface extending around the container along an insert upper sidewall second end spaced above the insert upper sidewall first end.

[0027] In one example, the base includes a base sidewall having a base sidewall first end connected to the lower end of the bead outer wall and a base upper peripheral engagement surface extending around the container along a base sidewall second end spaced vertically above the base sidewall first end, at least a portion of the base sidewall between the base sidewall first end and the base sidewall second end being disposed laterally outward of the insert upper sidewall when the insert is assembled to the base.

[0028] In one example, the insert upper peripheral engagement surface can releasably mate with the base upper peripheral engagement surface when the insert is assembled to the base. A sealed chamber extends around the periphery of the container perpendicularly between the mating upper and lower peripheral engagement surfaces of the base and insert. The sealed chamber provides a thermal barrier between the exterior surface of the base sidewall and the interior of the container.

[0029] In one example, the base and insert are formed from a single sheet of plastic and connected to each other along a first edge of the base and insert by a first living hinge, and assembly of the insert onto the base includes pivoting the insert relative to the base about the living hinge.

[0030] In some instances, the container includes a lid releasably engageable with a periphery of at least one of the base and the insert.

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

[0032] In another aspect, a container for food products is disclosed. The container includes a base and an insert. The base is formed from transparent plastic and includes a reservoir bottom panel and a reservoir sidewall. The reservoir sidewall extends upwardly from the periphery of the reservoir bottom panel. The base further includes a shoulder extending laterally outward from an upper end of the reservoir sidewall and an upper sidewall extending upwardly from the lateral outer edge of the shoulder. At least a lower portion of the reservoir sidewall and the reservoir bottom panel laterally and below surround a liquid collection reservoir. The base further includes a base lower peripheral engagement surface extending around the liquid collection reservoir. The insert is formed from plastic and includes a support panel having an insert lower peripheral engagement surface. The insert lower peripheral engagement surface is releasably engageable with the base lower peripheral engagement surface to cover the liquid collection reservoir with the support panel and assemble the insert to the base. The support panel has at least one drain opening for draining liquid from above into the liquid collection reservoir, and at least a lower portion of the reservoir sidewall is spaced laterally inward from the upper sidewall by a lateral distance at least as great as a vertical distance of the lower portion of the reservoir sidewall extending between the reservoir bottom panel and the back surface of the insert when assembled to the base to prevent visual access to the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir.

[0033] In one example, the reservoir sidewall includes an upper portion disposed laterally outward of the lower portion and connected to the lower portion by a generally horizontal step surface that engages the back surface of the insert when the insert is assembled onto the base.

[0034] In one example, an upper portion of the reservoir sidewall extends downward from the shoulder of the base to the outer lateral edge of the step surface, and a lower portion of the reservoir sidewall extends downward from the inner lateral edge of the step surface to the reservoir bottom panel.

[0035] In one example, the insert lower peripheral engagement surface comprises a back surface of a peripheral portion of a support panel configured to fit tightly against the step surface.

[0036] In some instances, the insert lower peripheral engagement surface comprises an outer surface of the insert lower sidewall configured to fit closely against an upper portion of the reservoir sidewall.

[0037] Other aspects and features of the teachings disclosed herein will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] For a better understanding of the described examples and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary container for food products according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base of the container of FIG. [Figure 4] A cross-section of a portion of the base of Figure 3 taken along line 4-4 [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view of a portion of the vessel of Figure 2 taken along line 5-5. [Figure 6] Cross-section of the vessel of Figure 1 taken along line 6-6 [Figure 7] Close-up of a portion of the vessel identified in Box 7 of Figure 6 [Figure 8] Close-up of a portion of the vessel identified in Box 8 of Figure 6 [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another container for food products according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another exemplary container for food products according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein. [Figure 11] 11 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. [Figure 12] Cross-section of the vessel of Figure 10 taken along line 12-12 [Figure 12A] An enlarged view of a portion of the vessel identified by circle 12A in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another exemplary container for food products according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein. [Figure 14] 14 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 13; [Figure 15] Cross-section of the vessel of Figure 13 taken along line 15-15 [Figure 15A] An enlarged view of a portion of the vessel identified by circle 15A in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another exemplary container for food products according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. [Figure 18] Cross-section of the vessel of Figure 16 taken along line 18-18 [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another container for food products according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. [Figure 21] Cross-section of the vessel of Figure 19 taken along line 21-21 [Figure 21A] An enlarged view of a portion of the vessel identified in Box 21A of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another container for food products according to aspects of the teachings disclosed herein. [Figure 23] 23 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 22 in a partially assembled configuration; [Figure 24] 23 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 22 in a fully closed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The drawings included herein are for the purpose of illustrating various examples of the apparatus and methods of the teachings herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way.

[0040] Various apparatus or processes are described below to provide examples of each claimed invention. No examples described below limit the claimed invention, and the claimed invention may extend to processes or apparatuses other than those described below. The claimed invention is not limited to apparatus or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below, nor is it limited to features common to more than one or all of the apparatuses described below. An apparatus or process described below may not be an example of a claimed invention. Inventions disclosed in the apparatus or processes described below that are not claimed herein may be the subject of other means of protection, such as, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant, inventor, or owner does not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate such inventions to the public by disclosure herein.

[0041] 1 and 2, a container 100 for food products according to embodiments of the teachings disclosed herein includes liquid management features that help to better preserve food held within the container and make the food within the container more attractive to potential purchasers. Some food products, such as fresh meat, fresh fruit, cut fruit, or vegetables, have a high moisture content and exude liquid when placed in a container for sale to an end customer. Such liquid can spoil the food product, for example, if the food product comes into contact with the liquid for an extended period of time. Such liquid can also create an unsightly appearance (especially if the liquid is biological, such as blood), making the food product less attractive to customers.

[0042] As disclosed in more detail later herein, container 100 alleviates these problems by providing base 102 and insert 104 that is removably attached to base 102. When insert 104 is assembled on base 102, container 100 provides space above insert 104 for holding food items and space below insert 104 in base 102 for collecting liquids that ooze from the food items, thereby isolating the food items from the liquid and reducing its visibility (e.g., when the container is displayed for sale). This eliminates the need for a separate pad placed under the food items to absorb liquid, and allows insert 104 to be removed from base 102 after use to facilitate rinsing of oozing liquids, thereby promoting the recyclability of container 100.

[0043] The base 102 includes a reservoir bottom panel 106 for surrounding a liquid collection reservoir 124 ( FIG. 6 ) from below. In the illustrated example, the base 102 further includes a peripheral bead 108 that surrounds the periphery of the reservoir bottom panel 106. The peripheral bead 108 has a beaded inner sidewall 110 ( FIGS. 6 and 8 ) extending upwardly from a periphery 112 of the reservoir bottom panel 106, a beaded top wall 114 extending laterally outward from an upper end 116 of the beaded inner sidewall 110, and a beaded outer sidewall 118 extending downwardly from a lateral outer edge 120 of the beaded top wall 114. At least a lower portion 122 of the beaded inner sidewall 110 and the reservoir bottom panel 106 surround the liquid collection reservoir 124 from both the laterally and below.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the base 102 and insert 104 are formed from a plastic sheet material in a thermoforming process. The plastic sheet, in the illustrated example, is of an uncolored, transparent PET material that is easily recyclable. In some examples, portions of the uncolored material can be treated (e.g., embossed) to have a matte appearance that makes such portions translucent. In some examples, the base 102 and insert 104 are formed from a translucent or opaque plastic material. The size and shape of the container 100 can be selected to meet the requirements of a food packager. In the illustrated example, the container 100 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0045] 6 and 8 , the base 102 has a base lower peripheral engagement surface 126 that extends around the liquid collection reservoir 124. The insert 104 includes a support panel 128 having an insert lower peripheral engagement surface 130. The insert lower peripheral engagement surface 130 can be releasably mated with the base lower peripheral engagement surface 126 to cover the liquid collection reservoir 124 with the support panel 132 and assemble the insert 104 to the base 102.

[0046] In some examples, the base lower peripheral engagement surface 126 includes at least a portion of the bead interior sidewall 110. In some examples, the base lower peripheral engagement surface 126 includes at least a portion of the bead top wall 114. In the illustrated example, the base lower peripheral engagement surface 126 includes an upper portion of the bead interior sidewall 110 and a laterally inner portion of the bead top wall 114 (FIG. 8).

[0047] In the exemplary container 100, the insert 104 includes an insert lower sidewall 140 (FIG. 8) that extends upwardly from a panel perimeter 142 (see also FIG. 2) of the support panel 128. The insert 104, in the illustrated example, further includes an insert lower flange 144 that extends laterally outward from an upper end 146 of the insert lower sidewall 140. The insert lower flange 144 fits flush against the bead upper wall 114 when the exemplary insert 104 and base 102 are assembled together.

[0048] In some examples, the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 130 includes at least a portion of the insert lower sidewall 140. In some examples, the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 130 includes at least a portion of the insert lower flange 144. In the illustrated example, the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 130 includes at least an upper portion 148 of the insert lower sidewall 140 and a laterally inner portion 149 of the insert lower flange 144.

[0049] In the illustrated example, snap-fit ​​interlocking assembly of the base and insert lower peripheral engagement surfaces 126, 130 is facilitated by defining (or bounding) an opening at the upper end of the bead interior sidewall 110 that is slightly smaller than the footprint defined by the lower edge of the insert lower sidewall 140. To assemble the insert 104 onto the base 102, the lower edge of the insert lower sidewall 140 can be forced vertically downward (as viewed in FIG. 8 ) against the base 102, past the upper end of the bead interior sidewall 110 and elastically deforming those surfaces until the respective surfaces of the insert and base pass each other and the bead interior sidewall 110 and insert lower sidewall 140 rebound back to their undeformed states. Upon assembly, some elastic compressive force remains, such that the mating engagement of the lower peripheral engagement surfaces 126, 130 provides a nearly fluid-tight seal.

[0050] In the illustrated example, at least a portion 134 of the bead exterior sidewall 118 is flush with and spaced laterally outward from the lower portion 122 of the bead interior sidewall 110 ( FIG. 8 ). Spacing the bead exterior sidewall 118 laterally outward from the bead interior sidewall 110 provides a gap that spaces the liquid collection reservoir 124 laterally inward further than would be the case without the gap. The gap can provide an insulating layer between the bead exterior sidewall 118 and the liquid collection reservoir 124, which can help protect a user's hands from high or low temperatures associated with handling the container when filled with hot or cold contents, for example. The bead exterior sidewall 118, positioned laterally outward from the bead interior sidewall 110, can additionally or alternatively help to conceal liquid within the liquid collection reservoir 124 by preventing visual access to such liquid.

[0051] 8 , in the illustrated example, the bead inner sidewall 110 extends vertically upward from the reservoir bottom panel to the bead top wall 114, and the lower portion 122 of the bead inner sidewall 110 extends a height that extends upward from the reservoir bottom panel 106 to the lower end of the insert lower sidewall 140. The bead outer sidewall 118 slopes downward (about 45 degrees in the illustrated example) and extends laterally outward from the bead top wall 114 to a height approximately equal to the height of the reservoir bottom panel 106. The lower portion 134 of the bead outer sidewall 118 extends the same height as the lower portion 122 of the bead inner sidewall 110, i.e., a height that extends upward from the reservoir bottom panel 106 to the lower end of the insert lower sidewall 140. In the illustrated example, base 102 is formed from a clear plastic, and a single clear sidewall, such as beaded interior sidewall 110, does little to obstruct visual access to the liquid retained therein. Beaded exterior sidewall 118, as described in the illustrated example, positions the reservoir within the perimeter of container 100 and provides a second line of sight that can significantly obstruct visual access to the liquid in liquid collection reservoir 124, as taught by the inventors. In the illustrated example, base 102 includes optional base sidewall 186 (described in more detail later herein) that further obstructs visual access to the liquid in liquid collection reservoir 124.

[0052] 1 , the support panel 128 has at least one drain opening 132 for draining liquid from above into the liquid collection reservoir 124. In the illustrated example, the support panel 128 has three drain openings 132. The three drain openings 132 are spaced apart along the longitudinal centerline of the support panel 128 in the illustrated example. The number of drain openings 132 included in the support panel 128 may vary depending on the size of the container 100. For example, a larger container 100 may include more drain openings 132 than a smaller container 100.

[0053] In some examples, the support panel 128 may be contoured to promote fluid flow along the panel upper surface 164 to one or more of the drain openings 132. In the illustrated example, the height of the support panel 128 adjacent the insert lower sidewall 140 is greater than the height of the support panel 128 at the drain openings 132 ( FIG. 6 ). Such a configuration promotes the flow of exuded liquid along the panel upper surface 164 to the drain openings 132 ( FIG. 7 ). When the container 100 is inverted, such a configuration can also prevent collected liquid from flowing along the underside of the support panel 128 to one or more of the drain openings 132 (i.e., because the panel underside is angled away from the drain openings 132 when the container 100 is inverted).

[0054] The base 102, in the illustrated example, includes a flow regulator valve 150 for each discharge opening 132 of the insert 104 (FIG. 2). Referring to FIG. 7, the flow regulator valves 150 protrude upwardly from the reservoir bottom panel 106 and are aligned with the discharge openings 132 when the insert 104 is assembled to the base 102. The flow regulator valves 150 block a central portion of the discharge openings 132 to regulate the flow of fluid through the discharge openings 132 and further help prevent backflow of liquid from the liquid collection reservoir 124 back into the discharge openings 132 when the container 100 is tilted or inverted.

[0055] In the illustrated example, an upper portion 154 of the flow regulator valve 150 protrudes through the discharge opening 132 ( FIG. 7 ). In the illustrated example, the discharge opening 132 is circular, and the flow regulator valve 150 includes a rounded, upwardly protruding bulge 156 concentric with the discharge opening 132. In the illustrated example, an annular flow gap 158 is provided between an outer surface 160 of the flow regulator valve 150 and an inner surface 162 of the discharge opening 132.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the support panel 128 includes a panel upper surface 164 and a plurality of spaced-apart risers 166 projecting upwardly from the panel upper surface 164 (FIGS. 2 and 5). Each of the risers 166 has a riser top surface 168 spaced above the panel upper surface 164 to retain food items in the container 100 above the panel upper surface 164 and to facilitate the flow of liquid from the food items along the panel upper surface 164 between the risers 166 and toward the discharge opening 132 (FIG. 5). In the illustrated example, the panel upper surface 164 between the risers 166 is generally flat and slopes toward the discharge opening 132. The top surface 168 of each riser 166 is rounded in the illustrated example to facilitate the drainage of liquid from the food items onto the panel upper surface 164.

[0057] In the illustrated example, riser 166 has a hollow interior 169 bounded at least in part by a concave inner surface 167 (FIG. 5). Riser inner surface 167 faces reservoir bottom panel 106 and forms the ceiling of liquid collection reservoir 124 (FIG. 6). If container 100 is inverted or nearly inverted, such as during handling by a potential purchaser, liquid can collect in riser interior 169, which can help prevent liquid from flowing back through drain opening 132 and out of (the inverted) liquid collection reservoir 124 toward the food product within container 100.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the support panel 128 includes a recess 170 associated with each drain opening 132 ( FIGS. 5 and 7 ). In the illustrated example, each recess 170 has a depressed central wall 172 having an upwardly facing surface that is lower than the panel upper surface 164 adjacent to the recess 170. The drain openings 132 extend through the depressed central wall 172 of the recess 170 in the illustrated example. This configuration increases the vertical spacing between the panel upper surface 164 of the support panel 128 of the insert 104 and the drain openings 132. The recesses 170 can facilitate the drainage process. For example, if a volume of liquid seeps out at a rate faster than the liquid can pass through the drain openings 132, the recesses 170 can act as overflow basins. Additionally, the recesses 170 can help prevent liquid from flowing back from the liquid collection reservoir 124 through the drain openings 132 toward the food product. For example, if the vessel 100 may be inverted, the height of the discharge opening 132 may be spaced above the panel upper surface 164 (further above the riser inner surface 167), reducing the likelihood of liquid returning through the discharge opening 132.

[0059] 6 and 8, in the illustrated example, the insert 104 includes an insert upper sidewall 174 having an insert upper sidewall first end 176 connected to an outer edge 178 of the flange 144, and an insert upper sidewall second end 180 spaced vertically above the insert upper sidewall first end 176 (FIG. 8). The insert upper sidewall 174, in the illustrated example, includes an insert perimeter edge 182 formed at the insert upper sidewall second end 180. The insert perimeter edge 182 may be rounded to promote tear-resistant engagement with a film wrapped around the container 100 to preserve the freshness of the food product.

[0060] 6 and 8, insert upper sidewall second end 180 includes an insert upper peripheral engagement surface 184 that extends around container 100. In the illustrated example, insert upper peripheral engagement surface 184 extends around container 100 along insert upper sidewall second end 180.

[0061] In the illustrated example, the base 102 includes a base sidewall 186 having a base sidewall first end 188 connected to a lower end 190 of the bead outer sidewall 118 and a base sidewall second end 192 spaced vertically above the base sidewall first end 188 (FIG. 8).

[0062] The base sidewall second end 192 includes a base perimeter 194. The base perimeter 194 may be rounded or otherwise cooperate with the rounded insert perimeter 182 to promote tear-resistant engagement with a film wrapped around the container 100.

[0063] 6 and 8, the base sidewall second end 192 has a base upper peripheral engagement surface 196 that extends around the container 100. In the illustrated example, the base upper peripheral engagement surface 196 extends around the container 100 along the base sidewall second end 192.

[0064] In the illustrated example, a portion of base sidewall 186 between base sidewall first end 188 and base sidewall second end 192 is disposed laterally outward of base exterior sidewall 118 when insert 104 is assembled to base 102 ( FIG. 8 ). In the illustrated example, lower portion 187 of base sidewall 186 is flush with and spaced laterally outward from lower portion 122 of base interior sidewall 110, which further obstructs visual access to the liquid in liquid collection reservoir 124. In some examples, lower portion 187 of base sidewall 186 is translucent or opaque to further obstruct visual access to the liquid in liquid collection reservoir 124.

[0065] The insert upper peripheral engagement surface 184 can releasably mate with the base upper peripheral engagement surface 196 when the insert 104 is assembled to the base 102. In the illustrated example, a sealed chamber 200 extends around the container 100 between the mated upper peripheral engagement surfaces 184, 196 and between the mated lower peripheral engagement surfaces 126, 130. The sealed chamber 200 provides an insulating layer between the exterior surface 202 of the base sidewall 186 and the interior 204 of the container 100 ( FIG. 8 ). This can help insulate heated or cooled food products within the container from the environment so that the food products retain their desired temperature for an extended period of time. The sealed chamber 200 can also help prevent liquids from leaking from the container if, for example, the container is inverted or turned on its side. More specifically, in some cases, the mating engagement between the upper peripheral engagement surfaces 196, 184 of the base and the insert, and the mating engagement between the lower peripheral engagement surfaces 126, 130 of the base and the insert, contributes to preventing liquid from leaking from the container 100.

[0066] In use, the insert 104 is assembled onto the base 102 by forcing the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 130 into snap-fit, mating, sealing engagement with the base lower peripheral engagement surface 126. Simultaneously, the insert upper peripheral engagement surface 184 can be forced into snap-fit, mating, sealing engagement with the base upper peripheral engagement surface 196. Upon assembly of the insert 104 onto the base 102, food products can be loaded onto the support panel 128 of the insert 104, and a plastic wrap or lid can be attached to cover the top of the container 100. Liquid exuding from the food product can drain into the liquid collection reservoir 124, where it is isolated from the food product and shielded from view by at least the bead outer sidewall 118 of the peripheral bead 108.

[0067] The base 102 and insert 104 can be separated after use to facilitate cleaning and reuse. For example, the base 102 and insert 104 can be separated to discard the liquid collected in the liquid collection reservoir 124. The rinsed and separated base 102 and insert 104 can then be introduced into a recycling process.

[0068] 9 , another exemplary container 1100 according to embodiments of the teachings disclosed herein includes a base 102 and an insert 104 of the container 100, where the base 102 and the insert 104 are formed together from a single sheet of plastic and connected to each other along a first living hinge 1206. The first living hinge 1206 is formed between a first upper edge of each of the base 102 and the insert 104. Assembling the insert 104 onto the base 102 of the container 1100 includes pivoting the insert 104 relative to the base 102 about the first living hinge 1206.

[0069] In the illustrated example, the container 1100 further includes an optional lid 1208 that can be releasably engaged with at least one of the insert perimeter 182 and the base perimeter 194 to open and close the container. The lid 1208, in the illustrated example, is formed from the same sheet of plastic along with the base 102 and the insert 104. The lid 1208 is connected to the base along a second edge of the base by a second living hinge 1210. The container 1100 can be selectively opened and closed by pivoting the lid 1208 relative to the base 102 about the second living hinge 1210.

[0070] 10-12A, another example of a container 2100 according to an embodiment of the present teachings bears some similarity to container 100, with like features identified with like reference characters incremented by 2000.

[0071] 11 , container 2100 includes a base 2102 and an insert 2104. In the illustrated example, base 2102 includes a reservoir bottom panel 2106 and a base lower peripheral engagement surface 2126, like that of base 102 of container 100.

[0072] 12 and 12A , the base 2102 further includes a reservoir sidewall 2218 extending upwardly from and around the reservoir bottom panel 2106, a base shoulder 2220 extending laterally outward from an upper end of the reservoir sidewall 2218, and a base upper sidewall 2186 extending upwardly from the lateral outer edge of the base shoulder 2220. At least a lower portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 and the reservoir bottom panel 2106 surround the liquid collection reservoir 2124 laterally and from below. In the illustrated example, the liquid collection reservoir is surrounded laterally by the lower portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 and from below by the reservoir bottom panel 2106. The base upper sidewall 2186, in the illustrated example, further includes a base perimeter 2194.

[0073] At least a lower portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 is spaced laterally inward from the base upper sidewall 2186 by a lateral distance 2222. As described herein below, the lateral distance between the lower portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 and the base upper sidewall 2186 serves to prevent visual access to the liquid within the liquid collection reservoir 2124.

[0074] In the illustrated example, the base lower peripheral engagement surface 2126 includes an upper portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 and a laterally inner portion of the base shoulder 2220 (FIG. 12A). In the illustrated example, the base 2102 does not have a peripheral bead (like the peripheral bead 108 of the base 102) that surrounds the periphery of the reservoir bottom panel 2106.

[0075] The insert 2104, like that of insert 104 of container 100, includes a support panel 2128 having at least one discharge opening 2132, an insert lower sidewall 2140, a lower flange 2144, and an insert lower peripheral engagement surface 2130. In the illustrated example, the insert 2104 is a low-profile insert that does not have an insert upper sidewall (like insert upper sidewall 174) that extends upward from flange 2144 to the top of container 2100. The insert 2104 also does not have an insert upper peripheral engagement surface (like insert upper peripheral engagement surface 184). In the illustrated example, the support panel 2128 further includes a recess 2170 associated with each discharge opening 2132, like recess 170 in support panel 128 ( FIG. 12 ).

[0076] In the illustrated example, the base 2102 further includes a flow regulator 2150 for each discharge opening 2132 of the insert 2104 , such as the flow regulator 150 of the base 102 .

[0077] For use, the insert 2104 is assembled onto the base 2102 by pressing the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 2130 into snap-fit, interlocking, sealing engagement with the base lower peripheral engagement surface 2126 (FIGS. 12 and 12A). Food products can be loaded onto the support panel 2128 of the insert 2104, and a plastic wrap or lid can be attached to cover the top of the container 2100. Liquid exuding from the food product can drain into the liquid collection reservoir 2124, where it is isolated from the food product and obstructed from view by at least the lateral distance between the lower portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 and the base upper sidewall 2186.

[0078] When the insert 2104 is assembled on the base 2102, a vertical distance 2223 extends between the reservoir bottom panel 2106 and the underside of the support panel 2128. The lateral distance 2222 between the lower portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 and the base upper sidewall 2186 is at least as large as the vertical distance 2223 between the reservoir bottom panel 2106 and the underside of the support panel 2128 ( FIG. 12 ). Such a configuration helps to prevent visual access to the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 2124 when the insert 2104 is assembled on the base 2102. In the illustrated example, the lateral distance 2222 between the lower portion of the reservoir sidewall 2218 and the base upper sidewall 2186 is at least three times larger than the vertical distance 2223 between the reservoir bottom panel 2106 and the underside of the support panel 2128.

[0079] After use, the insert 2104 can be separated from the base 2102 by separating the releasable engagement surfaces 2126, 2130. The insert 2104 and base 2102 can then be rinsed and fed into a recycling process.

[0080] 13-15A, another example of a container 3100 according to an embodiment of the present teachings bears some similarity to container 100, with like features identified with like reference characters incremented by 3000.

[0081] 14, container 3100 includes a base 3102 and an insert 3104. In the illustrated example, base 3102 includes a reservoir bottom panel 3106, a peripheral bead 3108, and a base lower peripheral engagement surface 3126, like that of base 102 of container 100. Base 3102, in the illustrated example, is a low-profile base without an upwardly extending base sidewall (e.g., like base sidewall 186 of container 100).

[0082] The insert 3104 includes a support panel 3128 having at least one discharge opening 3132, an insert lower sidewall 3140, an insert lower flange 3144, and an insert lower peripheral engagement surface 3130. In the illustrated example, the insert 3104 further includes an insert upper sidewall 3174 having an insert perimeter 3182.

[0083] For use, the insert 3104 is assembled onto the base 3102 by pressing the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 3130 into snap-fit, interlocking, sealing engagement with the base lower peripheral engagement surface 3126 (FIGS. 15 and 15A). Food products can be loaded onto the support panel 3128 of the insert 3104, and a plastic wrap or lid can be attached to cover the top of the container 3100. Liquids exuding from the food products can drain into the liquid collection reservoir 3124, where they are isolated from the food products and obscured from view by at least the bead outer sidewall 3118 of the peripheral bead 3108.

[0084] After use, the insert 3104 can be separated from the base 3102 by separating the releasable engagement surfaces 3126, 3130. The insert 3104 and base 3102 can then be rinsed and fed into a recycling process.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 16, another example of a container 4100 according to an embodiment of the present teachings bears some similarity to container 100, with like features identified with like reference characters incremented by 4000.

[0086] 17 , the container 4100 includes a base 4102 and an insert 4104. In the illustrated example, the container 4100 has multiple food-receiving compartments 4228 isolated from one another and a corresponding liquid collection reservoir 4124 located directly below at least one of the compartments. The base 4102 provides a respective base lower peripheral engagement surface 4126 around each of the at least one liquid collection reservoir 4124, and the insert 4104 provides a respective insert peripheral engagement surface 4130 extending around a lower end of each compartment 4228 that overlaps a corresponding one of the at least one liquid collection reservoir 4124. Each respective insert lower peripheral engagement surface 4130 can releasably mate with a corresponding base lower peripheral engagement surface 4126 to assemble the insert 4104 in sealing mating engagement with the base 4102 around each liquid collection reservoir 4124.

[0087] More specifically, in the illustrated example, the container 4100 has five compartments, including four outer compartments 4228a circumferentially spaced from one another about a central compartment 4228b. The base 4102 of the illustrated example has five liquid collection reservoirs 4124, including four outer liquid collection reservoirs 4124a circumferentially spaced about one central liquid collection reservoir 4124b.

[0088] In the illustrated example, the base 4102 includes respective reservoir bottom panels 4106a, 4106b for surrounding each corresponding liquid collection reservoir 4124a, 4124b from below. More specifically, in the illustrated example, the base 4102 includes a central bottom panel 4106b (FIG. 17) that forms the bottom surface of the central liquid collection reservoir 4124b. In the illustrated example, the central bottom panel 4106b is generally circular in shape when viewed from above. The base 4102 further includes a central peripheral bead 4108b having a central bead inner sidewall 4110b extending upwardly from the periphery of the central bottom panel 4106b, a central bead top wall 4114b extending laterally outward from the upper end of the central bead inner sidewall 4110b, and a central bead outer sidewall 4118b extending downwardly from the lateral outer edge of the central bead top wall 4114b. At least a lower portion of the central bead inner sidewall 4110b laterally surrounds the central liquid collection reservoir 4124b. The base 4102 further includes a central base peripheral engagement surface 4126b that extends around the central liquid collection reservoir 4124b and, in the illustrated example, includes an upper portion of the central peripheral bead inner sidewall 4110b.

[0089] The insert 4104 includes a central compartment support panel 4128b disposed at a lower end of the central compartment 4228b and having a central insert peripheral engagement surface 4130b that is releasably mateable with the central base peripheral engagement surface 4126b. The central support panel 4128b includes at least one opening 4132 for draining liquid from above into the liquid collection reservoir 4124b.

[0090] In the illustrated example, the base 4102 includes four outer bottom panels 4106a (FIG. 17), each forming the underside of a respective one of the liquid collection reservoirs 4124a. In the illustrated example, each outer bottom panel 4106a is generally kidney-shaped when viewed from above. The outer (peripheral) liquid collection reservoirs 4124a are separated by radially extending webs 4224 (FIG. 17), in the illustrated example, each having spaced-apart web sidewalls 4226 extending upwardly from the peripheral edges of adjacent bottom panels 4106a, and a web top wall 4230 extending laterally between the upper ends of the web sidewalls 4226.

[0091] The base 4102 further includes a plurality of outer peripheral bead segments 4108a, each having an outer bead inner sidewall 4110a extending upward from a peripheral segment of the outer bottom panel 4106a, an outer bead top wall 4114a extending laterally outward from an upper end of the outer bead inner sidewall 4110a, and an outer bead outer sidewall 4118a extending downward from the lateral outer edge of the outer bead top wall 4114a. At least a lower portion of the outer bead inner sidewall 4110a laterally surrounds an outer liquid collection reservoir 4124a (FIG. 18). The peripheral bead segments 4108a can prevent visual access to liquid in each outer liquid collection reservoir 4124a. In particular, the outer bead outer sidewalls 4118a positioned laterally outward of the outer bead inner sidewalls 4110a can help to conceal the liquid within the respective liquid collection reservoirs 4124a by preventing visual access to such liquid.

[0092] The base 4102 further includes a plurality of circumferentially extending web segments 4232, each having a web interior sidewall 4234 extending upwardly from a radially inward peripheral segment of the outer bottom panel 4106a, and a web top wall 4236 (FIG. 18) extending laterally inwardly from an upper end of the web interior sidewall 4234. Circumferentially opposite ends of the web interior sidewall 4234 are adjacent to respective web sidewalls 4226 of the radially extending webs 4224 (FIG. 17). At least a lower portion of the web interior sidewall 4234 and the opposite web sidewalls 4226 laterally surround the outer liquid collection reservoir 4124a.

[0093] The base 4102 further includes respective outer base peripheral engagement surfaces 4126a that extend around corresponding outer liquid collection reservoirs 4124a and, in the illustrated example, include an outer peripheral bead inner sidewall 4110a, a web inner sidewall 4234, and upper portions of each of the opposing web sidewalls 4226.

[0094] The insert 4104 includes a respective outer compartment support panel 4128a disposed at the lower end of each corresponding outer compartment 4228a, each having an outer insert peripheral engagement surface 4130a releasably mateable with a corresponding outer base peripheral engagement surface 4126a. Each outer support panel 4128a includes at least one opening 4132 for draining liquid from above into a corresponding outer liquid collection reservoir 4124a.

[0095] For use, the insert 4104 is assembled onto the base 4102 by pressing the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 4130 into snap-fit, interlocking, and sealing engagement with the respective base peripheral engagement surface 4126 ( FIG. 18 ). The same or different food items can be loaded onto each support panel 4128 a, 4128 b of the insert 4104, and a plastic wrap or lid can be attached to cover the top of the container 4100. Liquid exuding from each food item can drain into a respective liquid collection reservoir 4124 a, 4124 b positioned below that food item, where it is isolated from the food item. Liquid collected in the outer liquid collection reservoir 4124 a is blocked from view by at least the outer bead exterior sidewall 4118 a of each outer peripheral bead segment 4108 a. Liquid collected in the central liquid collection reservoir 4124b is obscured from view by at least the central bead outer sidewall 4118b of the central peripheral bead segment 4108b.

[0096] After use, the insert 4104 can be separated from the base 4102 by separating the releasable engagement surfaces 4126, 4130. The insert 4104 and base 4102 can then be rinsed and fed into a recycling process.

[0097] 19-21A, another example of a container 5100 according to an embodiment of the present teachings bears some similarity to container 2100, with like features identified with like reference characters incremented by 3000.

[0098] 20, the container 5100 includes a base 5102 and an insert 5104. In the illustrated example, the base 5102 includes a reservoir bottom panel 5106 and a base lower peripheral engagement surface 5126, like that of the base 2102 of the container 200.

[0099] 21A , the base 5102 further includes a reservoir sidewall 5218 extending upwardly from and around the reservoir bottom panel 5106, a base shoulder 5220 extending laterally outward from an upper end of the reservoir sidewall 5218, and a base upper sidewall 5186 extending upwardly from the lateral outer edge of the base shoulder 5220. In the illustrated example, the reservoir sidewall 5218 and the reservoir bottom panel 5106 laterally and below surround the liquid collection reservoir 5124. In the illustrated example, the base upper sidewall 5186 further includes a base perimeter 5194.

[0100] At least a lower portion 5238 of the reservoir sidewall 5218 is spaced radially inward from the base upper sidewall 5186 by a lateral distance. In the illustrated example, at least a lower portion 5238 of the reservoir sidewall 5218 is spaced radially inward from the base upper sidewall 5186 by a lateral distance 5222. The lateral distance 5222 between the reservoir sidewall 5218 and the base upper sidewall 5186 can help to prevent visual access to the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 5124.

[0101] In the illustrated example, reservoir sidewall 5218 includes an upper portion 5240 disposed laterally outward of lower portion 5238 and connected to lower portion 5238 by a generally horizontal step surface 5241. Step surface 5241 engages the underside of insert 5204 when insert 5204 is assembled onto base 5202.

[0102] 21A, the upper portion 5240 of the reservoir sidewall 5218 extends downwardly from the base shoulder 5220 to the outer lateral edge of the step surface 5241. The lower portion 5238 of the reservoir sidewall 5218 extends downwardly from the inner lateral edge of the step surface 5241 to the reservoir bottom panel 5106.

[0103] In the illustrated example, the base lower peripheral engagement surface 5126 includes the step surface 5241 and upper portion 5240 of the reservoir sidewall 5218 (FIG. 21A). In the illustrated example, the base 5102 does not have a peripheral bead (such as peripheral bead 108 of base 102) that surrounds the periphery of the reservoir bottom panel 5106.

[0104] 20 and 21A, the insert 5104, like that of the insert 2104 of the container 2100, includes a support panel 5128 having at least one discharge opening 5132, an insert lower sidewall 5140, a lower flange 5144, and an insert lower peripheral engagement surface 5130. In the illustrated example, the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 5130 includes the underside of a peripheral portion of the support panel 5128 configured to fit closely with the step surface 5241.

[0105] In the illustrated example, the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 5130 includes the insert lower sidewall 5140 and a peripheral portion of the support panel 5128 (FIG. 21A). The insert lower peripheral engagement surface 5130, in the illustrated example, further includes an outer surface of the insert lower sidewall 5140 configured to fit tightly against the upper portion 5240 of the reservoir sidewall 5218.

[0106] In the illustrated example, insert 5104 is a low-profile insert that does not have an insert upper sidewall (like insert upper sidewall 174) that extends upward from flange 5144 to the top of container 5100. Insert 5104 also does not have an insert upper peripheral engagement surface (like insert upper peripheral engagement surface 184).

[0107] 20 and 21 , in the illustrated example, the support panel 5128 further includes a recess 5170 associated with each discharge opening 5132, such as recess 2170 in support panel 2128. The base 5102 further includes a flow regulator valve 5150 for each discharge opening 5132 in the insert 5104, such as flow regulator valve 2150 in base 2102, in the illustrated example.

[0108] 20 , in the illustrated example, the support panel 5128 includes nine drain openings 5132 for draining liquid from above into the liquid collection reservoir 5124. Five of the drain openings 5132 are spaced apart along the longitudinal centerline of the support panel 5128 in the illustrated example. In the illustrated example, the remaining four drain openings 5132 are spaced apart along the lateral centerline of the support panel 5128, extending through a central one of the five longitudinally spaced drain openings 5132. Two of the four laterally spaced drain openings 5132 are positioned on either side of the longitudinal centerline.

[0109] Still referring to FIG. 20 , in the illustrated example, the support panel 5128 includes a panel upper surface 5164 and a plurality of spaced-apart risers 5166 projecting upwardly from the panel upper surface 5164. Each of the risers 5166 has a riser top surface spaced above the panel upper surface 5164 to retain food items in the container 5100 above the panel upper surface 5164. In the illustrated example, the risers 5166 are elongated compared to the risers 166 of the container 100 ( FIG. 2 ). Each riser 5166 extends from a riser first end 5242 positioned proximate the periphery of the support panel 5128 to a riser second end 5244 positioned proximate a respective one of the discharge openings 5132. In the illustrated example, the panel upper surface 5164 between the risers is generally flat and slopes toward the discharge openings 5132. Such a configuration can promote the flow of liquid from the food product along the panel upper surface 5164 between the elongated risers 5166 toward one or more of the discharge openings 5132 .

[0110] In the illustrated example, the base 5102 includes a plurality of spaced-apart panel supports 5246. Each panel support 5246 projects upwardly from the reservoir bottom panel 5106 and is generally cylindrical. When the insert 5104 is assembled on the base 5102 ( FIGS. 21 and 21A ) and one or more food items are loaded onto the support panel 5128, the panel supports 5246 can help maintain a vertical separation between the support panel 5128 and the reservoir bottom panel 5106 by abutting the underside of the support panel 5128. Maintaining a vertical separation between the support panel 5128 and the reservoir bottom panel 5106 can prevent the reservoir bottom panel 5106 from obstructing the flow of liquid through the discharge opening 5132 into the liquid collection reservoir 5124. If the support panel 5128 is allowed to sag under the load of food items, it may reduce the capacity of the liquid collection reservoir 5124. Maintaining a vertical separation between the support panel 5128 and the reservoir bottom panel 5106 also helps to preserve the capacity of the liquid collection reservoir 5124 when the support panel 5128 is under load.

[0111] 20 , in the illustrated example, some of the panel supports 5246 are positioned adjacent to the flow control valves 5150 on the reservoir bottom panel 5106. When the insert 5104 is assembled on the base 5102, these panel supports 5246 abut against the underside of the support panel 5128 adjacent to one or more of the discharge openings 5132. Such a configuration can further ensure that there is a vertical separation between the discharge openings 5132 and the reservoir bottom panel 5106 so that liquid seeping from the food product can pass to the liquid collection reservoir 5124.

[0112] In one example, the base 5102 includes additional structural elements to maintain vertical separation between the support panel 5128 and the reservoir bottom panel 5106 when the insert 5104 is assembled on the base 5102. In the illustrated example, the base 5102 includes a plurality of elongated panel supports 5247 that project upwardly from the reservoir bottom panel 5106. Each elongated panel support 5247 has a rounded upper surface that abuts the underside of the support panel 5128 between adjacent risers 5166 when the insert 5104 is assembled on the base 5102. In the illustrated example, the base 5102 also includes a plurality of auxiliary panel supports 5249 that are spaced approximately around the periphery of the reservoir bottom panel 5106. The auxiliary panel support 5249 projects upwardly from the reservoir bottom panel 5106 and abuts the underside of the support panel 5128 when the insert 5104 is assembled on the base 5102. When the insert 5104 is assembled on the base 5102 and one or more food items are loaded onto the support panel 5128, the panel supports 5247, 5249 can further assist in maintaining vertical separation between the support panel 5128 and the reservoir bottom panel 5106 by abutting the underside of the support panel 5128.

[0113] 21 , in the illustrated example, the height of the support panel 5128 adjacent the insert lower sidewall 5140 is greater than the height of the support panel 5128 at the drain opening 5132. Such a configuration promotes the flow of exuded liquid along the panel upper surface 5164 to the drain opening 5132. When the container 5100 is inverted, such a configuration can also prevent collected liquid from flowing along the underside of the support panel 5128 to one of the drain openings 5132 (i.e., because the panel underside is sloped away from the drain opening 5132 when the container 5100 is inverted).

[0114] In the illustrated example, the lower shoulder 5238 of the base supports a peripheral portion of the support panel 5128 from below when the insert 5104 is assembled on the base 5102. This engagement can help maintain vertical separation between the support panel 5128 around the perimeter of the liquid collection reservoir 5124 and the reservoir bottom panel 5106.

[0115] Referring again to FIG. 20 , the insert 5104 includes optional nesting features that facilitate stacking of the containers. In the illustrated example, the insert 5104 includes four nesting members 5248 in the form of raised, wedge-shaped protrusions. Each of the nesting members 5248 projects upward from the panel top surface 5164 adjacent a respective corner of the support panel 5128. Each of the nesting members 5248 has a top surface. The top surface of each nesting member 5248 is at a height greater than i) the top surface of each riser 5166 and ii) the lower flange 5144 of the insert 5104. When multiple containers 5100 are stacked together, the nesting members 5248 of the lower containers 5100 in the stack abut against the underside of the reservoir bottom panel 5106 of the container 5100 immediately above. The nesting members 5248 can help keep the stack of containers straight when one container 5100 is dropped on top of another during manufacturing. In one example, the underside of the reservoir bottom panel 5106 has a corresponding female nesting member that engages with the male nesting member 5248 of the container 5100 above. Such engagement can further improve the stability of the stack of containers.

[0116] For use, the insert 5104 is assembled onto the base 5102 by pressing the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 5130 into snap-fit, mating, sealing engagement with the base lower peripheral engagement surface 5126 (FIG. 21A). Food products can be loaded onto the support panel 5128 of the insert 5104, and a plastic wrap or lid can be attached to cover the top of the container 5100. Liquids that seep from the food products can drain into the liquid collection reservoir 5124.

[0117] In the illustrated example, snap-fit ​​interlocking assembly of the base and insert lower peripheral engagement surfaces 5126, 5130 is facilitated by defining (or bounding) an opening at the top end of the base medial sidewall 5240 that is slightly smaller than the footprint defining the lower edge of the insert lower sidewall 5140. To assemble the insert 5104 onto the base 5102, the lower edge of the insert lower sidewall 5140 can be forced vertically downward (as viewed in FIG. 21A ) against the base 5102, past the top end of the base medial sidewall 5240 and elastically deforming those surfaces until the respective surfaces of the insert and base pass each other and the base medial sidewall 5240 and insert lower sidewall 5140 rebound back to their undeformed states. Upon assembly, some elastic compressive force remains, such that the mating engagement of the lower peripheral engagement surfaces 5126, 5130 provides a nearly fluid-tight seal.

[0118] When the insert 5104 is assembled on the base 5102, a vertical distance 5223 extends between the reservoir bottom panel 5106 and the underside of the support panel 5128. The lateral distance 5222 between the lower portion 5238 of the reservoir sidewall 5218 and the base upper sidewall 5186 is at least as large as the vertical distance 5223 between the reservoir bottom panel 5106 and the underside of the support panel 5128. Such a configuration helps to obstruct visual access to the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir 5124 when the insert 5104 is assembled on the base 5102. In the illustrated example, the lateral distance 5222 between the lower portion 5238 of the reservoir sidewall 5218 and the base upper sidewall 5186 is approximately two times larger than the vertical distance 5223 between the reservoir bottom panel 5106 and the underside of the support panel 5128 ( FIG. 21A ).

[0119] After use, the insert 5104 can be separated from the base 5102 by separating the releasable engagement surfaces 5126, 5130. The insert 5104 and base 5102 can then be rinsed and fed into a recycling process. Referring to FIG. 20 , in the illustrated example, the insert 5104 includes an optional user pull tab 5250 to facilitate separation of the insert 5104 and base 5102. Pulling the user pull tab 5250 away from the reservoir bottom panel 5106 overcomes the compressive force between the lower peripheral engagement surfaces 5126, 5130 and elastically deforms the insert 5104, thereby providing clearance for the insert lower sidewall 5140 to disengage the upper portion 5240 of the reservoir sidewall 5218.

[0120] 22-24 , another example of a container 6100 according to embodiments of the present teachings bears some similarity to container 1100, with like features identified with like reference characters incremented by 5000. Container 6100 includes a base 6102 and an insert 6104 formed together from a single sheet of plastic and connected to one another along a first living hinge 6206. First living hinge 6206 is formed between a first upper edge of each of base 6102 and insert 6104.

[0121] The base 6102, like that of base 102, includes a reservoir bottom panel 6106, a peripheral bead 6108, a base lower peripheral engagement surface 6126, and a base sidewall 6186. In the illustrated example, the base sidewall 6186 further includes a base rim 6194. The base 6102, in the illustrated example, does not have a base upper peripheral engagement surface (base upper peripheral engagement surface 196 of base 102).

[0122] 23 , in the illustrated example, the base 6102 further includes a base bottom wall 6252 extending laterally between the peripheral bead 6108 and the base sidewall 6186. The base bottom wall 6252 is flush with the reservoir bottom panel 6106 in the illustrated example. Such a configuration can improve the stability of the container 6100 when placed on a support surface, as both the base bottom wall 6252 and the reservoir bottom panel 6106 can engage the support surface. In the illustrated example, the base bottom wall 6252 increases the lateral separation between the peripheral bead 6108 and the lower portion of the base sidewall 6186. Increasing the lateral separation between the peripheral bead 6108 and the lower portion of the base sidewall 6186 further obstructs visual access to the liquid within the liquid collection reservoir 6124.

[0123] 22 , the insert 6104, like that of insert 104, includes a support panel 6128 having at least one discharge opening 6132, an insert lower sidewall 6140, a lower flange 6144, and an insert lower peripheral engagement surface 6130. In the illustrated example, the insert 6104 does not have an insert upper peripheral engagement surface (like insert upper peripheral engagement surface 184 of insert 104). In the illustrated example, the insert 6104 further includes an insert upper sidewall 6174 having an insert perimeter 6182.

[0124] Assembling the insert 6104 onto the base 6102 of the container 6100 includes pivoting the insert 6104 relative to the base 6102 about the first living hinge 6206. The insert 6104 can then be releasably secured onto the base 6102 by pressing the insert lower peripheral engagement surface 6130 into snap-fit, mating, sealing engagement with the base lower peripheral engagement surface 6126. The mating engagement between the base and insert lower peripheral engagement surfaces 6126, 6130 helps prevent liquid from leaking from the liquid collection reservoir 6124 ( FIG. 24 ).

[0125] 22 , in the illustrated example, the support panel 6128 further includes a recess 6170 associated with each discharge opening 6132, such as recess 170 in support panel 128. The base 6102 further includes a flow regulator valve 6150 for each discharge opening 6132 in the insert 6104, such as flow regulator valve 150 in base 102, in the illustrated example.

[0126] 23 , in the illustrated example, the support panel 6128 includes a panel upper surface 6164 and a plurality of spaced-apart risers 6166 projecting upwardly from the panel upper surface 6164. Each of the risers 6166 has a riser top surface spaced above the panel upper surface 6164 to retain food items in the container 6100 above the panel upper surface 6164. In the illustrated example, the panel upper surface 6164 between the risers 6166 is generally flat and slopes toward the discharge opening 6132. The top surface of each riser 6166 is rounded in the illustrated example to facilitate discharge from the food items onto the panel upper surface 6164.

[0127] In the illustrated example, the riser 6166 has a hollow interior bounded at least in part by a concave inner surface 167. The inner surface of the riser 6166 faces the reservoir bottom panel 6106 and forms the ceiling of the liquid collection reservoir 6124 ( FIG. 24 ). If the container 6100 is inverted or nearly inverted, such as during handling by a potential purchaser, liquid can collect inside the riser, which can help prevent liquid from flowing back out of the (inverted) liquid collection reservoir 6124 through the discharge opening 6132 and towards the food product within the container 6100.

[0128] Referring again to FIG. 22 , the base 6102 optionally includes a plurality of spaced-apart panel supports 6246, such as panel support 5246 of the base 6102. Each panel support 6246 projects upwardly from the reservoir bottom panel 6106. When the insert 6104 is assembled on the base 6102 and one or more food items are loaded onto the support panel 6128, the panel supports 6246 can help maintain a vertical separation between the support panel 6128 and the reservoir bottom panel 6106 by abutting the underside of the support panel 6128. Maintaining a vertical separation between the support panel 6128 and the reservoir bottom panel 6106 can prevent the reservoir bottom panel 6106 from obstructing the flow of liquid through the discharge opening 6132 into the liquid collection reservoir 6124. If the support panel 6128 is allowed to sag under the load of food items, the capacity of the liquid collection reservoir 6124 may be reduced (FIG. 24). Maintaining a vertical separation between the support panel 6128 and the reservoir bottom panel 6106 also helps to preserve the capacity of the liquid collection reservoir 6124 when the support panel 6128 is under load.

[0129] In the illustrated example, each of the panel supports 6246 has an upper end spaced above the reservoir bottom panel 6106. The upper end of each panel support 6246, in the illustrated example, is sized to fit within a hollow interior of a corresponding one of the risers 6166 of the support panel 6126 when the insert 6104 is assembled on the base 6102. Such engagement between the panel support 6246 and the riser 6166 can further assist in maintaining vertical separation between the support panel 6126 and the reservoir bottom panel 6106.

[0130] In the depicted example, the container 6100 further includes an optional lid 6208 having a lid perimeter 6154 that can releasably engage with the base perimeter 6194 to open and close the container 6100. The lid 6208, in the depicted example, is formed from the same sheet of plastic along with the base 6102 and insert 6104. The lid 6208 is connected to the base 6102 along a second edge of the base 6102 by a second living hinge 6210. The container 6100 can be selectively opened and closed by pivoting the lid 6208 relative to the base 6102 about the second living hinge 6210.

[0131] 22 , in the illustrated example, the base perimeter 6194 is interrupted by a first living hinge 6206 connecting the base 6102 and the insert 6104. The base perimeter 6194 does not completely surround the perimeter of the base 6102 to provide space for the first living hinge 6206. The lid perimeter 6154 includes an access recess 6156 that aligns with the interruption in the base perimeter 6194 when the lid 6208 is closed. The access recess 6156 provides a convenient location for a user to grasp and open the lid 6208.

[0132] The base 6102 optionally includes a plurality of base vents 6258. In the illustrated example, the base vents 6258 are laterally spaced about the periphery of the base 6102. Each base vent 6258, in the illustrated example, has a lower portion formed in the base bottom wall 6252 and an adjacent upper portion formed in the base sidewall 6186 that extends upwardly from the lateral outer edge of the lower portion.

[0133] The insert 6104 optionally includes a plurality of insert vents 6260. In the illustrated example, the insert vents 6260 are laterally spaced about the periphery of the insert 6104. Each insert vent 6260, in the illustrated example, has a lower portion formed in the lower flange 6144 and an adjacent upper portion formed in the insert upper sidewall 6174 that extends upwardly from the lateral outer edge of the lower portion.

[0134] When the insert 6104 is assembled on the base 6102 and the lid 6208 is closed, the vents 6258, 6260 in the base and insert allow air to pass in and out of the interior of the container 6100. Some food products (e.g., fruit) naturally release ethylene gas when stored. Ethylene accelerates the ripening of fruit. The vents 6258, 6260 in the base and insert allow the released gas to escape so that the stored food products do not spoil prematurely.

[0135] In the illustrated example, when the insert 6104 is assembled on the base 6102, each of the insert vents 6260 is aligned with a corresponding one of the base vents 6258. Such a configuration can provide a direct path for air to flow in and out of the interior of the container 6100. In an alternative example, the insert vents 6260 and the base vents 6258 are not aligned when the insert 6104 is assembled on the base 6102. The lid 6208 optionally includes multiple lid vents 6262. In the illustrated example, the lid vents 6262 are laterally spaced apart around the periphery of the lid 6208. The lid vents 6262 can further increase the volume of air that can circulate within the interior of the container 6100.

[0136] After use, the insert 6104 can be removed from the base 6102 by opening the lid 6208 and pivoting the insert 6104 relative to the base 6102 about the first living hinge 6206 with enough force to disengage the releasable engagement surfaces 6216, 6130. The insert 6104, base 6102, and, if desired, the lid 6208 can then be rinsed and fed into a recycling process.

[0137] The container 6100 includes optional stacking features that facilitate stacking of the containers 6100 when in the closed configuration ( FIG. 24 ). In the illustrated example, the lid 6208 includes four stacking members 6264. Each of the stacking members 6264 protrudes upward from the top surface of the lid 6208 adjacent a respective corner of the lid 6208. In the illustrated example, the stacking members 6264 are configured to fit underneath a portion of the peripheral bead 6108 of the container. When multiple containers 6100 are stacked, the stacking members 6264 on the lid 6208 of one container 6100 engage with the peripheral bead 6108 of the container 6100 immediately above. Such engagement can prevent the stacked containers 6100 from sliding laterally relative to one another, thereby improving the stability of the containers in the stack. This can be particularly beneficial when the containers 6100 are stacked on an inclined surface of a merchandise display shelf.

[0138] The foregoing is intended to illustrate examples of the teachings disclosed herein and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto, which claims are to be accorded the broadest interpretation consistent with the specification as a whole. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 100, 1100, 2100, 3100, 4100, 5100, 6100 containers 102, 2102, 3102, 4102, 5102, 6102 base 104, 2104, 3104, 4104, 5102, 6104 inserts 106, 2106, 3106, 5106 Reservoir Bottom Panel 108, 3106, 6106 Peripheral bead 110 Bead inner side wall 114 Bead inner upper wall 118 Bead outer sidewall 124, 4124, 6124 Liquid Collection Reservoir 132 Discharge opening 140 Insert Lower Sidewall 144, 3144 Insert Lower Flange 150 Flow control valve 166, 6166 riser 170 depression 174, 3174 Insert upper sidewall 182, 3182 Insert periphery 194, 6194 Base margin 200 sealed chamber 1206, 6206, 6206 First Living Hinge 1208, 6208 lid 1210, 6210 Second living hinge

Claims

1. In containers for foodstuffs, a) a base formed from a transparent plastic and including a reservoir bottom panel and a peripheral bead, the peripheral bead having a beaded inner sidewall extending upwardly from the periphery of the reservoir bottom panel, a beaded top wall extending laterally outwardly from an upper end of the beaded inner sidewall, and a beaded outer sidewall extending downwardly from a lateral outer edge of the beaded top wall, at least a lower portion of the beaded inner sidewall and the reservoir bottom panel laterally and below surrounding a liquid collection reservoir, the base having a base lower peripheral engagement surface extending around the liquid collection reservoir; b) an insert including a support panel formed from plastic and having an insert lower peripheral engagement surface releasably mateable with the base lower peripheral engagement surface to assemble the insert to the base with the support panel over the liquid collection reservoir, the support panel having at least one drain opening for draining liquid from above into the liquid collection reservoir; Equipped with wherein at least a portion of the beaded outer sidewall is flush with and spaced laterally outward from a lower portion of the beaded inner sidewall to prevent visual access to liquid within the liquid collection reservoir.

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the base lower peripheral engagement surface comprises at least a portion of the beaded inner sidewall.

3. The container of claim 1 , wherein the base lower peripheral engagement surface comprises at least a portion of the beaded upper wall.

4. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the insert includes an insert lower sidewall extending upwardly from a panel periphery of the support panel and further includes an insert lower flange extending laterally outward from an upper end of the insert lower sidewall.

5. 5. The container of claim 4, wherein said insert lower flange seals against said bead upper wall when said insert and said base are assembled together.

6. 5. The container of claim 4, wherein said insert lower peripheral engagement surface comprises at least a portion of said insert lower sidewall.

7. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the insert lower peripheral engagement surface and the base lower peripheral engagement surface is resiliently deformable to provide a snap-fit, interlocking, sealing engagement therebetween when the insert is assembled to the base.

8. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the base includes a flow control valve for each discharge opening of the insert, the flow control valve protruding upward from the reservoir bottom panel and aligned with the discharge opening when the insert is assembled to the base, the flow control valve blocking a central portion of the discharge opening to regulate the flow of liquid through the discharge opening and prevent backflow of liquid from the liquid collection reservoir back into the discharge opening when the container is tilted or inverted.

9. 9. The container of claim 8, wherein an upper portion of the flow regulator valve protrudes through the discharge opening.

10. 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the discharge opening is circular and the flow control valve includes a rounded, upwardly projecting bulge concentric with the discharge opening.

11. 9. The vessel of claim 8, wherein an annular flow gap is provided between an outer surface of the flow control valve and an inner surface of the discharge opening.

12. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the support panel includes a panel upper surface and a plurality of spaced risers projecting upwardly from the panel upper surface, each of the risers having a riser top surface spaced above the panel upper surface for retaining food products within the container above the panel upper surface and facilitating the flow of liquid from the food products along the panel upper surface between the risers and toward the discharge opening.

13. 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the support panel includes a recess associated with each discharge opening, the recess having a depressed central wall with an upwardly facing surface that is lower than the panel upper surface adjacent the recess, the discharge opening extending through the depressed central wall of the recess.

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

15. 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the insert upper sidewall includes an insert periphery formed at the insert upper sidewall second end, the insert periphery being rounded to promote tear-resistant engagement with a film wrapped around the container to maintain freshness of the food product.

16. 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the insert upper sidewall second end includes an insert upper peripheral engagement surface that extends around the container.

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

18. 18. The container of claim 17, wherein the base sidewall second end includes a base periphery that is rounded to promote tear-resistant engagement with a film wrapped around the container to maintain freshness of the food product.

19. 18. The container of claim 17, wherein the base sidewall second end includes a base upper peripheral engagement surface that extends around the container.

20. The insert includes an insert upper sidewall having an insert upper sidewall first end connected to an outer edge of the flange and an insert upper peripheral engagement surface extending around the container along an insert upper sidewall second end spaced above the insert upper sidewall first end. the base includes a base sidewall having a base upper peripheral engagement surface extending around the container along a base sidewall first end connected to a lower end of the bead outer wall and a base sidewall second end spaced vertically above the base sidewall first end, at least a portion of the base sidewall between the base sidewall first end and the base sidewall second end being disposed laterally outward of the insert upper sidewall when the insert is assembled to the base; 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the insert upper peripheral engagement surface is releasably mateable with the base upper peripheral engagement surface when the insert is assembled to the base, and a sealed chamber extends around the container between the mated upper and lower peripheral engagement surfaces, the sealed chamber providing an insulating layer between the outer surface of the base sidewall and the interior of the container.

21. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the base and the insert are formed from a single sheet of plastic and connected to each other along a first edge of the base and the insert by a first living hinge, and assembly of the insert onto the base includes pivoting the insert relative to the base about the living hinge.

22. 22. The container of claim 21, further comprising a lid releasably engageable with a peripheral edge of at least one of the base and the insert, the lid, together with the base and the insert, being formed from a single sheet of plastic, the lid being connected to the base along a second edge of the base by a second living hinge.

23. In containers for foodstuffs, a) a base formed from a transparent plastic, the base including a reservoir bottom panel and reservoir sidewalls, the reservoir sidewalls extending upwardly around and from the periphery of the reservoir bottom panel, the base further including a base shoulder extending laterally outwardly from an upper end of the reservoir sidewalls, and a base upper sidewall extending upwardly from the lateral outer edge of the shoulder, at least a lower portion of the reservoir sidewalls and the reservoir bottom panel laterally and below surrounding a liquid collection reservoir, the base including a base lower peripheral engagement surface extending around the liquid collection reservoir; b) an insert including a support panel formed from plastic and having an insert lower peripheral engagement surface releasably mateable with the base lower peripheral engagement surface to cover the liquid collection reservoir with the support panel and assemble the insert to the base, the support panel having at least one drain opening for draining liquid from above into the liquid collection reservoir; Including, A container wherein, when assembled to the base, at least a lower portion of the reservoir sidewall is spaced laterally inward from the base upper sidewall by a lateral distance at least as great as the vertical distance of the lower portion of the reservoir sidewall extending between the reservoir bottom panel and the back surface of the insert, thereby preventing visual access to the liquid in the liquid collection reservoir.

24. 24. The container of claim 23, wherein the reservoir sidewall includes an upper portion disposed laterally outward of the lower portion and connected to the lower portion by a generally horizontal step surface, the step surface engaging a back surface of the insert when the insert is assembled on the base.

25. 25. The container of claim 24, wherein an upper portion of the reservoir sidewall extends downwardly from the base shoulder to the outer lateral edge of the step surface, and a lower portion of the reservoir sidewall extends downwardly from the inner lateral edge of the step surface to the reservoir bottom panel.

26. 26. The container of claim 25, wherein the insert lower peripheral engagement surface comprises a backside of a peripheral portion of the support panel configured to seal against the step surface.

27. 27. The container of claim 26, wherein the insert lower peripheral engagement surface comprises an outer surface of the insert lower sidewall configured to fit closely against an upper portion of the reservoir sidewall.

Images