JP2024509469A - tray with compartments - Google Patents

Abstract

A tray for holding a plurality of food items, the tray comprising a plurality of panels including a central panel, a plurality of compartment flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels, and each of the plurality of panels. a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to the tray, the plurality of compartment flaps and the plurality of end flaps overlapping to form a plurality of compartments of the tray. [Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/159,015, filed March 10, 2021.

U.S. Provisional Application No. filed on March 10, 2021. 63/159,015, U.S. Patent Application No. 63/159,015, filed August 6, 2019. No. 16/532,819, filed May 23, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/851,932, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/851,932, filed January 25, 2019. 62/796,716, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/796, 716, filed on August 7, 2018. No. 62/715,520, filed on July 17, 2018. No. 16/037,425, filed on March 28, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/649,159, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/649, filed March 16, 2018. 62/643,914, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/643,914, filed July 20, 2017. No. 15/654,814, filed on July 22, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. No. 62/365,635, filed February 11, 2011. No. 12/992,131, filed March 13, 2009, U.S. Patent Application No. The disclosure in PCT/GB/09/50506 is incorporated into this application in its entirety within the scope of its purpose.

The present invention relates to blanks, containers, trays, structures, and various configurations and methods for forming containers from blanks. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to containers with multiple compartments.

The present disclosure, according to one aspect, generally provides a tray for holding a plurality of food items, the tray having a plurality of panels including a central panel and foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels. a plurality of compartment flaps and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels, the plurality of compartment flaps and the plurality of end flaps forming a plurality of compartments of the tray. The trays are stacked one on top of the other.

In accordance with another aspect, the present disclosure generally provides a blank for forming a tray for holding a plurality of food items, the blank comprising a plurality of panels including a center panel and a plurality of panels for each of the plurality of panels. a plurality of compartment flaps that are foldably connected to each other; and a plurality of terminal flaps that are foldably coupled to each of the plurality of panels, and the plurality of compartment flaps and the plurality of terminal flaps are configured to The blanks overlap to form a plurality of compartments of the tray formed from the blanks.

The present disclosure, in accordance with another aspect, generally provides a method of forming a tray for holding a plurality of food products, the method comprising: a plurality of panels including a center panel; obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of compartment flaps operably connected to each other, and a plurality of terminal flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps and the plurality of terminal flaps is a method of stacking the trays to form a plurality of compartments.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned advantages, as well as other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments, by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings listed below. Dew.

According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the disclosed embodiments. Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a tray according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present application; FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present application; FIG. FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the tray of FIG. 2; 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for forming a container in an exemplary embodiment of the present application; FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank used to form a tray according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present application; 6 is a top perspective view of a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 5 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present application; FIG. FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the tray of FIG. 6;

The present disclosure generally relates to various aspects of containers, structures, trays, materials, packages, elements, and articles, and methods of making such containers, structures, trays, materials, packages, elements, and articles.

Although a number of different aspects, implementations, and embodiments are disclosed, there are numerous interrelationships between, combinations of, and modifications of the various aspects, implementations, and embodiments. is considered here.

In one embodiment shown, the present disclosure relates to the formation of containers or trays for holding food or various other items. However, in other embodiments, the container or tray can also be used to form other non-food items, or can be used for heating or cooking.

FIG. 1 shows an outer surface 101 of a blank 103 for forming a tray 105 (FIG. 2) or other container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, blank 103 comprises paperboard (eg, solid bleached sulfate folded corrugated paperboard) or other suitable material that is recyclable and/or suitable for use in an oven (not shown).

The blank 103 can be provided with a liner L comprising a plastic layer, such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, or any other thermoplastic material, or bioplastic, such as a vegetable oil or starch-based plastic. In one embodiment, such a liner may include polyethylene that can be softened and fused to the blank 103.

In an alternative embodiment, the liner attached to the blank 103 is a heat-sealable layer (e.g., a thermoformable sealant such as Mylar® XMPOL 12 available from DuPont Teijin Film US Partnership, Hopewell, VA). grade transparent polyester packaging film, or any suitable thermoformable sealant or adhesive, any suitable heat or pressure activated adhesive, or any other suitable material). Here, PET liners may be more suitable for uses that require heating the container in an oven.

Such a liner may be at least partially attached to blank 103 such that it is placed in contact with one or more food items held within container 105 (eg, during heating). In one embodiment, after heating the food product, the blank 103 and attached liner L can be separated so that both the blank 103 and the liner can be recycled separately.

Blank 103 can be formed from a single layer of material such as, but not limited to, paperboard, cardboard, paper, polymer sheet, and/or laminates including two or more layers. In one embodiment, blank 103 may include a microwave interactive layer (not shown) such as is common in Microlite® containers available from Graphic Packaging International, Atlanta, Georgia.

The microwave interaction layer generally can be one of a susceptor, a foil, a microwave shield, or any other term or component such as referring to a layer of material suitable for shielding microwave energy. , and or causes of heating in a microwave oven may be mentioned.

As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal direction L1 and a lateral direction L2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 includes a central panel 111, a first side-mounted panel 113 that is foldably connected to the central panel 111 at a transverse fold line 115, and a first side-mounted panel 113 that is foldably connected to the central panel 111 at a transverse fold line 115; 111 and a second side mounting panel 117 foldably connected to lateral fold line 119 .

As shown, the peripheral area of the central panel 111 may be formed with a flange 120 of the blank 103/container 105.

The first section flap 121 and the second section flap 123 are foldably connected to the central panel 111 at respective longitudinal fold lines 125 and 127 (in a broad sense, respective "first fold lines"). can be positioned within the outer edge of the center panel 111 to at least partially form a first compartment of the tray 105, with a first compartment flap 129 (broadly defined as a "third compartment flap") and a second compartment flap 129 (broadly defined as a "third compartment flap") Compartment flaps 131 (in a broad sense, "fourth compartment flaps") are foldably connected to the center panel at respective longitudinal fold lines 133, 135 (in a broad sense, respective "first fold lines"). It can be positioned within the outer edge of central panel 111 to form a second compartment of tray 105 .

Attachment tab 137 may be foldably connected to first compartment flap 121 at longitudinal fold line 139. The attachment tab 137 can be separable from the second compartment flap 123 at a cut 141 having one or more angles, diagonals, and/or curvatures, and the compartment flaps 121 , 123 have a longitudinal length interrupted by a fold line 139 . It can be made separable by a notch 143 in the direction. Also as shown, a pair of generally triangular notches 145, 147 can be located in the central panel 111 on opposite sides of the compartment flaps 121, 123 and are defined as respective free ends of the respective compartment flaps 121, 123. can do.

Similarly, the attachment tab 149 can be foldably connected to the first compartment flap 129 at a longitudinal fold line 151 and the attachment tab 153 can be foldably connected to the second compartment flap 131 at a longitudinal fold line 155. The mounting tabs 149, 153 can be separated by a longitudinal cut 157. A pair of generally triangular notches 159, 161 may be provided on opposite sides of the compartment flaps 129, 131 of the central panel 111 to define respective free ends of the respective compartment flaps 129, 131.

In this regard, the fold lines 125, 127, 133, 135 are part of the respective incisions 145, 147, 159, 161 and/or the incisions 145, 147, 159, 161 and/or the compartment flaps 121, 123, 129, 131 can be located along and/or across the respective openings in central panel 111 formed by 131 .

A plurality of end flaps are attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and are foldably connected to the first side attachment panel 113 at a lateral fold line 165 (broadly referred to as a "second fold line"). A first side end flap 163 (broadly defined as a "first end flap") is foldably connected to the first side mounting panel 113 at a lateral fold line 169 (broadly defined as a "second fold line"). A second side end flap 167 (in a broad sense, "first end flap" or "third end flap") and a lateral fold line 173 (in a broad sense, "second fold line") A first side end flap 171 (broadly defined as a "second end flap") is foldably connected to the mounting panel 117, and a second side is connected at a lateral fold line 177 (broadly defined as a "second fold line"). A second end flap 175 (broadly referred to as a "second end flap" or "fourth end flap") that is foldably connected to the side mounting panel 117 can be included. In this regard, the fold lines 165, 169, 173, 177 are spaced apart from the opening in the central panel 111 formed by the cuts 145, 147, 159, 161 and/or the compartment flaps 121, 123, 129, 131. be able to.

As shown, the first side end flap 163 has a base/side portion 179 that is foldably connected to the first side mounting panel 113 at a transverse fold line 165 and a base/side portion 179 that is foldably connected to the first side mounting panel 113 at a transverse fold line 182. and a distal/bottom portion 181 bendably connected to 179 . Attachment tab 183 may be foldably connected to distal portion 181 of end flap 163 at longitudinal fold line 185.

The second side end flap 167 has a base/side portion 187 foldably connected to the first side mounting panel 113 at a lateral fold line 169 and a base/side portion 187 foldably connected to the base 187 at a lateral fold line 191. and a distal/bottom portion 189.

Similarly, the first side end flap 171 has a base/side portion 193 that is foldably connected to the second side mounting panel 117 at a transverse fold line 173 and a transverse fold line 197 as shown. A distal/bottom portion 195 bendably connected to a base portion 193. Attachment tab 199 may be bendably connected to distal portion 195 of end flap 171 at longitudinal fold line 201 . The second side termination flap 175 may include a base/side portion 203 that is foldably connected to the second side mounting panel 117. It includes a transverse fold line 117 and a distal/bottom portion 205 that is foldably connected to the base 203 at the transverse fold line 207.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, according to one embodiment, the mounting panels 113, 117 are folded at respective fold lines 115, 119 so that at respective portions of the central panel 111, the mounting panels 113, 117 are at least partially plane. and the surface can be in contact with each other. The compartment flaps 121/attachment tabs 137 and compartment flaps 123 are separated by respective notches 141, 143 and can be folded downwardly at respective fold lines 125, 127 away from the central panel 111. Similarly, compartment flaps 129/attachment tabs 149 and compartment flaps 131/attachment tabs 153 are separated by notches 157 and can be folded down at respective fold lines 133, 135 spaced from central panel 111.

The end flaps 163, 171 can be folded inwardly at respective fold lines 165, 173 to extend away from the central panel 111 into engagement with the downwardly depending compartment flaps 121, 123. can. In this regard, the respective edges or surfaces of the bases 179, 193 may intersect with the edges or surfaces of the respective compartment flaps 121, 123.

Further, the distal portions 181, 195 are arranged such that the respective edges or surfaces of the distal portions 181, 195 intersect the edges or surfaces of the respective compartment flaps 121, 123 at respective fold lines 182, 197; It is folded so that it is spaced apart from and parallel to the panel 111. In such a configuration, the attachment tabs 183, 199 associated with the end flaps 163, 171 are folded in at their respective fold lines 185, 201 into at least partially opposing contact with the compartment flaps 123; The space created by separating the attachment tabs 137 from the compartment flaps 123 can be covered, and the attachment tabs 137 associated with the compartment flaps 121 are at least connected to the respective distal portions 181, 195 of the end flaps 163, 171. They can be folded so that they are partially opposed and in contact.

In the configuration described above, the end flaps 163, 171 and the compartment flaps 121, 123 and associated attachment tabs 137 form sides of the compartment 209 that are disposed diagonally relative to the respective end flaps 163, 171 and the central panel 111. The bases 179 , 193 of the compartment flaps 121 , 123 and the bases 181 , 195 of the respective end flaps 163 , 171 forming the bottom of the compartment 209 cooperate to form the first compartment 209 . The aforementioned arrangement of the first compartment 209 can be maintained by attaching tabs 137, 183, 199 to the respective panels and flaps, and can be maintained at least in part with an adhesive, such as an adhesive.

Similarly, the terminal flaps 167, 175 extend toward engagement with the distal portions 189, 205 to extend from the central panel 111 to engage the downwardly depending compartment flaps 129, 131. so that the edges or surfaces of their distal portions 181, 195 intersect the edges or surfaces of the respective compartment flaps 129, 131 and the center It can be folded at respective fold lines 191, 207 into an arrangement substantially spaced apart and parallel to panel 111. In such an arrangement, the attachment tabs 149, 153 associated with the compartment flaps 129, 131 are at least connected to respective portions of the distal portions 189, 205 of the terminal flaps 167, 175, e.g. It can be folded at respective fold lines 151, 155 so as to partially face and contact each other.

The terminal flaps 167, 175 and compartment flaps 129, 131 and associated attachment tabs form the sides of the compartment 211 that are disposed diagonally relative to the respective terminal flaps 167, 175 and central panel 111. The base 187 , 203 and the base 189 , 205 of the respective end flap 167 , 175 forming the bottom of the compartment 211 may cooperate to form the second compartment 211 . The arrangement of said compartments 211 can be maintained by attachment to the respective end flaps via the arrangement of tabs 149, 153, and can be maintained at least partially with adhesive.

The configuration of the tray 105 described above allows for the separation of food products for serving to one or more persons, prevents their mixing, serves main meals and side dishes, holds condiments, etc. A plurality of compartments, such as compartments 209, 211, are provided such that one or more compartments 209, 211 may be utilized. Further, due to the overlapping arrangement of compartment flaps 121, 123 and terminal flaps 163, 171, compartment flaps 129, 131 and terminal flaps 167, 175 provide compartment 209 with a strong structure that resists deformation, bending, breaking, etc. . Compartment flaps 129, 131 and end flaps 167, 175 provide a similar strong structure to second compartment 211. In this regard, the end flaps 167, 175 can be viewed as reinforcing features of the respective compartments 209, 211/tray 105.

In this regard, a first internal volume V1 of the first compartment 209 may be defined between the terminal flaps 163, 171 and the compartment flaps 121, 123, and a second internal volume V2 of the second compartment 211 may be defined between the terminal flaps 163, 171 and the compartment flaps 121, 123. It may be defined between the flaps 167, 175 and the compartment flaps 129, 131.

Although the first compartment 209 is shown as defining an interior 213 having an interior volume V1 different from, for example larger than, the interior volume V2 of the interior 215 of the second compartment 211, it will be appreciated that the compartment 209, 211 can have a different configuration or internal volume than that shown, or can have the same configuration or internal volume.

Furthermore, the above-described configuration of trays 105 allows multiple trays 105 to be nested or stacked together. For example, the upper tray 105 may be configured such that the terminal flaps and compartment flaps defining the respective compartments 209, 211 are at least partially positioned within the respective interiors 213, 215 of the respective compartments 209, 211 of the lower tray 105. Can be placed or nested in the bottom tray.

In embodiments, a liner, such as liner L (FIG. 1), may be applied to at least the interior 213, 215 of each compartment 209, 211, such that, for example, the compartment 209, 211 has leak-tight properties. It can be appreciated that the seams/intersections between each compartment flap and end flap can be covered.

In one embodiment, the container 105 is similar to the container configuration shown and described in the applications incorporated by reference (e.g., the '425 application, the '814 application, and/or the '131 application). can be formed. In the exemplary embodiment shown schematically in FIG. 4, the blank 103/container 105, or its folded configuration, can be placed on the lower die 215 of the system 217 and liner material or film sheet 219 (e.g. a polyethylene or PET web) can be fed from the feed roller 221 above the blank 103/folded blank 103. The top die 223 has a heater plate surface 225 with a PTFE coating, such as a Teflon coating. Alternatively, heater plate surface 225 can have a coating of any suitable material, or the coating can be omitted. As shown schematically in FIG. 4, the top die 223 can include a plurality of holes or ducts 227 in the heater plate surface 225 for applying vacuum and/or air pressure to the sheet 219. Lower die 215 and/or upper die 223, including duct 227 and/or heater plate 225, may have other shapes, positions, locations, and/or configurations without departing from this disclosure. For example, heater plate 225 may be omitted and heat may instead be applied to sheet 219 (eg, using a flow of hot air).

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower die 215 supports the blank 103/container 105 on the center panel 111 and/or the mounting panels 113, 117 (e.g., the mounting panels 113, 117). The blank 103/folded blank 103 can be held on the cavity 214 of the lower die 215 (facing upward). An initial vacuum may be applied to the duct 227 to draw the film sheet 219 toward the top die 223, and the top die 223 may be heated to an appropriate temperature to soften the film sheet 219 and/or activate the heat seal layer. can be converted into In place of or in addition to the initial vacuum, air pressure beneath the film sheet 219 can be used with similar or equivalent effect. Subsequently, the film sheet 219 can be pressed downwards (for example by air pressure applied by the duct 227 and/or vacuum applied from below the blank 103/container 105). Air pressure can move the film sheet 219 towards the blank 103/folded blank 103 so that the film sheet 219 can move towards the flange 120, the compartment flaps 121, 123, 129, 131 and the end flaps 163, 167, 171, A lower die 215 can support the blank 103/container 105 so that the liner L can be applied to one or more portions of the blank 103/container 105. In one embodiment, the liner L can help hold the container 105 in a tray shape after the liner L is applied to the container 105. In one embodiment, the container 105 can be removed from the lower die 215 and transported away from the forming tool, for example on a conveyor.

In one embodiment, the container 105 is formed from the blank 103 and the liner is processed at a much higher rate than a system that separates and forms the container 105 from the blank 103 and places the formed container 105 into the lower die 215. It can be applied to L. In one example, containers 105 of this embodiment may be formed from blank 103 with liner L at a rate of about 200 trays per minute. Container 105 may be formed in other ways without departing from this disclosure. For example, container 105 can be formed from blank 103 before applying liner L (eg, before engaging lower die 215).

Referring to FIG. 5, the outer surface 301 of a blank for forming a tray 305 (FIG. 6) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is indicated generally at 393. Blank 303 and tray 305 can have one or more of the following characteristics. The blank 103 and tray 105 are substantially similar to those described above, and similar or similar features are designated by similar or similar reference numerals.

Blank 303 can have substantially the same configuration as blank 103 described above, except that the end flaps that are foldably attached to side mounting panels 113, 117 are end flaps 363, 371, respectively.

As shown, the terminal flap 363 includes distal sections 181, 189 (broadly defined as a "first distal section" and a "second distal section") that are foldably connected to the base 379 at respective fold lines 182, 191. a mounting tab 183 that is foldably connected to the distal portion 181 at a fold line 185; 113 can be configured to have a base 379 foldably connected to 113 .

Similarly, the terminal flap 371 includes a distal portion 195, 205 (broadly defined as a “first base” and a “second base”) that is foldably connected to the base 393 at respective fold lines 197, 207; Attachment tab 199 that is foldably connected to distal portion 195 at fold line 201 and foldable to lateral mounting panel 117 at lateral fold line 373 (broadly referred to as a "second fold line"). It can have a connected base 393. In this regard, distal portions 181 , 189 of termination flaps 363 share a common base 379 and distal portions 195 , 205 of termination flaps 371 share a common base 393 .

Further, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the tray 305 is configured such that the bases 379, 393 of the respective end flaps 363, 373 form respective sides of the compartments 309, 311. 309 and 311 and may be formed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to tray 105 so as to provide the same advantages as described above with respect to tray 105. The aforementioned arrangement of tray 305 can be maintained at least in part by one or more applications of adhesive, such as glue.

In embodiments, a liner, such as liner L (FIG. 1), may be applied to at least the interior 413, 415 of each compartment 409, 411 and at the intersecting seam/s between the respective compartment flap and end flap. It will be appreciated that points can be covered. Application of such a liner L to the container 305 can be realized, for example, in the manner described above with respect to the container 105.

In one embodiment, the lid (not shown) may comprise a packaging film, which is a thin plastic layer used to preserve and protect the food contained in the trays 105, 305, e.g. can be removably attached to a flange of the tray 105, 305 defined by the section. Any plastic film, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, and ethylene vinyl alcohol, or other suitable material, forms a lid that is sealed against the sealing surface of the flange/center panel 111. can be used for. Additionally, an adhesive may be used between the lid and the flange/center panel sealing surface without departing from this disclosure. In one embodiment, the sealing surface of the flange includes joints, wrinkles, and fold lines that can make sealing the lidding film to the flange more difficult (e.g., can reduce the smoothness of the flange). The top surface of central panel 111 is generally free of pleats, edges, and other features. Accordingly, the top surface of the center panel 111 of the tray 105, 305 of the illustrated embodiment may provide a better sealing surface than a container having features such as pleats or joints on its top flange surface.

Any of the features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined with, replaced with, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Optionally, one or more portions of the blank or other structures described or contemplated herein may be coated with varnish, clay, or other materials alone or in combination. Product advertisements or other information or images may then be printed on the coating. The blank or other composition may also be selectively coated and/or printed such that less than the entire surface area of the blank, or substantially the entire surface area of the blank, is coated and/or printed.

Any blank, tray, or other structure of the present disclosure may optionally include one or more features that alter the effectiveness of microwave energy during heating or cooking of food associated with the tray or other structure. . For example, the blank, tray, container, or other structure may include one or more microwave energy-interactive elements (hereinafter referred to as "microwave-interactive elements") that facilitate heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food product. ) that prevents overcooking of the food or directs microwave energy toward or away from specific areas of the food. The heating, browning, and/or crisping of specific areas of the food product is facilitated and the specific areas of the food product are protected from microwave energy. Microwave-interactive elements may be capable of absorbing microwave energy, transmitting microwave energy, reflecting microwave energy, or directing microwave energy, depending on the needs or desires of the particular composition and food product. one or more microwave energy interactive materials or segments arranged in a specific configuration.

In the case of a susceptor or shield, the microwave energy interactive material may be, for example, a vacuum-deposited metal or metal alloy, or a metal ink, an organic ink, an inorganic ink, a metal paste, an organic paste, an inorganic paste, etc., or any of the above. may include conductive or semi-conductive materials such as combinations of. Examples of suitable metals and alloys include, but are not limited to, aluminum, chromium, copper, Inconel alloys (nickel chromium molybdenum alloys containing niobium), iron, magnesium, nickel, stainless steel, tin, titanium, tungsten. , and any combinations or alloys thereof are also suitable.

Alternatively, the microwave energy interactive material may include metal oxides, such as oxides of aluminum, iron, and tin, optionally used in conjunction with electrically conductive materials. Another metal oxide that may be suitable is indium tin oxide (ITO). ITO has a more uniform crystal structure and is therefore transparent at most coating thicknesses.

In a further alternative, the microwave energy interactive material may include a suitable electrically conductive, semiconductive, or nonconductive artificial dielectric or ferroelectric material. Artificial dielectrics include electrically conductive subdivided materials in a polymer or other suitable matrix or connector, and may include flakes of electrically conductive metal, such as aluminum.

In other embodiments, microwave energy interactive materials are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. It may also be carbon-based as disclosed.

In yet other embodiments, the microwave energy interactive material can interact with the magnetic portion of electromagnetic energy within the microwave oven. Correct selection of this type of material allows it to be self-limiting based on the loss of interaction when the Curie temperature of the material is reached. An example of such an interactive coating is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,283,427.

The use of other microwave energy interactive elements is also contemplated. In one example, the microwave energy interaction element may comprise a foil or high optical density deposited material having a thickness sufficient to reflect a substantial portion of the impinging microwave energy. Such elements are generally in the form of solid "patches" having a thickness of from about 0.000285 inches to about 0.005 inches, such as from about 0.0003 inches to about 0.003 inches, and are usually electrically conductive. , formed from a reflective metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. Other such elements may have a thickness of about 0.00035 inches to about 0.002 inches, such as 0.0016 inches.

In some cases, microwave energy reflective (or reflective) elements may be used as shielding elements if the food has a tendency to burn or dry out during heating. In other cases, smaller microwave energy reflecting elements may be used to diffuse or attenuate the microwave energy. One example of a material that utilizes such microwave energy reflective elements is commercially available from Graphic Packaging International, Inc. (Atlanta, Ga.) under the trade name Microlite® packaging material. In other examples, a plurality of microwave energy reflective elements can be arranged to form a microwave energy distribution element to direct microwave energy to specific areas of the food product. If desired, the loop may be long enough to resonate the microwave energy, thereby enhancing the distribution effect. Microwave energy distribution elements are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,204,492; 6,433,322; is incorporated by reference.

If desired, any of the numerous microwave energy interaction elements described or contemplated herein may be substantially continuous, i.e., substantially There may be no interruptions or interruptions, or it may be discontinuous, for example by providing one or more interruptions or openings to transmit microwave energy. The cuts or openings can extend through the entire structure or only through one or more layers. The number, shape, size, and location of such cuts or openings will depend on the type of structure being formed, the food being heated in or on it, the desired degree of cooking, browning, and/or both. crisping, whether direct exposure to microwave energy is necessary or desirable to uniformly heat the food, the need to control temperature changes in the food due to direct heating, and whether or not aeration is required. The degree can vary for specific applications.

By way of example, a microwave energy interactive element can include one or more transparent regions to provide dielectric heating of the food product. However, when the microwave energy interaction element includes a susceptor, such apertures reduce the total microwave energy interaction area and thus heat, brown, and/or crisp the surface of the food product. Reduces the amount of microwave energy interactive material available for use. However, the relative amounts of microwave energy interactive regions and microwave energy transparent regions may be balanced to achieve the overall heating characteristics desired for a particular food product.

As another example, one or more portions of the susceptor may be exposed to areas of the food that are not intended to be browned or crisped, or that are to be heated, browned, and/or crisped rather than lost to the heating environment. The microwave energy may be designed to be inert to ensure efficient concentration. Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous to create one or more discontinuities or inert regions to prevent overheating or scorching of the structure containing the food product and/or susceptor.

As yet another example, the susceptor may include one or more " ``fuse'' elements may be incorporated and may tend to get too hot. The size and shape of the fuse can be changed as required. Examples of susceptors including such fuses are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,187, U.S. Pat. No. 0035634A1, and PCT Application Publication No. WO2007/127371, published on November 8, 2007, and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

All dimensional information presented herein is intended to illustrate particular aspects, features, etc. of various embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. do not have. The dimensions of the blank, container, forming tool, mechanism, or any other dimensions may be greater or less than those shown and described in this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and the dimensions ranges listed. It may be within. There may be variations outside of the dimensions recited for each feature or features without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Blanks according to the invention can be formed, for example, from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the blank can be coated inside and/or outside with a clay coating. And the clay coating can be printed with products, advertisements, price codes and other information and images. The blank may then be coated with varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. For example, the blank may be coated with a moisture barrier layer on one or both sides of the blank.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the blank may be constructed of caliper paperboard so that it is heavier and stiffer than regular paper. The blank may also be constructed of other materials such as cardboard, rigid paper, or other materials having suitable properties to enable the carton package to at least generally function as described above. The foregoing description illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present disclosure. Since various modifications may be made to the configurations described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. intended to be interpreted. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention includes various modifications, combinations, changes, etc. of the above embodiments. Additionally, while this disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, various other combinations, modifications, and environments are contemplated and within the scope of the inventive concepts expressed herein. The above teachings are within the skill or knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art commensurate with and/or related to the above teachings. Furthermore, particular features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The present invention has been shown and described in various implementations. Various changes can be made in the configuration described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. All matter contained in any disclosure or shown in the accompanying drawings is illustrative only and shall not be construed in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure includes various modifications, combinations, and substitutions of the above implementations. In addition, the disclosure refers only to selected embodiments, and it is within the scope of the inventive concept, as presented herein, that within the skill and skill of the art, consistent with the above teachings, and/or Various other combinations, variations, and backgrounds may be incorporated within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively substituted and applied to those shown and not shown elsewhere without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (61)

A tray holding a plurality of foods, the tray comprising:
multiple panels including a central panel;
a plurality of compartment flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels;
a plurality of end flaps bendably connected to each of the plurality of panels;
The tray wherein the plurality of compartment flaps and the plurality of end flaps overlap to form a plurality of compartments of the tray. 2. The connected tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps include a first compartment flap foldable with the central panel and a second compartment flap foldable with the central panel. Prepared tray. 3. The connected tray of claim 2, wherein the plurality of end flaps extend from the center panel and connect respective portions of the first and second compartment flaps to the plurality of end flaps of the tray. A tray comprising a first end flap that engages to at least partially form a first section of the compartments. 4. The connected tray of claim 3, wherein the central panel defines a flange for at least partially receiving a liner. 5. The tray of claim 4, further comprising, in combination with the liner, the liner comprising: the flange, at least one of the plurality of compartment flaps, and one of the plurality of end flaps. a tray disposed in part with at least one end flap of the tray; 4. The tray according to claim 3, wherein one of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap has a fold line that intersects with a notch adjacent to the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap. the first end flap is foldably connected to a respective one of the plurality of panels at a second fold line, the second fold line extending from the notch; Trays that are spaced apart. 4. The tray of claim 3, wherein the first end flap includes a base extending from the central panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the base. 8. The tray of claim 7, wherein the distal portion is disposed diagonally with respect to the base, and the distal portion is disposed generally parallel to the central panel. 9. The tray of claim 8, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to one of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap and is at least partially connected to a distal portion of the first end flap. Trays arranged so that they face each other and touch each other. 10. The tray of claim 9, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to the distal portion of the first end flap and is at least partially connected to the other of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap. Trays placed opposite each other. 9. The tray of claim 8, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second end flap extending spaced apart from the central panel, and wherein the first and second compartment flaps are separated from each other. a tray engaging a portion of each to at least partially form the first compartment; 12. The tray of claim 11, wherein the interior volume of the first compartment is between the first compartment flap, the second compartment flap, the first end flap, and the second end flap. Tray defined. 13. The tray of claim 12, wherein the plurality of panels include a first mounting panel foldably connected to the center panel and a second mounting panel foldably connected to the center panel. , wherein the first end flap is foldably connected to the first mounting panel and the second end flap is foldably connected to the second mounting panel. 14. The tray of claim 13, wherein each of the first mounting panel and the second mounting panel is at least partially in opposing contact with the center panel. 13. The tray of claim 12, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps include a third compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel and a fourth compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel. A tray further comprising. 16. The tray of claim 15, wherein the plurality of end flaps extend spaced apart from the central panel and engage a portion of each of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap. The tray further comprises a third end flap forming a second section of the plurality of sections of the tray. 17. The tray of claim 16, wherein the third end flap has a base extending away from the central panel and a distal portion bendably connected to the base of the third end flap. A tray comprising a section and a tray. 18. The tray of claim 17, wherein the plurality of end flaps extend away from the central panel and engage a portion of each of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap. The tray further comprises a fourth terminal flap at least partially forming the second section of the plurality of sections of the tray. 19. The tray of claim 18, wherein the second internal volume of the second compartment is defined between the third compartment flap, the fourth compartment flap, the third end flap, and the fourth end flap. , the second internal volume is different from the first internal volume. 16. The tray of claim 15, wherein the distal portion of the first end flap is a first distal portion foldably connected to the base, and wherein the first end flap is foldably connected to the base. further comprising a bendably connected second distal portion, the second distal portion of the one end flap engaging a portion of each of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap; a tray at least partially forming a second compartment of the plurality of compartments. 21. The tray of claim 20, wherein a portion of the second end flap engages a portion of each of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap to A tray at least partially forming said second of the compartments. A blank for forming a tray holding a plurality of foods, the blank comprising:
multiple panels including a central panel;
a plurality of compartment flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels;
a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels, the plurality of compartment flaps and the plurality of end flaps forming a plurality of compartments of the tray formed from the blank. Blanks that overlap as shown. 23. The connected blank of claim 22, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps includes a first compartment flap foldable with the central panel and a second compartment flap foldable with the central panel. Prepare blank. 24. The connected blank of claim 23, wherein the plurality of end flaps are positioned to extend from the central panel, and each of the first and second compartment flaps is connected to the A blank comprising a first end flap that engages to at least partially form a first section of the plurality of sections of the tray from the blank. 25. The connected blank of claim 24, wherein the center panel defines a flange for at least partially receiving a liner. 26. The blank of claim 25, further comprising, in combination with the liner, the liner including the flange, at least one of the plurality of compartment flaps, and one of the plurality of end flaps. a blank disposed in part with at least one end flap of the blank; 25. The blank of claim 24, wherein one of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap has a fold line that intersects a notch adjacent the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap. the first end flap is foldably connected to a respective one of the plurality of panels at a second fold line, the second fold line extending from the notch; Blanks spaced apart. 25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the first end flap includes a base extending from the central panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the base. 29. The blank of claim 28, wherein the distal portion is disposed obliquely to the base, and the distal portion is disposed generally parallel to the central panel. 30. The blank of claim 29, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to one of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap, and wherein the mounting tab is foldably connected to one of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap, and the mounting tab is foldably connected to one of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap, and A blank positioned in at least partially opposing contact with the distal portion of the termination flap. 31. The blank of claim 30, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to the distal portion of the first end flap and is attached to the first compartment flap when the tray is formed from the blank. a blank disposed at least partially opposite the other of said second compartment flaps; 30. The blank of claim 29, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second end flap positioned to extend away from the center panel, and wherein the tray is formed from the blank. a blank that engages a portion of each of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap to at least partially form the first compartment during assembly; 33. The blank of claim 32, wherein the plurality of panels include a first mounting panel foldably connected to the center panel and a second mounting panel foldably connected to the center panel. , wherein the first end flap is foldably connected to the first mounting panel and the second end flap is foldably connected to the second mounting panel. 34. The blank of claim 33, wherein each of the first mounting panel and the second mounting panel at least partially faces and contacts the center panel when the tray is formed from the blank. Blanks placed so that 33. The blank of claim 32, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps include a third compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel and a fourth compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel. A blank further comprising: 36. The blank of claim 35, wherein the plurality of end flaps are positioned to extend apart from the central panel and include a portion of each of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap. the blank further comprising a third end flap that engages with the blank to form a second section of the plurality of sections of the tray formed from the blank. 37. The blank of claim 36, wherein the third end flap comprises a base portion and a distal portion foldably connected to the base portion of the third end flap. 38. The blank of claim 37, wherein the plurality of end flaps are positioned to extend away from the center panel, and each of the third and fourth compartment flaps The blank further comprises a fourth terminal flap that engages a fourth end flap to at least partially form the second section of the plurality of sections of the tray formed from the blank. 36. The blank of claim 35, wherein the distal portion of the first end flap is a first distal portion foldably connected to the base, and wherein the first end flap is foldably connected to the base. further comprising a bendably connected second distal portion, the second distal portion of the one end flap being positioned to engage a portion of each of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap. and a blank at least partially forming a second section of the plurality of sections of the tray formed from the blank. 40. The blank of claim 39, wherein a portion of the second end flap is positioned to engage a portion of each of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap, and A blank at least partially forming the second section of the plurality of sections of the tray being formed. A method of forming a tray for holding a plurality of foods, the method comprising:
a plurality of panels including a central panel; a plurality of compartment flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels; and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels. the plurality of compartment flaps and the plurality of end flaps forming a plurality of compartments of the tray; 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps comprises a first compartment flap foldable with the central panel and a second compartment flap foldable with the central panel. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises a first end flap, and wherein the method extends from the central panel and includes respective portions of the first and second compartment flaps. a first end flap that engages the tray to at least partially form a first section of the plurality of sections of the tray. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the central panel defines a flange for at least partially receiving a liner. 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising: a portion of the flange, at least one compartment flap of the plurality of compartment flaps, and at least one terminal flap of the plurality of terminal flaps. , how to place the liner. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein one of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap has a fold line that intersects a notch adjacent the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap. the first end flap is foldably connected to a respective one of the plurality of panels at a second fold line, the second fold line extending from the notch; How to stay apart. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the first end flap comprises a base extending from the central panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the base. 48. The method of claim 47, comprising arranging the distal portion obliquely relative to the base and substantially parallel to the central panel. 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to one of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap, the method connecting at least one distal portion of the first end flap. A method comprising arranging partially oppositely and in contact with each other. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to the distal portion of the first end flap, and wherein the method includes attaching the attachment tab to the distal portion of the first end flap. and at least partially opposing each other. 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second end flap, the second end flap extending away from the central panel with the first section flap. A method of engaging a respective portion of the second compartment flap to at least partially form the first compartment. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the interior volume of the first compartment is between the first compartment flap, the second compartment flap, the first end flap, and the second end flap. How it is defined. 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the plurality of panels include a first mounting panel foldably connected to the center panel and a second mounting panel foldably connected to the center panel. The method further comprises: the first end flap being foldably connected to the first mounting panel, and the second end flap being foldably connected to the second mounting panel. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein each of the first mounting panel and the second mounting panel is placed in at least partially opposing contact with the center panel. 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps include a third compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel and a fourth compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel. How to further prepare for and. 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a third end flap extending spaced apart from the central panel, the third section flap and the fourth section The method comprising positioning the third end flap to engage a respective portion of the flap to form a second section of the plurality of sections of the tray. 57. The method of claim 56, wherein the third end flap has a base extending away from the central panel and a distal portion bendably connected to the base of the third end flap. and a method of providing. 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a fourth end flap extending away from the central panel, the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap The method comprises positioning the fourth termination flap to engage a portion of each of the plurality of compartments to at least partially form the second compartment of the plurality of compartments of the tray. 59. The method of claim 58, wherein the second interior volume of the second compartment is defined between the third compartment flap, the fourth compartment flap, the third terminal flap, and the fourth terminal flap. , wherein the second internal volume is different from the first internal volume. 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the distal portion of the first end flap is a first distal portion foldably connected to the base, and the first end flap is foldably connected to the base. further comprising a second distal portion bendably connected to the second distal portion of the one end flap to engage a portion of each of the third and fourth compartment flaps; a second section of the plurality of sections of the tray. 61. The method of claim 60, wherein a portion of the second end flap is engaged with a portion of each of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap to remove the plurality of compartments of the tray. A method comprising at least partially forming said second compartment of a container.