Comestible tray for package

Abstract

A package for storing a comestible includes a tray having a plurality of walls including a bottom wall and at least one sidewall and an open space formed in one or more of the plurality of walls. The plurality of walls have a total projection area and more than half of the total projection area is the open space. A wrapper is loosely laid about the tray to enclose the tray.

Description

COMESTIBLE TRAY FOR PACKAGECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 519,014, filed on August 11, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to a package, and more particularly, to a tray of a package formed from a reduced amount of material.BACKGROUND

[0002] Packages for food products such as cookies and other snacks typically include a tray surrounded by an outer wrapper. The tray holds the food product in place and protects the food product from damage. One normally gains access to the contents of the container by opening one end of the wrapper, withdrawing the tray from the inside thereof, and then removing the food product from the tray. Alternatively, a user may gain access by opening a flap in wrapper. Existing trays are typically formed with solid walls to ensure that the tray has a structural rigidity sufficient to protect the food product therein during a packaging operation.SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment, a package for storing a comestible includes a tray having a plurality of walls including a bottom wall and at least one sidewall and an open space formed in one or more of the plurality of walls. The plurality of walls have a total projection area and more than half of the total projection area is the open space. A wrapper is loosely laid about the tray to enclose the tray.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the wrapper is not attached to the tray.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the bottom wall and the at least one sidewall in combination define an interior and the interior includes a plurality of separate sections for storing the comestible.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a configuration of each of the plurality of separate sections is identical.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a configuration of at least one of the plurality of separate sections is different from the configuration of another of the plurality of separate sections.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of walls includes at least one divider arranged within the interior. The plurality of separate sections are arranged adjacent to the at least one divider.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments one or more of the plurality of walls further comprises at least one retaining feature for supporting the comestible within the tray.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one retaining feature is a groove complementary to the comestible.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one retaining feature is a protrusion. The protrusion defines an outermost position of the comestible within the tray.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tray is formed from a plastic material.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the open space is formed by at least one opening formed in the plurality of walls.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the open space covers at least 65% of the total projection area.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of the plurality of walls is formed from a plurality of wire-like members.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the wrapper includes a wrapper opening in communication with an interior of the tray and a cover adhesively sealed to the wrapper adjacent to the wrapper opening. The cover is resealable against the wrapper.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the package is receivable on a conveyor during a fdling and packaging operation. The package is separated from an adjacent package by a barrier.

[0018] According to an embodiment, a package for storing a comestible includes a tray having a plurality of walls including a bottom wall and at least one sidewall. Theplurality of walls in combination define an interior of the tray. At least one open space is formed in the plurality of walls. A wrapper is positioned about the tray to enclose the tray. The wrapper has a wrapper opening in communication with the interior and a cover portion that is sealable to the wrapper adjacent to the wrapper opening.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cover portion is integrally formed with the wrapper.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cover portion is separate from and affixed to the wrapper.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the cover portion is resealable to the wrapper.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one wall of the plurality of walls is formed from a plurality of wire-like members.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the interior includes a plurality of separate sections for storing the comestible.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of walls includes at least one divider arranged within the interior. The plurality of separate sections being defined by the at least one divider.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments one or more of the plurality of walls includes at least one retaining feature for supporting the comestible within the tray.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the open space is formed by at least one opening formed in the plurality of walls.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of walls have a total projection area and more than half of the total projection area is the open space

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the open space covers at least 65% of the total projection area.

[0029] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the package is receivable on a conveyor during a filling and packaging operation, the package being separated from an adjacent package by a barrier.

[0030] According to an embodiment, a package for storing a comestible includes a tray having a plurality of walls including a bottom wall and at least one sidewall and an open space formed in the plurality of walls. The tray is configured to support the comestible. A wrapper is positioned about the tray to enclose the tray

[0031] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the tray is configured to support the comestible absent the wrapper positioned about the tray.

[0032] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one wall of the plurality of walls is formed from a plurality of wire-like members.

[0033] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the interior includes a plurality of separate sections for storing the comestible.

[0034] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of walls includes at least one divider arranged within an interior of the tray. The plurality of separate sections are defined by the at least one divider.

[0035] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments one or more of the plurality of walls includes at least one retaining feature for supporting the comestible within the tray.

[0036] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the open space is formed by at least one opening formed in the plurality of walls.

[0037] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of walls have a total projection area and more than half of the total projection area is the open space

[0038] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the open space covers at least 65% of the total projection area.

[0039] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the package is receivable on a conveyor during a fdling and packaging operation. The package is separated from an adjacent package by a barrier.

[0040] According to an embodiment, a system for packaging a comestible includes a conveyor, a plurality of trays receivable on the conveyor and a plurality of barriers associated with the plurality of trays. The plurality of barriers are configured to maintain spacing between adjacent trays of the plurality of trays.

[0041] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of barriers includes a plurality of recesses formed in the conveyor. The plurality of trays are receivable within the plurality of recesses.

[0042] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of barriers includes a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from a surface of the conveyor.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a resealable container in a closed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the resealable container of FIG. 1 in an open configuration according to an embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tray suitable for use in the resealable container of FIGS. 1 and 2 filled with a confection according to an embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 3 with the confection removed therefrom according to an embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another tray suitable for use in the resealable container of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another tray suitable for use in the resealable container of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another tray suitable for use in the resealable container of FIGS. 1 and 2 filled with a confection according to an embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 7 with the confection removed therefrom according to an embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a tray handling system having barriers according to an embodiment; and

[0053] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a tray handling system having barriers according to another embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a container or package 20 for storing at least one, and in some embodiments a plurality of comestibles 10 is illustrated according to an embodiment. As used herein, the term “comestible” is intended to include any type of manufactured or non-natural food item, including but not limited to biscuits, cookies, crackers, chocolates, and confections. The package 20 includes a tray 22 and a wrapper 24 positioned about an exterior of the tray 22. The wrapper 24 may be adhered to the tray 22 at one or more locations thereof; however, embodiments where the wrapper 24 is loosely laid about the tray 22 are also within the scope of the disclosure. As used herein the term “loosely laid” is intended to describe an embodiment where the wrapper 24 is not affixed or adhered to the tray 22 at any location. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the wrapper 24 forms a 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 wrapper 24 may be formed by sealing the ends of the top 26 and bottom 28 together, such as via a crimp seal, adhesive seal, or heat seal 29 for example.

[0055] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, at least one wrapper opening 40 is formed in the body of the wrapper 24. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a wrapper opening 40 is formed at the surface of the wrapper 24 that functions as the top 26 of the package 20. However, embodiments where the wrapper opening 40 is arranged at another surface of the wrapper 24, such as at the sides 30, 32 or bottom 28 thereof for example, are also contemplated herein. The size of the wrapper opening 40 may be proportional to the size of the package 20 and / or the comestibles 10 contained therein so that when the package 20 is full, a consumer can easily access a majority of the comestibles 10 inside the package 20. However, embodiments having a wrapper opening 40 of another size, for example providing access to only a small portion of the comestibles inside the package are also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0056] A cover portion 42 may be positionable to overlay the at least one wrapper opening 40. In an embodiment, the cover portion is part of the wrapper 24, such as resulting from the formation of the wrapper opening for example. In other embodiments, such as shown in FIGS 1 and 2, the cover portion 42 is separate from the wrapper 24 and is affixed to a surface thereof. One or more dimensions of the cover portion 42 may be larger than a corresponding dimension of a wrapper opening 40 such that one or more edges 44 of the cover portion 42 overlap the surface of the wrapper 24 adjacent to or surrounding the wrapper opening 40. An adhesive (not shown) may be applied to the part of the cover portion 42which is configured to contact the surface of the wrapper 24 surrounding the wrapper opening 40. In an 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 appreciated that in some embodiments, the cover portion 42 is resealable to the wrapper 24 to selectively close the package 20 after opening. In the open configuration, a user is able to remove one or more comestibles 10 contained within the package 20 through the wrapper opening 40. It should be appreciated that the package 20 may also be opened by forming another opening in the wrapper 24, such as at a sealed end 34, 36 for example.

[0057] The amount of adhesive applied to the cover portion 42 affects the functionality and peel force necessary to separate the cover portion 42 from the wrapper 24. In an embodiment, the amount of adhesive applied is a balance between the adhesive force required to ensure that the package 20 remains closed, the ability of the package 20 to have a sufficient number of resealing events, i.e., a resealing frequency, and a desirable peel force to separate the cover portion 42 from the wrapper 24 which is low enough that the package 20 can be easily opened. A starter portion 46, such as a tab for example, may extend from a first end 48 of the cover portion 42. The starter portion 46 can be grasped by a user to apply a pulling force thereto. The size and shape of the starter portion 46 may be optimized for functionality. In an embodiment, the adhesive is not applied to the starter portion 46. The absence of the adhesive on the starter portion 46 allows a user to grasp the starter portion 46 more easily in order to open the package 20 since the starter portion will not be sealed to the surface of the wrapper 24.

[0058] As noted above, the wrapper 24 is arranged about an exterior of a tray 22. The tray 22 arranged within the interior of the wrapper 24 forms a tray for receiving the comestible contents of the package 20. It should be appreciated that the tray 22 may be adapted to receive a comestible of any shape therein.

[0059] With reference now to FIG. 3-8 various examples of a tray 22 suitable for use in the package 20 are illustrated. In each of the illustrated, non-limiting embodiments, the tray 22 has a plurality of walls including a bottom wall 50 and at least one sidewall 52 arranged at an angle relative to the bottom wall 50. In embodiments including a plurality of sidewalls 52, each of the plurality of sidewalls 52 may have a constant height as illustrated. However, embodiments where one or more of the sidewalls 52 has a variable height are alsowithin the scope of the disclosure. Alternatively, or in addition, in embodiments including a plurality of sidewalls, the height of each of the sidewalls 52 relative to the bottom wall 50 may be the same or may be different. The bottom wall 50 and the plurality of sidewalls 52 in combination define a generally hollow interior 54 within which the one or more comestibles 10 are receivable (see FIGS. 3 and 7). It should be appreciated that the rectangular shape of the tray 22 depicted is intended as an example only and that a tray 22 having one or more sidewalls 52 forming any geometric shape is within the scope of the disclosure. It should be appreciated that trays of different geometric shapes, such as round oval, or any suitable polygon will form packages having corresponding shapes.

[0060] In an embodiment, the plurality of walls 52 of the tray 22 includes 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. The at least one divider 56 may be the same height as one or more of the surrounding sidewalls 52 or may be shorter or taller than the one or more sidewalls 52. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, a single divider 56 arranged at a center of the interior 54 separates the interior 54 of the tray 22 into a substantially identical first section 58a and second section 58b. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the tray 22 includes a first and second divider 56a, 56b equidistantly spaced to separate the interior 54 into a first section 58a, a second section 58b, and a third section 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 the disclosure. Inclusion of a divider may restrict movement of a comestible from one section 58a of the interior 54 to another section 58b of the interior 54. Further, it should be appreciated that the respective sections formed by each divider 56 may but need not be generally equal in size or shape. For example, sections having varied sizes may be suitable for embodiments where different types of comestibles 10 are stored within the different sections of the interior 54.

[0061] A divider 56 may be a substantially vertically extending wall, or alternatively, may have another configuration. Further, in an embodiment, the walls that are associated with a divider 56 may have one or more breaks or gaps formed therein, such as at or near an interface with the divider 56. For example, with reference to FIGS. 3-6, the divider 56 may be generally V-shaped (the V being upside down) having a first divider wall 60 arranged at a non-parallel angle to a second divider wall 62. In such embodiments, the bottom wall 50 may connect to or may be integrally formed with an end of each of the first and second divider walls 60, 62 such that a gap 64 is formed in the bottom wall 50 underneath the divider 56.Similarly, one or more sidewalls 52 may be connected to or integrally formed with the ends of each of the first and second divider walls 60, 62. As a result, a gap 66 may be formed in the sidewall 52 at a location in axial alignment with the divider 56.

[0062] In an embodiment, the tray 22 includes at least one retaining feature 68, such as located at an inwardly facing surface of one or more of the plurality of walls 50, 52 for example, for retaining a comestible 10 in a desired position within the interior 54 for presentation to a consumer. The retaining features 68 may be integrally formed with the tray 22, or alternatively, may be separate components affixed to the tray 22. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 3-6, the retaining features 68 include a plurality of grooves, such as formed in the bottom wall 50, the lateral sidewalls 52, the end sidewalls 52, and / or the dividers 56. Each of the plurality of grooves 68 has a size and / or contour complementary to a comestible 10 receivable therein. The plurality of grooves may cooperate to retain a plurality of comestibles 10 in a stacked configuration within a respective section of the interior 54. Alternatively, or in addition, the retaining features 68 may include ribs or other protrusions that extend from the surface of one of the plurality of walls 50, 52, 56 to limit movement of one or more comestibles 10 and / or to provide structural rigidity to the tray 22. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 6, a plurality of ribs 68 extend inwardly from the sidewalls 52 that form the ends of the tray 22 to define a position of the outermost comestible 10 of an array when stacked within the hollow interior 54.

[0063] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, one or more of the plurality of walls has an open space formed therein. The open space may be formed by at least one cutout or opening extending through one or more of the plurality of walls. Inclusion of such openings 70 is intended to reduce the overall material of the tray 22 while maintaining a sufficient structural rigidity thereof. In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, at least one opening 70 is formed in each of the plurality of sidewalls 52 and in the divider 56, such as at a lateral side of one or more of the comestibles 10; however, the bottom wall 50 of the tray 22 is substantially solid. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, one or more openings 70 are additionally formed in the bottom wall 50, at a position directly underneath a portion of one or more comestibles 10. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, one or more openings 70 may be formed in any of the bottom wall 50, the sidewalls 52, and / or the divider 56.

[0064] Each opening 70 formed in a wall of the plurality of walls is smaller than the respective wall. In embodiments including a plurality of 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 aboutthe tray 22 and / or the comestible 10 receivable within the tray 22. In embodiments where the interior 54 of the tray 22 is divided by one or more dividers 56 into a plurality of sections, the openings 70 formed in the walls associated with each respective section may but need not be substantially identical. For example, a sidewall 52 that forms an end of the tray 22 may have a first opening aligned with a first section and a second substantially identical opening aligned with the second section. In an embodiment, not only is the configuration of the respective openings 70 identical, but also the relative position of the openings of each respective section may be identical. However, it should be appreciated that openings 70 having any size or shape are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0065] At least one wall, and in the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 3-6, each of the plurality of walls is substantially solid at locations where the open space is not present. For example, the material of the sidewall extends continuously from an upper or first edge of the sidewall to a bottom or second edge of the sidewall, at a location spaced from a corresponding thirds edge extending between the first and second edges of the sidewall. Each of the plurality of walls of the tray 22 has a projection area or footprint associated therewith. As used herein, the term “projection area” is an area of a wall calculated based on the outer dimensions of the wall. In an embodiment, the open space formed in a respective wall of the plurality of walls covers at least about 30% and in some embodiments, more than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, and 75% of the projection area of the wall. Said another way, the actual surface area of the material of a wall occupies or covers less than 70%, and in some embodiments less than half of the projection area of that wall. Further, the plurality of walls of the tray 22, in combination, has a combined or total projection area. In an embodiment, at least about 30%, and in some embodiments, at least about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, and 75% or more of the total projection area of the tray 22 is open space. Said another way, the material of the plurality of walls of the tray 22 occupies less than 70% of the total projection area of the tray 22.

[0066] With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, in another embodiment, the plurality of walls are not substantially solid. Rather, at least one of the plurality of walls may be formed by a plurality of wire-like members connected to one another such that the openings 70 being defined between adjacent wire-like members. In such embodiments, a diameter or thickness of the wire-like members is less than about 15mm, and in some embodiments, less than about 10mm, 9mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, and 5mm. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the plurality of walls of the tray 22 is formed by a plurality of connected wire-like members. However, embodiments where only some of the walls, such asthe sidewalls 52 for example, are formed from wire-like members are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0067] In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the sidewalls 52 of the tray 22 includes a first and second outer wire-like member 80a, 80b vertically spaced from one another. However, embodiments including additional wire-like members are also contemplated herein. As shown, the first and second outer wire-like members 80a, 80b are generally rectangular in shape and define a portion of each sidewall 52 of the tray 22, such as the two end walls 82 and the two lateral walls 83 extending therebetween. However, it should be appreciated that outer wire-like members having any suitable closed perimeter shape are within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments where different or separate outer wire-like members are used to form different sidewalls of the tray 22 are also contemplated herein.

[0068] The structure of the tray 22 may additionally be defined by one or more end wire-like members 84 extending between a plurality of sidewalls 52, such as between the end walls 82 of the tray 22 for example. The end wire-like members 84 may but need not be oriented parallel to the lateral walls 83 of the tray 22. The end wire-like members 84 may be positioned vertically underneath a comestible 10 supported within the interior 54 of the tray 22. Depending on the size of the comestible receivable within the tray 22, one or more end wire-like members 84 may be arranged underneath and configured to support a single comestible 10. The end wire-like members 84 may be centered, equidistantly spaced, or arranged at another location relative to a corresponding dimension of the comestible to support the comestible 10 in a stable manner.

[0069] The end wire-like members 84 may extend upwardly, parallel to the end walls 82 of the tray 22. In an embodiment, the distal ends of the end wire-like members 84 are attached to each of the first and second outer wire-like members 80a, 80b at the end walls 82. However, embodiments where the end wire-like members 84 are affixed to only a portion of the outer wire-like members 80a, 80b at the sidewalls 52 are also contemplated herein. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the end walls 82 of the tray 22 are formed by a combination of the first and second outer wire-like members 80a, 80b and the ends of the at least one end wire-like member 84.

[0070] The tray 22 may alternatively or additionally include at least one lateral wirelike member 86 extending between a plurality of sidewalls 52, such as between the lateral walls 83 of the tray 22. As shown, a plurality of lateral wire-like members 86 may be spaced at intervals between the opposing end walls 82. The lateral wire-like members 86 may butneed not be spaced equidistantly between the ends of the tray 22. The lateral wire-like members 86 are disposed vertically underneath the plurality of comestibles 10 supported within the interior 54 of the tray 22. In an embodiment, the at least one lateral wire-like member 86 is positioned vertically beneath the at least one end wire-like member 84. However, in other embodiments, the at least one end wire-like member 84 may be positioned beneath the at least one lateral wire-like member 86. The lateral wire-like members 86 may but need not be oriented parallel to the end walls 82 of the tray 22.

[0071] In some embodiments, the lateral wire-like members 86 extend upwardly, parallel to the lateral walls 83 of the tray 22. The lateral wire-like members 86 may but need not be attached to each of the outer wire-like members 80a, 80b arranged at the lateral walls 83 of the tray 22. Accordingly, a lateral wall 83 of the tray 22 may be formed by a combination of the first and second wire-like outer members 80a, 80b and the distal ends of the at least one lateral wire-like member 86. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 50 of the plurality of walls may be defined by the at least one end wire-like member 84 and the at least one lateral wire-like member 86 in combination.

[0072] In an embodiment, one or more upwardly extending bends 88 are formed in a middle or central portion of the at least one lateral wire-like member 86 arranged at the interior 54 of the tray 22. In some embodiments, one or more upper wire-like members 90 extend between the end walls 82 and are connected to a portion of each respective bend 88, such as an upper end for example. The upper wire-like members 90 may be arranged parallel to at least one end wire-like member 84. In embodiments where the at least one lateral wirelike member 86 includes a plurality of bends 88, a corresponding upper wire-like member 90 may be connected to each bend 88 thereof. In such embodiments, the at least one lateral wirelike member 86 and the at least one upper wire-like member 90 cooperate to define a plurality of sections within the hollow interior 54 of the tray 22. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, each lateral wire-like member 86 includes two bends 88 and therefore the interior 54 is divided into three sections 58a, 58b, 58c, respectively. Although two end wirelike members 84 are shown located within each section, it should be appreciated that the number of end wire-like members 84 may vary based on the size of the section. Further, although the section are illustrated as being substantially identical in size, it should be understood that the size of each section within the tray 22 may be the same or may be different. Therefore, the total number of end wire-like members 84 associated with each section may be the same or may be different.

[0073] With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the plurality of walls of the tray 22 has a projection area associated therewith based on the outer dimensions of the wall. In an embodiment, the open space of a respective wall, such as formed by the at least one opening 70 defined between adjacent wire-like members 80, 84, 86 for example, may cover or occupy at least 50% and, in some embodiments, more than about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, and 85% of the projection area of the wall. Said another way, the material of a wall occupies or covers less than 50%, and in some embodiments less than 25%, or less than 15% of the projection area of that wall. Further, the plurality of walls of the tray 22, in combination, has a combined or total projection area. In an embodiment, at least about 50% and, in some embodiments, more than about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or more of the total projection area of the tray 22 is open space. Said another way, solid area of the plurality of walls of the tray 22 occupies less than 75% of the total projection area of the tray 22.

[0074] Although the tray 22 of FIGS. 3-6 has walls formed from a solid material with openings formed by removing material therefrom, and the tray 22 of FIGS 7-8 has walls formed from wire-like members, it should be appreciated that a tray having one or more walls formed as a solid body and having material removed therefrom and also at least one wall formed from a plurality of wire-like members is also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0075] A tray 22 as described herein may be formed from any material sufficiently rigid to support one or more comestibles 10 therein without damaging the comestibles 10. Suitable materials include but are not limited to a plastic material, a composite material, a cartonboard or another paper-like material for example. In an embodiment, the tray 22 is manufactured first via a thermoforming process and then by removing material from the walls thereof to form the plurality of openings. However, any suitable process for manufacturing the tray 22 based on the material being used, such as injection molding or 3-D printing for example, is also contemplated herein.

[0076] Regardless of whether the tray 22 is formed from substantially solid walls or walls using wire-like members, each of the walls of the tray 22 includes enough material to maintain the necessary rigidity for supporting one or more comestible therein. Further, it should be appreciated that the tray 22 including the openings 70 may be capable of supporting the comestibles 10 therein absent the wrapper 24.

[0077] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, during a filling and packaging operation, a plurality of trays, such as tray 22 for example, a tray handling system, such as a conveyor for example, moves a plurality of trays 22 between a plurality of stations, such as a filling stationand a packaging station for example. Due to vibration and intermittent stopping and starting of an existing tray handling system, adjacent trays 22 may contact one another. In embodiments where the one or more walls of the trays 22 have openings 70 formed therein, the tray handling system 100 includes a conveyor or other transport device 102 including barriers for maintaining separation or a desired spacing between adjacent trays 22, thereby preventing contact between adjacent trays 22 and deformation of the trays 22, such as resulting from contact between adjacent trays. In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, the barriers may be formed by protrusions 104 extending upwardly from a surface 106 of the conveyor 102. In other embodiments, the surface 106 of the conveyor 102 configured to receive the trays 22 thereon may have a plurality of grooves or recesses 108 formed therein (see FIG. 10). Positioning the trays 22 within respective grooves 108 generally limits movement of the tray 22 to within the groove 108. It should be appreciated that the barriers illustrated and described herein are intended as an example only and that any suitable barrier, such as a textured surface 106 of the conveyor 102 having an increased coefficient of friction for example, is contemplated herein.

[0078] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” can include a range of ± 8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0079] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0080] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended thatthe present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A package for storing a comestible, the package comprising: a tray having: a plurality of walls including a bottom wall and at least one sidewall; and an open space formed in one or more of said plurality of walls, wherein said plurality of walls have a total projection area and more than half of said total projection area is said open space; and a wrapper loosely laid about said tray to enclose said tray.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein said wrapper is not attached to said tray.

3. The package of claim 1, wherein said bottom wall and said at least one sidewall in combination define an interior, wherein said interior includes a plurality of separate sections for storing the comestible.

4. The package of claim 3, wherein a configuration of each of said plurality of separate sections is identical.

5. The package of claim 3, wherein a configuration of at least one of said plurality of separate sections is different from the configuration of another of said plurality of separate sections.

6. The package of claim 3, wherein said plurality of walls further comprises at least one divider arranged within said interior, said plurality of separate sections being arranged adjacent to said at least one divider.

7. The package of claim 1, wherein one or more of said plurality of walls further comprises at least one retaining feature for supporting the comestible within the tray.

8. The package of claim 7, wherein said at least one retaining feature is a groove complementary to the comestible.

9. The package of claim 7, wherein said at least one retaining feature is a protrusion, said protrusion defining an outermost position of the comestible within said tray.

10. The package of claim 1, wherein said tray is formed from a plastic material.

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

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

13. The package of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of walls is formed from a plurality of wire-like members.

14. The package of claim 1, wherein said wrapper further comprises: a wrapper opening in communication with an interior of said tray; and a cover adhesively sealed to said wrapper adjacent to said wrapper opening, said cover being resealable against said wrapper.

15. The package of claim 1, wherein said package is receivable on a conveyor during a filling and packaging operation, said package being separated from an adjacent package by a barrier.

16. A package for storing a comestible, the package comprising: a tray having: a plurality of walls including a bottom wall and at least one sidewall, said plurality of walls in combination define an interior of said tray; and at least one open space formed in said plurality of walls, a wrapper positioned about said tray to enclose said tray, said wrapper having a wrapper opening in communication with said interior; and a cover portion that is sealable to said wrapper adjacent to said wrapper opening.

17. The package of claim 16, wherein said cover portion is integrally formed with said wrapper.

18. The package of claim 16, wherein said cover portion is separate from and affixed to said wrapper.

19. The package of claim 16, wherein said cover portion is resealable to said wrapper.

20. The package of claim 16, wherein at least one wall of said plurality of walls is formed from a plurality of wire-like members.

21. The package of claim 16, wherein said interior includes a plurality of separate sections for storing the comestible.

22. The package of claim 21, wherein said plurality of walls further comprises at least one divider arranged within said interior, said plurality of separate sections being defined by said at least one divider.

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

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

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

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

27. The package of claim 16, wherein said package is receivable on a conveyor during a filling and packaging operation, said package being separated from an adjacent package by a barrier.

28. A package for storing a comestible, the package comprising: a tray having: a plurality of walls including a bottom wall and at least one sidewall, said tray being configured to support the comestible; and an open space formed in said plurality of walls; and a wrapper positioned about said tray to enclose said tray.

29. The package of claim 28, wherein said tray is configured to support the comestible absent said wrapper positioned about said tray.

30. The package of claim 28, wherein at least one wall of said plurality of walls is formed from a plurality of wire-like members.

31. The package of claim 28, wherein said interior includes a plurality of separate sections for storing the comestible.

32. The package of claim 31, wherein said plurality of walls further comprises at least one divider arranged within an interior of said tray, said plurality of separate sections being defined by said at least one divider.

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

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

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

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

37. The package of claim 28, wherein said package is receivable on a conveyor during a filling and packaging operation, said package being separated from an adjacent package by a barrier.

38. A system for packaging a comestible comprising: a conveyor; a plurality of trays receivable on said conveyor; anda plurality of barriers, the plurality of barriers being associated with said plurality of trays to maintain spacing between adjacent trays of said plurality of trays.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein said plurality of barriers includes a plurality of recesses formed in said conveyor, said plurality of trays being receivable within said plurality of recesses.

40. The system of claim 38, wherein said plurality of barriers includes a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly from a surface of said conveyor.

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