Abstract: The present invention provides an egg carton having a tray having a first row of a first plurality of spaced egg compartments and a second row of a second plurality of spaced egg compartments, the first row of egg compartments being disposed in parallel spaced relationship to the second row of egg compartments; a plurality of spaced tower elements extending along a centerline of the tray and extending vertically from a plane of the tray, each tower element having four egg contacting surfaces; a plurality of spaced post elements extending along a front edge of the tray and extending vertically from a plane of the tray, each post element having two egg contacting surfaces; and a lid hingedly connected along a rear edge of the tray and movable from an open condition to a closed condition.

Abstract: Transparent egg cartons suitable for being made from a variety of transparent polymeric materials and particularly from polylactic acid or other biodegradable polymers are described. The egg cartons use a “W” shaped hinge or box hinge element for hingedly connecting the lid to the tray or a flap to the tray. The flap is made with lattice struts to increase the lateral strength thereof, and contains at least three button tabs for interlocking the flap with the lid. The lateral most button tabs are located about ?th the length of the flap from the ends of the flap. The egg cartons have an awning portion that extends from the front surface of the lid to cover the “W” shaped hinge or box hinge when the lid is closed. A space is provided between the edge of the awning and the hinge for a consumer to place a finger for disengaging the lid from the flap.

Abstract: Transparent egg cartons suitable for being made from a variety of transparent polymeric materials and particularly from polylactic acid or other biodegradable polymers are described. The egg cartons use a “W” shaped hinge or box hinge element for hingedly connecting the lid to the tray or a flap to the tray. The flap is made with lattice struts to increase the lateral strength thereof, and contains at least three button tabs for interlocking the flap with the lid. The lateral most button tabs are located about ?th the length of the flap from the ends of the flap. The egg cartons have an awning portion that extends from the front surface of the lid to cover the “W” shaped hinge or box hinge when the lid is closed. A space is provided between the edge of the awning and the hinge for a consumer to place a finger for disengaging the lid from the flap.