Party tray

Abstract

A party tray includes a support tray and, on the support tray, a sealed package made up of transparent container body and a polymeric sealing sheet sealed to the rim of the container body. The sealed package contains foodstuffs, in particular respiring foodstuffs such as fresh fruits and vegetables, which rest on the sealing sheet; the sealing sheet is in turn supported by the support tray. The sealed package may include an atmosphere control member. When the party tray is on display, its contents are viewed through the single thickness of the container body.

1 . A method of preparing a party tray which comprises the steps of 
 A) providing a transparent container body which 
 (i) comprises a base and partitions extending away from the base; and  
 (ii) is in a loading orientation in which the partitions extend upwards from the base and create fillable compartments within the container body;  
   B) while the container body is in the loading orientation, placing foodstuffs in the compartments so that the foodstuffs rest on the base, at least some of the foodstuffs being multiple pieces of a fresh vegetable;    C) after step B, sealing a sealing sheet to the container body, thus creating a sealed package 
 (i) which contains the foodstuffs and a packaging atmosphere around the foodstuffs,  
 (ii whose outer surface is defined by the container body and the sealing sheet, and  
 (iii) which includes an atmosphere control member included in the sealing sheet;  
   D) after step C, placing a support tray over the sealing sheet; and    E) after step D, turning the sealed package and the support tray placed thereon upside-down so that the foodstuffs rest on the sealing sheet, and the sealing sheet is supported by the support tray, the support tray comprising ribs such that after step (E), air can circulate between the support tray and the atmosphere control member;    wherein the party tray can be displayed for sale in a display orientation in which the foodstuffs are viewed by a shopper through the container body.    
   
   
       2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the partitions are removably located within the container body.  
   
   
       3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the atmosphere control member covers a window in the sealing sheet  
   
   
       5 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the partitions are cavity wall partitions.  
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the dimensions of the support tray are such that the foodstuffs can be served from the support tray.  
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the container body has a depth of 1 to 4 inch and a circumference of 30 to 100 inch.  
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the container body has a depth of 1.25 to 2.5 inch.  
   
   
       21 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the container body has a depth of 1.25 to 2.5 inch and a circumference of 40 to 70 inch.  
   
   
       22 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the support tray has a thickness of at least 0.02 inch.  
   
   
       23 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the support tray has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.08 inch.  
   
   
       24 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the support tray has a solid color.  
   
   
       25 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the ribs on the support tray are discontinuous upstanding ribs.  
   
   
       26 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein a carton of dressing is placed in the container before step (C), the carton having a lid which is placed on the base of the container body.  
   
   
       27 . A method according to  claim 1  which includes, after step (E), the step of displaying the party tray for sale in the display orientation in which the foodstuffs are viewed by a shopper through the container body.  
   
   
       28 . A method of preparing a party tray which comprises the steps of 
 A) providing a transparent container body which 
 (i) has a depth of 1 to 4 inch and a circumference of 30 to 100 inch,  
 (ii) comprises a base and cavity wall partitions extending away from the base, and  
 (iii) is in a loading orientation in which the partitions extend upwards from the base and create fillable compartments within the container body;  
   B) while the container body is in the loading orientation, placing foodstuffs in the compartments so that the foodstuffs rest on the base, at least some of the foodstuffs being multiple pieces of a fresh vegetable;    C) after step B, sealing a polymeric sealing sheet to the container body, thus creating a sealed package 
 (i) which contains the foodstuffs and a packaging atmosphere around the foodstuffs,  
 (ii) whose outer surface is defined by the container body and the sealing sheet, and  
 (iii) which includes an atmosphere control member included in the sealing sheet;  
   D) after step C, placing a support tray over the sealing sheet; and    E) after step D, turning the sealed package and the support tray placed thereon upside-down so that the foodstuffs rest on the sealing sheet, and the sealing sheet is supported by the support tray, the support tray comprising ribs such that after step (E), air can circulate between the support tray and the atmosphere control member;    wherein the party tray can be displayed for sale in a display orientation in which the foodstuffs are viewed by a shopper through the container body.    
   
   
       29 . A method according to  claim 28  wherein the atmosphere control member covers a window in the sealing sheet.  
   
   
       30 . A method according to  claim 28  wherein the dimensions of the support tray are such that the foodstuffs can be served from the support tray.  
   
   
       31 . A method according to  claim 28  wherein the container body has a depth of 1.25 to 2.5 inch and a circumference of 40 to 70 inch.  
   
   
       32 . A method according to  claim 28  wherein the support tray has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.08 inch.  
   
   
       33 . A method according to  claim 28  wherein the support tray has a solid color.  
   
   
       34 . A method according to  claim 28  wherein the ribs on the support tray are discontinuous upstanding ribs.  
   
   
       35 . A method according to  claim 28  wherein a carton of dressing is placed in the container body before step (C), the carton having a lid which is placed on the base of the container body.  
   
   
       36 . A method according to  claim 28  which includes, after step (E), the step of displaying the party tray for sale in the display orientation in which the foodstuffs are viewed by a shopper through the container body.  
   
   
       37 . A method of preparing a party tray and displaying the party tray for sale, the method comprising the steps of 
 A) providing a transparent container body which 
 (i) has a depth of 1 to 4 inch and a circumference of 30 to 100 inch,  
 (ii) comprises a base and cavity wall partitions extending away from the base, and  
 (iii) is in a loading orientation in which the partitions extend upwards from the base and create fillable compartments within the container body;  
   B) while the container body is in the loading orientation, placing foodstuffs in the compartments so that the foodstuffs rest on the base, at least some of the foodstuffs being multiple pieces of a fresh vegetable;    C) after step B, sealing a polymeric sealing sheet to the container body, thus creating a sealed package 
 (i) which contains the foodstuffs and a packaging atmosphere around the foodstuffs,  
 (ii) whose outer surface is defined by the container body and the sealing sheet, and  
 (iii) which includes an atmosphere control member which covers a window in the sealing sheet;  
   D) after step C, placing a support tray over the sealing sheet, the support tray having a solid color;    E) after step D, turning the sealed package and the support tray placed thereon upside-down so that the foodstuffs rest on the sealing sheet, and the sealing sheet is supported by the support tray, the support tray comprising ribs such that after step (E), air can circulate between the support tray and the atmosphere control member; and    F) after step E, displaying the party tray for sale in a display orientation in which the foodstuffs are viewed by a shopper through the container body;    the dimensions of the support tray being such that the foodstuffs can be served from the support tray.    
   
   
       38 . A method according to  claim 37  wherein the container body has a depth of 1.25 to 2.5 inch and a circumference of 40 to 70 inch.  
   
   
       39 . A method according to  claim 37  wherein the support tray has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.08 inch.  
   
   
       40 . A method according to  claim 37  wherein the ribs on the support tray are discontinuous upstanding ribs.  
   
   
       41 . A method of preparing a party tray and displaying the party tray for sale, the method comprising the steps of 
 A) providing a transparent container body which 
 (i) has a depth of 1 to 4 inch and a circumference of 30 to 100 inch,  
 (ii) comprises a base and cavity wall partitions extending away from the base, and  
 (iii) is in a loading orientation in which the partitions extend upwards from the base and create fillable compartments within the container body;  
   B) while the container body is in the loading orientation, 
 (a) placing foodstuffs in the compartments so that the foodstuffs rest on the base, at least some of the foodstuffs being multiple pieces of a fresh vegetable, and  
 (b) placing a carton of dressing in the container body, the carton having a lid which is placed on the base of the container body;  
   C) after step B, sealing a polymeric sealing sheet to the container body, thus creating a sealed package 
 (i) which contains the foodstuffs, the carton of dressing, and a packaging atmosphere around the foodstuffs,  
 (ii) whose outer surface is defined by the container body and the sealing sheet, and  
 (iii) which includes an atmosphere control member which covers a window in the sealing sheet;  
   D) after step C, placing a support tray over the sealing sheet, the support tray having a solid color;    E) after step D, turning the sealed package and the support tray placed thereon upside-down so that the foodstuffs rest on the sealing sheet, and the sealing sheet is supported by the support tray, the support tray comprising discontinuous upstanding ribs such that after step (E), air can circulate between the support tray and the atmosphere control member; and    F) after step E, displaying the party tray for sale in a display orientation in which the foodstuffs and the lid of the carton of dressing are viewed by a shopper through the container body;    the dimensions of the support tray being such that the foodstuffs can be served from the support tray.    
   
   
       42 . A method according to  claim 37  wherein the container body has a depth of 1.25 to 2.5 inch and a circumference of 40 to 70 inch.  
   
   
       43 . A method according to  claim 37  wherein the support tray has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.08 inch.  
   
   
       44 . A method of preparing a plurality of substantially identical party trays and displaying the party trays for sale, each of the party trays being prepared by a method comprising the steps of 
 A) providing a transparent container body which 
 (i) has a depth of 1 to 4 inch and a circumference of 30 to 100 inch,  
 (ii) comprises a base and cavity wall partitions extending away from the base, and  
 (iii) is in a loading orientation in which the partitions extend upwards from the base and create fillable compartments within the container body;  
   B) while the container body is in the loading orientation, 
 (a) placing foodstuffs in the compartments so that the foodstuffs rest on the base, at least some of the foodstuffs being multiple pieces of a fresh vegetable, and  
 (b) placing a carton of dressing in the container body, the carton having a lid which is placed on the base of the container body;  
   C) after step B, sealing a polymeric sealing sheet to the container body, thus creating a sealed package 
 (i) which contains the foodstuffs, the carton of dressing, and a packaging atmosphere around the foodstuffs,  
 (ii) whose outer surface is defined by the container body and the sealing sheet, and  
 (iii) which includes an atmosphere control member which covers a window in the sealing sheet;  
   D) after step C, placing a support tray over the sealing sheet, the support tray having a solid color; and    E) after step D, turning the sealed package and the support tray placed thereon upside-down so that the foodstuffs rest on the sealing sheet, and the sealing sheet is supported by the support tray, the support tray comprising discontinuous upstanding ribs such that, after step (E), air can circulate between the support tray and the atmosphere control member; and    displaying the plurality of party trays for sale, each of the party trays being in a display orientation in which the foodstuffs and the lid of the carton of dressing are viewed by a shopper through the container body;    
   
   
       45 . A method according to  claim 44  wherein the dimensions of the support tray are such that the foodstuffs can be served from the support tray.  
   
   
       46 . A method according to  claim 44  wherein the container body has a depth of 1.25 to 2.5 inch and a circumference of 40 to 70 inch.  
   
   
       47 . A method according to  claim 44  wherein the support tray has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.08 inch.  
   
   
       48 . A method of preparing a party tray which comprises the steps of 
 A) providing a transparent container body which 
 (i) has a depth of 1 to 4 inch and a circumference of 30 to 100 inch,  
 (ii) comprises a base and partitions which are removably located within the container body and which extend away from the base, and  
 (iii) is in a loading orientation in which the partitions extend upwards from the base and create fillable compartments within the container body;  
   B) while the container body is in the loading orientation, placing foodstuffs in the compartments so that the foodstuffs rest on the base, at least some of the foodstuffs being multiple pieces of a fresh vegetable;    C) after step B, sealing a polymeric sealing sheet to the container body, thus creating a sealed package 
 (i) which contains the foodstuffs and a packaging atmosphere around the foodstuffs,  
 (ii) whose outer surface is defined by the container body and the sealing sheet, and  
 (iii) which includes an atmosphere control member included in the sealing sheet;  
   D) after step C, placing a support tray over the sealing sheet; and    E) after step D, turning the sealed package and the support tray placed thereon upside-down so that the foodstuffs rest on the sealing sheet, and the sealing sheet is supported by the support tray, the support tray comprising ribs such that after step (E), air can circulate between the support tray and the atmosphere control member;    wherein the party tray can be displayed for sale in a display orientation in which the foodstuffs are viewed by a shopper through the container body.    
   
   
       49 . A method according to  claim 48  wherein the atmosphere control member covers a window in the sealing sheet.  
   
   
       50 . A method according to  claim 48  wherein the dimensions of the support tray are such that the foodstuffs can be served from the support tray.  
   
   
       51 . A method according to  claim 48  wherein the container body has a depth of 1.25 to 2.5 inch and a circumference of 40 to 70 inch.  
   
   
       52 . A method according to  claim 48  wherein the support tray has a thickness of at least 0.02 inch.  
   
   
       53 . A method according to  claim 48  wherein the support tray has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.08 inch.  
   
   
       54 . A method according to  claim 48  wherein the support tray has a solid color.  
   
   
       55 . A method according to  claim 48  wherein the ribs on the support tray are discontinuous upstanding ribs.  
   
   
       56 . A method according to  claim 48  wherein a carton of dressing is placed in the container before step (C), the carton having a lid which is placed on the base of the container body.  
   
   
       57 . A method according to  claim 48  which includes, after step (E), the step of displaying the party tray for sale in the display orientation in which the foodstuffs are viewed by a shopper through the container body.  
   
   
       58 . A method of preparing a party tray and displaying the party tray for sale, the method comprising the steps of 
 A) providing a transparent container body which 
 (i) has a depth of 1 to 4 inch and a circumference of 30 to 100 inch,  
 (ii) comprises a base and partitions which are removably located within the container body and which extend away from the base, and  
 (iii) is in a loading orientation in which the partitions extend upwards from the base and create fillable compartments within the container body;  
   B) while the container body is in the loading orientation, placing foodstuffs in the compartments so that the foodstuffs rest on the base, at least some of the foodstuffs being multiple pieces of a fresh vegetable;    C) after step B, sealing a polymeric sealing sheet to the container body, thus creating a sealed package 
 (i) which contains the foodstuffs and a packaging atmosphere around the foodstuffs,  
 (ii) whose outer surface is defined by the container body and the sealing sheet, and  
 (iii) which includes an atmosphere control member which covers a window in the sealing sheet;  
   D) after step C, placing a support tray over the sealing sheet, the support tray having a solid color;    E) after step D, turning the sealed package and the support tray placed thereon upside-down so that the foodstuffs rest on the sealing sheet, and the sealing sheet is supported by the support tray, the support tray comprising ribs such that after step (E), air can circulate between the support tray and the atmosphere control member; and    F) after step E, displaying the party tray for sale in a display orientation in which the foodstuffs of viewed by a shopper through the container body;    the dimensions of the support tray being such that the foodstuffs can be served from the support tray.    
   
   
       59 . A method according to  claim 58  wherein the container body has a depth of 1.25 to 2.5 inch and a circumference of 40 to 70 inch.  
   
   
       60 . A method according to  claim 58  wherein the support tray has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.08 inch.  
   
   
       61 . A method according to  claim 58  wherein a carton of dressing is placed in the container before step (C), the carton having a lid which is placed on the base of the container body.