Dividable tray and method for making same

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to packaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to trays for storing and displaying secondary containers containing products and / or consumable products. Some aspects of storing and displaying products and / or secondary containers containing consumable products are, but not limited to, protecting products from damage during transportation, storage or handling, and retail display. For this purpose, it can be considered in the present disclosure, including providing several different structures of the same package.

[0002] Packaging for consumable products comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials and designs. These sizes, shapes, materials and designs generally vary, for example for aesthetic reasons or for marketing purposes. However, packaging of consumable products with certain functional features provides users of such packaging with benefits in addition to the expected aesthetic and marketing benefits.

[0003] A package for storing and displaying a product and / or a secondary container containing the product is provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a first and second outer portion, a first and second intermediate portion, and a first and second inner portion joined by one of a perforation and a notch. Provided is a package or tray formed from a package blank having a portion. The first middle part is placed between the first outer part and the first inner part, and the second middle part is placed between the second outer part and the second inner part. This blank is substantially flat.

[0004] In one embodiment, the first and second inner portions are joined by perforations that are 1/8 "x 1/8" holes.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first outer portion and the first intermediate portion are joined by one of a notch and a perforation, and the second outer portion and the second intermediate portion are a notch and a perforation. Joined by one of them. The first middle part and the first inner part are joined by one of the notches and perforations, and the second middle part and the second inner part are joined by one of the notches and perforations. May be good.

[0006] In one embodiment, the outer portion, the inner portion and the intermediate portion may have first and second end portions, respectively. The first and second end portions may each include an end panel. The outer portion, inner portion and intermediate portion may be joined to their respective end panels by one of a notch and a perforation. The end panels of the first and second intermediate portions may be substantially the same width as the first and second intermediate portions.

[0007] In one embodiment, the edge panels of the first and second outer portions may be arranged substantially adjacent to the edge panels of the first and second intermediate portions. The end panels of the first and second inner portions may also be placed substantially adjacent to each other. The end panels of the first and second inner portions may be the same length, or the end panels of the first inner portion may be shorter than the end panels of the second inner portion. The end panel of the first inner portion may be about 1/8 inch to about 1/2 inch, or about 1/4 inch shorter than the end panel of the second inner portion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outer, inner, and intermediate portions have a length of about 5 inches to about 15 inches, or about 10 inches.

[0009] In one embodiment, the end panels of the first and second outer portions, and the first and second intermediate portions, are from about 13/16 inches to about 2 + 7/16 inches, or about 3 + 1. It has a length of 4 inches.

[0010] In one embodiment, the outer portion has a width of about 1 + 13/16 inch to about 5 + 7/16 inch, or about 3 + 5/8 inch.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inner portion has a width of about 3/4 inch to about 2 + 1/4 inch, or about 1.5 inch.

[0012] In one embodiment, the intermediate portion has a width of about 1 + 23/32 inches to about 5 + 5/32 inches, or about 3 + 7/16 inches.

[0013] In one embodiment, the blank has a length of about 6 + 5/8 inches to about 19 + 7/8 inches, or about 13 + 1/4 inches.

[0014] In one embodiment, the blank has a width of about 8 + 9/16 inches to about 26 + 5/8 inches, or about 17 + 1/8 inches.

[0015] In another embodiment, trays are provided. The tray consists of first and second opposing sidewalls, a front wall containing multiple panels, a rear wall containing multiple panels, and of perforations and notches configured to separate the tray into two compartments. Includes bottom wall with one.

[0016] In one embodiment, one of the perforations and notches is a perforation that is substantially parallel to the first and second opposite side walls.

[0017] In one embodiment, the two compartments have the same dimensions. In this way, the two compartments may mirror each other when separated.

[0018] In one embodiment, the plurality of panels on the front wall have different lengths. It is also possible for multiple panels on the front wall to have different widths.

[0019] In one embodiment, the plurality of panels on the rear wall have different lengths. It is also possible for multiple panels on the back wall to have different widths.

[0020] In one embodiment, the tray is formed from a piece of material. The material may be selected from the group consisting of plastics, cardboard, fiberboard, paperboard, jute, styrofoam, metals, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the material is corrugated paper.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first and second opposing side walls include at least one panel that extends from the side wall and is configured to adhere to one of the front and rear walls.

[0022] In another embodiment, trays are provided. The tray includes a first compartment with an outer side wall, an inner side wall, a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall, and a second compartment with an outer side wall, an inner side wall, a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall. .. The inner wall of the first compartment and the inner wall of the second compartment are joined by one of the perforations and the notches.

[0023] In one embodiment, one of the perforations and the notches is a perforation configured such that the first and second compartments can be separated.

[0024] In one embodiment, the front walls of the first and second compartments and the rear walls of the first and second compartments each include a single panel. A single panel in the first compartment may be an extension of the bottom wall of the first compartment, and a single panel in the second compartment may be an extension of the bottom wall of the second compartment. Good.

[0025] In one embodiment, the anterior and posterior walls of the first compartment further include ancillary panels extending from the outer sidewall of the first compartment. The attached panel may be a panel extending from the outer side wall of the second compartment. The attached panel may be a panel extending from the inner side wall of the first compartment. The ancillary panel may also be a panel extending from the inner sidewall of the second compartment.

[0026] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the first compartment and the inner wall of the second compartment are adjacent and substantially overlap each other.

[0027] In one embodiment, the outer sidewalls of the first and second compartments are higher than the inner sidewalls of the first and second compartments.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, trays are provided. This tray contains cavities defined by first and second opposing side walls, anterior and posterior walls, and a bottom wall. A portion of the bottom wall is folded into the cavity to form at least two compartments of the tray.

[0029] In one embodiment, the portion of the bottom wall that is bent into the cavity is oriented substantially vertically. The top of the portion of the bottom wall that is folded into the cavity may include one of a perforation and a notch that is configured to allow at least two compartments to be separated. In one embodiment, the portion of the bottom wall that is folded into the cavity comprises two adjacent layers of the bottom wall that substantially overlap each other. The portion of the bottom wall that is not bent into the cavity may form a substantially flat surface that is substantially perpendicular to the portion of the bottom wall that is bent into the cavity.

[0030] In one embodiment, the anterior wall is formed from at least two panels, each panel extending from the bottom wall. At least two panels may be oriented end-to-end and placed substantially adjacent to each other to form a front wall. The anterior wall may further include a panel extending from the first side wall, a panel extending from the second side wall, a panel extending from a portion of the bottom wall that is bent into the cavity, or a panel selected from the group consisting of combinations thereof. Good.

[0031] In one embodiment, the posterior wall comprises at least two panels, each panel extending from the bottom wall. At least two panels may be oriented end-to-end and are arranged substantially adjacent to each other to form a back wall. The rear wall may further include a panel extending from the first side wall, a panel extending from the second side wall, a panel extending from a portion of the bottom wall that is bent into the cavity, or a panel selected from the group consisting of combinations thereof. Good.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first and second opposing walls are higher than the portion of the bottom wall that is bent into the cavity.

[0033] In another embodiment, trays are provided. The tray includes first and second opposing side walls, anterior wall, rear wall, bottom wall, and an internal wall that divides the tray into at least two separate compartments. The inner wall contains first and second adjacent panels joined by one of the perforations and notches.

[0034] In one embodiment, adjacent panels are joined by perforations at the top of the adjacent panels.

[0035] In one embodiment, the inner wall is formed from a portion of the bottom wall.

[0036] In one embodiment, the anterior wall comprises at least two panels, each panel extending from the bottom wall. At least two panels may be oriented end-to-end or substantially adjacent to each other to form a front wall. The anterior wall may further include a panel extending from the first side wall, a panel extending from the second side wall, a panel extending from a portion of the bottom wall that is bent into the cavity, or a panel selected from the group consisting of combinations thereof. Good.

[0037] In one embodiment, the posterior wall comprises at least two panels, each panel extending from the bottom wall. At least two panels may be oriented end-to-end or substantially adjacent to each other to form a back wall. The rear wall may further include a panel extending from the first side wall, a panel extending from the second side wall, a panel extending from a portion of the bottom wall that is bent into the cavity, or a panel selected from the group consisting of combinations thereof. Good.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first and second opposing side walls are higher than the inner wall.

[0039] In another embodiment, trays are provided. The tray includes a cavity defined by a first and second opposing side wall, anterior wall, rear wall, and a bottom wall containing one of a perforation and a notch. One of the perforations and the notches is (i) to allow the bottom wall to be flat in the first embodiment, and (ii) part of the bottom wall is hollow in the second embodiment. It is bent into the section, thereby forming at least two compartments.

[0040] In one embodiment, the anterior wall comprises at least two panels in both the first and second embodiments. These panels may extend from the bottom wall. The anterior wall may further include a panel extending from at least one of the first and second opposing side walls, which panel is attached to a panel extending from the bottom wall.

[0041] In one embodiment, the posterior wall comprises at least two panels in both the first and second embodiments. These panels may extend from the bottom wall. The rear wall may further include a panel extending from at least one of the first and second opposing side walls, which panel is attached to a panel extending from the bottom wall.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first and second opposing side walls are higher than the portion of the rear wall that is bent into the cavity in the second embodiment.

[0043] In one embodiment, at least two compartments mirror each other along one of the perforations and the notches.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, trays are provided. The tray includes a cavity defined by a first and second opposing side wall, anterior wall, rear wall, and a bottom wall containing one of a perforation and a notch. One of the perforations and notches (i) allows the bottom wall to be flat in the first embodiment, and (ii) the tray in at least two compartments in the second embodiment. It is configured to allow separation.

[0045] In one embodiment, the anterior wall comprises at least two panels in the first embodiment. These panels may extend from the bottom wall. The anterior wall may further include a panel extending from at least one of the first and second opposing side walls, the panel being attached to a panel extending from the bottom wall.

[0046] In one embodiment, the posterior wall comprises at least two panels in the first embodiment. These panels may extend from the bottom wall. The rear wall may further include a panel extending from at least one of the first and second opposing side walls, which panel is attached to a panel extending from the bottom wall.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least two compartments mirror each other when separated.

[0048] In other embodiments, methods for making trays are provided. The method prepares a blank having a first and second outer portion, a first and second inner portion joined by one of a perforation and a notch, and a first and second intermediate portion. Includes steps to do. The first middle part is placed between the first outer part and the first inner part, and the second middle part is placed between the second outer part and the second inner part. In this method, the step of bending the blank along one of the perforations and the notches, the line that borders the first intermediate portion and the first inner portion, and the second intermediate portion and the second inner portion. The step of folding the blank along the boundary line with, the line between the first intermediate part and the first outer part, and the boundary line between the second intermediate part and the second outer part. Further includes a step of folding the blank along and thereby forming a tray.

[0049] In one embodiment, the blank further comprises first and second ends, each of which has a plurality of panels.

[0050] In one embodiment, the method is a step of bending a plurality of panels at a first end to form a front wall and / or a plurality of panels at a second end to form a rear wall. Includes further steps to fold.

[0051] In one embodiment, the panels at the first end are glued together to form a front wall. In addition, the panels at the second end are glued together to form a back wall.

[0052] In one embodiment, the method is along a line that borders a first intermediate portion and a first inner portion and a line that borders a second intermediate portion and a second inner portion. It further includes the step of placing the secondary package on the blank after folding the blank.

[0053] In one embodiment, the method is along a line that borders the first intermediate portion and the first outer portion and a line that borders the second intermediate portion and the second outer portion. It further includes the step of placing a consumable product in the tray after folding the blank.

[0054] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of placing a cover over the tray.

[0055] In another embodiment, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method includes the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray having first and second opposing side walls, a front wall with multiple panels, a rear wall with multiple panels, And has a bottom wall with one of a perforation and a notch configured to separate the tray into two compartments. The method further includes the step of installing the tray on the retail shelf.

[0056] In one embodiment, the consumable product is included in the secondary package.

[0057] In one embodiment, the method further comprises removing the cover from the tray before installing the tray on a retail shelf.

[0058] Yet another embodiment provides a method for displaying consumable products. The method comprises the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray having first and second opposing side walls, a front wall with multiple panels, a rear wall with multiple panels. , And a bottom wall containing one of the perforations and notches configured to separate the tray into two compartments. The method further comprises tearing the tray along one of the perforations and notches for separating the tray into two compartments, and placing at least one of the two compartments on the retail shelf.

[0059] In one embodiment, the method further comprises removing the cover from the tray before tearing the tray.

[0060] In one embodiment, the method further stacks the other of the two compartments on the top edge of one of the two compartments before installing the first and second compartments on the retail shelves. Including.

[0061] In other embodiments, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method comprises the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray having a first compartment having an outer side wall, an inner side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall, and an outer side wall, an inner side wall, It has a second compartment with a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall. The inner wall of the first compartment and the inner wall of the second compartment are joined by one of the perforations and the notches. The method further includes the step of installing the tray on the retail shelf.

[0062] In one embodiment, the method further comprises removing the cover from the tray before installing the tray on a retail shelf.

[0063] In another embodiment, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method comprises the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray comprising a first compartment having an outer side wall, an inner side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall, and an outer side wall, an inner side wall. It has a second compartment with a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall. The inner wall of the first compartment and the inner wall of the second compartment are joined by one of the perforations and the notches. The method involves tearing the tray along one of the perforations and notches to separate the tray into first and second compartments, and retailing at least one of the first and second compartments. Includes further steps to install in.

[0064] In one embodiment, the method further comprises removing the cover from the tray before tearing the tray.

[0065] In one embodiment, the method further comprises stacking the first compartment on top of the second compartment before installing the first and second compartments on the retail shelves.

[0066] Yet another embodiment provides a method for displaying a consumable product. The method comprises the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray having cavities defined by first and second opposing side walls, anterior and posterior walls, and a bottom wall. A portion of the bottom wall is folded into the cavity to form at least two compartments of the tray. The method further includes the step of installing the tray on the retail shelf.

[0067] In one embodiment, the method further comprises removing the cover from the tray before installing the tray on the retail shelf.

[0068] In another embodiment, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method comprises the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray having cavities defined by first and second opposing side walls, anterior and posterior walls, and a bottom wall. A portion of the bottom wall is folded into the cavity to form at least two compartments of the tray. The method further includes the step of separating at least two compartments of the tray and the step of installing at least one of the at least two compartments on the retail shelf.

[0069] In one embodiment, the method further comprises removing the cover from the tray before separating at least two compartments of the tray.

[0070] In one embodiment, the method stacks a second of at least two compartments on top of a first compartment of at least two compartments before placing the compartment on a retail shelf. Including further.

[0071] In other embodiments, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method includes the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray containing at least two separate compartments of the first and second opposing side walls, front wall, rear wall, bottom wall, and tray. Includes an internal wall that divides into. The inner wall contains first and second adjacent panels joined by one of the perforations and notches. The method further includes the step of installing the tray on the retail shelf.

[0072] In one embodiment, the method further comprises removing the cover from the tray before installing the tray on the retail shelf.

[0073] In another embodiment, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method includes the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray separating at least two facing side walls, anterior wall, rear wall, bottom wall, and tray. It has an internal wall that divides into compartments. The inner wall contains first and second adjacent panels joined by one of the perforations and notches. The method involves tearing the tray along one of the perforations and notches to separate the tray into at least two separate compartments and placing at least one of the at least two compartments on the retail shelf. And further include.

[0074] In one embodiment, the method further comprises removing the cover from the tray before tearing the tray.

[0075] In one embodiment, the method is at the top of the first compartment of at least two separate compartments before the compartment is placed on the retail shelf, the second compartment of at least two separate compartments. Including the step of stacking.

[0076] It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide an improved package.

[0077] Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a package that can be configured into multiple sequences.

[0078] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a package configured to be divided into two compartments.

[0079] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a package configured to contain a consumable product and / or a secondary package containing the consumable product.

[0080] It is also an advantage of the present disclosure to provide a package that gives aesthetic satisfaction.

[0081] A further advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a package that is easy to display on retail shelves.

[0082] It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide an improved method for making packages.

[0083] Another advantage is to provide an improved way to display packages on retail shelves.

[0084] Additional features and advantages are described herein, but will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings below.

<figref num="1">It is a figure which illustrates the upper surface of the packaging blank by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="2">It is a perspective view which illustrates the package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="3">It is a perspective view which illustrates the package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="4">It is a perspective view which illustrates the package including the secondary package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="5">It is a perspective view which illustrates the package separated into two sections by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="6">It is a perspective view which illustrates the package which is separated into two sections and contains a secondary package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="7">It is a perspective view which illustrates the package which is separated into two sections and contains a secondary package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="8A">It is a figure which illustrates the method for making a package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="8B">It is a figure which illustrates the method for making a package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="8C">It is a figure which illustrates the method for making a package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="8D">It is a figure which illustrates the method for making a package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="8E">It is a figure which illustrates the method for making a package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="8F">It is a figure which illustrates the method for making a package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="8G">It is a figure which illustrates the method for making a package by one Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref>

[0093] As used in the claims of the present disclosure and the attachment, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include multiple objects unless expressly defined in a different sense in the context. Thus, for example, a reference to "a panel" includes a single panel, two or more panels, and so on.

[0094] As used herein, "about" is understood to refer to a range of numbers. Moreover, it should be understood that all numerical ranges herein include all integers, full integers or fractions within that range.

[0095] As used herein, "nutrition product" or "nutrition composition" refers to conventional (synthetic or natural) food additives, such as one or more acidulants, additions. Thickeners, buffers or agents for pH regulation, chelating agents, colorants, emulsifiers, excipients, flavors, minerals, penetrants, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, preservatives, stabilizers, sugars, sweeteners, It is understood to include any number of optional additives, including tempering agents and / or vitamins. Ingredients for voluntary use may be added in any appropriate amount. The nutritional product or composition may be a source of complete nutrition or may be a source of incomplete nutrition.

[0096] As used herein, a "perforation" is a series of cuts or holes in a material that are composed of either repeated or random patterns. The perforations of the present disclosure are usually linear perforations, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that perforations of any shape or size can be used in the present disclosure. Perforations are commonly used to allow easy separation of two parts of the material, just as it allows the paper to be easily torn along the perforation lines. Perforated packages on cardboard or plastic film are easier for consumers to open and allow a diverse presentation of the products contained within the packaging. Other purposes of using perforations include, for example, allowing fluid filtration, muffling, light or fluid passage, and creating aesthetic designs.

[0097] The present disclosure is generally related to packaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to consumable products or trays used to contain secondary packages containing consumable products (eg, nutritional composition). The trays of the present disclosure are an open cavity with four walls and a bottom, as one open tray in the first embodiment, and as one tray with two compartments in the second embodiment. Includes one of the perforations and notches that allows the tray to be constructed. In yet another embodiment, the tray can be torn along a perforation or notch to allow the tray to be separated into two compartments. The two compartments may have the same dimensions (eg, mirror images of each other) or may have different dimensions. In other words, when the tray is separated into two compartments, these parts may be of equal or unequal size.

[0098] The trays of the present disclosure may be used for many purposes, including, but not limited to, transporting, storing, and displaying retail products. For transport, the tray may be transported on its own, in a larger box, or with a lid or cover placed on top of the open cavity. The lid or cover may be made of the same material as the tray, may be glued to the tray, or may simply include a shrink wrap or plastic cover that wraps the tray. With respect to display, the trays of the present disclosure may provide retailers with several different methods for displaying the products contained within the trays. As mentioned above, the tray may be one open tray containing multiple products, or may be divided into at least two compartments, or physically separated by perforations and / or notches. May be good. Thus, there are several configurations in which retailers can place trays on retail shelves for display. The trays of the present disclosure can also be displayed in a variety of different environments, such as on product shelves, in refrigerators, and in freezers.

[0099] The tray may contain, for example, a consumable product or secondary container. In one embodiment, the tray contains consumable products. The consumable product may be a solid, liquid, semi-liquid, or a combination thereof. For example, the consumable product may be any consumable product, including, for example, baby food, snack food, full meal, side meal, confectionery, medicine, chewing gum, mint and the like. The tray may hold the same or different consumable products of different colors. Differently scented, coated or tempered products can also be stored inside. Consumable products may be individually packaged or packaged in multiples. However, if the tray is made of sterile plastic material, the product does not need to be packaged. In one embodiment, the package contains food for children (eg, infants, infants, nursery school children, etc.), including, for example, baby food, fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, pasta, and the like. The consumable product may be finger food or may be made to be consumed using kitchen utensils. However, the teachings of this disclosure are independent of any particular type of consumable product, as long as the product fits within the trays described herein.

[00100] In one embodiment, the package contains a secondary package that can be designed to contain a consumable product. The secondary package may include, but is not limited to, cans, bottles, sachets, boxes, cups, ball boxes, vases, trays, bags and the like. The consumable products contained in the secondary package may be the same consumable products as those discussed above, including, for example, solids, liquids, semi-liquids, or combinations thereof. For example, the secondary container may contain food for children (eg, infants, infants, nursery school children, etc.), including baby food, fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, pasta, etc., for example. The consumable product may be finger food or may be made to be consumed using kitchen utensils. However, the teachings of the present disclosure do not depend on any particular type of consumable product as long as the product fits within the secondary container described herein. This disclosure considers trays and secondary containers that contain consumable products, but as long as the product fits within the tray and / or the secondary container within the tray, the packaging of this disclosure will be any product ( Those skilled in the art will immediately understand that they can also accommodate, for example, non-edible products).

[00101] The trays of the present disclosure may have any shape or size known in the art. For example, the tray may be substantially cubic, rectangular, pyramidal, cylindrical, conical and spherical, or a combination thereof. As long as the tray can contain the product intended to be contained in it, and as long as the tray can be torn separately along the perforations and / or notches by the consumer, the tray is also specific. Not limited to size.

[00102] The package may be made from any material that can be perforated and torn. For example, the package may be made from plastic, cardboard, fiberboard, paperboard, jute, styrofoam, metal, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the package is made from corrugated paper. For example, in one embodiment where the material is plastic, the consumable product may be contained in a tray without the need for secondary packaging.

[00103] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cutout blank 10 that can be used to form the trays of the present disclosure. Blank 10 includes first and second outer portions 12 and 14, respectively, first and second intermediate portions 16 and 18, respectively, and first and second inner portions 20 and 22, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner portions 20 and 22 are in contact with each other and in contact with the intermediate portions 16 and 18, and the outer portions 12 and 14 are in contact with the intermediate portions 16 and 18. Blank 10 also includes first and second ends 24, 26, respectively, each of which includes a plurality of end panels 28. Although this figure illustrates a plurality of end panels 28 for both the first end 24 and the second end 26, it is appreciated that the blank 10 may include any number of end panels 28. Those skilled in the art will understand. For example, the first end 24 may include from about 1 to about 10 end panels 28. In one embodiment, the first end 24 comprises six end panels, one for each of the outer, middle and inner portions.

[00104] The first and second outer parts 12, 14, the first and second inner parts 20, 22, and the first and second intermediate parts 16, 18 are about 5 inches to about 15 inches, or about. It may have a length of 10 inches. The first and second outer portions 12, 14 may have a width of about 1 + 13/16 inch to about 5 + 7/16 inch, or about 3 + 5/8 inch. The first and second inner portions 20, 22 may have a width of about 3/4 inch to about 2 + 1/4 inch, or about 1.5 inch. The first and second intermediate portions 16 and 18 may have a width of about 1 + 23/32 inches to about 5 + 5/32 inches, or about 3 + 7/16 inches.

[00105] The end panel 28 of the first inner portion 20 is about 1/8 inch to about 1/2 inch, or about 1/4 inch longer than the end panel 28 of the second inner portion 22. It may be shorter by a minute. The end panels 28 of the first and second outer parts 12, 14 and the end panels 28 of the first and second intermediate parts 16, 18 are about 13/16 inches to about 2 + 7/16 inches, Or it has a length of about 3 + 1/4 inch. The end panels 28 of the first and second outer portions 12, 14 may be substantially adjacent to the end panels 28 of the first and second intermediate portions 16, 18. Similarly, the end panels 28 of the first and second inner portions 20, 22 may be adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG.

[00106] The blank 10 may have a total length of about 6 + 5/8 inches to about 19 + 7/8 inches, or about 13 + 1/4 inches. The blank 10 can have a total width of about 8 + 9/16 inches to about 26 + 5/8 inches, or about 17 + 1/8 inches. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the size of the package can vary as desired, depending on the manufacturing specifications, or the size and shape of the consumable product or secondary container contained therein.

[00107] Each portion of the blank 10 may contact another portion along the intended bend line, perforation, notch, or combination thereof. For example, the first outer portion 12 may contact the first intermediate portion 16 along the perforation bend line 30. Similarly, each end panel 28 of the blank 10 may contact the respective outer, middle or inner portion along the intended bend lines, perforations, notches, or combinations thereof. For example, the end panel 28 of the first outer portion 12 may contact the first outer portion 12 along the perforation bend line 32. The perforations or notches 34 located between the two adjacent first and second inner portions 20, 22 are different for transport, storage, display, etc. in the trays of the present disclosure as further discussed below. Allows the structure to be taken.

[00108] As briefly mentioned above, the blank 10 can be folded into several different forms depending on the needs of transportation, storage or display. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the blank 10 has first and second outer portions 12, 14 and end panels 28 that are substantially vertical, while intermediate portions 16, 18 and inner portions. 20 and 22 can be folded into tray 40 so that they remain substantially horizontal. In this embodiment, the intermediate portions 16, 18 and the inner portions 20, 22 form the bottom wall of the tray 40 and can accommodate consumable products as discussed above. As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second outer portions 12, 14 form the side wall of the tray 40, the end panel 28 is the front wall at the first end 24 and the second end 26. Form the back wall. As shown in FIG. 2, the end panels 28 of the first and second outer walls 12, 14 are composed of the side walls 12, 14, the bottom walls 16, 18, 20, 22 and the front and rear walls 28. It is folded inside the cavity to be formed. In this way, the end panels 28 of the first and second outer walls 12 and 14 bent inside the cavity may be attached to at least the end panels 28 of the intermediate portions 16 and 18. The end panels 28 of the first and second outer walls 12, 14 are placed in intermediate parts 16, 18 by any known glue, including, for example, tape, glue, chemical glue, fasteners, staples, etc. It may be attached to the end panel 28 of the.

[00109] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the end panel 28 may remain in a vertical and straight position by placing a lid or cover 42 over the tray 40, as shown in FIG. 8G. It is possible. The lid 42 may be any lid known in the art capable of closing the open cavity of the tray 40. The lid 42 may be made of the same material as the tray 40 (eg, plastic, cardboard, fiberboard, paperboard, jute, styrofoam, metal, or a combination thereof), or may be a different material. For example, the lid 42 may be a polymer cover that is glued, welded or otherwise sealed to the tray 40. Thus, the lid 42 may be a plastic wrapping material, cellophane or shrink wrapping material. The lid 42 may also be a semi-rigid or rigid cover that snaps onto the tray 40. In addition, the lid 42 may be a cover or cover lid located at the top of the tray 40. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lid 42 of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment of tray 40 of FIG. 2 and can be used in any of the tray embodiments disclosed herein.

[00110] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the tray of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the tray 50 is another embodiment of the folded blank 10. However, in contrast to FIG. 2, the tray 50 of FIG. 3 is folded along the perforations / notches 34 and along the creases or lines where the intermediate portions 16, 18 and the inner portions 20, 22 meet. Folding the blank 10 along the perforations / notches 34 forms a tray 50 containing two separate compartments 52, 54. The first compartment 52 is formed by a first outer portion 12, a first intermediate portion 16, a first inner portion 20, and their respective end panels 28. The second compartment 54 is formed by a second outer portion 14, a second intermediate portion 18, a second inner portion 22, and their respective end panels 28.

[00111] Illustrated to have two separate compartments, but when the blank 10 is folded into a tray, the blank 10 is perforated so that any number of separate compartments can be formed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may include any number of perforations / notches similar to line 34 of. Also, the notches or perforations may be of any size or shape suitable to allow the tray material to bend and / or tear. For example, in one embodiment where the tray is intended to be torn to separate into at least two portions of the tray, perforations similar to perforations 34 may be provided in a size that facilitates tearing. An example of such a perforation includes a 1/8 inch x 1/8 inch hole. However, in another embodiment where a portion of the tray is intended to be bent but not torn, the perforations may be sized to facilitate product retention and package maintenance.

[00112] Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that after the individual compartments have been formed within the trays of the present disclosure, the individual compartments may remain connected or separated. For example, after being formed in the tray 50, the divided compartments 52, 54 may remain connected to each other or separated from each other. The compartments 52, 54 may be separated from each other along the perforation 34 by cutting, tearing, opening band, opening tape, or other known separating material.

[00113] As described above, any number of perforations / notches similar to perforation line 34 so that when the blank 10 is folded into a tray, any number of separate separate compartments can be formed. May be provided. In this way, the tray 50 may include any number of individual compartments. The individual compartments may be compartments of equal size or compartments of different sizes. Similarly, each or all compartments formed within the tray 50 may be divided into two or more sub-compartments. For example, tray 50 in FIG. 3 includes a first compartment 52 and a second compartment 54. One or both of the first and second compartments 52, 54 may be divided into two or more subdivisions.

[00114] Providing separate compartments 52, 54 and sub-compartments (not shown) will allow different types and different quantities of products to be accommodated in tray 50. For example, for larger sized consumable products, the first compartment 52 may contain one or more products, while the second compartment 54 may contain one or more products, or one or more products. It may even contain different products. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the tray 50 includes a plurality of secondary packages 56 containing consumable products.

[00115] In another embodiment, the trays of the present disclosure can be used to serve individual meals. For example, tray 50 in FIG. 3 contains two individual meals serving two children, one individual meal in the first compartment 52 and one individual meal in the second compartment 54. It may be configured as follows. In this way, the tray 50 may provide food to two children, each of whom owns its own separate section of food. As mentioned above, the individual compartments 52, 54 may be subdivided into subdivisions to provide food to three or more children. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the tray 50 may be stored, frozen, refrigerated, heated or the products inside may be consumed prior to the separation of the first compartment 52 and the second compartment 54. There will be.

[00116] For example, the first compartment 52 can be separated from the second compartment 54 to provide two separate and separate compartments, as shown in FIG. By separating the first and second compartments 52, 54, the products in the first compartment 52 are consumed, while the products in compartment 54 can be stored, refrigerated, or frozen on shelves. In some cases, the product in the first compartment 52 can be refrigerated while the product in the second compartment 54 can be heated. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any combination of storage, freezing, refrigeration, heating, or consumption is also available in the first and second compartments 52, 54.

[00117] Another advantage of separating the first and second compartments 52, 54 is the improvement of commercial value. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 6, the first and second compartments 52, 54 may include secondary containers 56, for example, which may include edible food products. As shown in FIG. 6, most of the front surface of the secondary container 56 is visible from the front of the first and second compartments 52, 54. For example, providing the first and second compartments 52 and 54 that enable the visibility of the secondary container 56 provides an advantage of improved commercial value. In this regard, the retailer removes the lid 42 from the tray 50, separates the first compartment 52 from the second compartment 54, and installs compartments 52, 54 on the retail shelves to display the secondary package 56 for sale. It is possible. In this way, the trays of the present disclosure provide a quick and easy way to improve the commercial value of a product.

[00118] In order to further improve the merchandise of the product, the first and second compartments 52, 54 may be stacked one above the other, thereby producing a larger quantity of product as shown in FIG. Allows stacking on retail shelves. In this way, the packaging according to the present disclosure also also provides the benefits of reduced storage space, ease of storage, and improved merchantability.

[00119] The marketability of the Package shall be further enhanced by the presence of markings on the outer and / or inner surfaces of the trays of the present disclosure, or markings on the outer surface of the secondary package contained in the tray. Can be done. The marking may include, for example, a trademark, advertisement, brand information, nutrition information, product information, manufacturer information, or a combination thereof. For example, the tray may contain stock information on either the outer or inner surface. The markings may be provided in several ways. For example, in one embodiment, the marking is expected to be printed on an adhesive tape (eg, a sticker), printed directly on a tray, molded into a tray, and the like. In a different embodiment, the tray may be surrounded by a layer of material such as shrink wrapping material with markings printed on it. The type or method of a branded package or secondary package is not limited by the examples disclosed herein, and any type or method of application known in the art for marking or methods of applying it. Those skilled in the art will understand that can also be included.

[00120] In one embodiment, a method for making the trays of the present disclosure is provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the blank 10 is provided with a perforation 34, which is "cut" or "creased", thereby initiating the bending process. When the blank 10 is bent along the perforation 34, the blank 10 is also bent at the contact areas of the intermediate portions 16 and 18 and the inner portions 20 and 22, respectively, as shown in FIG. 8B. Blank 10 continues to bend along perforations 34 until inner portions 20, 22 form a substantially vertical inner wall of the tray. The inner wall includes inner portions 20, 22 that are substantially vertical, adjacent to each other, and substantially overlap, as shown in FIG. 8C. At this stage of the process, the rest of the blank 10 is still substantially horizontal. If the tray is intended to contain a secondary package, the secondary package may be mounted on top of the tray at this point, as shown in FIG. 8D. However, those skilled in the art will not need the contents of the tray to be loaded onto the tray at this time, and will be loaded into the tray after the tray has been formed or at any suitable time during the production of the tray. You will understand that you may.

[00121] After the formation of the inner wall, along the intermediate bend line between the first outer portion 12 and the first intermediate portion 16 and the intermediate bend line between the second outer portion 14 and the second intermediate portion 18. By bending the first and second outer portions 12 and 14, the side wall of the tray is formed. At this stage of tray formation, the end panel 28 has not yet been bent, as shown in FIG. 8E.

[00122] The end panels 28 are bent and secured to each other to form the front and back walls of the tray. The same process may be used to form both the anterior and posterior walls of the tray, but this process is described in terms of the anterior wall, which can be seen in Figures 8E and 8F. The end panel 28 of the first outer portion 12 and the end panel 28 of the first inner portion 20 are bent toward each other to form the front wall. Similarly, the end panel 28 of the second outer portion 14 and the end panel 28 of the second inner portion 22 are bent toward each other. The end panel 28 of the first intermediate portion 16 is then bent upward and attached to the end panel 28 of the first outer portion 12 and the end panel 28 of the first inner portion 20. Similarly, the end panel 28 of the second intermediate portion 18 is bent upward and attached to the end panel 28 of the second outer portion 14 and the end panel 28 of the first inner portion 22. Any end panel 28 can be attached to any other end panel 28 by any attachment means known in the art, including, for example, glue, tape, chemical adhesives, staples, epoxies, etc. It is possible. In one embodiment, the end panel 28 of the first outer portion 12 and the end panel 28 of the first inner portion 20 are attached to the end panel 28 of the first intermediate portion 16.

[00123] As shown in FIG. 8G, after the tray 50 is fully formed, to prevent the product contained therein from falling and to protect the product during transportation, storage, etc. , The lid or cover 42 may be placed at the top of the open cavity of the tray 50. As discussed above, the lid or cover 42 may be formed from the same material as the tray, may be glued to the tray, or may simply include a shrink wrapping material or a plastic cover to wrap the tray. In this way, the lid 42 may be made of plastic, cardboard, fiberboard, paperboard, jute, styrofoam, metal, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the lid 42 is made from corrugated paper.

[00124] In one alternative embodiment, the product may be mounted on the blank 10 when the blank 10 is configured as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the inner portions 20, 22 do not form an inner wall within the tray 40. Rather, the bottom wall may be formed from intermediate portions 16, 18 and inner portions 20, 22 and the product may be mounted on this bottom wall. On top of this to prevent the product contained therein from falling when the outer portions 12, 14 and end panel 28 are bent upwards, and to protect the product during transportation, storage, etc. A lid 42 may be installed. The lid in this embodiment may be the same as the lid 42, but may be slightly longer to cover the substantially horizontal inner portions 20, 22 instead of the substantially vertical inner portions 20, 22. Good.

[00125] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the consumer or retailer removes the lid 42 from the tray 40, disconnects the tray 40 along the perforations 34, and first attaches the end panel 28 of the first inner portion 20. The end panel 28 of the second inner portion 22 may be bent towards the second outer portion 14 and attached to the other end panel. In this way, the consumer or retailer may provide a tray with one cavity open (as shown in FIG. 2) or a tray with an inner wall and a separable cavity (as shown in FIG. 3). It is permissible to decide which is the best to provide.

[00126] Also provided is a method for displaying the products contained within the trays of the present disclosure. In the first embodiment, one integrated tray is supplied for display. The method includes the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray having first and second opposing side walls, a front wall with multiple panels, and a rear wall with multiple panels. And a bottom wall with one of the perforations and notches configured to separate the tray into two compartments. The method further includes the step of installing the tray on the retail shelf.

[00127] In another embodiment, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method includes the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray having a first compartment having an outer side wall, an inner side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall, and an outer side wall, an inner side wall. It has a second compartment with a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall. The inner wall of the first compartment and the inner wall of the second compartment are joined by one of the perforations and the notches. The method further includes the step of installing the tray on the retail shelf.

[00128] In yet another embodiment, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method comprises the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray being a cavity defined by a first and second opposing side wall, a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom wall. Has a part. A portion of the bottom wall is folded into the cavity to form at least two compartments of the tray. The method further includes the step of installing the tray on the retail shelf.

[00129] In another embodiment, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method includes the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray containing at least two trays, the first and second opposing side walls, the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the tray. Includes an internal wall that divides into two separate compartments. The inner wall contains first and second adjacent panels joined by one of the perforations and notches. The method further includes the step of installing the tray on the retail shelf.

[00130] In the second embodiment, the first and second compartments of the tray are separated from each other and provided for display. For example, the method comprises the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray having first and second opposing side walls, a front wall with a plurality of panels, and a plurality of panels. It comprises a rear wall and a bottom wall containing one of a perforation and a notch configured to separate the tray into two compartments. The method further includes the step of tearing the tray along one of the perforations and notches for separating the tray into two compartments and the step of placing at least one of the two compartments on the retail shelf. ..

[00131] In another embodiment, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method comprises the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray comprising a first compartment having an outer side wall, an inner side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall, and an outer side wall, an inside. It has a side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a second compartment with a bottom wall. The inner wall of the first compartment and the inner wall of the second compartment are joined by one of the perforations and the notches. The method involves tearing the tray along one of the perforations and notches to separate the tray into first and second compartments, and placing at least one of the first and second compartments on the retail shelf. Further includes steps to do.

[00132] In another embodiment, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method comprises the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray being a cavity defined by a first and second opposing side wall, a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom wall. Has a part. A portion of the bottom wall is folded into the cavity to form at least two compartments of the tray. The method further includes the step of separating at least two compartments of the tray and the step of installing at least one of the two compartments on the retail shelf.

[00133] In another embodiment, a method for displaying a consumable product is provided. The method includes the step of preparing a tray for accommodating consumable products, the tray containing at least two trays, the first and second opposing side walls, the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the tray. It has an internal wall that divides it into two separate compartments. The inner wall contains first and second adjacent panels joined by one of the perforations and notches. The method involves tearing the tray along one of the perforations and notches to separate the tray into at least two separate compartments, and placing at least one of the at least two compartments on the retail shelf. Including further.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods described above for displaying a product may also be applied to methods for storing the product, refrigerating the product, freezing the product, heating the product, and the like. .. Methods for serving meals (eg, to children) are also supported by this disclosure.

[00135] Various changes and modifications to the current preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this subject matter and without diminishing the intended benefits. Therefore, such changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.