TRAY WITH DIVIDER FEATURES

Abstract

A tray for holding food products includes an upper construct having a rim panel and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the rim panel, a lower construct having a bottom panel, a plurality of lower side panels, a plurality of support panels, and a plurality of upper side panels, the plurality of support panels forming a support in the interior of the tray, the plurality of upper side panels of the lower construct extend at least partially around an upper compartment in the interior of the tray and the plurality of lower side panels of the lower construct extend at least partially around a lower compartment in the interior of the tray, and divider features for at least partially separating the upper compartment from the lower compartment in the interior of the tray, the divider features including the support arranged for at least partially supporting a divider.

Claims

1. A tray for holding one or more food products, the tray comprising: an upper construct comprising a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a rim panel extending at least partially around an opening and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the rim panel, the rim panel at least partially forming a rim of the tray; a lower construct comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels of the lower construct comprising a bottom panel, a plurality of lower side panels, a plurality of support panels, and a plurality of upper side panels, the plurality of support panels arranged to form a support in the interior of the tray, the plurality of upper side panels of the lower construct extend at least partially around an upper compartment in the interior of the tray and the plurality of lower side panels of the lower construct extend at least partially around a lower compartment in the interior of the tray; and divider features for at least partially separating the upper compartment from the lower compartment in the interior of the tray, the divider features comprising the support arranged for at least partially supporting a divider.

2. The tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support panels are in generally spaced and parallel relation with the bottom panel.

3. The tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality of support panels extend outwardly from the plurality of lower side panels.

4. The tray of claim 3, wherein the plurality of upper side panels extend generally upwardly from the plurality of support panels.

5. The tray of claim 4, wherein the plurality of lower side panels extend generally downwardly from the plurality of support panels.

6. The tray of claim 5, wherein the plurality of lower side panels are foldably connected to the bottom panel, the plurality of support panels are foldably connected to the plurality of lower side panels, and the plurality of upper side panels are foldably connected to the plurality of support panels.

7. The tray of claim 2, wherein the divider features further comprises the divider in the interior of the tray and received on the support.

8. The tray of claim 4, wherein the divider comprises a plurality of openings for facilitating fluid communication between the upper compartment and the lower compartment in the interior of the tray.

9. The tray of claim 2, wherein the rim panel has a generally circular configuration.

10. The tray of claim 9, wherein the bottom panel has a generally polygonal configuration.

11. The tray of claim 2, wherein the rim panel has a generally rectangular configuration.

12. The tray of claim 11, wherein the bottom panel has a generally rectangular configuration.

13. The tray of claim 2, wherein the plurality of side panels of the upper construct are in at least partial face-to-face contact with the plurality of upper side panels of the lower construct.

14. The tray of claim 13, wherein the lower construct further comprises a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the lower construct, the plurality of end flaps in at least partial face-to-face contact with the rim panel to at least partially form the rim of the tray.

15. A combination of blanks for forming a tray for holding one or more food products, the tray comprising: an upper blank construct comprising a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a rim panel extending at least partially around an opening and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the rim panel, the rim panel for at least partially forming a rim of the tray formed from the combination of blanks; a lower blank comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray formed from the combination of blanks, the plurality of panels of the lower construct comprising a bottom panel, a plurality of lower side panels, a plurality of support panels, and a plurality of upper side panels, the plurality of support panels for being arranged to form a support in the interior of the tray formed from the combination of blanks, the plurality of upper side panels of the lower blank for extending at least partially around an upper compartment in the interior of the tray formed from the combination of blanks and the plurality of lower side panels of the lower blank for extending at least partially around a lower compartment in the interior of the tray formed from the combination of blanks; and divider features for at least partially separating the upper compartment from the lower compartment in the interior of the tray formed from the combination of blanks, the divider features comprising the plurality of support panels for being arranged to form a support for at least partially supporting a divider when the tray is formed from the combination of blanks.

16. The combination of blanks of claim 15, wherein the plurality of support panels are for being positioned in generally spaced and parallel relation with the bottom panel when the tray is formed from the combination of blanks.

17. The combination of blanks of claim 16, wherein the plurality of lower side panels are foldably connected to the bottom panel, the plurality of support panels are foldably connected to the plurality of lower side panels, and the plurality of upper side panels are foldably connected to the plurality of support panels.

18. The combination of blanks of claim 16, further comprising a divider blank for forming the divider received on the support in the interior of the tray formed from the combination of blanks.

19. The combination of blanks of claim 18, wherein the divider blank comprises a plurality of openings for facilitating fluid communication between the upper compartment and the lower compartment in the interior of the tray formed from the combination of blanks.

20. The combination of blanks of claim 16, wherein the rim panel has a generally circular configuration.

21. The combination of blanks of claim 20, wherein the bottom panel has a generally polygonal configuration.

22. The combination of blanks of claim 16, wherein the rim panel has a generally rectangular configuration.

23. The combination of blanks of claim 22, wherein the bottom panel has a generally rectangular configuration.

24. The combination of blanks of claim 16, wherein the plurality of side panels of the upper blank are for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the plurality of upper side panels of the lower blank when the tray is formed from the combination of blanks.

25. The combination of blanks of claim 24, wherein the lower blanks further comprises a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the lower blank, the plurality of end flaps for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the rim panel to at least partially form the rim of the tray formed from the combination of blanks.

26. A method of forming a tray for holding one or more food products, the method comprising: obtaining an upper blank, the upper blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a rim panel extending at least partially around an opening and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the rim panel; obtaining a lower blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, a plurality of lower side panels, a plurality of support panels, and a plurality of upper side panels; forming an upper construct from the upper blank; at least partially forming a rim of the tray from the rim panel; forming a lower construct from the lower blank comprising positioning the plurality of upper side panels of the lower blank at least partially around an upper compartment in the interior of the tray and positioning the plurality of lower side panels of the lower blank extending at least partially around a lower compartment in the interior of the tray; and arranging the plurality of support panels to form a support for at least supporting a divider for at least partially separating the upper compartment from the lower compartment in the interior of the tray.

27. The method of claim 26, comprising positioning the plurality of support panels in generally spaced and parallel relation with the bottom panel.

28. The method of claim 26, comprising positioning the plurality of support panels extending outwardly from the plurality of lower side panels.

29. The method of claim 28, comprising positioning the plurality of upper side panels extending generally upwardly from the plurality of support panels.

30. The method of claim 29, comprising positioning the plurality of lower side panels extending generally downwardly from the plurality of support panels.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the plurality of lower side panels are foldably connected to the bottom panel, the plurality of support panels are foldably connected to the plurality of lower side panels, and the plurality of upper side panels are foldably connected to the plurality of support panels.

32. The method of claim 27, further comprising positioning the divider in the interior of the tray and received on the support.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the divider comprises a plurality of openings for facilitating fluid communication between the upper compartment and the lower compartment in the interior of the tray.

34. The method of claim 27, wherein the rim panel has a generally circular configuration.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the bottom panel has a generally polygonal configuration.

36. The method of claim 27, wherein the rim panel has a generally rectangular configuration.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the bottom panel has a generally rectangular configuration.

38. The method of claim 27, comprising positioning the plurality of side panels of the upper construct in at least partial face-to-face contact with the plurality of upper side panels of the lower construct.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the lower blank further comprises a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the lower blank, and the method comprises positioning the plurality of end flaps in at least partial face-to-face contact with the rim panel to at least partially form the rim of the tray.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first blank for at least partially forming a tray according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second blank for at least partially forming a tray according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a divider blank for at least partially forming a divider for a tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a divider blank for at least partially forming a divider for a tray according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a tray formed from the blanks of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of the tray of FIG. 5.

[0015] FIG. 7 is another lower perspective view of the tray of FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of a divider formed from the blank of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of the divider of FIG. 8 inserted into the tray of FIG. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of a divider formed from the blank of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of the divider of FIG. 10 inserted into the tray of FIG. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a first blank for at least partially forming a tray according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a second blank for at least partially forming a tray according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a divider blank for at least partially forming a divider for a tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a divider blank for at least partially forming a divider for a tray according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 16 is an upper perspective view of a tray formed from the blanks of FIGS. 12 and 13 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the tray of FIG. 16.

[0026] FIG. 18 is an upper perspective view of the tray of FIG. 16 with a divider formed from the blank of FIG. 14 inserted therein according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view of the tray of FIG. 17 with a divider formed from the blank of FIG. 15 inserted therein according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The present disclosure relates generally to various aspects of containers, constructs, trays, materials, packages, elements, and articles, and methods of making such containers, constructs, trays, materials, packages, elements, and articles. Although several different aspects, implementations, and embodiments are disclosed, numerous interrelationships between, combinations thereof, and modifications of the various aspects, implementations, and embodiments are contemplated hereby. In one illustrated embodiment, the present disclosure relates to forming a container or tray for holding food items or various other articles. However, in other embodiments, the container or tray can be used to form other non-food containing articles or may be used for heating or cooking.

[0030] Trays described herein can be used for holding one or more articles such as food products, e.g., portioned retail food products that can include one or more of cookies, crackers, cakes, pastries, candies, nuts, popcorn, trail mix, gum, etc. In some embodiments, the articles can include frozen or non-frozen food products that can be provided in discrete portions, for example, chicken nuggets, French fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, chips, popcorn, other finger foods, etc. In embodiments, other types of articles that can include food products and/or non-food products can be placed in the tray for service to a customer. In some embodiments, such products can be contained in additional packaging and then placed in the tray. The tray could be otherwise shaped and arranged and could be used to hold other products and/or articles in similar or different environments without departing from the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an exterior surface 101 of a base blank or lower blank or first blank 103 for at least partially forming a tray 100 (FIG. 5) or other container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As described further herein, the first blank 103 can be for forming a lower construct 105 of the tray 100.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the first blank 103 can have a longitudinal axis L1, a lateral axis L2, and a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior 107 of the tray 100.

[0033] The plurality of panels can include a generally rectangular central panel or bottom panel 121, a first lower side panel 123 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a lateral fold line 125, a first side support panel 127 foldably connected to the lower side panel 123 at a lateral fold line 129, and a first upper side panel 131 foldably connected to the support panel 127 at a lateral fold line 133.

[0034] Similarly, a second lower side panel 135 can be foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a lateral fold line 137, a second side support panel 138 can be foldably connected to the lower side panel 135 at a lateral fold line 139, and a second upper side panel 141 can be foldably connected to the support 138 at a lateral fold line 143.

[0035] A first end lower side panel 145 can be foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 147, a first end support panel 149 can be foldably connected to the lower side panel 145 at a longitudinal fold line 151, and a first end upper side panel 153 can be foldably connected to the support panel 149 at a longitudinal fold line 155.

[0036] Similarly, a second end lower side panel 157 can be foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 159, a second end support panel 161 can be foldably connected to the lower side panel 157 at a longitudinal fold line 163, and a second end upper side panel 165 can be foldably connected to the support panel 161 at a longitudinal fold line 167.

[0037] A plurality of end flaps can also be foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the first blank 103. In the illustrated embodiment, a first attachment end flap 169 can be foldably connected to the upper side panel 131 at a lateral fold line 171, a second attachment end flap 173 can be foldably connected to the upper side panel 141 at a lateral fold line 175, a third attachment end flap 177 can be foldably connected to the upper side panel 153 at a longitudinal fold line 179, and a fourth attachment end flap 181 can be foldably connected to the upper side panel 165 at a longitudinal fold line 183.

[0038] In some embodiments, respective foldably connected lower side panels, support panels, and upper side panels can be considered portions of a respective side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel 121.

[0039] Turning to FIG. 2, the exterior surface 201 of a rim blank or upper blank or second blank 203 for at least partially forming the tray 100 is illustrated. As described further herein, the second blank 203 can be for forming an upper construct 205 of the tray 100.

[0040] As shown, the blank 203 can have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and can include a plurality of panels for at least partially extending around the interior 107 of the tray 100.

[0041] The plurality of panels of the blank 203 can include a central panel or upper panel or rim panel 221 having a generally rectangular or generally rounded rectangular configuration and at least partially circumscribing a central opening 223. A side panel 225 can be foldably connected to the rim panel 221 at a lateral fold line 227 and positioned extending into the central opening 223.

[0042] Similarly, a second side panel 229 can be foldably connected to the rim panel 221 at a lateral fold line 231 and positioned extending into the central opening 223. End panels 233, 237 can be foldably connected to the rim panel 221 at respective longitudinal fold lines 235, 239 and can be positioned extending into the central opening 223.

[0043] As shown, cutouts or openings 241 can be at least partially defined in the respective side panels 225, 229.

[0044] A plurality of end flaps can be foldably connected to a respective panel of the blank 203 and the upper construct 205 formed therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of end flaps can include a first attachment end flap 243 foldably connected to the side panel 225 at a lateral fold line 245 interrupted by the respective openings 241, and an attachment end flap 247 foldably connected to the side panel 229 at a lateral fold line 249 interrupted by the respective openings 241.

[0045] Turning to FIG. 3, the exterior surface 301 of a third blank or fourth blank or divider blank 303 for at least partially forming and/or for use with the tray 100 is illustrated. As described further herein, the blank 303 can be for forming a divider 305 of the tray 100.

[0046] As shown, the blank 303 can have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and can include a central panel or divider panel 321. As shown, the panel 321 can have a generally rectangular configuration with chamfered corners, though it will be understood that the panel 321 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the divider panel 321 can have a central portion 323 and a marginal portion 325 extending at least partially around the central portion 323. As described further herein, the marginal portion 325 can be for being at least partially supported by one or more of the support panels 127, 138, 149, 161 when the tray 100 is formed.

[0048] Turning to FIG. 4, the exterior surface 401 of a third blank or fourth blank or divider blank 403 for at least partially forming and/or for use with the tray 100 is illustrated. As described further herein, the blank 403 can be for forming a divider 405 of the tray 100.

[0049] As shown, the blank 403 can have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and can include a central panel or divider panel 421. As shown, the panel 421 can have a generally rectangular configuration with chamfered corners similar to that of the panel 321 described above, though it will be understood that the panel 421 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. In this regard, the divider panel 421 can have a central portion 423 and a marginal portion 425 extending at least partially therearound.

[0050] However, the divider panel 421 can additionally include opening features for facilitating fluid communication thereacross that can include a plurality of openings 427. It will be understood that a different number and/or arrangement of openings 427 can be provided without departing from the disclosure.

[0051] It will be understood that, in some embodiments, one or both of the blanks 103, 203 can be provided with a liner F (FIG. 1) that comprises a plastic layer such as polyethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, or any other thermoplastic material, or a bioplastic, such as vegetable oil or starch based plastics. In one embodiment, such liner can comprise polyethylene that can be softened and fused to the blanks 103 and/or 203. In an alternative embodiment, a liner for being attached to the blank 103 can comprise PET or a similar material that is at least partially attached to the blank 103 by a heat seal layer (e.g., a thermoformable sealant grade transparent polyester packaging film, such as Mylar XMPOL12 available from DuPont Teijin Films U.S. Limited Partnership of Hopewell, Virginia, or any suitable thermoformable sealant or adhesive, any suitable heat or pressure activated adhesive, or any other suitable material), wherein a PET liner can be more suitable for uses that require heating of the container in an oven.

[0052] Such a liner can be at least partially attached to the blanks 103 and/or 203 for being positioned in contact with one or more food products held in the tray 100 (e.g., during heating). In one embodiment, after heating the food product, the blanks 103 and/or 203 and an accompanying liner F can be separated to allow both the blanks 103 and/or 203 and the liner to be disposed of (e.g., recycled, renewed, reused, etc.) separately. Optionally, the blanks 103 and/or 203 can be provided separately from or without the liner.

[0053] With additional reference to FIGS. 5-7, formation of the tray 100 from one or more of the blanks 103, 203, 303, 403 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0054] As shown, the bottom panel 121 of the blank 103 can be positioned on a supporting surface and the panels 123, 135, 145, 157 can be at least partially folded at the respective fold lines 125, 137, 147, 159 to extend upwardly from the bottom panel 121. In some embodiments, the panels 123, 135, 145, 157 can extend in generally perpendicular relation to the bottom panel 121, and in some embodiments, one or more of the panels 123, 135, 145, 157 can be obliquely disposed relative to the bottom panel 121.

[0055] The support panels 127, 138, 149, 161 can be folded at the respective fold lines 129, 139, 151, 163 to extend outwardly from the respective panels 123, 135, 145, 157 and in generally spaced and perpendicular relation to the bottom panel 121. In such an arrangement, the support panels 127, 138, 149, 161 can cooperate to form a support 185 in the interior 107 of the tray 100, with the panels 123, 135, 145, 157 extending downwardly therefrom.

[0056] The panels 131, 141, 153, 165 can be folded at the respective fold lines 133, 143, 155, 167 to extend upwardly from the respective panels 127, 138, 149, 161. In some embodiments, the panels 131, 141, 153, 175 can extend in generally perpendicular relation to the support panels 127, 138, 149, 161, and in some embodiments, one or more of the panels 131, 141, 153, 175 can be obliquely disposed relative to the support panels 127, 138, 149, 161.

[0057] The top end flaps 169, 173, 177, 181 can be folded at the fold lines 171, 175, 179, 183 to extend outwardly from the respective panels 131, 141, 153, 175.

[0058] In such an arrangement at least the panels 123, 135, 145, 157 can extend around a lower compartment 111 in the interior 107 of the lower construct 105/tray 100, and at least the panels 131, 141, 153, 165 can extend at least partially around an upper compartment 113 in the interior 107 of the lower construct 105/tray 100.

[0059] In order to form the upper construct 205, the blank 203 can be positioned such that the rim panel 221 is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the top end flaps 169, 173, 177, 181 to form the rim 109 extending outwardly from the lower construct 105/tray 100.

[0060] The panel 225 can be folded downwardly at the fold line 227 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the upper side panel 141 of the lower construct 105, and the panel 229 can be folded at the fold line 231 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the upper side panel 131 of the lower construct 105.

[0061] Similarly, the panel 233 can be folded at the fold line 235 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the panel 153 of the lower construct 105, and the panel 237 can be folded at the fold line 239 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the panel 165 of the lower construct 105.

[0062] Simultaneously or thereafter, the attachment end flap 243 can be folded at the fold line 245 so as to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the support panel 138, and the attachment end flap 247 can be folded at the fold line 249 to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the support panel 127. It will be understood that the upper construct 205 can be coupled to the lower construct 105 in a different orientation and/or arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

[0063] Such arrangement of the upper construct 105 and the lower construct 205 can be at least partially maintained via one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue, for example, at portions thereof positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact. It will be understood that a different modality of attachment between various panels, end flaps, and portions of the constructs 105, 205 can be employed without departing from the disclosure.

[0064] In some embodiments, a lid/lid structure such as a lidding film can comprise packaging film that is a thin plastic layer used to preserve and protect one or more articles contained in the tray 100 and can be removably attached to a rim 109 of the tray 100, e.g., defined by a portion of the panel 221. Such a lidding film can cover the rim 109 of the tray 100 so as to cover the interior 107 of the tray 100. In some embodiments, a hermetic seal of the interior 107 of the tray 100 can be achieved by such engagement by a lidding film.

[0065] Any plastic film, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, and ethylene vinyl alcohol, or other suitable material, can be used for forming the lidding film that is sealed against a sealing surface of the rim 109. Further, adhesives can be used between the lidding film and the sealing surface of the rim 109 without departing from the disclosure.

[0066] As described above, a liner such as liner F can be applied to at least the interior 107 of the tray 100, and can overlie seams/points of intersection between the respective panels, e.g., such that the tray 100 has leak-resistant properties. In some embodiments, the liner F can be applied to surfaces of respective panels and/or end flaps of the lower construct 105 and/or the upper construct 105. The liner F can be separably connected to one or more surfaces of the tray 100 along the interior 107 thereof, for example, so that the liner F and tray 100 can be separately disposed of after use.

[0067] In this regard, the separable arrangement of the tray 100 and the liner F can facilitate the separate reuse, renewal, recycling, etc. of the paperboard material that forms the tray 100 and the polymeric material that forms the liner F, without commingling thereof.

[0068] In some embodiments, a tray 100 can be provided with both a lidding film and a liner F.

[0069] It will be understood that, in some embodiments, the tray 100 can include the upper construct 105 and the lower construct 205. However, in other embodiments, the tray 100 can additionally include at least one of the divider 305 and the divider 405.

[0070] For example, and with additional reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the blank 303/divider panel 321 can be positioned in the interior 107 of the tray 100 to form the divider 305. In particular, the marginal portion 325 of the divider panel 321 can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective support panels 127, 138, 149, 161 and/or respective overlapping attachment end flaps 243, 247 so as to be received on the support 185.

[0071] In such an arrangement, the divider panel 321/divider 305 can extend in generally spaced and planar relation with respect to the bottom panel 121 so as to partition the upper compartment 113 from the lower compartment 111, for example, to provide at least partial separation of one or more articles, e.g., food products, in the respective compartments 111, 113 in the interior 107 of the tray 100, e.g., to prevent commingling thereof, to provide convenient separate serving locations therefor, for portioning, etc.

[0072] For example, in some embodiments, one or more food products in one compartment 111, 113 can have a different moisture content, taste, texture, coloring, flavor profile, temperature, etc., than one or more food products in the other compartment 111, 113 so as to merit separation thereof by the divider 305.

[0073] As another example, and with additional reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the blank 403/divider panel 421 can be positioned in the interior 107 of the tray 100 to form the divider 405. In particular, the marginal portion 425 of the divider panel 421 can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective support panels 127, 138, 149, 161 and/or respective overlapping end flaps 243, 245 so as to be received on the support 185.

[0074] In such an arrangement, the divider panel 421/divider 405 can extend in generally spaced and planar relation with respect to the bottom panel 121 so as to partition the upper compartment 113 from the lower compartment 111 to provide at least partial separation thereof with advantages and functionality consistent with that described above with respect to the tray 100.

[0075] However, the openings 427 in the divider panel 421/divider 405 can provide at least partial fluid communication between the upper compartment 113 and the lower compartment 111, for example, to allow for steam or other moisture to flow, to allow for drainage, etc.

[0076] Turning to FIG. 12, the exterior surface 501 of a base blank or lower blank or first blank 503 for at least partially forming a tray 500 (FIG. 16) or other container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. As described further herein, the first blank 503 can be for forming a lower construct 505 of the tray 500.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the first blank 503 can have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior 507 of the tray 500.

[0078] The plurality of panels can include a central panel or bottom panel 521 and a plurality of side panels 523 foldably connected to the bottom panel 521 at a respective fold line 525 that can be one of a longitudinal fold line, a lateral fold line, and an oblique fold line.

[0079] In this regard, the bottom panel 521 can have a generally polygonal, e.g., octagonal, configuration, with each side panel 523 foldably connected to a respective edge of the bottom panel 521. It will be understood that the bottom panel 521 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

[0080] Each side panel 523, as shown, can include a respective lower portion 527 (broadly, lower side panel), a respective support portion 529 (broadly, support panel) foldably connected to the respective lower portion 527 at a respective fold line 531, and a respective upper portion 533 (broadly, upper side panel) foldably connected to the respective support portion 529 at a respective fold line 535. In this regard, the respective fold lines 531, 535 can be one of a longitudinal fold line, a lateral fold line, and an oblique fold line.

[0081] As described herein, the respective side panels 523 can be an arrangement of foldably connected panels.

[0082] A plurality of end flaps can also be foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the first blank 503. In the illustrated embodiment, an attachment end flap 537 can be foldably connected to the respective upper portion 533 at a respective fold line 539 that can be one of a longitudinal fold line, a lateral fold line, and an oblique fold line.

[0083] Turning to FIG. 13, the exterior surface 601 of a rim blank or upper blank or second blank 601 for at least partially forming the tray 500 is illustrated. As described further herein, the second blank 603 can be for forming an upper construct 605 of the tray 500.

[0084] As shown, the blank 603 can have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and can include a plurality of panels for at least partially extending around the interior 507 of the tray 500.

[0085] The plurality of panels of the blank 603 can include a central panel or upper panel or rim panel 621 having a generally circular configuration and at least partially circumscribing a central opening 623. A plurality of side panels 625 can be foldably connected to the rim panel 621 at respective oblique fold lines 627 and positioned extending into the central opening 623. In the illustrated embodiment, the side panels 625 can have generally tapered configurations, though one or more of the side panels 625 can have a different arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

[0086] The plurality of panels of the blank 603 and construct 605 formed therefrom can also include a plurality of side panels 629 foldably connected to a respective portion of the inner edge of the rim panel 621 at fold lines 631 that can be one of a longitudinal fold line and a lateral fold line.

[0087] In some embodiments, one or more of the side panels 625, 629 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

[0088] A plurality of end flaps can be foldably connected to a respective panel of the blank 603 and the upper construct 603 formed therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of end flaps can include a respective attachment end flap 633 foldably connected to the respective side panel 629 at a respective fold line 635 that can be one of a longitudinal fold line and a lateral fold line.

[0089] As also shown, cutouts or openings 637 can be at least partially defined in the respective side panels 629 so as to interrupt the fold lines 635.

[0090] Turning to FIG. 14, the exterior surface 701 of a third blank or fourth blank or divider blank 703 for at least partially forming the tray 500 is illustrated. As described further herein, the blank 703 can be for forming a divider 705 of the tray 700.

[0091] As shown, the blank 703 can have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and can include a central panel or divider panel 721. As shown, the panel 721 can have a generally octagonal configuration, though it will be understood that the panel 721 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the divider panel 721 can have a central portion 723 and a marginal portion 725 extending at least partially around the central portion 723. As described further herein, the marginal portion 725 can be for being at least partially supported by one or more of the support portions/support panels 529 when the tray 500 is formed.

[0093] Turning to FIG. 15, the exterior surface 801 of a third blank or fourth blank or divider blank 803 for at least partially forming the tray 500 is illustrated. As described further herein, the blank 803 can be for forming a divider 805 of the tray 500.

[0094] As shown, the blank 803 can have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and can include a central panel or divider panel 821. As shown, the panel 821 can have a generally octagonal similar to that of the panel 721 described above, though it will be understood that the panel 821 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. In this regard, the divider panel 821 can have a central portion 823 and a marginal portion 825 extending at least partially therearound.

[0095] However, the divider panel 821 can additionally include opening features for facilitating fluid communication thereacross that can include a plurality of openings 827. It will be understood that a different number and/or arrangement of openings 827 can be provided without departing from the disclosure.

[0096] It will be understood that, in some embodiments, one or both of the blanks 503, 603 can be provided with the liner F (FIG. 1), which can be at least partially attached to the blanks 503 and/or 603 for being positioned in contact with one or more food products held in the tray 500, with advantages and functionality similar to that described above with respect to the tray 100. Optionally, the blanks 503 and/or 603 can be provided separately from or without the liner.

[0097] With additional reference to FIGS. 16-17, formation of the tray 500 from one or more of the blanks 503, 603, 703, 803 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0098] As shown, the bottom panel 521 of the blank 503 can be positioned on a supporting surface and the panels 527 can be at least partially folded at the respective fold lines 525 to extend upwardly from the bottom panel 521. In some embodiments, the panels 527 can extend in generally perpendicular relation to the bottom panel 521, and in some embodiments, one or more of the panels 527 can be obliquely disposed relative to the bottom panel 121.

[0099] The support panels 529 can be folded at the respective fold lines 531 to extend outwardly from the respective panels 527 and in generally spaced and perpendicular relation to the bottom panel 521. In such an arrangement, the support panels 529 can cooperate to form a support 541 in the interior 507 of the tray 500, with the panels 527 extending downwardly therefrom.

[0100] The panels 533 can be folded at the respective fold lines 535 to extend upwardly from the respective panels 529. In some embodiments, the panels 533 can extend in generally perpendicular relation to the support panels 529, and in some embodiments, one or more of the panels 533 can be obliquely disposed relative to the support panels 529.

[0101] The top end flaps 537 can be folded at the fold lines 539 to extend outwardly from the respective panels 533.

[0102] In such an arrangement at least the panels 521, 527 can extend around a lower compartment 511 in the interior 507 of the lower construct 505/tray 500, and at least the panels 533 can extend at least partially around an upper compartment 513 in the interior 507 of the lower construct 505/tray 500.

[0103] In order to form the upper construct 605, the blank 603 can be positioned such that the rim panel 621 is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the top end flaps 537 to form the rim 509 extending outwardly from the lower construct 505/tray 500.

[0104] The panels 625 can be folded downwardly at the respective fold lines 627 into at least partial face-to-face contact with respective upper side panels 533 of the lower construct 505, and the panels 629 can be folded at the respective fold lines 631 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective upper side panels 533 of the lower construct 505.

[0105] Simultaneously or thereafter, the attachment end flaps 633 can be folded at the fold lines 635 so as to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective support panels 529.

[0106] Such arrangement of the upper construct 505 and the lower construct 605 can be at least partially maintained via one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue, for example, at portions thereof positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact. It will be understood that a different modality of attachment between various panels, end flaps, and portions of the constructs 505, 605 can be employed without departing from the disclosure.

[0107] In some embodiments, a lid/lid structure such as the lidding film can be removably attached to the rim 509 of the tray 500 with advantages and functionality similar to that described above with respect to the tray 100.

[0108] As described above, a liner such as liner F can be applied to at least the interior 507 of the tray 500 with advantages and functionality similar to that described above with respect to the tray 100. In some embodiments, a tray 500 can be provided with both a lidding film and a liner F.

[0109] It will be understood that, in some embodiments, the tray 500 can include the upper construct 505 and the lower construct 605. However, in other embodiments, the tray 500 can additionally include at least one of the divider 705 and the divider 805.

[0110] For example, the blank 703/divider panel 721 can be positioned in the interior 507 of the tray 500 to form the divider 705. In particular, the marginal portion 725 of the divider panel 721 can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective support panels 529 and/or overlapping end flaps 633 such that the divider 705 is received on the support 541.

[0111] In such an arrangement, the divider panel 721/divider 705 can extend in generally spaced and planar relation with respect to the bottom panel 521 so as to partition the upper compartment 513 from the lower compartment 511 with advantages and functionality similar to that described above with respect to the tray 100.

[0112] As another example, the blank 803/divider panel 821 can be positioned in the interior 507 of the tray 500 to form the divider 805. In particular, the marginal portion 825 of the divider panel 821 can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective support panels 529 and/or overlapping end flaps 633 such that the divider 805 is received upon the support 541.

[0113] In such an arrangement, the divider panel 821/divider 805 can extend in generally spaced and planar relation with respect to the bottom panel 521 so as to partition the upper compartment 513 from the lower compartment 511 with the additional openings 827 to provide at least partial separation thereof with advantages and functionality consistent with that described above with respect to the tray 100.

[0114] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0115] In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0116] As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0117] In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

[0118] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carrier embodiments. The term glue is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.

[0119] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.