EP1809544A1

EP1809544A1 - Multiple compartment package

Info

Publication number: EP1809544A1
Application number: EP05798201A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paul A. Zerfas
Original assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings Inc
Current assignee: Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
Priority date: 2004-09-24
Filing date: 2005-09-22
Publication date: 2007-07-25
Also published as: US20060068063A1; CA2580950A1; WO2006036792A1

Abstract

A multiple compartment package includes a tray (13) having an open top tray compartment (14) and a removable tray cover (22), and an upper lid compartment (12) opposing and engaging the tray with a peelable film (25) sealing the bottom opening thereof. In one arrangement, the peelable film is removable from outside the package while the lid is opposing and engaging the top of the tray, to thereby dispense a secondary food product contained therein onto a primary food product in the tray compartment after the removable tray cover has been removed from the tray. Optionally, a hinge (20) connects the lid to the tray. Further, a method is provided for preparing a food product which includes causing a secondary food product to flow into a lower tray compartment by peeling a peelable film off the bottom of a lid compartment so as to allow the secondary food product to be dispersed into the tray compartment with A multiple compartment package includes a tray having an open top tray compartment and a removable tray cover, and an upper lid compartment opposing and engaging the tray with a peelable film sealing film sealing the bottom opening thereof. In one arrangement, the peelable film is removable from outside the package while the lid is opposing and engaging the top of the tray, to thereby dispense a secondary food product contained therein onto a primary food product in the tray compartment after the removable tray cover has been removed from the tray. Optionally, a hinge connects the lid to the tray. Further, a method is provided for preparing a food product which includes causing a secondary food product to flow into a lower tray compartment by peeling a peelable film off the bottom of a lid compartment so as to allow the secondary food product to be dispersed into the tray compartment with the primary food product. In another arrangement and method, the lid compartment may contain a hardened product which, after removal of covers the lid compartment and tray compartment, will melt and fall onto the food product in the tray compartment when the package is heated.

Description

MULTIPLE COMPARTMENT PACKAGE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a multiple compartment package and in particular a multiple compartment package which can be used to contain multiple food products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Packages containing food products come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the food product contained. Occasionally it is beneficial to package a variety of food products designed to be eaten together in a single package. One suitable prior package contains a plurality of different compartments, each one containing a different food product. For example, it is common to find a package having one compartment for a primary food product such as chips or crackers and a secondary compartment for a dip or a spread to be applied to the primary food product. [0003] One disadvantage of conventional food packages is that they do not provide a convenient, reliable and efficient package for containing multiple individual food products which allows one to mix the individual food components together within the package.

[0004] There is a need for a new and improved multiple compartment package for containing and serving multiple food products within a single package. Further, there is a need to have a new and improved package which provides improved

I23LT:0OOO:2906:2:ALEX ANDRIA dispensability or mixability of the individual food products within a single eat-in or serve-from package.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a multiple compartment package. The package includes a lower tray and a lid which permits the package to be in an opened or closed configuration. The tray includes a compartment which holds a primary food product, for example meat strips or slices. The lid is sealed closed with a removable cover such as a removable film The lid includes a compartment which contains a secondary food product which is flowable, such as a liquid sauce, for example barbeque sauce or gravy, or a flowable granular topping such as bacon bits. The lid compartment has an open bottom which is sealed by a removable cover such as a peelable film. In one arrangement the secondary food product is mixed with the primary food product by pulling on the peelable film when the package is in the closed configuration with the lid and hence the secondary food product on top of the tray and primary food product. As a result of pulling the peelable film away from the package, the secondary food product is permitted to flow down into the tray onto the primary food product [0006] In various alternate forms, the lid is hinged to the tray and a releasable connection holds the lid and tray together. In yet a further form, a second lid compartment holds a tertiary food product which is dispensed onto the primary food product by removing a peelable film which may be the same as the peelable film sealing the first lid compartment or a second peelable film specific for the tertiary food product. In another arrangement, the lid compartment may contain a food product which is solid

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA at room temperature and melts when heated. After films have been removed from both the tray and the lid, upon heating, the second food product will flow onto the food product in the tray compartment.

[0007] The present invention, in one form thereof, relates to a multiple compartment package comprising a tray having an open top tray compartment and a removable tray cover sealing the tray compartment. A lid opposes and engages the tray and has an open bottom lid compartment opposite the tray compartment. A peelable film covers the lid compartment and is removable from outside the package while the lid is opposed and engaged with the top of the tray to thereby dispense a secondary product contained therein onto a primary food product in the tray compartment after the removable tray cover has been removed. [0008] The present invention, in another form thereof, relates to a ready-to-eat food package comprising a tray having an open top tray compartment and a removable tray cover sealing the tray compartment. A primary food is disposed in the tray compartment. A lid opposes and engages the tray. The lid has an open bottom lid compartment opposite the tray compartment and a peelable film covering the lid compartment A secondary food is disposed in the lid compartment. The peelable film of the Hd compartment is removable from outside the package while the lid opposes and engages the top of the tray to thereby dispense a secondary food product contained therein onto a primary food product in the tray compartment after the removable tray cover has been removed.

[0009] The present invention, in another form thereof, relates to a multiple compartment packaging having a tray with an open top tray compartment and a

1231X0000:2906:2: ALEXANDRIA removable tray cover sealing the tray compartment. A lid opposes and engages the tray having an open bottom lid compartment opposite the tray compartment. A hinge joins the lid to the tray. A removable lid cover is over the open bottom of the lid compartment. In various further embodiments, the removable lid cover comprises a peelable film which is removable from outside the package while the lid is opposing and engaging the top of the tray, to thereby dispense a secondary product contained therein onto a primary food product in the tray compartment, after the removable tray cover has been removed.

[0010] The present invention in another form thereof concerns a multiple compartment package comprising a tray having an open top tray compartment and a removable tray cover sealing the tray compartment. A lid opposing and engaging the tray has an open bottom lid compartment opposite the tray compartment. A removable lid cover is over the open bottom lid compartment. A recessed portion is provided in an exterior bottom surface of the tray, complimentary in dimension to that of the lid compartment, to thereby allow the package to be stacked on top of a second identically shaped package. In one further form, the removable lid cover comprises a peelable film over the open bottom of the lid compartment which is removable from outside the package while the Hd is opposing and engaging he top of the tray, to thereby dispense a secondary product contained therein onto a primary food product in the tray compartment, after the removable tray cover has been removed. In an alternative further form, a hinge joins the lid to the tray.

[0011] The present invention, in another form thereof, concerns a ready-to-eat food package comprising a tray having a top tray compartment, a primary product in the

123LT:0Q0O:29O6:2:ALEXANDRIA tray compartment and a removable tray cover sealing the tray compartment. A lid opposing and engaging the tray has an open bottom lid compartment opposite the tray compartment. A secondary product is disposed in the lid compartment. The secondary product is solid at room temperature and melts when heated. A removable lid cover covers the open bottom of the lid compartment. The secondary product contained in the lid compartment is dispensable onto the primary food product in the tray compartment after the removable tray cover and removable lid cover have been removed, and the package is heated.

[0012] The present invention, in another form thereof, relates to a method for preparing a food product which includes taking a lower tray with an open top tray compartment and a primary food contained therein and taking a lid having a lid compartment which has an open bottom which is located over the tray compartment and a secondary food product contained therein, and a peelable film covering the open bottom. With the lid engaged with the tray, a secondary food product is caused to flow into the tray compartment by peeling the peelable film off of the bottom of the lid compartment so as to allow the secondary food product to be dispensed into the tray compartment onto the primary food.

[0013] The present invention, in yet another form thereof, relates to a method of preparing a food in a package which includes taking a lower tray of the package with an open top tray compartment, a primary food therein, and a removable tray cover covering the tray compartment and taking a lid of the package in which the lid has an open bottom which is placed over the tray and a secondary food product therein, and a removable lid cover covering the open bottom. The secondary product is hardened at

I23LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA room temperature and meltable when heated. With the lid engaged onto the tray and both removable covers removed, heating the container causes the secondary product to melt, thereby causing the secondary food product to flow into the tray compartment to be dispensed onto the primary food product in the tray compartment.

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple compartment package for containing a primary food product and a secondary food product, separately, until being ready to consume.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to selectively mix the secondary food product with the primary food product using a multiple compartment package.

[0016] It is an additional object of the present invention to mix a primary food product and a secondary food products together by peeling back or pulling on a peelable film which seals the secondary food product contained in a lid compartment, to thereby dispense the secondary food product into a lower tray compartment.

[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a two compartment package in which a lid compartment is hinged to a tray compartment with each compartment being sealed with a respective removable cover.

[0018] It is yet another object of the present invention in one form thereof to provide a lid compartment containing a secondary product which is solid at room temperature and melts when heated.

[0019] It is yet a further object of the present invention in one form thereof to provide a solid secondary product which melts upon heating to flow onto a primary food product contained in a tray after a removable tray cover has been removed.

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA [0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multiple compartment package which provides a convenient and mess-free way to add a secondary food product such as a sauce, gravy or other topping to a primary food product.

[0021] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a stackable multiple compartment package.

[0022] These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows, together with the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] There follows a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, to be read together with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a multiple compartment package in accordance with the present invention shown in its closed configuration, with a peelable film partially cut away.

[0025] Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the package of Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the package of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the package of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 5 is a top view of the package of Figure 1 in its open configuration with its lid turned 180° around a hinge.

[0029] Figure 6 is a side elevational view, partially in section, taken along line 6-6 of Figure 1 of two packages stacked on top of one another.

123LT;QOOO:2906:2:ALEXANDR1A [0030] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 1 with portions exploded to better show the invention.

[0031] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 7 but with a removable film removed from a tray compartment and a peelable film partially removed from a lid compartment.

[0032] Figure 9 is a top plan view of the lid of an alternate multiple compartment package having two lid compartments.

[0033] Figure 10 is a bottom view of Figure 9.

[0034] Figure 11 is a top plan view of the lid of an alternate multiple compartment package having two lid compartments.

[0035] Figure 12 is a bottom view of Figure 11.

[0036] Figure 13 is a top plan view of a lid of another embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Figure 14 is a side view of Figure 13.

[0038] Figure 15 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view similar to Figure 7, but showing a modification of the invention.

[0039] Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 15, but showing the container in a different condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0040] Referring to the drawings, like elements are represented by like throughout the several views.

8

123LT:0000:2906:2: ALEXANDRIA [0041] Referring to Figures 1-8, a multiple compartment package 10 comprises a lid 11 having a lid compartment 12, and a lower tray 13 having a tray compartment 14. Package 10 is thermoformed and can be made of any suitable material such as a heat resistant material which is microwavable, for example polypropylene. Advantageously, the package 10 is translucent or transparent.

[0042] A primary food product 60 such as meat strips or slices or a salad is contained in tray compartment 14. A secondary food product 61 is contained in lid compartment 12. The secondary food product 61 can be any flowable food product, such as, but not limited to a flowable liquid sauce such as barbeque sauce, dressing or gravy or a flowable granular topping such as bacon bits. [0043] As best shown in Figures 4 and 6, the bottom exterior surface of package 10 comprises a recess 15 which permits the tower compartment 14 of one package 10 to be stacked on the upper compartment 12 of a second package 10. The contours of the recess 15 provide a secure mating engagement with lid 11 of a lower stacked package 10. Specifically, the bottom surface of recess 15 mates with the top surface 12a of lid compartment 12 and inner step 16 mates with a lid compartment side 12b. The lowermost surface 18 is slightly spaced above the top of lid 11 outside of the lid compartment 12.

[0044] The Hd 11 and lower tray 13 are joined together by hinge 20. The hinge 20 allows package 10 to be transformed between a closed configuration shown in Figure 1 to an open configuration depicted in Figure 5. Closure 19, shown schematically, provides a releasable connection, keeping package 10 in a closed

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA configuration. Closure 19 can be a resealable tape strip or thermoformed interference-fit snap lugs.

[0045] Referring now specifically to Figure 5, a removable tray cover such as removable film 22 is sealed to the tray 13 thereby sealing the open top of the tray compartment 14. Removal of the removable film 22 allows one to gain access to the food product contained within the tray compartment 14. A tab portion 22a extends beyond the sealing surface 13a and provides a means for one to remove the removable film by pulling up and away from the lower tray 13. The removable film 22 can be heat sealed to sealing surface 13a and can be composed of suitable plastic material. Advantageously, the plastic material is clear, allowing one to see the contents of the tray 13 therethrough. Alternatively, the removable film 22 can be composed of a foil material, wax paper or any other suitable material which provides a cover over lower tray 13.

[0046] A peelable film 25 covers the opening of the lid compartment 12. As best shown in Figures 5 and 7, peelable film 25 comprises a long portion 25a, a fold 25b, and a sealing portion 25c which is folded under the long portion 25a. Sealing portion 25c is sealed to lid sealing surface 11a which seals the opening of lid compartment 12 and may be composed of the same material as removable film 22. An end portion 25d of long portion 25a as indicated by a broken line extends past the edge of tray 13. Peelable film 25 is peeled away from the lid compartment 12 by pulling on end 25d in a direction away from the package 10 to thereby allow sealing portion 25c to be withdrawn from the lid sealing surface 11a.

10

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA [0047] Initially, the package 10 will be in a closed configuration with the lid 11 on top of tray 13 as depicted in Figures 1 and 2. A consumer would first separate the lid 11 from tray 13 by releasing closure 19 and pivoting the lid 11 180 degrees about hinge 20, thereby transforming the package 10 into the open package configuration shown in Figure 5. Next, the removable film 22 is removed from the tray 13 by pulling up and away or back on tab 22a to retract the removable film 22 from the tray 13, thereby exposing or gaining access to the primary food product 60 contained therein. Subsequently, the lid 11 is turned back along hinge 20 so that package 10 is once again in its closed configuration with the removable film 22 now having been removed. [0048] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the secondary food product 61 contained within the lid compartment 12 is dispensed onto the primary food 60 by pulling on end 25d of peelable film 25 in a direction away from the package 10. As one pulls end 25d away from the package 10₁ the peelable film 25 is peeled back and withdrawn from the lid compartment 12. This action causes a controlled peeling of the film 25 from the lid surface and allows the secondary food product 61 to flow out of the bottom opening of lid compartment 12 and coat the primary food product 60 contained in the tray compartment 14.

[0049] If desired, the package 10 can be made of a microwavable material so that one can heat the contents within the package. When in its closed configuration, the clam-shell shaped design of the package 10 formed by lid 11 and tray 13 provides for steam containment and controlled venting through lid opening 21 which enhances the speed and evenness of heating while at the same time prevents undesirable pressure build-up within the package. Further, in the closed clam-shell configuration, the lid 11

11

123LT:0000:2906:2: ALEXANDRIA shields against splattering of food product out of the package 10. After heating is completed, a consumer can re-open the clam-shell by turning the lid 11 about hinge 20 and eat the contents directly out the package 10 or can transfer its contents to a plate or a sandwich roll.

[0050] Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, in an alternative form, package 30 has a modified lid 31 with other aspects of package 30 being the same as package 10. Lid 31 contains two lid compartments, a first lid compartment 32 and a second lid compartment 33 which are sealed by peelable films 34, 35 respectively. Like peelable film 25, peelable films 34, 35 include a long portion 34a, 35a, a fold 34b, 35b and a sealing portion 34c, 35c, respectively. Sealing portions 34c, 35c are sealed to lid 31 at lid sealing surfaces 31a, 31b, sealing first lid compartment 32 and second lid compartment 33, respectively.

[0051] Food products contained within first lid compartment 32 and second lid compartment 33 are dispensed to a lower tray compartment in a manner similar to that of package 10. Pulling on the ends 34d, 35d of long portion 34a, 35a in a direction away from package 30 causes the flow of food product to be dispensed onto a primary food product in the tray below when the package 30 is in its closed configuration. Depending on a consumers preference, one or the other or both lid compartments 32, 33 can be opened to dispense a flowable food product contained therein onto a primary food located in the tray compartment.

[0052] Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, in an alternative two lid compartment package 40, lid 41 contains two lid compartments 42, 43 aligned with a single peelable film 44 having a long portion 44a, a fold 44b and a sealing portion 44c. Package 40

12

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA includes a lower tray (not shown) which is the same as tray 13 of package 10. When in its closed configuration, pulling on end 44d of long portion 44a, first dispenses the contents of lid compartment 42. Continued pulling on end 44d will then disperse the contents of lid compartment 43, should it be desired. [0053] Figures 13 and 14 show modifications of the present invention.

Package 50 has a lid 51 with a round lid compartment 52. Peelable film 53 is applied to the lid 51 , sealing the open bottom lid compartment 52 in a manner similar to that of peelable film 25. In addition to having a round lid compartment, Figures 13 and 14 show a taller lid compartment which is possible where the package does not have a stackable feature which requires a shallower lid compartment. In the case of a non-stackable package, the tray would be the same as the tray of Figures 1-8 except that the bottom could be flat. The method of dispensing a secondary food product contained in lid compartment 52 to a primary food product contained in a lower tray (not shown) is the same as in that package 10.

[0054] Figures 15 and 16 show modifications of the present invention. In package 70, secondary product 71 is solid or hardened at room temperature but melts upon heating. Secondary food product 71 can be cheese or other sauce which is solid at room temperature but meltable when heated to produce a flowable product. [0055] A removable lid cover 23 seals the opening of lid compartment 12.

Removable lid cover 23 can be composed of the same material as removable film 22 and is applied to a lid sealing surface of lid 11 to seal the opening of the lid compartment 12.

13

123LT.000O:29O6:2: ALEXANDRIA [0056] Initially, package 70 will be in a closed configuration with the Hd 11 on top of tray 13. A customer would first separate the lid 11 from tray 13 and remove removable film 22 from tray 13 and remove removable lid cover 23 from the lid 11 thereby gaining access to both the primary food product 60 and secondary product 71 , respectively.

[0057] Next, with lid 11 over tray 13, package 70 is heated, e.g., placed in a microwave. Heating of the secondary product 71 causes the food product to melt and subsequently flow onto the primary food product 60 as depicted in Figure 16. [0058] One feature of the embodiment having a solid secondary product is that since the secondary product is solid at room temperature, the package can be transformed between an opened configuration and a closed configuration after the removable lid cover has been removed without being concerned with spilling the contents of the secondary product out of the package.

[0059] It will be now understood by one skilled in the art that the present multiple compartment package provides advantages and features not found in current food package designs. The lid compartment containing a flowable secondary food product over a tray compartment containing a primary food allows two different food products which are eaten together to be packaged in a single multiple compartment. [0060] A further advantage of the present package is that one can dispense a secondary food product onto a primary food product easily and conveniently by pulling on a peelable film to allow the secondary food product to be dispensed into a tray compartment with the primary food.

14

123LT:0000:2906:3 ALEXANDRIA [0061] A further feature of the present package is that it provides for heating food products within the same package which can be displayed on store shelves and also could be used as a package from which to eat.

[0062] An additional feature of the present package, in one form, is the ability to stack one package on top of another package. This allows one to easily display the package on store shelves. Further, the stackable feature of the present package allows the packages to be loaded into a corrugate shipping box for transport to a store or consumer.

[0063] Yet a further advantage of one form of the present package is a lid with multiple lid compartments containing various secondary food products, one or all of which a consumer can selectively choose to be dispensed onto a primary food contained in a tray compartment.

[0064] In the preferred embodiment, the lid and tray are hinged together as shown. However, the advantages of the invention are also achievable, although with slightly less convenience, if the lid and tray are separate, i.e., not hinged together. In this case another closure 19 would be provided at least on the edge where the hinge 20 is shown, and possibly on other edges.

[0065] Although the invention has been described above in relation to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be effected in these preferred embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

15

I23LT;0000:2906:3:ALEXANDRIA

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A multiple compartment package comprising: a tray having an open top tray compartment and a removable tray cover sealing the tray compartment; a Hd opposing and engaging the tray, the lid having an open bottom lid compartment opposite the tray compartment; and a peelable film covering the open bottom of the lid compartment, the peelable film of the lid compartment being removable from outside of the package while the lid is opposing and engaging the top of the tray, to thereby dispense a secondary product contained therein onto a primary food product in the tray compartment, after the removable tray cover has been removed.

2. The package of claim 1 , further comprising a hinge joining the lid to the tray.

3. The package of claim 2, further comprising a releasable connection between the lid and the tray, the releasable connection located opposite the hinge.

4. The package of claim 1, further comprising a releasable connection between the lid and the tray holding the lid and tray together.

5. The package of claim 1, wherein the peelable film comprises a first portion sealed to the lid and a second portion folded back over the first portion.

16

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA 6. The package of claim 1, further comprising a second lid compartment with an open bottom opposite the tray compartment.

7. The package of claim 6, further comprising a second peelable film covering the open bottom of the second Hd compartment.

8. The package of claim 6, wherein the peelable film covers the open bottom of the second lid compartment.

9. The package of claim 1, further comprising a recess portion in an exterior bottom surface of the tray complementary in dimension to that of the lid compartment to thereby allow the package to be stacked on top of a second identically shaped package.

10. A ready-to-eat food package comprising: a tray having an open top tray compartment and a removable tray cover sealing the tray compartment; a primary food disposed in the tray compartment; a lid opposing and engaging the tray, the lid having an open bottom lid compartment opposite the tray compartment, and a peelable film covering the open bottom of the lid compartment; and a secondary food disposed in the lid compartment,

17

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA wherein the peelable film of the lid compartment being removable from outside of the package while the lid is opposing and engaging the top of the tray, to thereby dispense a secondary product contained therein onto a primary food product in the tray compartment, after the removable tray cover has been removed.

11. The package of claim 10, further comprising a hinge joining the lid to the tray.

12. The package of claim 10, further comprising a releasable connection between the lid and the tray holding the lid and tray together.

13. The package of claim 10, wherein the peelable film comprises a first portion sealed to the lid and a second portion folded back over the first portion.

14. The package of claim 10, further comprising a second lid compartment with an open bottom opposite the tray compartment.

15. The package of claim 14, further comprising a second peelable film covering the open bottom of the second lid compartment.

16. The package of claim 14, wherein the peelable film covers the open bottom of the second lid compartment.

18

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDR1A

17. The package of claim 10, further comprising a recess portion in a bottom surface of the tray complementary in dimension to that of the lid thereby allowing the package to be stacked on top of a second identically shaped package.

18. The package of claim 10, wherein the secondary food product has a flowable consistency.

19. The package of claim 10, wherein the secondary food product has a solid form.

20. The package of claim 19, wherein the secondary food product is solid at room temperature and meltable upon heating.

21. A multiple compartment package comprising: a tray having an open top tray compartment and a removable tray cover sealing the tray compartment; a lid opposing and engaging the tray, the lid having an open bottom lid compartment opposite the tray compartment; a hinge joining the lid to the tray; and a removable lid cover over the open bottom of the lid compartment.

22. The package of claim 21 , wherein said removable lid cover comprises a peelabie film which is removable from outside of the package while the lid is opposing and engaging the top of the tray, to thereby dispense a secondary product contained therein

19

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA onto a primary food product in the tray compartment, after the removable tray cover has been removed.

23. The package of claim 22, wherein the peelable film comprises a first portion sealed to the lid and a second portion folded back over the first portion.

24. The package of claim 21 , further comprising a releasable connection between the lid and the tray, the releasable connection located opposite the hinge.

25. The package of claim 21 , further comprising a second lid compartment with an open bottom opposite the tray compartment.

26. The package of claim 21, further comprising a recess portion in an exterior bottom surface of the tray complementary in dimension to that of the lid compartment to thereby allow the package to be stacked on top of a second identically shaped package.

27. A multiple compartment package comprising: a tray having an open top tray compartment and a removable tray cover sealing the tray compartment; a lid opposing and engaging the tray, the lid having an open bottom lid compartment opposite the tray compartment; a removable lid cover over the open bottom of the lid compartment; and

20

123LT,0000:2906:2:ALEXANDR1A a recess portion in an exterior bottom surface of the tray complementary in dimension to that of the lid compartment to thereby allow the package to be stacked on top of a second identically shaped package.

28. The package of claim 27, wherein said removable lid cover comprises a peelable film over the open bottom of the lid compartment which is removable from outside of the package while the lid is opposing and engaging the top of the tray, to thereby dispense a secondary product contained therein onto a primary food product in the tray compartment, after the removable tray cover has been removed.

29. The package of claim 27, further comprising a hinge joining the lid to the tray.

30. The package of claim 27, further comprising a releasable connection between the Hd and the tray holding the lid and tray together.

31. The package of claim 27, further comprising a second lid compartment with an open bottom opposite the tray compartment.

32. A ready-to-eat food package comprising: a tray having an open top tray compartment, a primary product in the tray compartment and a removable tray cover sealing the tray compartment; and a lid opposing and engaging the tray, the lid having an open bottom lid compartment opposite the tray compartment, a secondary product in the lid

21

123LT;0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA compartment and a removable Hd cover covering the open bottom of the lid compartment, the secondary product in the lid compartment being hard at room temperature and meltable when heated, wherein the secondary product contained in the lid compartment is dispensable onto the primary food product in the tray compartment after the removable tray covers have been removed and the package is heated.

33. The package of claim 32, further comprising a hinge joining the lid to the tray.

34. The package of claim 32, further comprising a releasable connection between the lid and the tray holding the lid and tray together.

35. The package of claim 32, further comprising a second lid compartment with an open bottom opposite the tray compartment.

36. The package of claim 32, further comprising a recess portion in an exterior bottom surface of the tray complementary in dimension to that of the lid compartment to thereby allow the package to be stacked on top of a second identically shaped package.

37. A method of preparing a food product comprising the steps of: taking a lower tray with an open top tray compartment and a primary food therein;

22

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA taking a lid having an open bottom which is placed over the tray and a secondary food product therein, and a peelable film covering the open bottom, and with the lid engaged onto the tray, causing the secondary food product to flow Into the tray compartment by peeling the peelable film off of the bottom of the lid compartment so as to allow the secondary food product to be dispensed into the tray compartment with the primary food.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the lid comprises a tertiary food product contained in a second lid compartment separate from the secondary food product, and the method further comprises peeling a second peelable film off the bottom of the second lid compartment so as to allow the tertiary food product be dispensed into the tray compartment with the primary food.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the lid comprises a tertiary food product contained in a compartment separate from the secondary food product, and said method further comprises continuing peeling the peelable film off of the bottom of the lid compartment so as to allow the tertiary food product to be dispensed into the tray compartment with the primary food.

40. A method of preparing a food product in a package, said method comprising the steps of: taking a lower tray of the container with an open top tray compartment, a primary food therein, and a removable tray cover covering the tray compartment;

23

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA taking a lid of the package, which lid has an open bottom which is placed over the tray and a secondary food product therein, and a removable lid cover covering the open bottom, the secondary product being hardened at room temperature and meltable when heated, and with the lid engaged onto the tray, and both removable covers removed, heating the package to cause the secondary product to melt, to cause the secondary food product to flow into the tray compartment to be dispensed onto the primary food product in the tray compartment.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein said heating comprises placing the package in a microwave oven to melt the secondary food product.

24

123LT:0000:2906:2:ALEXANDRIA