KR20230156099A - tray with compartments - Google Patents

Abstract

A tray for storing one or more foodstuffs includes a plurality of panels including a central panel, a plurality of compartment flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels, and a plurality of compartment flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels. It includes a plurality of end flaps, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps and the plurality of end flaps overlap to form a plurality of compartments of the tray.

Description

tray with compartments

Cross-reference to related applications

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

Inclusion by reference

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/159,015, filed on March 10, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16/532,819, filed on August 6, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application filed on May 23, 2019 No. 62/851,932, filed January 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,716, filed August 7, 2018 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/715,520, filed July 17, 2018 U.S. Patent Application No. 16/037,425, filed on March 28, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/649,159, filed on March 16, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/643,914, filed on March 16, 2018, U.S. Patent Application No. 15/654,814, filed July 20, 2017; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/365,635, filed July 22, 2016; and U.S. Patent Application No. 62/365,635, filed July 22, 2016. No. 12/992,131, the disclosure of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/GB/09/50506, filed May 13, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set forth herein in its entirety.

This disclosure relates to blanks, containers, trays, structures, and various features and methods for forming a container from a blank. More specifically, the present disclosure generally relates to containers having multiple compartments.

According to one aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a tray for storing one or more food products, the tray comprising a plurality of panels including a central panel, a plurality of compartment flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels. and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps and the plurality of end flaps overlap to form a plurality of compartments of the tray.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a tray for storing one or more food products, the blank comprising a plurality of panels including a central panel, each panel of the plurality of panels being foldable. a plurality of compartment flaps connected, and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps and the plurality of end flaps overlap to form a plurality of compartments of the tray formed from the blank. It is to become.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a tray for storing one or more food products, the method comprising a plurality of panels including a central panel, each panel of the plurality of panels being foldably connected to each other. Obtaining a blank including a plurality of compartment flaps and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels. The method further includes overlapping a plurality of compartment flaps and a plurality of end flaps to form a plurality of compartments of the tray.

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

In accordance with common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements within the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the disclosure.
1 is a top view of a blank used to form a tray according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a tray formed from the blank of Figure 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the tray of Figure 2;
4 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for forming a container in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a top view of a blank used to form a tray according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a tray formed from the blank of Figure 5 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the tray of Fig. 6;
Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings.

The present disclosure generally addresses various aspects of containers, constructs, trays, materials, packages, elements and articles, and such containers, constructs, trays, materials, packages, elements and articles. It is about their manufacturing methods. Although several different aspects, implementations, and embodiments are disclosed, various interrelationships, combinations, and modifications of the various aspects, implementations, and embodiments are hereby contemplated. In one illustrated embodiment, the present disclosure relates to forming a container or tray for storing food products or various other items. However, in other embodiments, the container or tray may be used to form other non-food containing items or may be used for heating or cooking.

1 illustrates the 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 (e.g., solid bleached sulfate folding boxboard), or other suitable material that is suitable for use in an oven (not shown) and/or may be recyclable. do. The blank 103 may have a liner L comprising a plastic layer such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, or any other thermoplastic material, or a bioplastic such as vegetable oil or starch-based plastics. . In one embodiment, this liner may include polyethylene that can be softened and fused to the blank 103. In an alternative embodiment, the liner for attachment to the blank 103 is PET or a similar material (e.g., DuPont Teijin Films U.S. Limited, Hopewell, VA) that is at least partially attached to the blank 103 by a heat seal layer. a thermoformable sealant grade clear polyester packaging film, such as Mylar® , PET liners may be more suitable for applications requiring heating of the container in an oven. Such a liner may be at least partially attached to the blank 103 to be placed in contact with one or more foods stored within the container 105 (e.g., during heating). In one embodiment, after heating the food, the blank 103 and accompanying liner L can be separated so that both blank 103 and liner can be individually recycled.

Blank 103 may be formed from a single ply of material such as, but not limited to, paperboard, cardboard, paper, polymer sheet, and/or a laminate containing more than one layer. In one embodiment, blank 103 may include a microwave interaction layer (not shown), such as is common in MicroRite® containers available from Graphic Packaging International, Atlanta, GA. You can. Microwave interaction layer may generally be referred to as a susceptor, foil, microwave shield, or any other term or component meaning a layer of material suitable for shielding microwave energy and/or causing heating in a microwave oven. or may have these as one of its components.

As shown in Figure 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal direction (L1) and a lateral direction (L2). In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 includes a center panel 111, a first side attachment panel 113 foldably connected to the center panel 111 at a lateral fold line 115, and a lateral fold line 119. ) has a second side attachment panel 117 foldedly connected to the center panel 111.

As shown, the peripheral area of the central panel 111 may form the flange 120 of the blank 103/container 105.

The first compartment flap 121 and the second compartment flap 123 have respective longitudinal fold lines 125, 127 (broadly, each “second”) to at least partially form a first compartment of the tray 105. 1 fold line") and can be positioned inside the outer edges of the center panel 111, the first compartment flap 129 (broadly, the "third compartment flap") and a second compartment flap 131 (broadly referred to as a “fourth compartment flap”) extending from each of the longitudinal fold lines 133, 135 (broadly referred to as a “fourth compartment flap”) to form a second compartment of the tray 105. It may be foldably connected to the center panel 111 at a “first fold line”) and positioned inside the outer edges of the center panel 111 .

The attachment tab 137 may be foldably connected to the first compartment flap 121 at a longitudinal fold line 139 . The attachment tab 137 may be separable from the second compartment flap 123 at a cut 141 having one or more angled, beveled, and/or curved portions, and the compartment flaps 121, 123 may have a fold line ( It may be separable from the longitudinal cut portion 143 interrupted by 139). As also shown, a pair of generally triangular cutouts 145, 147 may be provided in the central panel 111 on opposite sides of the compartment flaps 121, 123, each compartment flap ( 121, 123) can form each of the free edges.

Similarly, attachment tab 149 may be foldably connected to first compartment flap 129 at longitudinal fold line 151 and attachment tab 153 may be folded to second compartment flap (129) at longitudinal fold line 155. 131), and the attachment tabs 149 and 153 are detachable at the longitudinal cut portion 157. A pair of generally triangular cutouts 159, 161 may be provided in the central panel 111 on opposite sides of the compartment flaps 129, 131, each of the respective compartment flaps 129, 131. Free edges can be formed.

In this regard, the fold lines 125, 127, 133, 135 are formed by the respective cutouts 145, 147, 159, 161 and/or the respective compartment flaps 121, 123, 129, 131. It may be positioned along and/or intersecting a portion of each of the openings in central panel 111 .

A plurality of end flaps are attached to each panel of the plurality of panels of blank 103 and folded to first side attachment panel 113 at a lateral fold line 165 (broadly, a “second fold line”). a first side end flap 163 (broadly “first end flap”) connected to the first side attachment panel 113 at a lateral fold line 169 (broadly “second fold line”). A second foldable lateral end flap 167 (broadly referred to as “first end flap” or “third end flap”), positioned at a lateral fold line 173 (broadly referred to as “second fold line”). 2 a first side end flap 171 (broadly referred to as a “second end flap”) foldably connected to the side attachment panel 117, and a lateral fold line 177 (broadly referred to as a “second fold line”) may include a second side end flap 175 (broadly referred to as a “second end flap” or “fourth end flap”) that is foldably connected to the second side attachment panel 117. In this regard, the fold lines 165, 169, 173, 177 form a central panel 111 formed by cutouts 145, 147, 159, 161 and/or partition flaps 121, 123, 129, 131. ) can be located away from the opening in the.

The first side end flap 163 is at a lateral fold line 182 and a base/side portion 179 that is foldably connected to the first side attachment panel 113 at a lateral fold line 165, as shown. It may include a distal part/bottom part 181 foldedly connected to the base part 179. Attachment tab 183 may be foldably connected to the 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 attachment panel 113 at a lateral fold line 169 and a base portion 187 at a lateral fold line 191. It may include a distal/bottom portion 189 that is foldably connected to.

Similarly, the first side end flap 171 has a base/side portion 193 that is foldably connected to the second side attachment panel 117 at a lateral fold line 173 and a lateral fold line ( 197) may include a distal/bottom portion 195 foldedly connected to the base portion 193. Attachment tab 199 may be foldably connected to the distal portion 195 of end flap 171 at longitudinal fold line 201 . The second side end flap 175 has a base/side portion 203 foldably connected to the second side attachment panel 117 at a lateral fold line 117, and a base portion 203 at a lateral fold line 207. ) may include a distal/bottom portion 205 that is foldably connected to the.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , according to one embodiment, attachment panels 113 and 117 have respective fold lines ( 115, 119) can be folded. Additionally, the compartment flap 121/attachment tab 137 and compartment flap 123 are separated at the respective cuts 141 and 143 and spaced apart from the central panel 111 at the respective fold lines 125 and 127. It can be folded downward. Similarly, compartment flap 129/attachment tab 149 and compartment flap 131/attachment tab 153 are separated at cutout 157 and spaced apart from central panel 111 at respective fold lines 133, 135. ) can be folded downward.

The end flaps 163, 171 can be folded inwardly at their respective fold lines 165, 173 to extend away from the central panel 111 toward engagement with the downwardly-suspended compartment flaps 121, 123. there is. In this regard, an edge or surface of each of the base portions 179, 193 may intersect an edge or surface of each of the compartment flaps 121, 123.

Additionally, the distal portions 181, 195 may be folded at respective fold lines 182, 197 in an arrangement generally spaced apart and parallel to the central panel 111, and the edges or The surface intersects the edge or surface of each of the compartment flaps 121, 123. In this arrangement, the attachment tabs 183, 199 associated with the end flaps 163, 171 are at least flush with the compartment flap 123 so as to overlie the space formed by the separation of the attachment tab 137 from the compartment flap 123. It can be folded at the respective fold lines 185, 201 in partial face-to-face contact, and the attachment tab 137 associated with the compartment flap 121 is positioned at the respective distal portions of the end flaps 163, 171 ( 181, 195) and can be folded to make at least partial face-to-face contact.

In this arrangement, end flaps 163, 171 and compartment flaps 121, 123 and associated attachment tabs 137 cooperate to form a first compartment 209, each of the end flaps 163 The base portions 179, 193 of 171 and the compartment flaps 121, 123 form the sides of the compartment 209 arranged at an angle with respect to the central panel 111, and the respective end flaps 163, 171 ) of the base portions 181 and 195 form the bottom of the compartment 209. The aforementioned arrangement of the first section 209 can be maintained through attachment of tabs 137, 183, 199 to the respective panels and flaps, which can be maintained at least in part with an adhesive such as glue. there is.

Similarly, end flaps 167, 175 are directed inwardly at their respective fold lines 169, 177 to extend away from central panel 111 toward engagement with downwardly-suspended compartment flaps 129, 131. Can be folded, the distal portions 189, 205 can be folded at respective fold lines 191, 207 in an arrangement generally spaced apart and parallel to the central panel 111, and the distal portions 181, 195, respectively ) intersects the edge or surface of each of the compartment flaps 129, 131. In this arrangement, the attachment tabs 149, 153 associated with the compartment flaps 129, 131 are attached to respective portions of the end flaps 167, 175, e.g. It can be folded at each of the fold lines 151 and 155 to make at least partial face-to-face contact with the distal portions 189 and 205 of the folding lines 151 and 155, respectively.

Accordingly, the end flaps 167, 175 and compartment flaps 129, 131 and associated attachment tabs may cooperate to form the second compartment 211, with each of the end flaps 167, 175 The base portions 187, 203 and compartment flaps 129, 131 form the sides of the compartment 211 arranged at an angle with respect to the central panel 111, and the base of each of the end flaps 167, 175 Cattails 189, 205 form the bottom of compartment 211. The aforementioned arrangement of sections 211 can be maintained through attachment of tabs 149, 153 to the respective end flaps and at least partially maintained with adhesive.

The aforementioned arrangement of the tray 105 allows for the separation of foodstuffs, for example for serving to more than one person, prevents their mixing, provides a main plate and a side plate, and provides compartments 209, 211. ) Provides a plurality of compartments, for example, compartments 209 and 211, that allow for storing seasoning using one or more of the following. Additionally, the overlapping arrangement of compartment flaps 121, 123 and end flaps 163, 171 provides compartment 209 with a robust structure that resists deformation, bending, crushing, etc. The overlapping arrangement of compartment flaps 129, 131 and end flaps 167, 175 provides a similarly robust structure to second compartment 211. In this regard, the end flaps 167, 175 may be considered reinforcing features of the respective compartments 209, 211/tray 105.

In this regard, the first interior volume V1 of the first compartment 209 may be defined between the end flaps 163 , 171 and the compartment flaps 121 , 123 and of the second compartment 211 A second interior volume V2 may be defined between the end flaps 167 , 175 and the partition flaps 129 , 131 .

The first compartment 209 is illustrated as forming an interior 213 with an interior volume V1 that is different, for example larger, than the interior volume V2 of the interior 215 of the second compartment 211. However, it will be appreciated that one or both of the compartments 209, 211 may have a different configuration or internal volume than illustrated, or may have the same configuration or volume.

Additionally, the configuration of the tray 105 mentioned above allows multiple trays 105 to be stacked or stacked on top of each other. For example, the upper tray 105 has end flaps defining respective compartments 209, 211 within respective interiors 213, 215 of the respective compartments 209, 211 of the lower tray 105. It can be seated or nested within the lower tray below by at least partially positioning the flaps and compartment flaps.

In embodiments, a liner, such as liner L (Figure 1), may be applied to at least the interiors 213, 215 of each of the compartments 209, 211, for example compartments 209, 211. It will be appreciated that it can be placed over the seams/points of intersection between the end flaps and the respective compartment flaps to have these leak-resistant properties.

In one embodiment, vessel 105 is formed similarly to the vessels shown and described in 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 , a blank 103/vessel 105 or its folded configuration may be placed on the lower die 215 of the system 217 and filled with a liner material or film sheet ( 219) (e.g., polyethylene or PET web) may be fed from a feed roller 221 on the blank 103/folded blank 103. The top die 223 has a heater plate surface 225 with a PTFE coating, for example a Teflon® coating. Alternatively, heater plate surface 225 may have a coating of any suitable material, or the coating may be omitted. As schematically shown in FIG. 4 , top die 223 has a plurality of holes or ducts 227 within heater plate surface 225 for applying vacuum and/or air pressure on sheet 219. It can be included. Lower die 215 and/or upper die 223 including ducts 227 and/or heater plate 225 may be shaped, arranged, positioned and/or configured in other ways without departing from the present disclosure. there is. For example, heater plate 225 may be omitted and heat may be applied to sheet 219 alternatively (e.g., with a stream of hot air).

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower die 215 is positioned on the blank 103/container in the center panel 111 and/or the attachment panels 113, 117 (e.g., with the center panel 111 facing upward). The blank 103/folded blank 103 can be stored over the cavity 214 within the lower die 215 while supporting 105 . An initial vacuum may be applied to the ducts 227 to pull the film sheet 219 toward the upper die 223, which may soften the film sheet 219 and/or activate the heat seal layer. It can be heated to a temperature suitable for . Instead of, or in addition to, the initial vacuum, air pressure under the film sheet 219 may be used with similar or identical effect. The film sheet 219 may then be forced downward (e.g., by air pressure applied by ducts 227 and/or vacuum applied from below blank 103/vessel 105). . Air pressure may move the film sheet 219 towards the blank 103/folded blank 103 and allow the film sheet 219 to adhere to the flange 120, compartment flaps 121 to form the liner L. , 123, 129, 131 and end flaps 163, 167, 171, 175. The lower die 215 may support the blank 103/container 105. In one embodiment, the liner (L) may help maintain the container (105) in its tray shape after the liner (L) is applied to the blank (103)/folded blank (103)/container (105). In one embodiment, the container 105 may be discharged from the lower die 215 and transported away from the forming tool, for example on a conveyor.

In one embodiment, the vessel 105 may be formed from a blank 103 and a system of separately forming the vessel 105 from the blank 103 and then placing the formed vessel 105 within the lower die 215. The liner L can be applied thereto at a much higher rate than the others. In one example, the container 105 of this embodiment can be formed from a blank 103 with liner L at a rate of approximately 200 trays/minute. Container 105 may be formed differently without departing from the present disclosure. For example, container 105 may be formed from blank 103 prior to applying liner L (e.g., prior to joining lower die 215).

Referring to Figure 5, the outer surface 301 of a blank for forming a tray 305 (Figure 6) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated 393. Blank 303 and tray 305 may have one or more features substantially similar to those previously described with respect to blank 103 and tray 105, and like or similar features are designated by like or similar reference numerals. .

The blank 303 has generally the same configuration as the blank 103 described above, except that the end flaps folded and attached to the side attachment panels 113 and 117 are respective end flaps 363 and 371. You can have it.

As shown, the end flap 363 may have a base portion 379 that is foldably connected to the side attachment panel 113 at a lateral fold line 365 (broadly, a “second fold line”); Distal portions 181, 189 (broadly, “first distal portion” and “second distal portion”) are foldably connected to base portion 379 at respective fold lines 182, 191 and have attachment tabs 183. is folded and connected to the distal portion 181 at the fold line 185.

Similarly, end flap 371 can have a base portion 393 foldably connected to the side attachment panel 117 at a lateral fold line 373 (broadly, a “second fold line”) and have distal portions. (195, 205) (broadly, the “first base portion” and “second base portion”) are foldably connected to the base portion 393 at respective fold lines 197, 207, and have an attachment tab 199 is folded and connected to the distal portion 195 at the fold line 201. In this regard, the distal portions 181, 189 of the end flap 363 share a common base portion 379, and the distal portions 195, 205 of the end flap 371 share a common base portion 393. do.

With further reference to Figures 6 and 7, the tray 305 has a base portion 379, 393 of each of the end flaps 363, 373 forming the side portions of each of the compartments 309, 311. Except that the sections 379 and 393 span the respective compartments 309 and 311, and may be formed in a similar manner as described above with respect to the tray 105, It has similar advantages. The aforementioned arrangement of trays 305 may be maintained at least in part with one or more applications of an adhesive, such as glue.

In embodiments, a liner, such as liner L (FIG. 1), may be applied to at least the interiors 413, 415 of each of the compartments 409, 411, between the respective compartment flaps and the end flaps. It will be understood that can be placed on the seams/points of intersection of . This application of the liner L to the container 305 can be achieved, for example, in the manner previously mentioned in relation to the container 105 .

In one embodiment, the cover (not shown) may include a packaging film, which is a thin plastic layer used to preserve and protect the food contained in the trays 105, 305, e.g., center panel 111. Can be removably attached to the flanges of the trays 105, 305 defined by a portion of. Any plastic film, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, and ethylene vinyl alcohol, or other suitable material to form a cover that is sealed against the sealing surface of the flange/center panel 111. can be used for Additionally, adhesives may be used between the lid and the sealing surface of the flange/center panel without departing from the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the sealing surface of the flange generally has joints, creases, folds, creases, edges, and other surfaces that may make sealing the cover film to the flange more difficult (e.g., reduce the smoothness of the flange). and the upper surface of the central panel 111 free of other features. Accordingly, the top surface of the center panel 111 in the trays 105, 305 of the illustrated embodiment may provide a better sealing surface than a container having features such as wrinkles or joints on its top flange surface.

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

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

Any of the blanks, trays, or other structures 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, a blank, tray, container, or other structure may promote heating, browning, and/or crisping of certain areas of the food, shield certain areas of the food from microwave energy to prevent overcooking thereof, or , or may be formed at least in part from one or more microwave energy interacting elements (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “microwave interacting elements”) that transmit microwave energy toward or away from a specific area of the food. Each microwave interacting element is arranged in a particular configuration to absorb microwave energy, transmit microwave energy, reflect microwave energy, or direct microwave energy, as needed or desired for the particular construct and food product. It includes one or more microwave energy interacting materials or segments.

For susceptors or shields, the microwave energy interaction material may be an electrically conductive or semiconducting material, such as a vacuum deposited metal or metal alloy, or a metallic ink, an organic ink, an inorganic ink, a metallic paste, an organic paste, an inorganic paste. , or any combination thereof. Examples of metals and metal alloys that may be suitable include aluminum, chromium, copper, Inconel alloys (nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy with niobium), iron, magnesium, nickel, stainless steel, tin, titanium, tungsten, and others. Including, but not limited to, any combination or alloy of

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

Also alternatively, the microwave energy interaction material may include a suitable electrically conductive, semiconducting, or non-conductive artificial dielectric or ferroelectric. Artificial dielectrics include conductive, granular materials in a polymer or other suitable matrix or binder, and may include flakes of an electrically conductive metal, such as aluminum.

In other embodiments, the microwave energy interaction material may be carbon-based, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,943,456, 5,002,826, 5,118,747, and 5,410,135.

In still other embodiments, a microwave energy interacting material can interact with the magnetic portion of electromagnetic energy within a microwave oven. Properly chosen materials of this type can self-limit based on the loss of interaction when the material's Curie temperature is reached. An example of such an interactive coating is described in US Pat. No. 4,283,427.

The use of other microwave energy interacting elements is also contemplated. In one example, the microwave energy interacting element may include a foil or high optical density evaporating material with a sufficient thickness to reflect a significant portion of the impinging microwave energy. These elements are typically in the form of solid “patches” having a thickness generally from about 0.000285 inches to about 0.005 inches, for example from about 0.0003 inches to about 0.003 inches, made of a conductive, reflective metal or metal alloy, e.g. Formed from 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 reflecting (or reflective) elements can be used as shielding elements where food is prone to scorching or drying during heating. In other cases, smaller microwave energy reflecting elements may be used to diffuse or reduce the intensity of the microwave energy. An example of a material utilizing these microwave energy reflecting elements is commercially available from Graphic Packaging International, Inc. (Atlanta, GA) under the trade name MicroRite® packaging material. In other examples, a plurality of microwave energy reflecting elements can be arranged to form a microwave energy distribution element for directing microwave energy to specific areas of the food. If desired, the loops can have a length that allows the microwave energy to resonate, thereby improving the distribution effect. Microwave energy distribution elements are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,204,492, 6,433,322, 6,552,315, and 6,677,563, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Where desired, any of the plurality of microwave energy interacting elements described or contemplated herein may be substantially continuous, i.e., with no substantial gaps or interruptions, or, for example, one or more gaps that transmit microwave energy. Or it may be discontinuous by including openings. Gaps or openings may extend through the entire structure or only through one or more layers. The number, shape, size, and location of such crevices or openings will depend on the type of structure being formed, the food to be heated in or on it, the degree of heating, browning, and/or crisping required, and the direct exposure to microwave energy. This may vary for the particular application depending on whether it is necessary or desirable to achieve uniform heating of the food, the need to control temperature changes in the food through direct heating, and whether and to what extent aeration is required.

By way of example, the microwave energy interacting element may include one or more transparent regions for dielectric heating effect on food. However, when the microwave energy interaction element includes a susceptor, these openings reduce the total microwave energy interaction area and thus the microwave energy interaction available for heating, browning, and/or crisping the surface of the food. Reduces the amount of action material. Accordingly, the relative amounts of microwave energy interacting areas and microwave energy transparent areas can be balanced to obtain the overall heating characteristics desired for a particular food product.

As another example, one or more portions of the susceptor may be located in areas where the microwave energy will be heated, browned, and/or crisped, rather than being lost to the heating environment or to parts of the food that are not intended to be browned and/or crisped. Microwave energy can be designed to be inert to ensure that it is efficiently concentrated. Additionally or alternatively, it may be advantageous to create one or more discontinuities or inactive regions to prevent overheating or carbonization of the food product and/or construct containing the susceptor.

As another example, the susceptor limits the propagation of cracks in the susceptor, thereby controlling overheating, in areas of the susceptor where heat transfer to the food is low and the susceptor may tend to get too hot. It may contain one or more “fuse” elements that The size and shape of the fuses can be changed as needed. Examples of susceptors containing such fuses include, for example, US Pat. No. 5,412,187, US Pat. No. 5,530,231, US Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0035634A1, published February 14, 2008, and US Pat. PCT Application Publication No. WO 2007/127371, published November 8, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

All dimensional information presented herein is intended to illustrate specific aspects, features, etc. of various embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Dimensions of blanks, containers, forming tools, features, or any other dimensions may be larger or smaller than those shown and described in this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. may be within the ranges of dimensions listed for each feature or outside the ranges of dimensions listed for each feature without departing from the scope of.

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

According to exemplary embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of caliper paperboard to be heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks may also be comprised of other materials such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material with properties suitable to allow the carton package to function at least generally as previously described.

The foregoing description illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present disclosure. Since various changes can be made in the foregoing configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, all matters included in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be construed in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Additionally, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, and variations of the previously-described embodiments. Additionally, although this disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments, various other combinations, modifications, and circumstances are contemplated, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, consistent with the foregoing teachings. within, and/or within the skill or knowledge of a related art. Additionally, specific features and characteristics of each embodiment may be optionally exchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (61)

A tray for storing one or more food products, comprising:
a plurality of panels including a central panel;
a plurality of compartment flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels; and
comprising a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels,
A tray, wherein a plurality of compartment flaps and a plurality of end flaps overlap to form a plurality of compartments of the tray. The tray of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of compartment flaps include a first compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel and a second compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel. 3. The tray of claim 2, wherein the plurality of end flaps extend away from the central panel and engage a portion of each of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap to at least partially form a first compartment of the plurality of compartments of the tray. 1 Tray, including end flaps. 4. The tray of claim 3, wherein the central panel defines a flange for at least partially receiving the liner. The tray of claim 4 , further in combination with a liner, wherein the liner is disposed on a portion of the flange, at least one compartment flap of the plurality of compartment flaps, and at least one end flap of the plurality of end flaps. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein one of the first and second compartment flaps is foldably connected to the center panel at a fold line that intersects the cutouts adjacent the first and second compartment flaps, and wherein the first end flap is A tray foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels at a second fold line, the second fold line being spaced apart from the cutout. 4. The tray of claim 3, wherein the first end flap includes a base portion extending away from the center panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the base portion. 8. The tray of claim 7, wherein the distal portion is arranged at an angle relative to the base portion and the distal portion is arranged generally parallel to the central panel. 9. The tray of claim 8, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to one of the first and second compartment flaps and is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with a distal portion of the first end flap. 10. The tray of claim 9, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to the distal portion of the first end flap and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the other of the compartment flap and the second compartment flap. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprise a second end flap extending away from the central panel and engaging a portion of each of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap to at least partially form the first compartment. , tray. 12. The tray of claim 11, wherein the interior volume of the first compartment is defined between the first compartment flap, the second compartment flap, the first end flap and the second end flap. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a first attachment panel foldably connected to the central panel and a second attachment panel foldably connected to the central panel, wherein the first end flap is foldably connected to the first attachment panel and , wherein the second end flap is foldably connected to the second attachment panel. 14. The tray of claim 13, wherein each of the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the central panel. 13. The tray of claim 12, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps further comprises a third compartment flap foldably connected to the center panel and a fourth compartment flap foldably connected to the center panel. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of end flaps extend away from the central panel and engage a portion of each of the third and fourth compartment flaps to form a second of the plurality of compartments of the tray. A tray further comprising: 17. The tray of claim 16, wherein the third end flap comprises a base portion extending away from the center panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the base portion of the third end flap. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of end flaps extend away from the central panel and engage a portion of each of the third and fourth compartment flaps to at least partially form a second one of the plurality of compartments of the tray. A tray further comprising four end flaps. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second interior volume of the second compartment is defined between the third compartment flap, the fourth compartment flap, the third end flap and the fourth second end flap, the second interior volume being the first interior volume. Different from tray. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the distal portion of the first end flap is a first distal portion foldably connected to the base portion, the first end flap further comprises a second distal portion foldedly connected to the base portion, and the second distal portion of the first end flap is A tray, wherein the distal portion engages a portion of each of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap to at least partially form a second one of the plurality of compartments of the tray. 21. The tray of claim 20, wherein a portion of the second end flap joins a portion of each of the third and fourth compartment flaps to at least partially form a second portion of the plurality of compartments of the tray. A blank for forming a tray for storing one or more food products,
a plurality of panels including a central panel;
a plurality of compartment flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels; and
comprising a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels,
A blank, wherein a plurality of compartment flaps and a plurality of end flaps are for overlapping to form a plurality of compartments of a tray formed from the blank. 23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps comprises a first compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel and a second compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the plurality of end flaps are positioned extending away from the central panel and engage a portion of each of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap to define at least a first compartment of the plurality of compartments of the tray formed from the blank. A blank comprising a first end flap for partially forming. 25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the central panel forms a flange for at least partially receiving the liner. 26. The blank of claim 25, wherein in further combination with a liner, the liner is disposed on a portion of the flange, on at least one partition flap of the plurality of partition flaps, and on at least one end flap of the plurality of end flaps. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein one of the first and second compartment flaps is foldably connected to the center panel at a fold line that intersects the cutouts adjacent the first and second compartment flaps, and wherein the first end flap is A blank foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels at a second fold line, the second fold line being spaced apart from the cutout. 25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the first end flap comprises a base portion extending away from the central panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the base portion. 29. The blank of claim 28, wherein the distal portion is arranged at an angle to the base portion and the distal portion is arranged generally parallel to the central panel. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to one of the first and second compartment flaps and is positioned to at least partially contact the distal portion of the first end flap when the tray is formed from the blank. Blank. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to the distal portion of the first end flap and positioned to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the other one of the compartment flap and the second compartment flap when the tray is formed from the blank. , blank. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the plurality of end flaps are positioned to extend away from the central panel to at least partially define the first compartment when the tray is formed from the blank and each of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap A blank further comprising a second end flap for joining the portion. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a first attachment panel foldably connected to the central panel and a second attachment panel foldably connected to the central panel, wherein the first end flap is foldable to the first attachment panel. A blank connected and the second end flap is foldably connected to the second attachment panel. 34. The blank of claim 33, wherein each of the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel is positioned to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the central panel when the tray is formed from the blank. 33. The blank of claim 32, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps further comprises a third compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel and a fourth compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the plurality of end flaps are positioned extending away from the central panel and engage a portion of each of the third and fourth compartment flaps to form a second section of the plurality of sections of the tray formed from the blank. A blank further comprising a third end flap for: 37. The blank of claim 36, wherein the third end flap includes a base portion and a distal portion foldably connected to the base portion of the third end flap. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the plurality of end flaps are positioned extending away from the central panel and engage a portion of each of the third and fourth compartment flaps to define at least a second section of the plurality of sections of the tray formed from the blank. The blank further comprising a fourth end flap for partially forming. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the distal portion of the first end flap is a first distal portion foldably connected to the base portion, and the first end flap further comprises a second distal portion foldedly connected to the base portion, wherein the first end flap The blank, wherein the second distal portion is positioned in engagement with a respective portion of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap to at least partially form a second compartment of the plurality of compartments of the tray formed from the blank. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein a portion of the second end flap is positioned in conjunction with a portion of each of the third and fourth compartment flaps to at least partially form a second section of the plurality of sections of the tray formed from the blank. , blank. A method of forming a tray for storing one or more food products, comprising:
Obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels including a central panel, a plurality of compartment flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels, and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels. step; and
A method of forming a tray, comprising overlapping a plurality of compartment flaps and a plurality of end flaps to form a plurality of compartments of the tray. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps comprises a first compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel and a second compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the plurality of end flaps include a first end flap, the method comprising positioning the first end flap extending away from the central panel, a portion of each of the first compartment flap and the second compartment flap; A method of forming a tray, comprising combining to at least partially form a first section of a plurality of sections of the tray. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the center panel defines a flange for at least partially receiving the liner. 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising disposing a liner on a portion of the flange, at least one of the plurality of compartment flaps, and at least one of the plurality of end flaps. method. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein one of the first and second compartment flaps is foldably connected to the center panel at a fold line that intersects the cutouts adjacent the first and second compartment flaps, and wherein the first end flap is A method of forming a tray, wherein the tray is foldably connected to each panel of the plurality of panels at a second fold line, the second fold line being spaced apart from the cutout. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the first end flap comprises a base portion extending away from the center panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the base portion. 48. The method of claim 47, comprising arranging the distal portion at an angle relative to the base portion and arranging the distal portion generally parallel to the center 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 comprising positioning the attachment tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with a distal portion of the first end flap. A method of forming a tray, comprising the steps: 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the attachment tab is foldably connected to the distal portion of the first end flap, the method comprising positioning the attachment tab in at least partial face-to-face contact with the other one of the compartment flap and the second compartment flap. A method of forming a tray, comprising: 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second end flap, the method comprising positioning the second end flap extending away from the central panel, and a portion of each of the first and second compartment flaps. and combining to at least partially form the first compartment. 52. The method of claim 51, wherein the interior volume of the first compartment is defined between the first compartment flap, the second compartment flap, the first end flap and the second end flap. 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a first attachment panel foldably connected to the central panel and a second attachment panel foldably connected to the central panel, wherein the first end flap is foldably connected to the first attachment panel and and the second end flap is foldably connected to the second attachment panel. 54. The method of claim 53, comprising positioning each of the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the central panel. 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the plurality of compartment flaps further comprises a third compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel and a fourth compartment flap foldably connected to the central panel. 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a third end flap, the method comprising positioning the third end flap extending away from the central panel, and a portion of each of the third and fourth compartment flaps. combining to form a second one of the plurality of compartments of the tray. 57. The method of claim 56, wherein the third end flap includes a base portion extending away from the center panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the base portion of the third end flap. 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a fourth end flap, the method comprising positioning the fourth end flap extending away from the central panel, and a portion of each of the third and fourth compartment flaps. in combination with at least partially forming a second one 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 end flap and the fourth second end flap, the second interior volume being the first interior volume. Different from the method of forming the tray. 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 portion, and the first end flap further comprises a second distal portion collapsibly connected to the base portion, the method comprising: forming a tray, comprising positioning a second distal portion of the end flap and engaging a portion of each of the third compartment flap and the fourth compartment flap to at least partially form a second compartment of the plurality of compartments of the tray. method. 61. The method of claim 60, comprising positioning a portion of the second end flap and engaging a portion of each of the third and fourth compartment flaps to at least partially form a second portion of the plurality of compartments of the tray. How to form a tray.