Packaging tray

Abstract

A molded plastic tray adapted to receive a plastic overwrap film for preservation, secure handling and display of a perishable food product in the wrapped tray, such as fresh fruit or vegetables. The tray has a pair of central ribbing elements extending from opposing longitudinal side walls and into the bottom wall and is designed to provide structural rigidity that resists warping and collapse, thus enabling the overwrapped tray to be handled, shipped, and displayed with minimal leakage while preserving the food product therein. The tray is easy to manufacture and provides a lightweight and cost effective packaging product. The tray has a rectangular shape that provides for consistent wrapping strength and can be handled on standard processing equipment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a plastic packaging tray and, more particularly, to a molded plastic overwrap tray for secure packaging and preservation of a food product such as fresh fruit or vegetables.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Various plastic trays for packaging food, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, are known in the prior art. In designing such a tray, inner surface area, capacity, sidewall rigidity, and weight are key considerations. These trays are typically packed with perishable food items and then surrounded with a plastic film overwrap to both display and seal the food within the package. During the filling, conveying and wrapping processes, the trays are subjected to applied external forces (e.g., by automated equipment) that can warp or damage the tray, leading to a misalignment or malfunction on the processing line, bruising or other damage to the fresh food product, and / or irregularly filled trays. In particular, the tray may twist or co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a molded plastic tray designed to hold food products in a tightly-wrapped state for preservation, handling, and display. The tray is structurally stable, resistant to warping or collapse, and can be easily handled, packaged, and moved on a conveyor line. It is easy to manufacture and provides consistent strength. The tray has features that allow for consistent and tightly wrapped packaging, and is adaptable for use on standard processing equipment. The tray includes a design with central ribbing elements that prevent sagging and collapsing of the tray when filled and wrapped. Additionally, a trim lip is included for strengthening the trim area. Overall, the invention provides a cost-effective and lightweight packaging solution that maintains the quality of the food product.

Problems solved by technology

During the filling, conveying and wrapping processes, the trays are subjected to applied external forces (e.g., by automated equipment) that can warp or damage the tray, leading to a misalignment or malfunction on the processing line, bruising or other damage to the fresh food product, and / or irregularly filled trays.

In particular, the tray may twist or collapse inwardly due to forces applied during wrapping and handling.

Once wrapped the tray is ready to be placed in a container for shipment; typically, multiple wrapped trays are fit into standard sized cases and then stacked one upon another and the weight of the packaged trays may cause the plastic film of underlying trays to be stretched and loosened during shipment.

As a result the wrapped trays may leak juices from the products packaged therein, leading to a loss of aesthetic appeal, loss of shelf life, contamination of adjacent packages, and difficulty in handling.

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