Abstract:
A preferred embodiment of a packaging device comprises a lid that is slidably engaged to a tray having a compartment for holding processed sliced meats. The packaging device further includes a manually releasable lid lock for re-sealing the packaging device after use. Also provided in a preferred embodiment of the packaging device is a support foot for stabilizing the package during stacking or vertical display.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to the field of packaging devices. More specifically, this invention involves a packaging device for sliced deli meats, fish, cheeses and other related foods. Even more particularly, this invention relates to an improved packaging device which incorporates a lid that is slidably engaged to a tray. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Conventional packaging for sliced deli meat, smoked fish, cheeses and other processed foods has been in existence for many years. Packaging for these foods has evolved over the years with the goal of providing convenience to consumers, as well as increasing the shelf life of food without sacrificing freshness and taste. Indeed, retail deli-meat packaging continues to grow more important for companies as consumers, who are already accustomed to being exposed to innovative designs in other product areas, look for innovation in packaging that keep foods fresher for longer periods of time and which are easy to open and close. 
         [0003]    Generally, current forms of packaging for sliced deli meats and related foods either cannot be resealed or have limited interior accessibility. Vacuum-sealed plastic packaging, for example, has been and continues to be, utilized to keep its contents fresh for a longer period of time. However, vacuum-sealed packages which use relatively thick plastics are often difficult to open without the assistance of a sharp edge. Furthermore, after opening, many vacuum-sealed packages do not lend themselves to being re-sealed, thereby reducing the shelf life of contents if not consumed in a single sitting. Current forms of tray-based deli-meat packaging suffer from similar shortcomings in that once a package is opened, it typically cannot be re-sealed. 
         [0004]    To address the foregoing concern, re-sealable plastic packaging with press-to-close zippers was introduced to consumers, eliminating the need for consumers to place contents of an opened vacuum-sealed package in an entirely new container. While a re-sealable package does not eliminate the possibility of contaminants being introduced to the food, it has been utilized to provide consumers with a means to conveniently store the food without having to transfer uneaten portions to a separate bag or container. 
         [0005]    Since the introduction of the re-sealable package, other features have been incorporated into packaging as well. For example, one of the latest advancements in packaging involves the use of a sliding zipper which provides a reliable means to open and close a package containing deli meat or other perishables. This has been considered by many to be superior to conventional press-to-close zippers that have been widely available to consumers for years now. 
         [0006]    Despite the convenience and other advantages offered by these packaging products, there still remain some inherent disadvantages in current re-sealable deli-meat packaging. in particular, accessibility into the interior of deli-meat packaging is limited, essentially requiring a consumer to reach through a narrow portal and into a narrow space inside the package to retrieve its contents. This is especially unappealing when juices from the meat are present in the package, which can result in a brief (but potentially strong) feeling of revulsion when the juices make contact with the hands of a user. 
         [0007]    Another disadvantage of current forms of deli-meat packaging is that the exterior surface conforms to its contents, resulting in a non-uniform surface on which branding, content information, nutritional information and other visual indicia appear. In extreme situations, some information is entirely obscured because select areas of the packaging, whether at the edges or in the middle, are “sucked in” or “folded over” as a result of the manufacturing or sealing process. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In view of the deficiencies and drawbacks in the prior art, it is, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging device with a sliding lid that is both re-sealable and provides increased accessibility to the contents thereof. 
         [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved packaging device with a sliding lid that has a uniform surface on which branding, content information, nutritional information and other visual indicia is clearly displayed for consumers. 
         [0010]    A further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging device packaging device for sliced deli-meats, having a sliding lid engaged to a tray that is easier and more convenient to use as compared to other packaging products. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to create a low-volume product-package combination, thus maximizing space on display shelves and showcases. 
         [0012]    Additional objectives will be apparent from the description of the invention that follows. 
         [0013]    In summary, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention an improved packaging device comprising a plastic lid that is slidably engaged to a tray having a compartment for sliced deli meat. The packaging device further includes a manually releasable lid lock for re-sealing the package after use. A preferred embodiment of the improved packaging device is an aesthetically pleasing, value added, hermetically sealed, hanging peg-board product that is easy to open and close as needed. By utilizing the product, deli-meat and the like can be kept safely under refrigeration for an extended period of time after initial opening by utilizing the accompanying sliding lid. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The above-described and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings of which 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective, exploded view of a first preferred embodiment of the packaging device with sliding lid of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective, exploded view of the packaging device shown in  FIG. 1  with sliced deli-meat positioned and sealed within the tray; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view thereof showing the removal of an interior seal film or wrapping; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view thereof with the sliding lid sliding over the tray; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is perspective view of the packaging device with sliding lid in a fully closed position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective, exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of the packaging device with sliding lid of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective, exploded view of the packaging device shown in  FIG. 8  with sliced deli-meat positioned and sealed within the tray; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view thereof showing the removal of an interior seal film or wrapping; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view thereof with the sliding lid sliding over the tray; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is perspective view of the packaging device with sliding lid in a fully closed position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  14 - 14  of  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 through 7 , there is shown a first preferred embodiment of a packaging device  10  of the present invention. The packaging device  10  is sized and adapted to be used in conjunction with sliced deli-meat M or other foods that are customarily sliced and packaged for sale to consumers in supermarkets and convenience stores. The packaging device  10  is composed of a plastic tray  12  that includes a depressed cavity or compartment  14  for holding the sliced deli-meat. The tray  12  comprises a perimeter around the compartment  14  forming a border between the compartment and the edge of the tray  12 . The interior width dimension of the compartment  14  is preferably about 4 to 5 inches, generally conforming to the width of a standard slice of deli meat. The interior length dimension is about 8 to 9 inches, but may be varied to hold any number of arranged and layered slices as desired. The depth of compartment  14  varies from the bottom or rearward end  16  where compartment  14  is shallower, then sloping downward to the middle area  18  where the compartment  14  reaches a maximum depth of about ½-¾ of an inch and forms a flat surface  20 , and then sloping upward at the top or forward end  22 . Although the compartment  14  presented  FIGS. 1 through 7  is of a particular configuration, it should be understood that specific dimensions may be subject to change without altering the scope of the invention. For example, a compartment having a single generally uniform surface or one having different divisions therein may be utilized instead of the compartment specifically illustrated in the drawings. 
         [0030]    The packaging device  10  further includes a clear plastic lid or cover  30  that is sized and adapted to complement the tray  12 . The lid  30  is positioned in sliding engagement with the tray  12 , providing a container that is easy to repeatedly open and close as needed, until emptied. The lid  30  and tray  12  are constructed to allow the lid  30  to slide relative to the tray  12  a sufficient distance to expose the tray  12  and allow full access to the contents of the package  10  without contacting the lid  30  during the act of removal of the contents. The lid  30  comprises a section with a uniform surface  32  on which branding, content information, nutritional information and other visual indicia may be clearly displayed for consumers. The lid  30  has a sufficient thickness and rigidity to prevent it from becoming unintentionally deformed, thus providing an aesthetically pleasing display at all times for consumers to view when shopping. 
         [0031]    In the preferred embodiment, the lid  30  is incorporated as part of the packaging device  10  subsequent to the contents of the package being sealed (by vacuum sealing or otherwise) with an interior film seal S, as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . Thus, there is no possibility of the information displayed on the surface  32  of the lid  30  becoming obscured as a result of the sealing process which typically occurs when air is removed. 
         [0032]    As shown most clearly in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , sliding engagement is made possible through the presence of a channel  34 ,  34  which is formed between the top surface  32  of the lid  30  and each of its sides  36 ,  36 . Within each channel  34 ,  34 , the respective lateral edges  38  of the tray  12  are positioned in sliding contact. The channels  34 ,  34  that are formed each have a depth dimension that comfortably accommodates the lateral edges  38  of the tray so as to prevent the lid  30  from unintentionally disengaging the tray  12 . However, this dimension is not intended to be too large or deep so as to prevent the lid  30  from being removed by a user, if desired. in a preferred embodiment, the depth of the channel  34  is approximately ⅜ to ¼ of an inch, but it can be varied more or less as desired. 
         [0033]    As also shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the sides  36 ,  36  of the lid  30  each culminate in a support foot  40  extending the length of the lid  30 . In a preferred embodiment of the packaging device  10 , each support foot  40  is positioned at an elevation that is below the lateral edges of the tray, and an elevation that is at or beneath the half way point along the sides  42  of the depressed compartment  14 . This feature assists in the stabilization of the packaging device  10  when multiple packaging devices  10  are stacked on one another by preventing them from leaning excessively towards one side. The feature also helps with display spacing by preventing over-bunching of product when the device is hung vertically in a refrigerated display or showcase. Preferably, the support foot  40  is also reinforced by one or more webs or braces  39  that are positioned transverse to the side  36  of the lid  30  forming the foot. 
         [0034]    The tray  12  and lid  30  together produce a lid lock  50  that keeps the lid  30  from sliding along the tray  12  and uncovering its contents. The lid lock  50  is formed from creating one or more mating protrusions or depressions  52 ,  54  in the tray  12  and lid  30  at the top or forward ends thereof. The mating protrusions  52 ,  54  serve as a lid lock  50  to maintain the packaging device  10  in a closed position. This feature is particularly advantageous in keeping the package closed after the interior seal film (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is removed from the meat and the product is otherwise exposed to the atmosphere. 
         [0035]    Aside from the upward protrusion(s)  52  in the tray  12  that produce a lid lock  50 , the tray  12  further comprises a raised section or ledge  56  around its entire perimeter. The outer section of the ledge  56  tapers off to form sloped edge  58 . Due to the increased height of the tray  12  caused by the ledge, the lid  30  must be formed to accommodate this increase in height of the tray  12 . The contact between the lid  30  and ledge  56  helps form a better and more consistent seal after the initial sealing material is removed in order to keep the contents of the compartment  14  fresher longer. The sloped edge  58  helps provide a surface that is conducive to sliding along the channel  34  of the lid  30 . While the ledge  56  of the preferred embodiment proceeds around the entire perimeter of the tray  12 , it should be understood that the ledge may extend around less than the entire perimeter while still keeping within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIGS. 8 through 14 , there is shown a second preferred embodiment of a packaging device  110  of the present invention. This embodiment bears close resemblance to that disclosed above both in form and use with changes to some features thereof that are described below. The packaging device  110  is composed of a plastic tray  112  that includes a depressed cavity or compartment  114  for holding the sliced deli-meat. Notably the shape of the compartment  114  is slightly different, comprising a single depressed area that occupies the bulk of the compartment. Similar to packaging device  10 , the depth of compartment  114  varies from the bottom or rearward end  116  where compartment  114  is shallower, then sloping downward to the larger middle area  118  where the compartment  114  reaches a maximum depth of about ½ -¾ of an inch and forms a larger flat surface  120 , and then sloping upward at the top or forward end  122 . 
         [0037]    The packaging device  110  further includes a clear plastic lid or cover  130  that is sized and adapted to complement the tray  112 . The lid  130  is positioned in sliding engagement with the tray  112 , providing a container that is easy to repeatedly open and close as needed, until emptied. The lid  130  comprises a uniform surface  32  on which branding, content information, nutritional information and other visual indicia may be clearly displayed for consumers. 
         [0038]    In the preferred embodiment, the lid  130  is incorporated as part of the packaging device  110  subsequent to the contents of the package being sealed (by vacuum sealing or otherwise) with an interior film seal, as shown in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 . Thus, there is no possibility of the information displayed on the surface  132  of the lid  30  becoming obscured as a result of the sealing process which typically occurs when air is removed. 
         [0039]    As shown most clearly in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , sliding engagement is made possible through the presence of a channel  134 ,  134  which is formed between the top surface  132  of the lid  130  and each of its sides  136 ,  136 . Within each channel  134 ,  134 , the respective lateral edges  138  of the tray  112  are positioned in sliding contact. The channels  134 ,  134  that are formed each have a depth dimension that comfortably accommodates the lateral edges  138  of the tray so as to prevent the lid  130  from unintentionally disengaging the tray  112 . Notably, since the packaging device  110  does not have a ledge, the height of the channel  134  is less than that of channel  34 , accommodating the lateral edges  138  without having to accommodate other areas of the tray  112 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , the sides  136 ,  136  of the lid  130  each culminate in a support foot  140  extending the length of the lid  130 . Each support foot  140  is positioned at the same elevation as the bottom surface  121  of the tray  112 . As compared to support foot  40  which may be positioned at a relatively higher elevation, support foot  140  permits the packaging device to remain even more stable when stacked on one another and uniformly spaced when hanging vertically in a refrigerated display or showcase. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the lid  130  includes a pair of protrusions  154  that extend downward into a corresponding pair of depressions  152  positioned at the top end  122  of the tray  112 . The mating protrusions  154  and depressions  152  serve as a lid lock  150  to maintain the packaging device  110  in a closed position. Notably, a pair of depressions  156  is also positioned at the bottom end  116  of the tray  112 . This feature serves as a stop to prevent the lid  130  from completely disengaging the tray  112 . The position of the stop at the bottom  116  of the tray  112  allows a user to fully expose or display the contents of the package  110  during use without having worry about being able to re-seal the package if all the food is not eaten. 
         [0042]    While the preferred embodiment has protrusions on the lid and depressions located on the tray, it should be understood that the protrusions may be positioned on the tray with depressions located on the lid. Likewise, it should be understood that the lid lock mechanism may be altered to further limit the range within which the lid can slide relative to the tray. It is also possible for a lid to be incorporated into the packaging device without a lid lock. 
         [0043]    In connection with the preferred embodiments herein, the contents of the packaging device are preferably vacuum sealed and have been run through a high pressure processing system to remove bacteria and/or other contaminants. Aside from the lid, a thin interior seal film is applied to keep the food fresh and free from contaminants. After the seal film is peeled off or otherwise removed, the lid remains available to re-seal the package and keep contents fresher, longer. 
         [0044]    While the interior seal film is typically discarded after the package is opened, another embodiment of the packaging device may incorporate an interior seal film that remains attached to the tray and serves to re-create a fully airtight seal. In such an embodiment, the interior seal film is “pinched” between the tray and the lid after as the lid slides into the closed position. Such a feature may be incorporated with or without the lid lock as well. 
         [0045]    The tray  12 ,  112  of the packaging device  10 ,  110  is preferably formed of a recyclable mono-layer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material that is commonly utilized in the production of food and beverage containers. The tray  12 ,  112  is thermo-formed into the required shape and size cavity using a convention horizontal form, fill and seal packaging machine (HFFS). After the tray is formed using the HFFS, sliced deli-meat (or any appropriate product) is loaded into the empty trays in the HFFS&#39;s loading area. The trays and meat are then transported via gripper chains into the seal/evacuation station. After the appropriate sealing process has taken place and the tray has been discharged, the tray and meat (or other food) package is run through a high pressure processing (HPP) system. Thereafter, the sliding lid  30 ,  130  is manually applied to the package. With additional equipment, it is also possible to have the lid automatically applied as part of the production process, Much like the corresponding tray, the lid of the packaging device is preferably formed of a recyclable mono-layer PET material. The lid is thermo-formed into the required shape and size cavity using a HFFS as well. 
         [0046]    Although the description above and accompanying drawings contains much specificity, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. The drawings and the description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of the embodiments and are understood as broad and general teachings in accordance with the present invention. While the present embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that modifications and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.