Food Tray

Abstract

To provide a novel food tray capable of suppressing food from shifting in position.SOLUTION: There is provided a food tray that includes a food storage part, and is characterized in that the food storage part has a bottom part and a peripheral wall raised from a peripheral edge part of the bottom part; the peripheral wall includes (i) a first side wall which changes in raise angle from αA to αB (here, αA<αB) in its extending direction and (ii) a second side wall which changes in raise angle from αA' to αB (here, αA'>αB') in its extending direction, and the first side wall and second side fall face each other so that a part of the raise angle αA corresponds to a part of the raise angle αA' and a part of the raise angle αB corresponds to a part of the angle αB', respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1-1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food tray, and further to a tray-containing food product obtained by containing food in the food tray. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, as eating habits have become more diverse, there has been an increasing demand for frozen foods that can be stored for long periods by freezing and can be easily eaten by simply heating them in a microwave oven or the like when needed.

[0003] Recently, frozen foods that are served on a tray and can be heated in a microwave oven or the like and then eaten as is are being sold, and the demand for such foods is increasing along with the growing need for individual meals. For such frozen foods served on a tray, the appearance when eaten is also considered an important indicator, and the utmost care is taken during production, such as the arrangement of each ingredient.

[0004] For example, in the production of frozen foods in which hamburgers are served in a tray together with sauce and toppings such as butter and cheese, the hamburgers are placed in the tray, and then the sauce and toppings are served. In order to improve productivity, many steps in the production line, including the steps of placing the hamburgers in the tray, filling them with sauce, and serving the toppings, as well as the transportation between these steps, tend to be automated and labor-saving using robots and automated equipment. The hamburgers placed in a designated position in the tray may rotate or move within the tray due to vibrations or changes in the tray's direction that they receive before being transported to the next process, causing them to shift from their designated position. At this time, the sauce and toppings are filled and served in a fixed position relative to the tray, so if the position of the hamburgers shifts in the tray, they will not be filled and served in the desired position relative to the hamburgers, which may result in a damaged appearance. As a result, during the processes of filling with sauce and plating toppings, workers are required to align the hamburger steak in the desired position, which is an obstacle to automation and labor reduction.

[0005] As a technique for preventing food from shifting in position within a tray, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a tray in which a protrusion is provided on the bottom of the food storage section to prevent food from shifting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-94090 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-65618 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Even in trays with ridges on the bottom of the food container, they are not sufficient to prevent food from shifting position due to vibrations on the production line or changes in tray direction, and there is room for improvement. In addition, there are problems such as the ridges on the bottom getting in the way when eating, and making it difficult to wash the tray after eating for resource recovery.

[0008] One method to prevent food from shifting out of position is to use a cone-shaped tray with a narrowed bottom area of ​​the food container, but this reduces the contact area of ​​the bottom, making the tray less stable and prone to tipping over during transport on the production line, and the entire tray tends to rotate, reducing productivity.Furthermore, the tray tends to tip over when eating, making it difficult to handle and less safe.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel food tray that can prevent food from shifting out of position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As a result of intensive research into the above problem, the inventors discovered that the above problem could be solved by providing opposing side walls on the peripheral wall of the food storage section, the rise angle of which changes in the extension direction, and thus completed the present invention.

[0011] That is, the present invention includes the following. [1] A food tray including a food container, The food container has a bottom and a peripheral wall rising from a peripheral edge of the bottom, The peripheral wall is (i) a first sidewall having a rise angle that changes from αA to αB (where αA<αB) in its extension direction; (ii) a second side wall whose rise angle changes from αA' to αB' (where αA'>αB') in the extending direction; Including, A food tray characterized in that a first side wall and a second side wall are opposed to each other such that a portion with rise angle αA corresponds to a portion with rise angle αA', and a portion with rise angle αB corresponds to a portion with rise angle αB'. [2] The food tray according to [1], wherein the rise angles αA and αB satisfy (αA+5)≦αB≦(αA+20) [angle units: degrees]. [3] A food tray according to [1] or [2], wherein the rise angles αA' and αB' satisfy (αB'+5)≦αA'≦(αB'+20) [angle units: degrees]. [4] The projected area of ​​the bottom of the food storage section is A b (cm 2 ), the inner surface area A' of the bottom b (cm 2 ) is A' b ≦1.1A b A food tray according to any one of [1] to [3], which satisfies the above. [5] The projected area of ​​the first side wall is A s1 (cm 2 ), the projected area of ​​the second side wall is A s2 (cm 2 ), the inner surface area A' of the first side wall s1 (cm 2 ) and the inner surface area A' of the second side wall s2 (cm 2 ) is A' s1 ≦1.5A s1 and A' s2 ≦1.5A s2 A food tray according to any one of [1] to [4], which satisfies the above. [6] A food tray described in any of [1] to [5], wherein the planar shape of the bottom of the food storage section is a polygon or approximately polygonal shape having 2n corners (where n is an integer of 2 or greater), or an ellipse. [7] The food tray according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein a first side wall and a second side wall extend in the longitudinal direction in a plan view of the bottom of the food storage section. [8] A food tray according to any one of [1] to [7], which is made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of plastic materials, metals and paper. [9] A food tray according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the food is a frozen food.

[10] A food tray according to any one of [1] to [9], which is for use in a microwave oven or oven.

[11] A tray-containing food product comprising the food tray according to any one of [1] to

[10] and food contained in contact with the bottom of the food containing section of the food tray. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel food tray that can prevent food from shifting out of position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1-1] FIG. 1-1 is a plan view illustrating a food tray (square) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-2] FIG. 1-2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 1-1. [Figure 1-3] FIG. 1-3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 1-1. [Figure 1-4] FIG. 1-4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' in FIG. 1-1. [Figure 2-1] FIG. 2-1 is a plan view illustrating a food tray (square) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-2] FIG. 2-2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 2-1. [Figure 2-3] FIG. 2-3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 2-1. [Figure 2-4] FIG. 2-4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD' in FIG. 2-1. [Figure 2-5] FIG. 2-5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE' in FIG. 2-1. [Figure 3-1] FIG. 3-1 is a plan view illustrating a food tray (hexagonal) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3-2] FIG. 3-2 is an end view taken along line AA' in FIG. 3-1. [Figure 3-3]FIG. 3-3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 3-1. [Diagram 3-4] FIG. 3-4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' in FIG. 3-1. [Figure 4-1] FIG. 4-1 is a plan view illustrating a food tray (approximately rectangular or elliptical) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4-2] FIG. 4-2 is an end view taken along line AA' in FIG. 4-1. [Figure 4-3] FIG. 4-3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 4-1. [Figure 4-4] FIG. 4-4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' in FIG. 4-1. [Figure 5-1] FIG. 5-1 is a front view of the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1. [Figure 5-2] FIG. 5-2 is a rear view of the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1. [Figure 5-3] FIG. 5-3 is a left side view of the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1. [Figure 5-4] FIG. 5-4 is a right side view of the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1. [Figure 5-5] FIG. 5-5 is a plan view of the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1. [Figure 5-6] FIG. 5-6 is a bottom view of the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1. [Figure 5-7] FIG. 5-7 is an end view taken along line AA' in FIG. 5-5. [Figure 5-8] FIG. 5-8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 5-5. [Figure 5-9] FIG. 5-9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' in FIG. 5-5. [Figure 6-1] FIG. 6-1 is a front view of the food tray shown in FIG. 2-1. [Figure 6-2] FIG. 6-2 is a rear view of the food tray shown in FIG. 2-1. [Figure 6-3] FIG. 6-3 is a left side view of the food tray shown in FIG. 2-1. [Figure 6-4] FIG. 6-4 is a right side view of the food tray shown in FIG. 2-1. [Figure 6-5] FIG. 6-5 is a plan view of the food tray shown in FIG. 2-1. [Figure 6-6] FIG. 6-6 is a bottom view of the food tray shown in FIG. 2-1. [Figure 6-7] FIG. 6-7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 6-5. [Figure 6-8] FIG. 6-8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 6-5. [Figure 6-9] FIG. 6-9 is a DD' end view in FIG. 6-5. [Figure 6-10] FIG. 6-10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE' in FIG. 6-5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments thereof. The present invention is not limited to the following description, and each component can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0015] [Food tray] The food tray of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to simply as "the tray of the present invention") includes a food storage section that exhibits a so-called self-aligning function, in which the food inside is aligns in a specific direction and position when an external force such as vibration acts on the tray.

[0016] In the tray of the present invention, the food storage portion has a bottom and a peripheral wall rising from the peripheral edge of the bottom, and the peripheral wall is (i) a first sidewall having a rise angle that changes from αA to αB (where αA<αB) in its extension direction; (ii) a second side wall whose rise angle changes from αA' to αB' (where αA'>αB') in the extending direction; Including, The first side wall and the second side wall are characterized in that they face each other such that the portion with rise angle αA corresponds to the portion with rise angle αA', and the portion with rise angle αB corresponds to the portion with rise angle αB'.

[0017] With such a structure of the food storage section, when an external force such as vibration is applied to the tray, the food is aligned in a specific direction at the center position of the food storage section (in a plan view). In detail, a stronger force acts on the portion of the first side wall with rise angle αB than on the portion with rise angle αA. Also, a stronger force acts on the portion of the second side wall with rise angle αA' than on the portion with rise angle αB'. Since the first side wall and the second side wall face each other such that the portion with rise angle αA corresponds to the portion with rise angle αA' and the portion with rise angle αB corresponds to the portion with rise angle αB', the forces acting on the food combine to apply a rotational moment to the food, and the food is aligned in a specific direction at the center position of the food storage section.

[0018] According to the tray of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the misalignment of the food, and it is possible to fill and arrange sauces and toppings at the desired position relative to the food, and it is possible to produce trayed food with good appearance with good productivity. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a protrusion on the bottom of the food storage section, which allows smooth eating, and also has the advantage of making it easy to clean the tray after eating. In addition, there is no design restriction such as narrowing the vicinity of the bottom of the food storage section, and it is possible to improve the stability during transportation on the production line and the stability during eating. In this way, the tray of the present invention significantly contributes to the production of trayed food such as frozen food, which is provided with the food arranged on the tray, with good appearance and good productivity.

[0019] <Food Storage Section> In the tray of the present invention, the food container includes a bottom and a peripheral wall rising from the peripheral edge of the bottom.

[0020] -Bottom- In the tray of the present invention, the shape of the bottom constituting the food storage section is not particularly limited as long as the food can be stored in contact with the bottom. The planar shape of the bottom may be, for example, a polygon or approximately polygon having 2n corners (where n is an integer of 2 or more), a circle, or an ellipse, preferably a polygon or approximately polygon having 2n corners, or an ellipse, and more preferably a rectangle or approximately rectangle, or an ellipse.

[0021] From the viewpoint of being able to enjoy the effect of the tray of the present invention, which is to realize the self-aligning function of food, it is preferable that the bottom has a shape in which the dimension in one direction is larger than the dimension in the other direction, i.e., a shape having a longitudinal direction, in a planar shape. Therefore, the aspect ratio of the bottom (ratio of the longitudinal dimension / the lateral dimension) in a planar shape is preferably more than 1, more preferably 1.05 or more, even more preferably 1.1 or more, 1.15 or more, or 1.2 or more. The upper limit of the aspect ratio is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 3 or less, 2.5 or less, 2 or less, etc.

[0022] As described above, the tray of the present invention can prevent the food from shifting even without providing a protrusion on the bottom of the food storage section. For example, in the tray of the present invention, the projected area of ​​the bottom of the food storage section is A b (cm 2 ), the inner surface area A' of the bottom b (cm 2 ) is 1.2A b may be less than or equal to 1.1A, and preferably b Below, 1.08A b Below, 1.06A b Below, 1.05A b Below, 1.04A b Less than or equal to 1.03A bIn the present invention, the projected area of ​​the bottom of the food storage unit means the projected area of ​​the bottom in a plan view of the food storage unit. The tray of the present invention, which has such a substantially flat bottom, has the advantage that the protrusions on the bottom do not get in the way when eating, allowing smooth eating, and can be easily cleaned after eating. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the projected area of ​​the bottom of the food storage unit is A b (cm 2 ), the inner surface area A' of the bottom b (cm 2 ) is A' b ≦1.1A b Meet the following.

[0023] In the tray of the present invention, the projected area A of the bottom of the food storage section b (cm 2 ) may be appropriately determined according to the size of the food to be stored. As described above, according to the tray of the present invention, it is not necessary to make the bottom part into a cone-shaped shape, and the large projected area A in relation to the size of the food can be obtained. b (cm 2 Even if a bottom having a groove is used, it is possible to prevent the food from shifting out of position, which is advantageous in terms of stability during transportation and eating.

[0024] In order to increase the stability of the tray, the bottom of the food storage section may be treated to have an anti-slip effect. Any treatment that can be used in food trays may be selected as the anti-slip treatment, and examples of such treatments include uneven or embossed treatments that impart an anti-slip shape, and coating with a high friction material. Such anti-slip treatment may be applied to the entire bottom of the food storage section, or may be applied to only a part of it. In the tray of the present invention, when the bottom of the food storage section is treated to have an anti-slip effect, the inner surface area A' of the bottom described above is preferably 100 to 200 mm. b (cm 2 It is preferable that the value of the inner surface area of ​​the uneven shape caused by the anti-slip treatment is within the above-mentioned suitable range.

[0025] -Peripheral wall- In the tray of the present invention, the peripheral wall constituting the food storage section includes, as described above, a first side wall and a second side wall whose rise angle changes in the extension direction.

[0026] In the present invention, the "extension direction" of the first side wall means the extension direction of the first side wall in a direction parallel to the main surface of the bottom of the food storage section. For example, in the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1, the extension direction of the side wall marked with the symbol S3 is the left-right direction in FIG. 1-1. The extension direction of the side wall marked with the symbol S1 in the same figure is also the left-right direction in the figure. On the other hand, the extension direction of the side walls marked with the symbols S2 and S4 in the same figure is the up-down direction in the same figure. In addition, when the side wall extends with a curvature (for example, in the case of the side walls marked with the symbols S2 and S4 in FIG. 4-1), the extension direction means the direction along the curvature. The "extension direction" of each side wall constituting the peripheral wall of the food storage section of the tray, including the second side wall, is the same.

[0027] The "rise angle" of the first side wall means the angle between the rise portion of the first side wall and the horizontal plane when the tray of the present invention is placed on the horizontal plane. For example, in the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1, the rise angle of the side wall marked with the reference symbol S3 near the left end in plan view is indicated by αA as shown in the A-A' end view in FIG. 1-2. The rise angle of the same side wall near the right end in plan view is indicated by αB as shown in the B-B' end view in FIG. 1-3. The "rise angle" of each side wall constituting the peripheral wall of the food storage section of the tray, including the second side wall, is the same.

[0028] In the tray of the present invention, the first side wall has a rise angle that changes from αA to αB in its extension direction. As described above, these rise angles αA and αB satisfy the relationship αA<αB. From the viewpoint of applying a sufficient rotational moment to the food and aligning the food in the desired position, αB is preferably (αA+5) or more, more preferably (αA+6) or more, even more preferably (αA+8) or more, (αA+9) or more, or (αA+10) or more. Here, the angle unit is degrees (same below). Also, from the viewpoint of easiness in designing the food storage section, αB is preferably (αA+20) or less, more preferably (αA+18) or less, even more preferably (αA+16) or less, or (αA+15) or less. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the rise angles αA and αB of the first side wall satisfy (αA+5)≦αB≦(αA+20).

[0029] In the first side wall, the rise angle αB is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above-mentioned preferred range in relation to the rise angle αA, but from the viewpoint of easily exerting a sufficient force returning the food to the center of the food storage section, it is preferably 40° or more, more preferably 45° or more, even more preferably 50° or more, 55° or more, or 60° or more, and the upper limit is preferably 70° or less, 68° or less, 66° or less, or 65° or less. Thus, in one embodiment, the rise angle αB of the first side wall is 40° or more and 70° or less.

[0030] In the tray of the present invention, the shape of the first side wall is not particularly limited as long as the rise angle in the extension direction changes from αA to αB and the first side wall can form the peripheral wall of the food storage section together with the other side walls. From the viewpoint of adjusting the opening shape (in plan view) of the peripheral wall forming the food storage section to any shape and preventing the opening area (in plan view) of the peripheral wall from becoming excessively large while exhibiting the self-aligning function of food, the angle of the first side wall with the horizontal plane may be in the range of αA to αB from the bottom to a certain height, and the angle of the first side wall with the horizontal plane may be larger in the range beyond the certain height from the bottom. For example, in the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S3 forms an angle of αA with the horizontal plane up to a certain height near the left end in plan view, and the angle of the side wall with the horizontal plane is larger than αA in the range beyond the height (see the A-A' end view in FIG. 1-2). The angle that the first side wall makes with the horizontal plane near the right end in a plan view is αB up to a certain height, and the angle that the first side wall makes with the horizontal plane is larger than αB above that height (see the B-B' end view in Figure 1-3). The height at which the angle that the first side wall makes with the horizontal plane changes may be determined according to the size (thickness) of the food to be stored, the values ​​of the rise angles αA and αB, and the extension length and height of the first side wall.

[0031] In the tray of the present invention, the second side wall has a rise angle that changes from αA' to αB' in the extension direction. As described above, these rise angles αA' and αB' satisfy the relationship αA'>αB'. From the viewpoint of applying a sufficient rotational moment to the food and aligning the food in the desired position, αA' is preferably (αB'+5) or more, more preferably (αB'+6) or more, even more preferably (αB'+8) or more, (αB'+9) or more, or (αB'+10) or more [angle unit is °]. Also, from the viewpoint of easiness in designing the food container, αA' is preferably (αB'+20) or less, more preferably (αB'+18) or less, even more preferably (αB'+16) or less, or (αB'+15) or less. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the rise angles αA' and αB' of the second sidewall satisfy (αB'+5)≦αA'≦(αB'+20).

[0032] In the second side wall, the rise angle αA' is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above-mentioned preferred range in relation to the rise angle αB', but from the viewpoint of easily exerting a sufficient force returning the food to the center of the food storage section, it is preferably 40° or more, more preferably 45° or more, even more preferably 50° or more, 55° or more, or 60° or more, and the upper limit is preferably 70° or less, 68° or less, 66° or less, or 65° or less. Thus, in one embodiment, the rise angle αA' of the second side wall is 40° or more and 70° or less.

[0033] In the tray of the present invention, the shape of the second side wall is not particularly limited as long as the rising angle in the extending direction changes from αA' to αB' and the second side wall can form the peripheral wall of the food storage section together with the other side walls. As described for the first side wall, the angle between the second side wall and the horizontal plane is in the range of αA' to αB' from the bottom to a certain height, and the angle between the second side wall and the horizontal plane may be larger in the range exceeding the certain height from the bottom. For example, in the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S1 has an angle between the second side wall and the horizontal plane of αA' up to a certain height near the left end in a plan view, and the angle between the second side wall and the horizontal plane is larger than αA' in the range exceeding the certain height (see the A-A' end view in FIG. 1-2). The angle between the second side wall and the horizontal plane of αB' up to a certain height near the right end in a plan view, and the angle between the second side wall and the horizontal plane is larger than αB' in the range exceeding the certain height (see the B-B' end view in FIG. 1-3). The height at which the angle of the second side wall with respect to the horizontal plane changes may be determined depending on the dimensions (thickness) of the food to be stored, the values ​​of the rise angles αA' and αB', and the extension length and height of the second side wall.

[0034] In the tray of the present invention, the first side wall and the second side wall face each other such that the portion with the rise angle αA corresponds to the portion with the rise angle αA', and the portion with the rise angle αB corresponds to the portion with the rise angle αB'. For example, in the food tray shown in Fig. 1-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S3 and the side wall marked with the symbol S1 face each other such that the portion with the rise angle αA corresponds to the portion with the rise angle αA', and the portion with the rise angle αB corresponds to the portion with the rise angle αB' (see the A-A' end view in Fig. 1-2 and the B-B' end view in Fig. 1-3).

[0035] From the viewpoint of applying a sufficient rotational moment to the food and aligning the food in the desired position, it is preferable that the rising angle αA of the first side wall and the rising angle αA' of the second side wall satisfy the relationship αA<αA'. αA' is preferably (αA+5) or more, more preferably (αA+6) or more, even more preferably (αA+8) or more, (αA+9) or more, or (αA+10) or more, and its upper limit is preferably (αA+20) or less, more preferably (αA+18) or less, even more preferably (αA+16) or less, or (αA+15) or less [angle unit is °]. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the rising angle αA of the first side wall and the rising angle αA' of the second side wall satisfy (αA+5)≦αA'≦(αA+20).

[0036] From the viewpoint of applying a sufficient rotational moment to the food and aligning the food in the desired position, it is preferable that the rising angle αB of the first side wall and the rising angle αB' of the second side wall satisfy the relationship αB>αB'. αB is preferably (αB'+5) or more, more preferably (αB'+6) or more, even more preferably (αB'+8) or more, (αB'+9) or more, or (αB'+10) or more, and its upper limit is preferably (αB'+20) or less, more preferably (αB'+18) or less, even more preferably (αB'+16) or less, or (αB'+15) or less [angle unit is °]. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the rising angle αB of the first side wall and the rising angle αB' of the second side wall satisfy (αB'+5)≦αB≦(αB'+20).

[0037] As described above, in the tray of the present invention, the shapes of the first side wall and the second side wall are not particularly limited. In the tray of the present invention, in which the first side wall and the second side wall are provided facing each other and the rise angle changes in the extension direction, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of food caused by vibrations received during transportation on a production line and changes in the direction of the tray without making the first side wall and the second side wall complex in shape. For example, in the tray of the present invention, when the projected area of ​​the first side wall is A s1 (cm 2 ), the inner surface area A' of the first side wall s1 (cm 2 ) is 2A s1 Below, 1.8A s1 Less than or equal to 1.6A s1 may be less than or equal to 1.5A, preferably s1 Below, 1.4A s1 Below, 1.3A s1 Less than or equal to 1.2A s1 Similarly, in the tray of the present invention, the projected area of ​​the second side wall may be A s2 (cm 2 ), the inner surface area A' of the second side wall s2 (cm 2 ) is 2A s2 Below, 1.8A s2 Less than or equal to 1.6A s2 may be less than or equal to 1.5A, preferably s2 Below, 1.4A s2 Below, 1.3A s2 Less than or equal to 1.2A s2In the present invention, the projected area of ​​the first side wall means the projected area of ​​the first side wall when the food storage unit is viewed from the front so that the first side wall is visible from the front. Similarly, the projected area of ​​the second side wall means the projected area of ​​the second side wall when the food storage unit is viewed from the front so that the second side wall is visible from the front. For example, in the food tray shown in Figure 1-1, if the side wall marked with the symbol S3 is the first side wall and the side wall marked with the symbol S1 is the second side wall, the projected area of ​​the first side wall means the projected area of ​​the side wall when the food storage unit is viewed from the front so that the first side wall (the side wall marked with the symbol S3) is visible from the front, i.e., the projected area of ​​the side wall in the rear view shown in Figure 5-2, and the projected area of ​​the second side wall means the projected area of ​​the side wall when the food storage unit is viewed from the front so that the second side wall (the side wall marked with the symbol S1) is visible from the front, i.e., the projected area of ​​the side wall in the front view shown in Figure 5-1.

[0038] The tray of the present invention, which does not require a complicated shape for the first and second side walls, has the advantage that the shape of the side walls does not get in the way during eating, allowing smooth eating, and can be easily cleaned after eating. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the projected area of ​​the first side wall is A s1 (cm 2 ), the projected area of ​​the second side wall is A s2 (cm 2 ), the inner surface area A' of the first side wall s1 (cm 2 ) and the inner surface area A' of the second side wall s2 (cm 2 ) is A' s1 ≦1.5A s1 and A' s2 ≦1.5A s2 Meet the following.

[0039] In the tray of the present invention, the peripheral wall constituting the food storage section may include only one pair of the first side wall and the second side wall, or may include two or more pairs. For example, when the bottom of the food storage section has a polygonal or substantially polygonal shape with 2n corners in a plan view, where n is an integer of 3 or more, the peripheral wall may include three or more pairs of the first side wall and the second side wall. In this regard, from the viewpoint of being able to enjoy the effect of the tray of the present invention, which is to realize the self-aligning function of food, it is preferable that the peripheral wall includes one or two pairs of the first side wall and the second side wall, and more preferably includes only one pair.

[0040] In addition, in the tray of the present invention, it is preferable that the above-mentioned first side wall and second side wall are provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction in the plan view shape of the bottom of the food storage section, from the viewpoint of being able to enjoy the effect of the tray of the present invention, which is to realize the self-alignment function of food. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the first side wall and the second side wall extend in the longitudinal direction in the plan view shape of the bottom of the food storage section. For example, in the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1, the longitudinal direction in the plan view shape of the bottom of the food storage section corresponds to the left-right direction in the figure. And, as can be seen from the change in the rising angle in the extension direction, the side wall marked with the symbol S3 and the side wall marked with the symbol S1 correspond to the first side wall and the second side wall, and extend in the left-right direction in the figure, that is, in the longitudinal direction in the plan view shape of the bottom of the food storage section.

[0041] In the tray of the present invention, the shape and dimensions of the other side walls constituting the peripheral wall of the food storage section are not particularly limited as long as they can form a peripheral wall together with the first side wall and the second side wall. In the tray of the present invention, like the first side wall and the second side wall, the other side walls do not need to have a complex shape. For example, in the tray of the present invention, the projected area of ​​the other side walls that do not correspond to the first side wall and the second side wall can be set to A. Sx (cm 2 ), the inner surface area A' of the side wall sx (cm 2 ) is 2A sx Below, 1.8A sx Less than or equal to 1.6A sxmay be less than or equal to 1.5A, preferably sx Below, 1.4A sx Below, 1.3A sx Less than or equal to 1.2A sx It may be the following:

[0042] As described above, the tray of the present invention has a large projected area A in relation to the size of the food. b (cm 2 For example, in the tray of the present invention, the opening area (projected area in a plan view) of the food storage section defined by the upper end (open end) of the peripheral wall is A о (cm 2 ) the projected area A of the bottom of the food storage section b (cm 2 ) is 0.5A о or more, preferably 0.55A. о More than 0.6A о Above 0.65A о or more than 0.7A о That's all.

[0043] The tray of the present invention may be provided with a stacking rib near the opening of the food storage section. By providing the stacking rib, when a plurality of trays of the present invention are stacked on a production line, the trays are prevented from sticking to each other, and the trays of the present invention can be smoothly inserted. The shape and dimensions of the stacking rib may be any conventionally known shape depending on the specific design of the food storage section.

[0044] The tray of the present invention may include other compartments as long as it includes the food storage section. For example, it may include a compartment for filling vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, etc., or a compartment for filling side dishes such as potato salad, etc., adjacent to the food storage section. The positions, shapes, and dimensions of these other compartments are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0045] The tray of the present invention may also include a plurality of the above-mentioned food containers. When a plurality of food containers are included, the shapes and dimensions of the respective food containers may be the same or different from each other.

[0046] The material of the tray of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be any material that can be used in the manufacture of food trays. The tray of the present invention may be made of, for example, one or more materials selected from the group consisting of plastic materials, metals, and paper. Examples of plastic materials include various synthetic resins such as polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and polyvinylidene chloride. Examples of metals include aluminum, copper, iron, stainless steel, and alloys thereof, among which aluminum and its alloys are particularly suitable because they have good thermal conductivity, are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to process. As for paper, various paper materials that can be used in the manufacture of food trays may be used, and heat-resistant paper may be used in applications requiring heat resistance, such as when subjected to oven heating.

[0047] When the tray of the present invention is manufactured from a plastic material, it can be manufactured by any conventionally known method such as vacuum molding, compressed air molding, injection molding, etc. In addition, since the tray of the present invention does not require a complicated shape, it may be manufactured by a conventional method using metal or paper.

[0048] In the tray of the present invention, the thickness of each part, including the food storage part, may be appropriately determined according to the size and weight of the food to be stored. From the viewpoint of ensuring mechanical strength, the thickness of each part is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 20 μm or more, and the upper limit is not particularly limited, but may usually be 1 mm or less, 800 μm or less, 600 μm or less, etc.

[0049] The color of the tray of the present invention is not particularly limited and may be appropriately determined depending on the material of the tray and the color of the food to be stored therein. For example, the color may be white, black, brown, metallic, etc., or it may be transparent.

[0050] The tray of the present invention can suppress misalignment of food, and enables sauces and toppings to be filled and arranged at desired positions relative to the food, resulting in efficient production of trayed food with good appearance. Thus, the tray of the present invention can be suitably used for producing trayed food in which the food is served in a state where it is arranged on the tray, and can be more suitably used for producing frozen food in which the food is served in a state where it is arranged on the tray. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the tray of the present invention is for frozen food.

[0051] The tray of the present invention can also be suitably used to produce trayed foods (preferably frozen foods) that are provided in a state where the foods are arranged on the tray and can be served directly on the table and eaten after being heated in a microwave oven, oven, etc. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the tray of the present invention is for use in microwave heating or oven heating.

[0052] In the tray of the present invention, examples of foods suitable for storage in the food storage section include hamburger steak, steak, chicken, fish, stuffed cabbage, pork stir-fry, etc. With the tray of the present invention, it is possible to fill and arrange sauces, creams, and toppings at desired positions in relation to the food, and it is possible to efficiently produce tray-packed foods that have a good appearance and can be eaten simply by heating them.

[0053] The tray of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings.

[0054] Fig. 1-1 shows a plan view of a food tray (square shape) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4 show cross-sectional end views taken along lines A-A', B-B', and C-C' in Fig. 1-1, respectively, Figs. 5-1 to 5-6 show six-sided views of the food tray (front view, back view, left side view, right side view, plan view, and bottom view shown in that order), and Figs. 5-7 to 5-9 show cross-sectional end views taken along lines A-A', B-B', and C-C' in the plan view of Fig. 5-5 (same as Fig. 1-1).

[0055] In the food tray shown in Fig. 1-1, the food storage section includes a bottom 1 and a peripheral wall consisting of four side walls marked with symbols S1, S2, S3, and S4 rising from the peripheral edge of the bottom 1. In Fig. 1-1, the upper end (open end) of the peripheral wall is marked with symbol 2, and the upper end 2 of the side walls marked with symbols S2 and S4 has a handle portion 3. The shape of the handle portion 3 is not particularly limited, and the handle portion 3 may be omitted.

[0056] In the food tray shown in Figure 1-1, the bottom 1 of the food storage section has a rectangular shape in plan view, and the bottom 1 has a shape in which the left-right dimension is greater than the up-down dimension in the figure. In the figure, the bottom 1 has an aspect ratio (left-right dimension / up-down dimension) of about 1.2 in plan view. In this regard, as mentioned above, the aspect ratio may be changed within a range of more than 1 and not more than 3.

[0057] In the food tray shown in Fig. 1-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S3 has a rise angle that changes from αA to αB (where αA<αB) in its extension direction from the left end vicinity to the right end vicinity in the figure (see the A-A' end view in Fig. 1-2 and the B-B' end view in Fig. 1-3; in the figures, αA is 50° and αB is 60°), and corresponds to the "first side wall." Also, the side wall marked with the symbol S1 has a rise angle that changes from αA' to αB' (where αA'>αB') in its extension direction from the left end vicinity to the right end vicinity in the figure (see the A-A' end view in Fig. 1-2 and the B-B' end view in Fig. 1-3; in the figures, αA' is 60° and αB' is 50°), and corresponds to the "second side wall." The side wall designated by the symbol S3 (first side wall) and the side wall designated by the symbol S1 (second side wall) face each other such that the portion with rise angle αA corresponds to the portion with rise angle αA', and the portion with rise angle αB corresponds to the portion with rise angle αB'. Furthermore, these first and second side walls extend in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1-1) in the plan view of the bottom of the food storage unit.

[0058] In the food tray shown in Fig. 1-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S2, which constitutes the peripheral wall together with the first and second side walls, does not change its rise angle of αC in its extension direction from near the upper end to near the lower end in the figure (see the CC' end view in Fig. 1-4, the front view in Fig. 5-1, and the rear view in Fig. 5-2; in the figures, αC is 80°). Similarly, the side wall marked with the symbol S4 does not change its rise angle of αC' in its extension direction from near the upper end to near the lower end in the figure (see the CC' end view in Fig. 1-4, the front view in Fig. 5-1, and the rear view in Fig. 5-2; in the figures, αC is 80°).

[0059] Therefore, in the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1, the peripheral walls constituting the food container include only a pair of a first side wall and a second side wall.

[0060] Fig. 2-1 shows a plan view of a food tray (square shape) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5 show cross-sectional end views taken along lines A-A', B-B', D-D', and E-E' in Fig. 2-1, respectively, Figs. 6-1 to 6-6 show six-sided views of the food tray (front view, back view, left side view, right side view, plan view, and bottom view shown in that order), and Figs. 6-7 to 6-10 show cross-sectional end views taken along lines A-A', B-B', D-D', and E-E' in the plan view of Fig. 6-5 (same as Fig. 2-1).

[0061] In the food tray shown in Fig. 2-1, the food storage section includes a bottom 1 and a peripheral wall consisting of four side walls marked with symbols S1, S2, S3, and S4 rising from the peripheral edge of the bottom 1. In Fig. 2-1, the upper end (open end) of the peripheral wall is marked with symbol 2, and the upper end 2 of the side walls marked with symbols S2 and S4 has a handle portion 3. The shape of the handle portion 3 is not particularly limited, and the handle portion 3 may be omitted.

[0062] In the food tray shown in Fig. 2-1, the bottom 1 of the food storage section has a rectangular shape in plan view, and the bottom 1 has a shape in which the vertical dimension and the horizontal dimension in the figure are equal. As described above, from the viewpoint of being able to enjoy the effect of the tray of the present invention, which is to realize the self-alignment function of food, it is preferable that the bottom has a shape in which the dimension in one direction is larger than the dimension in the other direction in plan view, but even in the embodiment shown in this figure, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of food. In this regard, for example, the plan view of Fig. 2-1 may be enlarged 1.05 to 3 times in the horizontal direction, and the design may be modified so that the bottom of the food storage section has a rectangular shape in plan view with an aspect ratio in the range of 1.05 to 3.

[0063] In the food tray shown in Fig. 2-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S3 has a rise angle that changes from αA to αB (where αA<αB) in its extension direction from the left end vicinity to the right end vicinity in the figure (see the A-A' end view in Fig. 2-2 and the B-B' end view in Fig. 2-3; in the figures, αA is 50° and αB is 60°), and corresponds to the "first side wall." Also, the side wall marked with the symbol S1 has a rise angle that changes from αA' to αB' (where αA'>αB') in its extension direction from the left end vicinity to the right end vicinity in the figure (see the A-A' end view in Fig. 2-2 and the B-B' end view in Fig. 2-3; in the figures, αA' is 60° and αB' is 50°), and corresponds to the "second side wall." The side wall (first side wall) marked with the symbol S3 and the side wall (second side wall) marked with the symbol S1 face each other such that the portion with rise angle αA corresponds to the portion with rise angle αA', and the portion with rise angle αB corresponds to the portion with rise angle αB'.

[0064] In the food tray shown in Fig. 2-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S2 has a rise angle that changes from αD to αE (where αD<αE) in its extension direction from near the upper end to near the lower end in the figure (see the D-D' end view in Fig. 2-4 and the E-E' end view in Fig. 2-5; in the figures, αD is 50° and αE is 60°), and corresponds to the "first side wall." Also, the side wall marked with the symbol S4 has a rise angle that changes from αD' to αE' (where αD'>αE') in its extension direction from near the upper end to near the lower end in the figure (see the D-D' end view in Fig. 2-4 and the E-E' end view in Fig. 2-5; in the figures, αD' is 60° and αE' is 50°), and corresponds to the "second side wall." The side wall (first side wall) marked with the symbol S2 and the side wall (second side wall) marked with the symbol S4 face each other such that the portion with rise angle αD corresponds to the portion with rise angle αD', and the portion with rise angle αE corresponds to the portion with rise angle αE', respectively.

[0065] Therefore, in the food tray shown in FIG. 2-1, the peripheral walls constituting the food containing portion include two pairs of first and second side walls.

[0066] Fig. 3-1 shows a plan view of a food tray (hexagonal shape) according to one embodiment of the present invention, while Figs. 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4 show cross-sectional end views taken along lines A-A', B-B', and C-C' in Fig. 3-1, respectively.

[0067] In the food tray shown in Fig. 3-1, the food storage section includes a bottom 1 and a peripheral wall consisting of six side walls marked with symbols S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 rising from the peripheral edge of the bottom 1. In Fig. 3-1, the upper end (open end) of the peripheral wall is marked with symbol 2, and the upper end 2 of the side walls marked with symbols S1 and S4 has a handle portion 3. The shape of the handle portion 3 is not particularly limited, and the handle portion 3 may be omitted.

[0068] In the food tray shown in Figure 3-1, the bottom 1 of the food storage section has a hexagonal shape in plan view, and the bottom 1 has a shape whose left-right dimension is greater than its up-down dimension in the figure. As mentioned above, the aspect ratio may be changed within a range of more than 1 and not more than 3.

[0069] In the food tray shown in Fig. 3-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S4 has a rise angle that changes from αA to αB (where αA<αB) in its extension direction from the left end vicinity to the right end vicinity in the figure (see the A-A' end view in Fig. 3-2 and the B-B' end view in Fig. 3-3; in the figures, αA is 50° and αB is 60°), and corresponds to the "first side wall." Also, the side wall marked with the symbol S1 has a rise angle that changes from αA' to αB' (where αA'>αB') in its extension direction from the left end vicinity to the right end vicinity in the figure (see the A-A' end view in Fig. 3-2 and the B-B' end view in Fig. 3-3; in the figures, αA' is 60° and αB' is 50°), and corresponds to the "second side wall." The side wall designated by the reference symbol S4 (first side wall) and the side wall designated by the reference symbol S1 (second side wall) face each other such that the portion with rise angle αA corresponds to the portion with rise angle αA', and the portion with rise angle αB corresponds to the portion with rise angle αB'. Furthermore, these first and second side walls extend in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 3-1) in the plan view shape of the bottom of the food storage unit.

[0070] In the food tray shown in Figure 3-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S2 has a rise angle in its extension direction that decreases from αx to αC from near the right end (lower end) to near the left end (upper end) in the figure, and the side wall marked with the symbol S5 has a rise angle in its extension direction that increases from αC to αy from near the right end (lower end) to near the left end (upper end) in the figure (see the CC' end view in Figure 3-4; αx and αy are not shown; αx is 60°, αy is 50°, and αC is 50°). Therefore, the side wall marked with the symbol S2 corresponds to the "first side wall," and the side wall marked with the symbol S5 corresponds to the "second side wall." The side wall (first side wall) marked with the symbol S2 and the side wall (second side wall) marked with the symbol S5 face each other such that the portion of the first side wall with the rise angle αx corresponds to the portion of the second side wall with the rise angle αC, and the portion of the first side wall with the rise angle αC corresponds to the portion of the second side wall with the rise angle αy.

[0071] In the food tray shown in Fig. 3-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S3, which constitutes the peripheral wall together with the first and second side walls, has a rise angle of αC in its extension direction that does not change from near the left end (lower end) to near the right end (upper end) in the figure (see the C-C' end view in Fig. 3-4; in the figure, αC is 50° and is the same as αA). Similarly, the side wall marked with the symbol S6 has a rise angle of αC' in its extension direction that does not change from near the left end (lower end) to near the right end (upper end) in the figure (see the C-C' end view in Fig. 3-4; in the figure, αC is 50° and is the same as αB).

[0072] Therefore, in the food tray shown in FIG. 3-1, the peripheral walls constituting the food containing portion include two pairs of first and second side walls.

[0073] Fig. 4-1 shows a plan view of a food tray (approximately rectangular or elliptical) according to one embodiment of the present invention, while Figs. 4-2, 4-3, and 4-4 show cross-sectional end views taken along lines A-A', B-B', and C-C' in Fig. 4-1, respectively.

[0074] In the food tray shown in Fig. 4-1, the food storage section includes a bottom 1 and a peripheral wall consisting of four side walls marked with symbols S1, S2, S3, and S4 rising from the peripheral edge of the bottom 1. In Fig. 4-1, the upper end (open end) of the peripheral wall is marked with symbol 2, and the upper end 2 of the side walls marked with symbols S2 and S4 has a handle portion 3. The shape of the handle portion 3 is not particularly limited, and the handle portion 3 may be omitted.

[0075] In the food tray shown in Figure 4-1, the bottom 1 of the food storage section has a generally rectangular or elliptical shape in plan view, and the bottom 1 has a shape in which the left-right dimension is greater than the up-down dimension in the figure. In the figure, the bottom 1 has an aspect ratio (left-right dimension / up-down dimension) of about 1.6 in plan view. In this regard, as mentioned above, the aspect ratio may be changed within a range of more than 1 and not more than 3.

[0076] In the food tray shown in Fig. 4-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S3 has a rise angle that changes from αA to αB (where αA<αB) in its extension direction from the left end to the right end in the figure (see the A-A' end view in Fig. 4-2 and the B-B' end view in Fig. 4-3; in the figures, αA is 50° and αB is 60°), and corresponds to the "first side wall." The side wall marked with the symbol S1 has a rise angle that changes from αA' to αB' (where αA'>αB') in its extension direction from the left end to the right end in the figure (see the A-A' end view in Fig. 4-2 and the B-B' end view in Fig. 4-3; in the figures, αA' is 60° and αB' is 50°), and corresponds to the "second side wall." The side wall designated by the symbol S3 (first side wall) and the side wall designated by the symbol S1 (second side wall) face each other such that the portion with rise angle αA corresponds to the portion with rise angle αA', and the portion with rise angle αB corresponds to the portion with rise angle αB'. Furthermore, these first and second side walls extend in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 4-1) in the plan view shape of the bottom of the food storage unit.

[0077] In the food tray shown in Fig. 4-1, the side wall marked with the symbol S2 has a rise angle that changes from αA to αA' (where αA<αA') in its extension direction from near the upper end to near the lower end in the figure (see the A-A' end view in Fig. 4-2 and the C-C' end view in Fig. 4-4; in the figures, αA is 50°, αA' is 60°, and αC is 55°), and corresponds to the "first side wall." Also, the side wall marked with the symbol S4 has a rise angle that changes from αB to αB' (where αB>αB') in its extension direction from near the upper end to near the lower end in the figure (see the B-B' end view in Fig. 4-3 and the C-C' end view in Fig. 4-4; in the figures, αB is 60°, αB' is 50°, and αC' is 55°), and corresponds to the "second side wall." The side wall (first side wall) marked with the symbol S2 and the side wall (second side wall) marked with the symbol S4 face each other such that the portion with rise angle αA corresponds to the portion with rise angle αB, and the portion with rise angle αA' corresponds to the portion with rise angle αB'.

[0078] Therefore, in the food tray shown in FIG. 4-1, the peripheral walls constituting the food containing portion include two pairs of first and second side walls.

[0079] Although Figures 1-1, 2-1, 3-1 and 4-1 show a food tray including only one food storage section, as described above, other compartments may be provided in addition to the food storage section, and multiple food storage sections may be provided. Also, the rise angle of each side wall may be changed within the preferred range described above. Furthermore, in Figures 1-1, 2-1 and 3-1, the corners of each member may be changed to be rounded.

[0080] [Food in trays] A food product can be produced by placing food in the food storage section of the tray of the present invention. The present invention also provides such a food product.

[0081] The tray-packed food product of the present invention comprises the tray of the present invention and food contained in contact with the bottom of the food container portion of the tray.

[0082] Details of the tray of the present invention are as explained in the above [Food Tray] section. Also, foods suitable for storage in the food storage section of the tray are as explained in the above [Food Tray] section.

[0083] Depending on the type of food, the food may be cooked by boiling, steaming, baking, or other methods before being stored in the food storage section. After storing the food, the food may be appropriately covered with a lid and / or a package and then stored or distributed.

[0084] The tray food of the present invention can be suitably applied to frozen foods. For example, food may be placed in the food storage section of the tray of the present invention, and then appropriately covered with a lid and / or a packaging material, and then stored and distributed in a frozen state.

[0085] The tray-packed food of the present invention can be easily and quickly made ready to eat by removing the lid and / or packaging and then heating the tray-packed food in a microwave oven or oven. In addition, the tray-packed food of the present invention has sauces and toppings filled and arranged at desired positions relative to the food, presenting a good appearance and ensuring stability when eaten because the bottom area of ​​the food storage section is secured. Furthermore, no complex shape is required for the bottom or peripheral wall of the food storage section, allowing smooth eating and providing the advantage that the tray can be easily washed after eating. EXAMPLES

[0086] [Example] A cooked hamburger steak was placed in the food storage section of the food tray shown in FIG. 1-1. In the food tray used, the bottom of the food storage section had a planar dimension of 8.5 cm × 10.5 cm, the opening defined by the upper end of the peripheral wall of the food storage section had a planar dimension of 11.2 cm × 11.2 cm, the rise angles αA, αB, αA', αB', αC, and αC' of each side wall were as described above, and the height of the tray was 4.5 cm. The material of the tray was polypropylene, and the thickness of the bottom and peripheral wall of the food storage section was about 600 μm. The length of the placed hamburger steak was about 9 cm, the width was 7 cm, the thickness was about 3.5 cm, and the weight was about 140 g. After conveying the trays containing the hamburger steaks under conveying conditions simulating those of a production line (conveying speed 30 m / min, conveying distance 13 m, 7 conveyor transfers, 2 direction changes (90° each time)), the position and orientation of the hamburger steaks (the angle between the longitudinal direction of the bottom of the food tray in a plan view and the longitudinal direction of the hamburger steak) were confirmed (N=50). As a result, in all N=50 cases, the hamburger steaks were located at the center of the food storage section (in a plan view), and the angle between the longitudinal direction of the bottom and the longitudinal direction of the hamburger steaks was within 30°.

[0087] [Comparative Example] A food tray was prepared in the same manner as in the example, except that the side wall designated with the symbol S1 and the side wall designated with the symbol S3 had a constant rise angle of 50° in their extension direction, and cooked hamburgers were placed in the food storage portion of the tray. The trays containing the hamburger steaks were transported under the same transport conditions as in the examples, and the position and orientation of the hamburger steaks were then checked (N=50). As a result, in 25 samples out of N=50, the hamburger steaks had either moved away from the center of the food storage section (when viewed from above) or the angle between the longitudinal direction of the bottom and the longitudinal direction of the hamburger steaks was over 45°. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 bottom 2 Upper end of the perimeter wall (open end) 3 Handle S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 sidewalls

Claims

1. A food tray including a food container, The food container has a bottom and a peripheral wall rising from a peripheral edge of the bottom, The peripheral wall is (i) a first side wall whose rise angle changes from αA to αB (where αA<αB≦70 [angle unit: °]) in its extending direction; (ii) a second side wall whose rise angle changes from αA' to αB' (where 70≧αA'>αB' [angle unit is degrees]) in its extending direction; Including, Here, the rising angle means the angle between the rising portion of each side wall and the horizontal plane when the tray is placed on the horizontal plane, This food tray is characterized in that the first side wall and the second side wall are opposed to each other such that the portion with the rising angle αA corresponds to the portion with the rising angle αA', and the portion with the rising angle αB corresponds to the portion with the rising angle αB'.

2. 2. The food tray according to claim 1, wherein rising angles αA and αB satisfy (αA+5)≦αB≦(αA+20) [unit of angle is degrees].

3. 3. The food tray according to claim 1, wherein rising angles αA' and αB' satisfy (αB'+5)≦αA'≦(αB'+20) [unit of angle is degrees].

4. The projected area of ​​the bottom of the food storage section is A ｂ (cm ２ ), the inner surface area A' of the bottom ｂ (cm ２ ) is A' ｂ ≦1.1A ｂ The food tray according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which satisfies the above.

5. The projected area of ​​the first side wall is A ｓ１ (cm ２ ), the projected area of ​​the second side wall is A ｓ２ (cm ２ ), the inner surface area A' of the first side wall ｓ１ (cm ２ ) and the inner surface area A' of the second side wall ｓ２ (cm ２ ) is A' ｓ１ ≦1.5A ｓ１ and A' ｓ２ ≦1.5A ｓ２ The food tray according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which satisfies the above.

6. The food tray according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the planar shape of the bottom of the food storage section is a polygon or approximately polygon having 2n corners (where n is an integer of 2 or more), or an ellipse.

7. 7. The food tray according to claim 1, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall extend in the longitudinal direction in a plan view of the bottom of the food storage section.

8. The food tray according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of plastic materials, metals and paper.

9. 9. The food tray according to claim 1, wherein the food is a frozen food.

10. The food tray according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is for use in a microwave oven or oven.

11. A tray-containing food product comprising the food tray according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and food contained in contact with a bottom of a food containing section of the food tray.

Images