AU2013230780B2 - Package - Google Patents

Abstract

Food packages comprising a tray (11) with a cover (12) sealed about a surrounding flange (38) of the tray are provided, where the flange is non-planar. The flange can have a planar leading edge and a planar trailing edge that lie in planes angled relative to each other. Side edges of the flange extending between the leading and trailing edges can include non-planar segments in addition to planar segments. A recloseable feature can also be provided with the cover.

Description

WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 PACKAGES [0001] This application claims the benefit of U., Patent Appol No. 61/608,081, filed March 7, 2012, and U.S. Patent Appl. No incorporated hlereinl byr reference in their entirety, Fi el 00023 This description relates o a package having a tra and a cover; an~d mu-rea specifically to a package having a tray with a con-lanr f ang -,na a cov r ozli se l4,d toNN'f t'N' -pla'~na E0 NVNPakags ad ofr\47 flexible atra haigatayo te ~S5. ~.aC4$4' ~ And rgd structure therein-z." are commZ-On-ly u'sed to store products common type of prior package is mass-produced from a web of film material with' a lid or COa aeiladhered IcO, peripheral f langes thereof to seal the tray, Such mass-produced packages typically have a planar or flat, symetric seal flange disposed aboiut te tray for.r se 7aling of the cover, While planar flanges of trays OfJ food pakgsare C~mitheydiavngeul lack distinctiveness dlue to many other similarly configured trays, Moreover, they disadvantageously limit the continuous visible surface area of the cover, which in turn can limit the amount of indiCia that caln be disposed thereon, Anwthe-r disadtvantage of such packages is that thley often are of a rectangular shape, whereas the food products are o-f ann produced packages a (an also disadvantageously have excess headspace and excess room for food products stored therein to move. Summary 00041 A package is described herein that reduces the amount of material used for its construction by at least partially conforming to the contents stored therein. [ 0004a] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a package comprising: a tray having a rear wall, a bottom wall including an upwardly tapering front portion, and a pair of upstanding side walls defining an interior to receive products therein, the tray including free edges comprising a front edge of the bottom wall, edges of the side walls, and a top edge of the rear wall, the edges of the side walls including non-planar portions; the free edges of the tray defining an opening to the interior thereof, the opening having a forward opening portion and a top opening portion; and a cover attached relative to at least some of the free edges to cover the top and front portions of the opening; and a peripheral flange extending from the free edges of the tray and defining front, side, and top sealing surfaces, wherein the upwardly tapering front portion of the bottom wall is sized so that an outer edge of the peripheral flange extending outwardly from the front edge of the bottom wall acts as a stabilizing support for the tray. 2 7413082 1 (GHMatters) P97799.AU PRIYANKA Brief Description of the Drawings 00051 FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container showing a tray with a cover sealed to an outwardly extending flange thereof; 00061 FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE 1; 00071 FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a tray for the container of FIGURE 1; [ 00081 FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the tray of FIGURE 3 showing two rows of food products therein; [ 00091 FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the tray of FIGURE 3 with a cover partially sealed thereto and two rows of food products therein; [ 0010] FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIGURE 1 showing two products contained therein; 3 7413082 1 (GHMatters) P97799.AU PRIYANKA WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [0025] FIGURE 21 is a right side elevational view of the Container of FIGURE 18 with the container in a vertical orientation resting on a sidewall E0021 FIURE22 is a front elevatiornal view of the container of FIGURE 13 showing an opening feature in a closed configuration; [0027] IGR 23 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 22 showing the opening feature in an open configuration; [W02W FIGURE 24 is an exploded view of a container showing ia traV, a row Ol" food products a cover with a scored opening therein, anld a sealing label for covering the opening; [0029] FIGURE 25 is an exploded view of a container showing ak tY, a o f f ood prdcs aCover with mal ndlag scored openings therein, and a sealing label with corresponding small and large portions for covering the small andG large openings; [0030] FIGURE 26 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGUE 24showing the sealing label in, a closed configu-ration; FIGURE 24 showing the sealing label in an open configuration; [00323 FIGURE 28 is a rear elevational view of the container of FIGURE 183, thJ ,e frL:ont elevatioriall view thereof being a mirror [0033] FIGURE 29 is an alternative rear elevational view of the a mirror image; [00343 FIGUREw 30 tis abtm pn view of the container of FIGURE 1 [0035] FIGURE 31 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto ina single serving form; [0036] FIGURE 32 is a front elevational view of the container of FI UR 3l1;C.. U .VCA4f\ .C'\.At .. ~ .v...4.' .. U' . -C .'C" WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [0037] FIGURE 33 is a right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 31, the left side elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [0038] FIGURE 34 is a rear elevational view of the container of FIGURE 31; [0039] FIGU:RE 35 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE N.' [00403 FIGURE 3 6 is a bottom pla vie of zthne Container of FIGURE 31; E0041] FIGURE 37 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto; E00421 FIGURE 38 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIGURE 37 showing two products therein; [0043] FIGURE 39 is a rear elevational view of the container of [0044] FIGURE 40 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE [00451 FIGURE 41 is a right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 37, the left side elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [0046] FIGURE 4:2 is a bottom plan view of 'th..e cnaerof FIGURE 37; [00471 FIGURE 43 is a front elevational view of the container of [00483 FIGURE 44 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of [N049 FIGURE 45 is a right side elevational view of the being a mi.r2:or image; [00503 FIGURE 46 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE441, th~e rear elevational view thereof bigamro image;5 WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [001]FIGURE 47 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE 44 [0052] FIGURE 48 is a bottom plnview of the ontine of' FIGURE 44; [0053] FIGURE 49 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto; [0054] FIGURE 50 is a right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 49, the left side elevational view thereof beina a mirror image [00553 FIGURE 51 is a top plan view of the container: of FIGURE 4 9 ''''4 ' " . [0056] FIGURE 52 is a front elevational view of the container of image,, [0057] FIGURE -53 is a bottom plan view of the container A FIGURE 49;, [0058] FIGURE 54 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto; [00593 FIGURE 55 is a right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 54, the left side elevational view thereof [0060] FIGURE 56 is a front elevational view of the container of image; [0061] FIGURE 57 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE, 54;' [00623 FIGURE 58 is a bottom plan vie of tecontainer of FIGURE 54; [0063] FIGURE S9Cis a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a container showing a cup with a concave cover: sealed thereto; * N ~".'Z "N WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [0064] FIGURE 60 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 59, the rear elevational view thereof being a ,mirror image; [0065] FIGURE 61 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE [0066] FIGURE 62 is, a right aide elevational view of the container of FIGURE S9, the left side elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [0067]1 FIGURE 63. sabttmpa view of the container of FIGURE 59; [0068] FIGURE 64 is a perspective view of, a ter-nhebdmn of a container showing a cup with a convex cover sealed tnereto; [0069 FIGREG6 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGRE 4, he earelevational view thereof being a mirror image;, [0070] 1FIGURPE 66 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE [0071] FIGURE 67is a right side elevational view of the container cof FIGURE 64, the left side elevational view thereof being a mirror: image; [072 FGUE68' i- a bottom DLan ve fte otie of FIGURE 64; [0073] FIGURE 69 is a perspective view of a eleventh embodiment, of a container showing a cup with a convex cover sealed thereto; [0074] FIGURE 70 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 69, the rear elevational viwteefbeinTg amro image; [0,075] IUE 1i a top plan view of the container of FIGURE container of FIGURE 69, the left aide elevational view thereof being a mirror lmage; rNN .N.' N ~ N~NN ~ N'N4 A Nv~N N' N ~ N::N'NCN'7 WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [0077] FIGURE -3 is a bottom plan view of the cCntainer of FIGURE 69; t00783 FIGURE 74 ls a perspective view of a t~welft'h embhodimlent of a container showing a cup with a convex Cover sealed thereto; 0079] FIGURE 75 is a front elevational view of the Container of F 'I.N...N .'.NZW P.. E.wte..ea io al viw en g a mro NOW IGUE 76is to pla viw oftheco.ainer of FIGURE 74, t00olj FIURE /7 is a right side elevational view of the container of FIGU:RE 74, the left side elevational view thereof [0082] FIGURE 78 is a. bottompa view Of teCnaerof' FIGURE 74;,, [00833 FIGURE 79 is a perspective view of a thirteenth eimbodimtent of a container showing a rectangular c,,lp wt concave cover sealed thereto; [OM)4 FIGURE 80 is a front elevational view of the container of 'IR' 7N9, ,.he [0085] FIGURE 81 is a top plan view of the Contairner of FIGURE [0006] FIGURE a2 is a right side elevational view of the being a mirror image, [0007] FIGURE 6.3 i~s a bottom plan view of te onaerOf [0000] FIGURE 04 is a perspective view of a fourteenth embodimlent of a container showing a rectangular cup with a convex cover sealed thereto; WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [N089] FIGURE 85 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 4, the rarUR elevational view thereof being a mirror [00904 FIGURE 86 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE 84; [0091] FIGURE 87 in a right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 84, the left side elevational view thereof [0092] FGURE 88 is a bottom ian view of the [0093] FIGURE 89 is a perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment of a Container showing a selmii-sphmperical Cup with a Convex cover sealed thereto; [0094] FIGURE 90 is a front elevational view of the container of 1UR 39,te rear elevatio.na view thereof being am image; [00 9 5 FIGURE 91 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURI", [0096] FIGURE 92 is a right side elevational view of the container 89, the left side elevational view there being a mirror image; [00971 FIGURE 943 is a bottom plan viewof thx taine o FIGURE 89; [0098] FIGURE 94 is a perspective view of a sixteenth embodiment of a container shlowing a semi -hemisph~erical cup with a concave cover sealed thereto; [0099] FIGURE 95 is a front elevational view of the container of [00,100].s 'FGRE. i top plan view of the contlainer of FIGUTRE WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [01003 FIGURE 97 is aright s ide elevational view of theZ container of FIGURE 94, thAe left side elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [01011 FIGURE 98 isa bottom plan view of thie conta"i-ner of FIGURE 94; 102NN FIGUREA 99 is a perspective view of a s elll'O~imntof a corntainer showing a track-shaped cupo with a convex cover sealed thereto; [0 10 3] 3UR 100 is a right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 99, the left side elevational view thereof being a mirror image,; [0104] FIGURE 101 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE 99;' [01053 FIGURE 102 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 99, the rear elevatiorial view thereof being a mirror [0106] FIGURE 103 is a btmplnview of the container of FIGURE 99; [010"7] F IGURPE 104 is a perspective view of a eighteenith embodiment of a container showing a curved tray with a [0108] FIGURE 105 is a right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 104, the left side elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [,0109] FIGURE 106 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE 10Q4 [011] FIURE107 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 104, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror image;, [1A FIGURE1t' 10 8 is t Pl'an view of, the cof FIGURE 104; WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [0112] FIGURE 109 is a Perspective view of a nineteenth complementary curved cover sealed thereto; [0113] FIGURE 110 is a. right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 109, the left side elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [0114] FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the container of [0115) FIGURE 112 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 109, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [01163 FIGURE 113 a bottom pNlanvN the c0ntan of [17 FU 4 is a perspective view of a twentieth embodiment of a container showing a curvedt heart-shaped trav with a complementary curved cover sealed tnereto; [M1] FIGURE 115 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 114; [01193 FIGURE 116 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE [O120] FIGURE 117 is a. right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 114, the left side elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [012 2] F *1GURE 119 is a. bottom plan view tof the cnanro FIGURE 1140 [0123] FIGURE 120 is a perspective viewa of a twentyrfis embodiment of a container showing cu d- d t with a coinplementary/ curved cover sealed thereto; 114 F. 120 I is a right side elevational vew of' the container of FIGURE 120 ; WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [0125] FIGURE 122 is a top plan view of the container of FGR [0126] FIGURE 123 is a front elevational view of the container. of FIGURE 120, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [0127] FIGURE 124 is a left side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 12%0 [0128] FIGURE 1.25 is a bottom plan view of the container of" [0129] FIGURE 126 is a perspective v of a twenty second embodiment of a container with an upwvardly curved end showing a triangle-shaped ray with at complementary shaped cover sealed thereto; [0130] FIGURE 127 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 126; [0131] FIGURE 128 is a right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 126, the left side elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [0132] FIGURE 129 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE [0133] FIGURE 130 is a rear elevational view of the container of FIGURE 126;, [01341 FIGURE 131 is a bottom plan view of tecontainer of FIGURE 126; [01353 FIGURE 132 is a perspective view of a twenty third embodiment of a container with an upwardly curved end showing a rectancgular-shaped tray with a complementary shaped cover sealed thereto; [0136] FaGURE 133 is a rear elevational view of the container of FIGURE 132; [0137] FIGURE 134 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE 132; - .''' tNN~~Z mN WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [0138] FIGURE 135 is a right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 132, the left side elevational view thereot being a mirror image; [0139] FIGURE 136 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 132; E0140] FIGURE 137 is a bottom plan view of.z the container of FIGURE 132;, E0141] FIGURE 138 is ao perspective view ofa twenty fourth, embodiment of a container with an upwardly curved end showing rectangular-shaped tray with a complementary shaped cover sealed thereto; [0142] FIGURE 139 is a front elevational view of the container of FIGURE 138; [0143] FIGURE 140 is a right side elevational view of the container of FIGURE 138, the left side elevational view thereof being a mirror image; [0144]1IGR 141: is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE. [0145] FIGURE 142 is a rear elevational view of the container o f FIGURE 138, [0146] FIGURE 1L43 is ai, bottom plan view of thre cnaie of." FI'URE N'38NVN tray of FIGURE 1, but having an inwardly extending flange for a. [01483 FIGURE 145 is a perspective view of a tray similar to the tray of FIGURE 1, but with a cover having a permanent adhesive alona" a bL"ack portion thereof and a resealable adhesive along a, front portion thereof with t-he front portion pulled away fromzz the tray in use.. [0149] FIGURE 146 is a perspective view of a tray similar to the tray of FIGURE 1, but with a cover having a permanent adhesive V N~N..'.~N~N .N; ~ .$. -' N N' WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 13ack portionl thereof with the back Dortionl pulled a1way from the tray i.n use;, E0150] FIGURE 147 is a perspective view of a tray similar t0 the [0151] FIGURE 148 is a perspective view of a tr:ay similar to the tray of FIGURE 1, but with a snap-fit cover aligned thereto and aln optional fim emlovably adhered to the tray ben-eaz't1-tll cover,; [0152] FIGURE 149 is a detailed section view of the Itray af FIGURE 148 taken along a side edge thereof , but showing the lidJ attached to the tray;. [0153] FIGURE 150 is a cross-sectional view of a container similar to the container of FIGURE 1, but with a divider wall separating two rows o.f products therein; [0154] FIGURE 151 is a cross-sectional view of a container similar to the container of FIGURE 150, but with an alternative . divider wall resulting in a gap between two compartments separated by thle wall and an optional ace attached ti.- i'le bottoms of thE two compartments ; [0155] FIGURE 152 is a perspective view of a tray similar to the tray of thie container o-f FGR 1 u showing a score line between remlovable prinOf t ,e flange ol" the tra'y and the K0151 FGUR 153 is a cross-sectional view of a container similar to th'e container of FIGURE 1, but incorporating the tray of FIGURE 152, and showing the removable portion of the flange having been separated along the score line from the remainder of WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 t rah"d ray ;ntJ 1coYer beN"g opened Co access th'le inteI'or o the container; [0157] FIGURE 154 is a cross-sectiorial view of the container of FIGURE 153, bu~t showin,, the remnovalb!;e DririOf the flange [0158] FIGURE 155 is a left side elevational view of a container Simlarto the conltainer of FIGURE:,' 1, but having a series Of liner segments conectilng thle front d si des there Detailed DescriatiOn '''63 CA cotane 1n lavi n the fornm sho0wnn F.R. 4_-")3N inclues a tray aving a cover 12 attached thlereto conf.gured, product C 3. Th tra includes a botto wal Wa a rear wal Sid, C pane r 24of tde tays A. h wain th rs tne tray 2. are preferbl inrablylly ronundedd Ev thaNten ma 'r, boto w9ad 1h4S conet to8 the COer wl16 at,d na beoteom CenrrlpyndiralDeinto each therside .and 18divid l Nn "uc tan ti boto a"N d rea wallN 1, Na'oto"'d ones2 adra side~~~~~ ~ ~ conr 44 h ra. A hw nte corners 20, 22, 24 ar prefertab oune. Evn mr prferaly the 1 sid wallsZ'tZsubstantially"' identica siz and sh'ap"e,'"NC so thNaNt.Q' 'h coe 1 xenigbewe I'crreponding pont of'& th''Ne' N'id"e "all "NC iN "Nbstntially ""'horizontal.C'44C4'' 4 Z4. ~ N" N " a rs~:CcN CN WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 [0161] So configured. the tray la includes an access openling 26 Sdeie W y fre 8 de Opp 7 t f t the bttomn rear. Wn sid wal T 16 18 The ~ Wre aden7 nld a front ed8 ofr th 6ot,, openiC4'ng' 26N ca'n" iclude aN' to opein pNortion 34 generallyopposite te rear wall 16. in orle form. the t ray ! is configured t-o rest on>t- the bottom WallN. 1'.4 As suh a consumer can access anrd remove the food products 13 forwairdly, upwardly , or at at angle tiNer'etWen, or addition, the tray 11 can be configured to stably rest on one of thle side walls 18 .i.n a vert'icali orlentation, EO162 l Thle tray 11 further includes a3 peripheral flanqe 38 th'at extends outwardly, and preferably generally perpendicular to the adjacent waill 14 , 16 , 18 , f rom the f ree edges 27 th-ereof Alterxlativel', thle flang(e 38 can eNxtenld inlwardly from th'e walls, as shown .in FIG, 144, or the upwardly1, facing edges of th-e walls could be utilized without additional width added by, a flange, inte alternlative forin with. a.n lnyad (Xtending flange 38, -e tray l1 bar below-mRolded to forn the inwardly7 extending fnge 38 , although- other suitable manufa1cturing technliquesCn also be used. Thle peripheral flange 38 is preferably continuous ab.t -entirety of thle Open.fi,,.g 26 .o DroyNid>4Cn.in4 thie tray !I1 The peripheral flancge 38 includes a top portion 42 that extends along the top edge 30 of the rear 'W'all 16i anda front portaro or on 4t-'"- that extends along the edge of the b~tmWal 1 ,4 1'r ".n.e illustrated f-orm, the t-op aii&,d flrn portiOns 42, 44 Of the peripheral flangae 38 are substar tially panar, Side portions 46 of the peripheral -Lan-e 383 extend bewe the1. LoNpNN and fron portionsC theN" Nside44 walNl." ',N4y' WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 edges 34, in the inwardly extending formt of the flanige 38 shown in FIG 14, 'le COVer 1N25fl Seal tetc S" tt there 2 r ane38 extending beyond the walls 14, 16, 18 of the tray~ M hsgves the tra.y 3.1 of this form a streamlined-' [013]Utilizing a varietV of adhesives tVpes and/or Strenath.s bet ween the fange 38 and t'he Cvr12 canDOiedffrn utilty or he ackge 0. n af ist xamleshownI in FIG, resealable adhesive 15 on portions thereof corresponding to the front opening portion 36 anld a permlanent adhesive 17 onl portions thlereof correspondingc to thle top opening pti.n 34, nOte N'I 'Z(' Nor -cn" 3 ."" Ir' other words.. the cover l.2 inClues a first part sealed to thr"Ae tray N with' a first adhesive having a firsiz. adllesive strengthl irld a second part seaLled to a different part of the tray with a second adhesive having a second adhesive strengthl. Thle first adhesive strength can then be greater than the second aldhesive strength, such as with a generally permanent adhesive and a releasahle /resealable adhesive,, E143 As such', a conisumfer canl peel thie cover away froml the tray 11L to expose the frolt opening portion 36], and the permanent adhlesive 17 Drevents or limits the toD Dortion of the cover 12 from peeling away from the flange 38 to the same degree as the ''I,146, h COVerZ 12 can seal to the tray 1 with the releaseable or reelbeadhesive 15 Oni the portions thereot" corspoXdings to. thse to~p op~enling portion 34 anti the p3ermlanlent adhesive 17 an the portions thereof corresponding to the front opening portion 36 . By this COnlfiguration,, aCnumranpl the cover 12 off of the tray to expose the top opening portion 34 with the permanent adhesive i 7 preventing full removal., Bya NVNA AN'N .'N'AN' A' WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 further approach, the permanent adhesive 17 can be applied only on the mid or other portions of a pair of opposing flanges, as shown in FIG. 147, such as o the top linear portions 5o adjaen the arcuate portions 48 to allow ai~ front part and a rear part of the cover 12 to be independently opened to selectively expose eit._'her or,: both the top adfront opening portions 34, 36, but also restricting fultl removal of tne cover 12. It will be understood that FIGS. 145-147 show the adhesive in exaggerated form n the cop of the covei .172 as well a tsh bottom for illustr:ative purposes. in the case of a non transparent cover 12, the adhesive would not be visible on the outside of the cover 12, E0165] if desired, the cover 12 can optionally have a line or lines of weakness extending thereaCross, such' as a line or pattern of perrorationis, a line or pattern of scares, or weakness Can,- be utilized as a foldinig mcaimor ninge t'.o allow a consumer easier access to the interior of the package. Alternatively, or in combination, the line of weakness can allow a consumer to tear of f a portion Of heCvrto provide or weakness can De used in combination with any of the containers described herein, including withn respect to those containers shown in FIGS. 145-247, [1M66]3 In a preferred form, the free edges 32 of the side walls curves or angled portions., Alternatively, the sidewall edges 32 can be entirely arcuate, As shown in FIGS. 1-43, thle side wall free edges 32 can include top and front linear portions 50, 52 linear portion 52 can be orfset from vertical so tnat tne front WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 is angled to present an uipwardly turned front face, 1N..,671_oefgred as set forth1, e. periph'leral flage side portion i-cude non-planar or a'cuate sealing surfacesS74 perlpheral flange 38 includes substa ntal plDanlar portion with Saed another way?, ain intersection of lnes drw W lon thle plnes of thle plnar portions 42, 44 make an angl o at least planar 57 iand arcuate Dort ions 59 stretching between the nt1ne t1e eri pher1 l inG nD 44 ft rtion 42 4, [0168] As such, the font opening portion 36, discussed above, th cover 12 ldt h o oton 42 and operned to extend general log te le of thDo ortion 42. Siml -ly the tra 1and cove W2 wihte cover sealed to thle front portin 069 B anote 1 pproach a snlap-i cover 41 can be 149. Oin thsfrtecover 4 is preferbl YgQnerall rigd, fl ne " N"N' ''N 'NV' '""hN"' .'ra an co .' of 'N.". "tr Nay t e .h .U1vcover 4. can b m"ade N t n utble mater ial, such as a suitable rgd blow-molded or p]L~fr~dDastic, The cover 41 of t'his form includes a base wall 43 and a skirt 45 dd"N in fom outer edgs of the base wall 43, The skirt 45* includes ani lnWardl? DrojectingQ rlDt- o r Drtlrne 4 9 '..~c.z: Z~t4. ... .'..a.A~t2 D I. .... '..Z.. Q ±. n~XT .: N'. 0.

WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 configured to snap-fit over the flange 38 of the tray 1A,, and secure the cover 41 thereto, as shown in FIG. 149. The cover 4:1 is shown with the tray 11 shown in FIG. 3 and has a corresponding shape to cover the top and front of the tray 11, but the cover 41 can be configured as desired to snap-fit to other: tr:ays described herein. 3The trav :11. having the snap-fit cover 41 thereon can optionally have a film 51 sealed to the flanges 38 of the trayr 11 beneath ',the cover 41 ssceven,- if hecover 4 a removed, the film 51 would preserve a seal over the contents of the package 10 prior to opening, [0171] In yet another approach for opening a closing the container, shown in FIGS, 152 and 153, the tray 11 can include a detachable portion 71 of the flange 38. The detachable portion 7of the flange 38 can be separable rrom tne remainder of the fange along a line of weakness 73 therebetween. Preferably though not necessarily, the detachable portion 71 of the flange 38 includes some or all of either the top portion 42 of the flange 38 or the front portion 44 of the flange 38. Some of the other portions of the flange 38, such the side flancge portions 48, 50 -and *5. can be included witn tne detachable portion 71, As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS, 152 and 153, the detachable portion 71 includes the entirety of the length of the front portion 44 of the flange 38, as well as adjacent parts of the side flange portions 48 and 52, but not a substantial part of the side flange portion 50 adjacent the top portion 42 of the flange 38, [01723 When. the detachable portion 71 of the flange 38 i preferable remains adhered to the detachable portion 71, optionally with a stronger adhesive as compared to between the 2' C.'.

WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 be used as2 tl fo'r openling th'e cover 12. In1 addition, thle Cdetachal p2$.1 .ortion' 71 canr be used for seculrin'g th'e cover 12 in a reClosed position, As Sshown in FIG. 154, i~t i.s preferred that t e attached Dortion of wat was Dart of t'e frolt Dortion' 44 o the ftlai_,e 38 but is riOW,, part of thle detachable portion 7w This gap can be u'sed to receive ' t-l r i r the front reclOSed position. [0173] Onte advantage of thlis cornfigurattion is tha~t th-e cover 12 Or 41 W len. t is ata2ched Co the traly 12 can provide ani ua scont ty suIch as olds, corners lipNsN'tc. surface,~"' th enirt 'fwihcn e n whlen thle palckage 10 is disDpl1yed for sa le ont a shelf such as at a grocer str orcneine tr. Th 90dge viwn Wre w.ll prvde a consumer with an unbroken view of +thle cover, and'1 a.y graphis C, advertisements, text,'O2 tle likerNClereN" generally rede s of thSe consumer' h eigt This provides a Cces n stinc s and sis C073 Th -oes.poie abte iwn sraei ti substant wrinkle free ov"r its entire surface area, Ths can, be achi1eved witn relatively thuiCke,-r maeiasuch, as gd plastic. C, mNC material, NoweVmr iNe" materl costs of eachl package 1 Amthr wgrinklefree cover canl be a, c 0 can have its atmosphere modified during manufacure Nhereof soN"N tha "N' sealedZ fineio of t' Na~a-eh .'v C'.;.'NN .~a.N t~,'., 21..2 N > 2""'''~." WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 Dositive presoiure with respect to ambient pressure, The positive pressure presses 'ainst the tN'in fil. and smoothes out any wrCinklsAnXteAilmfome A.s a resultNt'N of.. theNAN fil lack.ing. supDort interior of the perheral flange 38 between the top 2 and r 44 portions o the Way 11, as Sh~i i FGS 8AEid8B The serie of 'Linear intermediate nthave onl arcuate portions. As such, the cover 12 can have onsor orecresesor ols 6 extending thereacross and alin 'n wit corners 63 jonng th'e linear intermediate fst an S~dportions that are angularly offset fr ornl On-e another., They carl- either be directly connected oz, spaced by either o,.ne or meCninOSarculat'.e aelifi'S i$ Ee3 so near or plaliar angular segmlents or a coz-J.inat ion thlereof For0, example, as can be seen in Figrure SA, t~he CoD and front linear or planatr portions 42, 44 are anO'ularil offset relative to each other eg. , they lie in non-'arallel planes. In FIG. A, the top and front linear portions 42, 44 are spanned by the series of intrmediate Dortions 61, while in FIG. 8 they are spanned by arculate Dortions 59 . [0176] Turning now to specific forms of the tray, manV different configurations are possible, xmlsof, which are Set ,o-rth herein. in a first form, the tray 11 is confiured to receive a row. 55;Zr''Nc of" prdut 13 AnAN" iNdeal"( proNc fo bengstrd nh rVy 1i a cookie or Discuit with a generalVy annular SideWa L,' 56. ,The cookies 13 can De individual or layered withi a filling, as SO~n The trayn 11, hOeecan be configured to receive 422 WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 example, a food produc- c a individual wrapping or cookies 13 are stacked and liaid in the r'ow 5,5 on) their sides within the trayiE&, [0177U Wh SuCh produ2ct.S having generally ann ula r Sidewalls 56, compleme&ntr to tecurvature of th sides 5of the cooke:- ... 3.4. 3'.h. sacurva ure advantageoNuslyN minimz packaging'.44 material anC better support thle cookies .3 o protect the cookies from damage that can result from cookies jostlinig around or impacting the try or other cookies due tO excess room in thle Lr.y C A, a ist form, shown in FIGS. 1-10 and 31-36, the bottom wal 14 so that1 the corner 20 is a grounded genierally 90 d ere angle. other forms, shown in FIGS, 11-30. the bottom wall 14 and the .ea wa.l. 1.6 are at an. acute angle wi-th respect t.o one another. 18 egrees.i desired, the bottom and rear walls 14, 16 could extend generally a-' "orle another sO that th'eTOn~ corner spans about 180 degrees, the opening 26 is uncovered, the bottom wl14 can include an upwardl tapering front Dortion or li 58. The upnward taper o opening poton N6 when te tray 1 isrsting Oni a genlerall planar prin of th btom l 4. Pe'erablyr tne li 58 begins taperNig upward at a Dosion. closely ad acent to 4 3 WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 tetray :>, 01D0] 3in another fori shown in FIG. 38, bre}otton wall 14 includes an upwardlyy curved front portion or lip 62. With such acuIrved 11in 62 th frnn of th tra d1 6a ecre ob dC C.'a.A24 Ox. C6 O additin to thOe bodCom rear cornenr 20. As.li with the taeinipe [81] The turayd 11ii 62S pr-1rbl aegids 37-43n arewSizdlty rceive adjacent to Wh .ottodd ronat Sorcont 60ofete cokes,3 -i n an erae form isea of the l.OWni F8 42 the bttt.On1 Wa 1revant inlhe anoodal projectfomriig diidr faltOnSeparate the to ro5 fr prodects Ohe trin diviera 64 Caan be crned inted sodhat Vh, boto w6al 14ni Ws deeal plna Oerw l the th li de, 6 As suh. COO ros5 f oke 13 ie adhjher a en to 5 rowki55 fro each other inThSllhe diie 6 ill bOW i5 ihs 4'C44V:s:44 bott<U ' . .o~om wallnt "14- or ttahedtheet bysutabl m thods such01 as i adhesive, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 'K ht saig ulr oni wedn, C1 ke. siewl 56* ofN. -he coo ie 13.4 As. .4.. row45 -i capure between tNe N'>'N4?dl fain surac 68 of the~ divider''~ 64 and4. th bottom rear74 cone A0 of..........4. the 'tray XL an the ron N.N'w. 5.54; catue betweNen the; forwarNNdly" facing. sufc 66 o.N@ .N""' cookie 'N' As. suh .'ths .rn.h snge rowjs 55' isN 2444 ~ 4 4.

WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 cap'.tured between th'e bottom reair corner 20 of t'he tray 1!Ian 01831~ O .diioa optins for separating the rows 55 of products from one another are shown inl FIGS, 150 and 151. The tray e a hiding wall 65 extending upwardly from the tray bottom wall 14. The dividing wall 65 can optionally extend the surfaceS 69 ssuch, the co,,re~r 1.2 ca.r1 sea-l to the sealing surface 69 of the dividing willi 65 along with the flang0e 38 of optilonall individull accessile, ca be f formed 1.singO thei dividing wal 65 Te dlviding wall 65 can be integral with1 the suitable method, such as adh~i.ve NMltiple dividing walls 65 can be ulsed to provide more than two compartments, such as two dividing walls 65 for three compartments, three dividing walls 65 for four compartments, etc, (0143 ot he xamle f FG. 50, the dividing wall 65 extends Qgelerally parale tote rear wall -16 Co dliLde the tray the dividing wal 65 can inlude capering or curved surfaces 67 on. aN' boto theeo top-, - . describecd above with respect t.o the divider 64. [0'15] In the example olf FIG, 151, the dividing wall 65 is formed from an inverted U-shaped portion of the bottom wall of t tray 11. This result Of the inverted, generally Ucshaped Dortion iS a flat region at.t bottom fh U-shape (upper portion ini the inetdorientation of FIG, 151) to provide the upwardfly facing sealing surface 69, At the toD of t~he U-shap~az (lowe- poto in t. inere o nation of FIG., 151), there is a gap between the legs of the U-shape. Such an inverted U- Shaped dividing wall 65i-S lends the tray '3_11 t;mnftu bne WSN ''N WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 uSed, An optionl backing card 25 caln be adhered to the bottomR wall of eachl comlpatmlent Of the tray 11 ain order to provide addlitional rigidity to the container, such as by limlitinCg region Of the Sealing surface 69 of the dividing wall 65,, CM6] These mul tiple-:comlpartment examples of the tray 11L c'N-anNa :or examstple, the first adthesive, which Can be a generally peranntadhesive, Can be used on sealing surface 69 of the dividing wall 65 anCd the second adhlesive, whihll can be a re leasable/ resealable adhlesive, czun be used Onx- cOne : bIothi of t'he other portions of the peripheral flange 38, [0187] The containers of FIGS, 150 and 151 Can z, optionallV b.,e confilgured t:o have t'he two CiprmnsSeparable froml e21azc other. For examp- a line of weakness 1.9 can De .ormed 1n the cover 12Of the contairner of FIG, 15 -, Oineside of tlte bottom w2all of th'e trayV 11 onl thle samle side of tlle dividinlg wall. 65. The right-side comnpartment of the container of FIG. 150 can be separated from1 the left-side compartmnent along0 the lines of weaknless -L9 and .- :. is will result in the right-side tereln, anid the left-sde comtpartiment remlaininl sealed, The les of weakness 19 ld 21 cas alternatively.he moved t.o the oDDosite side of the dividing wall 65, or can be Dlaced on both sides of the dividirig wall 65. With respect to the example of FIG. 151, a line of wealkness 19 can be formed in the cover 12 adjacent the sealinCI surface 69 of thle U--shaped dividirng wall 65 as well as another line of weakness 23 in the underlying Dortion of the dividing wall 65. if present, the backing card 25 Can have a line of weakness 29 in the gap of the dividing wall 65. N N"''N"'N ' ( 2' WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 The lines of weakniess 19, 23 anld 29 can b3e broken to divide the cont ainer into two compgartimenits, which cani remalin EsealeO after E083Thse examples.~ of the tray !Idiscse ~Y$wity$thNspct~t FIS ].0 an Urd 1 Cilfl further 'Lncile thle first and SCTC adhsies discussed abo.ve. For example, the first adhesive, which caln he a generalyprintadsv, can be useC to secure thle cover to one or both1 of thle rear andl fronit walls6 77, 89 or another s0ch' divider, anrd the second aldhesive, which' can ban a re leasabDie/resealable RWlheslve, b27 e UdOl ieother Dortions Of the peripheral flange 38 , F""urz-ther.th use of dilv.iding wail.s 65 can be used wit an Ufy of the contilners Cdescribed herein, [9189] if desired and as shown in FIGS. 11-17, the tray 11 can include one or mlore outward protrusions or feet 53 conficnured to extend from~ the rear wall 16 and/or the corner 20,T, protrusionls 53 carl be integra W the tray 11or atta1ched support for a posito of stabilityo h ry:-, e resting on the bottom wal 14) in teilstrated forW utalize wider protrusions as desired, The protrusions K3 are Cdeall A confiQured to suppDort a tra\, such as that shown Az-, FIGS 1117.thi contains only a single row of' products 55, 0190 Ech ofte tray designs inlu~ides onte or more positions of stabilt (ie., the packages stably reast in thle Dosition) F-o te tray 1.1 of FI -0can be rte Onthe boto wal 4 each of thle sideWalls 18, anid on its top resting an te pripera flage op ortons 2, 0; he.ra, of FIGS, 1-7can rest on either the bottom or rear walls 14 , 16 with theprorusions 57 providingQ support for either position; and tetay of FIGS, 18-30 can rest on either sidewall 18, with the 'N N ~ YNN'NNNN'N'N27 WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 side flange portions 4n, 50, 52 providing support f or the positions Of sta'bilityr on the sidewalls 18t As shown in PIC, 21, th\e flange 38 a3 flNrtNherNN' be C4t or Shaped tC hldt E0l91) By one approach, the tray3 11 canl include ribs or ulndlations 70 thlereon, Th'e ribs 70 can add strengthi to thlie compression and stackinig strenlgth of the tray M1 in addition, the ribs /undula1tions 70 can provide a visual indication of the 1l can inlulde One rib/undulation 70 for, and aligned with, some or a1Ll of the individuals prodlucts 13 within thie tra\70. i desiredl, thle undulatlons 70 canl be sized and sp~aced to receive a user's fingers therein as a grip portion for the package 10,.i thle formt where thle tray 11 receives th-e row 55 of products 13, t undulatiols I0 can extend in the machine te rear wall 16, With this configulration, th.e unldulationls 7) eX,-en,-d generally parallel to the ann"ul ar idwlS56 of the products 13., As sh1own, thle ribs/unrdullations 70 do not extend to -he, : rear bottom Cnr20, If desired, h~eethe ribS- or to thie rear wall 16 through the corner 20. The undulations 70 cani extend along the entire width of t le tray -J,11 or along port ions thiereof., E01923 As discussed previously, the cover 12 is sealed to the peipelC flaNnge'. 38 of the tryM Tiscnb chee y any suitable method, including hot, cold, induction, and adhesive sealing. in order to access the products 13, auser -an partially or completely remove thle COVer -2 expose the opening 26 , E01931 By One approach a pressure sensitive adhesive or the lie anbeuedtose! h cve 1 o hetry 1sotht h 28 N " ' -'N -~ WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 COVer" 1t'-2 CLl be Othe ty 1 i sequential conlsum~ption of the products 1L3, As sU1'h, the -cover 12 can include the aldh'esive coated along a perimeter thereof, or thtt adhesive Can be coated Onl the peripheral Jfl 1an ge 38, Alternlatively, less than~ the w11o1e cover !2 can be configuired to be opened to allow al cons5umer access to tl1e products 13 within, the trayV, E01941 Onle example coinfiguration is shown in lG 21-23, Tn this ortig, din OpnnCJea~e ues, 3t cab '74 p-rojet'n ad lacent to onle of the sideWalls 18.e The tab 74d is conf igured. to be grasped by a consumer" and manipulated over itself to pul across nhe C 12, The tab '74 C nin - separate fromf the peri-pheral flange 38 or integral therewith., For the integral form, co ease separation Of the tab 74 from the restf h periphlerall flange 38, thle openling feature 74 can inllude a n1otch or weakened/scored line or pattern 76 so that manlipulatinig the tab 74 back over the cover 12 breaks the tab 74 from the resto thle perp'pheral Na'e 38. Thle notch 76 Can be cut into the tab 74 where thle tab /4 joins the rest of thle peripheral flange 38, such as, by las- erz or mechanical methods. Th CLe 2 preferably extends onto the tab 74 so that when the t-a~b 7?4 is separated from the tray 11, the tab 74 can then be used to tear the cover 12 generally in thle machine direction across thle cover 12. I4hen the tab 74 is pulled a sufficient distance to tear an access opening 79 in the cover 12, a consumer can remove one or more products 13 from th'e tray 11, thereacross generally aligned with the tb74 to d3efie 'a flap 83. So cornfigured, wh-en a user manipulates the tab 74 back over the cover 12, the cover 12 tears along the score lines c1 o WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 revea l the access opening V When a deSired number of products hih'e been rS,,oved, tlle C'nme Ca ten bin the tab 7 back to its original position to cover the access opening 79 Preferlably th a 7 includes a resealaible adhe6sive aligned with the peihea fange 38 so that the opening features 72 can be resealed, E0193 I analtrnaivefor shwn n FIGS, 24-27, an openineg f N'ur 'C iSen a s o iXtending aN>OSS & portion. of the cover 12, such its in the mahredirection, adjacent to one of the siClWalls 18. The access opening 8o is preferably defined by scare lines 85 so that the cover 12 includes al flap 82 Cf material scored thereini 1,,ha,,t1 can open acoss t"h COVE, 12 rferably, the score lines 85 end in shepard' s hook or curve 87 ac ends thereoV or label 84 adhered to the cover :12 sctath label 8 competely surrounds the access opening 80., The label 84 can lnge 38 t be easily graSped by a consumer on an opposite side onin 80 of tne curves 87. As such when a consume sps the tab an'd plsls the label 84 across the cover 12 the label 84 breaks the score lines 85 defining the opening 80, if attaChed, anld plSthe flap 32 away from the rest Ofthe cover 12 until the curves 87 are reached to expose the opening 8SO, The Cu S87 ren the eliglabel 84 from being removed from the package M1 Thn~, wh'en a desired number of cookies 13 have been moved through the opening 80 , a consumer can lay the label 14 back across the cover 12 to reveal around the opening to preserve and store any remaining cookies 13K ,0198 . "nZ another form, the cover 12 can he constructed f rom a two-ply material, such as a two-ply film, arnd the sealing laver WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 or label 84 can be Cut or scored from a top layer of the film andEJZ' the a'C>ss' Openig 80 -cin be cut Or SC fromaoe player' of the f ilm inwardly of thie label 84, In this fortn, the tab 86 can also be cut or scored from the top layer of fili SO at a consumer can grasp the tab 86 and pull the label 84 awar frmthe rean"g p' rntioi of the Oer 12, Thre label 8 breaks an is edge-.s .Znd, due to tlhe adhesive between th" layers, Dulls the flap 82 uD therewith, exposing the opening 8o so that a consumer can aCCess the cookies 13 within the package 10. Similarly, the label 84 outward of the flap 82 can have a e package shown in FIG. 25 includes the smaller opening feature 78 discussed above, as well as a larger opening feature 91 surr:ounding the smaller feature 78. In this form, the package includes a large seallng layer or label 91 having a lresealn label 91 is preferably about the size of the cover 12 t cover substantially all the surface area of the cover 12. Percent, 530 percent, or less, M-oreoverteSale eln label 91.. 1f desired. [02003 Next, the cover 12 includes a large scare or cut line 95 that defines a large access opening 97. The ends of the scre sealing labe N 91 is not removed from the package 11 when it is opened.~~~ .o cofgrd facnuer desires more than one or two cookies 13, the consumer can grasp the tab 93 and pull the large sealing label 91 back across the cover 12, As t,:he label fl'2 C 'N 'NN N.';S"''';~'N;'. 'N ""'"'' N" ~ 4'jN NC j'Z '"N'N"3:C1, WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 91 l back the score lines 95 break so that a flap 9S., adhl'eres to thle sealing label1 91 and0 pulls back withl it , Therefore, h accesss cpenng 97 ~ t is. reeae so theconsumer can access Stubstantially all of the products 13. Advantageously a consumer walts less, then the consumer ca*nr sNmpl u. smaller sealing label 84.e The large stealing label1 84 can take either form disCUssed above. E02011 The oapening feO.aures are describNed Nbv. wt respect ts FIGS. 2.-27, but it will be understood that the opening features can. be smilarly utilized On any o the packages described O 02 In dn alteav 88,m af th 1 pWacka 1, b he botto anrd dC rear wally l4 are ontete by a~tnd itermdie waeall tO. the ilnr a al ,are Worththis 4 a rgativrn, te oer lin i pokins by, 52ld, lioS tdgatO the alik8 as ar hernal Viw~rtVria Vie.fpOintsoandanVtangl thtrbet .er [3ana] AS pha in F 49-58, te ahakage 10 Wi beconfiguredto ret aneintermediate all 88, iCs abown,o can furtherfincude ao, rsto th idewaall 18, Wi tOn~-lnr the covrt DAtsn 4 h, Sovera unroe by foldslidps, ades t ca 1tne like~ 1} etnd sidwal nC wit two Cnn-reSrordn a~rcuae porin O4., so that the ~ sidwa N 2AN incuNe N thirNdZN..N .between .. the . arc.a.. porAtons 4.8.C The'L. per. ihera flang 3 therfor includes'NN "N'NN.'tN.NNNolNZ co Ne-Z'.r'ti...ng a'N"'tN porltinsNNC. so hat N.he cover 12,t.Z when. it . isN.. sealed..'.. to .ZZ. theZ flan ' 38 include side NA NN~~N'N ' N' ~z,'Z, t ' -. N".N'AB C.32"' WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 by folds, edges, lips, etc,) cover that extends onto two sides of the package, A*sxW t the triangular forml above, this form prCYvides a ccver 42 that i" visible of the NrNad yIlnge Of angles to provide product differentiation and a distinct look On a shelf, C0201 Trnin toothr foms f pakags sown n FGS,59-88 and 99~ 03, In these forms, a package 100 includes a base tray, bottom ~ ~ wal1 with the earlier forms, tlhe package10 incldes a peripheral flange 108, The peripheral flange 108 extends outwardly or inwardly fromt a continluous upper edge 110 th :-re s'ideWall (s) 1V4 to provide generally upwardly facing seallnCg surfaces 11.c- Alt''ernat'ively, an upward facing edge of the sideWall (s) 10 could be used as a sealing surfaCe, A cover 114 s Sealed t0 the sealing surfaces 11 '2 Of the peripheral fnge Sea8 tocontenits, such as any of the prCod"Cts1 discussed above, within the cup 102. The upper edge 110 of the SideWall (s) 104 is conitinuously vertlcall y arcuate., As such, the perlpherali flange 108 Drojecting outwardlV thiereof is continuouslV arcuate in both radial and axial directions, points of the peripheral flange 108 have a same ~ h-eight ar dstatnce fromi the bottom wall 106an a am dildi~stance from a center point C of th~e cup 102 , [0205] One form, shown in FIGS, 59-78, includes a generally circulalr bottom7 wall 106 and al generally anular sideWall 104 extending upwardly therefrom. As shown, thle size of the bottom Wall106and the height Of the sideWa!1l '1,04 Ca.-n be varied a desired or reg,.iired by a particular produ -.-' -,rn t:o achieve a. desire. cotier shape. In the illustrated forms of FIGS, 59- 73, the sideWall 104 tapers outwardlV so that the upper edge 110 ""'A~ ~~~~~~~~~~ 3) '"Ar' CCN2'ANN 'Z.

WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 Of the sidewall 104 is spaced apart farther than at the wall's connection to the bottom wall 106, The culp 1i2 can be configured So that the COVer 11 iS C ae(IS 593 Or convex ( FIGS. 64 - 78), [0206] The peripheral flange 108 inCludes ooS ite low poi.nt horiZOntal ~ between the lw ponts 8 anCI ext ends laterally upward~- t th hihpit 12. Frheconvex cover, the edge '.CD" COe 1onigre so dthatd 1h1 cohir 1~,4 hxtever he Czona02 dietwente paikgpints Whil asd mitnimiingepalkin matewra to te lidin poaints W1t1nlMeotin fth akg E27 CAn alt2rnCtide cup gn0al2 isla show intn~lk FISD998oswth ab v N"p -'' '~~e 12 -] 'N fN'* tNec p 1 ,d t Wallhra 106 aand 1OU 8 ieall beontigure 1t4 provndn aconav rm ove coer 11, as dsired.n yrtfin thgis orm, hloiwever 1el, the10 cofgue Wal cn ~rSondin aieVl (sphericalk anV droied disincle pakaiang~lr whher alsmiimiid paygingS Cutrilnba Saoiin ,parckaginat wnst in lrowe potoso h akg, [0209] Withe thip C02fiuraton the edGeS. 11-8 are thuall fpared frgem eaereot.er, butw dy nth aveaiu uniomet Sphigerim the bottom t A 4~' wall an correspondin sieC)ls can. -. (2tke 3 an-y. esiredA'.'. center point C around the entire edge 110 as Wit the annular configuration. The sCuare cover 114 includes high and low WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 points 118, 120 to provide concave and convex COVers, configured as discussed above, AsNWith the earlier forms, however, the high and low points 120, 118 are spaced equally from the center point C of the cup 102 in relation to each other and are at the [0210] In yet another form, the cup 102 includes a track-shaped bottom wall 106, so that the sidewall 104 includes corresponding curved ends 122 and intermediate straglhttSde 12--.,, Asliho .n generally centered on the sides 124 and the low points 118 are-, generally centered on the curved ends 112 to provide a conVe-.< cover 114. As withl tne other forms, tnese hilgh and low points 120, 118 can be swapped to switch orientation or be configured to provide a concave cover as desired above . [0211] Turning now to another package 200, shown in FIGS, 104 iiV n .tlese forms, the package 200 includes arcuate bottom W,,al s,- W0 wihsideWalls 404 extending generally perpendilcular therefrom, Preferably, the sideWalls 204 have a. generally unifor. hegtso that an upper &,dge thereof includes arcuate structure generally compiemlentary to the bottom wall 202, A peripheral flange 208 extending outwardly or inWardly, rmtlhe upper edge 2,06 provides SaigSrae 210' for a cover 212 to seal thereto, as discussed above. Alernatively, upwardly facing edges of the sideWalls 204 could be utilized as - saing surface , E0212) As such, when viewe-_d frmtesdthe package 200 includes bottom anid top surfaces that have generally complementary axcuate surfaces. This provides distinctive packages that will draw a consumer' s eye when looking at shelves otherwise having tradiltional flow-wrapped packages, in tne form shown in FIGS. 103-108, the bottom wall 202 and cover 212 have a s ingle convex curve , whi le in the f orm shown in FIGS., 10 9- 113 , WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 the bocttoma wal "2 ? 2 and Cove 212 haviNN.ng 't"o 'con'ex"curves'.(" -Nf an intermediat curve 'N'''NN'':N.tN4 .'zz. 'Uauc& '.: configurations could also be utilized, 0213 oreover, the bottom wall 202 Ca ae aly ua coniguatin. Forl example, as shown i*'.n FI'GS, 114-1'19, thIne bottom wall 202 can have a heart-shaped configuration with sideWalls 204 extending upward from edges thereof., The undaulating surfaces can be useCd to provide distin1ctive packaging for any suitable novel shape, [024]Alernatively, a package 250 can include ax generallVy panar ottomn wall 252 with sidewalls: 254 and end wll 256. extending upwardlr therefrom, as shown in PFI'GS, '120,-125. In" this form, upper edges 2M8 of the sidewalls 2541 have corespndngnduatng patterns 260 so that opposite edges 258 of the sidewalls 254 have a generally equal height. The package 250 includes peripheral flanges 262 that extend outwardly from the upper edges 25B of the sidewalls 254 and end walls 256, but could be alternatively configured as discussed. As shown, the undlatng .aterns 260 need not,. be uniform along the sidewall. 254, having different wavelengths and depths, [0215] Another type of package 300, S;hown- in ]IG L 26-143, includes an upadyprojecting end 302, This Dackage 300 includes a bottom wall 304 with a general VpDanar front Dort.ion from edges 312 of the bottom wall 304 to upper edges 314, The sidewalls 3,10 cani extend perpendicularly frlon) th-I-e bottomn wall 304 oi: beoffset therefrom, A peripheral fLan-ge 3.16 extends from the upper edges 314 of the SideWalle 310 to provide sealinlg surfaces 318 for a cover 320, as discussed above. The upper dgs 14 O'Df the sidewalls 310 generally folw the COnfigurat.ion Of the bottom wall 304 so that the cover 320 .'N.N4" CNN)"'"". ~ N)..'... "'N."~."'.'N'N 3 6.'N N N .. . . 2 . '".NN '' " N ' WO 2013/134547 PCT/US2013/029689 includes a, corresponding planar front portion 322 and a rear generally vertical surface area that can be utilizecdfa eye catlching indlCla, grapnlcs, or text that will Cdifferentiathe the package 300 from conventional packaging with flat upper surfaces, in the form tof FS. 1.26-131, the bottom wall 304 and cCover 320 are generally triangular, while in the forms of FIGS rectangular, itwl e understood, however, that other shapes anrd conlfigurations could bo utilized, in1cluding other closed polygons, cIurvilinea4r shapes, or cr:mbinations thereof [0216] The trays and cups described herein can be formed of any suitable materials by any suitable methods, including thlermioformfenaO ed, d, -O-molded, fiberboard, resin impregnated fiberboard, or the like. The covers desc2:ibed herein can silay be formed of any suitable materials including paper, a paper-laminate combination, metalized faol,. a' packaqinq operation, any of the packages or containers described hlerein can included the steps of formling thle tray?, ilaertlnQ a the cover to the tray to seal the food articles in the package, C0218) Optional steps include thermotorming the tray frma polymrt mateial The tray' c-n be- (iglae from'( th webN after-< W'' the Ofrmia he O~e Ca beatahed iOth tra afe h after the~ >-rayI. hs beenc Siglted frmathen web, Nc -lmiin Nc-c-O "'"me ZINN "-NNZ O4 r ~ n~fc turiNY'~ nc- t.Ne'"N -- N3Ck ge are deSNNcN~- C ribed- 'N in U.S. Pat. Apple. No. 61/608,080, filed March 7, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. [ 02191 All of the packages described herein provide distinctive packaging that can draw the eyes of consumers when displayed on shelf next to traditional flow-wrap packages or traditional packages having a tray and a flat planar lid. Distinction on a shelf is key for product development, and the packages described herein provide this benefit while staying cost effective by minimizing package material. [02201 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 38 7413082 1 (GHMatters) P97799.AU PRIYANKA

Claims (20)

1. A package comprising: a tray having a rear wall, a bottom wall including an upwardly tapering front portion, and a pair of upstanding side walls defining an interior to receive products therein, the tray including free edges comprising a front edge of the bottom wall, edges of the side walls, and a top edge of the rear wall, the edges of the side walls including non-planar portions; the free edges of the tray defining an opening to the interior thereof, the opening having a forward opening portion and a top opening portion; and a cover attached relative to at least some of the free edges to cover the top and front portions of the opening; and a peripheral flange extending from the free edges of the tray and defining front, side, and top sealing surfaces, wherein the upwardly tapering front portion of the bottom wall is sized so that an outer edge of the peripheral flange extending outwardly from the front edge of the bottom wall acts as a stabilizing support for the tray.

2. The package of claim 2, wherein the side sealing surfaces having arcuate portions corresponding to the sidewall edge non planar portions.

3. The package of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cover is sealingly engaged to the sealing surfaces of the peripheral flange.

4. The package of any of claims 1-3 wherein the products are generally cylindrical with curved outer edges and the tray is 39 7413082 1 (GHMatters) P97799.AU PRIYANKA configured to receive the generally cylindrical products on edge in a row in a horizontally stacked orientation.

5. The package of claim 4 wherein a corner joining the rear wall and the bottom wall is curved to be generally complementary to the curved outer edges of the generally cylindrical products received within the tray.

6. The package of claim 5 wherein the tray is configured to receive two rows of the generally cylindrical products in the horizontally stacked orientation and the bottom wall includes an upwardly projecting contour that divides the bottom wall into two portions to individually receive the stacked rows of the products, and wherein the upwardly projecting contour optionally has curved sidewalls that are complementary to the curved outer edges of the generally cylindrical products.

7. The package of any of the preceding claimswherein the upwardly tapering front portion is configured to retain the products within the tray with the front opening portion uncovered.

8. The package of any of the preceding claimswherein the upwardly tapering front portion is curved upward.

9. The package of any of the preceding claims wherein the front opening portion is sized and configured such that the products within the tray can be individually accessed and removed through the front opening portion with the top opening portion covered. 40 7413082 1 (GHMatters) P97799.AU PRIYANKA

10. The package of any of the preceding claims wherein the top opening portion is sized and configured such that the products within the tray can be individually accessed and removed through the top opening portion with the front opening portion covered.

11. The package of any of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the bottom wall and the rear wall includes undulations configured such that valleys and peaks of the undulations run front to back along the bottom wall or vertically along the rear wall, respectively.

12. The package of any of the preceding claims wherein the tray further includes one or more protrusions extending outwardly from the rear wall, the protrusions providing a support for a position of stability.

13. The package of claim 2 wherein the cover is flexible and the arcuate portions of the side sealing surfaces impart an arcuate portion to the cover between top and front portions thereof.

14. The package of any of the preceding claims wherein the tray is thermoformed.

15. The package of any of the preceding claims wherein the cover is sealed to the peripheral flange using a peelable and optionally resealable seal.

16. The package of any of the preceding claims wherein the tray side walls are configured so that there is no discontinuity in indicia on the cover between the top and front thereof. 41 7413082 1 (GHMatters) P97799.AU PRIYANKA

17. The package of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a substantially rigid lid configured to engage the tray.

18. The package of any one of the preceding claims the peripheral flange extends inwardly from the free edges of the tray.

19. A method of making any of the packages of any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: forming the tray; inserting a plurality of discrete food articles into the tray; and attaching the cover to the tray to seal the food articles in the package.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of forming the tray includes thermoforming the tray from a polymer sheet. 42 7413082 1 (GHMatters) P97799.AU PRIYANKA