Abstract: A molded container of solid continuous construction having a floor and contiguous upstanding sidewalls angling outward and upward to a surrounding upper lip. Below the upper lip the floor and sidewalls surround an inner cavity adapted to receive food. The sidewalls include at least three outwardly-directed lugs that are thicker from an inner surface to an outer surface thereof than a nominal wall thickness of the remainder of the sidewalls. The sidewall at the location of each lug having an inner surface which is contiguous and uninterrupted relative to the inner surface of adjacent portions of the sidewall. Consequently, a first container may be stacked and nested within a second container such that the lugs on the first container contact the inner surface of the second container at the location of the lugs on the second container and maintain a predetermined axial spacing between the first and second containers.

Abstract: A molded container of solid continuous construction having a floor and contiguous upstanding sidewalls angling outward and upward to a surrounding upper lip. Below the upper lip the floor and sidewalls surround an inner cavity adapted to receive food. The sidewalls include at least three outwardly-directed lugs that are thicker from an inner surface to an outer surface thereof than a nominal wall thickness of the remainder of the sidewalls. The sidewall at the location of each lug having an inner surface which is contiguous and uninterrupted relative to the inner surface of adjacent portions of the sidewall. Consequently, a first container may be stacked and nested within a second container such that the lugs on the first container contact the inner surface of the second container at the location of the lugs on the second container and maintain a predetermined axial spacing between the first and second containers.

Abstract: A container includes a molded tray and a molded lid, both made of unitary fiber bodies. The tray includes at least one internal well and a perimeter engaging wall extending upward from a perimeter rim. The perimeter engaging wall includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an uppermost surface. The lid includes a ceiling and defines a perimeter engaging receiver extending upward from a perimeter rim. The rim is defined by an inner wall, an outer wall, and an uppermost wall. The perimeter engaging wall is configured to be removably received in the perimeter engaging receiver.

Abstract: A molded fiber part production line includes a forming station, a part transfer system, a press station, and a removal system. The forming station includes a slurry tank, a forming mold, and a mold actuation system. The part transfer system includes a part transfer feature and a conveyance mechanism. The press station includes a core mold, a cavity mold compatible with the core mold, and a press actuation system. The removal system includes a removal feature defining a plurality of part vacuum channels and a plurality of trim vacuum channels. The removal system also includes a conveyance mechanism for moving the removal feature from a position in engagement with at least one of the core mold and the cavity mold to another position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing compostable food containers, which preserve the quality of a food product for an extended duration of time, and which optionally, allow for cooking of the food product therein. In some implementations, the food containers are sturdy, stackable, insulating, and require minimal or no manual labor to assemble. In some implementations, the food container includes a base and a cover, which cooperate to form a closed chamber for supporting, protecting, insulating and optionally cooking a food product, such as a pizza. The base and cover may each be formed of a single layer of material including, but not limited to, molded sugarcane fiber (“bagasse”), molded wood fiber, molded bamboo fiber, molded paper or plastic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing compostable food containers that preserve the quality of a food product for an extended duration of time, and which optionally allow for cooking of the food product therein. In some implementations, the food containers are sturdy, stackable, insulating, and require minimal or no manual labor to assemble. In some implementations, the food container includes a base and a cover which cooperate to form a closed chamber for supporting, protecting, insulating and optionally cooking a food product, such as a pizza. The base and cover may each be formed of a single layer of material including, but not limited to, molded sugarcane fiber (“bagasse”), molded wood fiber, molded bamboo fiber, molded paper or plastic.

Abstract: A container includes a molded fiber tray at least partially defining a tray internal volume. The tray includes a perimeter wall extending upward from a bottom tray surface, a rest extending outward from the perimeter wall, a parapet extending upward from the rest, and a tray build-up projecting inward from the parapet. The tray build-up and the rest at least partially define a gap therebetween. The container includes a molded fiber lid at least partially defining a lid internal volume. The lid includes a perimeter wall extending downward from a lid upper surface, and a ridge extending downward from the perimeter wall. The ridge includes an outer ridge wall, a lateral surface extending inward from the outer ridge wall, and a lid build-up projecting outward from the outer ridge wall. The lid build-up is configured to be received in the gap when the container is in a closed condition.