The Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a package and storage device for nutrients or food articles, such as, but not limited to fish, comprising a base element and preferably a lid or cover, configured to be placed on the base element in a closable and sealing manner, where the base element is provided with an inner part provided with a top surface intended for supporting the nutrient, outer side walls and a void or cavity for collecting of possible fluid from the nutrient, and where the top surface is positioned at a higher level than the sidewalls of the base element.

Background for the Invention

Nutrient, for example such as smoked salmon, smoked trout or mackerel, contain a high degree of fat. As long as the fish is in a packed, sealed and/or vacuumed state the fat from the fish meat is contained within the fish meat itself.

Another important aspect is that nutrients, in particular, but not exclusively fish, has a strong, characterizing smell that may be spread through physical contact or by diffusion and easily be spread within the storage space of a refrigerator. Once the sealing of the package is broken by the user, a spreading risk of smell or odour may occur due to emission of minute, small nutrient particles or vapour.

As from the point of breaking the vacuum sealing, i.e. when opening the package, a process starts in fish or meat contained in the package, including release of fatty oil and fluid from the fish. This may cause handling and storage problems of the package containing such type of nutrient fish or meat, causing odour and causing mess inside the refrigerator, affecting other types of nutrients in the refrigerator. The prior art packing for such type of fish does not solve the abovementioned problem related to storage of fish or meat. Because of the possibilities of such mess or odour, the refrigerator requires frequent washing and disinfection.

The current way of storing the opened package of fish is to place the fish in a plastic bag or place the package/fish in a single plastic container already acquired by the household.

US 2009/0096150 discloses a system relating to providing a cutting

board/serving tray that: reduces wear on the cutting board peripheral edge and cutting knife surface; prevents cuts along a fluid channel retaining channel; and provides for food to be prepared, cut and served on the same tray. The tray, serving as a bottom part may be provided with an upper part serving as a tray cover, designed to rest on the tray along the peripheral edges of the lower part, covering the nutrient placed on the tray without being in contact with the nutrient arranged on the tray.

US 2007/0194028 discloses a vacuum tray which is inserted into a vacuum bag and makes it possible for the vacuum bag to be easily vacuumized even if the vacuum bag has no embossments.

It has been experienced that none of these solutions in practice are

practicable in use. The fish fat and liquid is spread temporarily inside the package. This makes it difficult for the consumer/user to avoid mess and spread to or contamination on other nutrients or walls/shelves in the refrigerator through contact.

Summary of the Invention

A main principle of the present invention is to collect possible liquid seeping out of a nutrient packed in a preferably vacuum packed package or storage mean, during storage subsequent to puncturing a vacuum provided around a nutrient, the package being provided with a means for collecting such liquid in a safe and controlled manner, allowing the seeping liquid to flow down due to gravity into a collecting void. The void is configured in such way that the liquid is prevented from flowing unintentionally out of the void.

Another principle of possible importance is to provide a supporting surface for the nutrient, enabling the surface on which the nutrient is resting to be configured to being flush with at least one of the surface edges of the supporting surface, so as to enhance cutting up the nutrient when positioned on said surface, with or without an additional absorbing mat or pad, allowing cutting the nutrient lying on the surface without meeting obstacles for easy cutting..

According to the invention a package device and storage means for storage of nutrients is provided, the nutrients being covered by a suitable and adapted film, suited for covering the nutrient in a sealing and airtight manner and that is

removably fixed or attached to an upper part or upper surface of a packaged adapted to displace and support nutrients. Such fixing may be achieved by means of for example welding, gluing or the like. To this respect the top surface of the package is large enough to allow the nutrient to be stored without coming into contact with the surface for fixing the plastic film.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a package preventing liquid seeping out from a nutrient, such as fish or meat, to come into contact with the environment in which the package with nutrition is placed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage means and/or package for nutrient such as fish or meat. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a package and storage means that also may serve as a supporting surface for a nutrient enhancing and simplifying and easing cutting of a nutrient on the package supporting surface.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a package suited for being vacuumized subsequent to sealing the nutrient on the supporting surface.

It should be noted that the package according to the present invention is intended for use in association with industrial packing of a nutrient and is also suited for frozen products.

The objects are achieved by means of a package or container as further defined by the independent claim, while variants, alternative embodiments and modifications are defined by the dependent claims.

According to the present invention a package and storage device for nutrients or food articles, such as for example fish, is provided, comprising at least a base part and possibly a lid or cover, configured to be placed on the base element in a closable and sealing manner. The base element is provided with a top surface intended for supporting the nutrient, outer side walls and a void or cavity arranged in association with base element. The nutrient is covered by a film of of suitable material for packing of a nutrient, such as for example plastic material or metal, fixed in a removal way to the top surface either on a rim on the top surface or on upper part of a surrounding vertical wall associated with the top surface.

According to one embodiment, the void or cavity may be configured to be in fluid communication with the top surface intended to support the nutrient, allowing possible fluids from the nutrient to flow down into the void or cavity, and where the top surface, or a mat placed on the top surface, is positioned at a higher level than a liquid collecting means associated with the top surface allowing possible liquid seeping out from the nutrient to be collected by the void or cavity.

The top surface may in one embodiment be provided with an elevated surface extending around the periphery of the top surface at a higher level than the remaining part of the top surface, i.e. higher than the surface on which the nutrient is placed. The height of this elevated surface, which may form a rim around supporting top surface may be dependent on the height of a possible absorbing mat intended to be positioned beneath the nutrient, securing that the surface of the mat, when placed on the toop surface of the package is flush with the remaining surface of the top surface. Such mat may itself have a height in the region of 1-5 mm. Height the height of the rim above the supporting remaining top surface will corresponding be in the region 1-5 mm, depending of the thickness of the mat. According to one embodiment, the cavity may be in the form of a duct or channel surrounding the top surface, positioned at a level below the top surface.

According to an alternative embodiment, the cavity may be positioned beneath the top surface and is provided with a bottom closure for collecting and retaining possible liquid seeping from a nutrient.

The top surface, rim and/or an upper part of the vertical wall may be

configured to enhance flow of liquid away from the nutrient. The top surface may be provided with one or more apertures, establishing fluid communication between the top surface and the void beneath the top surface.

Moreover, the apertures may be arranged on the top surface and/or in the upper part of the vertical wall.

In an embodiment, the top surface may be positioned at a higher level than outer sidewall(s) of the base element, and/or the rim and/or upper part of the vertical wall may be provided with a layer of glue for fixing the film to the base part of the package and storage device.

Moreover, the rim may extend 1 to 10 mm above the top surface, whereby a mat may be placed on the top surface, the upper surface of which preferably being flush with the rim.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the top surface of the base part projects preferably about 10 to 15 mm above the outer walls of the base part.

According to the present invention the piece of nutrient, such as a fish piece, is arranged in the middle of the top surface of a package. The nutrient is then covered by a thin sheet of a suitable material, such as for example plastic material or metal, and sealed along the edges of the supporting surface, for example by gluing or welding, and yet preferably provided with a tab for enabling easily removal of the thin sheet. It should be appreciated that care should be taken not to position the nutrient in such way that the fixing surface or the glue may be detrimentally affected.

Since the surface on which the piece of nutrient is resting is for example approximately 10 to 15 mm above the upper part of the remaining base part, it is possible to cut the nutrient directly on the package without having to move it to a separate disk or cutting plate. Moreover, since the package is provided with a separate means for collecting liquid seeping out of the nutrient, such liquid will remain in the collecting means, eliminating or at substantially reducing the possibility for spillage, mess and unintentional distribution of said liquid. Moreover, it may be possible to discard the collected liquid in a controlled and clean manner, avoiding spillage also at this stage. In case it is a need for a n absorbing mat beneath the nutrient, the surface on which the nutrient is resting must be lowered with a distance corresponding to the height of the mat, so as to secure that the top surface of the mat is flush with the edges of the top surface of the package, enabling proper cutting of the nutrient while resting on the supporting surface of the package.

Another advantage is that the lid may be kept in an airtight, sealed position on the base part, hindering or at least limiting spread of odour, while the nutrient is kept cool and fresh. It should also be appreciated that the package system according to the present invention makes it easy to handle, work and store the nutrient in an efficient and practical manner.

The package may be made of a suitable material, such as for example, plastic material making it suitable for use as a box in a more permanent way for storage subsequent to the first use as a consumer package. Alternatively, the package may serve as a disposable package, made of a material adapted to be in contact with nutrients.

Short Description of the Drawings

In the following exemplified embodiments of the invention will be described in more details, referring to the attached drawings, where:

Figure 1 shows schematically a view in perspective of one embodiment of a base part with a piece of nutrient placed on the supporting top surface, the nutrient being covered by an air and fluid tight seal fixed along the periphery walls adjacent the top surface;

Figure 2 shows schematically a view in perspective of second embodiment of a base part with a piece of nutrient placed on the supporting top surface, the nutrient being covered by an air and fluid tight seal fixed along the periphery surface of the top surface;

Figure 3 shows schematically and in perspective an embodiment of the base part according to the present invention, where the top surface of the base part is provided with an upwards projecting peripheral rim surface;

Figure 4 shows schematically and in perspective an embodiment where a lid is positioned on top of and over the base part, configured to protect the upper part of the base part and the nutrient arranged on the top surface;

Figure 5 shows schematically and in perspective a base part according to the invention provided with apertures along and penetrating the peripheral rim wall extending around the top surface of the base part; Figure 6 shows schematically a section through the embodiment shown in Figure 5, indication the position of the apertures in the side walls of the upper surface;

Figure 7 shows schematically and in perspective, a base parte and a lid, hinged to the base part, the lid being in an open position;

Figure 8 shows schematically and in perspective details of the hinge disclosed in Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows schematically and in perspective the

Figure 10 shown schematically a section through a lid and a base part according to the present invention, indicating one type of locking system for locking the lid to the base part;

Figure 11 shows schematically and in perspective a view of a base part with an alternatively configured top surface for supporting the nutrient; and

Figure 12 shows schematically and in perspective yet another alternatively shaped top surface of the base part.

Detailed Description of Embodiments shown in the Drawings

The following description of the exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The following embodiments are discussed, for simplicity, with regard to package and storage device for nutrients or food articles, such as, but not limited to fish.

For simplicity, the following embodiments are discussed with regard to a package and storage device for fish. However, the embodiments to be discussed next are not limited to package and storage device of fish, but may be used also as package or storage means for other types of nutrients or food articles.

Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an

embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more

embodiments.

When referring to "horizontal" and "vertical" in the description, "horizontal" shall be interpreted as the orientation the top surface 13 on which the nutrient is meant to be placed and any other surface in the same or in more or less parallel planes, while "vertical" is meant to be planes or surfaces having an orientation more or less orthogonal with respect to the top surface13.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that the package or storage means according to the present invention may be or may not be provided with a lid configured to be placed in top of the base part 1 1 , covering the nutrient and enhancing possible stacking of several packages on top of each other. The lid may either be of a type that in a known manner forms an integral part with the base part or it may be removably arranged on in the lower part. In addition, it should be appreciated that the thin sheet 14 the involved contact surfaces on the base part, i.e. for example the top rim of the vertical walls 16 and/or the peripheral rim around the horizontal top surface are configured in such manner as to be suited for establishing a vacuum inside the volume covered by the thin sheet and covering the nutrient.

Figure 1 shows schematically a view in perspective of one embodiment of a base part 11 of a package or storage device 10 for a nutrient, also indicating a piece of nutrient 12 placed on the supporting top surface 13. According to the invention, the package or storage device 0 is configured so as to allow a thin sheet or folio 14 of any type suitable for covering a nutrient, and possible suited for vacuum packing,, for example of paper, aluminium or plastic material, for example of the type plastic as sold on a commercial basis to cover the nutrient 12 when placed on the top surface 13. Said thin sheet has material properties allowing the sheet to be fixed to the rim 15 of the base part 11 in a sealing manner. According to the embodiment disclosed in Figure 1 , the thin sheet is fixed to the base part 1 at least along the upper part of the vertical walls 16 arranged around the periphery of the top surface 13. As shown in Figure 1 the vertical walls 16 form downwards projections from the top surface 13, supporting said top surface 13. The sheet 14 may be welded or glued to the base part 11 , forming an air and fluid tight seal fixed along the periphery walls 16 adjacent the top surface 13 or to a rim surface 15 (ref. Figure 2, arranged along the periphery of the top surface 13.

According to the embodiment disclosed in Figures 1 , 2 and 3 the base part 1 1 is also provided with a part 18 for collecting possible fluids emanating from the nutrient 14 placed on the top surface 13. Said part 18 may be in the form of a duct or groove extending along at least a part of the periphery of the base part 11. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the part 18 extends along the entire periphery of the base part 1 1 and is provided with a bottom section and a pair of walls 20,20' forming an integrated unit with the bottom section 19, the pair of walls 20,20'extending vertically up from the bottom section 19. At its upper free end the outer wall 20' may be provided with an outwards extending horizontal flange or rim 21 , extending preferably around the entire periphery of the base part. As indicated in Figure 10 the rim may be provided with a locking and sealing means 22 in the form of a bulge which may extend around the entire periphery of the lower part.

Alternatively the locking and sealing means 22 may be in the form of separate bulges, more or less symmetrically arranged around the periphery of the flange or rim 21. The inner vertical wall 20 extends vertically up from the bottom section 19 and forms an integrated part with the edge of the top surface 13 of the base part 11.

The external wall 20' may preferably be terminated at a lower level than the inner wall 20, easing the cutting process if the nutrient remains placed on the top surface 13.

Figure 2 shows schematically a view in perspective of second embodiment of a base part 11 with a piece of nutrient placed on the supporting top surface 13, the nutrient 12 being covered by an air and fluid tight seal fixed along a periphery surface 15 of the top surface 12. As shown both in Figure 1 and 2, the tin sheet or foil is provided with a tongue 17 to ease removal of the thin sheet from the gluing surface, uncovering the nutrient 12.

Figure 3 shows schematically and in perspective an embodiment of the base part 13 according to the present invention, showing the base part 11 without nutrient and covering thin sheet 14. As indicated in Figure 3, the top surface 13 of the base part 11 is provided with an upwards projecting peripheral rim surface 15, extending up above the remaining part of the top surface 13. The height of the rim 15 above the remaining part of the top surface 13 should more or less correspond to the height of the conventional liquid absorbing and supporting mats 31 , conventionally placed beneath nutrient, such as meat or fish. By allowing the middle portions of the top surface 13 to be lower than the surrounding rim 13, using said absorbing mat 31 , the top surface of the mat 31 and the rim 15 will preferably be flush, easing the process of cutting the nutrient directly on the top surface 13 without having to transfer the nutrient to a separate plate. The height of the rom 15 above the remaining surface of the top surface may for example be in the region of for example 2 to 5 mm, depending on the thickness of the mat 31..

Figure 4 shows schematically and in perspective an embodiment where a lid 23 is positioned on top of and over the base part 1 1 , configured to protect the upper part of the base part 1 and the nutrient arranged on the top surface 13, The lid 23 shown is provided with skewed corners 24 and a flat top surface 25. It should be appreciated, however, that the lid 23 may be given any appropriate shape without thereby deviating from the invention. Figure 5 shows schematically and in perspective a base part 11 according to the invention provided with apertures 26 arranged along and penetrating the peripheral rim wall 20 extending around the top surface 13 of the base part 11. As indicated in the Figure, an elevated rim 15 is arranged along the periphery of the top surface 13. Moreover, Figure 6 shows schematically a section through the

embodiment shown in Figure 5, indicating the position of the apertures 26 in the side walls 20 of the upper surface 13. The section shown is taken along a rim 15, whereby the lowered central top surface 13 is not indicated. As indicated in Figure 5 and shown in Figure 6, the apertures 16 extend through the inner wall 20. Any liquid seeping out from the nutrient may according to this embodiment flow over the edge of the top surface 13/rim 15 and down along the inner wall 20, through the apertures and into a cavity or room 27 of the base part 11 , below the top of the top surface where the liquid is collected and stored. The room or cavity 27 may be provided with a bottom 28. Alternatively, the closure at the bottom may be obtained by means of a any suitable bottom closure 29, stopping liquid to escape from the room or cavity 27..

Figure 7 shows schematically and in perspective, a base part 11 and a lid 23, hinged to the base part 11 , the lid 23being in an open position, while Figure 8 shows schematically and in perspective details of the hinge disclosed in Figure 7. Figure 9 shows schematically and in perspective the front part of the lid 23 and the bottom part 11.

As also indicated above, Figure 0 shown schematically a section through a lid 23 and a base part 11 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, indicating one type of locking system for locking the lid 23 to the base part 11. As shown, also the lid 23 is provided with rim or flange 21 extending laterally out from the lid 23, intended to cooperate with the corresponding rim or flange 22 on the base part 11. The flange 22 may also be provided with recesses or groves 22', configured to receive the corresponding bulges 22 on the flange 22. As also indicated the central part of the top surface 13 is at a level below the rim 15 extending peripherally around the top surface 13. The height difference between the central part 13 and the rim extending peripherally around the top surface 13 shall be chosen so as to correspond to the height of a mat 31 , so as to secure that the surface on which the nutrient is resting is flush with the remaining parts of the top surface, easing cutting.

Figure 11 shows schematically and in perspective a view of a base part 11 with an alternatively configured top surface 13 for supporting the nutrient. According to this disclosed embodiment the top surface 13 is provided with a number of studs 31 , projecting upwards above the remaining surface of the top surface 13. Figure 12 shows schematically and in perspective yet another alternatively shaped top surface 13 of the base part 1 1 , where the top surface is configured with corrugations in one direction along the top surface 13.

In the Figures the foot print of the package is square. It should be appreciated, however, that the foot shape of the package may take any other appropriate shape, such as for example rectangular, oval or circular. Moreover, it should be appreciated that instead of plastic film used for covering and establishing the vacuum sealing, a metal film may be used, for example an aluminium film.

Moreover the top surface may be configured in such way that the liquid may more or less readily flow away from the top surface 13 and into the reservoir for collecting such seeping liquid. In this respect the top surface may be slightly inclined downwards from for example a midline. Alternatively or in addition the top surface may be provided with one or more apertures in the top surface (not disclosed), for evenly spread over the entire surface, in the corners etc., such apertures being arranged to be at a lowermost point or points in the top surface. For embodiments with a peripheral rim 15 around the periphery, the rim 15 may be made

discontinuous, forming outlets at one or more positions along the periphery. In addition or in any case the sidewall 20 may be slightly inclined downwards and outwards to enhance the flow of liquid away from the top surface 13.

The size and shape of the package according to the present invention may be given any suitable shape or foot print, depending on the shape, and size of the nutrient to be placed on the top surface.

The base part 1 1 may for example be made preferably as one single body by means of vacuum forming, injection moulding, extrusion blow moulding, extrusion moulding, compression moulding or any other suitable type of fabricating the base part 11.