Patent Publication Number: US-11046475-B2

Title: Meal packaging and presentation systems and methods

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for packaging and presenting meals, such as may be delivered and served to passengers of a commercial aircraft. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Commercial aircraft transport passengers between locations. For example, an aircraft departs from a first airport and arrives at a second airport. During a flight, passengers may be provided food and beverage items, including meals, canned or bottled drinks, and the like. Typically, the aircraft operator provides a limited number of items for passengers to consume during a flight. As an example, flight attendants may offer passengers peanuts or other such snacks, along with a limited number of beverages. During certain longer flights, passengers may even be offered full meals. 
     Typically, catering companies contracted by airlines prepare meals for flight and transport them onto an aircraft. Passengers typically have limited food options and levels of customization onboard an aircraft. Flight attendants prepare the meals in galleys of the aircraft during a flight. For example, flight attendants may consult guidelines posted in galleys to prepare the meals and deliver them to certain passengers. The meals are generally served at pre-determined times during a flight. 
     Commercial aircraft are generally stocked with a relatively large amount of dishware and appliances, which adds weight to the aircraft. During a flight, flight attendants often prepare and present meals, which may be a time-consuming and tedious process. Further, after meal service, the flight attendants collect dishes, utensils, drinkware, and the like, and subsequently wash such items, such as after the aircraft has landed. Additionally, the flight attendants throw food and drink items away that the passengers did not consume during meal service. 
     During a flight, meals may not be efficiently delivered to passengers. For example, various items of a meal may be individually given to a passenger, who then positions such items on a limited space of an individual tray table associated within the passenger seat within the aircraft. Further, as noted, the process of preparing and presenting meals, as well as cleaning up after meal service may be tedious and time intensive for flight attendants. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A need exists for a systems and methods for efficiently packaging and presenting meals to individuals, such as within a commercial aircraft. Further, a need exists for a system and method that reduces the need for flight attendants to prepare and present meals during a flight, thereby allowing the flight attendants to perform other tasks. 
     With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a meal packaging and presentation system that includes a base, one or more panels coupled to the base, one or more flaps coupled to one or both of the one or more panels or the base. The base, the panel(s), and the flap(s) in a closed state define an interior meal chamber. In at least one embodiment, the interior meal chamber provides at least one snugly-fitting meal organizer. The panel(s) and the flap(s) are configured to dangle downwardly from the base when the base, the panel(s), and the flap(s) are in an opened presentation state. 
     In at least one embodiment, the panels and the flaps include a meal packaging and presentation system that includes a base, a front panel connected to the base at a low front edge seam, a first side panel connected to the base at a first low side edge seam, a second side panel connected to the base at a second low side edge seam, a rear panel connected to the base at a low rear edge seam, a first top flap connected to the first side panel at a first top side edge seam, a second top flap connected to the second side panel at a second top side edge seam, a front top flap connected to the front panel at a top front edge seam, and a rear top flap that connects to the rear panel at a top rear edge. The interior meal chamber is formed between the base, the front panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the rear panel, the first top flap, and the second top flap when the meal packaging and presentation system is in a closed state. The meal packaging and presentation system is configured to transition between the closed state and an opened presentation state through manipulation of the front panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the rear panel, the first top flap, the second top flap, the front top flap, and the rear top flap. The meal packaging and presentation system may be formed of recyclable or compostable cardboard. 
     A first interior edge of the first top flap may be proximate to a second interior edge of the second top flap when the meal packaging and presentation system is in the closed state. A seal may be secured over portions of the first top flap and the second top flap when the meal packaging and presentation system is in the closed state. The seal couples the first top flap and the second top flap together in a closed position. 
     In at least one embodiment, an indicator is configured to identify one or both of the contents within the interior meal chamber or an individual to whom the meal packaging and presentation system is to be served. The indicator may be secured to an exterior surface of the front panel. 
     One or more portions of the front panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the rear panel, the first top flap, or the second top flap may be transparent. 
     In at least one embodiment, the meal packaging and presentation system in the closed state is sized and shaped to be received and retained within a compartment of a galley cart of a commercial aircraft. 
     In at least one embodiment, the first top flap is configured to be pivoted open laterally in relation to the first side panel about and along the first top side edge seam. The second top flap is configured to be pivoted open laterally in relation to the second side panel about and along the second top side edge seam. The front top flap is configured to be pivoted open forwardly in relation to the front panel. The rear top flap is configured to be pivoted open rearwardly in relation to the rear panel. The interior meal chamber is exposed when front top flap, the second top flap, the front top flap, and the rear top flap are opened. 
     In at least one embodiment, the meal packaging and presentation system also includes dishware within the interior meal chamber. The dishware may be formed of recyclable or compostable cardboard. 
     In at least one embodiment, the top front flap and the front panel are configured to be outwardly unfolded into a flattened position. The top front flap and the front panel outwardly unfolded into the flattened position may provide a lap protector. 
     In at least one embodiment, the first side panel and the second top flap are configured to be outwardly unfolded into a first flattened position. The second side panel and the second top flap are configured to be outwardly unfolded into a second flattened position. 
     The meal packaging and presentation system may also include one or more item stabilizing channels that are configured to retain dishware in a stable, upright position. The item stabilizing channel(s) may be formed through one or both of the rear panel and the rear top flap. 
     One or more of the low front edge seam, the first low side edge seam, the second low side edge seam, the low rear edge seam, the first top side edge seam, and the second top side edge seam may include perforations. 
     In at least one embodiment, interior surfaces of the base, the first top flap, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the second top flap provide a dining mat. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective top view of a meal packaging and presentation system in a closed state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective front view of a cart, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective top view of the meal packaging and presentation system in an initial opened state. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective top view of the meal packaging and presentation system in an intermediate opened state. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective top view of the meal packaging and presentation system in an opened presentation state. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the meal packaging and presentation system in the opened presentation state supported on a tray table associated with a passenger seat within an interior cabin of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a front perspective view of an aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a flow chart of a meal packaging and presentation method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or steps. Further, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular condition may include additional elements not having that condition. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a meal packaging and presentation system that allows restaurants to package and present meals to passengers of a commercial aircraft. In at least one embodiment, the meal packaging and presentation system includes a foldable exterior and molded dishware. The exterior may have one or more portions that are transparent, thereby allowing individuals to see inside when the meal packaging and presentation system is in a closed state. The meal packaging and presentation system may be formed of a light-weight, recyclable material, such as compostable cardboard, that is configured to withstand heating or cooling temperatures associated with ensuring that the meals within are served to the passengers at desired hot or cold temperatures. For example, the meal packaging and presentation system is configured to withstand heating temperatures associated with an oven that heats certain food items, and cooling temperatures associated with a refrigerator or freezer that cools certain food items. In at least one embodiment, specialized orders may be placed by individuals, and fulfilled by desired restaurants. After the meal is secured within a closed meal packaging and presentation system, the meal packaging and presentation system may be labeled within an indicator, such as an adhesive label, writing, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an electronic code, matrix barcode (such as a QR code) or the like that identifies the contained meal, and/or the individual to which the meal packaging and presentation system is to be served. 
     In at least one embodiment, after a meal is prepared and packaged within the meal packaging and presentation system, the closed meal packaging and presentation system may be inspected, sealed, and loaded into an appropriate galley cart, such as may be positioned within a galley of a commercial aircraft. 
     The meal packaging and presentation systems provide a desirable dining experience and eliminate, minimize, or reduce the need for flight attendants to move food items from cart to oven, and vice versa, and handle glassware and utensils. Embodiments of the present disclosure reduce overall weight of commercial aircraft, by reducing the need for inflight ovens and dishware, for example. Further, because the components of the meal packaging and presentation systems may be recyclable, after use, the components may be discarded, thereby reducing the need to store dirty service ware and indeterminate amounts of trash in the galley. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective top view of a meal packaging and presentation system  100  in a closed state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The meal packaging and presentation system  100  includes a flat base  102  connected to a front panel  104 , a first side panel  106 , a second side panel  108 , and a rear panel  110 . The base  102  connects to the front panel  104  at a low front edge seam  112 . The base  102  connects to the first side panel  106  and the second side panel  108  at a first low side edge seam  114  and a second low side edge seam  116 , respectively. The base connects to the rear panel  110  at a low rear edge seam (hidden from view in  FIG. 1 ). 
     A first top flap  118  connects to the first side panel  106  at a first top side edge seam  120 . A second top flap  122  connects to the second side panel  108  at a second top side edge seam  124 . In the closed state, a first interior edge  126  of the first top flap  118  abuts or is otherwise proximate to a second interior edge  128  of the second top flap  122 . 
     In the closed state, the front panel  104 , the first side panel  106 , the second side panel  108 , and the rear panel  110  upwardly extend from the base  102 , such as at perpendicular orientations. That is, the front panel  104 , the first side panel  106 , the second side panel  108 , and the rear panel  110  reside in planes that may be perpendicular to a plane in which the base  102  resides. Further, in the closed state, the first top flap  118  and the second top flap  122  extend perpendicularly from the first side panel  106  and the second side panel  108  over the base  102 . As such, the first top flap  118  and the second top flap  122  reside in a plane that may be parallel to the plane of the base  102 . 
     In the closed state, an interior meal chamber is formed between the base  102 , the front panel  104 , the first side panel  106 , the second side panel  108 , the rear panel  110 , the first top flap  118 , and the second top flap  122 . A prepared meal may be positioned within the interior meal chamber. As shown, in the closed state, the meal packaging and presentation system  100  may provide an enclosed box. In the closed position, the base  102 , the front panel  104 , the first side panel, the second side panel, the rear panel  110 , the first top flap  118 , and the second top flap  122  define a rectangular cube. That is, the interior meal chamber is a rectangular cube. The base  102  is configured to be positioned on a tray table, such as that within a commercial aircraft. In at least one embodiment, the base  102  has dimensions (for example, a length  113  and a width  115 ) that are less than that of a tray table onboard a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft. The interior meal chamber may include at least one snugly-fitting meal organizer that allows a prepared meal to fit snugly and securely within the interior meal chamber. 
     As shown, a seal  130  (such as an adhesive sticker, tape, wax member, or other such tamper-evident device) may be secured over portions of the first top flap  118  and the second top flap  122  proximate to the respective first interior edge  126  and the second interior edge  128 . The seal  130  couples the first top flap  118  and the second top flap  122  together in a closed position. Further, the unbroken seal  130  provides a quality assurance indication that the contents within the interior meal chamber have not been tampered with after preparation and packaging. 
     An indicator  132  may be secured to the meal packaging and presentation system  100 . For example, the indicator  132  may be adhesively secured to the meal packaging and presentation system  100 . In at least one embodiment, the indicator  132  may be integrally formed with a portion of the meal packaging and presentation system  100 . As shown, the indicator  132  may be located on an exterior surface  134  of the front panel  104 . By positioning the indicator  132  on the front panel  104 , the indicator  132  may be readily and easily viewed when positioned within a galley cart, for example. Alternatively, the indicator  132  may be positioned on various other portions of the meal packaging and presentation system  100 , such as the first side panel  106 , the second side panel  108 , the rear panel  110 , the first top flap  118 , or the second top flap  122 . 
     The indicator  132  is configured to identify the contents within the interior meal chamber and/or an individual (such as a passenger of a commercial aircraft) to whom the meal packaging and presentation system  100  is to be delivered and/or served. In at least one embodiment, the indicator  132  may be a label, such as adhesively secured to the front panel  104  that identifies (such as through text, graphics, or the like) the contents and/or the individual (by name, seat assignment, or the like) to which the meal packaging and presentation system  100  is to be delivered and/or served. In at least one other embodiment, the indicator  132  may be an RFID tag. In at least one other embodiment, the indicator  132  may be a bar code, an electronic code (for example, digital information), a matrix barcode, or the like. In general, the indicator  132  may be an inventory management device such as a code that may be scanned at various stages of preparation and presentation in order to provide information regarding status indication, indication of origin, and/or the like. 
     In at least one embodiment, one or more portions of the front panel  104 , the first side panel  106 , the second side panel  108 , the rear panel  110 , the first top flap  118 , and the second top flap  122  may be transparent, thereby allowing individuals to see inside when the meal packaging and presentation system  100  is in the closed state. For example, openings may be formed through the first top flap  118  and the second top flap  122  to allow an individual to view internal contents. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective front view of a cart  140 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cart  140  may be a galley cart that is configured to be moveably positioned within an interior cabin of an aircraft. For example, the cart  140  may be positioned within a galley of the aircraft. 
     The cart  140  includes a base  142 , lateral walls  144  upwardly extending from the base  142 , a rear wall  146  upwardly extending from the base  142 , and a top wall  148  connected to the lateral walls  144  and the rear wall  146 . A front  150  of the cart  140  includes a plurality of compartments  152 . Each compartment  152  is configured to receive and retain a separate meal packaging and presentation system  100  in the closed state (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The cart  140  may also include wheels  158  (such as casters) downwardly extending from the base  142 , thereby allowing the cart  140  to be moved. Alternatively, the cart  140  may not include the wheels  158 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , meal packaging and presentation system  100  in the closed state is configured to be removably positioned within a compartment  152 . Each meal packaging and presentation system  100  in the closed state may be sized and shaped to fit within the compartment  152 . In at least one embodiment, a standard size and shape may be used for each meal packaging and presentation system  100  in the closed state. The standard size and shape may correspond to a retaining compartment within a galley of a commercial aircraft. For example, the standard size and shape may be associated with the size and shape of the compartments  152 . In this manner, numerous restaurants may prepare and package meals within the meal packaging and presentation system  100  and each prepared and packaged meal may be quickly and easily stored in the commercial aircraft, such as within the compartment  152  of the cart  140 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective top view of the meal packaging and presentation system  100  in an initial opened state. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , in order to initially open the meal packaging and presentation system  100 , the first top flap  118  is grasped and pivoted open laterally in relation to the first side panel  106  about and along the first top side edge seam  120  in the direction of arc  160 . Similarly, the second top flap  122  is grasped and pivoted open laterally in relation to the second side panel  108  about and along the second top side edge seam  124  in the direction of arc  162 . Further, a front top flap  164  that connects to the front panel  104  at a top front edge seam  166  is grasped and pivoted open forwardly in relation to the front panel  104  in the direction of arc  168 . Similarly, a rear top flap  170  that connects to the rear panel  110  at a top rear edge seam  172  is grasped and pivoted open rearwardly in relation to the rear panel  110  in the direction of arc  174 . As the first top flap  118 , the second top flap  122 , the front top flap  164 , and the rear top flap  170  are opened, the interior meal chamber  176  is exposed. As shown, the interior meal chamber  176  may be a rectangular cube. The interior meal chamber  176  provides at least one snugly-fitting meal organizer that allows a prepared meal to fit snugly and securely within the interior meal chamber. For example, the interior meal chamber  176  allows various items of dishware  180  to snugly, stably, and securely fit therein when the meal packaging and presentation system  100  is in the closed state. 
     Dishware  180 , such as plates, bowls, cups, and/or the like, may be positioned within the interior meal chamber  176 . The dishware  180  supports items to be consumed by an individual. The dishware  180  is positioned within the interior meal chamber  176  by a preparer (such as at a restaurant) to provide a desirable presentation. Thus, when used with a commercial aircraft, the meal may be prepared, presented, and packaged at a restaurant, instead of by a flight attendant, thereby freeing up the flight attendant for other tasks, duties, or even a break. 
     Further, the dishware  180  may be formed of a recyclable or compostable material. In at least one embodiment, the dishware  180  may be formed of compostable cardboard. As such, the dishware  180  may be discarded into a recycling bin after use. In this manner, a flight attendant may simply discard the meal packaging and presentation system  100 , which may include the dishware  180 , into recycling, instead of attending to stacking or sorting dishes, thereby saving the time and effort of the flight attendant. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective top view of the meal packaging and presentation system  100  in an intermediate opened state. After the top front flap  164  is pivoted open as shown in  FIG. 3 , the top front flap  164  may continue to be urged in the direction of arc  168 , thereby causing the front panel  104  to pivot open in the direction of arc  168  about and along the low front edge seam  112 . During such motion, the top front flap  164  and the front panel  104  pivot into a flattened position. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective top view of the meal packaging and presentation system in an opened presentation state. As described herein, the meal packaging and presentation system  100  transitions between the closed state into the opened presentation state through manipulation of the front panel, the first side panel, the second panel, the rear panel, the first top flap, the second top flap, the front top flap, and the rear top flap. 
     In the opened presentation state, the top front flap  164  and the front panel  104  are outwardly unfolded into a flattened position, thereby providing a lap protector  190 , which an individual may position over a lap to provide an integral napkin-like shield, for example. Optionally, the top front flap  164  and the front panel  104  may be folded under the base  102  about and along the low front edge seam  112 . 
     As shown, the first side panel  106  and the first top flap  118  may also be outwardly unfolded into a flattened position. Optionally, the first top flap  118  and the first side panel  106  may be folded under the base  102  about and along the first low side edge seam  114 . 
     Further, the second side panel  108  and the second top flap  122  may also be outwardly unfolded into a flattened position. Optionally, the second top flap  122  and the second side panel  108  may be folded under the base  102  about and along the second low side edge seam  116 . 
     Additionally, the rear panel  110  and the rear top flap  170  may be outwardly unfolded into a flattened position. For example, the rear top flap  170  and the rear panel  110  may be folded under the base  102  about and along the low rear edge seam  192 . 
     In at least one embodiment, one or more item stabilizing channels  194  is formed through portions of one or both of the rear panel  110  and the rear top flap  170 , such as at and/or proximate to the top rear edge seam  172 . Optionally and/or additionally, one or more item stabilizing channels  194  may be formed through portions of one or more of the first side panel  106 , the first top flap  118 , the second side panel  108 , and/or the second top flap  122 . In at least one embodiment, the stabilizing channels  194  may be formed by pushing out or otherwise removing portions of the rear panel  110  and the rear top flap  170 , such as may be defined by perforations. The stabilizing channels  194  may be sized and shaped to retain certain dishware  180 , such as a cup, can, bottle, or the like that is configured to retain a beverage in a stable, upright position. For example, the rear panel  110  and the rear top flap  170  may be outwardly unfolded into a propped position such that an angle a is formed therebetween. As such, the rear panel  110  and the rear top flap  170  are not flattened. In this manner, the interior edges the rear top flap  170  and the rear panel  110  that define the stabilizing channels  194  extend around intermediate or upper portions of the dishware  180  retained therein, thereby stably retaining the dishware  194  within the stabilizing channels  180 . Alternatively, the meal packaging and presentation system  100  may not include the item stabilizing channel(s)  194 . 
     Each of the seams provides an area where connected components may fold and unfold in relation to one another. One or more of the seams may be weakened areas that allow for flexibility and folding. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the seams may be a perforated line that allows for component folding, as described, as well as the ability for one component to be easily torn off. For example, in the opened presentation state, an individual may tear off the lap protector  190  along and about the low front edge seam  112 , which may be or otherwise include a plurality of perforations. 
     Interior surfaces of the base  102  and the unfolded first top flap  118 , the first side panel  106 , the second side panel  108 , and the second top flap  122  may provide or be covered with a dining mat  191 . The dining mat  191  may include graphics, text, or the like that may be aesthetically pleasing. In at least one embodiment, interior surfaces of the meal packing and presentation system  100  (such as the dining mat  191 ) may include logos, marks, names, phrases or the like that provide an advertisement for a particular entity (such as an airline operator and/or a restaurant), thereby providing entities with additional branding and advertising opportunities. 
     In order to transition the meal packaging and presentation system  100  from the opened presentation state to the closed state, the opening process is reversed. For example, the various components of the meal packaging and presentation system  100  may be manipulated to form the enclosed box shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the unfolded first top flap  118 , the first side panel  106 , the second side panel, the second top flap  122 , the rear panel  110 , the rear top flap  170 , the front flap  104 , and the front top flap  104  are foldably joined to the base  102 . As such, the panels and flaps are able to dangle downwardly from an edge of the tray table on which the base  102  is supported. That is, the meal packaging and presentation system comprises one or more flaps and panels that are foldably coupled to the base  102  so as to dangle downwardly from the tray table, so as to void invading neighboring passengers&#39; space and/or overlapping onto neighboring tray tables. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the meal packaging and presentation system  100  in the opened presentation state supported on a tray table  200  associated with a passenger seat  202  within an interior cabin of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the opened presentation state, the meal packaging and presentation system  100  is configured to be supported on a top surface  204  of the tray table  200 . As shown and described, portions of the meal packaging and presentation system  100  unfold to provide an attractive dining experience. In at least one embodiment, the meal packaging and presentation system  100  may be sized and shaped such that the flattened base  102 , the flattened first side panel  106 , the flattened first top flap  118 , the flattened second side panel  108 , and the flattened second top flap  122  are fully supported by the top surface  204  of the tray table  200 . Optionally, the meal packaging and presentation system  100  may be sized and shaped such that the base  102  is fully supported by the top surface  204 , but less than all of the flattened first side panel  106 , the flattened first top flap  118 , the flattened second side panel  108 , and the flattened second top flap  122  are fully supported by the top surface  204 . The base  102  has dimensions that are less than a top surface of the tray table  200 . Thus, when the base  102  is supported by the tray table  200 , the base  102  may not hang over and past exterior edges of the tray table  200 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a front perspective view of an aircraft  300 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft  300  includes a propulsion system  312  that may include two turbofan engines  314 , for example. Optionally, the propulsion system  312  may include more engines  314  than shown. The engines  314  are carried by wings  316  of the aircraft  300 . In other embodiments, the engines  314  may be carried by a fuselage  318  and/or an empennage  320 . The empennage  320  may also support horizontal stabilizers  322  and a vertical stabilizer  324 . The fuselage  318  of the aircraft  300  defines an interior cabin, which may include a cockpit  330 . Passengers that are scheduled to fly on the aircraft  300  may order meals that are packaged and presented within the meal packaging and presentation systems  100  described herein. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with aircraft  300  other than shown. The aircraft  300  shown in  FIG. 7  is merely an example of one type of commercial aircraft. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles (including buses), trains, watercraft, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a flow chart of a meal packaging and presentation method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At  400 , a meal is prepared in a facility (such as restaurant) that is remotely located from a commercial aircraft. At  402 , the meal is packaged and presented within an interior meal chamber of a meal packaging and presentation system in an opened state. At  404 , one or more flap(s) and/or panel(s) of the meal packaging and presentation system are folded into a closed state to enclose the meal within the interior meal chamber. At  406 , the meal packaging and presentation in the closed state is delivered to the commercial aircraft. At  408 , the meal packaging and presentation system in the closed state is stored in a compartment of a cart within the aircraft until meal service, when served to a passenger. 
     As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for efficiently packaging and presenting meals to individuals, such as within a commercial aircraft. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that reduce the need for flight attendants to prepare and present meals during a flight, thereby allowing the flight attendants to perform other tasks. 
     While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like. 
     As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configured to” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform the task or operation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.