Food packaging insert and system

Abstract

A food packaging system includes a packaging insert that is insertable into the base portion of a food container. The packaging insert includes a support member and at least one treated layer disposed on either the upper or lower surface of the support member. The support member is formed from a sheet of corrugated material. The packaging insert is configured to provide one or more desired properties to the food container.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A food packaging insert comprising:
 a support member comprising a sheet of corrugated material, said support member defining an upper surface and a lower surface; and   at least one treated layer disposed on one of said upper surface and said lower surface;   wherein said food packaging insert is insertable into a food container and configured to provide one or more desired properties to said food container.   
     
     
         2 . The food packaging insert of  claim 1 , wherein said sheet of corrugated material comprises a sheet of single faced corrugated board. 
     
     
         3 . The food packaging insert of  claim 2 , wherein said sheet of single faced corrugated board defines a plurality of flutes on said upper surface of said support member, and wherein said at least one treated layer is disposed on said lower surface of said support member. 
     
     
         4 . The food packaging insert of  claim 3 , wherein said at least one treated layer comprises a metalized film. 
     
     
         5 . The food packaging insert of  claim 4 , wherein said metalized film comprises a metalized polyester film. 
     
     
         6 . The food packaging insert of  claim 4 , wherein said one or more desired properties comprises moisture control. 
     
     
         7 . A food packaging system comprising:
 a food container comprising a base portion and a closeable lid; and   a packaging insert insertable into said base portion and comprising:
 a support member comprising a sheet of corrugated material, said support member defining an upper surface and a lower surface; and 
 at least one treated layer disposed on one of said upper surface and said lower surface; 
   wherein said packaging insert is configured to provide one or more desired properties to said food container.   
     
     
         8 . The food packaging system of  claim 7 , wherein said sheet of corrugated material comprises a sheet of single faced corrugated board. 
     
     
         9 . The food packaging system of  claim 8 , wherein said sheet of single faced corrugated board defines a plurality of flutes on said upper surface of said support member, and wherein said at least one treated layer is disposed on said lower surface of said support member. 
     
     
         10 . The food packaging system of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one treated layer comprises a metalized film. 
     
     
         11 . The food packaging system of  claim 10 , wherein said metalized film comprises a metalized polyester film. 
     
     
         12 . The food packaging system of  claim 10 , wherein said one or more desired properties comprises moisture control. 
     
     
         13 . The food packaging system of  claim 10 , wherein said food container comprises a pizza box and wherein said one or more desired properties comprises preserving the crunchiness or crispiness of a pizza stored within said pizza box. 
     
     
         14 . A method of using the food packaging system of  claim 13  comprising placing said insert into said base portion of said food container beneath a pizza and closing said closeable lid.