MXPA99008427A - Carton for hue - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polystyrene egg carton, for packaging a plurality of eggs, the egg carton comprising: a lid, and a tray hingedly connected to the lid, the tray having a plurality of cells generally in the shape of cup for accommodating the eggs, each of the cells has a tubular side wall having an internal surface, an external surface, and first and second opposite ends, the first end being open, a base extending through the second end, and at least one relief extending between a location at the base, separated from the side wall and a location on the side wall, separated from the base, wherein the relief includes a first surface facing inward and a second surface which is oriented outwards, the second surface extending coextensively with the external surface of the cell, to collectively define a continuous surface unintentionally in the cell, adjacent to the relay

Description

CARTON FOR EGGS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to a package formed of thermoplastic polystyrene material and, more particularly, to egg cartons of thermoplastic polystyrene material. 2. Description of the prior art. Many factors are taken into consideration in the design of egg cartons. Egg protection, aesthetic appearance, printing surface, strength, weight, nesting / extraction characteristic, adaptability to accommodate various egg sizes and consistent manufacturing are several factors which can be considered in various degrees in the design of a cardboard for eggs As can easily be seen, certain design factors are diametrical, for example, the strength of the cardboard is typically sacrificed by the reduction of weight and / or thickness, and vice versa. The importance of the design factors can be better appreciated by understanding the "life" of an egg carton. The polystyrene egg cartons are formed and cut from a single sheet of polystyrene material to define a tray and a lid integrally. The formed egg cartons are transported, typically by means of a conveyor belt, to a printing press and printed with the egg distributor logo, mandatory nutrition information and retail information, such as UPC labels. The egg cartons are stacked one inside the other and packed in bags or pallets for shipping to egg distributors. The volume of egg cartons stacked within each package depends directly on the nesting capacity of the egg cartons. In egg distributors, by means of automation, the egg cartons are extracted and stamped with necessary information, for example, expiration date. The eggs are then packed in the egg cartons, and the egg cartons are placed in storage containers ready for shipment to the retailers. Various storage containers are used in the industry including boxes (each typically contains thirty cartons of a dozen each), metal mesh baskets (each typically contains fifteen cartons of a dozen each), milk boxes (each containing typically between twelve and fifteen dozen cartons), and bars formed to be rolled or slid to the exhibition areas (each grid typically containing between 240 and 360 cartons of a dozen). Due to the high relative amount of egg cartons per storage container, stored egg carton packages can be subjected to large compression loads. For example: in some of the aforementioned containers, the egg cartons are stacked seven high. Taking into consideration that a dozen "jumbo" sized eggs weigh between 30 and 32 ounces, and assuming that seven egg cartons are in a stacked arrangement, with each egg carton containing a dozen "jumbo" sized eggs, the cardboard below will be subjected to a load between 180 and 192 ounces (11.25 to 12 pounds [5.1 to 5.4 Kg]) of compression force. The compression load is amplified when the cardboard below is placed on an irregular surface, such as the bottom of a metal basket, where the highest compressive forces are applied to the bottom portions of the egg carton in contact with the surface Irregular (this being, the compression load applied to the egg carton below is in turn applied to the storage vessel through a relatively small area, which translates the compressive force applied at higher pressures developed in the contact portions of egg carton). Once shipped, the egg cartons are displayed in the retail store in the respective storage container, or alternatively, placed on shelves of an exhibition shelf. Again, significant compression forces can be generated on the egg cartons on display. Finally, the packed egg cartons are bought by consumers and taken home for the consumption of the eggs. / / A commercially successful egg carton is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,494,164 entitled "EGG CARTON" (CARTON FOR EGGS), published on 27 February 1996 by the inventor of it. U.S. Patent 5,494,164 discloses an egg carton having cells which are configured to be expended inboard egg carton upon receipt of an egg, and having common intersections, each defined by four adjacent cells, which progressively decrease out from the center of the tray towards the respective ends of the tray. Although the egg carton of U.S. Patent 5,494,164 has been commercially successful, improvements in egg protection, stacking / removal and strength of the board are always desired. Another consideration in the design of egg cartons, which is growing in importance, is the temperature control of the eggs packed in the egg carton. Egg cooling combats Salmonella and Enteriditis. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, May 19, 1998, page B20, column 5, 4.5 million eggs are detected annually contaminated with Salmonella Enteriditis, and, since 1985, at least 77 people have died and 26,000 have become sick from cause of the pathogen. The United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration of the United States have proposed requiring egg transporters and retailers to display and transport eggs at temperatures of 45 ° F or less. It is an object of the invention to provide an egg carton with excellent extraction characteristics at a reduced stack inclination. It is also an object of the invention to provide an egg carton having stable and reinforced cell bases. It is still another object of the invention to provide an egg carton having ventilation characteristics to allow packaged eggs to cool naturally or to be artificially cooled. It is another object of the present invention to provide an egg carton formed to accommodate and protect eggs of various sizes. I COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The aforementioned objects are obtained by an egg carton having various stacking / extraction characteristics, a ventilation system, reinforcing portions and capacity to accommodate and protect eggs / / of various sizes. Although more complete and compact stacking is desired to increase the number of egg cartons per unit volume during shipment and storage, the egg cartons can be excessively stacked, where portions of the egg cartons are too tightly pressed one on the other. another and / or evacuation occurs in some trapped areas. Excessive stacking results in unsatisfactory removal, not only with general difficulty in separating stacked egg cartons, but also uneven separation. It is easily apparent that excessive stacking can lead to process interruptions in the extraction and breaking of cartons. The object of the invention includes features which reduce the possibility of excessive stacking. First, the lid of the egg carton of the invention is formed with thicker corners. As such, when stacked, the egg cartons rest on the corners, with the respective side walls thereof being separated. Second, the larger egg carton (those for respectively containing a dozen and a half dozen eggs) typically has poles formed in the respective caps for additional support of the lid and reinforcement for stacking. According to the object of the invention, the inner surface of the post is grooved to define an inward indentation. When stacking the egg carton, the poles are stacked on their respective poles, with gaps defined between the poles by the indentations. Third, the cell divisions along the longitudinal sides of the tray are formed to engage the stack. As a result, the stacked egg carton cells can not be stacked excessively. Finally, a stacking edge is continuously formed along each longitudinal edge of the tray which is formed to support the tray when stacked. The stacking degree of the trays is limited by the stacking edges. In summary, the four characteristics described above limit the amount of surface contact between stacked egg cartons and, therefore, excessive stacking is avoided. By limiting the amount of surface contact, evacuation between the components and excessive coining of the components is avoided. As an additional feature of the egg carton of the invention, an egg ventilation system is provided. The system includes channels located in each of the cells, which extend substantially along the entire length of the respective cell, and atmospheric vents formed in the lid or tray or cooperatively defined by the lid and the tray. The channels are formed with sufficient length to extend below the widest portion of the packed egg (the widest portion of an egg is known as the "circumference"), with the egg arranged with the air space facing down (an egg has a narrow point and a wide end of air space). Additionally, the ventilation system may include cell end splitters which are cut out to allow air communication with the lower portions of the eggs packed at the ends of the egg carton. With the ventilation system, the eggs can be cooled naturally with air by means of convection inside a packed egg carton to avoid the formation of condensation inside it. Additionally, the artificial coating applied to the packaged egg carton can better cool the eggs through the ventilation system than in the prior art. It should be noted that, although the invention provides for the cooling of packaged eggs, the egg carton retains acceptable insulation properties. / The egg carton of the invention also includes features aimed at reinforcing the bases of the egg cells. Specifically, with respect to each egg cell, enhancements are formed to extend from the base of the egg cell to a point on the adjacent side wall located on the base. The highlights act as tie rods to transfer the load force applied to the base to the side wall, thereby making the base more rigid. Also, the outer surfaces of the bases of the egg cells are formed with centrally located button portions which are surrounded by annular resting surfaces. The annular resting surfaces provide reinforcement around the bases of the egg cells and stable supports for the egg cells. The inclusion of the button portions creates respectively a balance effect which transfers the weight applied to the center of the base to the surrounding resting surface. As a further advantage, the button portions reduce the amount of outer surface of the bases which come into contact with a bearing surface. Due to the reduction of the outer surface, the bases have less total contact with the supporting surface and less friction on the same. Additionally, the egg carton of the invention is formed to accommodate various egg sizes. U.S. Patent 5,494,164, mentioned above, discloses an egg carton formed to accommodate not only "extra large" eggs (weighing between 27 and 29 ounces per dozen) but also "jumbo" and "super jumbo" eggs (weighing between 33 and 35 ounces per dozen), However, the egg carton of United States Patent 5,494,164 does not intend to accommodate more eggs boys ("big", "medium", "boy") with the eggs secured inside the cells of the egg carton. With respect to the invention, it is preferred that the cells are nominally formed to accommodate "extra-large" eggs in the natural state. The channels described above provide flexibility in the egg cells and allow the accommodation of jumbo eggs. To accommodate "large" eggs, inwardly extending cushions are provided in each cell which are separate and each formed to engage a "large" egg at a point of contact. With the cushions, a "large" egg can be held immobile in each respective cell. Additionally, the cushions are flexible to allow the unhindered placement of "extra" eggs / large "and" jumbo. "These and other features of the invention will be better understood through a study of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a top view of an egg carton for 18 eggs formed in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 2 is a three cell cut view taken along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2A is a three cell cut view taken along line 2A-2A of the FIGURE 1. FIGURE 3 is a three-cell sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 4 is a partial sectional view of two stacked lids formed in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 5 is a partial sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of the egg carton in the closed position. FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of the egg carton tray. FIGURE 8 is a partial sectional view of two stacked poles formed in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 9 is a partial sectional view of two stacked lids formed in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 10 is a partial sectional view of two stacked trays formed in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES With reference to the FIGURES, an egg carton 100 is shown which is formed to accommodate 18 eggs. The egg carton 100 is illustrative of the features of the invention disclosed herein. The teachings of this revelation can be applied equally to form egg cartons of different sizes, including cartons for eight eggs and a dozen. The egg carton 100 is formed with a lid 102 and a tray 104 having 18 cells 106, each formed to accommodate a single egg. The lid 102 and the tray 104 are connected by a hinge 108 which allows a relative rotation between them with the lid 102 capable of rotating from an open position, as shown in FIGURE 1, to a closed position, as shown in FIG. shows in FIGURE 6. All the egg carton 100 is molded unitarily from a tire material, wherein the lid 102, the tray 104 and the hinge 108 are all formed from a single sheet of polystyrene material. (The lid 102 is shown more clearly in FIGURE 5 and is formed to include a flat upper portion 110 and a side wall 112 that extends from the perimeter of the upper portion 110. A post 114 extends centrally from the upper portion. 110, The post 114 has a trapezoidal profile with a support surface 116 being separated from the upper portion 110. The support surface 116 is formed to be coplanar with the upper edge of the side wall 112 so that, with the cover 102 being in a closed position, the post 114 will engage with the tray 104 as shown in FIGURE 6. With the post 114 engaging the tray 104, stiffness and additional support is provided to the center of the lid 102 for stacking support. The post 114 is necessary for the larger egg carton, but not for a smaller egg carton, such as a carton for eight eggs. The post 114 is also formed with side longitudinal walls 118 and rounded, inclined corners 120. The longitudinal side walls 118 are formed with exterior surfaces 122 having indentations 124 formed therein, and smooth interior surfaces 126. Preferably, the indentations are extend from the upper portion 110 and make the surface of / support 116. With reference to FIGURE 8, two posts 114, 114A are shown in a stacked array As can be seen, the inner surface 126 of the pole 114 is in coupling with the outer surface 122A of the post 114A.Pulls 125 are respectively defined between the indentations 124A and the inner surface 126. The voids 125 reduce the contact between the posts, thereby reducing the possibility of the formation of a vacuum between the posts 114 and 114a and the occurrence of excessive coining, with reference again to FIGURE 9, in a preferred embodiment, tell me The "a" is equal to 0.080 inches and the "b" dimension equals 0.100 inches (2.03 mm and 2.54 mm.). It should be noted that the dimension "b" is located centrally of the corner 130. To produce the lid 102 with an aesthetically pleasing appearance, the corner 130 is formed to gradually slope from the dimension "b" to the dimension "a" the straight portion 128. Preferably, the outer surface 132 of the corner 130 defines a radius R1 which is smaller than the radius R2 defined by the inner surface 134. The cells 106 of the tray 104 are generally cup-shaped and formed as a corner cell, 135, / cell interior 136 or an outer cell 138. The egg carton 100 has a cell matrix 106 with three columns of six rows.As a result, the egg carton 100 has four corner cells 135, four interior cells 136 and ten outer cells 138. In the form of a carton for eight eggs, a matrix of two columns and four rows is provided with four corner cells 135 and four outer cells 138. In the form of a cardboard for a dozen eggs, a matrix of two columns and six rows is provided with four corner cells 135 and eight outer cells 138. As it is apparent, an egg carton for eight eggs and an egg carton for a dozen eggs do not include any inner cells 136, only the corner cells 135 and outer cells 138. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, each of the cells 106 is formed with a tubular wall 139 having four wall potions 139A-D to define an inner receiving surface. 140 formed to receive the shape of an egg. Each of the wall portions 139A-D is arc shaped in two coordinate directions to define the necessary empty contour. The side wall 139 extends upward to define an open top portion and, where there is an adjacent wall 106, joins with the side wall 139 and the adjacent cell 106, with the two side walls 139 cooperatively defining a cell tab 142 The cell tab 142 generally has a rounded shoulder 137, preferably formed around the radius of .18875 inches (4.79 mm.), Which is attached to a raised upper edge 141. The upper edge 141 is flexible to respond to The pressure applied by the packed eggs and provides protection with it. FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken through a row, wherein FIGURE 3 is a section of cut taken through a column. With reference to FIGURE 1, a central line "CL" is located in the center of the patent leather 104 in the direction of the row. The. three rows formed to the left of the central line "CL" are preferably mirror images of the three rows formed to the right of the centerline "CL". The four outer rows, being this, the rows separated from the center line "CL", have cross-section sections formed generally as shown in FIGURE 2 in solid lines. The two inner rows, being this, the rows closest to the central line "CL", have cutting sections formed generally as shown in FIGURE 2A. The columns are symmetrically formed around the central line "CL" with cells 106 to the right of the centerline "CL". FIGURE 3 presents the three cells 106 to the right of the center line "CL". The formation of cells from column to column is the same. The innermost cells 106 have cell tabs 142 which are coplanar with the upper part of the cell 104. As such, the cell tabs 142 define an "s" surface to support the post 114, as described above. The outer cells 138 formed along the longitudinal sides of the tray 104 are joined by cell dividers 167, wherein the outer cells and the corner cells along the ends of the tray 104 are joined by cell dividers. end 180. The side wall 139 in each of the cells 106 extends downward to a flat base 144. Reliefs 146 extend angularly between the base 144 and the receiving surface 140. The. Reliefs 146 are preferably formed with solid cross sections.

Also, preferably, four relieves 146 are formed in each of the cells 106 and are arranged to be equally spaced apart, to the base 144. The relieves 146 act as reinforcements providing additional stiffness to the base 144. Cushions 148 they may also be provided to be integrally formed with and extend into the side wall 139. It should be noted that the receiving surface 140 is formed to accommodate an "extra large" egg in its natural state with the egg arranged "tip down" " A . The "extra large" egg has a nominal radius of 1.79 inches (4.52 cm.) which is located approximately 1.32 inches (3.35 cm.) from its "tip". The egg receiving surface 140 is formed to define a diameter "Gl" which is equal to the nominal diameter of an "extra large" egg and is located at a distance "di" from the base 144. The distance "di" is preferably 1.32 inches (3.35 cm.). The receiving surface 140 is also flexible, as described below, to accommodate larger eggs, such as "jumbo" eggs. The cushions 148 are formed to extend from the receiving surface 140 to provide support points for smaller eggs (eggs smaller than "extra large") to prevent movement of the eggs within the cells 106. With the cushions 148, the cells 106 can accommodate eggs which are smaller in size than what receiving surface 140 is formed to receive. A "large" egg has a nominal diameter of 1.74 inches (4.42 cm.) Which is located approximately 1.25 inches (3.18 cm.) From the tip. As shown in FIGURE 3, the cushions 148 preferably define an inner diameter "G2" which is equal to the nominal diameter of a "large" egg. Also, the diameter "G2" is defined at a distance "d2" from the base 144 where the distance "d2" is preferably 1.25 inches (3.18 cm.). The cushions 148 are deformable to allow the accommodating without difficulty of "extra-large" and "jumbo" eggs. In particular, the cushions 148 have a folded shape to allow outward expansion with the cushions 148 becoming coextensible or substantially coextensible with the egg receiving surface 140. Also, the cushions 148 are formed to extend angularly from the upper part of the tongue. cell 142 down at an angle D. The angle D is preferably Io. The cushion is also formed to extend sufficiently to allow stacking with other cushions. As shown in FIGURE 3, the cushions 148 each extend to define an open mouth portion 182 which can be slid over and stacked with other cushions 148. It should be noted that FIGURES 2, 2A, and 3 present cut and cut views. laterals of the cushions 148 for illustrative purposes. The cushions 148 are preferably centered in the respective wall portions 139A-D. The base 144 is formed by a flat inner surface 150 and an outer surface 152 having a raised button portion 154 defined therein. The raised button portion 154 is formed by densifying the polystyrene material of the base 144. The outer surface 152 also defines an annular support surface 156 which surrounds the raised button portion 154. Provides a raised button portion 154 provides an effective load transfer of the base 144 to the receiving surface and additional stiffness. In particular, the raised button portion 154 defines a compacted area 158 in the base 144 which becomes more highly tensioned than the portions surrounding it in the base 144. With the concentrated load in the compacted area 158, the load is transferred uniformly through the base 144 to the receiving surface 140. by means of a lever effect. It should be noted that by including a raised button portion 154 reduces the total surface area of the outer surface 152 without reducing the lateral stability of the base 144. As such, the friction forces acting on the base 144 are reduced with the egg carton 106, having sufficient stability to resist tilting. It should also be noted that the total footprint of the bases 144 is not altered and the relatively wide shape of the footprint provides excellent stability to the egg carton. Channels 160 are formed to extend within the receiving surface 140 of each of the cells 106. With respect to the inner cells 136, four channels 160 are provided, while with respect to the corner cells 135 and outer cells 138, they provide two channels 160. The channels 160 advantageously provide a degree of flexibility to the cells 106 which allow the expansion thereof to accommodate larger eggs. United States patents 4,382,536 entitled "FOAM EGG CARTÓN" (CARTON FOR EGGS FABRICAO DE FOAM), granted to Congleton on May 10, 1983, and the patent 5,494,164, described above, reveal the use of folds to allow the expansion of the egg cell. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,382,536 and 5,494,164 are incorporated by reference herein. The channels 160 are formed to extend more within the cells 106 than the folds than the folds in the aforementioned patents. As shown in FIGURE 2A, the channels 160 extend within the vicinity of the bases 14, thus having a greater length than the folds of the prior art. In this way, the channels 160 are ensured to 'extend below the diameter "G3" of an "E" egg placed in cell 106. Since the packing orientation of the "E" egg is typically "tip down" (the Eggs can be packed "tip down" or "air gap down" with 15% to 40% of the eggs being packed "air space down"), channels 160 ensure that air circulation can be obtained around the lower portion of the "E" egg packed even where the "G3" diameter acts to seal the portion. bottom of the cell 106. The egg carton 100 is also formed with vents 162 to communicate the air trapped by the egg carton 100 in a closed position with the outside air. In one embodiment, the vents 162 may be side vents, as shown in FIGURE 6, where the lid 102 has a flange 164 and the lid 104 has a flange 166, -with the flanges 164, 166 collectively defining the vents 162. Alternatively, although not present, the vents 162 may be formed as openings in the lid 102 and / or the tray 104. By providing a combination of the channels 160 and the vents 162, an air flow is created throughout of bow portions of the eggs packed in the egg carton 100. In contrast to the prior art, the bottom portions of the packed eggs, which may be the largest portion of the egg, are advantageously exposed to the air flow. Accordingly, packaged eggs can be cooled by air naturally more than in the prior art and are subject to environmental conditioning, such as refrigeration. To improve ventilation, the end dividers of the cells 180 are "trimmed" to define a plenum adjacent to each of the vents 162. The end dividers of the cells 180 are formed in particular in the form of a frame having a portion in V-shape 185 defining angles D and D. The angles 0 and D are preferably 20 ° and 15 °, respectively. The V-shaped portion 185 also defines an apex 187 located at a distance "T" from the upper edge of the tray 104. The distance "T" is preferably from 0. 837 inches (2.13 c.), Which is sufficient to provide cooling of the eggs located at the end of the tray 104 and allow efficient air circulation. Also, each of the corner cells 135, and the outer cells 138 adjacent the ends of the tray 104, are formed with a maximum diameter D.

The maximum diameter Dm is the largest diameter defined by the respective corner cell 135 or outer cell 138 which are generally parallel to the adjacent end of the tray 104. The maximum diameters Dm of the adjacent cells are aligned collinearly to define an axis of reference Rm, shown as a point in FIGURE 3. The cell end splitters 180 are cut out at locations between the reference axis Rm and the adjacent end of the tray 104 to allow air ventilation trapped inside the cardboard 100 and the atmosphere. It should be noted that the channels 160 and the cushions 148 are not formed on each side of the wall portions 139A-D for all the cells 106. In particular, the exposed wall portions 139A-D of the corner cells 135 and cells outer 138 are not formed with cushions 148 and channels 160 to increase the strength of cells 106 and provide protection for packaged eggs. The cushions 148 and the channels 160 can weaken the side wall portions 139A-D. To ensure that the cushions 148 can act appropriately with respect to the cells where there is no full complement of four cushions 148, the cushions 148 are formed to extend further outwardly where there is no cushion 148 in the opposite wall portion 148. For example, as shown in FIGURE 3, the outer cell 138, on the right, is not provided with one of the cushions 148 in the wall portion 139D. Without the cushion 148 in the wall portion 139D, the diameter defined by the cushion 148 formed in the wall portion 139A and the wall portion 139D is larger than the desired diameter G2. Therefore, as shown in dashed line, the cushion 148 is moved inward, with the adjacent cell tab 142 becoming wider, to achieve the desired diameter G2. Each of the outer cells 138 has an arcuate extending portion 169 which generally follows the contour of the egg receiving surface 140. With reference to FIGURE 7, the stacking ledges 168 are provided along the longitudinal sides of the tray between the side cell dividers 167 and the top of the tray 104. The stacking ledges 168 each define a free edge 170 which is spaced outwardly from the side cell dividers 167 and other portions of the tray. 104, as shown in FIGURE 2 by the "x" separation. In the stacking of the trays 104, the free edges 170 are formed to be in contact with portions of the lower stacked tray 104 and act as a stop to excessive stacking. The stacking ledges 168 can be formed continuously along each of the longitudinal sides as shown in FIGURE 7. Also, the stacking ledges 168 can be wound around the corners of the tray 104 to be partially extended to along the ends of the tray 104, as shown in FIGURE 6. The stacking ledges 168 may be formed continuously or discontinuously to extend along the ends of the tray 104. Preferably, the stacking shelf 168 it extends continuously into the entire tray 105. Where the support ledge 168 crosses over the arched portion 169, it is preferred that the free edge 170 be separated from the arched portions 169. It should also be noted that the stack ledge 168 generally matches the diameters of the. packed eggs. As such, the stacking ledge 168 provides additional reinforcement to the tray 104 and additional protection to packaged eggs. With reference to FIGURE 2A, the side cell dividers 167 are each formed with a frame shape and define an outer portion at an angle 190 at an angle D. The angle D is preferably 20 °. By forming the side dividers of frame-shaped cell 167 and providing angled outer portions 190, the trays 104 can be stacked with another similar tray 104A, where like elements are designated with the same reference numbers followed by the letter "A" . With reference to FIGURE 10, the tray 104 is stacked with the tray 104A with the side cell dividers 167 and 167A having only the outer portions 190 and 190A in engagement. The engagement of the outer portions 190 and 190A prevents excessive stacking of the trays 104 and 104A. As shown in FIGURE 10, stacking ledges 168 and 168A, however, engage in turn-in engagement with corner cells 135, this being, in separate locations of outer portions 190 and 190A, to provide a point of secondary support. Additionally, any bolt system can be used with the egg carton 100. For example, as shown in FIGURES, the rafter 103 can be formed with latch openings 172, and the tray 104 can be formed with a latch tongue. latch 174 having tongues 76 extending therefrom formed and located to engage in bolt openings 172., / As apparent, those skilled in the art can readily devise modifications and changes. Thus, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation presented and described and, therefore, all suitable equivalent modifications can be considered to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims (31)

1. RE IVINDI CAC I ONES: A carton for poli e s i reindeer eggs to pack a plurality of eggs, said egg carton comprises: a lid; and a tray connected by hinge to said lid, said tray has a plurality of generally / cup-shaped cells for accommodating the eggs, each of said cells having a tubular side wall having first and second opposite ends, said first end being open, a flat base extending through said second end, and at least one relief extending between a location in said base separated from the side wall and a location in said side wall separated from said base.
2. An egg carton in accordance with the Claim 1, wherein a plurality of reliefs is provided in each cell.
3. An egg carton in accordance with the Claim 2, wherein, for each of said cells, said reliefs are equally circumferentially spaced around said base.
4. A polystyrene egg carton for packaging a plurality of eggs, said egg carton comprising: a lid; and a tray connected by hinge to said lid, said tray has a plurality of generally cup-shaped cells for accommodating the eggs, each of said cells having a tubular side wall having first and second opposite ends, said / first end is open, a flat base extending through said second end, said base has an inner surface facing said first end and an outer surface facing the other side of said first end, said outer surface defining a flat supporting surface and a raised portion extending outwardly from said supporting surface towards said first end.
5. An egg carton according to Claim 4, wherein said raised portion is completely surrounded by said supporting surface.
6. An egg carton according to claim 4, wherein a first portion of said base is located between said raised portion and said inner surface, said first portion being formed with a first density, and a second portion of said base is located between said support surface and said inner surface, said second portion being formed with a second density, said first density being greater than said second density.
7. A polystyrene egg carton for packaging a plurality of eggs, said egg carton comprising: a, lid; and a tray hingedly connected to said lid, said tray having a plurality of generally cup-shaped cells for accommodating the eggs, each of said cells having a tubular side wall having opposite first and second ends, said first end being open, a flat base extending through said second end, said side wall having an inwardly receiving egg surface, said egg receiving surface defining a first diameter at a first distance from said base, wherein a plurality of cushions that are extend inward project from said side wall, each of said cushions defining an interior contact point separated from said surface to receive the egg, said inner contact points of said cushions collectively defining a second diameter, said second diameter also being located I gave you the first di s ta di di ba ba, said the second di si Endo less than said first diameter.
8. 8. An egg carton according to claim 7, wherein said cushions are deformable.
9. 9. An egg carton in accordance with the Claim 7, wherein said inner egg receiving surface defines a third diameter nominally equal to the diameter of an egg of a first size class, said second diameter nominally equaling the diameter of an egg of the second size class, the first kind of egg size being greater than the second kind of egg size.
10. 10. An egg carton according to claim 9, wherein said second diameter is defined closer to said base than said third diameter.
11. 11. A polystyrene egg carton for packing a plurality of eggs, said egg carton comprising: a lid; and a tray hinge-coupled to said lid so that said lid can rotate relative to said tray, said lid can selectively rotate between an open position with said lid being separated from said tray and a closed position with said lid abutting said tray. said tray having a plurality of generally cup shaped cells for accommodating the eggs, each of said cells having a tubular side wall defining first and second ends, said first end being open, a flat base extending through said second end, said side wall has an interior egg receiving surface with at least one channel integrated therein, said channel extending from said first end in proximity to said base, wherein a vent is formed in said egg carton for communicating the air trapped in said egg carton, with said lid being in said closed position, with the air e environment .
12. An egg carton according to claim 11, wherein each of said cells is formed to accommodate the egg has a diameter, said channel being of sufficient length to extend below the diameter of the egg with the egg being arranged with the space of air down in said cell.
13. 13. An egg carton made of polystyrene to pack a plurality of eggs, said egg carton comprising: a lid; and a tray connected to said lid, said tray has a plurality of cells generally in the form of a cup to accommodate the eggs, said tray has an open end and a generally rectangular shape with two longitudinal sides and two ends, said cells are separated with nets extending between adjacent cells, said cells located along each of the longitudinal sides of said tray define arcuate portions extending outwardly, said networks located along said longitudinal sides being retracted inwardly of said arched portions, in where a stack stack corresponds to each of the networks located along said longitudinal sides, each of said intermediate located stack shelves with respect to said network and said open end of said tray, and each of said shelves of stacked extends out of said tray to define a separate free edge towards outside of said respective network.
14. 14. An egg carton according to claim 13, wherein said stacking shelves are joined along said longitudinal sides to extend the entire length thereof. .
15. An egg carton according to Claim 14, wherein said stacking ledges are continuously joined around said entire tray. .
16. A polystyrene egg carton for accommodating a plurality of eggs, said egg carton comprising: a tray having a plurality of cup-shaped cells for accommodating the egg; and a lid hingedly connected to said tray, said lid having a flat upper portion and a straight side wall extending around said upper portion, said side wall having an interior surface facing inwardly and an exterior surface facing toward it. outside, said side wall is formed with at least one straight portion and at least one corner, said straight portion being formed in section of cut with a first thickness measured between said inner and outer surfaces, said corner being formed in section of cut with a second thickness measured between said inner and outer surfaces, said second thickness is greater than said first thickness. .
17. An egg carton according to claim 16, wherein the portion of said outer surface extending along said corner defines a first radius, the portion of said inner surface extending along said corner defines a second radius, said second radius is different than said first radius. .
18. An egg carton according to Claim 17, wherein said second radius is greater than said first radius. .
19. A polystyrene egg carton for packaging a plurality of eggs, said egg carton comprising: a tray having a plurality of cup-shaped cells for accommodating the egg; and a lid connected by hinge to said tray, said lid has a flat upper portion and a straight side wall extending therefrom, said lid also having a post extending from the upper portion, said post being limited by said, side wall, said post has a support surface spaced apart from said top portion and a post wall portion extending continuously between said support surface and said top portion, said side wall of the post having an indentation formed therein. .
20. An egg carton according to Claim 19, wherein said indentation extends from said upper portion toward said support surface. .
21. An egg carton in accordance with claim 7, wherein each of said cushions is formed with a folded shape having exterior and interior surfaces.said inner contact point being defined by said inner surface, said outer surface extending from said first end of said cell towards the second end of said cell and being inclined to define an open mouth separated from said first end, said open mouth being formed to receive in stack a similarly shaped cushion. .
22. An egg carton according to Claim 21, wherein said inner surface of said cushion is inclined to define an acute angle of 10 degrees relative to a vertical axis. .
23. A polystyrene egg carton for packing a plurality of eggs, said egg carton comprising: a lid; and a tray connected by hinge to said lid, said lid has separated first and second ends, and a plurality of cells of generally cope-shaped shape for accommodating eggs, wherein said plurality of cells includes first and second cells located adjacent said First end, said first and second cells are joined by a cell splitter, said cell splitter is cut low to define a plenary adjacent to said first end.
24. 24. An egg carton according to Claim 23, wherein said lid is formed to cooperatively define a vent with a portion of said first end of said tray.
25. 25. An egg carton according to Claim 24, wherein said vent is located adjacent to said plenum.
26. 26. An egg carton according to Claim 23, wherein said cell splitter generally defines a shape V having a first wall extending angularly toward said first end, and a second wall extending angularly away from said first end. . 7.
27. An egg carton according to Claim 26, wherein said first wall defines. an acute angle of 20 degrees relative to a vertical axis. .
28. An egg carton according to Claim 26, wherein said second wall defines an acute angle of 15 degrees relative to a vertical axis. .
29. An egg carton according to Claim 26, wherein said tray further has an upper edge extending around, and wherein said cell splitter defines an apex at the junction of said first and second walls, said apex being located at a dist of 0.837 inches (2.13 cm.) from said upper edge measured along a vertical axis. .
30. A combination comprising: a first and a second egg carton, each for packing a plurality of eggs, each of said egg cartons include: a lid; and a tray connected by hinge to said lid, said tray has separated first and second longitudinal sides, and a plurality of generally cup-shaped cells for accommodating the eggs, wherein said plurality of cells includes first and second cells located adjacent said first longitudinal side, said first and second cells are joined by a cell splitter, said cell splitter is formed to define a generally V-shaped with a first wall extending generally angularly towards said first longitudinal side, and said second wall that it extends generally angularly away from said first longitudinal side; wherein, said first and second egg cartons are arranged in a stacked array with the cells of the first egg carton being stacked in said cells of said second egg carton, and with said first wall of said cell splitter of said first cardboard for egg being in support coupling with said first wall of said cell splitter of said second egg carton, said support coupling limiting the depth of stacking of said first egg carton inside said second egg carton, whereby the Excessive stacking is avoided.
31. 31. A combination according to claim 30, wherein said tray defines a plurality of corners, and, wherein in said arrangement, said first egg carton corners dichc are in supporting engagement with said corners of said second cardboard for egg.