CONTAINER WITH INTEGRAL DIVIDER FEATURES

Abstract

A tray for holding one or more products includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray. The plurality of panels include at least one end panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one side panel. The tray includes a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The tray includes at least one divider panel foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel. The at least one divider panel extends upwardly from the at least one bottom panel and may at least partially separate the interior of the tray into a plurality of receiving spaces. The at least one divider panel includes a first divider section foldably connected to a second divider section. The first divider section is arranged obliquely relative to the second divider section.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/782,363 filed on Jul. 24, 2024, and claims the benefit of and priority to each of U.S. Provisional Ser. Nos. 63/528,701 , which was filed on Jul. 25, 2023, 63/535,621, which was filed on Aug. 31, 2023, 63/542,872, which was filed on Oct. 6, 2023, 63/617,514, which was filed on Jan. 4, 2024, and 63/645,356, which was filed on May 10, 2024.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Ser. Nos. 63/528,701 , which was filed on Jul. 25, 2023, 63/535,621 , which was filed on Aug. 31, 2023, 63/542,872 , which was filed on Oct. 6, 2023, 63/617,514 , which was filed on Jan. 4, 2024, 63/645,356 which was filed on May 10, 2024, and U.S. Non-provisional Ser. No. 18/782,363 which was filed on Jul. 24, 2024, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons, containers, trays, and/or other constructs for holding food products and/or other types of articles and/or products. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to containers/trays with dividing features.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In some embodiments, a tray for holding one or more products may comprise a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray. The plurality of panels may comprise at least one end panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one side panel. A plurality of end flaps may be foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. At least one divider panel may be foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel. The at least one divider panel may extend upwardly from the at least one bottom panel and may at least partially separate the interior of the tray into a plurality of receiving spaces.

In some embodiments, the at least one divider panel may comprise a first divider section foldably connected to a second divider section. The first divider section may be arranged obliquely relative to the second divider section. In various embodiments, the at least one bottom panel may comprise a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel. The first bottom panel may be foldably connected to the first divider section. The second bottom panel may be foldably connected to the second divider section. In some embodiments, the at least one divider panel may comprise a second divider panel comprising a third divider section foldably connected to a fourth divider section. The third divider section may be arranged obliquely relative to the fourth divider section. In various embodiments, the at least one bottom panel may further comprise a third bottom panel. The second bottom panel may be foldably connected to the third divider section. The third bottom panel may be foldably connected to the fourth divider section. In some embodiments, the at least one end panel may include an aperture having a first edge aligned with the first divider section. The aperture may include a second edge aligned with the second divider section. In various embodiments, the at least one end panel may include an aperture having a first edge aligned with the third divider section. The aperture may include a second edge aligned with the fourth divider section. In some embodiments, the at least one end panel may be foldably connected to the second bottom panel.

In some embodiments, the plurality of end flaps may comprise at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel. The at least one bottom end flap may be attached to the at least one end panel. In various embodiments, the at least one end panel may comprise a first end panel and a second end panel. The first end panel may be positioned opposite the second end panel. In some embodiments, each of the first and second end panels may be at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel. In various embodiments, the at least one side panel may comprise a first side panel and a second side panel. The first side panel may be positioned opposite the second side panel. In some embodiments, each of the first and second side panels may be at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel.

In some embodiments, a blank for forming a tray for holding one or more products may comprise a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of the tray formed from the blank. The plurality of panels may comprise at least one end panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one side panel. The at least one end panel may be for at least partially forming at least one end wall of the tray formed from the blank. The at least one bottom panel may be for at least partially forming a bottom wall of the tray formed from the blank. The at least one side panel may be for at least partially forming a sidewall of the tray formed from the blank. A plurality of end flaps may be foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. At least one divider panel may be foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel. The at least one divider panel may be for extending upwardly from the at least one bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank to at least partially separate the interior of the tray into a plurality of receiving spaces.

In some embodiments, the at least one divider panel may comprise a first divider section foldably connected to a second divider section. The first divider section may be arranged obliquely relative to the second divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. In various embodiments, the at least one bottom panel may comprise a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel. The first bottom panel may be foldably connected to the first divider section. The second bottom panel may be foldably connected to the second divider section. In some embodiments, the at least one divider panel may comprise a second divider panel comprising a third divider section foldably connected to a fourth divider section. The third divider section may be arranged obliquely relative to the fourth divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. In various embodiments, the at least one bottom panel may further comprise a third bottom panel. The second bottom panel may be foldably connected to the third divider section. The third bottom panel may be foldably connected to the fourth divider section. In some embodiments, the at least one end panel may include an aperture having a first edge arranged to be aligned with the first divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. The aperture may include a second edge arranged to be aligned with the second divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. In various embodiments, the at least one end panel may include an aperture having a first edge arranged to be aligned with the third divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. The aperture may include a second edge arranged to be aligned with the fourth divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. In some embodiments, the at least one end panel may be foldably connected to the second bottom panel.

In some embodiments, the plurality of end flaps may comprise at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel. The at least one bottom end flap may be arranged to be attached to the at least one end panel when the tray is formed from the blank. In various embodiments, the at least one end panel may comprise a first end panel and a second end panel. The first end panel may be arranged to be positioned opposite the second end panel when the tray is formed from the blank. In some embodiments, each of the first and second end panels may be arranged to be at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank. In various embodiments, the at least one side panel may comprise a first side panel and a second side panel. The first side panel may be arranged to be positioned opposite the second side panel when the tray is formed from the blank. In some embodiments, each of the first and second side panels may be arranged to be at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

In some embodiments, a method of forming a tray for holding one or more products may comprise obtaining a blank. The blank may comprise a plurality of panels extending for at least partially around an interior of the tray formed from the blank. The plurality of panels may comprise at least one end panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one side panel. A plurality of end flaps may be foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The plurality of panels may be positioned extending at least partially around an interior of the tray. A sidewall may be formed from the at least one side panel. At least one end wall may be formed from the at least one end panel. A bottom wall may be formed from the at least one bottom panel. At least one divider panel may be formed extending upwardly from the bottom wall to at least partially separate the interior of the tray into a plurality of receiving spaces.

In some embodiments, the at least one divider panel may comprise a first divider section foldably connected to a second divider section. The first divider section may be arranged obliquely relative to the second divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. In various embodiments, the at least one bottom panel may comprise a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel. The first bottom panel may be foldably connected to the first divider section. The second bottom panel may be foldably connected to the second divider section. In some embodiments, the at least one divider panel may comprise a second divider panel comprising a third divider section foldably connected to a fourth divider section. The third divider section may be arranged obliquely relative to the fourth divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. In various embodiments, the at least one bottom panel may further comprise a third bottom panel. The second bottom panel may be foldably connected to the third divider section. The third bottom panel may be foldably connected to the fourth divider section. In some embodiments, the at least one end panel may include an aperture having a first edge arranged to be aligned with the first divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. The aperture may include a second edge arranged to be aligned with the second divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. In various embodiments, the at least one end panel may include an aperture having a first edge arranged to be aligned with the third divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. The aperture may include a second edge arranged to be aligned with the fourth divider section when the tray is formed from the blank. In some embodiments, the at least one end panel may be foldably connected to the second bottom panel.

In some embodiments, the plurality of end flaps may comprise at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel. The at least one bottom end flap may be arranged to be attached to the at least one end panel when the tray is formed from the blank. In various embodiments, the at least one end panel may comprise a first end panel and a second end panel. The first end panel may be arranged to be positioned opposite the second end panel when the tray is formed from the blank. In some embodiments, each of the first and second end panels may be arranged to be at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank. In various embodiments, the at least one side panel may comprise a first side panel and a second side panel. The first side panel may be arranged to be positioned opposite the second side panel when the tray is formed from the blank. In some embodiments, each of the first and second side panels may be arranged to be at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

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. res 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.

FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a construct or tray according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a construct formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tray formed from the construct of FIG. 2 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the tray formed from the construct of FIG. 2 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a stack of the trays of FIGS. 3 and 4 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of a stack of the trays of FIGS. 3 and 4 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a construct or tray according to additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 7 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a stack of the trays of FIG. 8 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an interior plan view of a blank used to form a construct or tray according to additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 10 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 10 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a stack of the trays of FIG. 12 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of the stack of trays shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a construct or tray according to additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 15 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of a stack of the trays of FIG. 16 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of a stack of the trays of FIG. 16 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a construct or tray according to additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 19 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 20 in a display configuration according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the tray of FIG. 20 in a display configuration according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a perspective views of a stack of the trays of FIG. 20 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 24 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a construct or tray according to additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 24 according to the additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 26 is another perspective view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 24 according to the additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 27 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a construct or tray according to additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 27 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 29 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a construct or tray according to additional exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 29 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 31 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a construct or tray according to additional embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 31.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The tray of the present disclosure can be useful in containing one or more products (e.g., a food product) or other articles such as any suitable type of product that can be stored, transported, cooled, frozen, heated, and/or cooked. Some suitable products could comprise cookies, crackers, chips, sandwiches, hot dogs, French fries, nachos, fruits, vegetables, popcorn, cuts of meat, or any other suitable food product or other suitable article. In some embodiments, the tray of the present disclosure can be used for heating, cooking, browning, crisping, etc. the food product by use of a heating or cooking device such as a microwave oven. It is understood that food products (or non-food products) other than the food products listed herein may be contained in the package. Further, products contained in this package may be generally round, rectangular, triangular, square, irregular, or any other suitable shape. In this specification, the terms “inner,” “interior,” “outer,” “exterior,” “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright packages. As described herein, constructs can be formed from blanks by being glued with multiple panels, portions, tabs, and/or flaps, which may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or nonsequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank, generally indicated at 103, used to form a container or tray 105 (FIGS. 3-6) of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The tray 105 can include divider features for forming integrated dividers or partitions 107 (e.g., one or more dividers or a plurality of dividers) extending in an interior 109 of the tray 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 can have an interior surface and an exterior surface 102 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The construct 105 is used to hold and/or support a food product (not shown), such as cookies, crackers, French bread pizzas, sandwiches, hot dogs, turnovers, burritos, meats, French fries, and/or any other food product, such as during storing, selling, serving, cooking, etc. of the food product. In an alternative embodiment, the construct 105 can hold and/or support a non-food item or article.

The blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 includes a central bottom panel 110 (broadly, “first bottom panel”) and outer bottom panels 110a, 110b (broadly, “second bottom panel”, respectively) that cooperate to form a bottom wall 150 (FIGS. 3, 4) in the tray 105. The central bottom panel 110 can be foldably connected to a first divider panel 156 (broadly, “second divider panel”) and to a second divider panel 158 (broadly, “first divider panel”) along respective longitudinal fold lines 162, 164, and the divider panels 156, 158 are foldably connected to the respective outer bottom panels 110a, 110b along respective longitudinal fold lines 163, 165. In the illustrated embodiments, a first side panel 112 (broadly, “second side panel”) can be foldably connected to the first outer bottom panel 110a along a lateral fold line 114, and a second side panel 116 (broadly, “first side panel”) can be foldably connected to the second outer bottom panel 110b along a lateral fold line 118. As shown in FIG. 1, two reinforcing tabs or flaps 172 (broadly, “first reinforcing flap” or “second reinforcing flap”) are foldably connected to the respective side panels 112, 116 along respective lateral fold lines 174.

As described herein, the reinforcing flaps 172 can be end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and the container 105 formed therefrom, through it will be understood that the reinforcing flaps 172 can be a panel of a plurality of panels or another features without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiments, a first end panel 120 can be foldably connected to the central bottom panel 110 along a first longitudinal fold line 122 at one end of the central bottom panel 110, and a second end panel 124 can be foldably connected to the central bottom panel 110 along a second lateral fold line 126 at an opposing end of the central bottom panel 110.

As shown in FIG. 1, bottom end flaps 120a, 120b can be foldably connected to the respective outer bottom panels 110a, 110b along respective longitudinal fold lines 122a, 122b, and bottom end flaps 124a, 124b can be foldably connected to the respective outer bottom panels 110a, 110b along respective longitudinal fold lines 126a, 126b. In embodiments, the bottom end flaps 120a, 120b can be separable from the first end panel 120 along respective cut lines 121a, 121b, and the bottom end flaps 124a, 124b can be separable from the second end panel 124 along respective cut lines 125a, 125b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 can include side end flaps 130, 138 foldably connected at respective ends of the first side panel 112 along respective fold lines 134, 142 and can include side end flaps 132, 140 foldably connected at respective ends of the second side panel 116 along the respective fold lines 136, 144. Any of the bottom panels 110, 110a, 110b, the side panels 112, 116, the reinforcing flaps 172, the end panels 120, 124, the bottom end flaps 120a, 120b, 124a, 124b, and/or the side end flaps 130, 132, 138, 140 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the end flaps 130, 138, 132, 140 could be foldably connected to the respective end panels 120, 124.

As shown in FIG. 1, the divider panel 156 can include divider sections 156a, 156b that are foldably connected to one another along a lateral fold line 157. Similarly, the divider panel 158 can include divider sections 158a, 158b that are foldably connected to one another along a lateral fold line 159. In the illustrated embodiment, the central bottom panel 110 is foldably connected to the divider sections 156b, 158b along the respective lateral fold lines 162, 164, and the outer bottom panels 110a, 110b are foldably connected to the respective divider sections 156a, 158a along the respective lateral fold lines 163, 165.

In the illustrated embodiment, a cutout or aperture 184 can extend at each end of each of the divider panels 156, 158 along the end panels 120, 124. As shown in FIG. 1, the cutouts 184 can extend along edges of the respective end panels 120, 124 and the respective divider panels 156, 158. In exemplary embodiments, the cutouts 184 can be strategically placed for allowing or helping to allow the divider panels 156, 158 to be erected to form the dividers 107 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Any of the divider sections 156a, 156b, 158a, 158b and/or apertures 184 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 103 can include denesting features including a spacer lug or shoulder 190 extending outwardly from an edge of each end of each of the reinforcing flaps 172 proximate the respective side end flaps 130, 138, 132, 140. In the illustrated embodiments, each shoulder 190 can include an engagement edge 192 extending outwardly from respective edges of the respective reinforcing flaps 172. In some embodiments, the engagement edges can include at least one oblique edge of the reinforcing flap 172 intersecting at least one straight, e.g., lateral, edge thereof.

In embodiments, the engagement edges 192 of the shoulders 190 are configured to engage a lower container 105 (or other suitable container) in a stack 194 of containers (FIGS. 5 and 6), such as along an upper edge of the lower container, to form a denesting gap (FIGS. 5 and 6) between the stacked containers. For example, the denesting gap can be equal to or similar to the distance between the engagement edges 192 and the respective lateral fold lines 174. Any of the shoulders 190 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

The blank 103 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the blank 103 can be formed into a folded blank or partially formed tray 104 by folding the reinforcing flaps 172 over the exterior surface 102 of the respective side panels 112, 116 along the respective fold lines 174. In the illustrated embodiments, the shoulders 190 extend beyond the fold lines 134, 142, 136, 144 at the ends of the side panels 112, 116 and overlap the respective side end flaps 130, 138, 132, 140 in the folded blank 104. The folded blank 104 could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiments, the tray 105 can be formed from the folded blank 104 (or from the blank 103) by folding the end panels 120, 124 upwardly with respect to the central bottom panel 110 along the respective longitudinal fold lines 122, 126. In embodiments, the tray 105 further can be formed by folding the divider panels 156, 158 upwardly along the respective fold lines 157, 162, 163 and fold lines 159, 164, 165 so that the divider sections 156a, 156b and 158a, 158b are obliquely-arranged relative to one another and extend upwardly from the bottom panels 110, 110a, 110b to the respective fold lines 157, 159.

As the divider panels 156, 158 are folded, the outer bottom panels 110a, 110b are brought closer to the central bottom panel 110. In embodiments, the bottom panels 110, 110a, 110b can cooperate to form the bottom wall 150 of the tray 105 (FIGS. 3 and 4). In the illustrated embodiments, the side panels 112, 116 can be folded upwardly along the respective lateral fold lines 114, 118, with the fold lines 134, 136 associated with the respective side panels 112, 116 being adjacent or abutting the respective edges of the first end panel 120 and the fold lines 142, 144 associated with the respective side panels 112, 116 being adjacent or abutting the respective edges of the second end panel 124.

As shown, the bottom end flaps 120a, 120b and the side end flaps 130, 132 can be folded over and attached (e.g., adhered) to the outer surface of the first end panel 120 to form a first end wall 152 and the bottom end flaps 124a, 124b and the side end flaps 138, 140 can be folded over and attached (e.g., adhered) to the outer surface of the second end panel 124 to form a second end wall 154. In embodiments, the side end flaps 130, 132, 138, 140 can have cutouts that at least partially receive the respective bottom end flaps 120a, 120b, 124a, 124b in the end walls 152, 154. In exemplary embodiments, the side panels 112, 116 and the respective reinforcing flaps 172 can cooperate with the end walls 152, 154 to form a sidewall 186 extending around the interior 109 of the tray 105 (e.g., extending around the entire interior 109 of the tray and/or around the perimeter of the bottom wall 150).

In exemplary embodiments, the tray 105 can be formed from the folded blank 104 manually or by one or more forming tools. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bottom wall 150, the side panels 112, 116, and the end panels 120, 124 can at least partially extend around the interior 109 of the tray 105. In the illustrated embodiments, the dividers 107 can extend in the interior 109 of the tray 105 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 150 and can at least partially form three receiving spaces 196 in the interior 109 of the tray 105. After loading products or articles into the receiving spaces 196, the tray 105 can be enclosed and/or sealed (e.g., by a film, a bag, an outer carton, etc.). It will be understood that one or both of the side panels 112, 116 and associated features can be divider features without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the shoulders 190 and their engagement edges 192 can extend outwardly from the sidewall 186 of the tray 105 (e.g., from the end walls 152, 154). In the illustrated embodiments, the tray 105 can have tapered sides and ends, for example, due to shapes of the side panels 112, 116 and the end panels 120, 124 (e.g., the top of the tray 105 can be wider between the side panels and between the end walls than the bottom of the tray 105). In exemplary embodiments, the fold lines 134, 142 and 136, 144 at the end of the respective side panels 112, 116 are oblique and the edges of the end panels 120, 124 adjacent the side panels 112, 116 are oblique.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fold lines 162, 163 are spaced apart from one another in the bottom wall 150 and the fold lines 164, 165 are spaced apart from one another in the bottom wall 150 so that the divider panels 156, 158 are tapered (e.g., wider at the bottom than at the top at respective fold lines 157, 159). Accordingly, the dividers 107 formed by the divider panels 156, 158 can form recesses or cavities 151 in the bottom wall 150. In embodiments, the taper of the sides and ends of the tray 105 and the cavities 151 formed by the dividers 107 can facilitate stacking of the trays 105 (e.g., in the stack 194 of FIG. 5). For example, the bottom wall 150 of a tray 105 can be at least partially received within the interior of a lower tray 105 and the dividers 107 of the lower tray 105 can be at least partially received in the cavities 151 formed in the bottom wall 150 of the upper tray 105 by the dividers 107 of the upper tray 105.

The engagement edges 192 of the shoulders 190 of the upper tray 105 in the stack 194 can engage the upper edge of the lower tray 105 (e.g., at the end walls of the lower tray 105) and can keep the upper tray 105 from moving farther into the lower tray 105. In exemplary embodiments, this can facilitate separating of the trays when removing trays from the stack 194.

The dividers 107 and/or the receiving spaces 196 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the tray 105 could have any suitable number of dividers 107. Further, the tray 105 could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure. For example, the forming steps of forming the tray 105 can be carried out in any suitable order.

FIG. 7 shows a blank 303 for forming a container or tray 305 (FIGS. 8-9) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The second embodiment is generally similar to the prior embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers.

In the second embodiment, the blank 303 is similar to the blank 103 of the first embodiment, except that the shoulders 390 of the blank 303 extend from the respective side end flaps 330, 338 and side end flaps 332, 340 at the respective ends of the respective side panels 312, 316.

In the illustrated embodiments, the shoulders 390 are separable from the respective side panels 312, 316 and the respective reinforcing flaps 372 (broadly, “first reinforcing flap” or “second reinforcing flap”) along respective cuts 398. In embodiments, the cuts 398 form the respective engagement edges 392 in the tray 305 (e.g., FIG. 9).

As shown, the shoulders 390 extend from the end walls of the tray 305 outwardly from the side panels 312, 316. In this regard, the shoulders 390 extend away from each of the sidewall and end walls of the tray 305. When multiple trays 305 are stacked into the stacked arrangement 394 (FIG. 8), the engagement edges 392 of the shoulders 390 of an upper tray 305 can engage the upper edges of the side panels 312, 316 of a lower tray 305. The blank 303 and the tray 305 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a blank 503 for forming a container or tray 505 (FIGS. 11-14) according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. The third embodiment is generally similar to the prior embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers.

In the third embodiment, the blank 503 is similar to the blanks 103, 303 of the prior embodiments, except that the shoulders 590 of the blank 503 extend from respective ends of the respective end panels 520, 524 with the engagement edges 592 extending from the respective oblique end edges of the end panels 520, 524. In the illustrated embodiments, the side end flaps 530, 538 foldably connected to opposing ends of the first side panel 512 (broadly, “second bottom panel”) along respective fold lines 534, 542 and the side end flaps 532, 540 foldably connected to opposing ends of the second side panel along respective fold lines 536, 544 are smaller (e.g., shorter) than the side end flaps of the prior embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 10, oblique edges 599 of the side panels 512, 516 (broadly, “first bottom panel”) extend from respective ends of the respective fold lines 534, 542, 536, 544, past the respective upper edges of the shortened side end flaps 530, 542, 532, 544. In the illustrated embodiments, the cutouts 584 can be enlarged with respect to the cutouts 184 of the prior embodiments and can include a rounded portion extending into the respectively adjacent end panel 520, 524. The enlarged cutouts 584 and/or their rounded extensions can facilitate erection of the tray 505 from the blank 503. The blank 503 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In embodiments, the tray 505 (FIGS. 11-14) is formed in the same or a similar manner as the trays of the prior embodiments. As shown, the end walls 552, 554 include the respective end panels 520, 524 overlapped with and adhered to the respective bottom end flaps 120a, 120b; 124a, 124b and the respective side end flaps 530, 532; 538, 540. In the illustrated embodiments, the bottom end flaps 120a, 120b, 124a, 124b can be at least partially received by respective cutouts in the respective side end flaps 530, 532, 538, 540.

The edges 599 extending upwardly from the shortened side end flaps 530, 532, 538, 540 accommodate the respective shoulders 590 extending from the end panels 520, 524. For example, the side end flaps 530, 532; 538, 540 fit under the engagement edges 592 of the shoulders 590 when the side end flaps are folded to overlap the respective end panels 520, 524. In the illustrated embodiments, the shoulders 590 can extend outwardly from the respective end walls 552, 554 adjacent the ends of the respective side panels 512, 516 (e.g., so that the shoulders extend along and/or abut at least a portion of the respective edges 599 of the side panels 520, 524).

In exemplary embodiments, the side panels 512, 516 and the end walls 552, 554 cooperate to form the sidewall 586 of the tray 505, and the shoulders 590 extend outwardly from the sidewall 586. In embodiments, each of the edges 599 extends at an oblique angle (e.g., upwardly and outwardly) so that the spacings between the end edges 599 at the upper edges of the side panels 512, 516 are larger than the spacings between the engagement edges 592 of the shoulders 590. Accordingly, when the trays 505 are stacked in the stack 594 (FIGS. 13-14), the engagement edges 592 of the shoulders 590 contact and/or rest on the upper edges of the side panels 512, 516.

FIG. 15 shows a blank 1103 for forming a container or tray 1105 (FIGS. 16-18) according to further embodiments of the disclosure. This embodiment is generally similar to the prior embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers.

In the present embodiment, the blank 1103 is similar to the blank 103 of FIG. 1, except that the cutouts 184 are omitted, and the divider panels 1156, 1158 extend to (e.g., abut) the end panels 1120, 1124. In the illustrated embodiments, the divider panels 1156, 1158 are separable from the end panels 1120, 1124 along longitudinal cut lines 1183 (e.g., cut lines, tear lines, or other lines of weakening).

As shown in FIG. 15, a scrap area or cutout 1184 can extend in the end panels 1120, 1124 at each of the ends of the divider panels 1156, 1158. For example, the cutouts 1184 can extend between the respective cut lines 1183 and the respective lateral fold lines 162, 164. In the illustrated embodiments, the cutouts 1184 can have a curved (e.g., circular) edge extending along the respective end panel 1120, 1124 and a straight edge extending along the respective divider panel 1156, 1158. Any of the cut lines 1183 and/or the cutouts 1184 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In embodiments, the tray 1105 (FIGS. 16-18) is formed in the same or a similar manner as the trays of the prior embodiments. As shown, the end walls 1152, 1154 include the respective end panels 1120, 1124 overlapped with and adhered to the respective bottom end flaps 120a, 120b; 124a, 124b and the respective side end flaps 130, 132; 138, 140. In exemplary embodiments, the side panels 112, 116 and the end walls 1152, 1154 cooperate to form the sidewall 1186 of the tray 1105, and the shoulders 190 extend outwardly from the sidewall 1186.

Accordingly, when the trays 1105 are assembled in the stack 1194 (FIGS. 17-18), the engagement edges 192 of the shoulders 190 of an upper tray 1105 contact and/or rest on the upper edges of the end walls 1152, 1154 of a lower tray 1105.

The divider panels 1156, 1158 can extend from the first end wall 1152 to the second end wall 1154 (e.g., from the lateral fold line 122 to the lateral fold line 126). Accordingly, the dividers 1107 extend a greater distance between the end walls 1152, 1154 to further divide the receiving spaces 196 in the interior 1109 of the tray 1105 than the at least trays 105, 305, 505, in which the divider panels 156, 158 are spaced apart from the end walls 152, 154 or 552, 554 by the cutouts 184 or 584.

As shown in FIG. 17, the cutouts 1184 in the end panels 1120, 1124 can provide clearance for the dividers 1107 of another tray 1105 when the trays 1105 are arranged in the stack 1194. Accordingly, the cutouts 1184 can facilitate assembly of the trays 1105 into the stack 1194 and denesting of the trays 1105 from the stack 1194, such as by providing room for the dividers 1107 of a lower tray 1105 to move through the end walls 1152, 1154 of an upper tray 1105 in the stack 1194 so that the dividers and end walls are less likely to interfere with the relative movement of the trays 1105 when assembling or disassembling a stack 1194.

FIG. 19 shows a blank 1303 for forming a container or tray 1305 (FIGS. 20-23) according to further embodiments of the disclosure. This embodiment is generally similar to the prior embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. In the present embodiment, the blank 1303 is similar to the blank 1103 of FIG. 15, except that a stand or foot feature 1402 extends in the outer bottom panel 1310a and the side panel 1312 and a stand or foot feature 1402 extends in the outer bottom panel 1310b and the side panel 1316. As shown in FIG. 38, each of the foot features 1402 includes a foot 1404 extending from the respective outer bottom panel 1310a, 1310b and being separable from the respective side panel 1312, 1316 along a respective cut line 1406 (e.g., a cut, a tear line, and/or another suitable line of weakening). In embodiments, each of the foot features 1402 can include an aperture 1408 extending at each end of the respective foot 1404 in the respective side panel 1312, 1316. Any of the foot features 1402 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In embodiments, the tray 1305 (FIG. 20-22) is formed in the same or a similar manner as the trays of the prior embodiments. In exemplary embodiments, the side panels 1312, 1316 and the end walls 1152, 1154 cooperate to form the sidewall 1386 of the tray 1305, and the shoulders 190 extend outwardly from the sidewall 1386. Accordingly, when the trays 1305 are stacked in the stack 1394 (FIG. 23), the engagement edges 192 of the shoulders 190 of an upper tray 1105 contact and/or rest on the upper edges of the end walls 1152, 1154 of a lower tray 1105.

When the tray 1305 is formed and the side panels 1312, 1316 are folded upwardly relative to the bottom wall 1350, the side panels 1312, 1316 move away from the respective feet 1404, which extend outwardly from the bottom wall 1350 past the sidewall 1386. As shown, the foot 1404 of either foot feature 1402 can facilitate displaying of the product (not shown) held in the tray 1305.

For example, the foot 1404 extending outwardly past the side panel 1312 can help the tray 1305 to stand up on the side panel 1312. In the illustrated embodiments, the foot 1404 can help prop up the bottom wall 1350 on a surface S in a display configuration when the tray 1305 is resting on at least a portion of the side panel 1312, helping to prevent the tray 1312 from falling backwardly onto its bottom wall 1350. Accordingly, the product stored in the tray 1305 can be on display (e.g., on a store shelf).

In some embodiments, the foot 1404 can be configured so that a package, e.g., including the tray 1305, the product (not shown) held in the tray, and an overwrap, sleeve, outer carton, etc. (not shown), can be balanced on the surface S in the display configuration and can tend to fall onto its bottom wall 1350 when it is not balanced by the weight of the product (e.g., when the tray 1350 is empty or only partially filled). The tray 1350 and/or the foot features 1402 could be otherwise formed and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, while one foot feature 1402 is shown in each side panel 1312, 1316, the tray 1305 and the blank 1303 could include multiple foot features (e.g., a plurality of smaller foot features, not shown) in one or both of the side panels 1312, 1316. In embodiments, different configurations of foot feature(s) could be included in the two side panels 1312, 1316. In view of the foregoing, the foot features 1402 can extend from each of the sidewall 1386 and the bottom wall 1350 for supporting the tray 1305 in a display configuration.

FIG. 24 shows a blank 1503 for forming a container or tray 1505 (FIGS. 25-26) according to further embodiments of the disclosure. This embodiment is generally similar to the prior embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers.

In the present embodiment, the blank 1503 is similar to the blank 103 of FIG. 1, except that the side panels 1512, 1516 (broadly, “first side panel” or “second side panel”, respectively) are foldably connected to the bottom panel 1510 along respective fold lines 1514, 1518 and the divider panels 156, 158 and the outer bottom panels 110a, 110b are omitted.

The bottom panel 1510 can be foldably connected to end panels 1520, 1524 along respective fold lines 122, 126, and the side panels 1512, 1516 can be foldably connected to respective side end flaps 1530, 1538 and side end flaps 1532, 1540 along respective fold lines 134, 142, 136, 144. In the illustrated embodiments, the side end flaps 1530, 1532 can be separable from the first end panel 1520 along respective cut or tear lines 1521a, 1521b, and the side end flaps 1538, 1540 can be separable from the second end panel 1524 along respective cut or tear lines 1525a, 1525b.

The side panels 1512, 1516 can be foldably connected to respective reinforcing flaps 1572 (broadly, “first reinforcing flap” or “second reinforcing flap”) along respective fold lines 174, and each of the reinforcing flaps 1572 can include shoulders 190 extending from opposing ends of the respective reinforcing flaps 1572, each shoulder 190 including an engagement edge 192. In embodiments, the blank 1503 can have a longitudinal direction L3 and a lateral direction L4, wherein the longitudinal direction L3 generally corresponds to the lateral direction L2 of FIG. 1 and the lateral direction L4 generally corresponds to the longitudinal direction L1 of FIG. 1. The blank 1503 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In some embodiments, glue strips can be applied to the exterior sides of the side end flaps 1530, 1532, 1538, 1540 and to the exterior sides of the reinforcing flaps 1572. When the tray 1505 is formed from the blank 1503, the exterior sides of the end flaps 1530, 1532 are glued in face-to-face contact with the interior side of the first end panel 1520 to form a first end wall 1552, the exterior sides of the end flaps 1538, 1540 are glued in face-to-face contact with to the interior side of the second end panel 1524 to form a second end wall 1554, and the reinforcing flaps 1572 are folded downwardly and glued in face-to-face contact with the exterior sides of the respective side panels 1512, 1516 with the glue strips. The tray 1505 could be otherwise formed from the blank 1503; for example, the end flaps 1530, 1532 and 1538, 1540 could be glued to the exterior sides of the respective end panels 1520, 1524.

The side panels 1512, 1516 and the respective reinforcing flaps 1572 can cooperate with the end walls 1552, 1554 to form a sidewall 1586 extending around the interior 1509 of the tray 1505 (e.g., extending around the perimeter of the bottom panel 1510). In the illustrated embodiments, the tray 1505 can include a receiving space 1596 (e.g., one receiving space 1596), which can receive one or more rows of products C. For example, a row of products C can be placed in the receiving space 1596 in the interior 1509 of the tray 1505. In embodiments, the tray 1505 and the products C can be enclosed in an overwrap or other suitable enclosure, wherein the overwrap W is shown as partially removed in FIG. 26.

The shoulders 190 and their engagement edges 192 can extend outwardly from the sidewall 1586 of the tray 1505 (e.g., from the end walls 1552, 1554). In the illustrated embodiments, the tray 1505 can have tapered sides and ends, for example, due to shapes of the side panels 1512, 1516 and the end panels 1520, 1524 (e.g., the top of the tray 1505 can be wider between the side panels and between the end walls than the bottom of the tray 1505). In exemplary embodiments, the fold lines 134, 142 and 136, 144 at the end of the respective side panels 1512, 1516 are oblique and the edges of the end panels 1520, 1524 adjacent the side panels 1512, 1516 are oblique. In embodiments, the taper of the sides and ends of the tray 1505 can facilitate stacking of the trays 1505. For example, the bottom panel 1510 of a tray 1505 can be at least partially received within the interior 1509 of a lower tray 1505. In the exemplary embodiments, the engagement edges 192 of the shoulders 190 of an upper tray 1505 in a stack can engage the upper edge of the lower tray 1505 (e.g., at the end walls of the lower tray 1505) and can keep the upper tray from moving farther into the lower tray. In exemplary embodiments, this can facilitate separating of the trays when removing trays from the stack. The tray 1505 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows a blank 1703 for forming a container or tray 1705 (FIG. 28) according to further embodiments of the disclosure. This embodiment is generally similar to the prior embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers.

In the present embodiment, the blank 1703 is similar to the blank 1503 of FIG. 24, wherein the trays 1505, 1705 formed from the respective blanks 1503, 1703 are single cell trays (e.g., for holding a single row of product C, wherein the dividers are omitted. In embodiments, the blank 1703 can have side panels 1712, 1716 (broadly, “first side panel” or “second side panel”, respectively) foldably connected to a bottom panel 1710 along respective longitudinal fold lines 1714, 1718 and end panels 1720, 1724 foldably connected to the bottom panel 1710 along respective lateral fold lines 126, 122. The end flaps 1730, 1732 can be foldably connected to the opposing ends of the end panel 1720 along respective oblique fold lines 1734, 1736, and the end panels 1738, 1740 are foldably connected to the opposing ends of the end panel 1724 along respective oblique fold lines 1742, 1744.

In the illustrated embodiments, the end flaps 1730, 1738 can be separable from the side panel 1712 along respective oblique tear or cut lines 1721a, 1725a (e.g., which can extend from respective ends of the longitudinal fold line 1714) and along respective longitudinal tear or cut lines 1798 (e.g., which can extend from ends of the respective cut lines 1721a, 1725a). Similarly, the end flaps 1732, 1740 can be separable from the side panel 1716 along respective oblique tear or cut lines 1721b, 1725b (e.g., which can extend from respective ends of the longitudinal fold line 1718) and along respective longitudinal tear or cut lines 1798 (e.g., which can extend from ends of the respective cut lines 1721b, 1725b). In embodiments, the longitudinal cut lines 1798 can at least partially form the engagement edges 1792 of the respective shoulders 1790 when the end flaps 1730, 1732, 1738, 1740 separate from the side panels 1712, 1716 during formation of the tray 1705. The blank 1703 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 28, the side panels 1712, 1716 and the end panels 1720, 1724 can be folded upwardly with respect to the bottom panel 1710 along the respective fold lines 1714, 1718, 122, 126 and the end flaps 1730, 1732, 1738, 1740 can be folded inwardly with respect to the end panels 1720, 1724 along the respective fold lines 1734, 1736, 1742, 1744. In embodiments, the end flaps 1730, 1738 can be glued in face-to-face contact with the interior surface of the side panel 1712 (e.g., with glue strips, not shown) and the end flaps 1732, 1740 can be glued in face-to-face contact with the interior surface of the side panel 1716 to form the tray 1705 (e.g., with glue strips, not shown).

In the illustrated embodiments, the side panels 1712, 1716 can cooperate with the end panels 1720, 1724 to form a sidewall 1786 extending around the interior 1709 of the tray 1705 (e.g., extending around the perimeter of the bottom panel 1710). In the illustrated embodiments, the tray 1705 can include a receiving space 1796 (e.g., one receiving space 1796), which can receive one or more rows of products C. In embodiments, the tray 1505 and the products C can be enclosed in an overwrap or other suitable enclosure (not shown).

The shoulders 1790 and their engagement edges 1792 can extend outwardly from the sidewall 1786 of the tray 1705. In embodiments, the taper of the sides and ends of the tray 1705 can facilitate stacking of multiple trays 1705 (e.g., the bottom panel 1710 of a tray 1705 can be at least partially received within the interior 1709 of a lower tray 1705). In exemplary embodiments, the engagement edges 1792 of the shoulders 1790 of an upper tray 1705 in a stack can engage the upper edge of the lower tray 1705 and can keep the upper tray from moving farther into the lower tray. In exemplary embodiments, this can facilitate separating of the trays when removing trays from the stack. The tray 1705 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 29 shows a blank 1903 for forming a container or tray 1905 (FIG. 30) according to further embodiments of the disclosure. This embodiment is generally similar to the prior embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers.

In the present embodiment, the blank 1903 is similar to the blanks of the prior embodiments (e.g., to the blank 103 of FIG. 1) except that the blank 1903 has two bottom panels 1910a, 1910b (broadly, “first bottom panel” or “second bottom panel”, respectively) connected to one another by a divider panel 1956 so that the tray 1905 formed from the blank 1903 has two cells or receiving spaces 1956 at least partially defined on either side of one divider 1907 (FIG. 30). It will thus be understood the divider panel 1956 and associated features can be divider features without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiments, the divider panel 1956 can include divider sections 1956a, 1956b that are foldably connected to one another along a lateral fold line 157, and the bottom panels 1910a, 1910b are foldably connected to the respective divider sections 1956a, 1956b along respective lateral fold lines 163, 165. The divider panel 1956, including either or both of the divider sections 1956a, 1956b, could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown, the side panels 1912, 1916 are foldably connected to the respective bottom panels 1910a, 1910b along respective lateral fold lines 114, 118, and shoulders 1990 extend from each opposing end of the respective side panels 1912, 1916. In embodiments, each of the shoulders 1990 can include an engagement edge 1992 extending in the lateral direction L2 from an edge of the respective side panel 1912, 1916. In the illustrated embodiments, end panels 1920a, 1924a are foldably connected to respective ends of the first bottom panel 1910a along respective longitudinal fold lines 1922a, 1926a and end panels 1920b, 1924b are foldably connected to respective ends of the second bottom panel 1910b along respective longitudinal fold lines 1922b, 1926b. As shown in FIG. 29, end flaps 1930, 1932, 1938, 1940 are foldably connected to the respective end panels 1920a, 1920b, 1924a, 1924b along respective oblique fold lines 1934, 1936, 1942, 1944, and each of the end panels 1920a, 1920b, 1924a, 1924b can include a respective attachment tab 1966a, 1966b, 1968a, 1968b. Any of the side panels 1912, 1916, the end panels 1920a, 1920b, 1924a, 1924b, and/or the end flaps 1930, 1932, 1938, 1940 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiments, the tray 1905 can be formed from the blank 1903 by folding the end panels 1920a, 1920b, 1924a, 1924b upwardly with respect to the bottom panels 1910a, 1910b along the respective longitudinal fold lines 1922a, 1922b, 1926a, 1926b. In embodiments, the tray 1905 further can be formed by folding the divider panel 1956 upwardly along the fold lines 157, 163, 165 so that the divider sections 156a, 156b extend at least upwardly (e.g., obliquely upwardly) from the bottom panels 1910a, 1910b to the fold line 157, forming a divider 1907. As the divider panel 1956 is folded, the bottom panels 1910a, 1910b are brought closer together, and the bottom panels 1910a, 1910b can cooperate to form the bottom wall 1950 of the tray 1905.

Further, the end panels 1920a, 1920b can be brought together so that the tabs 1966a, 1966b are at least partially overlapped to at least partially form a first end wall 1952, and the end panels 1924a, 1924b can be brought together so that the tabs 1968a, 1968b are at least partially overlapped to at least partially form a second end wall 1954. In embodiments, the tabs 1966b, 1968b can be attached (e.g., adhered) to the respective tabs 1966a, 1968a (e.g., by glue lines G).

In the illustrated embodiments, the side panels 1912, 1916 can be folded upwardly along the respective lateral fold lines 114, 118, the end flaps 1930, 1938 can be folded over and attached (e.g., adhered) to the inner surface of the first side panel 1912, and the end flaps 1932, 1940 can be folded over and attached (e.g., adhered) to the inner surface of the second side panel 1916. In embodiments, the side panels 1912, 1916 can cooperate with the end walls 1952, 1954 to form a sidewall 1986 extending around the interior 1909 of the tray 1905 (e.g., extending around the entire interior 1909 of the tray and/or around the perimeter of the bottom wall 1950).

In exemplary embodiments, the tray 1905 can be formed from the blank 1903 manually and/or by one or more forming tools. In the illustrated embodiments, the divider 1907 can extend in the interior 1909 of the tray and can at least partially form the two receiving spaces 1996 in the interior 1909 of the tray 1905. After loading one or more items into the receiving spaces 1996, the tray 1905 can be enclosed and/or sealed (e.g., by a film, a bag, an outer carton, etc.). The tray 1905 could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure. For example, the forming steps of forming the tray 1905 can be carried out in any suitable order.

As shown in FIG. 30, the shoulders 1990 and their engagement edges 1992 can extend outwardly from the sidewall 1986 of the tray 1905 (e.g., from the side panels 1912, 1916 at the end walls 1952, 1954). In exemplary embodiments, the fold lines 163, 165 can be spaced apart from one another in the bottom wall 1950 so that the divider panel 1956 is tapered (e.g., wider at the bottom wall 1950 than at the top at the fold line 157).

Accordingly, the divider 107 formed by the divider panel 156 can form a recess or cavity in the bottom wall 1950. In embodiments, the taper of the sides and ends of the tray 1905 and the cavity formed by the divider 1907 can facilitate stacking of two or more trays 1905. For example, the bottom wall 1950 of a tray 1905 can be at least partially received within the interior 1909 of a lower tray 1905 and the divider 1907 of the lower tray 1905 can be at least partially received in the cavity formed in the bottom wall 1950 of the upper tray 1905 by the divider 1907 of the upper tray 1905. In the illustrated embodiments, the engagement edges 1992 of the shoulders 1990 of the upper tray 1905 in a stack can engage the upper edge of the lower tray 1905 (e.g., at the end walls 1952, 1954 of the lower tray 1905) and can keep the upper tray from moving farther into the lower tray. In exemplary embodiments, this can facilitate separating of the trays when removing trays from the stack.

FIG. 31 shows a blank 3103 for forming a container or tray 3105 (FIG. 32) according to further embodiments of the disclosure. This embodiment is generally similar to the prior embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers.

In the present embodiment, the blank 3103 is similar to the blank 1103 of FIG. 15, except that the cutouts 3184 are “V” shaped, and the two reinforcing tabs or flaps 172 have been removed. In the illustrated embodiments, the divider panels 1156, 1158 are separable from the end panels 1120, 1124 along longitudinal cut lines 1183 (e.g., cut lines, tear lines, or other lines of weakening).

As shown in FIG. 31, cutouts or “apertures” 3184 can be defined in the end panels 1120, 1124 proximate each of the ends of the divider panels 1156, 1158. For example, the cutout 3184a can be defined in end panel 1120 between the respective cut line 1183 and the respective lateral fold lines 157, 162. As shown in FIG. 32, when the tray is formed from the blank, each cutout 3184 can include a first edge aligned with a first divider section and a second edge aligned with a second divider section. For example, the cutout 3181c can include a first edge 3190e aligned with divider section 156a and a second edge 3190f aligned with divider section 156b. Any of the cut lines 1183 and/or the cutouts 3184 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the tray 3105 (see FIG. 32) is formed in the same or a similar manner as the trays of the prior embodiments. As shown, the end walls 1152, 1154 include the respective end panels 1120, 1124 overlapped with and adhered to the respective bottom end flaps 120a, 120b; 124a, 124b and the respective side end flaps 130, 132; 138, 140. In some embodiments, the side panels 112, 116 and the end walls 1152, 1154 cooperate to form the sidewall 1186 of the tray 110.

Accordingly, when the trays 3105 are assembled in a stack (see e.g., FIGS. 17-18), the trays may nest together as this embodiment does not have engagement edges (see e.g., engagement edges 192 and the shoulders 190 of FIG. 16). The nesting may be beneficial for embodiments that have bottom end flaps 120a, 120b; 124a, 124b and/or side end flaps 130, 132; 138, 140 that are secured with a relatively slow-curing adhesive that may benefit from the nesting arrangement to hold the tray and end flaps in position while the adhesive cures.

The divider panels 1156, 1158 can extend from the first end wall 1152 to the second end wall 1154 (e.g., from the lateral fold line 122 to the lateral fold line 126).

As shown in FIG. 17, the cutouts 3184 of the embodiment described in FIGS. 31 and 32 may be similar to cutouts 1184 of FIG. 16-18 and can provide clearance for the dividers 1107 of another tray 1105 when the trays 1105 are arranged in the stack 1194. Accordingly, the cutouts 3184 can facilitate assembly of the trays into a nested stack such as by providing room for the dividers 1107 of a lower tray 1105 to move through the end walls 1152, 1154 of an upper tray 1105 in the stack so that the dividers and end walls are less likely to interfere with the relative movement of the trays 1105 when assembling or disassembling a stack.

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.

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 carton 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 blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blank may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blank can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

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.

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

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.

Claims

1. A tray for holding one or more products, the tray comprising:

a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one side panel;

a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels; and

at least one divider panel foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel, the at least one divider panel extending upwardly from the at least one bottom panel and at least partially separating the interior of the tray into a plurality of receiving spaces.

2. The tray of claim 1, wherein the at least one divider panel comprises a first divider section foldably connected to a second divider section, the first divider section arranged obliquely relative to the second divider section.

3. The tray of claim 2, wherein the at least one bottom panel comprises a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel, wherein the first bottom panel is foldably connected to the first divider section and wherein the second bottom panel is foldably connected to the second divider section.

4. The tray of claim 3, wherein the at least one divider panel comprises a second divider panel comprising a third divider section foldably connected to a fourth divider section, the third divider section arranged obliquely relative to the fourth divider section.

5. The tray of claim 4, wherein the at least one bottom panel further comprises a third bottom panel and wherein the second bottom panel is foldably connected to the third divider section and wherein the third bottom panel is foldably connected to the fourth divider section.

6. The tray of claim 2, wherein the at least one end panel includes an aperture having a first edge aligned with the first divider section and a second edge aligned with the second divider section.

7. The tray of claim 4, wherein the at least one end panel includes an aperture having a first edge aligned with the third divider section and a second edge aligned with the fourth divider section.

8. The tray of claim 3, wherein the at least one end panel is foldably connected to the second bottom panel.

9. The tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel and attached to the at least one end panel.

10. The tray of claim 1, wherein the at least one end panel comprises a first end panel and a second end panel, the first end panel positioned opposite the second end panel.

11. The tray of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second end panels are at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel.

12. The tray of claim 1, wherein the at least one side panel comprises a first side panel and a second side panel, the first side panel positioned opposite the second side panel.

13. The tray of claim 12, wherein each of the first and second side panels are at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel.

14. A blank for forming a tray for holding one or more products, the blank comprising:

a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of the tray formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one side panel, the at least one end panel for at least partially forming at least one end wall of the tray formed from the blank, the at least one bottom panel for at least partially forming a bottom wall of the tray formed from the blank, the at least one side panel for at least partially forming a sidewall of the tray formed from the blank;

a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels; and

at least one divider panel foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel, the at least one divider panel for extending upwardly from the at least one bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank to at least partially separate the interior of the tray into a plurality of receiving spaces.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one divider panel comprises a first divider section foldably connected to a second divider section, the first divider section arranged obliquely relative to the second divider section when the tray is formed from the blank.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the at least one bottom panel comprises a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel, wherein the first bottom panel is foldably connected to the first divider section and wherein the second bottom panel is foldably connected to the second divider section.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the at least one divider panel comprises a second divider panel comprising a third divider section foldably connected to a fourth divider section, the third divider section arranged obliquely relative to the fourth divider section when the tray is formed from the blank.

18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the at least one bottom panel further comprises a third bottom panel and wherein the second bottom panel is foldably connected to the third divider section and wherein the third bottom panel is foldably connected to the fourth divider section.

19. The blank of claim 15, wherein the at least one end panel includes an aperture having a first edge arranged to be aligned with the first divider section when the tray is formed from the blank and includes a second edge arranged to be aligned with the second divider section when the tray is formed from the blank.

20. The blank of claim 17, wherein the at least one end panel includes an aperture having a first edge arranged to be aligned with the third divider section when the tray is formed from the blank and includes a second edge arranged to be aligned with the fourth divider section when the tray is formed from the blank.

21. The blank of claim 16, wherein the at least one end panel is foldably connected to the second bottom panel.

22. The blank of claim 14, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel and arranged to be attached to the at least one end panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

23. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one end panel comprises a first end panel and a second end panel, the first end panel arranged to be positioned opposite the second end panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

24. The blank of claim 23, wherein each of the first and second end panels are arranged to be at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

25. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one side panel comprises a first side panel and a second side panel, the first side panel arranged to be positioned opposite the second side panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

26. The blank of claim 25, wherein each of the first and second side panels are arranged to be at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

27. A method of forming a tray for holding one or more products, the method comprising:

obtaining a blank, the blank comprising a plurality of panels extending for at least partially around an interior of the tray formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel, at least one bottom panel, and at least one side panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels;

positioning the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray;

forming a sidewall from the at least one side panel;

forming at least one end wall from the at least one end panel;

forming a bottom wall from the at least one bottom panel; and

forming at least one divider panel extending upwardly from the bottom wall to at least partially separate the interior of the tray into a plurality of receiving spaces.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one divider panel comprises a first divider section foldably connected to a second divider section, the first divider section arranged obliquely relative to the second divider section when the tray is formed from the blank.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one bottom panel comprises a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel, wherein the first bottom panel is foldably connected to the first divider section and wherein the second bottom panel is foldably connected to the second divider section.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one divider panel comprises a second divider panel comprising a third divider section foldably connected to a fourth divider section, the third divider section arranged obliquely relative to the fourth divider section when the tray is formed from the blank.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one bottom panel further comprises a third bottom panel and wherein the second bottom panel is foldably connected to the third divider section and wherein the third bottom panel is foldably connected to the fourth divider section.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one end panel includes an aperture having a first edge arranged to be aligned with the first divider section when the tray is formed from the blank and includes a second edge arranged to be aligned with the second divider section when the tray is formed from the blank.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one end panel includes an aperture having a first edge arranged to be aligned with the third divider section when the tray is formed from the blank and includes a second edge arranged to be aligned with the fourth divider section when the tray is formed from the blank.

34. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one end panel is foldably connected to the second bottom panel.

35. The method of claim 27, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel and arranged to be attached to the at least one end panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

36. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one end panel comprises a first end panel and a second end panel, the first end panel arranged to be positioned opposite the second end panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein each of the first and second end panels are arranged to be at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

38. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one side panel comprises a first side panel and a second side panel, the first side panel arranged to be positioned opposite the second side panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein each of the first and second side panels are arranged to be at oblique angles relative to the at least one bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank.