Thermoformed bakery package

Abstract

A trifold thermoformed package with a bottom portion, a top portion and an internal portion integrally formed from a single sheet of thermoformable material. The top and bottom portions are arranged in a clamshell configuration and can be selectively closed about a first living hinge to cooperatively define an internal space for receiving items to be packaged. The internal portion is configured to fold about second living hinge into the package between the top portion and the bottom portion to form a shelf upon which items can be placed, thereby allowing two layers of items to be contained in the same package without direct stacking. The top portion may be joined to one edge of the bottom portion along a first living hinge and the internal portion may be joined to a second edge of the bottom portion along a second living hinge disposed opposite the first living hinge.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to thermoformed packaging and, more particularly, to thermoformed packages suitable for bakery and other similar items.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Donuts and similar bakery items are commonly sold in a range of different packages. Some of these packages are manufactured from cardboard or paperboard. For example, many conventional donuts packages are formed by folding a die-cut paperboard blank into the desired rectangular shape. Paperboard and cardboard packages suffer from a number of shortcomings. For example, typical paperboard and cardboard packages have limited strength and they are not easily formed into contoured shapes that can provide the desired level of structural integrity. Further, liquids, including oils and greases, associated with the food items can seep into cardboard and paperboard. This not only has a negative aesthetic impact, but it can reduce the strength of the paperboard / cardboard and potentially ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a thermoformed package with a bottom, top and internal portion that are integrally formed from a single sheet of thermoformable material. The internal portion can fold into the package to form a shelf upon which items can be placed, allowing two layers of items to be contained in the same package without direct stacking. The bottom, top and internal portion can be configured to divide the interior of the package into top and bottom regions, facilitating packaging of multiple layers of items in both regions. The package is simple and effective with enhanced structural integrity, maintained during shipping and handling, and helps to prevent against cross-contamination.

Problems solved by technology

For example, typical paperboard and cardboard packages have limited strength and they are not easily formed into contoured shapes that can provide the desired level of structural integrity.

This not only has a negative aesthetic impact, but it can reduce the strength of the paperboard / cardboard and potentially causing a package failure.

Paperboard and cardboard are opaque and do not allow the packaged items to be seen.

The addition of windows and transparent films not only increases cost, but it can also negatively affect the structural integrity of the package.

It is generally considered undesirable to stack donuts and similar bakery items atop one another within a package for various reasons.

For example, these types of products are typically relatively soft and the bottom products upon which other products are stacked are susceptible to crushing.

In addition, if products are stacked they may be contaminated by glazes, frostings and other foodstuff on adjacent items.

This may affect the taste, appearance and aesthetic appeal of the packaged items.

Given the general preference to avoid stacking donuts and similar bakery items, the packages (both paperboard and thermoformed packages) can become increasingly unwieldy and awkward as they are designed as increasingly larger rectangles to package more and more products.

Images