Tray with divider feature

Abstract

A tray for holding one or more articles, the tray comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one rear panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel; a plurality of end flaps that are foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels; and a divider feature forming at least one divider wall extending within the interior of the tray for forming a plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray, the divider feature comprising the at least one divider plate.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 400,917 (filing date August 25, 2022).

[0003] Literature Incorporated by Reference

[0004] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 400,917 (filing date August 25, 2022) and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 900,508 (filing date August 22, 2023) are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully presented herein. Background Art

[0005] The present invention generally relates to containers for holding at least one item. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a tray having divider features within the interior thereof for holding at least one item. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one aspect, the present invention generally relates to a tray for holding one or more items, the tray comprising: a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around the interior of the tray, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one rear panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel; a plurality of end flaps that are foldably connected to corresponding panels of the plurality of panels; and a divider feature that forms at least one divider wall that extends within the interior of the tray for forming a plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray, the divider feature comprising the at least one divider panel.

[0007] According to another aspect, the present invention generally relates to a blank for forming a tray for holding one or more items, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around the interior of the tray formed by the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one rear panel, at least one hinge panel and at least one divider panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to corresponding panels of the plurality of panels; and a divider feature for forming at least one divider wall extending within the interior of the tray formed by the blank so as to form a plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray formed by the blank, the divider feature comprising the at least one divider panel.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present invention is generally directed to a method of forming a tray for holding one or more items, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one rear panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel, the blank further comprising a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the blank further comprising a divider feature comprising the at least one divider panel. The method further comprises positioning the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, and positioning the at least one divider panel so as to form at least one divider wall extending within the interior of the tray, thereby forming a plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray.

[0009] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the following drawings.The above aspects are provided individually and in various combinations within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The sizes of the various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a pallet according to a first example embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 is a first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of a blank portion formed into a tray.

[0013] Figure 3 is a first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of one configuration of a tray formed from a blank.

[0014] Figure 4 is a first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from a blank.

[0015] Figure 5 is a first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from a blank.

[0016] Figure 6 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a pallet according to a second example embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 is a method according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 A perspective view of a blank portion formed into a tray.

[0018] Figure 8 is a method according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 A perspective view of one configuration of a tray formed from a blank.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a method according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 A perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from a blank.

[0020] Fig.10 is a method according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 A perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from a blank.

[0021] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Containers and trays according to the present invention can accommodate a variety of differently shaped items. In this specification, the terms "lower", "bottom", "upper", "top", "front" and "rear" refer to orientations determined relative to a fully erected container. As described herein, a container can be formed from a plurality of overlapping panels, portions and / or end flaps. Such panels, portions and / or end flaps can be designated with terms relative to one another (e.g., "first", "second", "third", etc.) with sequential or non-sequential references without departing from the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 A method for forming a tray 105 ( Figure 3 , 4 , 5) of the outer surface 101 of the blank 103. The blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can have divider features for forming multiple compartments in the interior 107 of the tray 105, as further described herein. As further described herein, the tray 105 can be selectively configured and / or reconfigured between a plurality of different configurations. In some embodiments, the different configurations of the tray 105 can include selective and / or alternative arrangements of divider features.

[0024] Tray 105 can be used to hold one or more articles, such as food, such as portioned retail food, which can include one or more of cookies, crackers, cakes, pastries, candies, nuts, popcorn, mixes, chewing gum, etc. In certain embodiments, articles can include frozen or non-frozen food, which can be provided in discrete portions, such as chicken nuggets, French fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, potato chips, popcorn, other finger foods, etc. In an embodiment, other types of articles (which can include food products and / or non-food products) can be arranged in a tray for serving customers, such as at a fast service restaurant or supplier. In certain embodiments, such products can be included in additional packaging and then arranged in a tray. Such a tray can be otherwise shaped and arranged, and can be used to keep other products and / or articles in similar or different environments, without departing from the present invention.

[0025] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide items in a tray that are at least partially separated from one another, e.g., to avoid mixing of different food items, to facilitate service, to more prominently display the different items to customers, etc. In this regard, it may be desirable to provide divider features in the tray to provide at least partial separation between the items, as further described herein.

[0026] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. The blank 103 can have a plurality of panels, including: a first bottom panel 121; a front panel 123, the front panel 123 being foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a transverse fold line 125; a first rear panel 127, the first rear panel 127 being foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a transverse fold line 129; a second rear panel 131, the second rear panel 131 being foldably connected to the first rear panel 127 at a transverse fold line 133; and a second bottom panel 135, the second bottom panel 135 being foldably connected to the second rear panel 131 at a transverse fold line 137. In some embodiments, the first rear panel 127 and the second rear panel 131 can be considered to be respective portions of a single panel.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 and the plurality of panels of the tray 105 formed therefrom may also include a first hinge panel 139 foldably connected to the bottom panel 135 at an oblique fold line 141 interrupted by a bend weakening line or bend notch 143. A second hinge panel 145 (broadly, a "first hinge panel") may be foldably connected to the bottom panel 135 at an oblique fold line 147 interrupted by a bend weakening line or bend notch 149.

[0028] The first divider panel 151 may be foldably connected to the hinge plate 139 at a longitudinal fold line 153, and the second divider panel 155 may be foldably connected to the hinge plate 139 at a transverse fold line 157. The second divider panel 155 may have a base portion 159 foldably connected to the hinge plate 139 at the fold line 157, and a distal portion 161 foldably connected to the base portion 159 at an oblique fold line 163.

[0029] Similarly, the third divider panel 165 (broadly, "first divider panel") can be foldably connected to the hinge plate 145 at the longitudinal fold line 167, and the fourth divider panel 169 (broadly, "second divider panel") can be foldably connected to the hinge plate 147 at the transverse fold line 171. The fourth divider panel 169 can have: a base portion 173, which is foldably connected to the hinge plate 147 at the fold line 171; and a distal portion 175, which is foldably connected to the base portion 173 at the oblique fold line 177.

[0030] As shown, the connector panel 179 can be foldably connected to the bottom panel 135 at a transverse fold line 181. The connector panel 179 can also be foldably connected to the base portion 159 of the divider panel 155 at a longitudinal fold line 183, and can be foldably connected to the base portion 173 of the divider panel 165 at a longitudinal fold line 185. In some embodiments, the connector panel 179 can be considered a divider panel for the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom.

[0031] As further described herein, the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom may include divider features for forming multiple compartments in the interior 107 of the tray 105. In some embodiments, the divider features may include one or more panels 139, 145, 151, 155, 165, 169, 179 of the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom, and optionally their associated features.

[0032] The blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom may also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of end flaps may include: an end flap 187 foldably connected to the front panel 123 at respective portions of the longitudinal fold line 189; an end flap 191 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at respective portions of the fold line 189; an end flap 193 foldably connected to the rear panel 127 at respective portions of the fold line 189; and an end flap 195 foldably connected to the distal portion 161 of the divider panel 155 at respective portions of the fold line 189. As shown, the end flap 195 may include a base portion 197 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 189, a first distal portion 199 foldably connected to the base portion 197 at an oblique fold line 201, and a second distal portion 203 foldably connected to the base portion 197 at an oblique fold line 205. In some embodiments, the fold line 153 that is substantially colinear with some portion of the fold line 189 may be considered to be a portion thereof.

[0033] Similarly, the multiple end flaps may include: an end flap 207, which is foldably connected to the front panel 123 at a corresponding portion of the longitudinal fold line 209; an end flap 211, which is foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 209; an end flap 213, which is foldably connected to the rear panel 127 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 209; and an end flap 215, which is foldably connected to the distal portion 175 of the separator panel 169 at a corresponding portion of the fold line 209. As shown, the end flap 211 may include a base portion 217 foldably connected to the bottom panel 211 at a corresponding portion of the oblique fold line 209, a first distal portion 219 foldably connected to the base portion 217 at an oblique fold line 221, and a second distal portion 223 foldably connected to the base portion 217 at an oblique fold line 225. In some embodiments, the fold line 167 that is substantially colinear with some portion of the fold line 209 may be considered to be a portion thereof.

[0034] In this regard, the end flaps 187, 191, 193, 195 may be a first plurality of end flaps that are foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels at respective portions of the fold line 189 and extend along a first edge portion of the blank 103 for overlapping to form a first closed end of the tray 105 formed from the blank 103. Similarly, the end flaps 207, 211, 213, 215 may be a second plurality of end flaps that are foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels at respective portions of the fold line 209 and extend along a second edge portion of the blank 103 for overlapping to form a second closed end of the tray 105 formed from the blank 103.

[0035] In some embodiments, one or both of the divider panels 151 , 165 may be considered to be end flaps that are foldably connected to the blank 103 and a corresponding panel of the plurality of panels of the tray 105 formed therefrom.

[0036] The blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom may also include a locking feature for at least partially maintaining the upright configuration of the tray 105 formed from the blank 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking feature may include a locking tab 227 formed at least partially by a cutout 229 interrupting the fold line 181 and adapted to be received at least partially through a cutout 231 or a locking opening formed thereby interrupting the fold line 125. In this regard, the locking tab 227 may be a protruding portion of the bottom panel 135 that is separated from the connector panel 179 when the tray 105 is formed from the blank, and the cutout 231 / associated locking opening may be defined between the bottom panel 121 and the front panel 123.

[0037] It should be appreciated that the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom may include different numbers, arrangements and / or configurations of panels, end flaps and / or related features without departing from the invention.

[0038] Additional references Figure 2 and 3 , the formation of structure 105 from blank 103 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be understood that it is alternatively considered that Figure 1 An intermediate configuration between the illustrated blank 103 and the illustrated tray is a further folded configuration of the blank 103 or a partially erected configuration of the structure 105 .

[0039] The blank 103 may be positioned with its outer surface 101 facing downward on the support surface and with its inner surface facing upward.

[0040] The end flap 191 can be folded at a corresponding portion of the fold line 189 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121. At the same time or subsequently, the distal portions 199, 203 of the end flap 191 can be folded at corresponding fold lines 201, 205 into overlap and / or at least partial face-to-face contact with corresponding portions of the base portion 197 of the end flap 191.

[0041] Similarly, the end flap 211 can be folded at a corresponding portion of the fold line 209 to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121, and the distal portions 219, 223 of the end flap 211 can be folded at corresponding fold lines 221, 225 to overlap and / or be in at least partial face-to-face contact with its base portion 217.

[0042] The end flaps 187, 207 can be folded at corresponding portions of the folding lines 189, 209 to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the front panel 123, and the end flaps 193, 213 can be folded at corresponding portions of the corresponding folding lines 189, 209 to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the rear panel 127.

[0043] The front panel 123 can be folded at the folding line 125 to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121 so that the end flaps 187, 207 carried thereon can be positioned to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surfaces of the corresponding distal portions 199, 219 of the corresponding end flaps 191, 211.

[0044] Moreover, the rear panel 127 can be folded at the folding line 129 to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121, so that the end flaps 193, 213 carried thereon can be positioned to be in at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surfaces of the corresponding distal portions 203, 223 of the corresponding end flaps 191, 211.

[0045] In some embodiments, the distal portions 161 , 175 of the respective divider panels 155 , 169 may also be folded at the respective fold lines 163 , 177 to bring the respective end flaps 195 , 215 attached thereto into at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective hinge plates 139 , 145 .

[0046] Then, in some embodiments, the respective divider panels 151 , 165 can be folded at the respective fold lines 153 , 167 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the outer surface of the respective end flaps 195 , 215 .

[0047] This folded arrangement or further folded arrangements of the blank 103 / tray 105 may be a collapsed configuration of the structure 105 having a generally flat profile, such as for transport, storage, stacking, etc. in a minimized or space-saving arrangement.

[0048] Panels 123, 127 and end flaps 191, 209 may then be folded at respective fold lines 125, 129, 189, 209 into a generally upright / perpendicular relationship with respect to bottom panel 121, and panels 151, 155, 165, 169 may be folded at respective fold lines 153, 157, 167, 171 into a generally upright / perpendicular relationship with respect to bottom panel 135.

[0049] from Figure 2 As shown in the configuration, the blank 103 / structure 105 may be further selectively folded / arranged to provide different arrangements of divider features within the interior 107 of the tray 105 to suit a desired purpose.

[0050] Continue to refer Figure 2 and 3 One configuration of the tray 105 can be formed by at least partially separating the hinge plates 139 from the bottom plate 135 at the cutouts 143 and folding the hinge plates 139 at the fold lines 141 in the direction of arrows A1 into at least partially face-to-face contact with the bottom plate 135. This movement of the plates 139 can cause the divider plate 155 to at least partially fold relative to the connector plate 179 at the fold lines 183.

[0051] The distal portion 175 of the separator plate 169 can also be folded at fold line 177 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the base portion 173 of the separator plate 169. Simultaneously or subsequently, the separator plate 165 can be folded at fold line 165 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the hinge plates 145.

[0052] In this arrangement, rear panel 131 can be folded at fold line 133 in the direction of arrow A2 into at least partial face-to-face contact with rear panel 127, and bottom panel 135 can be positioned into at least partial face-to-face contact with bottom panel 121. Such movement of bottom panel 135 can include at least partial folding relative to rear panel 131 at fold line 137.

[0053] This arrangement of the panels and end flaps of the tray 105 may be at least partially maintained by the locking tab 227 being at least partially separated from the connector panel 179 at the cutout 229 and inserted at least partially through the opening formed by the cutout 231 .

[0054] The above-mentioned movement (e.g., inversion) of the hinge plate 139 can cause the divider panels 151, 155 to be arranged to extend upward from the bottom panels 121, 135 and into the interior 107 of the tray 105, so as to form corresponding divider walls 233, 235 (broadly, corresponding "first divider walls" and "second divider walls") in the interior 107 of the tray 105 including the corresponding divider panels.

[0055] In the illustrated arrangement, the divider walls 233, 235 may be positioned in a cross relationship within the interior 107 of the tray 105 to form a compartment space or compartment 237 (which is a respective portion of the interior 107 of the tray 105) to, for example, provide a separate receiving space for items or products in the tray 105. As shown, the compartment 237 may be at least partially formed between the divider walls 233, 235, a portion of the front panel 123, and a portion of the end flap 191.

[0056] The divider walls 233 , 235 may also provide a further compartment 239 formed by the remainder of the interior 107 of the tray 105 , which is separated from the compartment 237 by the divider walls 233 , 235 .

[0057] Go to Figure 4 , the figure shows the formation of a second configuration of the tray 105 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The hinge plate 145 can be at least partially separated from the bottom plate 135 at the cutout 149 and folded in the direction of arrow A3 at the fold line 147 into at least partially face-to-face contact with the bottom plate 135. This movement of the plate 145 can cause the separator plate 169 to be at least partially folded relative to the connector plate 179 at the fold line 185.

[0059] The distal portion 161 of the separator plate 155 can also be folded at fold line 163 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the base portion 159 of the separator plate 155. At the same time or then, the separator plate 151 can be folded at fold line 153 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the hinge plate 139.

[0060] In such an arrangement, the rear panel 131 can be folded at fold line 133 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the rear panel 127, and the bottom panel 135 can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121. Such movement of the bottom panel 135 can include at least partial folding relative to the rear panel 131 at fold line 137.

[0061] This arrangement of panels and end flaps of the tray 105 may be at least partially retained by the locking tab 227 being at least partially separated from the connector panel 179 at the cutout 229 and inserted at least partially through the opening formed by the cutout 231 .

[0062] The above-mentioned movement (for example, inversion) of the hinge plate 145 can make the divider plates 165, 169 be arranged to extend upward from the bottom plates 121, 135 and extend into the interior 107 of the tray 105 so as to form corresponding divider walls 241, 243 (broadly, the corresponding "third divider wall" or "first divider wall" and "fourth divider wall" or "second divider wall") in the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0063] In the illustrated arrangement, the divider walls 241, 243 may be positioned in a cross relationship within the interior 107 of the tray 105 to form a compartment space or compartment 245 that is a respective portion of the interior 107 of the tray 105, e.g., to provide a separate receiving space for items or products in the tray 105. As shown, the compartment 245 may be at least partially formed between the divider walls 241, 243, a portion of the front panel 123, and a portion of the end flap 211.

[0064] The divider walls 241 , 243 may also provide a compartment 247 formed by the remainder of the interior 107 of the tray 105 , which compartment 247 is separated from the compartment 245 by the divider walls 241 , 243 .

[0065] Go to Figure 5 , the figure shows the formation of a third configuration of the tray 105 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] The third configuration of the tray 105 may include the divider walls 233 , 235 , 241 , 243 formed by inverting the respective hinge plates 139 , 145 as described above with respect to the first configuration of the tray 105 and the second configuration of the tray 105 .

[0067] In this regard, the tray 105 may be provided with an interior 107 wherein divider walls 233 , 235 extend upwardly from the bottom panels 121 , 135 to form the compartment 237 , and divider walls 241 , 243 extend upwardly from the bottom panels 121 , 135 to form the compartment 245 .

[0068] The divider walls 233, 235, 241, 243 may also be arranged to form a compartment 249 within the interior of the tray 105, which compartment 249 is separated from the compartment 237 by the divider walls 233, 235, and is separated from the compartment 245 by the divider walls 241, 243. In the illustrated embodiment, due to the presence of both compartments 237, 245 within the interior 107 of the tray 105, the compartment 247 may define a smaller partial volume of the interior 107 of the tray 105 (compared to either of the compartments 239, 247 described above).

[0069] Go to Figure 6, the figure shows an outer surface 301 of a blank 303 for forming a tray 305 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom may have one or more features that are the same or similar to the features described above with respect to the blank 103 and the tray 105, and similar or similar features are represented by similar or similar reference numerals.

[0070] As shown, the blank 303 has a longitudinal axis LI and a transverse axis L2. The blank 303 can have substantially the same arrangement of panels and end flaps as the blank 103 described above, except that one or more panels and / or end flaps of the blank 303 can have one or more dimensions different from those described above with respect to the blank 103.

[0071] Furthermore, the locking features of the blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom may include a locking tab 327 that is at least partially defined by a cut 329 that interrupts the fold line 137 and is used to be at least partially received in a cut 331 or a locking opening formed thereby that interrupts the fold line 129.

[0072] In this regard, see also Figure 7-10 , the figure shows a first, second and third configurations of a tray 305 formed from a blank 303, which can be performed in substantially the same manner as described above with respect to the first, second and third configurations of a tray 105 formed from a blank 103, and can provide similar advantages as described above with respect to the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge panels 139 , 145 are positioned closer to the rear panel 131 than in the blank 103 / tray 105 described above, for example, such that the fold lines 141 , 147 intersect the fold line 137 .

[0074] In this regard, Figure 8 As shown, the inversion of the hinge plates and attachment features as described above can position the divider wall 233 in at least partial face-to-face contact with the rear panel 131, wherein the divider wall 235 extends perpendicularly from the rear panel 131 into the interior 107 of the tray 305 so as to intersect with the connector plate 179, and the connector plate 179 and the divider plate 169 intersect each other in a generally planar arrangement and both extend generally perpendicularly from the divider wall 235. As shown, this arrangement of the divider walls 233, 235 in the tray 305 can at least partially define compartments 345, 347 in the interior 107 of the tray 305.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector plate 179 can form a fifth divider wall 344 of the tray 305 .

[0076] As shown, the compartment 345 can be at least partially formed between the divider walls 235 , 243 , 344 , a portion of the rear panel 131 , and a portion of the end flap 211 .

[0077] As another example, Fig. 9 As shown, the inversion of the hinge plates 145 and the attachment features as described above can position the divider wall 241 in at least partial face-to-face contact with the rear panel 131, wherein the divider wall 243 extends perpendicularly from the rear panel 131 into the interior 107 of the tray 305 to intersect with the connector plate 179 / divider wall 344, and the connector plate 179 / divider wall 344 and the divider plate 155 intersect each other in a generally planar arrangement and both extend generally perpendicularly from the divider wall 243. This arrangement of the divider walls 241, 243 in the tray 305 can at least partially define compartments 337, 339 in the interior 107 of the tray 305, as shown.

[0078] As shown, the compartment 339 can be at least partially formed between the divider walls 235 , 344 , 243 , a portion of the rear panel 131 , and a portion of the end flap 191 .

[0079] As another example, Fig.10 As shown, the hinged plates 139, 145 of the tray 305 can be inverted as described above to provide divider walls 233, 241 in at least partial face-to-face contact with the rear plate 131, and the corresponding divider walls 235, 243 extend generally vertically from the rear plate 131 so as to intersect with the connector plate 179 / divider wall 344, and the connector plate 179 / divider wall 344 extends from the divider wall 235 to the divider wall 243 to form a compartment 351 in the interior 107 of the tray 305, which is separated from the compartment 349 in the rest of the interior 107 of the tray 305.

[0080] As shown, the compartment 351 may be at least partially formed between the divider walls 235 , 344 , 243 and a portion of the rear plate 131 .

[0081] Thus, in an alternative arrangement, the blank 303 and tray 305 formed therefrom provide a reconfigurable tray having similar advantages to the blank 103 and tray 105 described above.

[0082] In this regard, various configurations of the tray 305 may include different relative positions of the divider walls 233 , 235 , 241 , 243 to provide different compartment arrangements within the interior 107 of the tray 305 .

[0083] It should be understood that blanks and trays according to the present invention may have different numbers, arrangements and / or configurations of features without departing from the invention.

[0084] Typically, the blanks described herein can be made of cardboard with a certain thickness so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be made of other materials, such as cardboard, plastic sheets, or any other material with properties suitable for making the container at least roughly as described above. The blanks can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating can then be printed with products, advertisements, and other information or images. The blanks can then be coated with varnish to protect the information printed on the blanks. The blanks can also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier on either or both sides of the blank. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet materials at a selected plate or plate portion.

[0085] As an example, a tear line may include: a slit that extends partially into the material along a desired line of weakness; and / or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into the material along a desired line of weakness and / or extend completely through the material; or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, wherein adjacent slits are slightly spaced apart so as to define a score (e.g., a smaller, slightly bridged piece of material) between adjacent slits for connecting the material, usually temporarily, across the tear line. Upon tearing along the tear line, the score breaks. The score is typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively, the score may be omitted or torn from the tear line so that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is also within the scope of the present invention to replace each tear line with a continuous slit, etc. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than a slit without departing from the present invention.

[0086] According to example embodiments, a fold line may be any substantially linear weakening that facilitates folding therealong, but is not necessarily straight. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the invention, a fold line includes: a score line, such as a line formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that creates a flattened or depressed portion in the material along a desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into the material along a desired line of weakness; and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into the material along a desired line of weakness and / or extend completely through the material; and various combinations of these features. Where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cut does not overextend in a manner that could cause a reasonable user to incorrectly perceive the fold line as a tear line.

[0087] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels bonded together by glue during erection of the container embodiment. The term "glue" includes all adhesives commonly used to secure container panels in place, and does not exclude thermal, chemical or frequency bonding techniques.

[0088] The foregoing description of the present invention shows and describes various embodiments. Since various changes can be made to the above structure without departing from the scope of the present invention, all contents contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings are interpreted as exemplary and not restrictive. Moreover, the scope of the present invention covers various variations, combinations, changes, etc. of the above-mentioned embodiments. In addition, the present invention only shows and describes selected embodiments, but various other combinations, variations and environments are also within the scope of the present invention as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and / or within the skills or knowledge of the relevant field. Moreover, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tray for holding one or more items, the tray comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the pallet, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one rear panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels; as well as A divider feature forms at least one divider wall extending within the interior of the tray for forming a plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray, the divider feature comprising the at least one divider panel.

2. The pallet according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one divider panel is foldably connected to the at least one hinge panel.

3. The pallet according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one hinge panel is at least partially separable from the at least one bottom panel at a cutout that interrupts a fold line at which the at least one hinge panel is at least partially foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel.

4. The pallet according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one divider panel is a first divider panel that is at least foldably connected to the at least one hinged panel, the plurality of panels further include a second divider panel that is at least foldably connected to the at least one hinged panel, the at least one divider wall is a first divider wall that includes the first divider panel, the divider feature further includes a second divider wall that includes the second divider panel.

5. The pallet according to claim 4, wherein: The first divider wall intersects the second divider wall to form a respective compartment of the plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray.

6. The pallet according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one hinge plate is a first hinge plate, and the plurality of plates further include: a second hinge plate that is at least partially separable from the at least one bottom plate at a cut that interrupts a fold line, the second hinge plate being at least partially foldably connected to the at least one bottom plate at the fold line; a third divider plate that is foldably connected to the second hinge plate; a fourth divider wall that is foldably connected to the second hinge plate, the divider feature further comprising a third divider wall at least partially formed by the third divider plate and a fourth divider wall at least partially formed by the fourth divider plate.

7. The pallet according to claim 6, wherein: The first divider wall intersects the second divider wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within an interior of the tray between the first divider wall, the second divider wall, a portion of the front panel, and a corresponding end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

8. The pallet according to claim 7, wherein: The third divider wall intersects the fourth divider wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray between the third divider wall, the fourth divider wall, a portion of the front panel, and a corresponding end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

9. The pallet according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of panels also includes a connector panel foldably connected to each of the second and fourth separator panels.

10. The pallet according to claim 9, wherein: The divider feature also includes a fifth divider wall including the connector plate.

11. The pallet according to claim 10, wherein: The second divider wall intersects with the fifth divider wall, and the fifth divider wall intersects with the fourth divider wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray between the second divider wall, the fifth divider wall, the fourth divider wall and a portion of the at least one rear panel.

12. The pallet according to claim 11, wherein: The one of the plurality of compartments of the interior of the tray is formed between the first divider wall, the fifth divider wall, the fourth divider wall, a portion of the at least one rear panel, and a corresponding end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

13. The pallet of claim 10, wherein: The second divider wall intersects with the fifth divider wall, and the fifth divider wall intersects with the fourth divider wall so as to form one of the plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray between the second divider wall, the fifth divider wall, the fourth divider wall, a portion of the at least one rear panel, and a corresponding end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

14. A blank for forming a tray for holding one or more articles, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of a pallet formed from the blank, the plurality of panels including a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one rear panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels; as well as A divider feature for forming at least one divider wall extending within the interior of the tray formed from the blank so as to form a plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray formed from the blank, the divider feature comprising the at least one divider panel.

15. The blank according to claim 14, wherein: The at least one divider panel is foldably connected to the at least one hinge panel.

16. The blank according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one hinge panel is at least partially separable from the at least one bottom panel at a cutout that interrupts a fold line at which the at least one hinge panel is at least partially foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel.

17. The blank according to claim 16, wherein: The at least one divider panel is a first divider panel that is at least foldably connected to the at least one hinged panel, and the plurality of panels further include a second divider panel that is at least foldably connected to the at least one hinged panel, the first divider panel being used to at least partially form a first divider wall when the tray is formed from the blank, and the second divider panel being used to at least partially form a second divider wall when the tray is formed from the blank.

18. The blank according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one hinge plate is a first hinge plate, and the plurality of plates further include: a second hinge plate that is at least partially separable from the at least one bottom plate at a cut that interrupts a fold line, at which the second hinge plate is at least partially foldably connected to the at least one bottom plate; a third divider plate that is foldably connected to the second hinge plate; and a fourth divider plate that is foldably connected to the second hinge plate, the third divider plate being used to at least partially form a third divider wall when the tray is formed from the blank, and the fourth divider plate being used to at least partially form a fourth divider wall when the tray is formed from the blank.

19. The blank according to claim 18, wherein: The plurality of panels also includes a connector panel foldably connected to each of the second and fourth separator panels.

20. The blank according to claim 19, wherein: When the tray is formed from the blank, the connector plate is used to at least partially form the fifth divider wall.

21. A method of forming a tray for holding one or more items, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one rear panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel, the blank further comprising a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the blank further comprising a divider feature comprising the at least one divider panel; positioning the plurality of panels, the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray; as well as The at least one divider panel is positioned so as to form at least one divider wall extending within the interior of the tray to form a plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein: The at least one divider panel is foldably connected to the at least one hinge panel.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: The at least one hinge panel is at least partially separable from the at least one bottom panel at a cutout that interrupts a fold line at which the at least one hinge panel is at least partially foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein: The at least one divider panel is a first divider panel that is at least foldably connected to the at least one hinged panel, the plurality of panels further include a second divider panel that is at least foldably connected to the at least one hinged panel, the at least one divider wall is a first divider wall that includes the first divider panel, and the method further includes positioning the second divider panel so as to at least partially form a second divider wall.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein: The first divider wall intersects the second divider wall to form a respective compartment of the plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: The at least one hinge plate is a first hinge plate, and the plurality of plates further include: a second hinge plate, which is at least partially separable from the at least one bottom plate at a cut that interrupts a fold line, and the second hinge plate is at least partially foldably connected to the at least one bottom plate at the fold line; a third divider plate, which is foldably connected to the second hinge plate; a fourth divider plate, which is foldably connected to the second hinge plate, the method further including: positioning the third divider plate so as to at least partially form a third divider wall, the method further including: positioning the fourth divider plate so as to at least partially form a third divider wall.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein: The first divider wall intersects the second divider wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within an interior of the tray between the first divider wall, the second divider wall, a portion of the front panel, and a corresponding end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein: The third divider wall intersects the fourth divider wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray between the third divider wall, the fourth divider wall, a portion of the front panel, and a corresponding end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein: The plurality of panels also includes a connector panel foldably connected to each of the second and fourth separator panels.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: The method also includes positioning the connector plate to at least partially form a fifth divider wall.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein: The second divider wall intersects with the fifth divider wall, and the fifth divider wall intersects with the fourth divider wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray between the second divider wall, the fifth divider wall, the fourth divider wall and a portion of the at least one rear panel.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein: The one of the plurality of compartments of the interior of the tray is formed between the first divider wall, the fifth divider wall, the fourth divider wall, a portion of the at least one rear panel, and a corresponding end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein: The second divider wall intersects with the fifth divider wall, and the fifth divider wall intersects with the fourth divider wall so as to form one of the plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray between the second divider wall, the fifth divider wall, the fourth divider wall, a portion of the at least one rear panel, and a corresponding end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

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