Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PACKAGE
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Appl.
No. 61/608,081, filed March 7, 2012, and U.S, Patent Appl, No.
61/683,161, filed August 14, 2012, both of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Field
(00021 This description relates to a package having a tray and a
cover; and more specifically to a package having a tray with a
non-planar flange and a cover or lid sealed to the non-planar
flange of the tray.
Backqround
[0003] Packages made of flexible material having a tray or other
rigid structure therein are commonly used to store products
during transportation, display, and consumption by a user. A
common type of prior package is mass-produced from a web of film
=
material with a lid or cover material adhered to peripheral
flanges thereof to seal the tray, Such mass-produced packages
typically have a planar or flat, symmetric seal flange disposed
about the tray for sealing of the cover. While planar flanges
of trays of food packages are common, they disadvantageously
lack distinctiveness due to many other similarly configured
trays.
Moreover, they disadvantageously limit the continuous
visible surface area of the cover, which in turn can limit the
amount of indicia that can be disposed thereon.
Another
disadvantage of such packages is that they often are of a
rectangular shape, whereas the food products are of a non-
rectangular shape, thereby resulting in excess packaging. Mass-
produced packages can also disadvantageously have excess
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headspace and excess room for food products stored therein to
move.
Summary
[0004] A package is described herein that reduces the amount of
material used for its construction by at least partially
conforming to the contents stored therein. The package includes
a rigid or semi-rigid tray that includes a bottom wall, a rear
wall, and a pair of side walls. The walls are configured so
that the tray has an opening on at least two faces, such as
front and top faces, that are inclined at an angle of less than
one hundred eighty degrees relative to each other. The opening
is defined by free edges of the walls, including a front edge of
the bottom wall, a top edge of the rear wall, and edges of the
side walls. The tray further optionally includes a peripheral
flange that extends from the free edges thereof, such as
inwardly or outwardly therefrom. The peripheral flange provides
sealing surfaces for adhering to a cover or for otherwise
engaging with a cover that covers the opening to the tray.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0005] FIGURE I is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
container showing a tray with a cover sealed to an outwardly
extending flange thereof;
[0006] FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE 1;
[0007] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a tray for the
container of FIGURE 1;
[0008] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the tray of FIGURE 3
showing two rows of food products therein;
[0009] FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the tray of FIGURE 3
with a cover partially sealed thereto and two rows of food
products therein;
[0010] FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of
=
FIGURE 1 showing two products contained therein;
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[00113 FIGURE 7 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 1;
[0012] FIGURE 8 is a left side elevational view of the container
of FIGURE 1, the right side elevational view being a mirror
image;
[0013] FIGURE 9 is a rear elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 1;
[0014] FIGURE 10 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 1;
[0015] FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of
a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto;
[0016] FIGURE 12 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 11;
[0017] FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of a tray for the
container of FIGURE 11;
[0019] FIGURE 14 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
11;
[0019] FIGURE 15 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 11;
[0020] FIGURE 16 is a rear elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 11;
[0021] FIGURE 17 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 11;
[0022] FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of
a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto;
[0023] FIGURE 19 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 18, the left side elevational view being a
mirror image;
[0024] FIGURE 20 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
18;
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[0025] FIGURE 21 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 18 with the container in a vertical
orientation resting on a sidewall;
(0026] FIGURE 22 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 18 showing an opening feature in a closed configuration;
(0027] FIGURE 23 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 22 showing the opening feature in an open configuration;
(00281 FIGURE 24 is an exploded view of a container showing a
tray, a row of food products, a cover with a scored opening
therein, and a sealing label for covering the opening;
(00291 FIGURE 25 is an exploded view of a container showing a
tray, a row of food products, a cover with small and large
scored openings therein, and a sealing label with corresponding
small and large portions for covering the small and large
openings;
(0030] FIGURE 26 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 24 showing the sealing label in a closed configuration;
(0031] FIGURE 27 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 24 showing the sealing label in an open configuration;
[0032] FIGURE 28 is a rear elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 18, the front elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
(0033] FIGURE 29 is an alternative rear elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 18, the front elevational view thereof being
a mirror image;
=
[0034] FIGURE 30 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 18;
(0035] FIGURE 31 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of
a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto in a
single serving form;
[0036] FIGURE 32 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 31;
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[0037] FIGURE 33 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 31, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0038] FIGURE 34 is a rear elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 31;
[0039] FIGURE 35 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
31;
(0040] FIGURE 36 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 31;
[00411 FIGURE 37 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of
a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto;
=
[0042] FIGURE 38 is a cross-sectional view of the container of
FIGURE 37 showing two products therein;
(0043] FIGURE 39 is a rear elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 37;
(0044] FIGURE 40 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
37;
(0045] FIGURE 41 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 37, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
10046] FIGURE 42 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 37;
[0047] FIGURE 43 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 37;
100481 FIGURE 44 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of
a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto;
[0049] FIGURE 45 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 44, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0050] FIGURE 46 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 44, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
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[0051] FIGURE 47 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
44;
[0052] FIGURE 48 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 44;
[0053] FIGURE 49 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment
of a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto;
[0054] FIGURE 50 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 49, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0055] FIGURE 51 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
49;
[0056] FIGURE 52 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 49, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
=
image;
[0057] FIGURE 53 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 49;
[0058] FIGURE 54 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment
of a container showing a tray with a cover sealed thereto;
[0059] FIGURE 55 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 54, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0060] FIGURE 56 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 54, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
[00611 FIGURE 57 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
=
54;
[0062] FIGURE 58 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 54;
[0063] FIGURE 59 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of
a container showing a cup with a concave cover sealed thereto;
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[0064] FIGURE 60 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 59, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
[0065] FIGURE 61 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
59;
[0066] FIGURE 62 is a right aide elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 59, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0067] FIGURE 63 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 59;
(0068] FIGURE 64 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of
a container showing a cup with a convex cover sealed thereto;
(0069] FIGURE 65 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 64, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
(0070] FIGURE 66 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
64;
[0071] FIGURE 67 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 64, the left side elevational view thereof
=
being a mirror image;
[0072] FIGURE 68 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 64;
(0073] FIGURE 69 is a perspective view of a eleventh embodiment
of a container showing a cup with a convex cover sealed thereto;
[0074] FIGURE 70 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 69, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
(0075] FIGURE 71 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
69;
[0076] FIGURE 72 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 69, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
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(00771 FIGURE 73 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 69;
(0078) FIGURE 74 is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment
of a container showing a cup with a convex cover sealed thereto;
[0079] FIGURE 75 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 74, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
(0080) FIGURE 76 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
74;
(0081] FIGURE 77 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 74, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
(0082] FIGURE 78 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 74;
(0083] FIGURE 79 is a perspective view of a thirteenth
embodiment of a container showing a rectangular cup with a
=
concave cover sealed thereto;
(0084] FIGURE 80 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 79, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
10085] FIGURE 81 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
79;
(0086] FIGURE 82 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 79, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
(0087) FIGURE 83 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 79;
[0088] FIGURE 84 is a perspective view of a fourteenth
embodiment of a container showing a rectangular cup with a
convex cover sealed thereto;
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[0089] FIGURE 85 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 84, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
(0090] FIGURE 86 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
84;
[0091] FIGURE 87 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 84, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0092] FIGURE 88 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 84;
[0093] FIGURE 89 is a perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment
of a container showing a semi-hemispherical cup with a convex
cover sealed. thereto;
[0094] FIGURE 90 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 89, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
[0095] FIGURE 91 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
89;
[0096] FIGURE 92 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 89, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0097] FIGURE 93 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 89;
[0098] FIGURE 94 is a perspective view of a sixteenth embodiment
of a container showing a semi-hemispherical cup with a concave
cover sealed thereto;
[0099] FIGURE 95 is a front elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 94, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
[00100] FIGURE 96 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
94;
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[0 10 01 FIGURE 97 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 94, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0101] FIGURE 98 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 94;
(0102] FIGURE 99 is a perspective view of a seventeenth
embodiment of a container showing a track-shaped cup with a
convex cover sealed thereto;
[0103] FIGURE 100 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 99, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0104] FIGURE 101 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
99;
[0105] FIGURE 102 is a front elevational view of the container
of FIGURE 99, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
[0106] FIGURE 103 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 99;
(0107] FIGURE 104 is a perspective view of a eighteenth
embodiment of a container showing a curved tray with a
complementary curved cover sealed thereto;
[0108] FIGURE 105 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 104, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0109] FIGURE 106 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
=
104;
(0110] FIGURE 107 is a front elevational view of the container
of FIGURE 104, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
[0111] FIGURE 108 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 104;
10.
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(0112] FIGURE 109 is a perspective view of a nineteenth
embodiment of a container showing a curved tray with a
complementary curved cover sealed thereto;
[0113] FIGURE 110 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 109, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0114] FIGURE 111 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
109;
[0115] FIGURE 112 is a front elevational view of the container
of FIGURE 109, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
[0116] FIGURE 113 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 109;
(0117] FIGURE 114 is a perspective view of a twentieth
embodiment of a container showing a curved heart-shaped tray
with a. complementary curved cover sealed thereto;
[0118] FIGURE 115 is a front elevational view of the container
=
of FIGURE 114;
(0119] FIGURE 116 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
114;
(0120] FIGURE 117 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 114, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
(0121) FIGURE 118 is a rear elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 114;
[0122] FIGURE 119 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 114;
[0123] FIGURE 120 is a perspective view of a twenty first
embodiment of a container showing a curved heart-shaped tray
with a complementary curved cover sealed thereto;
[0124] FIGURE 121 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 120;
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L0125] FIGURE 122 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
120;
[0126] FIGURE 123 is a front elevational view of the container
of FIGURE 120, the rear elevational view thereof being a mirror
image;
[0127] FIGURE 124 is a left side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 120;
[0128] FIGURE 125 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 120;
[0129] FIGURE 126 is a perspective view of a twenty second
embodiment of a container with an upwardly curved end showing a
triangle-shaped tray with a complementary shaped cover sealed
thereto;
[0130] FIGURE 127 is a front elevational view of the container
of FIGURE 126;
(0131] FIGURE 128 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 126, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0132] FIGURE 129 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
126;
[0133] FIGURE 130 is a rear elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 126;
[0134] FIGURE 131 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 126;
[0135] FIGURE 132 is a perspective view of a twenty third
embodiment of a container with an upwardly curved end showing a
rectangular -shaped tray with a complementary shaped cover sealed
= =
thereto;
[0136] FIGURE 133 is a rear elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 132;
=
[0137] FIGURE 134 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
132;
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[0138] FIGURE 135 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 132, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0139] FIGURE 136 is a front elevational view of the container
of FIGURE 132;
[0140] FIGURE 137 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 132;
[0141] FIGURE 138 is a perspective view of a twenty fourth
embodiment of a container with an upwardly curved end showing a
rectangular-shaped tray with a complementary shaped cover sealed
thereto;
[0142] FIGURE 139 is a front elevational view of the container
of FIGURE 138;
[0143] FIGURE 140 is a right side elevational view of the
container of FIGURE 138, the left side elevational view thereof
being a mirror image;
[0144] FIGURE 141 is a top plan view of the container of FIGURE
138;
[0145] FIGURE 142 is a rear elevational view of the container of
FIGURE 138;
[0146] FIGURE 143 is a bottom plan view of the container of
FIGURE 138;
[0147] FIGURE 144 is a perspective view of a tray similar to the
tray of FIGURE 1, but having an inwardly extending flange for a
cover to seal thereto;
[0148] FIGURE 145 is a perspective view of a tray similar to the
tray of FIGURE 1, but with a cover having a permanent adhesive
along a back portion thereof and a resealable adhesive along a
front portion thereof with the front portion pulled away from
the tray in use;
[0149] FIGURE 146 is a perspective view of a tray similar to the
tray of FIGURE 1, but with a cover having a permanent adhesive
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along a front portion thereof and a resealable adhesive along a
back portion thereof with the back portion pulled away from the
tray in use;
[0150] FIGURE 147 is a perspective view of a tray similar to the
tray of FIGURE 1, but with a cover having a permanent adhesive
along a middle portion thereof and a resealable adhesive along
front and back portions thereof with the front and back portions
pulled, away from the tray in use;
(0151] FIGURE 148 is a perspective view of a tray similar to the
tray of FIGURE 1, but with a snap-fit cover aligned thereto and
an optional film removably adhered to the tray beneath the
cover;
[0152] FIGURE 149 is a detailed section view of the tray of
FIGURE 148 taken along a side edge thereof, but showing the lid
attached to the tray;
[0153] FIGURE 150 is a cross-sectional view of a container
similar to the container of FIGURE 1, but with a divider wall
separating two rows of products therein;
[0154] FIGURE 151 is a cross-sectional view of a container
similar to the container of FIGURE 150, but with an alternative
divider wall resulting in a gap between two compartments
separated by the wall and an optional backer attached to the
bottoms of the two compartments;
[0155] FIGURE 152 is a perspective view of a tray similar to the
tray of the container of FIGURE 1, but showing a score line
between removable portion of the flange of the tray and the
remainder of the tray;
[0156] FIGURE 153 is a cross-sectional view of a container
similar to the container of FIGURE 1, but incorporating the tray
of FIGURE 152, and showing the removable portion of the flange
=
having been separated along the score line from the remainder of
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the tray and the cover being opened to access the interior of
the container;
[0157] FIGURE 154 is a cross-sectional view of the container of
FIGURE 153, but showing the removable portion of the flange
being used to secure the cover in a reclosed position;
[0158] FIGURE 155 is a left side elevational view of a container
similar to the container of FIGURE 1, but having a series of
linear segments connecting the front and top sides thereof
instead of the arcuate segment of the container of FIGURE 1; and
[0159] FIGURE 156 is a perspective view of the container of
FIGURE 155.
Detailed Description
[0160) A container 10 having the form shown in FIGS. 1-43,
includes a tray 11 having a cover 12 attached thereto configured
to receive and store contents, such as discrete food articles or
products 13. The tray 11 includes a bottom wall 14, a rear wall
16, and a pair of side walls 18. The walls 14, 16, 18 of the
tray 11 are preferably integrally connected so that the tray 11
has a one-piece construction. For example, the tray 11 can be
thermoformed, injection-molded, blow-molded, or the like. The
bottom wall 14 connects to the rear wall 16 at a bottom rear
corner 20 of the tray 11. The side walls 18 preferably extend
generally parallel to each other and individually connect to the
bottom and rear walls 14, 16 at bottom side corners 22 and rear
side corners 24 of the tray. As
shown in the figures, the
corners 20, 22, 24 are preferably rounded_
Even more
preferably, the side walls 18 have a substantially identical
size and shame, so that the cover 12 extending between
corresponding points of the side walls 18 is substantially
horizontal.
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10161] So configured, the tray 11 includes an access opening 26
defined by free edges 27 of the bottom, rear, and side walls 14,
16, 18. The free edges 27 include a front edge 26 of the bottom
wall 14, a top edge 30 of the rear wall 16, and edges 32 of the
side walls 18 opposite the bottom and rear walls 14, 16. The
opening 26 can include a top opening portion 34 generally
opposite the bottom wall 14 and a front opening portion 36
generally opposite the rear wall 16. In one form, the tray 11
is configured to rest on the bottom wall 14. As
such, a
consumer can access and remove the food products 13 forwardly,
upwardly, or at an angle therebetween. Alternatively or in
addition, the tray 11 can be configured. to stably rest on one of
the side walls 18 in a vertical orientation.
[0162] The tray 11 further includes a peripheral flange 38 that =
extends outwardly, and preferably generally perpendicular to the
adjacent wall 14, 16, 18, from the free edges 27 thereof.
Alternatively, the flange 38 can extend inwardly from the walls,
=
=
=
as shown in FIG. 144, or the upwardly facing edges of the walls
=
could be utilized without additional width added by a flange.
In the alternative form with an inwardly-extending flange 38,
the tray 11 can be blow-molded to form the inwardly extending
flange 38, although other suitable manufacturing techniques can
also be used. The peripheral flange 38 is preferably continuous
about the entirety of the opening 26 to provide a continuous
=
sealing surface 40 for the cover 12 to be attached and sealed to
=
the tray 11, The peripheral flange 38 includes a top portion 42
that extends along the top edge 30 of the rear wall 16 and a
front portion 44 that extends along the front edge 28 of the =
=
bottom wall 14. In
the illustrated form, the top and front
portions 42, 44 of the peripheral flange 38 are substantially
planar.
Side portions 46 of the peripheral flange 38 extend
between the top and front portions 42, 44 along the side wall
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edges 32. In the inwardly extending form of the flange 38 shown
in FIG. 144, the cover 12 can seal thereto so that there is
optionally little or no outwardly extending edges of the cover
12 or flange 38 extending beyond the walls 14, 16, 18 of the
tray 11. This gives the tray 11 of this form a streamlined
appearance.
=
(0163] Utilizing a variety of adhesives types and/or strengths
=
between the flange 38 and the cover 12 can provide different
utility for the package 10. In a first example, shown in FIG.
145, the cover 12 can seal to the tray 11 with a releaseable or
resealable adhesive 15 on portions thereof corresponding to the
front opening portion 36 and a permanent adhesive 17 on portions
thereof corresponding to the top opening portion 34. In other
words, the cover 12 includes a first part sealed to the tray
with a. first adhesive having a first adhesive strength and a
=
second part sealed to a different part of the tray with a second
adhesive having a second adhesive strength. The first adhesive
=
strength can then be greater than the second adhesive strength,
such as with a generally permanent adhesive and a
releasableiresealable adhesive.
(0164] As such, a consumer can peel the cover away from the tray
11 to expose the front opening portion 36 and the permanent
adhesive 17 prevents or limits the top portion of the cover 12
from peeling away from the flange 38 to the same degree as the
front portion of the cover. In an opposite configuration, shown
in FIG. 146, the cover 12 can seal to the tray 11 with the
releaseable or resealable adhesive 15 on the portions thereof
corresponding to the top opening portion 34 and the permanent
adhesive 17 on the portions thereof corresponding to the front
opening portion 36. By this configuration, a consumer can peel
the cover 12 off of the tray to expose the top opening portion
34 with the permanent adhesive 17 preventing full removal. By a
17
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further approach, the permanent adhesive 17 can be applied only
on the mid or other portions of a pair of opposing flanges, as
shown in FIG. 147, such as on the top linear portions 50
adjacent the arcuate portions 48 to allow a front part and a
rear part of the cover 12 to be independently opened to
selectively expose either or both the top and front opening
portions 34, 36, but also restricting full removal of the cover
12. It will be understood that FIGS, 145-147 show the adhesive
in exaggerated form on the top of the cover 12 as well as the
bottom for illustrative purposes. In the case of a non-
transparent cover 12, the adhesive would not be visible on the
=
outside of the cover 12,
[0165] If desired, the cover 12 can optionally have a line or
lines of weakness extending thereacross, such as a line or
pattern of perforations, a line or pattern of scores, or
combinations thereof. With such a configuration, the line of
weakness can be utilized as a folding mechanism or hinge to
allow a consumer easier access to the interior of the package.
Alternatively, or in combination, the line of weakness can allow
=
a consumer to tear off a portion of the cover to provide
unencumbered access to the interior of the package,. Such lines
=
of weakness can be used in combination with any of the
containers described herein, including with respect to those
containers shown in FIGS, 145-147.
[0166] In a preferred form, the free edges 32 of the side walls
18 include a non-linear or arcuate portion 48, which can include
curves or angled portions. Alternatively, the sidewall edges 32
can be entirely arcuate. As shown. in FIGS. 1-43, the side wall
free edges 32 can include top and front linear portions 50, 52
with the arcuate portion 48 therebetween. If desired, the front
linear portion 52 can be offset from vertical so that the front
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of the tray 11, and specifically the front opening portion 36,
is angled to present an upwardly turned front face.
[0167] Configured as set forth, the peripheral flange side
portions 46 include non-planar or arcuate sealing surfaces 54
intermediate of the top and front portions 42, 44. Thus, the
peripheral flange 38 includes substantially planar portions with
the top and front portions 42, 44 and non-planar portions 54.
Stated another way, an intersection of lines drawn along the
planes of the planar portions 42, 44 make an angle of at least
ten degrees. When the cover 12 is sealed, adhered, or otherwise
attached to the tray 11, the cover 12 includes corresponding
planar 57 and arcuate portions 59 stretching between the
corresponding side wall edges 32 and sealed at its top and front
along the peripheral flange top and front portions 42, 44.
0168] As such, the front opening portion 36, discussed above,
can refer to an opening defined by the tray 11 and cover 12 with
the cover 12 sealed to the top portion 42 and opened to extend
generally along the plane of the top portion 42. Similarly, the
top opening portion 34 can refer to an opening defined by the
=
=
tray 11 and cover 12 with the cover sealed to the front portion
44 and opened to extend generally along the plane of the front
portion 44.
[0169] By another approach, a snap-fit cover 41 can be
configured to attach to the tray 11 as shown in FIGS. 148 and
149. In this form, the cover 41 is preferably generally rigid,
but with sufficient resiliency so that it can snap-fit over the
flange 38 of the tray and seal the contents of the tray 11
therein. The cover 41 can be made out of any suitable material,
such as a suitably rigid blow-molded or thermoformed plastic.
The cover 41 of this form includes a base wall 43 and a skirt 45
depending from outer edges of the base wall 43. The skirt 45
includes an inwardly projecting rib or protuberance 49
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configured to snap-fit over the flange 38 of the tray 11 and
secure the cover 41 thereto, as shown in FIG. 149. The cover 41
is shown with the tray 11 shown in FIG. 3 and has a
corresponding shape to cover the top and front of the tray 11,
but the cover 41 can be configured as desired to snap-fit to
other trays described herein.
[0170] The tray 11 having the snap-fit cover 41 thereon can
optionally have a film 51 sealed to the flanges 38 of the tray
11 beneath the cover 41, As such, even if the cover 41 was
removed, the film 51 would preserve a seal over the contents of
the package 10 prior to opening.
[0171] In yet another approach for opening a closing the
container, shown in FIGS. 152 and 153, the tray 11 can include a
detachable portion 71 of the flange 38. The detachable portion
71 of the flange 38 can be separable from the remainder of the
flange along a line of weakness 73 therebetween.
Preferably,
though not necessarily, the detachable portion 71 of the flange
38 includes some or all of either the top portion 42 of the
flange 38 or the front portion 44 of the flange 38. Some of the
other portions of the flange 38, such the side flange portions
48, 50 and 52 can be included with the detachable portion 71,
As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 152 and 153, the
detachable portion 71 includes the entirety of the length of the
front portion 44 of the flange 38, as well as adjacent parts of
the side flange portions 48 and 52, but not a substantial part
of the side flange portion 50 adjacent the top portion 42 of the
flange 38.
[0172] When the detachable portion 71 of the flange 38 is
separated from the remainder of the flange 38, the cover 12
preferable remains adhered to the detachable portion 71,
optionally with a stronger adhesive as compared to between the
cover 12 and the remainder of the flange 38 or the top portion
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42 of the flange 38. This allows the detachable portion 71 to
be used as a tab for opening the cover 12. In addition, the
detachable portion 71 can be used for securing the cover 12 in a
reclosed position. As shown in FIG. 154, it is preferred that
there is a slight gap in the seal of the cover 12 and at least
=
the attached portion of what was part of the front portion 44 of
the flange 38 but is now part of the detachable portion 71.
This gap can be used to receive the remainder of the front
=
portion 44 of the flange 39 to secure the cover 12 in the
reclosed position.
[0173] One advantage of this configuration is that the cover 12
or 41, when it is attached to the tray 12, can provide an.
unbroken (i,e,, free of a discontinuity such as folds, corners,
lips, etc.) surface, the entirety of which can be seen in an
almost 90 degree view area. This is particularly advantageous
when the package 10 is displayed for sale on a shelf, such as at
a grocery store or convenience store.
The 90 degree viewing
area. will provide a consumer with an unbroken view of the cover,
and any graphics, advertisements, text, or the like thereon
generally regardless of the consumer's height. This provides a
greater unbroken area for graphics, indicia, and other
information to be displayed than compared to traditional
packages having distinct tops and sides.
[0174] The cover 12 provides a better viewing surface if it is
substantially wrinkle free over its entire surface area. This
can be achieved with relatively thicker materials, such as
paperboard, a relatively high gauge film, or thin semi-rigid or
rigid plastic. Such materials, however, increase the material
costs of each package 10. Another wrinkle-free cover can be a
=
relatively low gauge film.
With such a low gauge film, the
package 10 can have its atmosphere modified during manufacture
thereof, so that the sealed interior of the package has a
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positive pressure with respect to ambient pressure. The
positive pressure presses against the thin film and smoothes out
any wrinkles in the film formed as a result of the film lacking
support interior of the peripheral flange 38.
[0175] In an alternative to having an arcuate segment 48 of the
flange 38, a series of linear intermediate portions 61 can span
between the top 42 and front 44 portions of the tray 11, as
shown in FIGS. 8A and 8.
The series of linear intermediate
portions 61 are at non-parallel angles to one another and to the
top and front portions 42, 44. As such, the sealing surface 40
of the tray 11 of this form do not have arcuate portions or do
not have only arcuate portions. As such, the cover 12 can have
one or more creases or folds 65 extending thereacross and
aligning with corners 63 joining the linear intermediate
portions 61.
For this and other trays, the free edges have
first and second portions that are angularly offset from one
another.
They can either be directly connected or spaced by
either one or more continuous arcuate segments, a series of
linear or planar angular segments or a combination thereof. For
example, as can be seen in Figure 8A, the top and front linear
or planar portions 42, 44 are angularly offset relative to each
other, e,g., they lie in non-parallel planes, In FIG. 8A, the
=
=
top and front linear portions 42, 44 are spanned by the series
of intermediate portions 61, while in FIG, 8 they are spanned by
arcuate portions 59.
[0176] Turning now to specific forms of the tray, many different
configurations are possible, examples of which are set forth
herein_ In a first form, the tray 11 is configured to receive a
row 55 of products 13. An ideal product for being stored in the
tray 11 is a cookie or biscuit with a generally annular sidewall
56. The cookies 13 can be individual or layered with a filling,
as shown. The tray 11, however, can be configured to receive
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any other food product, or other non-edible products. For
example, a food product contained within individual wrapping or
an individual container can also be stored in the tray 11. The
cookies 13 are stacked and laid in the row 55 on their sides
within the tray 11.
10177) With such products having generally annular sidewalls 56,
the bottom rear corner 20 of the tray 11 can be curved to be
complementary to the curvature of the sides 56 of the cookies
13. This curvature can advantageously minimize packaging
material and better support the cookies 13 to protect the
cookies from damage that can result from cookies jostling around
or impacting the tray 11 or other cookies due to excess room in
the tray 11.
101781 The bottom rear corner 20 can take a number of forms. In
a first form, shown in FIGS. 1-10 and 31-36, the bottom wall 14
and the rear wall 16 are generally perpendicular to one another
so that the corner 20 is a rounded generally 90 degree angle.
In other forms, shown in FIGS. 11-30, the bottom wall 14 and the
rear wall 16 are at an acute angle with respect to one another.
As such, the corner 20 is rounded to be between 90 degrees and
180 degrees, If desired, the bottom and rear walls 14, 16 could
extend generally parallel to one another so that the rounded
corner spans about 180 degrees.
[0179] In order to retain the cookies 13 within the tray 11 when
the opening 26 is uncovered, the bottom wall 14 can include an
upwardly tapering front portion or lip 58. The upward taper of
the lip 58 prevents the cookies 13 from rolling out of the front
opening portion 36 when the tray 11 is resting on a generally
even surface. In the form of FIG. 6, the lip 56 is a generally
planar portion of the bottom wall 14. Preferably, the lip 58
begins tapering upward at a. position closely adjacent to a
bottom point of contact 60 of the cookies 13 so that the cookies
23
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13 do not have significant space to move while contained within
the tray 11,
[0180] In another form shown in FIG, 38, the bottom wall 14
includes an upwardly curved front portion or lip 62. With such
a curved lip 62, the front of the tray 11 can be curved to be
Complementary to the curvature of the annular sidewall 56 in
addition to the bottom rear corner 20, As with the tapering lip
58, the curved lip 62 preferably begins curving upwardly closely
adjacent to the bottom point of contact 60 of the cookies 13.
In an alternate form, instead of the lip 58, 62, the tray 11 can
include a front wall, such as with a relatively small height, to
prevent the food products 13 from rolling or falling out of the
front of the tray 11.
[0181] The trays 11 in FIGS, 1-10 and 37-43 are sized to receive
two rows of products 13 therein. The tray 11 can be configured
so that the bottom wall 14 is generally planar rearwardly of the
lip 58, 62, As such, the rows 55 of cookies 13 lie adjacent to
one another without additional structure therebetween.
[0182] In an alternative form shown in. FIG. 41, the bottom wall
14 can include an upwardly projecting divider 64 to separate the
rows 55 from each other. The divider 64 can be formed in the
bottom wall 14 or attached thereto by suitable methods, such as
adhesive, hot sealing, ultrasonic welding, or the like.
Preferably, forwardly and rearwardly facing surfaces 66, 68 of
the divider 64 are curved to be complementary to the annular
sidewall 56 of the cookies 13. As
such, the rear row 55 is
captured between the rearwardly facing surface 68 of the divider
64 and the bottom rear corner 20 of the tray 11 and the front
row 55 is captured between the forwardly facing surface 66 of
the divider 64 and the lip 58, 62. In
other forms, shown in
FIGS. 11-36, the tray 11 is sized to receive a single row 55 of
cookies 13. As
such, in this form, the single row 55 is
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captured between the bottom rear corner 20 of the tray 11 and
the lip 58, 62.
[0183] Additional options for separating the rows 55 of products
from one another are shown in FIGS. 150 and 151. The tray 11
can include a dividing wall 65 extending upwardly from the tray
bottom wall 14. The dividing wall 65 can optionally extend the
full height of the tray 11 and have an upwardly facing sealing
surface 69. As
such, the cover 12 can seal to the sealing
surface 69 of the dividing wall 65 along with the flange 38 of
the tray 11. The result is that two separate compartments, each
optionally individually accessible, can be formed using the
dividing wall 65. The dividing wall 65 can be integral with the
tray 11 or be a separate component attached to the tray 11 by a
suitable method, such as adhesive. Multiple dividing walls 65
can be used to provide more than two compartments, such as two
dividing walls 65 for three compartments, three dividing walls
65 for four compartments, etc.
(0184] In the example of FIG. 150, the dividing wall 65 extends
generally parallel to the rear wall 16 to divide the tray
interior into two portions to receive the rows 55. If desired,
the dividing wall 65 can include tapering or curved surfaces 67
on a bottom thereof to partially support the cookies 13, as
described above with respect to the divider 64.
[0185] In the example of FIG. 151, the dividing wall 65 is
formed from an inverted U-shaped portion of the bottom wall of
the tray 11.
The result of the inverted, generally U-shaped
portion is a flat region at the bottom of the ti-shape (upper
portion in the inverted orientation of FIG. 151) to provide the
upwardly facing sealing surface 69. At the top of the U-shape
(lower portion in the inverted orientation of FIG. 151), there
is a gap between the legs of the U-shape. Such an inverted U-
shaped dividing wall 65 lends the tray 11 to manufacture by
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thermoforming, although other methods of manufacture can be
used. An optional backing card 25 can be adhered to the bottom
wall of each compartment of the tray 11 in order to provide
additional rigidity to the container, such as by limiting
pivoting of the compartments relative to each other about the
region of the sealing surface 69 of the dividing wall 65.
[0186] These multiple-compartment examples of the tray 11 can
further include the first and second adhesives discussed above.
For example, the first adhesive, which can be a generally
permanent adhesive, can be used on sealing surface 69 of the
dividing wall 65 and the second adhesive, which can be a
releasable/resealable adhesive, can be used on one or both of
the other portions of the peripheral flange 36,
[0187] The containers of FIGS. 150 and 151 can optionally be
configured to have the two compartments separable from each
other. For example, a line of weakness 19 can be formed in the
cover 12 of the container of FIG. 150 on one side of the
=
=
dividing wall 65, and a line of weakness 21 can be formed in the
bottom wall of the tray 11 on the same side of the dividing wall
=
65. The right-side compartment of the container of FIG. 150 can
be separated from the left-side compartment along the lines of
weakness 19 and 21_
This will result in the right-side
compartment being opened for access to the food product 13
therein, and the left-side compartment remaining sealed. The
lines of weakness 19 and 21 can alternatively be moved to the
opposite side of the dividing wall 65, or can be placed on both
sides of the dividing wall 65. With respect to the example of
FIG, 151, a line of weakness 19 can be formed in the cover 12
adjacent the sealing surface 69 of the U-shaped dividing wall 65
as well as another line of weakness 23 in the underlying portion
of the dividing wall 65. If
present, the backing card 25 can =
have a line of weakness 29 in the gap of the dividing wall 65.
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The lines of weakness 19, 23 and 29 can be broken to divide the
container into two compartments, which can remain sealed after
their division.
(0188) These examples of the tray 11 discussed with respect to
FIGS. 150 and 151 can further include the first and second
adhesives discussed above.
For example, the first adhesive,
which can be a generally permanent adhesive, can be used to
secure the cover to one or both of the rear and front walls 77,
89 or another such divider, and the second adhesive, which can
be a releasable/resealable adhesive, can be used on the other
portions of the peripheral flange 38.
Further, the use of
dividing walls 65 can be used with any of the containers
described herein.
[0189] If desired and as shown in FIGS. 11-17, the tray 11 can
include one or more outward protrusions or feet 53 configured to
extend from the rear wall 16 and/or the corner 20.
The
protrusions 53 can be integral with the tray 11 or attached
thereto by any suitable methods.
The protrusions 53 provide
support for a position of stability of the tray 11 (i.e.,
resting on the bottom wall 14), In
the illustrated form, the
tray 11 includes two spaced protrusions 53, but can have more or
can utilize wider protrusions as desired.
The protrusions 53
are ideally configured to support a tray, such as that shown in
FIGS. 11-17, that contains only a single row of products 55.
(0190] Each of the tray designs includes one or more positions
of stability (i.e,, the packages stably rest in the position).
For example, the tray 11 of FIGS. 1-10 can be rested on the
bottom wall 14, each of the sidewalls 18, and on its top resting
on the peripheral flange top portions 42, 50; the tray of FIGS,
11-17 can rest on either the bottom or rear walls 14, 16 with
the protrusions 57 providing support for either position; and
the tray of FIGS. 18-30 can rest on either sidewall 18, with the
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side flange portions 48, 50, 52 providing support for the
positions of stability on the sidewalls 18. As shown in FIG.
21, the flange 38 can further be cut or shaped to hold the
package 11 at an angle.
[0191] By one approach, the tray 11 can include ribs or
undulations 70 thereon. The ribs 70 can add strength to the
compression and stacking strength of the tray 11. In addition,
the ribs/undulations 70 can provide a visual indication of the
number of products 13 within the tray 11. For example, the tray
11 can include one rib/undulation 70 for, and aligned with, some
or all of the individual products 13 within the tray 11. If
desired, the undulations 70 can be sized and spaced to receive a
user's fingers therein as a grip portion for the package 10. In
the form where the tray 11 receives the row 55 of products 13,
the undulations 70 can extend in the machine direction - i.e.
=
front to back along the bottom wall 14 and bottom to top along
the rear wall 16. With this configuration, the undulations 70
extend generally parallel to the annular sidewalls 56 of the
products 13. As shown, the ribs/undulations 70 do not extend to
the rear bottom corner 20. If desired, however, the ribs or
undulations 70 can extend continuously from the bottom wall 14
to the rear wall 16 through the corner 20. The undulations 70
can extend along the entire width of the tray 11 or along
portions thereof.
[0192] As discussed previously, the cover 12 is sealed to the
peripheral flange 38 of the tray 11. This can be achieved by
any suitable method, including hot, cold, induction, and
adhesive sealing. In order to access the products 13, a user
can partially or completely remove the cover 12 to expose the
opening 26.
=
[0193] By one approach, a pressure sensitive adhesive or the
like can be used to seal the cover 12 to the tray 11 so that the
28
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cover 12 can be re-adhered to the tray 11 during sequential
consumption of the products 13. As
such, the cover 12 can
include the adhesive coated along a perimeter thereof, or the
adhesive can be coated on the peripheral flange 38.
Alternatively, less than the whole cover 12 can be configured to
be opened to allow a consumer access to the products 13 within
the tray,
[0194] One example configuration is shown in FIGS. 21-23, In
this form, an opening feature 72 includes a tab 74 projecting
outwardly from the peripheral flange 38, such as at or closely
adjacent to one of the sidewalls 18. The tab 74 is configured
to be grasped by a consumer and manipulated over itself to pull
across the cover 12.
The tab 74 can be separate from the
peripheral flange 38 or integral therewith.
For the integral
form, to ease separation of the tab 74 from the rest of the
=
peripheral flange 38, the opening feature 74 can include a notch
=
=
or weakened/scored line or pattern 76 so that manipulating the
=
=
tab 74 back over the cover 12 breaks the tab 74 from the rest of
=
the peripheral flange 38.
The notch. 76 can be cut into the
flange 38 or a line of weakness can be scored or cut across the
tab 74 where the tab 74 joins the rest of the peripheral flange
38, such as by laser or mechanical methods.
The cover 12
preferably extends onto the tab 74 so that when the tab 74 is
separated from the tray 11, the tab 74 can then be used to tear
the cover 12 generally in the machine direction across the cover
12. When the tab 74 is pulled a sufficient distance to tear an
access opening 79 in the cover 12, a consumer can remove one or
more products 13 from the tray 11.
[0195] Preferably, the cover 12 includes score lines 81
thereacross generally aligned with the tab 74 to define a flap
83. So configured, when a user manipulates the tab 74 back over
the cover 12, the cover 12 tears along the score lines 81 to
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reveal the access opening 79. When a desired number of products
13 have been removed, the consumer can then bring the tab 74
back to its original position to cover the access opening 79.
Preferably, the tab 74 includes a resealable adhesive aligned
with the peripheral flange 38 so that the opening feature 72 can
be resealed.
t01963 In an alternative form shown in FIGS. 24-27, an opening
feature 78 includes an access opening 80 extending across a
portion of the cover 12, such as in the machine direction
adjacent to one of the sidewalls 18. The access opening 80 is
preferably defined by score lines 85 so that the cover 12
includes a flap 82 of material scored therein that can open
cleanly along defined edges and not cause uncontrolled tears
across the cover 12. Preferably, the score lines 85 end in a
shepard's hook or curve 87 at ends thereof.
=
[0197] Next, the opening feature 78 can include a sealing layer
or label 84 adhered to the cover 12 so that the label 84
completely surrounds the access opening 80. The label 84 can
further include a tab 86 that projects past the peripheral
flange 38 to be easily grasped by a consumer on an opposite side
of the opening 80 of the curves 87. As such, when a consumer
grasps the tab 86 and pulls the label 84 across the cover 12,
the label 84 breaks the score lines 85 defining the opening 80,
if attached, and pulls the flap 82 away from the rest of the
cover 12 until the curves 87 are reached to expose the opening
80. The curves 87 prevent the sealing label 84 from being
removed from the package 11. Then, when a desired number of
cookies 13 have been removed through the opening 80, a consumer
can lay the label 84 back across the cover 12 to reseal around
=
the opening to preserve and store any remaining cookies 13.
[0198] In another form, the cover 12 can be constructed from a
two-ply material, such as a two-ply film, and the sealing layer
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or label 84 can be cut or scored from a top layer of the film
and the access opening 80 can be cut or scored from a lower
layer of the film inwardly of the label 84. In this form, the
tab 86 can also be cut or scored from the top layer of film so
that a consumer can grasp the tab 86 and pull the label 84 away
from the remaining portions of the cover 12..
The label 84
breaks along its edges and, due to the adhesive between the
layers, pulls the flap 82 up therewith, exposing the opening 80
so that a consumer can access the cookies 13 within the package
10. Similarly, the label 84 outward of the flap 82 can have a
resealable adhesive disposed thereon (or disposed on the
corresponding lower layer of film) so that a consumer can
reapply the label 84 over the opening 80 and seal the label 84
thereto.
[0199] The package shown in FIG. 25 includes the smaller opening
feature 78 discussed above, as well as a larger opening feature
91 surrounding the smaller feature 78.
In this form, the
package 11 includes a large sealing layer or label 91 having a
tab 93, of which the smaller sealing label 84 is a part. The =
large sealing label 91 is Dreferably about the size of the cover
12 to cover substantially all the surface area of the cover 12.
Alternatively, the large sealing label 91 could cover 75
percent, SO percent, or less.
Moreover, the smaller sealing
label 84 can be a separate label adhered on top of the large
label 91, if desired,
[0200] Next, the cover 12 includes a large score or cut line 95
that defines a large access opening 97. The ends of the score
line 95 preferably include the curves 87 so that the large
sealing label 91 is not removed from the package 11 when it is
opened. So configured, if a consumer desires more than one or
two cookies 13, the consumer can grasp the tab 93 and pull the
large sealing label 91 back across the cover 12. As the label
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91 is pulled back the score lines 95 break so that a flap 99
adheres to the sealing label 91 and pulls back with it.
Therefore, the access opening 97 is revealed so the consumer can
access substantially all of the products 13. Advantageously, if
a consumer wants less, then the consumer can simply use the
smaller sealing label 84, The large sealing label 84 can take
either form discussed above.
[0201] The opening features are described above with respect to
FIGS. 21-27, but it will be understood that the opening features
can be similarly utilized on any of the packages described
herein.
[0202] In an alternative form of the package 10, the bottom and
rear walls 14, 16 are connected by an intermediate wall 88. As
shown in FIGS. 44-48, the sidewalls 18 can have a small non-
planar or arcuate portion 48 and relatively longer linear
portions 50, 52, so that the sidewall 18 has a generally
triangular appearance. The package 10 can be configured to rest
on the intermediate wall 88, as shown, or can be configured to
rest on the sidewalls 18, or the cover 12. As such, the cover
12 can be opened from either side to expose the products within
the package 10. Preferably, the peripheral flange 38 is
sufficiently large so that it extends to be lateral to the
intermediate wall 88. With this configuration, the cover 12 is
unbroken by folds, lips, edges, or the like from horizontal
viewpoints, vertical viewpoints, and any angle therebetween,
(0203) As shown in FIGS. 49-58, the package 10 with the
intermediate wall 88 discussed above, can further include a
sidewall 18 with two non-planar or arcuate portions 48, so that
=
the sidewall 18 includes a third linear portion 90 extending
between the arcuate portions 48. The peripheral flange 38
therefore includes two corresponding arcuate portions, so that
the cover 12, when it is sealed to the flange 38, includes side
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portions 92 and a top portion 94 to provide an unbroken (i.e.,
by folds, edges, lips, etc.) cover that extends onto two sides
of the package. As with the triangular form above, this form
provides a cover 12 that is visible from the broad range of
angles to provide product differentiation and a distinct look on
a shelf.
[0204] Turning to other forms of packages shown in FIGS. 59-88
and 99-103. In these forms, a package 100 includes a base tray
or cup 102 having an upstanding sidewall or sidewalls 104 and a
bottom wall 106. As with the earlier forms, the package 100
includes a peripheral flange 108.
The peripheral flange 108
extends outwardly or inwardly from a continuous upper edge 110
of the sidewall(s) 104 to provide generally upwardly facing
sealing surfaces 112. Alternatively, an upward facing edge of
the sidewall(s) 104 could be used as a sealing surface. A cover
114 is sealed to the sealing surfaces 112 of the peripheral
flange 108 to seal contents, such as any of the products 13
discussed above, within the cup 102. The upper edge 110 of the
sidewall(s) 104 is continuously vertically arcuate. As
such,
the peripheral flange 108 projecting outwardly thereof is
continuously arcuate in both radial and axial directions.
Preferably, the arcuate pattern is configured such that opposite
points of the peripheral flange 108 have a same height or
distance from the bottom wall 106 and a same radial distance
from a center point C of the cup 102,
[0205] One form, shown in FIGS. 59-78, includes a generally
circular bottom wall 106 and a generally annular sidewall 104
extending upwardly therefrom, As shown, the size of the bottom
wall 106 and the height of the sidewall 104 can be varied as
desired or required by a particular product or to achieve a
desired container shape. In the illustrated forms of FIGS. 59-
73, the sidewall 104 tapers outwardly so that the upper edge 110
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of the sidewall 104 is spaced apart farther than at the wall's
connection to the bottom wall 106.
The cup 102 can be
configured so that the cover 114 is concave (FIGS, 59-63) or
convex (FIGS. 64-78),
[0206] The peripheral flange 108 includes opposite low points
118 and opposite high points 120, spaced equally from one
another, such as generally 90 degrees apart. For the concave
cover, the edge 110 is configured so that the cover 114 extends
horizontally between the low points 118 and extends laterally
upward to the high points 120. For the convex cover, the edge
110 is configured so that the cover 114 extends horizontally
between the high points 120 and extends laterally downward to
the lower points 118.
[0207] An alternative cup 102 is shown in FIGS. 89-98. As with
the above form, the upper edge 110 of the cup 102 and the
peripheral flange 108 can be configured to provide a. concave or
convex cover 114 as desired. In this form, however, the cup 102
includes a hemi-spherical bottom portion 116. This cup 102 is
ideally configured to contain a spherical product and provide
distinctive packaging while also minimizing packing material by
avoiding packaging waste in lower portions of the package.
[02081 Another cup 102 is shown in FIGS. 79-88. In this form,
the cup 102 includes a generally square or rectangular bottom
wall 106 and four sidewall 'portions 104 extending upward from
edges thereof. As shown by the various embodiments herein, the
bottom wall and corresponding sidewall(s) can take any desired
form, include triangular, other closed polygons, curvilinear
shapes, or combinations thereof.
[0209] With this configuration, the edges 110 are equally spaced
from each other, but do not have a uniform spacing from the
center point C around the entire edge 110 as with the annular
configuration. The square cover
114 includes high and low
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points 118, 120 to provide concave and convex covers, configured
as discussed above. As
with the earlier forms, however, the
high and low points 120, 118 are spaced equally from the center
point C of the cup 102 in relation to each other and are at the
same distance from the bottom wall 106.
=
=
[02101 In yet another form, the cup 102 includes a track-shaped
bottom wall 106, so that the sidewall 104 includes corresponding
curved ends 122 and intermediate straight sides 124. As shown
in FIGS. 99-103, the high points 120 of the upper edge 110 are
generally centered on the sides 124 and the low points 118 are
generally centered on the curved ends 112 to provide a convex
=
cover 114. As with the other foilas, these high and low points
120, 118 can be swapped to switch orientation or be configured
to provide a concave cover as desired above.
[0211] Turning now to another package 200, shown in FIGS. 104-
119. In
these forms, the package 200 includes arcuate bottom
walls 202 with sidewalls 204 extending generally perpendicular
therefrom.
Preferably, the sidewalls 204 have a generally
uniform height so that an upper edge 206 thereof includes
arcuate structure generally complementary to the bottom wall
202. A peripheral flange 208 extending outwardly or inwardly
from the upper edge 206 provides sealing surfaces 210 for a
cover 212 to seal thereto, as discussed above. Alternatively,
upwardly facing edges of the sidewalls 204 could be utilized as
a sealing surface.
[0212] As such, when viewed from the side, the package 200
includes bottom and top surfaces that have generally
complementary arcuate surfaces,
This provides distinctive
packages that will draw a consumer's eye when looking at shelves
otherwise having traditional flow-wrapped packages. In the form
shown in FIGS. 103-108, the bottom wall 202 and cover 212 have a
single convex curve, while in the form shown in FIGS, 109-113,
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the bottom wall 202 and cover 212 having two convex curves with
an intermediate concave curve therebetween.
Other undulating
configurations could also be utilized.
(0213] Moreover, the bottom wall 202 can take any suitable
configuration.
For example, as shown in FIGS, 114-119, the
bottom wall 202 can have a heart-shaped configuration with
sidewalls 204 extending upward from edges thereof.
The
undulating surfaces can be used to provide distinctive packaging
for any suitable novel shape.
[0214] Alternatively, a package 250 can include a generally
=
planar bottom wall 252 with sidewalls 254 and end walls 256
extending upwardly therefrom, as shown in FIGS. 120-125. In
this form, upper edges 258 of the sidewalls 254 have
corresponding undulating patterns 260 so that opposite edges 258
of the sidewalls 254 have a generally equal height. The package
250 includes peripheral flanges 262 that extend outwardly from
the upper edges 258 of the sidewalls 254 and end walls 256, but
could be alternatively configured as discussed. As shown, the
undulating patterns 260 need not be uniform along the sidewall
254, having different wavelengths and depths.
[0215] Another type of package 300, shown in FIGS. 126-143,
includes an upwardly projecting end 302.
This package 300
includes a bottom wall 304 with a generally planar front portion
306 that the package 300 is configured to rest on, and an
upwardly curved rear portion 308. Sidewalls 310 extend upwardly
from edges 312 of the bottom wall 304 to upper edges 314. The
sidewalls 310 can extend perpendicularly from the bottom wall
304 or be offset therefrom. A
peripheral flange 316 extends
from the upper edges 314 of the sidewalls 310 to provide sealing
surfaces 318 for a cover 320, as discussed above. The upper
=
edges 314 of the sidewalls 310 generally follow the
configuration of the bottom wall 304 so that the cover 320
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includes a corresponding planar front portion 322 and a rear
curving portion 324.
The rear curving portion 324 provides
generally vertical surface area that can be utilized for eye
catching indicia, graphics, or text that will differentiate the
package 300 from conventional packaging with flat upper
surfaces. In the form of FIGS. 126-131, the bottom wall 304 and
cover 320 are generally triangular, while in the forms of FIGS.
132-143, the bottom wall 304 and cover 320 are generally
rectangular. It will be understood, however, that other shapes
and configurations could be utilized, including other closed
polygons, curvilinear shapes, or combinations thereof.
[0216] The trays and cups described herein can be formed of any
suitable materials by any suitable methods, including
thermoformed, injection molded, blow-molded, fiberboard, resin
impregnated fiberboard, or the like.
The covers described
herein can similarly be formed of any suitable materials
including paper, a paper-laminate combination, metalized foil, a
multi-ply laminate, plastic, or the like.
[0217] A method of making, such as in a commercial, high speed
packaging operation, any of the packages or containers described
herein can include the steps of forming the tray, inserting a
plurality of discrete food articles into the tray, and attaching
the cover to the tray to seal the food articles in the package.
[0218] Optional steps include thermoforming the tray from a
polymer sheet. The polymer sheet can be a segment of a web of
polymer material. The tray can be singulated from the web after
thermoforming. The cover can be attached to the tray after the
tray has been thermoformed and before the tray has been
singulated from the web, or the cover is attached to the tray
after the tray has been singulated from the web. Non-limiting
examples of methods of manufacturing the packages are described
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in U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 61/608,080, filed March 7, 2012, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
(0219] All of the packages described herein provide distinctive
packaging that can draw the eyes of consumers when displayed on
shelf next to traditional flow-wrap packages or traditional
packages having a tray and a flat planar lid. Distinction on a
shelf is key for product development, and the packages described
herein provide this benefit while staying cost effective by
minimizing package material.
38
