EP1838586A2

EP1838586A2 - Food pack and food packaging system comprising at least two such food packs

Info

Publication number: EP1838586A2
Application number: EP05805006A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Karim El Ghouyel; Benoît PIETTE
Original assignee: Gervais Danone SA
Current assignee: Gervais Danone SA
Priority date: 2004-12-01
Filing date: 2005-12-01
Publication date: 2007-10-03
Also published as: WO2006059010A3; FR2878509B1; FR2878509A1; WO2006059010A2

Abstract

The invention concerns a food pack comprising a tray (15) defining a receptacle (14) for receiving a food product, the tray including a bottom (16), an annular side wall (17), an assembling side (19) along which another food pack is to be assembled, and an assembling rim (21), said assembling rim being provided with at least one catching means (24) designed to co-operate with a complementary catching means of the other pack. The tray has a base including at least first and second support points (25, 26) located at the apices of corrugations of the free end of the assembling rim, and at least a third support point (27) arranged along the side of the rim (19) between the bottom and the assembling rim, the support points forming a polygon above which is located the center of gravity of the pack. Said pack is designed to be assembled to another pack to constitute a packaging system.

Description

FOOD PACKAGING AND FOOD PACKAGING SYSTEM COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO PACKAGINGS OF THIS TYPE

The present invention relates to a food package for assembly with another food package, and a food packaging system comprising at least two of these packages assembled to form a plate or a meal tray.

More particularly, the food package comprises a tray that defines a receptacle for receiving a food product, said tray comprising a bottom extending generally in a plane, an annular sidewall extending from the bottom to a periphery upper which defines an opening of the tray, an assembly side along which another food package is to be assembled, and an assembly flange which extends outwardly on at least a portion of the side of the container; assembly, from the periphery of the opening to a free end, in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom, said assembly flange being provided with at least one attachment means for cooperating with a hooking means complementary to the other packaging.

Food packaging of this type is known in particular from US-A-4 966 296, wherein trays containing meals of a meal can be disassembled, for example to be reheated, and reassembled to form a meal tray. However, in this document, the individual packages containing the various dishes are marketed in the form of a unitary set of trays assembled and overwrapped by a sheet of cardboard. Therefore, it is not possible for the consumer to form his own menu by combining different types of packaging selected from a wide range of packages containing different foods. However, it is desirable to offer the consumer the opportunity to compose a menu of his choice, especially in the case where the meal is intended for a young child with an aversion to certain foods, by marketing individually the various packaging intended to constitute the meal tray or plate. But the inventor has found that this type of packaging, which has a relatively small tray, poses problems when it is put on sale.

Indeed, if we place each package in an overpack, for example a parallelepiped cardboard box, the cost of the product and the volume of waste generated by the packages are substantially increased. Moreover, if we do not use overpack, it appears storage problems on the shelves and handling by consumers. These packages comprising a tray, that is to say a receptacle of relatively low height relative to its horizontal dimensions, occupy a very important place if they are arranged flat in a single layer, while if they are superimposed, we get piles whose balance is precarious, especially if the tray has a fairly complex shape, and the risk of falling is very important when a consumer wants to grab a package.

The present invention aims to provide a package that does not pose _. the congestion and manipulation problems mentioned above, so that it can be implemented in a practical and stable manner, without unacceptably increasing the ratio of the amount of packaging required to the quantity of food marketed.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a food packaging of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the tray has a base comprising at least a first and a second bearing points arranged on the free end of the assembly flange, and at least one third support point secured to the tray and arranged along the assembly side, between the middle plane of the bottom and the middle plane of the assembly flange, the support points of the base forming a polygon at above which the center of gravity of the filled food package is located when said support points are situated in a substantially horizontal plane, and in that the assembly rim has at least two projecting corrugations at the top of which are arranged respectively the first and second support points of the base.

Thanks to these provisions, the packaging can stand vertically on its edge, that is to say with its faces of larger dimensions, namely the bottom and the upper face, arranged vertically. It thus occupies a surface very much smaller than that which it would occupy if it were disposed flat. Moreover, it is possible to arrange the packs one behind the other in rows facing the consumer, as is very commonly practiced in the food trade industry. Note that with these packages, it is possible to use standard shelving having flat surfaces that can be spaced vertically in the usual manner. In addition, the first and second support points are formed by i-relatively point areas since they are formed at the top of two corrugations of the assembly flange. The base thus produced offers good stability as soon as it is placed on a rack. Indeed, with first and second support points formed by a rectilinear common line, the person responsible for putting these packages on the shelf may have the impression that the packaging is stable at the time. contact of the third point and a part of this line of support with the support. Then see the packaging swing when it releases, or when the food product takes a low position, because of a recess or a rim of the surface of the rack located between the first and second points of support, c that is to say between the ends of the continuous line of support. Providing the first and second points of support at the top of the corrugations also ensures better alignment of a set of packages vertically arranged one behind the other on their legs, since the point of support points may less to be disturbed by a foreign body.

^• In preferred embodiments of the invention are used in addition to one and / or other of the following provisions:

the projecting corrugations of the assembly flange are arranged near the ends of the assembly side;

- The attachment means is formed on the assembly flange at a projecting corrugation;

- The third support point is arranged near the middle plane of the bottom, and preferably included in the middle plane of the bottom; the base comprises a fourth fulcrum along the assembly side between the mean plane of the bottom and the middle plane of the assembly flange, the third and fourth bearing points being located near the ends of the side of the assembly flange; assembly;

- The periphery of the opening has along the assembly side, and preferably in the middle portion of said assembly side, at least a portion forming an angle with the average direction of the assembly side; - The periphery of the opening has a curved portion between the ends of the assembly side. ;

- The assembly side of the tray has keying means prohibiting the assembly of said tray with an identical tray; a cover adapted to close the opening has an inner face in contact with the. around the opening and an outer face which has a marking indicating the contents of the package, said cover being preferably formed by a tear-off lid; - The attachment means is a recess formed on the assembly flange and with which a similar attachment means of another package is intended to cooperate with friction;

- the tray and the base are formed in one piece of plastic material;

the third point of support of the base is arranged on a protruding protrusion formed in the lateral wall of the tray along the assembly side, the tray being preferably formed by thermal blowing; a support member extends from the assembly flange towards the bottom to a lower end, the third fulcrum being formed on said support member, and preferably near the lower end thereof;

the lower end of the support element is included in the mean plane of the bottom of the tray;

the support element comprises a curved portion which extends longitudinally between the assembly flange and the lower end. ;

- The support member is a flange extending from at least a portion of the free end of the assembly flange, the tray is preferably made by injection molding plastic material into a mold;

the wing extends continuously over substantially the entire length of the assembly side; the wing comprises a hook extending opposite the side wall of the container, and adapted to cooperate with a gripping element of another package, said hook preferably being arranged at the lower end of the container; 'wing ; - the support member is a shaft which opens into the upper face of the flange assembly, said well forming the ^"hooking means adapted to cooperate with friction with a complementary coupling means of another package, the container being preferably thermoformed by stamping a sheet of plastics material;

the well has a generally ellipsoidal cross section;

- the well has between its outlet and its lower end a longitudinal portion of reduced cross section, said reduced section portion being adapted to cooperate by snapping with a well of shape complementary to another packaging.

With packaging as defined above, it is particularly advantageous to produce a food packaging system comprising a first packaging as defined above and at least a second package, wherein the second package comprises an assembly flange s' extending at least partly along an assembly side, and provided with a hooking means adapted to cooperate with the attachment means of the first package and to allow an assembly of the two packages along their side d 'assembly.

In preferred embodiments of the invention. furthermore, one of the following provisions is provided: the first package contains a dish chosen from among a first series of dishes and the second package contains a dish selected from a second series of dishes; , the first and second containers comprise ^'keying means adapted to prohibit the assembly of the first or second package with the same package, and the dishes of the first series are made according to put the second set so that the content first and second packages always form a balanced meal, despite the wide variety of menus that can be composed; - The assembly edges of the first and second packages are adapted to form a continuous surface between the packages when assembled, which limits the risk of contamination when the packaging system is consumed; the first and second packs have an outer side substantially in the form of an arc of a circle, which extends from one end to the other of the assembly side, the respective outer sides of the first and second packages being adapted to form a substantially circular attitude or. o when the first and second packagings are assembled, so that a traditional mode of consumption is maintained, which may be preferable for educating the eating habits of young children;

the periphery of the opening of the first packaging has a curved portion along the assembly side, and the perimeter of the opening of the second package has a curved portion of shape complementary to that of the first package;

- The annular wall of the first package has a curved surface portion along the assembly side, and the annular wall of the second package has a curved surface portion of complementary shape to that of the first package;

- The attachment means of the first and second packages comprise members adapted to cooperate mutually snap and to be separated under the action of a determined force, said determined force being greater than the weight of each of said first and second packaging all being significantly less than the force that can be exerted by an adult user.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first package according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the package shown in FIG. 1 closed by a cover, which rests on a horizontal plane;

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 of a second package according to the first embodiment of the invention; - Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the first and second packages shown in Figures 1 to 4, respectively in the disassembled state, and in the assembled state;

- Figure 7 is a sectional view of the packages assembled along the line VII-VII of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a sectional view of the packages assembled along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 6;

- Figures 9 and 10 are respectively perspective views of a first and a second packaging according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 11 is a perspective view in the state

• assembled packaging shown in Figures 9 and 10;

- the "figulre ^'12 ^~" e "st a sectional view of the assembled packaging according to the line XII-XII of Figure 11;

- Figure 13 is a sectional view of the packages assembled along the line XIII-XIII of Figure 11;

- Figure 14 is a perspective view of a variant of the first package according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 13, in which the package of FIG. 14 is assembled with the package of FIG. 10; - Figures 16 and 17 are respectively perspective views of a first and a second packaging according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are respectively perspective views of the packages represented in FIGS.

17 in a disassembled state, then in an assembled state;

- Figure 20 is a sectional view of the packages assembled along line XX-XX of Figure 19;

- Figure 21 is a sectional view of the packages assembled along line XXI-XXI of Figure 19;

- Figure 22 is a perspective view of a variant of the ^'first package according to the third embodiment mode-;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 20 of the package shown in FIG. 22 assembled with a second complementary package.

^• on the different figures, there is retained the same reference numerals to designate identical elements or the like. In Figures 1 to 8, there is shown a first package 10 and a second package 40 both made according to a first embodiment of the invention. As will be detailed later, the first and second packages (10, 40) are intended to be assembled to form a meal tray 2, shown in Figure 6, in which it is possible to eat.

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 4, the first and second packages (10, 40) respectively comprise a lid (11; 41) and a tray (15; 45). In the embodiment shown, the covers (11, 41) are both tear-off lids, made, for example, by a metal foil or a plastic film, which have an inner surface which is tearingly attached to the container (15; 45) in a manner well known in the field of packaging, and an upper surface on which indications (13, 43) schematically represented for identifying the contents in the package.

The trays (15, 45), shown in Figures 1 and 3 without their cover for convenience, each comprise a bottom (16; 46), an annular side wall (17; 47), an upper periphery (18; 48). , an assembly side (19; 49), and an assembly flange (21; 51) which is provided with hooking means (24; 54).

As best seen in Figures 7 and 8, the bottom (16; 26) of each of the trays (15, 45) is flat, but it could include ribs or depressions so as to strengthen its rigidity. In all cases, the bottom defines a mean plane on which the trays., Can lie flat in a stable manner. The annular wall (17; 47) is connected to the periphery of the bottom (16; 46) by a curved portion and extends generally vertically to the upper ^" periphery ^" (18; 48) of the container (15; 45). . The annular wall (17; 47) which forms the sides of the tray has a generally D-shaped cross section with a first face generally facing the connecting side (19; 49) which is more or less complex depending on the embodiments. and a second substantially arcuate face which is generally oriented on a so-called "outside" side. However, it is perfectly possible to produce an annular side wall having more than two faces, and in particular a wall having a rectangular or polygonal cross section.

The annular side wall (17, 47) extends up to the upper periphery (18; ¹ 48) which defines the annular edge of the opening of the tray. The periphery 18 of the first tray 15 has substantially the shape of a D, while the periphery 48 of the second tray 45 has an elongate oval shape. But, of course, the opening of each tray could have a substantially different shape, especially depending on the cross section of the side wall. The bottom (16; 46) and the side wall (17; 47) define a receptacle (14; 44) for receiving a food product.

In the case of a tray, the receptacle (14; 44) has a height measured between the bottom (16; 46) and the upper periphery (18; 48) which is relatively small compared to the dimensions of the periphery measured in its upper part. great length, and generally a height less than one third of the length. Note also that the area of the opening is large, of the order of the maximum cross section of the side wall (17; 47), so that it is easy to access the contents of the tray and that the you can eat directly in it with a canopy.

The assembly flange (21; 51) of each tray (15; 45) extends from a portion of the periphery (18; 48) to a free end (22; 52) located outside the container. . The assembly flange (21; 51) is in a plane parallel to the mean plane of the bottom and defines with the periphery (18; 48) the average plane of the upper face of the package. The assembly flange (21; 51) is continuous along the entire length of the assembly side (19; 49) and integral the corresponding portion of the periphery (18; 48). However, it is conceivable that the assembly flange extends only over a portion of the assembly side or that it comprises a plurality of discrete portions along the assembly side. The trays (15, 45) also each comprise a flange (23; 53) extending along their outer side, similarly to the assembly flange (21; 51) forming with it a collar, annular continuous which rigidifies the package and on which the tear-off lid (11; 41) is fixed.

The first tray 15 has a first fulcrum 25 and a second fulcrum 26 formed by a reduced area of the free end 22 of the assembly flange 21, extending over the thickness of the rim assembly, and indicated by a pellet in Figure 1 for the sake of clarity.

Furthermore, the first tray 15 has a third fulcrum 27, and a fourth fulcrum 28 respectively formed by the ^• vertex of a first protruding boss 29 and a second protruding boss 30 which are both arranged in the side wall 17 of the tray 15, facing the assembly side 19. The bosses (29, 30) have a geometric shape adapted for the third and fourth bearing points (27, 28) are located on the side 19 and closer to the mean plane of the bottom 16 that the plane of the upper face of the tray 15. The set of support points (25, 26, 27, 28) arranged appropriately relative to the center of gravity of the filled package, forms a base along the assembly side 19, that is to say on one side of the package which defines a straight line L average length relatively large compared to the other dimensions of the packaging. So the package 10 may be arranged vertically vertically, as shown in Figure 2, on a horizontal plane Pl whose trace is also visible in Figure 7. For the packaging 10 remains stable when it is placed on the base thus formed, that is to say placed on its edge, the bearing points (25, 26, 27, 28) must define a polygon, here a rectangle, above which is located the center of gravity of the package filled, that is to say taking into account the weight of the tray, the lid and the food contained in the receptacle 14, and taking into account that the food can possibly move in the receptacle when the tray is moved from a horizontal position for which it rests on its bottom 16, to a vertical position for which it rests on. the fulcrums (25, 26, 27, 28).

Thanks to the additional base formed by the fulcrums (25, 26, 27, 28)., The package 10 can be arranged vertically in a row composed of a plurality of identical packages, occupying a radius of for sale a place much less important than if it was arranged flat. N ^r It is not necessary to form a vertical stack that can be tipped over, or to provide an intermediate support between the radius and packaging, such as for example a honeycomb plate, in spite of the relatively complicated geometry of the tray.

When the package is disposed on the wafer, it has a front face, that is to say arranged facing consumers as shown in Figure 2, which corresponds to the larger dimension of the package 10 and which is essentially formed by the cover 11. The cover 11 has indications 13 which can be sufficiently large and numerous to provide consumers with clear and complete information on the food content of packaging, so it is not absolutely necessary to provide an overpack to fill this role of information.

In the embodiment shown, the complete package 10 can be sold in the configuration shown in Figure 2, that is to say without overpack. However, it is possible to provide an overwrap without departing from the scope of the present invention, such as a stretched plastic film through which the support points (25, 26, 27, 28) of the base retain their function, or a sleeve in cardboard sheet. But even in the latter case, the amount of material used for the overpack can be reduced because the sheet is not necessarily rigid and it is not necessary to provide internal locking means, because the base the package can rest against one side of this overpack.

The second package 40 also includes an analog base to the first package, which allows to arrange it vertically on the assembly side 49, as can be ^{^"~} the ^~ see ^Figure" 4. However, the base of the second package has only three points of support. Indeed, in addition to the first and second bearing points (55, 56) formed on the free end 52 of the assembly flange 51, the tray 45 has only one additional support point, the third point of support 57 formed at the top of a projecting boss 59 of the annular wall 47. The boss 59 is made analogously to the bosses 29 and 30 of the first tray 10, but located in the center of the face of the annular wall 47 which is next to the assembly side 49. The three support points (55, 56, 57, 58) of the base of the second tray 40, are arranged relative to each other so as to define a triangle above which is located the center of gravity of the packing filled when this base is based on a horizontal plane P2. The trace of the plane P2 on which can rest the second tray is visible in Figure 8.

The free end (22; 52) of the assembly flanges (21, 51) has corrugations with respect to the middle line L of the assembly side (19; 49) which is parallel to the straight line passing through the two means hooking (24; 54) of this rim. These corrugations comprise in particular two corrugations (32; 62) which project relative to the average line L near the ends of the assembly side (19; 49), and at the top of which are formed the first and second support points. (25, 26; 55, 56). This arrangement spaced apart from the first and second support points makes it possible to increase the stability of the package when it rests on the wafer. As can be seen in Figure 4, the second tray also has a projecting corrugation in the middle part of the assembly side, but its height is less than the corrugations 62, which avoids a wobbly base. As can be seen in Figure 1, the bosses

(29, 30) of the side wall forming the third and fourth bearing points (27, 28) of the first tray 10, are also arranged at the ends of the assembly side 19 for stability. It is possible to provide for the assembly flanges a rectilinear free end which would then form a continuous straight bearing line instead of discrete points of support, but the stability of the base would be less. The hooking means (24, 54) are arranged on the edge of ^one assembly. (21; 51) at the projecting undulations (32; 62) where the rim has a maximum width. Each hooking means (24; 54) of the two trays (15, 45) is a bowl-shaped recess formed by the thickness of the assembly flange, which has an opening opening into the upper face and a projecting portion. on the underside of the assembly flange, as best seen in Figure 7. The inner diameter of the assembly means 24 of the first tray 15 is adapted to the outer diameter of the attachment means 54 of the second tray 45 , so that the protruding portion of the hooking means 54 can be nested in the recess of the attachment means 24 by exerting pressure. The cooperation of the attachment means (24, 54) preferably exerts between them a friction adapted so that they remain assembled under normal conditions of use, and in particular when grasping with one hand the formed plate 2 by the first and second trays (15, 45) assembled. The hollow-shaped hooking means (24, 54) of the embodiment shown are assembled in a reversible manner, but it is possible to provide hooking means of any known type, and in particular hooking means that can be assembled. irreversibly by snapping.

It will be noted that the protruding bosses (29, 32) of the first tray 15 which extend beyond the plumb of the hooking means 24, as can be seen in FIG. 7, form polarizing means which prohibit the assembly of the first tray 15 with an identical tray. Indeed, these bosses would interfere with the bosses of the identical tray if one sought to bring in correspondence of the attachment means 24 with those of the other tray.

Likewise, the boss protruding ^• 59 of the second tray 45 forms a keying means which prohibits the second tray of the assembly with an identical tray. From. moreover, the median corrugation 63 of the second tray 45 forms an additional deterrence means. Indeed, the median corrugation 53 would interfere with the side wall of an identical tray if one sought to bring in correspondence of the attachment means 54 with those of the other tray.

The portion of the upper rim (18; 48) from which the assembly flange (21; 51) extends, comprises different portions which form an angle α ¹ with the center line L of the assembly side. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, these portions belong to a curved portion of the upper periphery (18; 48), which is medially located between the ends of the connecting side (19; 49). This configuration of the periphery greatly increases the flexural rigidity of the assembly flange.

(21; 51) because it opposes the formation of a straight fold line extending the entire length of the assembly side. The portions forming an angle α situated in the middle portion of the assembly side (19; 49) and marked by their tangent in FIGS. 1 and 3 are added to the rounded edges (18; 48) at the ends of this side. . Thus, when the first and second trays (15, 45) are assembled, the bending possibilities of the assembly flanges (21, 51) along a line parallel to the assembly line are greatly reduced and the edges • superior .. (18, 48) of the two containers are kept in substantially the same ^'plan. This additional feature solves the problem of transporting the unitary unit 2 in the form of a meal tray or plate, with a single hand engaged with one of the trays limiting the risk of folding which could lead to a drop of content.

Furthermore, for this first embodiment, the projecting bosses (29, 30; 59) which constitute an area of the annular wall (17; 47) facing the assembly side of a tray (15; 45). , come into contact with the annular wall (47; 17) of the other tray, which limits the possibilities of bending down a tray relative to the other. Each tray (15; 45) of the first and second packages (10, 40) is made of plastic, formed in one piece comprising the tray, its assembly flange, the hooking means and the base defined by the dots. 'support. The tray is thus manufactured in large numbers at a lower cost, but it is conceivable to make points of support of the base, and in particular the third point of support, by a patch on the tray.

The first and second packages (10, 40) form a packaging system which makes it possible to produce a meal tray, and preferably a plate 2, by assembling the first and second packages along their assembly side (19, 49). ) respectively. Of course, it is possible to provide that a third package can be assembled with one and / or the other of the first and second packages (.10, 40), or that the container of the container of a package is compartmentalized, for example to contain a salad and a sauce separately, or that one of the packaging of the system has a shape that does not require to achieve for it a base for placing it on its edge. In the embodiment shown, the outer sides of each of the packages (10; 40) have complementary arcuate shapes so that the assembled packages 2 are reminiscent of the shape of a traditional plate, that is, that is to say that the assembly has a substantially circular or oval shape and of dimension of the same order of magnitude as that of an individual plate. The assembly side (19; 49) corresponds to a diameter or a rope of the plate, that is to say a rectilinear portion of significant length. -. In order to offer the consumer the possibility of composing various menus, first packages 10 are placed at his disposal, each containing a dish selected from among a first series of dishes which may comprise, for example, accompaniments such as rice, lentils, pasta, etc. Second packs 40 containing other dishes selected from among a second series are also provided, which include, for example, main dishes such as chicken, chicken, and the like. fish, veal, etc.

It is then advantageous for the exact composition of the dishes of the first series to be constituted as a function of each of the dishes of the second series, so that the dish or the meal composed by the contents of one of the first packages and the contents one of the second packs form a balanced meal, that is to say whose intake of protein, fat, carbohydrates and other elements such as mineral salts is in dietary proportions. We note that these proportions and the total amount of the intake of the meal can be adapted according to the person to whom this meal is intended. Due to the presence of coding means on the trays (15, 45) of each of the first and second packagings (10, 40), the fact of consuming a complete meal tray 2 of the packaging system, guarantees the consumer a contribution balanced nutrition.

In addition, the assembly flanges (21, 51) are shaped relative to one another so as to form a continuous surface between the first and second packages (10, 40) when they are assembled. For this purpose, the free end (22, 52) of the assembly flanges has the profile of a curved line which makes it possible to have an overlap of the assembly edges (21, 51) in certain zones, and in particular at the level of the attachment means, or to have an adjacency of the free ends (22, 52) in other areas, and in particular in the middle part of the assembly side.

For this first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the first and second trays (15, 45) are formed by heat-blowing, that is to say by hot blow molding a preform in a mold. This manufacturing method makes it possible to achieve a wide variety of shapes for the receptacle (14; 44), and in particular concave shapes. FIGS. 9 to 13 show a first package 10 and a second package 40 made according to a second embodiment of the invention, and FIGS. 14 and 15 show a variant of the first package 10 made according to this second embodiment. . As for the first embodiment, the first and second trays (15, 45) each have a bottom (16; 46), an annular side wall (17; 47), an upper periphery (18; 48), an assembly flange (21; 51) extending along an assembly side ( 19; 49), which is provided with attachment means (24; 54). Unless otherwise indicated, these elements are identical to those of the first embodiment. The trays (15, 45) of the first and. second packs are closed by a tear-off operculum, not shown for this second mode,. for marketing. For this second embodiment, the first and second trays (15, 45) define a receptacle (14; 44) flared towards the upper opening, i.e. without concave boss in the side wall. It should be noted that in this second embodiment, the assembly flange (21; 51) of each of the trays comprises at least one support element (34, 35; 64) which extend from the respective assembly flange ( 21; .51) towards the middle plane of the bottom (16, 47).

More specifically, for the first tray 15, the assembly flange 21 comprises a first support member in the form of a flange 34 which extends from the portion of the free end 22 of the assembly flange forming the projecting undulation 32, and has a curved wall about its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the assembly flange, which increases its rigidity. The second projecting corrugation 32 includes a second wing 35 similar to the first wing 34.

The wings (34, 35) respectively provide a third fulcrum 27 and a fourth fulcrum 28 which compose with the first and second fulcrums (25, 26) a base on which the tray can rest, the upper face and the bottom 16 being substantially vertical, in a so-called configuration on the edge. According to the quality of manufacture and the flatness of the. With the support surface, one can even obtain two parallel bearing lines and each passing through the points (25, 27) and (26, 28). The wings (34, 35) are perpendicular to the joining flange 21, which allows a perfectly vertical position when the bearing points _(. 25,26,27,28) are based on a plane P disposed horizontally, but it ^' It is possible to provide an angle of inclination of a few degrees while maintaining a good stability.- • It will be noted that the rigidity of the assembly flange (21), reinforced by the curved portion of the

^• Surround (18), also limits the variations in the angle formed between the wings (34,35) and the upper face when the package is arranged on the edge.

In order to increase the stability of the base formed by the four support points (25, 26, 27, 28), the wings 34 and 35 are arranged at the ends of the assembly side 19 and extend to near the 16. However, it is preferable that the lower end of the support elements formed by the wings (34, 35) is included in the mean plane of the bottom 16 of the tray, so as to rest on a table. same time as the bottom 16. Thus, the support elements (34, 35) form additional support points in line with the assembly flange 21 when the tray 15 is disposed flat. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid tilting of the tray 15 previously placed on a table, when the user exerts pressure on the assembly flange 21 thereof with the assembly flange 51 of the second tray 45 for mutually support the means latching (24, 54). Indeed, if the user does not support the assembly flange 21 of the first tray 15, for example with his index fingers, when he exerts pressure at the attachment means 54 of the second tray during the assembly, it can cause a tilting of the first tray 15 and reverse its contents. Therefore, in addition to creating a base for arranging the package on the wafer at the time of sale, the wings (34,35) provide. additional supports to the tray (15) arranged flat, which solve the problem of stability when assembled • with the second tray (45).

The second tray 45 also comprises a support member 64 formed by a single wing which is similar to the wings (34, 35) of the first tray 15, but which extends from a median portion 63 of the free end 52 of the flange. assembly of the second tray 45. The wing 64 provides a third fulcrum 57 located near the middle plane of the bottom 46, which forms a triangular base with the first and second bearing points (55, 56). The wing 64 also has a curved profile according to the curvature of the medial portion of the free end 52, which increases its rigidity and prohibits almost any possibility of flexion with respect to the assembly flange 52. As in the first mode the bearing points (25, 26, 27, 28, 55, 56, 57) are arranged with respect to the center of gravity of their respective tray (15, 45) so that this center of gravity is located above the polygon formed by the points of support when the tray rests on a horizontal plane whose trace (P1, P2) is shown respectively in Figures 12 and 13. In the alternative embodiment of the first tray 15 shown in Figure 14, the support member 36 extends from the free end of the assembly flange 21 to the middle plane of the bottom 16. This support member is a wing continuous 36 extending over the entire length of the assembly side 19. This improves the support perpendicular to the assembly flange 21 when the tray is disposed flat, but also allows to significantly increase the rigidity assembly flange 21 due to the curved profile of this flange 36.

The continuous wing 36 comes to marry the wing 64 of the second tray 45 and therefore limits the possibilities of bringing the annular walls (17, 47) closer together. In addition, the wing 36 has a hook 37 arranged at the lower end and on the outer face thereof. The hook

37 oriented outwardly is adapted to engage with the wing 64 of the second, tray 45, so as to prohibit a spacing of the lower ends of the wings

36 and 64. This increases the rigidity of the assembly. It will be noted that in this second embodiment, the wings (34, 35; 36; 64) prohibit for each of the trays (15; 45) an assembly with an identical tray, so that these wings have an additional function of foolproofing. In order to provide wings (34,35; 36; 64) having a thickness, and therefore rigidity, which is sufficient to form a support at the assembly flange (21; 51), the trays (15; ) of the second embodiment are manufactured in one piece by pressure injection of plastic into a mold. In Figures 16 to 21, there is shown a third embodiment of the first tray 15 and the second tray 45. These trays have many.s similarities with the trays of the second embodiment and therefore will not be described in detail.

As in the second embodiment, the first and second trays (15, 45) of the third embodiment have support members (38; 68) extending from the rim (21; 51). respective first and second trays to the middle plane of the bottom (16; 46) thereof. However, these support elements (38; 68) are in the form of wells opening into the upper face of the assembly flange. In the embodiment shown, the wells (38, 68) have an ellipsoidal cross section which gives a good stiffness to bending with respect to their bulk, but they could have any other section and in particular a circular, square or polygonal section. . It should be noted that the overall shape of the section of the wells must be considered, it being understood that the wells may have grooves, ribs or other reliefs on their outer face - and / or inter-ear-pe, in particular-- to - increase the frictional retaining force.

The wells (38; 68) each provide a third fulcrum (27; 57) and a fourth fulcrum (28; 58) in addition to the first and second fulcrums (25,26; 56) formed on the free end of the assembly flange (21; 51). These third and fourth points of support (27, 28, 57, 58). are located at the lower end of the wells on the portion of the outer face disposed facing the assembly side (19; 49). The end The bottom of the wells is close to the mean plane of the bottom of the tray in order to increase the stability thereof when it rests on the edge. The base 'made allows to arrange the trays (15, 45) with their upper face provided with the printed lid slightly inclined relative to the vertical, when it rests on a horizontal plane whose trace Pl for the first tray and the trace P2 for the second tray are visible in Figure 20 ^' . As can be seen in Figure 20, the lower end of the wells 38 of the first tray '15 is in the median plane of the bottom 16, which provides support in line with the rim of ^one assembly and avoids any tilting of the first tray 15 when exerting pressure on its assembly flange 21, similarly to the wings (34,35) of the second embodiment. The lower end of the wells 68 of the second tray is also located near the middle plane of the bottom 46 thereof, which increases the stability of the second tray 45 when used flat.

The inner section of wells 38 of the first

^"" tray ^" 15 ^~ is adapted ^{~ ~} ^~ section ^" outer wells 68 of the second tray 45 so that they can be engaged frictionally in the wells 38 of the first tray. The wells (38, 68) thus form the complementary hooking means (24, 54) for the first and second containers (15, 45).

It is also possible to provide a sufficiently large difference between the inner and outer sections of the wells trays, or cross sections of different shape for each of the wells of a tray, • .. so that the wells of this tray can not be engaged, at least completely, with the wells of a tray identical to this one. Thus, the wells can also perform a coding function prohibiting .the assembly of two identical trays, which allows for a packaging system providing varied and balanced meals, as in the first two embodiments.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a variant of the third embodiment which has a lot of similarity with it, in particular with a second container 45 visible in section in FIG. 23, which has a periphery 48 and an annular wall 47 of section similar to that shown in Figure 17. in this variant, the wells ^* 38 circular in section with a portion 39 of reduced cross-section, that is to say - of smaller section than a section of the well nearest outlet in the assembly flange 21 and less than a section located closer to the lower end 27 of the well 38. In particular, in the embodiment shown, the well 38 has from its upper outlet, a first slightly frustoconical portion which goes into tapering to the minimum diameter portion 39, and then a lower portion extending flaring toward the bottom of the well to which it is connected by a rounded. As can be seen in Figure 23, the second tray has a well 68 of similar shape, that is to say with a portion of reduced section 69. The wells 38, 68 of this variant of the third embodiment are also designed so that they can be engaged into each other so as to form hooking means (24,54), and allow ^; It is not necessary to engage two identical trays one inside the other so that they also form polarizing means.

In this variant, the portion of reduced section 39. forms a hard point during the insertion of the well 68 in the well 38 of the first tray. Once this hard point is passed by elastic deformation of the plastic material, the wells are held one in the other in the assembled position. A snap-in phenomenon is thus obtained between the wells (38, 68) of the first and second trays (15, 45), in addition to or in place of the frictional engagement. Such cooperation ^'snap indicates to the user that the first and second trays are hooked together. In addition, the gripping force can be determined by the geometry of the wells more precisely by means of a snap than by a simple frictional cooperation. ^• Indeed, it is preferable that the gripping force is greater than the weight of the first tray 15 in which are inserted the wells 68 of the second tray 45, so that when the user wears the assembled system only to the using the second tray 45, there is no risk of falling of the first tray 15. Therefore, it is preferable that the disengagement of the wells (38,68) requires a determined force greater than the weight of each of the trays. , or at least greater than the weight of the tray that is suspended from the other when carried with one hand.

It is of course conceivable that the determined force necessary to disengage the hooking means (24, 54) formed by the wells (38, 68) is so high that the first and second trays can not be separated. manually. But it will be preferred that this determined force remains reasonable so that an adult can easily separate the trays, for example in order to heat only one of the two trays. On the other hand, it can be predicted that the determined force required for the disengagement is large enough that a young child can not separate the first and second trays (15,45).

Of course, since the well 38 of the first tray 15 receives the well 68 of the second tray 45, the critical point for achieving snap-in cooperation is the inner section of the well 38 with respect to the outer section of the well 68, and more particularly the reduced sections 39 and 69 of each of these wells. On the other hand, it is perfectly possible to respect the indications given above concerning the determined force necessary for the separation of the trays, by using reversible latching means of substantially different shape.

In the variant shown in Figures 22 and 23, it will be noted that the annular side wall 17 has an annular recess 17a which serves to stiffen it. For the same purpose, the bottoms (16, 46) of the first and second trays (15, 45) each have a boss (16a, 46a).

As in the other embodiments, the periphery 18 of the opening of the first tray 15 has along the assembly side 19 a curved portion, here concave, which is of complementary shape to the corresponding portion of the periphery 48 of the second tray 45, that is to say located on the side of the assembly 49, which has a convex curvature. This arrangement makes it possible to minimize the width of each of the assembly flanges (21, 51) between the protruding corrugations (32; 52), and consequently to increase the rigidity of the assembled system.

Note also that the free end 22 of the assembly flange 21 of the first tray 15, present. in its median part a complementary curvature at the periphery 48 of the opening of the second tray 45, and a width adapted to come ^' under the assembly flange 51 in the immediate vicinity of the annular wall 47 of the second tray. Thus the assembly flange 21 located below, the assembly flange 51 of the other tray forms an additional keying means.

As can be seen in FIG. 22, the side of the annular wall 17 has a curved surface, here concave, along the assembly side 19. This concave curved surface is complementary to the portion of the corresponding annular wall 47. of the second tray 45, which forms a convex curved surface. This allows the receptacles (14, 44) to better occupy the space between the assembled containers (15, 45), and therefore to contain a larger quantity of food for a given size of the packaging system (10, 40). ) assembled.

The trays made according to the third embodiment and its variant can be advantageously manufactured by thermoforming, that is to say by stamping a sheet of heated plastic material. This inexpensive manufacturing process can be integrated into a packaging filling line.

The embodiments described above are in no way limiting, it is particularly conceivable to use a first tray according to one of the. embodiments with a container made in another mode implementation, and possibly to design a food packaging system with more than two trays.

Claims

.REVENDICATIONS

A food package (10; 40) comprising a container (15; 45) defining a receptacle (14; 44) for receiving a food product, said container comprising

'5. a bottom (16; 46) extending generally in a plane, an annular side wall (17; 47) extending from the bottom to an upper periphery (18; 48) which defines an opening of the tray; assembly side (19; 49) along which another food package is intended to be

, Assembled, and an assembly flange (21; 51) which extends outwardly over at least a portion of one side of the tray, from the sleeve (18; 48) of the container. opening to a free end, in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom, said assembly flange being provided with

At least one hooking means (24; 54) for cooperating with a coupling means complementary to the other package, characterized in that the tray has a base comprising at least a first and a second bearing point ( 25, 26, 55, 56) arranged on the free end of

20 assembly flange, and at least one third fulcrum

(27; 57) secured to the tray and arranged along the side of the flange (19; 49) between the middle plane of the bottom and the middle plane of the assembly flange, the bearing points

(25,26,27; 55,56,57) of the polygon

Above which the center of gravity of the filled food package is located when said support points are located in a substantially horizontal plane (P1; P2), and in that the assembly flange has at least two projecting corrugations ( 32; 62) at the top of which are

30 respectively arranged the first and second support points (25,2β, 55,5β) of the base.

The package of claim 1, wherein the projecting flange corrugations (32; 62) are arranged near the ends of the assembly side.

Pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hooking means (24; 54) is formed on the assembly flange (21; 51) at a projecting corrugation.

(32; 62).

4. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third fulcrum (27; 57) is arranged near the mean plane of the bottom (16; 46), and preferably included in the mean plane the bottom.

A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the leg includes a fourth fulcrum (28; 58) along the joint side between the midplane of the bottom (16; 46) and the midplane. of the assembly flange, the third and fourth bearing points (27, 28; 57; 58) being located near the ends of the joining side (19; 49).

A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the periphery (18; 48) of the opening has along the connecting side (19; 49), and preferably in the middle portion of said side of assembly, at least one portion forming an angle (α) with the average direction (L) of the assembly side (19; 49).

The package of claim 6, wherein the periphery (18; 48) of the aperture has a curved portion between the ends of the joining side (19; 49).

The package of any preceding claim, wherein the assembly side (19; 49) of the tray (15; 45) ^comprises' means for polarizing (29,30; 59; 34, 35; 64; 36/38; 68) prohibiting assembly of said container with an identical tray.

A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lid (11; 41) adapted to close the opening has an inner face in contact with the periphery (18; 48) of the opening and an outer face which comprises a marking (13; 43) indicating the contents of the package (10; 40), said cover being preferably formed by a tear-off lid.

10. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment means (24; 54) is a recess formed on the assembly flange (21; 51) and with which a fastening means similar to another package is intended to cooperate with friction.

Pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray (15; 45) and the base are formed of a single piece of plastic material.

A package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third fulcrum (27; 57) of the base is arranged on a projecting boss (29; 59) formed in the side wall (17; tray along the assembly side (19; 49), the tray (15; 45) being preferably formed by thermal blowing.

13. Package according to any one of claims 1 to 11,. wherein a support member (34,35; 36; 64; 38; 68) extends from the assembly flange (21; 51) towards the bottom (16; 46) to a lower end; bearing (27; 57) being formed on said support member, and preferably close to the lower end of it.

A package according to claim 13, wherein the lower end of the support member (34, 35/36; 64; 38; 68) is included in the mean plane of the bottom (16; 46) of the tray.

The package of claim 13 or 14, wherein the support member (34, 35; 36; 64; 38; 68) has a curved portion extending longitudinally between the connecting flange (21; 51) and the lower end.

The package of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the support member

(34, 35; 36; 64) is a flange s ¹ extending from at least a portion of the free end (22; 52) of the assembly flange, the tray (15; 45) being preferably made by injection of plastic material in a mold.

The package of claim 16, wherein the wing (36) extends continuously over substantially the entire length of the assembly side (19).

18. Packaging according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the flange (36) comprises a hook (37) extending opposite the side wall (17) of the tray, and adapted to cooperate with an element of taking another package, said hook being preferably arranged at the lower end of the wing (36).

A package according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the support member (38; 68) is a well which opens into the upper face of the assembly flange (21; 51), said well forming the means hooking device (24; 54) adapted to cooperate with friction with a fastening means complementary to another package, the tray (15; 45) being preferably thermoformed by stamping a sheet of plastic material.

The package of claim 19, wherein the well (38; 68) has a generally ellipsoidal cross section.

21. Packaging according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the well (38; 68) has between its outlet and its lower end a longitudinal portion (39; 69) of reduced cross section, said portion of reduced section (39; 69). being adapted to cooperate by snapping with a well of complementary shape of another packaging.

A food packaging system comprising a first package (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and at least a second package (40), characterized in that the second package includes an assembly flange (51) extending at least partly along an assembly side (49), and provided with a hooking means (54) adapted to cooperate with the hooking means (24) of the first package and to permit a ' assembling the two packages (10; 40) along their assembly side.

The packaging system of claim 22, wherein the first package (10) contains a dish selected from a first series of dishes and the second package (40) contains a dish selected from a second series of dishes, wherein first and second packages comprise coding means

(29,30; 59; 34,35; 36; 64; 38; 68) adapted to prohibit the assembly of the first or second packaging with identical packaging, and in which the dishes of the first series are formed according to the dishes of the second series so that the contents of the first and second packages (10,40) form a balanced meal.

The packaging system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the joining flanges (21,51) of the first and second packages (10,40) are adapted to form a continuous surface between the packages when assembled. .

A packaging system according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the first and second packages (10, 40) have an outer substantially arcuate-shaped side, which extends from one end at the other side of the assembly side (19; 49), the respective outer sides of the first and second packages being adapted to form a substantially circular or oval plate (2) when the first and second packages are assembled.

The packaging system of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the periphery (18) of the opening of the first package (10) has a curved portion along the assembly side (19), and wherein the periphery (48) of the opening of the second package (40) has a curved portion of shape complementary to that of the first package (10).

A packaging system according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the annular wall (17) of the first package (10) has a curved surface portion along the assembly side (19), and in wherein the annular wall (47) of the second package (40) has a curved surface portion of complementary shape to that of the first package (10).

28. Packaging system according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the hooking means (24, 54) of the first and second packages (10, 40) comprise members (38, 39, 68, 69) adapted to mutually cooperate by snapping and to be separated under the action of a determined force, said determined force being greater than the weight of each of said first and second packages (10, 40) while being significantly less than the force that can be exerted by an adult user.