Food tray of package

Abstract

A package for storing food products, the package comprising a tray having a plurality of walls including a bottom wall and at least one side wall and an open space formed in one or more of the plurality of walls. The plurality of walls have a total projected area, and more than half of the total projected area is an open space. The wrapper is loosely placed around the tray to enclose the tray.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 519,014, filed August 11, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to a package, and more specifically to a pallet of a package formed from a reduced amount of material. Background Technology

[0004] Packaging for food products such as cookies and other snacks typically includes a tray surrounded by an outer wrapper. The tray holds the food product in place and protects it from damage. The contents of the container are usually accessed by opening one end of the wrapper, removing the tray from the inside, and then removing the food product from the tray. Alternatively, users can access the contents by opening flaps in the wrapper. Existing trays are often formed with solid walls to ensure sufficient structural rigidity to protect the food product within during packaging operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one embodiment, a packaging component for storing food includes a tray having multiple walls and an open space. The multiple walls include a bottom wall and at least one side wall, and the open space is formed in one or more of the multiple walls. The multiple walls have a total projected area, and more than half of the total projected area is the open space. A wrapping component is loosely placed around the tray to enclose the tray.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another implementation, the package is not attached to the pallet.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the bottom wall and at least one side wall together define the interior, and the interior contains multiple separate sections for storing food.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another implementation, each of the multiple individual segments has the same configuration.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, at least one of the individual segments has a configuration different from that of another individual segment among the individual segments.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the plurality of walls include at least one partition disposed within the interior. A plurality of individual sections are arranged adjacent to at least one partition.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, one or more of the walls further includes at least one retaining feature for supporting food within the tray.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, at least one retaining feature is a groove that complements the food.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, at least one retaining feature is a protrusion. This protrusion defines the outermost position of the food within the tray.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the tray is formed of a plastic material.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the open space is formed by at least one opening formed in one of the plurality of walls.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another implementation, the open space covers at least 65% of the total projected area.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, at least one of the walls is formed by a plurality of linear members.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the wrapping includes a wrapping opening and a cover, the wrapping opening communicating with the interior of the pallet, the cover being adhesively sealed to the wrapping adjacent to the wrapping opening. The cover is capable of resealing with the wrapping.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the package is capable of being received on a conveyor during the filling and packaging operation. The package is separated from adjacent packages by barriers.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a package for storing food includes a tray having a plurality of walls, including a bottom wall and at least one side wall. The plurality of walls collectively define the interior of the tray. At least one open space is formed in the plurality of walls. A wrapper is positioned around the tray to enclose the tray. The wrapper has a wrapper opening communicating with the interior, and the cover portion being capable of sealing to the wrapper adjacent to the wrapper opening.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the cover portion is integrally formed with the wrapping portion.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the cover portion is separated from and attached to the wrapping.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the cover portion is capable of being resealed to the wrapping.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, at least one of the walls is formed by a plurality of linear members.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another implementation, the interior may contain multiple separate sections for storing food.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the plurality of walls include at least one partition disposed within the interior. The plurality of individual sections are defined by at least one partition.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, one or more of the walls include at least one retaining feature for supporting food within the tray.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the open space is formed by at least one opening formed in one of the plurality of walls.

[0029] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the plurality of walls have a total projected area, and more than half of the total projected area is open space.

[0030] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another implementation, the open space covers at least 65% of the total projected area.

[0031] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the package is able to be received on a conveyor during the filling and packaging operation, and the package is separated from adjacent packages by barriers.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a packaging component for storing food includes a tray having multiple walls and an open space, the multiple walls including a bottom wall and at least one side wall, the open space being formed within the multiple walls. The tray is configured to support the food. A wrapping component is positioned around the tray to enclose it.

[0033] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the tray is configured to support food in the absence of wrappings positioned around the tray.

[0034] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, at least one of the walls is formed by a plurality of linear members.

[0035] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another implementation, the interior may contain multiple separate sections for storing food.

[0036] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the multiple walls include at least one divider disposed within the interior of the tray. Multiple individual sections are defined by at least one divider.

[0037] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, one or more of the walls include at least one retaining feature for supporting food within the tray.

[0038] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the open space is formed by at least one opening formed in one of the plurality of walls.

[0039] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the plurality of walls have a total projected area, and more than half of the total projected area is open space.

[0040] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another implementation, the open space covers at least 65% of the total projected area.

[0041] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the package is capable of being received on a conveyor during the filling and packaging operation. The package is separated from adjacent packages by barriers.

[0042] According to one embodiment, a system for packaging food includes a conveyor, a plurality of pallets capable of being received on the conveyor, and a plurality of barriers associated with the plurality of pallets. The plurality of barriers are configured to maintain spacing between adjacent pallets among the plurality of pallets.

[0043] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the multiple barriers comprise multiple recesses formed in the conveyor. Multiple pallets can be received within the multiple recesses.

[0044] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in another embodiment, the multiple barriers include multiple protrusions extending upward from the surface of the conveyor. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, embody several aspects of this disclosure and, together with the detailed descriptions, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a resealable container in a closed configuration according to one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 2 It is in an open configuration according to an implementation plan. Figure 1 A perspective view of a resealable container;

[0048] Figure 3 It is based on the suitability of an implementation plan in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of a tray used in a resealable container, the tray being filled with confectionery;

[0049] Figure 4 It is based on an implementation plan. Figure 3 A perspective view of the tray, with the sweets removed from it;

[0050] Figure 5 It is suitable for implementation according to the scheme. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of another tray used in a resealable container;

[0051] Figure 6 It is suitable for implementation according to the scheme. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of another tray used in a resealable container;

[0052] Figure 7 It is based on the suitability of an implementation plan in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of another tray used in a resealable container, the tray filled with confectionery;

[0053] Figure 8 It is based on an implementation plan. Figure 7 A perspective view of the tray, with the sweets removed from it;

[0054] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a barrier-equipped pallet handling system according to one implementation scheme; and

[0055] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a barrier-equipped pallet handling system according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0056] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to one embodiment, examples of containers or packages 20 for storing at least one food item and, in some embodiments, for storing multiple food items 10 are shown. As used herein, the term "food item" is intended to include any type of manufactured or unnatural food, including but not limited to biscuits, cookies, crackers, chocolates, and confectionery. Package 20 includes a tray 22 and a wrapper 24 externally positioned around the tray 22. The wrapper 24 may be attached to the tray 22 in one or more locations; however, embodiments in which the wrapper 24 is loosely positioned around the tray 22 are also within the scope of this disclosure. As used herein, the term "loosely positioned" is intended to describe embodiments in which the wrapper 24 is not attached or adhered to the tray 22 in any location. In the non-limiting embodiments shown, the wrapper 24 forms the top 26, bottom 28, opposing sides 30, 32, and opposing ends 34, 36 of the package 20. As shown, the ends 34, 36 of the wrapping 24 can be formed by sealing the ends of the top 26 and the bottom 28 together (e.g., via a crimp seal, adhesive seal or heat seal 29).

[0057] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, at least one wrapping opening 40 is formed in the body of the wrapping 24. For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the wrapping opening 40 is formed on the surface of the wrapping 24 that serves as the top 26 of the package 20. However, embodiments in which the wrapping opening 40 is arranged on another surface of the wrapping 24 (such as, for example, on its sides 30, 32, or bottom 28) are also contemplated herein. The size of the wrapping opening 40 may be proportional to the size of the package 20 and / or the food 10 contained therein, such that when the package 20 is full, the consumer can easily access most of the food 10 inside the package 20. However, embodiments with a wrapping opening 40 of another size (e.g., such that only a small portion of the food inside the package can be accessed) are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0058] The cover portion 42 can be positioned to overlap at least one wrapper opening 40. In one embodiment, the cover portion is part of the wrapper 24, such as, for example, created by the formation of the wrapper opening. In other embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cover portion 42 is separated from and attached to the surface of the wrapper 24. One or more dimensions of the cover portion 42 may be larger than the corresponding dimensions of the wrapper opening 40, such that one or more edges 44 of the cover portion 42 overlap with or surround the surface of the wrapper 24 adjacent to the wrapper opening 40. An adhesive (not shown) may be applied to a portion of the cover portion 42 configured to contact the surface of the wrapper 24 surrounding the wrapper opening 40. In one embodiment, the adhesive provides a removable seal between the cover portion 42 and the wrapper 24. When the cover portion 42 is sealed to the wrapper 24 by the adhesive, the package 20 may be considered to be in a closed or sealed configuration, and when the cover portion 42 is at least partially separated from the wrapper 24, the package 20 may be considered to be in an open configuration. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the cover portion 42 is capable of resealing to the wrapper 24 to selectively close the package 20 after opening. In the open configuration, the user can remove one or more food items 10 contained within the package 20 through the wrapping opening 40. It should be understood that the package 20 can also be opened by forming another opening in the wrapping 24 (such as, for example, at the sealed ends 34, 36).

[0059] The amount of adhesive applied to the cover portion 42 affects the functionality and peel force required to separate the cover portion 42 from the wrapper 24. In one embodiment, the amount of adhesive applied is a balance between the adhesive force required to ensure the package 20 remains closed, the package 20's ability to have a sufficient number of resealable events (i.e., resealable frequency), and the desired peel force to separate the cover portion 42 from the wrapper 24, which is low enough to allow the package 20 to be easily opened. A starting portion 46 (such as, for example, a tab) may extend from a first end 48 of the cover portion 42. A user can grasp the starting portion 46 to apply a pull. The size and shape of the starting portion 46 can be optimized for functionality. In one embodiment, adhesive is not applied to the starting portion 46. The absence of adhesive on the starting portion 46 allows the user to more easily grasp the starting portion 46 to open the package 20 because the starting portion does not seal to the surface of the wrapper 24.

[0060] As described above, the wrapper 24 is arranged around the outside of the tray 22. The tray 22, arranged inside the wrapper 24, forms a tray for receiving the food contents of the package 20. It should be understood that the tray 22 can be adapted to receive food of any shape therein.

[0061] Now for reference Figures 3 to 8 Various examples of trays 22 suitable for use in packaging 20 are shown. In each of the non-limiting embodiments shown, the tray 22 has a plurality of walls, including a bottom wall 50 and at least one side wall 52 arranged at an angle relative to the bottom wall 50. In embodiments including a plurality of side walls 52, each of the plurality of side walls 52 may have a constant height as shown. However, embodiments in which one or more of the side walls 52 have variable heights are also within the scope of this disclosure. Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments including a plurality of side walls, the height of each of the side walls 52 relative to the bottom wall 50 may be the same or may be different. The bottom wall 50 and the plurality of side walls 52 together define a generally hollow interior 54 in which one or more food items 10 can be received (see See...). Figure 3 and Figure 7 It should be understood that the rectangular shape of the depicted pallet 22 is intended only as an example, and pallets 22 having one or more sidewalls 52 forming any geometry are within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that pallets of different geometries (such as circular, elliptical, or any suitable polygon) will form packages with corresponding shapes.

[0062] In one embodiment, the plurality of walls 52 of the tray 22 include one or more dividers 56 arranged within the interior 54 of the tray 22 to form a plurality of rows and / or columns within the interior 54. At least one divider 56 may have the same height as one or more of the surrounding sidewalls 52, or may be shorter or taller than one or more sidewalls 52. Figures 3 to 5 In a non-limiting embodiment, a single divider 56 arranged at the center of the interior 54 divides the interior 54 of the tray 22 into substantially identical first section 58a and second section 58b. In another embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, tray 22 includes a first divider 56a and a second divider 56b, which are equidistantly spaced to divide the interior 54 into a first segment 58a, a second segment 58b, and a third segment 58c, respectively. Although embodiments including a single divider or two dividers 56 are shown, it should be understood that embodiments including any suitable number of dividers 56 (including no dividers) are within the scope of this disclosure. Including dividers can restrict the movement of food from one segment 58a of the interior 54 to another segment 58b of the interior 54. Furthermore, it should be understood that the respective segments formed by each divider 56 may be substantially equal in size or shape, but need not be. For example, segments of different sizes may be suitable for embodiments in which different types of food 10 are stored in different segments of the interior 54.

[0063] The partition 56 may be a substantially vertically extending wall, or alternatively, it may have another configuration. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the wall associated with the partition 56 may have one or more breaks or gaps formed therein, such as at or near the interface with the partition 56. For example, see reference... Figures 3 to 6 The partition 56 may be generally V-shaped (V being inverted), having a first partition wall 60 arranged at an angle not parallel to the second partition wall 62. In such embodiments, the bottom wall 50 may be connected to or integrally formed with the ends of each of the first and second partition walls 60, such that a gap 64 is formed in the bottom wall 50 below the partition 56. Similarly, one or more side walls 52 may be connected to or integrally formed with the ends of each of the first and second partition walls 60. As a result, a gap 66 may be formed in the side wall 52 at a location axially aligned with the partition 56.

[0064] In one embodiment, tray 22 includes at least one retaining feature 68, such as located on the inward-facing surface of one or more of the plurality of walls 50, 52, for example, to retain food 10 in a desired position within interior 54 for presentation to a consumer. The retaining feature 68 may be integrally formed with tray 22, or alternatively, may be a separate component attached to tray 22. Figures 3 to 6 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the retaining feature 68 includes a plurality of recesses, such as those formed in the bottom wall 50, lateral sidewalls 52, end sidewalls 52, and / or separators 56. Each of the plurality of recesses 68 has a size and / or profile complementary to the food 10 that can be received therein. The plurality of recesses can cooperate to retain the plurality of food items 10 in a stacked configuration within a corresponding section of the interior 54. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining feature 68 may include ribs or other protrusions extending from the surface of one of the plurality of walls 50, 52, 56 to restrict movement of one or more food items 10 and / or provide structural rigidity to the tray 22. Figure 6 In a non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of ribs 68 extend inwardly from the sidewall 52 forming the end of the tray 22 to define the position of the outermost food 10 of the array when the food is stacked within the hollow interior 54.

[0065] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, one or more of the walls have open spaces formed therein. These open spaces may be formed by at least one cut or opening extending through one or more of the walls. Including such openings 70 aims to reduce the total material of the tray 22 while maintaining sufficient structural rigidity. Figure 4 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, at least one opening 70 is formed, such as on the lateral side of one or more food items in the food 10, in each of the plurality of sidewalls 52 and in the divider 56; however, the bottom wall 50 of the tray 22 is substantially solid. Figure 5 In another embodiment shown, one or more openings 70 are additionally formed in the bottom wall 50 at a location directly below a portion of one or more food items 10. It should be understood that in other embodiments, one or more openings 70 may be formed in any of the bottom wall 50, side walls 52, and / or partitions 56.

[0066] Each opening 70 formed in one of the multiple walls is smaller than the corresponding wall. In embodiments including multiple openings 70 formed in the tray 22, the size and shape of each opening 70 may vary based on the location of the opening 70 around the tray 22 and / or the food 10 that can be received within the tray 22. In embodiments where the interior 54 of the tray 22 is divided into multiple sections by one or more dividers 56, the openings 70 formed in the walls associated with each corresponding section may be substantially identical, but not necessarily so. For example, the sidewalls 52 forming the ends of the tray 22 may have a first opening aligned with a first section and a second substantially identical opening aligned with a second section. In one embodiment, not only are the configurations of the corresponding openings 70 identical, but the relative positions of the openings in each corresponding section may also be identical. However, it should be understood that openings 70 of any size or shape are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0067] At least one of the multiple walls (and in Figures 3 to 6 In a non-limiting embodiment, each wall is substantially solid in locations where no open space exists. For example, at locations spaced apart from a corresponding third edge extending between a first edge and a second edge of the sidewall, the material of the sidewall extends continuously from the upper edge or first edge of the sidewall to the bottom edge or second edge of the sidewall. Each of the plurality of walls of tray 22 has a projected area or covered area associated therewith. As used herein, the term “projected area” is the area of ​​the wall calculated based on the external dimensions of the wall. In one embodiment, an open space formed in a respective wall of the plurality of walls covers at least about 30% of the projected area of ​​the wall, and in some embodiments, covers more than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, and 75% of the projected area of ​​the wall. In other words, the actual surface area of ​​the wall material occupies or covers less than 70% of the projected area of ​​the wall, and in some embodiments, occupies or covers less than half of the projected area of ​​the wall. Furthermore, the plurality of walls of tray 22 collectively have a combined or total projected area. In one embodiment, at least about 30% of the total projected area of ​​the tray 22, and in some embodiments at least about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, and 75% or more, is open space. In other words, the material of the multiple walls of the tray 22 occupies less than 70% of the total projected area of ​​the tray 22.

[0068] Now for reference Figure 7 and Figure 8In another embodiment, the multiple walls are not substantially solid. Instead, at least one of the walls may be formed by multiple linear members connected to each other, such that the opening 70 is defined between adjacent linear members. In such embodiments, the diameter or thickness of the linear members is less than about 15 mm, and in some embodiments, less than about 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, and 5 mm. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each of the plurality of walls of tray 22 is formed by a plurality of connected linear members. However, embodiments in which only some walls (such as, for example, sidewall 52) are formed by linear members are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the sidewalls 52 of tray 22 include a first outer linear member 80a and a second outer linear member 80b vertically spaced apart from each other. However, embodiments including additional linear members are also contemplated herein. As shown, the first outer linear member 80a and the second outer linear member 80b are generally rectangular in shape and define a portion of each sidewall 52 of tray 22, such as two end walls 82 and two lateral walls 83 extending therebetween. However, it should be understood that outer linear members having any suitable closed perimeter shape are within the scope of this disclosure. However, embodiments using different or separate outer linear members to form different sidewalls of tray 22 are also contemplated herein.

[0070] The structure of tray 22 may be further defined by one or more end line members 84 extending between a plurality of side walls 52 (such as, for example, between end walls 82 of tray 22). The end line members 84 may be oriented parallel to the side walls 83 of tray 22, but not necessarily. The end line members 84 may be vertically positioned below the food 10 supported within the interior 54 of tray 22. Depending on the size of the food that can be accommodated within tray 22, one or more end line members 84 may be arranged below a single food item 10 and configured to support that single food item. The end line members 84 may be centered, equidistantly spaced, or arranged in another location relative to the corresponding size of the food item, thereby providing stable support for the food 10.

[0071] The end wire member 84 may extend upward parallel to the end wall 82 of the tray 22. In one embodiment, the distal end of the end wire member 84 is attached at the end wall 82 to each of the first outer wire member 80a and the second outer wire member 80b. However, embodiments in which the end wire member 84 is attached at the side wall 52 to only a portion of the outer wire members 80a, 80b are also contemplated herein. Thus, in some embodiments, the end wall 82 of the tray 22 is formed by a combination of the first outer wire member 80a and the second outer wire member 80b with the end of at least one end wire member 84.

[0072] The tray 22 may alternatively or additionally include at least one lateral linear member 86 extending between a plurality of sidewalls 52 (such as between the sidewalls 83 of the tray 22). As shown, the plurality of lateral linear members 86 may be spaced apart between opposing end walls 82. The lateral linear members 86 may be equidistantly spaced between the ends of the tray 22, but not necessarily. The lateral linear members 86 are vertically positioned below a plurality of food items 10 supported within the interior 54 of the tray 22. In one embodiment, at least one lateral linear member 86 is vertically positioned below at least one end linear member 84. However, in other embodiments, at least one end linear member 84 may be positioned below at least one lateral linear member 86. The lateral linear members 86 may be oriented parallel to the end walls 82 of the tray 22, but not necessarily.

[0073] In some embodiments, the lateral linear member 86 extends upward parallel to the lateral wall 83 of the tray 22. The lateral linear member 86 may be attached to each of the outer linear members 80a, 80b arranged at the lateral wall 83 of the tray 22, but is not required to be so. Thus, the lateral wall 83 of the tray 22 may be formed by a combination of the first outer linear member 80a and the second outer linear member 80b with the distal end of at least one lateral linear member 86. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 50 of the plurality of walls may be defined by a combination of at least one end linear member 84 and at least one lateral linear member 86.

[0074] In one embodiment, one or more upwardly extending bends 88 are formed in the middle or central portion of at least one lateral linear member 86 disposed within the interior 54 of the tray 22. In some embodiments, one or more upper linear members 90 extend between end walls 82 and are connected to a portion of each respective bend 88, such as, for example, the upper end. The upper linear members 90 may be arranged parallel to at least one end linear member 84. In embodiments where at least one lateral linear member 86 includes a plurality of bends 88, a corresponding upper linear member 90 may be connected to each of its bends 88. In such embodiments, at least one lateral linear member 86 and at least one upper linear member 90 cooperate to define a plurality of segments within the hollow interior 54 of the tray 22. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each lateral linear member 86 includes two bends 88, and thus the interior 54 is divided into three segments 58a, 58b, and 58c, respectively. Although two end wire members 84 are shown within each segment, it should be understood that the number of end wire members 84 may vary depending on the size of the segment. Furthermore, although the segments are shown as substantially the same size, it should be understood that the size of each segment within the tray 22 may be the same or different. Therefore, the total number of end wire members 84 associated with each segment may be the same or different.

[0075] Continue to refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Each of the plurality of walls of tray 22 has a projected area based on its external dimensions. In one embodiment, the open space of a respective wall (such as that formed, for example, by at least one opening 70 defined between adjacent linear members 80, 84, 86) may cover or occupy at least 50% of the projected area of ​​the wall, and in some embodiments, more than about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, and 85% of the projected area of ​​the wall. In other words, the material of the wall occupies or covers less than 50% of the projected area of ​​the wall, and in some embodiments, occupies or covers less than 25% or less than 15% of the projected area of ​​the wall. Furthermore, the plurality of walls of tray 22 collectively have a combined or total projected area. In one embodiment, at least about 50% of the total projected area of ​​tray 22, and in some embodiments, more than about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or more, is open space. In other words, the solid area of ​​the plurality of walls of tray 22 occupies less than 75% of the total projected area of ​​tray 22.

[0076] although Figures 3 to 6 The tray 22 has walls formed of a solid material, wherein openings are formed by removing material therefrom, and Figures 7 to 8The tray 22 has walls formed by linear members, but it should be understood that trays having one or more walls formed as solid bodies and from which material has been removed, and trays having at least one wall formed by multiple linear members, are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0077] The tray 22 described herein can be formed of any material that is rigid enough to support one or more food items 10 therein without damaging the food items 10. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, plastic materials, composite materials, cardboard, or other paper-based materials. In one embodiment, the tray 22 is first manufactured via a thermoforming process, and then material is removed from its walls to form a plurality of openings. However, any suitable process for manufacturing the tray 22 based on the material used is also contemplated herein, such as, for example, injection molding or 3D printing.

[0078] Whether the tray 22 is formed by substantially solid walls or walls using linear members, each wall of the tray 22 includes sufficient material to maintain the necessary rigidity to support one or more food items. Furthermore, it should be understood that the tray 22, including the opening 70, can support the food items 10 in the absence of the wrapping element 24.

[0079] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 During filling and packaging operations, multiple pallets (such as, for example, pallet 22) and pallet handling systems (such as, for example, conveyors) move the multiple pallets 22 between multiple stations (such as, for example, filling stations and packaging stations). Due to vibration and intermittent stops and starts of existing pallet handling systems, adjacent pallets 22 may come into contact with each other. In embodiments where one or more walls of pallet 22 have openings 70 formed therein, pallet handling system 100 includes a conveyor or other transport device 102 that includes barriers for maintaining a separation or desired interval between adjacent pallets 22, thereby preventing contact between adjacent pallets 22 and deformation of pallets 22, such as deformation caused by contact between adjacent pallets. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier may be formed by a protrusion 104 extending upward from the surface 106 of the conveyor 102. In other embodiments, the surface 106 of the conveyor 102, configured to receive the tray 22 thereon, may have a plurality of grooves or recesses 108 formed therein (see [link to previous embodiment]). Figure 10 Positioning the tray 22 within the corresponding recess 108 typically restricts the movement of the tray 22 within the recess 108. It should be understood that the barriers shown and described herein are intended only as examples, and any suitable barriers, such as, for example, the textured surface 106 of the conveyor 102 with an increased coefficient of friction, are contemplated herein.

[0080] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with a measurement based on a specific quantity of equipment available at the time of filing this application. For example, “about” may include a range of ±8%, 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0081] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the / described” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should further be understood that, when used in this specification, the term “comprising” specifies the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0082] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements therein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or substances to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the essential scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure.

Claims

1. A packaging component for storing food, the packaging component comprising: The tray has: A plurality of walls, the plurality of walls comprising a bottom wall and at least one side wall; and An open space is formed in one or more of the plurality of walls, wherein the plurality of walls have a total projected area, and more than half of the total projected area is the open space; and A wrapping element, which is loosely placed around the tray to enclose the tray.

2. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein the wrapping is not attached to the pallet.

3. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall and the at least one side wall together define an interior, wherein the interior comprises a plurality of separate sections for storing the food.

4. The packaging according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of individual segments has the same configuration.

5. The packaging according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of individual segments has a configuration different from that of another individual segment of the plurality of individual segments.

6. The packaging of claim 3, wherein the plurality of walls further comprises at least one partition disposed within the interior, the plurality of individual sections being arranged adjacent to the at least one partition.

7. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of walls further comprises at least one retaining feature for supporting the food within the tray.

8. The packaging according to claim 7, wherein the at least one retaining feature is a groove complementary to the food.

9. The packaging according to claim 7, wherein the at least one retaining feature is a protrusion that defines the outermost position of the food within the tray.

10. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein the tray is formed of a plastic material.

11. The package of claim 1, wherein the open space is formed by at least one opening formed in one of the plurality of walls.

12. The package of claim 1, wherein the open space covers at least 65% of the total projected area.

13. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of walls is formed by a plurality of linear members.

14. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein the wrapping component further comprises: The wrapping component opening communicates with the interior of the tray; and A cover that is adhesively sealed to the wrapping adjacent to the opening of the wrapping, and the cover is capable of being resealed with the wrapping.

15. The package of claim 1, wherein the package is capable of being received on a conveyor during filling and packaging operations, and the package is separated from adjacent packages by barriers.

16. A package for storing food, the package comprising: The tray has: Multiple walls, including a bottom wall and at least one side wall, the multiple walls collectively defining the interior of the tray; and At least one open space, said at least one open space being formed within the plurality of walls. A wrapping component, positioned around the tray to enclose the tray, the wrapping component having a wrapping component opening communicating with the interior; and The covering portion is capable of sealing the wrapping adjacent to the opening of the wrapping.

17. The packaging according to claim 16, wherein the covering portion is integrally formed with the wrapping.

18. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the cover portion is separated from and attached to the wrapping.

19. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the cover portion is capable of being resealed to the wrapping.

20. The packaging according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of walls is formed by a plurality of linear members.

21. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the interior comprises a plurality of separate sections for storing the food.

22. The package of claim 21, wherein the plurality of walls further comprises at least one partition disposed within the interior, the plurality of individual sections being defined by the at least one partition.

23. The packaging of claim 16, wherein one or more of the plurality of walls further comprises at least one retaining feature for supporting the food within the tray.

24. The package of claim 16, wherein the open space is formed by at least one opening formed in one of the plurality of walls.

25. The package of claim 16, wherein the plurality of walls have a total projected area, and more than half of the total projected area is the open space.

26. The package of claim 25, wherein the open space covers at least 65% of the total projected area.

27. The package of claim 16, wherein the package is capable of being received on a conveyor during filling and packaging operations, and the package is separated from adjacent packages by barriers.

28. A package for storing food, the package comprising: The tray has: The tray is configured to support the food, and includes multiple walls, including a bottom wall and at least one side wall. and An open space, which is formed within the plurality of walls; and A wrapping component, positioned around the pallet to enclose the pallet.

29. The packaging of claim 28, wherein the tray is configured to support the food in the absence of the wrapping element positioned around the tray.

30. The package of claim 28, wherein at least one of the plurality of walls is formed by a plurality of linear members.

31. The packaging according to claim 28, wherein the interior comprises a plurality of separate sections for storing the food.

32. The package of claim 31, wherein the plurality of walls further comprises at least one divider disposed within the interior of the tray, the plurality of individual sections being defined by the at least one divider.

33. The packaging of claim 28, wherein one or more of the plurality of walls further comprises at least one retaining feature for supporting the food within the tray.

34. The package of claim 28, wherein the open space is formed by at least one opening formed in one of the plurality of walls.

35. The package of claim 28, wherein the plurality of walls have a total projected area, and more than half of the total projected area is the open space.

36. The package of claim 35, wherein the open space covers at least 65% of the total projected area.

37. The package of claim 28, wherein the package is capable of being received on a conveyor during filling and packaging operations, and the package is separated from adjacent packages by barriers.

38. A system for packaging food, the system comprising: Conveyor; Multiple pallets, the multiple pallets being accommodating on the conveyor; and Multiple barriers, which are associated with the multiple trays, to maintain spacing between adjacent trays in the multiple trays.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the plurality of barriers comprises a plurality of recesses formed in the conveyor, the plurality of trays being accommodating within the plurality of recesses.

40. The system of claim 38, wherein the plurality of barriers comprises a plurality of protrusions extending upward from the surface of the conveyor.

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