CA2167022A1 - Blow molded paperboard tray with near vertical sidewalls and separate lid - Google Patents
Blow molded paperboard tray with near vertical sidewalls and separate lidInfo
- Publication number
- CA2167022A1 CA2167022A1 CA002167022A CA2167022A CA2167022A1 CA 2167022 A1 CA2167022 A1 CA 2167022A1 CA 002167022 A CA002167022 A CA 002167022A CA 2167022 A CA2167022 A CA 2167022A CA 2167022 A1 CA2167022 A1 CA 2167022A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- lid
- container
- wall panels
- partition
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 title claims description 19
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005574 cross-species transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000021269 warm food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
- B65D81/343—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package specially adapted to be heated in a conventional oven, e.g. a gas or electric resistance oven
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
- B65D5/48—Partitions
- B65D5/48002—Partitions integral
- B65D5/48022—Partitions integral formed by two parallel panels located in the base of a tray being folded up towards each other
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/64—Lids
Abstract
This invention relates generally to the art of food packaging and more particularly to a container for packaging, storing and heating food. Such structures of this type, generally, are constructed with near vertical sidewalls and a separate lid such that the trays are easily nestable and remain stable when the lid is removed.
Description
BACRGROUND OF THE l..~L.. lON
Field of the Invention:
This invention relates generally to the art of food packaging and more partlcularly to a container for packag-ing, storing and heating food. Such structures of this type, generally, are constructed with near vertical side-walls and a separate lid such that the trays are easily nestable and remain stable when the lid is removed.
DescriDtion of the Related Art:
It is known, in paperboard food containers, to make use of sidewall panels. An adhesive is placed between the sidewall end portion areas of the sidewall panels in order to construct a partition. This maintains a space between the sidewalls and maintains heat insulation between the compartments in the event that one compartment contains warm food contents, while an adjacent compartment contains cool food contents.
Exemplary of such prior art is U. S. Patent No.
5,265,796 ('796) to R. Gulliver et al., entitled "Plural Compartment Carton Food Tray With Improved Corner Construction." While the sidewalls provide a partition between the various food contents of the tray, the structure of the sidewalls and the partition is such that the partition may not be stable after the lid is removed.
If the partition is not stable after the lid is removed, the food contents within the tray may spill over during the consumption of the food from the tray.
Also, with respect to the ('796) reference, a plastic film such as polyester (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is laminated to the paperboard. It is well known that this laminated film is undesirable because when folded it contains pin holes in the areas adjacent to the corners of the tray and lid which are susceptible to contamination by outside influences.
Therefore, a more advantageous container would be one which would remain stable after the lid is removed and included a more desirable food contact coating.
In an apparent attempt to alleviate some of the problems associated with the ('796) reference, the invention disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 5,267,686 ('686) to R. Gulliver et al., entitled, "Food Package Containing Separate Trays Connected Together By A Single Lid Structure" was developed. The ('686) patent illustrates an adhesively adhered and inter-arranged relation between the flange-engaging portions and the lower portions of the top flaps with the portions of the trays represented by the flanges and the lower portions of the sidewalls retaining the assembly in a unitary package suitable for transpor-tation and handling. While the package is suitable for transportation and handling, the package cannot be nestable due to the construction of the sidewalls. Also, the coating is laminated as discussed earlier with respect to the ('796) patent. Therefore, a further advantageous container would be one which is stable, nestable, and contains a continuous food contact coating.
With respect to the use of a continuous coating, commonly assigned U. S. Patent No. 5,356,070 ('070) to W.
R. Rigby, entitled "Partitioned Paperboard Food Tray"
depicts a continuous coating which is blow molded into a partitioned paperboard food tray. However, the food tray includes interior walls which form a partition that may render the food tray unstable. Also, flanges located around the perimeter of the food tray do not allow the food tray to be pushed through a conventional plate freezer without the food tray shingling and/or ~amming in the freezer. Therefore, a still further advantageous food container would be one which included the continuous coating but at the same time provided a stable structure which allowed the packages to be easily pushed through conventional freezers.
It is apparent from the above that there is a need in the art for a partitioned paperboard container which includes a continuous, blow molded coating, and which is nestable, but which at the same time can remain stable after the lid is removed. It is the purpose of this invention to fulfill this and other needs in the art in a manner more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.
.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally, speaking, this invention fulfills these needs by providing a partitioned paperboard food container, wherein the container is comprised of: a partitioned tray means including a paperboard sheet material tray base having an interior surface lined with a continuous and unlapped layer of a food contact coating applied to the interior surface, wherein the base is formed into at least two bottom panel areas; at least two internal wall panels materially integral with each of the at least two bottom panel areas such that the internal wall panels form a partition in the tray; at least two external wall panels materially integral with each of the at least two bottom panel areas; a first and second top flange means located adjacent to the at least two external wall panels; and a lid means releasably attached to the tray means and including a paperboard sheet material lid base having an interior surface lined with a continuous and unlapped layer of a food contact coating applied to the interior surface, wherein the lid base includes a first and second wall closure flap means operatively connected to the lid base and adapted to overlap the first flange means wherein the first wall closure flap means is operatively connected to one of the at least two external wall panels and the second wall closure flap means is operatively connected to another of the at least two external wall panels and further includes a first and second flap panel means located substantially across an end of the partition for releasing the lld means from the tray means such that the first flap panel means remains with the second wall closure flap means when the lid means is released from the tray means and the second flap panel means remains substantially across the end of the partition when the lid means is released from the tray means.
In certain preferred embodiments, the base is formed into three bottom panel areas which requires three partitions. Also, the wall closure flap means may extend down over all of the exterior wall panels. Finally, the wall closure flap means are attached to the external wall panels by an adhesive.
In another further preferred embodiment, the location of the wall closure flaps provides stability to the container both before and after the lid is removed.
The preferred container, according to this invention, offers the following advantages: ease of assembly;
excellent stability; good durability; and excellent economy. In fact, in many of the preferred embodiments, these factors of stability and economy are optimized to an extent that is considerably higher than heretofore achieved in prior, known paperboard containers.
The above and other features of the present invention which will become more apparent as the description proceeds are best understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters represent like parts throughout the several views and in which:
A BRIEF D-SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE l is a pictorial view of a divided food tray container with the lid unattached, according to the present lnvention;
FIGURE 2 is a pictorial view of the divided food tray with the lid attached and released in the front, according to the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a divided food tray container with the lid unattached, according to the present invention; and FIGURE 4 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of the divided food tray container with the lid unattached, according to the present invention.
DETAT~n DESCRIPTION OF THE lr.~h~llON
The basic substrate material for the present invention is a machine made paperboard which may range in thickness from 0.1778 mm to 0.889 mm (0.007 to 0.035 inches). In some cases, it may be desirable to coat the paperboard web stock on that web side to be formed to the interior of the tray with a film of extruded press-applied polymer selected on the basis of chemical and adhesive receptivity in those cases where the interior surface is subsequently applied with a blow molded polymer. However, due to the fact that extruded blow molded polymers of the type and nature anticipated by the present invention are applied to paperboard blank mold liners at various temperatures, viscosities and pressures, many tie films of paperboard substrates become unnecessary. In this manner, the blow molded polymer bonds deeply and securely to the paperboard surface.
Those of ordinary skill in the art understand the economic value to consumer packaging arising from the qualities of graphics that may be press-applied to a paperboard web. Moreover, the web may be printed and die cut into individual tray blanks in a continuous machine feed operation. Resultantly, display shelf graphics may be directly applied to the exterior side wall surface of the package that is opposite the interior side wall surface in direct contact with the package contents. For such an application, no outer packaging or post-fill labeling is required.
Proceeding from the foregoing understandings, Figure 1 illustrates container 2 which includes, in part, lid 4 and divided tray 20. More particularly, a lid 4 includes, conventional polymeric coating 6, wall closure flap 8, panels 9 and 10 and tear line 12.
With respect to tray 20, tray 20 includes, bottom panels 22, internal walls 24, external walls 26, flanges 28 and 30, patterned adhesive area 32, and partition 34. It should be noted that flanges 28 extend away from internal walls 24 while flanges 30 extend toward internal walls 24.
Also, another patterned adhesive area 32 is located on the back of tray 20.
With respect to Figure 2, Figure 2 shows that lid 4 is attached to tray 20 by wall closure flap 14 and adhesive 2 i 67022 area 32 (in back of tray 20). Also, as shown in Figure 2, wall closure flap 8 has been released from tray 20 in that tear line 12 has been activated according to conventional techniques and panel 10 remains on tray 20. In this manner, panel 10 spans across an end of partition 34 to add structural rigidlty to tray 20. The location of panel 10 across the end of partition 34 acts as a "brace" such that tray 20 cannot bend and/or flex along internal walls 24 at partition 34 either before or after the tray is opened.
Figure 3 shows container 50. In particular, container 50 includes, in part, lid 4 and tray 52. Lid 4, preferably, is constructed in the same manner as the lid 4 shown in the Figures 1 and 2.
Tray 52 includes, in part, bottom panels 54, internal walls 56, external walls 58, flanges 60 and 62, patterned adhesive areas 64, and partition 66. Also, another patterned adhesive area 64 is located on the back of tray 52.
As discussed earlier, with respect to Figure 2, lid 4 is adhered to tray 52 along adhesive areas 64 (located on the back of tray 52). In this manner, wall closure flap 8 spans across an end of partition 66 to add structural rigidity to container 50.
After the food contents in container 50 are heated by conventional heating techniques, tear line 12 on lid 4 is conventionally activated such that lid 4 is released from tray 52. Upon the release of lid 4 from tray 52, lid 4 and panel 9 are raised above tray 52. However, panel 10 remains adhered to tray 52 such that panel 10 extends across an end of partition 66 found between internal walls 56 in order to add structural rigidity to tray 52 during the consumption of the food contents within tray 52.
With the respect to Figure 4, there is illustrated container 100. In particular, container 100 includes, in part, lid 104 and tray 52. Tray 52, preferably, is constructed in the same manner as tray 52 in Figure 3, except that flange 60 is folded inward towards internal walls 56.
Lid 104 includes in part, conventional polymer coating 106 and wall closure flaps 108. In particular, wall flaps 108 include, panels 109 and 110 and conventional tear lines 112.
With respect to the constructlon of container 100, after the food contents within container 100 are heated by conventional heating techniques, the consumer removes lid 104 along tear line 112. After tear lines 112 are activated, panels 110 remain adhered to tray 52 across an end of partition 66 such that panels 110 add structional rigidity to tray 52 while the food contents within tray 52 are being consumed.
With respect to the construction of containers 2, 50, and 100 there are several important features to keep in mind. First, flanges 30 (Figure 1), 62 (Figure 3), and 60 and 62 (Figure 4) are folded inwardly towards their respective internal side walls such that the containers 2, 50 and 100, respectively, when completely constructed, can be pushed through a conventional plate freezer on their near vertical sides. Second, this construction allows the containers to be stacked on a shelf on their near vertical sides. Third, the location of the panels 10 and 110 across ends of partitions 34 and 66, respectively, provide improved structional rigidity to the containers. In particular, without the panels 10 and 110 being located across ends of the partitions, the trays 20 and 52 could easily bend or twist at the partitions. Even when the trays lids are removed, the panels, which are adhesively attached to the external side walls, remain in place to provide the desired tray rigidity.
Once given the above disclosure, many other features, modifications or improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such features, modifications or improvements are therefore, considered to be a part of this invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.
Field of the Invention:
This invention relates generally to the art of food packaging and more partlcularly to a container for packag-ing, storing and heating food. Such structures of this type, generally, are constructed with near vertical side-walls and a separate lid such that the trays are easily nestable and remain stable when the lid is removed.
DescriDtion of the Related Art:
It is known, in paperboard food containers, to make use of sidewall panels. An adhesive is placed between the sidewall end portion areas of the sidewall panels in order to construct a partition. This maintains a space between the sidewalls and maintains heat insulation between the compartments in the event that one compartment contains warm food contents, while an adjacent compartment contains cool food contents.
Exemplary of such prior art is U. S. Patent No.
5,265,796 ('796) to R. Gulliver et al., entitled "Plural Compartment Carton Food Tray With Improved Corner Construction." While the sidewalls provide a partition between the various food contents of the tray, the structure of the sidewalls and the partition is such that the partition may not be stable after the lid is removed.
If the partition is not stable after the lid is removed, the food contents within the tray may spill over during the consumption of the food from the tray.
Also, with respect to the ('796) reference, a plastic film such as polyester (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is laminated to the paperboard. It is well known that this laminated film is undesirable because when folded it contains pin holes in the areas adjacent to the corners of the tray and lid which are susceptible to contamination by outside influences.
Therefore, a more advantageous container would be one which would remain stable after the lid is removed and included a more desirable food contact coating.
In an apparent attempt to alleviate some of the problems associated with the ('796) reference, the invention disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 5,267,686 ('686) to R. Gulliver et al., entitled, "Food Package Containing Separate Trays Connected Together By A Single Lid Structure" was developed. The ('686) patent illustrates an adhesively adhered and inter-arranged relation between the flange-engaging portions and the lower portions of the top flaps with the portions of the trays represented by the flanges and the lower portions of the sidewalls retaining the assembly in a unitary package suitable for transpor-tation and handling. While the package is suitable for transportation and handling, the package cannot be nestable due to the construction of the sidewalls. Also, the coating is laminated as discussed earlier with respect to the ('796) patent. Therefore, a further advantageous container would be one which is stable, nestable, and contains a continuous food contact coating.
With respect to the use of a continuous coating, commonly assigned U. S. Patent No. 5,356,070 ('070) to W.
R. Rigby, entitled "Partitioned Paperboard Food Tray"
depicts a continuous coating which is blow molded into a partitioned paperboard food tray. However, the food tray includes interior walls which form a partition that may render the food tray unstable. Also, flanges located around the perimeter of the food tray do not allow the food tray to be pushed through a conventional plate freezer without the food tray shingling and/or ~amming in the freezer. Therefore, a still further advantageous food container would be one which included the continuous coating but at the same time provided a stable structure which allowed the packages to be easily pushed through conventional freezers.
It is apparent from the above that there is a need in the art for a partitioned paperboard container which includes a continuous, blow molded coating, and which is nestable, but which at the same time can remain stable after the lid is removed. It is the purpose of this invention to fulfill this and other needs in the art in a manner more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.
.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally, speaking, this invention fulfills these needs by providing a partitioned paperboard food container, wherein the container is comprised of: a partitioned tray means including a paperboard sheet material tray base having an interior surface lined with a continuous and unlapped layer of a food contact coating applied to the interior surface, wherein the base is formed into at least two bottom panel areas; at least two internal wall panels materially integral with each of the at least two bottom panel areas such that the internal wall panels form a partition in the tray; at least two external wall panels materially integral with each of the at least two bottom panel areas; a first and second top flange means located adjacent to the at least two external wall panels; and a lid means releasably attached to the tray means and including a paperboard sheet material lid base having an interior surface lined with a continuous and unlapped layer of a food contact coating applied to the interior surface, wherein the lid base includes a first and second wall closure flap means operatively connected to the lid base and adapted to overlap the first flange means wherein the first wall closure flap means is operatively connected to one of the at least two external wall panels and the second wall closure flap means is operatively connected to another of the at least two external wall panels and further includes a first and second flap panel means located substantially across an end of the partition for releasing the lld means from the tray means such that the first flap panel means remains with the second wall closure flap means when the lid means is released from the tray means and the second flap panel means remains substantially across the end of the partition when the lid means is released from the tray means.
In certain preferred embodiments, the base is formed into three bottom panel areas which requires three partitions. Also, the wall closure flap means may extend down over all of the exterior wall panels. Finally, the wall closure flap means are attached to the external wall panels by an adhesive.
In another further preferred embodiment, the location of the wall closure flaps provides stability to the container both before and after the lid is removed.
The preferred container, according to this invention, offers the following advantages: ease of assembly;
excellent stability; good durability; and excellent economy. In fact, in many of the preferred embodiments, these factors of stability and economy are optimized to an extent that is considerably higher than heretofore achieved in prior, known paperboard containers.
The above and other features of the present invention which will become more apparent as the description proceeds are best understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters represent like parts throughout the several views and in which:
A BRIEF D-SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE l is a pictorial view of a divided food tray container with the lid unattached, according to the present lnvention;
FIGURE 2 is a pictorial view of the divided food tray with the lid attached and released in the front, according to the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a divided food tray container with the lid unattached, according to the present invention; and FIGURE 4 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of the divided food tray container with the lid unattached, according to the present invention.
DETAT~n DESCRIPTION OF THE lr.~h~llON
The basic substrate material for the present invention is a machine made paperboard which may range in thickness from 0.1778 mm to 0.889 mm (0.007 to 0.035 inches). In some cases, it may be desirable to coat the paperboard web stock on that web side to be formed to the interior of the tray with a film of extruded press-applied polymer selected on the basis of chemical and adhesive receptivity in those cases where the interior surface is subsequently applied with a blow molded polymer. However, due to the fact that extruded blow molded polymers of the type and nature anticipated by the present invention are applied to paperboard blank mold liners at various temperatures, viscosities and pressures, many tie films of paperboard substrates become unnecessary. In this manner, the blow molded polymer bonds deeply and securely to the paperboard surface.
Those of ordinary skill in the art understand the economic value to consumer packaging arising from the qualities of graphics that may be press-applied to a paperboard web. Moreover, the web may be printed and die cut into individual tray blanks in a continuous machine feed operation. Resultantly, display shelf graphics may be directly applied to the exterior side wall surface of the package that is opposite the interior side wall surface in direct contact with the package contents. For such an application, no outer packaging or post-fill labeling is required.
Proceeding from the foregoing understandings, Figure 1 illustrates container 2 which includes, in part, lid 4 and divided tray 20. More particularly, a lid 4 includes, conventional polymeric coating 6, wall closure flap 8, panels 9 and 10 and tear line 12.
With respect to tray 20, tray 20 includes, bottom panels 22, internal walls 24, external walls 26, flanges 28 and 30, patterned adhesive area 32, and partition 34. It should be noted that flanges 28 extend away from internal walls 24 while flanges 30 extend toward internal walls 24.
Also, another patterned adhesive area 32 is located on the back of tray 20.
With respect to Figure 2, Figure 2 shows that lid 4 is attached to tray 20 by wall closure flap 14 and adhesive 2 i 67022 area 32 (in back of tray 20). Also, as shown in Figure 2, wall closure flap 8 has been released from tray 20 in that tear line 12 has been activated according to conventional techniques and panel 10 remains on tray 20. In this manner, panel 10 spans across an end of partition 34 to add structural rigidlty to tray 20. The location of panel 10 across the end of partition 34 acts as a "brace" such that tray 20 cannot bend and/or flex along internal walls 24 at partition 34 either before or after the tray is opened.
Figure 3 shows container 50. In particular, container 50 includes, in part, lid 4 and tray 52. Lid 4, preferably, is constructed in the same manner as the lid 4 shown in the Figures 1 and 2.
Tray 52 includes, in part, bottom panels 54, internal walls 56, external walls 58, flanges 60 and 62, patterned adhesive areas 64, and partition 66. Also, another patterned adhesive area 64 is located on the back of tray 52.
As discussed earlier, with respect to Figure 2, lid 4 is adhered to tray 52 along adhesive areas 64 (located on the back of tray 52). In this manner, wall closure flap 8 spans across an end of partition 66 to add structural rigidity to container 50.
After the food contents in container 50 are heated by conventional heating techniques, tear line 12 on lid 4 is conventionally activated such that lid 4 is released from tray 52. Upon the release of lid 4 from tray 52, lid 4 and panel 9 are raised above tray 52. However, panel 10 remains adhered to tray 52 such that panel 10 extends across an end of partition 66 found between internal walls 56 in order to add structural rigidity to tray 52 during the consumption of the food contents within tray 52.
With the respect to Figure 4, there is illustrated container 100. In particular, container 100 includes, in part, lid 104 and tray 52. Tray 52, preferably, is constructed in the same manner as tray 52 in Figure 3, except that flange 60 is folded inward towards internal walls 56.
Lid 104 includes in part, conventional polymer coating 106 and wall closure flaps 108. In particular, wall flaps 108 include, panels 109 and 110 and conventional tear lines 112.
With respect to the constructlon of container 100, after the food contents within container 100 are heated by conventional heating techniques, the consumer removes lid 104 along tear line 112. After tear lines 112 are activated, panels 110 remain adhered to tray 52 across an end of partition 66 such that panels 110 add structional rigidity to tray 52 while the food contents within tray 52 are being consumed.
With respect to the construction of containers 2, 50, and 100 there are several important features to keep in mind. First, flanges 30 (Figure 1), 62 (Figure 3), and 60 and 62 (Figure 4) are folded inwardly towards their respective internal side walls such that the containers 2, 50 and 100, respectively, when completely constructed, can be pushed through a conventional plate freezer on their near vertical sides. Second, this construction allows the containers to be stacked on a shelf on their near vertical sides. Third, the location of the panels 10 and 110 across ends of partitions 34 and 66, respectively, provide improved structional rigidity to the containers. In particular, without the panels 10 and 110 being located across ends of the partitions, the trays 20 and 52 could easily bend or twist at the partitions. Even when the trays lids are removed, the panels, which are adhesively attached to the external side walls, remain in place to provide the desired tray rigidity.
Once given the above disclosure, many other features, modifications or improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such features, modifications or improvements are therefore, considered to be a part of this invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.
Claims (11)
1. A partitioned paperboard food container, wherein said container is comprised of:
a partitioned tray means including a paperboard sheet material tray base having an interior surface lined with a continuous and unlapped layer of a food contact coating applied to said interior surface, wherein said base is formed into at least two bottom panel areas;
at least two internal wall panels materially integral with each of said at least two bottom panel areas such that said internal wall panels form a partition in said tray;
at least two external wall panels materially integral with each of said at least two bottom panel areas;
a first and second top flange means located adjacent to said at least two external wall panels; and a lid means releasably attached to said tray means and including a paperboard sheet material lid base having an interior surface lined with a continuous and unlapped layer of a food contact coating applied to said interior surface, wherein said lid base includes a first and second wall closure flap means operatively connected to said lid base and adapted to overlap said first flange means wherein said first wall closure flap means is operatively connected to one of said at least, two external wall panels and said second wall closure flap means is operatively connected to another of said at least two external wall panels and further includes a first and second flap panel means located substantially across an end of said partition for releasing said lid means from said tray means such that said first flap panel means remains with the second wall closure flap means when said lid means is released from said tray means and said second flap panel means remains substantially across said end of said partition when the lid means is released from the tray means.
a partitioned tray means including a paperboard sheet material tray base having an interior surface lined with a continuous and unlapped layer of a food contact coating applied to said interior surface, wherein said base is formed into at least two bottom panel areas;
at least two internal wall panels materially integral with each of said at least two bottom panel areas such that said internal wall panels form a partition in said tray;
at least two external wall panels materially integral with each of said at least two bottom panel areas;
a first and second top flange means located adjacent to said at least two external wall panels; and a lid means releasably attached to said tray means and including a paperboard sheet material lid base having an interior surface lined with a continuous and unlapped layer of a food contact coating applied to said interior surface, wherein said lid base includes a first and second wall closure flap means operatively connected to said lid base and adapted to overlap said first flange means wherein said first wall closure flap means is operatively connected to one of said at least, two external wall panels and said second wall closure flap means is operatively connected to another of said at least two external wall panels and further includes a first and second flap panel means located substantially across an end of said partition for releasing said lid means from said tray means such that said first flap panel means remains with the second wall closure flap means when said lid means is released from said tray means and said second flap panel means remains substantially across said end of said partition when the lid means is released from the tray means.
2. The container, as in Claim 1, wherein said base is further comprised of:
at least three bottom panel areas.
at least three bottom panel areas.
3. The container, as in Claim 1, wherein said tray is further comprised of:
at least six internal wall panels.
at least six internal wall panels.
4. The container, as in Claim 3, wherein said internal wall panels form at least three partitions in said tray.
5. The container, as in Claim 1, wherein said first flange means is located substantially towards said at least two internal wall panels.
6. The container, as in Claim 1, wherein said second flange means is located substantially away from said at least two internal wall panels.
7. The container, as in Claim 1, wherein said first and second flange means are located substantially towards said at least two internal wall panels.
8. The container, as in Claim 1, wherein said lid base is further comprise of:
at least two side extensions adapted to overlap said second flange means.
at least two side extensions adapted to overlap said second flange means.
9. The container, as in Claim 3, wherein said lid base is further comprised of:
a third wall closure flap means operatively connected to said lid base and adapted to overlap said second flange means.
a third wall closure flap means operatively connected to said lid base and adapted to overlap said second flange means.
10. The container, as in Claim 9, wherein said third wall closure flap means is further comprised of:
a third and fourth flap panel means located substantially across an end of said partition for releasing said lid means from said tray means such that said third flap panel means remains with said third wall closure flap means when said lid means is released from said tray means and said fourth flap panel means remains substantially across said end of said partition when the lid means is released from the tray means.
a third and fourth flap panel means located substantially across an end of said partition for releasing said lid means from said tray means such that said third flap panel means remains with said third wall closure flap means when said lid means is released from said tray means and said fourth flap panel means remains substantially across said end of said partition when the lid means is released from the tray means.
11. The container, as in Claims 1, wherein said food contact coating is further comprised of:
a blow-molded polymer.
a blow-molded polymer.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US37343095A | 1995-01-17 | 1995-01-17 | |
| US08/373,430 | 1995-01-17 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2167022A1 true CA2167022A1 (en) | 1996-07-18 |
Family
ID=23472382
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002167022A Abandoned CA2167022A1 (en) | 1995-01-17 | 1996-01-11 | Blow molded paperboard tray with near vertical sidewalls and separate lid |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0722892A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH08253271A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU4094596A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2167022A1 (en) |
| CZ (1) | CZ11896A3 (en) |
| HU (1) | HUP9600096A2 (en) |
| PL (1) | PL312348A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2326404A (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 1998-12-23 | Print Design & Graphics Limite | Lidded container |
| US6116422A (en) * | 1997-09-22 | 2000-09-12 | Sealright Co., Inc. | Frozen dessert container |
| US5960986A (en) * | 1997-09-22 | 1999-10-05 | Sealright Co., Inc. | Lid for a frozen dessert container |
| US5996884A (en) * | 1997-12-16 | 1999-12-07 | Pepsico, Inc. | Hybrid container having a rigid body and polymer film ends |
| DE29918836U1 (en) * | 1999-10-26 | 2001-03-08 | Diefenbach Berndt | Sales packaging |
| US6092718A (en) * | 2000-01-04 | 2000-07-25 | Chen; Ching-Sung | Paper lunch box |
| DE202007001160U1 (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2008-06-05 | Cofresco Frischhalteprodukte Gmbh & Co. Kg | container |
| WO2019177652A1 (en) * | 2018-03-16 | 2019-09-19 | Graphic Packaging International, Llc | Container with liner |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3197115A (en) * | 1964-03-23 | 1965-07-27 | West Virginia Pulp & Paper Co | Ice cream carton |
| US3502241A (en) * | 1968-03-25 | 1970-03-24 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Compartmented tray reinforced against bending |
| BR5900479U (en) * | 1979-04-04 | 1980-10-29 | Melo J De | DISPOSABLE PLATE AND PAPER LID |
| US4804137A (en) * | 1987-12-11 | 1989-02-14 | Harby Colin F | Food container |
| US5267686A (en) * | 1991-11-22 | 1993-12-07 | Gulf States Paper Corporation | Food package containing separate trays connected together by a single lid structure |
| US5217159A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1993-06-08 | Westvaco Corporation | Heat sealed paperboard carton having polymer coating on one side only |
| US5326017A (en) * | 1993-09-02 | 1994-07-05 | Liu Yuan Shin | Paper container with multiple compartments partitioned by walls in different heights |
-
1996
- 1996-01-11 AU AU40945/96A patent/AU4094596A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-01-11 CA CA002167022A patent/CA2167022A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-01-15 CZ CZ96118A patent/CZ11896A3/en unknown
- 1996-01-16 JP JP8004958A patent/JPH08253271A/en active Pending
- 1996-01-17 PL PL96312348A patent/PL312348A1/en unknown
- 1996-01-17 EP EP96400117A patent/EP0722892A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-01-17 HU HU9600096A patent/HUP9600096A2/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0722892A1 (en) | 1996-07-24 |
| HU9600096D0 (en) | 1996-03-28 |
| AU4094596A (en) | 1996-07-25 |
| PL312348A1 (en) | 1996-07-22 |
| JPH08253271A (en) | 1996-10-01 |
| CZ11896A3 (en) | 1996-08-14 |
| HUP9600096A2 (en) | 1996-10-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |