EP4311789A2 - Food product package and associated packaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaging of a food product comprising a container and at least one film for isolating the food product in place in the container, said film being adapted to be fixed on at least one part (6, 7, 8, 9) of the container. The container is made of cardboard or cellulose-based, adapted to pass by folding from a first configuration in the form of a flat plate (12) provided with pre-cuts or cutouts (17) to a second configuration in which the folded plate (12) defines a volume for receiving a food product and in that maintaining the shape of the container in the second configuration is achieved by fixing at least one film for isolating the food product on at least one part (8, 9) of the container. The invention also relates to a packaging device with such packaging.

Description

The invention relates to packaging for food products and to an associated packaging device. Subsequently, the term product will also be used to designate a food product. By food products, we mean here fresh products, raw or cooked, processed or not, whole or sliced, of animal or plant origin. By way of non-limiting examples, we can cite meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, confectionery, cakes and pastries, seaweed, shellfish, dishes or cooked products. All of these products have the particularity of having short consumption or storage times, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. When they are not sold by the cut, therefore cut and/or packaged directly by the seller at the time of purchase, these products must be presented and stored in optimal hygienic conditions. In particular, they must not be in contact with the outside, in order to avoid any contamination and/or soiling by microorganisms, by humans or by animals and not be in contact with the ambient air to avoid any oxidation and/or chemical reaction with air.

For this, they are packaged in containers of different shapes and types. Such packaging is frequently provided with a transparent film or lid which ensures the closure of the container and the insulation of the product from the ambient air. Such packaging allows the consumer to view the product in its packaging, while preventing the consumer from being able to directly touch the product. We also know packaging allowing the product to be stored in a controlled atmosphere or under vacuum. This type of packaging offers many advantages. In addition to optimal shelf life, vacuum packaging or controlled atmosphere packaging preserves the initial color of the product and limits any exudation of the product as much as possible. In addition, the film ensuring the closure of the container is transparent, the consumer also benefits from a visual overview of the product. This type of packaging is developing because it can easily adapt to any shape geometry and/or volume of the product, whether the latter is presented whole, in slices, alone or with other products, flat or not. We thus know so-called skin packaging, comprising a flat plate or a tray, generally made of polymer-based material or cardboard, coated with a first cleaning film or liner ensuring sealing between the product and the container and on which rest the product. A vacuum film, called skin, completely covers the product and is welded, once the vacuum has been created on the liner, to the periphery of the product on the plate or tray.

Current regulations aim at the gradual disappearance of non-recyclable polymer packaging, which favors packaging based on cardboard, wood, bamboo, plant fibers or more generally cellulose. To date, there is a significant diversity of shapes and/or volumes for tray-type packaging. The trays, made of polymers or a cellulose-based material, are manufactured and equipped with the sealing film or liner and thus delivered, in shape and ready for use, to the user who will position the product in the tray before its vacuuming or closing. We thus know by US-B-5 631 036 , US-A-2016/0340 098 Or GB-A-2 557 662 packaging of this type. The transport of such trays is not optimal because an empty and formed tray takes up a significant amount of space, resulting in high transport costs, all the more significant as the cost of fuel is high. Likewise, these trays occupy a significant volume during their storage, especially since the user must, generally, have several sizes of trays depending on the product to be packaged. EP-A-3 786 076 describes a packaging made from a cardboard blank. Staying in shape is ensured by adhesive tabs. EP-A-3 501 813 discloses a machine for folding a sheet of cardboard having precuts to obtain trays.

There is therefore a need for packaging of food products which is easy to use, store and transport while remaining easily adaptable to the constraints of various products, while optimizing production costs and implementation.

It is to these needs that the invention aims to respond by offering a simple solution for packaging food products, easy to implement and at a controlled cost.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a packaging of a food product comprising at least one cardboard or cellulose-based container defining a volume for receiving the food product and at least one film for isolating the food product when the food product is in place in the container, said film being adapted to be fixed on at least part of the container, said container being adapted to pass by folding a first configuration in the form of a flat plate provided with pre-cuts or cutouts in which the plate does not define any volume for receiving a food product in a second configuration in which the folded plate defines a volume for receiving a food product, maintaining the shape of the container in the second configuration being achieved by fixing at least one film for isolating the food product on at least part of the container, characterized in that the container adapted to pass from the first to the second configuration is for single use and in that the packaging comprises another reusable part formed by a mold of dimensions and shape corresponding to those of the container when the latter is in the second configuration.

Thus, thanks to the invention we have a solution making it possible to optimize the transport and storage of containers, since the latter are initially presented flat in the form of plates, therefore easily stackable. A mold or a similar device allows, by deformation, under pressure and/or by suction, to fold the plate and produce the desired volume for the container, this when the container is with the user and not, as in the state of the technique, at the container manufacturer. It is thus possible, thanks to the invention, to shape the container, fill it with the food product and close the container in one operation carried out at the user's premises. Such a solution, in addition to limiting the steps carried out on the production site, makes it possible to limit the risks of contamination during product packaging. In fact, it is thus possible to carry out in a limited time the container shaping, filling and closing operations.

According to advantageous but not obligatory aspects of the invention, such packaging may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

When the container is in its second configuration, it is held in shape by a closing film sealed on the free upper end of the container, said end extending outwards relative to the walls of the container and forming a rim.

When the container is in its second configuration, it is held in shape by a vacuum film sealed on the bottom, the walls and the free upper end of the container, said end extending outwards relative to the walls of the container and forming a rim.

When the container is in its second configuration, it is held in shape by a vacuum film and by a closing film, the two films being sealed one on top of the other on the free upper end of the container. extending outwards relative to the walls of the container and forming a rim.

The transition by deformation from the first to the second configuration is carried out by pressure variation, by suction and/or support, on either side of the plate.

The transition by deformation from the first to the second configuration is carried out when the food product is in place on the plate, the weight of the food product participating in the deformation of the plate.

At least part of the plate is provided with several precuts or cutouts defining several usable volumes of the container once the plate is deformed and folded.

The plate is provided with several parts each defining at least one volume of a container.

The plate is provided with several parts each defining a volume of a container, all the containers being identical.

The plate is provided with means ensuring the immobilization of the plate in a given position during the transition from the first to the second configuration.

the invention also relates to a packaging device comprising at least one support, removable from the mold and provided in a former/sealer type device also ensuring the sealing of the container once in its second configuration with a vacuum film and/or a closing film.

According to advantageous but not obligatory aspects, such a device may include one or more of the following characteristics:

The former/sealer type device is equipped with at least one receiving cavity, forming a support for at least one mold.

The former/sealer type device is equipped with several receiving impressions of the same geometric configuration, forming the supports of several identical molds.

The former/sealer type device is equipped with several receiving impressions of different geometric configurations, forming the supports of several different molds.

• [Fig.1] est une vue simplifiée, en perspective d'un emballage conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention, un produit alimentaire étant schématiquement illustré, un film de mise sous vide étant en place,
• [Fig.2] est une vue similaire à la figure 1, à la même échelle, d'un emballage vide, un film de fermeture étant en place,
• [Fig.3] est une vue en perspective, à la même échelle, du contenant illustré aux figures 1 et 2, avant pliage, les prédécoupes étant effectuées et
• [Fig.4] est une vue simplifiée en perspective, à une autre échelle, d'une partie du dispositif d'emballage, à savoir l'appareil adapté pour la mise en forme, le remplissage et la fermeture du contenant des figures 1 à 3, un moule de mise en forme du contenant étant illustré prêt à être inséré dans le dispositif.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• [ Fig.1 ] is a simplified perspective view of packaging according to one embodiment of the invention, a food product being schematically illustrated, a vacuum film being in place,
• [ Fig.2 ] is a view similar to figure 1 , on the same scale, of an empty packaging, a closing film being in place,
• [ Fig.3 ] is a perspective view, on the same scale, of the container illustrated in figures 1 and 2 , before folding, the pre-cuts being made and
• [ Fig.4 ] is a simplified perspective view, on another scale, of part of the packaging device, namely the device adapted for shaping, filling and closing the container figures 1 to 3 , a mold for shaping the container being illustrated ready to be inserted into the device.

There figure 1 is an illustration of packaging 1 of a food product. Packaging 1 is a tray made of a rigid material advantageously insensitive to thermal changes, which can thus be placed in the refrigerator, in a cold room or in the freezer. Likewise, the material used to make the tray 1 is of so-called food quality, that is to say non-toxic, non-allergenic and without possible interaction with the product placed in the packaging and/or with the user. This material is, in the case of the implementation of the invention, a material of the cellular cardboard type, multi-ply cardboard, honeycomb cardboard or more generally a cellulose-based material. In these different cases the material, known per se, being sensitive to humidity and also for hygiene reasons, a cleanliness film, known per se and not illustrated, is stuck on the entire surface of the material which will be in contact with the food product, therefore de facto on the internal faces of the side walls and the bottom of the tray 1. In this way the product is never in direct contact with the material constituting the tray 1 which avoids any contamination of the product for example by particles detaching from the material constituting the tray. We also avoid humidification of the material by exudates coming from the product, which could affect the hold and/or mechanical resistance of the tray 1 and promote the proliferation of microorganisms. Such a cleaning film is chosen to be easy to recycle, when recycling the material constituting the tray 1. As an example, we can cite a film based on polymers, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene alcohol vinyl (EVoH), polyethylene (PE), cellulose or other. This film is fixed by techniques known per se, in particular by gluing or heat welding, on the total surface of the material constituting the tray 1, at least on the side of the latter intended to receive the product. Alternatively, both sides of the walls and bottom of the tray are provided with a cleaning film.

Currently regulatory trends aim to reduce the quantity of waste, particularly waste linked to human food. Also the packaging of food products corresponding to the consumption of a number of people given, per meal and/or per day, develops. Likewise, we are developing packaging with a minimum of material, easy to recycle or at least having a minimum environmental impact when destroyed.

Here, the food product is schematized by several portions 2, of elongated shape, of product. As a reminder, the expressions “food product” or “product” designate any type of food product, of animal or plant origin, whether raw, pre-cooked or cooked, processed or not, whole or in portions, intended for human or animal food. By way of non-limiting examples, we can cite solid, pasty, powdered products, based on meat, fish, shellfish, algae, fruit, vegetables or ready meals. In all cases, food products have, by definition, a limited shelf life, generally a maximum of 15 to 20 days, the products having not benefited from any physical, thermal, chemical or other treatment, such as for example canning, aimed at significantly increasing the shelf life. Such products may have previously undergone freezing but if they are thawed when presented for sale, the freezing must be mentioned as well as the health risk incurred by the consumer in the case of freezing after thawing. .

There figure 1 illustrates a tray containing a vacuum-packed product. Generally speaking, the presentation of food products in trays whatever the size and/or shape of the tray as well as the number of portions and/or the quantity of products present in the tray allows, due to the presence of 'an insulating film formed by a transparent vacuum film 3, also designated by the term skin or skin film, covering the product and insulating it from the outside, so that the consumer can view the product before purchase, possibly touching the product but without direct contact with it. This contributes to the current development of so-called skin packaging, that is to say packaging with a transparent and waterproof film which allows the product to be vacuum sealed. The movie skin 3 is a famous movie in itself. this is, for example, a PE (polyethylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film with a thickness of between 80 µm and 150 µm.

The skin film 3 adheres to the product 2 and maintains it supported on the bottom 5 of the tray 3 in the desired position when filling the tray 3. The presence of maintaining the vacuum in the packaging by the so-called skin film 3 allows to extend the storage periods and therefore the expiration date or DLC which can go beyond twenty days. Maintaining the product 2 under vacuum also makes it possible to preserve the original colors of the product and to avoid any phenomenon of exudate of juice or other biological liquids which can harm the visual appearance of the product.

The vacuum film 3 will subsequently be referred to indifferently by the expressions “skin” or “skin film” in order to facilitate reading. Such a skin film 3 is sealed on the internal faces 6, 7 of the walls respectively defining the length and width of the tray 1 illustrated and on the bottom 5 of the tray 1, in the configuration illustrated in figure 1 . The sealing of the film 3 is carried out so that the product 2 is immobilized in the tray 1. This immobilization corresponds to a position defined by the user when he placed the product 2 in the tray 1. Such holding in position of the product 2 in tray 1 also contributes to maintaining the quality of the product, particularly when it is in several portions, by preventing them from colliding during transport and therefore the product from deteriorating.

In all cases, whatever the shape and/or dimension of the tray 1, the nature of the product, its volume and/or its weight, the film 3 is sealed on the free ends 8, 9, respectively, of the walls 6 and 7 of the tray 1. These ends 8 and 9 extend towards the outside of the tray 1 and de facto form a continuous rim over the entire periphery of the opening 4 of the tray 1. Here the ends or rims 8, 9 extend in a plane P coplanar with the plane of the opening 4 of the tray 1. Alternatively, the edges extend in a plane not parallel to that of the opening 4 of the tray 1. Note that the junction zones between the edges 8 and 9, therefore the angles in the case of tray 1, are rounded. Alternatively, the corners are not rounded. Advantageously it is possible to provide, on part of a rim, either an overflow of the skin film 3 or a partial sealing of the film on the rim, in order to create a gripping tab making it easier for the consumer to pick up and remove the film 3 from the packaged product.

To the figure 1 the product 2 occupies substantially the entire available surface of the bottom 5 of the tray 1. Alternatively, it occupies only part of it. Indeed, with vacuuming using a skin film 3, it is possible to fill the tray 1 more or less, by putting fewer products or by arranging the product in layers, which makes it possible to vary the weight of the product without modify the nominal volume of the tray 1. In this case the vacuum film 3 is always placed on the products by placing them in the tray, regardless of the volume and/or the surface occupied by the products in the tray 1, only the dimensions of film 3 are adapted.

There figure 2 illustrates a tray 1 without product 2, in order to more easily visualize the faces 6, 7 and the bottom 5 of the tray 1. Due to the absence of product 2 in the tray 1, the skin film 3 is not here. There figure 2 illustrates the case of a tray 1 intended to receive a product which does not support being placed under vacuum, for example due to its fragility, its sensitivity to crushing or other. By way of non-limiting examples, we can cite fresh mushrooms, edible flowers, fresh fruits with thin and/or fragile skin such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, apricots, peaches or others. Such food products are placed, in bulk or stored, in the internal volume of the tray 1. These products are isolated from the outside by an insulation film formed here by a closing film or lid 10. Such a film 10 , known per se, and for example made of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) and with a thickness of between 10 µm and 60 µm.

As for tray 1 illustrated in figure 1 , the film 10 is sealed, by techniques known per se, on the edges 8 and 9, occupying the entire available surface of the latter. As indicated previously, part of the film 10 either extends beyond one of the edges 8, 9 or is not completely sealed in order to form a tab for gripping the film. The nature and/or thickness of the cover 10 means that it is relatively easy to perforate. Unlike the skin film 3, the cover 10 therefore does not allow you to touch the product without being in direct contact with it, namely without the cover 10 tearing. However, the cover 10 constitutes a barrier isolating the product from air and external dirt, which makes it possible to preserve the freshness of the product. Thus, in all cases, whatever the film 3 or the cover 10 protecting and insulating the contents of the tray 1 from the outside, this film 3 or this cover 10 is fixed on at least part of the tray 1 , namely at least on edges 8 and 9.

As emerges more particularly from the figure 2 , the walls 6 and 7 are not contiguous at the junction zone 11 between the walls 6 and 7. In other words, the corners 11 of the tray 1, defined by the junction of the walls 6 and 7 are open , there is no continuity of material at the corners 11. Maintaining mutual contact of the walls 6 and 7 at the corners 11 is obtained by the presence of the film 3 or the cover 10, which connects to the minimum all the edges 8 and 9 between them, with continuity at the corners 11. We understand that, in the case of a tray 1 with a skin film 3, the continuity of material produced by the film 3 also concerns the walls 6 and 7. Thus, the shape of the tray 1 is ensured by the skin film 3 or by the cover 10. In the case illustrated in figure 2 , the corners 11 not being closed, there is a passage of air and/or liquid through them, whether towards the inside or the outside of the tray 1. This, in itself, is not a problem because, in general, the products contained in such a tray 1 do not need to be isolated from the outside air, this having little or no effect on their shelf life. In another embodiment where it is desired to optimize the sealing of the tray 1 by avoiding any leakage of exudate or any entry of air, it is appropriate to ensure total adhesion of the skin 3 at the level of the corners 11 of tray 1. In this case, a double folding is carried out, which allows 45° chamfers to be made at the corners. in this configuration, the adhesion of the skin 3 at the corners is complete, without separation between the skin 3 and the tray 1 therefore leaking exudate or potential air entry.

According to the invention, the tray 1, whether it is provided once filled with a skin film 3 or a cover 10, is obtained from a plate 12, illustrated in the Figure 3 . such a plate 12 is flat and, here, rectangular in shape. The side walls 6 and 7 respectively defining the long sides and the short sides of the tray 1 are connected only by one side, 13 to 16 respectively to the small and large sides of the rectangular bottom 5. Thus, there are cutouts 17 between the walls 6 and 7, at the level of the edges of the sides facing the walls 6 and 7. As a variant, only precuts, in dotted lines for example, are provided, either over the entire thickness or at mid-thickness of the plate, the cutouts 17 being made during the shaping of the tray 1. In in another variant, the cutouts 17 are replaced by accordion folds which allows for continuity of material at the corners 11. In another embodiment of the invention, several lines of precuts are provided on the walls 6 and 7, thus allowing, from a plate 12 to define several useful volumes of a tray 1, by varying the height of the walls 6 and 7.

We note, at the Figure 3 , that the edges 8 and 9 are made, from the folding lines 18 provided on the plate 12. At the Figure 3 , the lengths of the edges 8 and 9 are greater than the lengths of the walls 6 and 7 on which they are made. In this way, once the tray 1 has been shaped by folding, there is a partial overlap of the edges 8 and 9 at the corners 11. Such an overlap contributes to maintaining the shape of the tray by a skin film 3 or by the cover 10. According to another advantageous embodiment, there is no overlap of edges 8 and 9, these being of the same length as the walls 6 and 7. Alternatively, tabs with notches are made on the edges 8 and 9 and extend outwards, coplanar with the edges 8 and 9. These tabs make it possible to securely hold the tray 1 in position during its shaping.

The shaping of the tray 1 from the plate 12 is now described with reference to the figures 1 to 4 . The plates 12 are delivered stacked flat to the end user and he stores them in this position or uses them immediately.

To shape the trays 1 from the plate 12, fill the tray 1 and seal the film 3 or 10, the invention also relates to a packaging device. Such a device comprises at least one mold 19, reusable, for receiving the plate 12 and for its passage to the second configuration in which the tray 1 is in shape, ready to receive a product. The device also comprises at least one impression 20 forming a support, also reusable, for the mold 19 and provided in a former/sealer type device which ensures the sealing of the tray 1 with a skin film 3 or a lid 10 when the product is in place in the tray 1. Such a packaging device therefore combines a durable and reusable part, namely the mold 19, the impression 20 and the device, known per se, for filling and sealing the film, with a part with a limited lifespan and not reusable, namely the tray 1. Indeed, once the skin film 3 or the cover 10 has been removed and the product has been removed from the tray 1, it is no longer possible to close the container, the latter having a tendency to open due to the fact that the walls 6, 7 are no longer held in position. Furthermore, once the skin film 3 or the cover 10 has been removed, by tearing and/or detachment, it is no longer possible to seal a new film 3 or cover 10 on the edges 8, 9 and/or the walls 6 , 7 and the bottom 5 of the tray 1. Such a tray, by its construction, uses a minimum of material and therefore, although single-use, limits the impact of recycling on the environment by this lower quantity of material to to recycle. Such a packaging device optimizes the reuse of elements and the transport and storage of the packaging, while using devices known per se, which helps to limit the impact of such packaging on the environment.

With such a packaging device, when the user wishes to package a product 2, he first inserts a mold 19 into an imprint 20 of complementary shape and dimensions and cut out in the device 21 of the sealer type as illustrated schematically at Figure 4 . Such a device 21 also includes a device for unwinding a skin film 3 or a cover 10 as well as means for evacuation and/or pressure to fold the plate 12. The mold 19 is made of a reusable material, inert, rigid and advantageously recyclable, for example in a metallic material, polymer or cardboard. The geometric shape and dimensions of the mold 19 correspond to those of the final tray 1 as illustrated in figures 1 and 2 . It is easy to see that the dimensions of the mold 19 are slightly greater than those of the tray 1 once finished, the latter being by definition produced in the internal volume 22 of the mold 19. Such a mold 19 can be produced in several detachable parts l 'one in relation to the other thus allowing example from a rectangular mold to obtain two square molds or two rectangular molds of smaller width than the initial mold.

We then carry out the shaping of the tray 1. To do this we position the pre-cut plate 12 on the opening of the mold 19 positioned in an imprint 20 of the device 21. In another mode of shaping the tray 1 , we first place the pre-cut plate 12 on the opening of the mold 19 before positioning the assembly in a corresponding cavity 20. It is then sufficient, using a punch or a die and/or by suction (not illustrated), to exert pressure and/or depression on the plate 12 at the bottom 5 to deform the plate 12 and bend the small sides 6 and the long sides 7 defining the walls of the packaging by bringing them closer to each other. The die or punch is adapted to also bend the edges 8 and 9 towards the outside of the mold 19, the edges bearing against parts of complementary shape of the mold 19. When the edges, as mentioned previously, are equipped with tabs , the latter allow clipping on the edge of the mold 19, the edge being taken in the notches of the tabs.

To avoid any movement of the plate 12 during the transition from the first to the second configuration by folding, the plate 12 is provided with means ensuring the immobilization of the plate 12 in a given position in the mold 19. these means are, for example example, reliefs provided either on the plate 12 or on the mold 19 which are inserted removably into slots of complementary shape provided in the mold 19 or the plate 12. As a variant, these are other means , for example non-slip areas made on the mold, immobilization by cooperation of shapes or others.

The sides 6 and 7 once the folding has been carried out are also supported in the mold against the side walls of the latter in a configuration where the tray 1 is shaped. The sides 6 and 7 not being welded together but contiguous, they define the open corners 11. De facto the corners 11 are produced by closing the cutouts 17. At the level of the corners 11, due to their lengths greater than those of the walls 6 and 7, edges 8 and 9 overlap. Such an overlap contributes, when the tray 1 is formed, to maintaining its shape and to the stiffening of the walls 6, 7. Alternatively, the edges 8, 9 are of the same length as the walls 6, 7. In this case, there is no overlap of edges 8, 9 at the corners 11, the retention in shape of the tray by the film 3 or the cover 10 being sufficient.

During the next step, the user places the product 2 on the bottom 5 of the tray 1. The weight of the product 2 contributes to maintaining the tray 1 in the folded position. The whole is then secured, that is that is to say maintained in this position, by placing the skin film 3 or the cover 10 which, by welding on at least the edges 8 and 9, including at the level of any overlaps of the edges 8 and 9 in the corners 11, not only ensures that the tray 1 is maintained in shape but also isolates the product 2 from the outside. The invention makes it possible to have a container which passes from a first configuration in which it is in the form of a flat plate, such a configuration corresponding to the transport and/or storage of the packaging, to a second configuration in which the container is in active position, that is to say in the form of a tray ready to receive a product and then be marketed after closing.

Alternatively, large plates are supplied with several pre-cuts of several packages, either of the same shape and/or volume or of different volumes and/or shapes. It is thus possible to position a plate with the different pre-cuts above molds previously placed in the impressions of the device. Here for example, at the Figure 4 , four molds can be placed simultaneously in the four cavities, which allows in one go by pressing the matrix and/or suction of air between the mold and the plate to shape four packages simultaneously which allows by the following positioning of the products to seal four packages simultaneously.

Alternatively, the short sides and the long sides are equipped with mutual connection means, for example tabs which are inserted removably during folding into slots provided on the adjacent side.

Possibly the external and/or internal faces of the walls and/or the bottom of the tray, therefore in fact the plate before folding, are printed with various markings and/or signs of recognition.

In certain cases an additional cover, in addition to the skin film 3, is positioned on the opening 4 of the tray 1. This cover, for example but not necessarily, thinner and/or made of another material than the cover 10, is sealed on the edges 8, 9 of the tray 1, over the film 3. In this way, we obtain a second barrier which prevents the consumer from touching the product 2 through the skin film 3, which could by repetition of this action, affect the vacuum performance of the product and/or the appearance of the product 2.

In another embodiment where it is necessary to have a total seal between the exterior and the product contained in the tray 1, the latter is devoid of edges 8, 9. Once the shaping has been carried out in the mold the tray 1 occupies the interior volume of the mold 19, without exceeding the outlet of the mold 19 therefore without exceeding the plane defined by the edges of the mold 19. A frame of the same dimensions as the edges of the mold 19 and made of cardboard is placed on the edges of the mold 19. This frame is in one piece and obtained by cutting, without breaking the material. The skin 3 or the cover 10 is fixed on the frame, enveloping it. This ensures that the tray is maintained in shape with an upper rim without material breakage, therefore without risk of leakage or air entry at the rim.

In another embodiment the height of the mold is reduced and it has no bottom. In other words, the mold is configured in a ring or frame which ensures that the tray 1 is maintained in shape.

Claims (9)

Packaging of a food product (2) comprising at least one container (1) made of cardboard or cellulose base defining a volume for receiving the food product (2) and at least one film (3; 10) for isolating the product food (2) when the food product (2) is in place in the container (1), said film (3; 10) being adapted to be fixed on at least one part (6, 7, 8, 9) of the container ( 1), said container (1) being adapted to pass by folding a first configuration in the form of a flat plate (12) provided with pre-cuts or cutouts (17) in which the plate (12) does not define any volume for receiving a food product (2) in a second configuration in which the folded plate (12) defines a volume for receiving a food product (2), maintaining the shape of the container (1) in the second configuration being achieved by fixing of at least one film (3; 10) for isolating the food product (2) on at least one part (8, 9) of the container (1), characterized in that the container adapted to pass from the first to the second configuration is for single use and in that the packaging comprises another reusable part formed by a mold of dimensions and shape corresponding to those of the container when the latter is in the second configuration. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that when the container (1) is in its second configuration, it is held in shape by a closing film (10) sealed on the free upper end of the container (1), said end extending outwards relative to the walls (6, 7) of the container (1) and forming a rim (8, 9). Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that when the container is in its second configuration, it is held in shape by a vacuum film (3) sealed on the bottom (5), the walls (6, 7) and the free upper end of the container (1), said end extending outwards relative to the walls (6, 7) of the container (1) and forming a rim (8, 9). Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that when the container (1) is in its second configuration, it is held in shape by a vacuum film (3) and by a film of closure (10), the two films (3; 10) being sealed one on the other on the free upper end of the container (1) extending outwards relative to the walls (6, 7) of the containing (1) and forming a rim (8, 9). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the plate (12) corresponding to the first configuration of the container is provided with means ensuring the immobilization of the plate (12) in a given position during the passage from the first to the second configuration. Packaging device comprising at least one support (20), removable from the mold (19) and provided in a device (21) of the former/sealer type also ensuring the sealing of the container (1) once in its second configuration with a vacuum film (3) and/or a closing film (10). Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the device (21) of the former/sealer type is equipped with at least one receiving cavity (20), forming a support for at least one mold (19). Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the device (21) of the former/sealer type is equipped with several receiving impressions (20) of the same geometric configuration, forming the supports of several identical molds (19). Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the former/sealer type device is equipped with several receiving impressions of different geometric configurations, forming the receiving supports for several different molds.

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