Sealed Package

Abstract

A shell for holding one or more products, the shell may include a base layer and a barrier layer extending along at least a portion of a surface of the base layer, a central wall on an upper side for receiving at least a portion of the one or more products, and a stiffening structure extending at least partially around the central wall. The stiffening structure may be configured to resist bending of at least a portion of the shell toward an upper side of the central wall. The stiffening structure may include at least a recess extending along at least a portion of the central wall.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of German Utility Model Application No. 202022101343.8, filed March 11, 2022. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosure of German Utility Model Application No. 202022101343.8, filed March 11, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety and is incorporated by reference for all purposes. [Technical field]

[0003] The present disclosure relates to containers, trays, constructs, and the like for holding one or more products. More specifically, the present disclosure is generally directed to vacuum sealed or skin (vacuum) packages having stiffening features. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In general, one aspect of the disclosure relates to a shell for holding one or more products. The shell can include a base layer and a barrier layer extending along at least a portion of one side of the base layer, a central wall thereon for receiving at least a portion of the one or more products, and a stiffening structure extending at least partially around the central wall. The stiffening structure can be configured to resist bending of at least a portion of the shell toward the upper side of the central wall. The stiffening structure can include at least a recess extending along at least a portion of the central wall.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to a package that can include a shell that includes a base layer and a barrier layer. The shell can further include a central wall and a stiffening structure extending from the central wall, the stiffening structure including at least a recess. The package can also include one or more products supported on the barrier layer of the shell at least along the central wall of the shell. Additionally, the package can include a cover film that extends along the shell and at least a portion of the one or more products so as to contact at least a portion of the barrier layer and at least a portion of the one or more products.

[0006] Those skilled in the art will appreciate these and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

[0007] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a structure or shell used to form a package according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the shell of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the shells of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. [Figure 4] FIG. 3C is a partial cross-sectional view of the shell of FIGS. 1 to 3B. [Diagram 5] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a package material formed from the shell of FIGS. 1-4, illustrating layers of exemplary materials according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 6] 5A-5C are diagrams of multiple packages formed from the shells of FIGS. 1-4 having one or more products and cover films according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present disclosure generally relates to various aspects of containers, constructs, trays, materials, packages, elements, and articles, as well as methods of manufacturing such containers, constructs, trays, materials, packages, elements, and articles. Although several different aspects, implementations, and embodiments are disclosed, numerous interrelationships between, combinations, and variations of the various aspects, implementations, and embodiments are contemplated herein. In one illustrated embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a container or tray for holding food or various other items. However, in other embodiments, the container or tray can be used to hold other non-food containing items and / or can be used for heating or cooking.

[0011] The configurations of the present disclosure can accommodate one or more products or articles of any shape. As used herein, the terms "inside," "internal," "outside," "exterior," "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" refer to orientations determined with respect to fully upright configurations and packages. As described herein, the configurations can be formed with multiple walls, panels, sections, tabs, flaps, and / or other features, which may be referred to herein with related terms, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., with sequential or non-sequential reference without departing from the disclosure.

[0012] 1-3B show diagrams of a tray 1 including a shell 2 for supporting one or more products 19 within a package 21 (FIG. 6) (e.g., a vacuum sealed or vacuum package). In an embodiment, the package 21 can include a shell 2, one or more products 19 disposed on an upper side 2a of the shell 2, and a cover film 20 that extends over or covers the one or more products 19 and the shell 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover film 20 can intimately surround the one or more products 19 (e.g., can contact or adhere to a surface of the product) and can be attached to the upper side 2a of the shell 2 and / or the one or more products 19. For example, as described in more detail below, the cover film 20 can be vacuum sealed to the shell 2 and one or more products 19 and can be attached to the shell 2. In embodiments, the one or more products may include food products such as meat, beef, fish, pork, lamb, poultry, sausage, cheese, and / or any other suitable food products, which may be prepared as units (e.g., filets, steaks, breasts, thighs, tenderloins, etc.), slices (e.g., cold cuts, sliced ​​cheese, sausages, etc.), cubes, or otherwise. In other embodiments, any suitable products may be included in the package, including non-food products, such as batteries, USB sticks, memory cards, etc.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shell 2 can have a rectangular shape with rounded corners 3 (e.g., a substantially, generally, and / or approximately rectangular shape with rounded corners 3). Alternatively, the shell 2 can have any suitable shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, annular, polygonal, irregular, etc.). As shown in Figure 2, the shell 2 can have a longitudinal direction LI and a lateral direction L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell 2 can have a dome-shaped central or bottom wall 4 that is slightly upwardly curved (e.g., such that it has a slight camber). In one example, the central wall 4 can have a length of about 200 mm, a width of about 120 mm, and a thickness of about 0.5 mm, and the camber can cause the upper side of the central wall 4 at the center 5 to be about 1.5 mm higher than the lower side of its outer edge or perimeter 6. In an embodiment, the central wall 4 can have the shape of a spherical cap (e.g., with a very large radius). Alternatively, the central wall 4 may be curved with a varying radius, such as having a smaller radius of curvature at its center and a larger radius of curvature at its periphery (e.g., in the case of a circular shell 2). In some embodiments, the radius may increase continuously or may vary in steps from the center to the periphery of the central wall 4. In some embodiments, the central panel 4 may be flat at its outer edge (e.g., in the case of a rectangular shell 2). The central wall 4 may be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and / or disposed without departing from this disclosure. For example, the central wall 4 may be flat (e.g., substantially, entirely, and / or nearly flat).

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the shell 2 can have a recess 7 (e.g., a channel-shaped recess) extending around the central wall 4 and connected to the central wall 4 along the perimeter 6 of the central wall 4. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the recess 7 can be offset downwardly from the central wall 4. As shown in FIG. 4 , the recess 7 can be at least partially defined by an inner transition wall 10, a recess base 11, and an outer transition wall 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner transition wall 10 can be a straight and angled chamfer extending downwardly and outwardly from the perimeter 6 of the central wall 4. In an embodiment, the inner transition wall 10 can be continuous with or extend from the perimeter 6 of the central wall 4 (e.g., the inner transition wall 10 can be integral with the bottom wall 4). In an exemplary embodiment, the inner transition wall 10 can extend along the perimeter 6 along the perimeter 6 along the perimeter (e.g., the entire perimeter) of the central wall 4. The inner transition wall 10 may be omitted or may be otherwise shaped, positioned, configured, and / or arranged without departing from this disclosure. For example, the inner transition wall 10 may be any suitable shape (e.g., orthogonal, curvilinear, etc.).

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, the recess base 11 can be adjacent to the inner transition wall 10 along the outer edge or perimeter 10a of the inner transition wall 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the recess base 11 can be a flat base such that its underside provides a flat support surface for supporting the shell 2 against an underlying surface (e.g., a planar surface). In an embodiment, the recess base 11 can be continuous with the perimeter 10a of the inner transition wall 10 and can extend therefrom (e.g., the recess base 11 can be integral with the inner transition wall 10). In an exemplary embodiment, the recess base 11 can extend along the perimeter 10a along the perimeter (e.g., the entire perimeter) of the inner transition wall 10. The recess base 11 can be omitted or can be otherwise formed, arranged, configured, and / or disposed without departing from this disclosure.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer transition wall 12 can have a rounded profile that smoothly merges from the recess base 11 into the side wall 13 of the shell 2 that surrounds the recess 7 and the central wall 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer transition wall 12 can be continuous with (e.g., can be integral with) the recess base 11 and can extend therefrom along the outer periphery (e.g., the entire periphery) of the recess base 11. Similarly, the side wall 13 can be continuous with (e.g., can be integral with) the outer transition wall 12 and the recess 7 along the outer periphery (e.g., the entire periphery) of the outer transition wall 12 and the recess 7. As shown in at least FIGS. 1 and 4, the side wall 13 can extend around the interior 29 of the shell 2. In an embodiment, the side wall 13, the recess 7, and the central wall 4 can extend along the interior 29. The outer transition wall 12 and / or the side wall 13 can be omitted or otherwise formed, arranged, configured, and / or disposed without departing from this disclosure.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 14 can extend at least outwardly from the sidewall 13. For example, the flange 14 can extend along an outermost and / or uppermost edge or perimeter 13a of the sidewall 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 14 can be continuous with and extend from the perimeter 13a of the sidewall 13 (e.g., the flange 14 can be integral with the sidewall 13). In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 14 can extend along the perimeter 13a along the perimeter (e.g., the entire perimeter) of the sidewall 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 14 can include a step 15 that extends generally outwardly from the perimeter 13a of the sidewall 13 and then generally upwardly to a horizontal (e.g., substantially, generally, and / or approximately horizontal) flange portion 14a. In the embodiment, the skirt 16 can extend from the horizontal flange portion 14a to an outer edge 16a of the flange 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the skirt 16 can extend downwardly and outwardly from the perimeter of the horizontal flange portion 14a. Flange 14 may be omitted or may be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured and / or positioned without departing from this disclosure.

[0018] In embodiments, the stiffening structure 18 (e.g., circumferential stiffening structure) of the shell 2 can include the recess 7, the sidewall 13, and / or the flange 14. For example, the inner transition wall 10, the recess base 11, the outer transition wall 12, the sidewall 13, the step 15 of the flange 14, the horizontal portion 14a of the flange 14, and / or the skirt 16 can cooperate to stiffen the shell 2 (e.g., against upward bending that may be caused by the cover film 20, as described in more detail below). In some embodiments, each of the recess 7, the sidewall 13, the flange 14, the inner transition wall 10, the recess base 11, the outer transition wall 12, the step 15, the horizontal flange portion 14a, and the skirt 16 can be considered a respective stiffening structure. The stiffening structure 18 can be omitted or otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and / or positioned without departing from this disclosure. For example, one or more aspects of the stiffening structure 18 can be omitted.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the shell 2 can be formed from a flat material (not shown). In some embodiments, a flat blank (not shown) can be cut from a sheet or web of material, which can be provided, for example, from a roll of material. The flat blank can be pressed into the shell 2 in a forming tool (not shown), which can include, for example, a die having one or more protrusions that force the flat material into a concave die. In other embodiments, the shell can be formed (e.g., press formed) into a larger sheet or web and cut from the sheet or web during or after the formation of the shell 2. The shell 2 can be formed in other ways without departing from this disclosure.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 5, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the material of the package 21, the material of the shell can include at least a substrate or base layer 31 and a barrier layer 17. In an embodiment, the barrier layer 17 can be applied to the base layer 31 (e.g., along the top surface 33 of the base layer 31) before or after the flat material is pressed into the shell 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer 31 can be a material that includes cellulose fibers, such as paperboard, cardboard, or other suitable material. In an embodiment, the base layer 31 can be a single or multi-layer solid board or corrugated board. The barrier layer 17 can be a polymer / plastic layer that can be laminated, heat sealed, glued, or otherwise attached to the top surface 33 of the base layer 31. In some embodiments, the barrier layer 17 can be formed by coating (e.g., flood coating, extrusion coating, etc.) a polymer onto the base layer 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the material of the barrier layer 17 can be selected to stabilize the base layer 31 and provide a reliable barrier against liquids and / or gases (e.g., moisture, oil, ambient air, oxygen, etc.). The base layer 31 and the barrier layer 17 may cooperate to form a solid board having multiple layers (eg, one or more layers of paperboard and one or more layers of barrier material).

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the barrier layer 17 can be configured as a peelable barrier film that can be peeled away from the base layer 31 after use of the package (e.g., after one or more products are removed). After separation, the film and paperboard can be disposed of separately, such as in different waste streams. For example, the paperboard base layer can be recycled and the film can be disposed of in a trash or compostable waste stream. In an embodiment, the base layer and barrier layer can be selectively separated after use, while the degree of adhesion between the base layer 31 and the barrier layer 17 can be controlled to provide sufficient adhesion such that the barrier layer and base layer remain attached until the one or more products are removed and the packaging is no longer needed, so that the paperboard base layer can be easily removed from the barrier film (e.g., after the container is used to hold one or more products). In an embodiment, by controlling the amount of adhesion between the base layer 31 and the barrier layer 17, the layers can be separated after use while minimizing contamination between the materials (e.g., minimizing the amount of polymer on the paperboard after separation and / or minimizing the amount of paper material on the barrier layer after separation).

[0022] As shown in FIG. 6, the package 21 can be formed by placing one or more products 19 on the top side 2a of the central panel 4 (e.g., on the outer surface of the barrier layer 17). A cover film 20 (e.g., a plastic / polymer film) can then be moved over the shell 2 and the one or more products 19, and heat and vacuum pressure can be applied to conform the cover film 20 closely along the surfaces of the one or more products 19 and the portions of the top surface of the shell 2 that are not covered by the one or more products 19. For example, a strong vacuum can be applied to draw out air between the cover film 20 and the shell 2 and the one or more products 19, such that the cover film 20 moves against (contacts) the exposed surfaces of the one or more products 1 and the shell 2. The cover film 20 is shown diagrammatically applied to the top surface 2a of the barrier layer 17 in FIG. 5. In an embodiment, heat applied to the cover film 20 can cause the cover film to become tacky and adhere to the barrier layer 17 upon contact between the cover film 20 and the barrier layer 17. Alternatively, or in addition, a heat seal layer and / or an adhesive and / or an adhesion promoter may be used to attach or facilitate attachment of the cover film 20 to the shell 2.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover film 20 can form a seal with the barrier layer 17 that completely surrounds the one or more products 19 on the central panel 4 and / or along the surfaces of the recess 7, sidewalls 13, and / or flanges 14 such that the one or more products 19 are sealed between the barrier layer 17 and the cover film 20 and protected from ambient air and / or other fluids. For example, the cover film 20 can be sealingly secured to the surface of the shell 2 such that the arrangement is fixed and no air exchange with the environment is possible. Such a vacuum-sealed, tightly fitting cover film 20 can be beneficial for certain food products (e.g., meat, fish, poultry, sausage, cheese, etc.) and non-food products that benefit from the removal of air and other fluids and protection from the ingress of moisture, air, and / or other fluids. For example, the removal of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and / or other gases can help slow or eliminate biological activity and / or microbial growth in the food product, helping to extend its shelf life. Additionally, the cover film 20 may be transparent such that the one or more products 19 can be more easily viewed by a potential consumer or purchaser through the tightly adhered transparent cover film 20 than if the cover film were not tightly formed to the one or more products (e.g., food and / or non-food products).

[0024] In embodiments, the cover film 20 can apply an upward force to the shell 2. For example, the cover film 20 can shrink / contract during and / or after application to the shell 2 and one or more products 19, and the adhesion between the cover film 20 and the shell 2 can cause the shrinking cover film 20 to pull the shell 2 towards its upper side 2a. These upward forces can cause some packages to bend upward, such as in the portion not covered by the one or more products, and such bending of the package can hinder storage (e.g., take up more space and / or make stacking of the package more difficult). Furthermore, such bending can make it more difficult to see the product in the bent package and / or the label on the package, reducing the visual appeal of the package. In some packages (e.g., without stiffening features), the thickness of the base layer and / or barrier layer can be increased to resist such forces and help prevent bending of the package.

[0025] However, in the illustrated embodiment, the camber of the stiffening structures 18 and / or central panel 4 can help resist bending (e.g., due to upward pulling of the cover film 20) while allowing the base layer 31 and / or barrier layer 17 to be thinner than would be necessary in the absence of the stiffening structures. Thus, the package 21 of the illustrated embodiment can help reduce the amount of material used to form the package, which can help reduce the weight and cost of the package (e.g., for materials or shipping), while providing a visually appealing package that allows one or more products 19 to be easily inspected and facilitates efficient storage, such as by reducing and / or eliminating the upward bending of the shell 2 (e.g., such that the shell 2 substantially maintains its predetermined shape).

[0026] In some embodiments, due to the stiffening structure of shell 2, shell 2 can have a thickness (e.g., along all portions of the shell) of about 1 mm or less, about 0.5 mm or less, 0.1 mm or more, or 0.3 mm or more. In one embodiment, shell 2 can have a thickness of about 0.5 mm (e.g., along all portions of the shell). In an embodiment, the uniform thickness of shell 2 can facilitate efficient production of the shell during press molding from flat material. Alternatively, shell 2 can have any suitable thickness and / or can have different thicknesses at different portions.

[0027] In embodiments, the upwardly curved domed bottom of shell 2 can help resist upward curvature of shell 2 (e.g., at the edge of central wall 4) due to forces applied to shell 2 by cover film 20. For example, the upward force of shell 2 must push the bottom of the shell from its upwardly curved shape to a downwardly curved shape in order to bend the edge of central wall 4 upward. In embodiments, the shape of the bottom of shell 2 can also resist or prevent deformation of shell 2 due to external forces, such as forces acting on the outer edge of the package. In exemplary embodiments, only a slight curvature or warping of the bottom of shell 2 may be sufficient to resist or prevent deformation of the package (e.g., the radius or several radii of the dome or spherical cap of central wall 4 can be very large).

[0028] In an embodiment, the stiffening structure 18 can be omitted and the warping of the central wall 4 can resist the upward curvature of the shell by itself. Alternatively, the shell 2 can have a stiffening structure 18 with at least one of the inner transition wall 10, the recess base 11, the outer transition wall 12, the sidewall 13, and the flange 14 extending around the circumference of the central wall 4 to further resist deformation of the shell 2. In an embodiment, the stiffening structure 18 can support the outer periphery 6 of the central wall 4 to help maintain the upwardly curved dome shape of the central wall 4 and help prevent the outer portion of the shell from curving upward. For example, the central wall 4 needs to be pressed flat and then curved downward to allow the outer edge to curve upward. However, the stiffening structure 18 can help prevent the widening of the central wall 4 that would occur when the central wall 4 is pressed downward from the dome shape to a flat shape.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the recess 7 and / or sidewall 13 can have the added benefit of helping to control liquids within the package 21. For example, liquids that may be released from one or more products 19 (e.g., during opening of the package 21) can be collected in the recess 7 and / or retained by the sidewall 13, helping to prevent contamination of surrounding surfaces by the liquid (e.g., if the product is raw animal protein). Additionally, the recess 7 and / or sidewall 13 can help retain larger and / or solid products that may move around during opening of the package 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 7 and sidewall 13 can cooperate to reinforce the shell 2 and retain the product and / or fluids from the product. Alternatively, the sidewall 13 and flange 14 can be omitted, and the shell can include the recess 7 (including the inner transition wall 10, the recess base 11, and the outer transition wall 12) as a stiffening structure and for retaining fluids and the like.

[0030] In an embodiment, the inner transition wall 10 may be beveled to facilitate the formation of a recess 7 deep enough to receive liquid from the product without significantly reducing the size (e.g., surface area) of the central panel 4 (e.g., in conjunction with a more gently sloping or curved transition).

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the flange 14 can have the added benefit of providing a grip or handle for holding or lifting the package 21 or shell 2. Additionally, the downwardly sloping skirt 16 of the flange 14 can facilitate beveling and removal of protruding edges of the cover film 20 and / or barrier layer 17 (e.g., separating the barrier layer 17 and base layer 31 for placement of parts in a separate waste stream) (e.g., when opening the package 21 to remove the product 19).

[0032] In embodiments, the shell 2 and package 21 of the present disclosure can use less plastic material than other vacuum sealed or skin packages, such as those that include only plastic materials, e.g., molded or extruded plastic trays. The paper material of the illustrated embodiment can be more sustainable (e.g., made from renewable materials and / or more recyclable) than plastic packages. Additionally, the paper-based substrate 31 can be printable on its top and / or bottom surface. For example, the top surface of the base layer 31 can be printed before applying the barrier layer 17. Other paper-based skin packages can include trays that are folded from a blank when erected. However, the press-formed shell 2 of the illustrated embodiment can use less material than a folded tray and does not need to be folded and glued before filling and applying the cover film 20.

[0033] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with, substituted for, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] Optionally, one or more portions of the blanks or other constructs described or contemplated herein can be coated with varnish, clay, or other materials, either alone or in combination. This coating can then be printed with product advertising or other information or images. The blanks or other constructs can also be selectively coated and / or printed such that less than the entire surface area of ​​the blank or substantially the entire surface area of ​​the blank is coated and / or printed.

[0035] All dimensional information presented herein is intended to illustrate certain aspects, features, etc. of various embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Dimensions of blanks, containers, forming tools, structures, or any other dimensions may be larger or smaller than those shown and described in the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and may be within the dimensional ranges stated for each feature, or may be outside the dimensional ranges stated for each feature, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, the blanks can be constructed of caliber paperboard so that it is heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, rigid paper, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the carton package to at least generally function as described above.

[0037] The foregoing description illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present disclosure. Since various changes can be made in the above configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, all matters contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, and substitutions of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the present disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, but various other combinations, modifications, and environments are contemplated and are within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and / or within the scope of the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, the specific features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and not shown embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A shell for holding one or more products, the shell comprising: a base layer and a barrier layer extending along at least a portion of a surface of the base layer; a central wall thereon for receiving at least a portion of said one or more products; a stiffening structure extending at least partially around the central wall, the stiffening structure configured to resist bending of at least a portion of the shell toward an upper side of the central wall; The stiffening structure comprises at least a recess extending along at least a portion of the central wall.

2. The shell of claim 1 , wherein the base layer comprises cellulosic fibers.

3. the base layer comprises paperboard; The shell of claim 1 , wherein the shell is press formed to form at least the central wall and the stiffening structure.

4. The shell of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the recess in the stiffening structure is offset downwardly from the central wall.

5. the stiffening structure includes a transition wall; The shell of claim 1 , wherein the transition wall extends at least downwardly from a periphery of the central wall to a recess base spaced downwardly from the central wall by the transition wall.

6. The shell of claim 5 further including a sidewall extending at least partially around an interior of the shell and extending at least upwardly from the recess.

7. The shell of claim 6 , wherein the stiffening structure further includes a rounded contour extending from the recess base to the sidewall.

8. The shell of claim 7 further comprising a flange extending at least outwardly from said side wall.

9. The shell of claim 1 , further comprising a sidewall extending at least partially around an interior of the shell and contiguous with at least a portion of the recess.

10. The shell of claim 9 further comprising a flange extending from the side wall around at least a portion of the shell.

11. The flange includes a step extending from an upper edge of the side wall; a skirt spaced outwardly from said step and sloping downwardly relative to a remainder of said flange.

12. a sidewall extending at least upwardly from the recess; a flange extending at least outwardly from said side wall; The shell of claim 1 , wherein the sidewall and the flange cooperate with the recess to reinforce the shell against upward bending.

13. The shell of claim 12 , wherein the recess extends around the central wall, the side walls extend around the recess, and the flange extends around the side walls.

14. The shell of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the central wall is dome-shaped.

15. a shell including a base layer and a barrier layer, the shell further including a central wall and a stiffening structure extending from the central wall, the stiffening structure including at least a recess; one or more products supported on the barrier layer of the shell along at least the central wall of the shell; a cover film extending along the shell and at least a portion of the one or more products and contacting at least a portion of the barrier layer and at least a portion of the one or more products; A package comprising:

16. the package is vacuum sealed such that the cover film fits closely along the surface of the one or more products and the shell; The package of claim 15 , wherein the cover film forms a seal with at least a portion of the barrier layer.

17. the base layer comprises paperboard; The package of claim 15 , wherein the shell is press-formed to form at least the central wall and the stiffening structure.

18. The package of claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of the recess in the stiffening structure is offset downwardly from the central wall.

19. the stiffening structure includes a transition wall; 16. The package of claim 15, wherein the transition wall extends at least downwardly from a periphery of the central wall to a recess base spaced downwardly from the central wall by the transition wall.

20. 20. The package of claim 19, further comprising a sidewall extending at least partially around an interior of the shell and extending at least upwardly from the recess.

21. 21. The package of claim 20, wherein the stiffening structure further comprises a rounded contour extending from the recess base to the sidewall.

22. The package of claim 15 , further comprising a sidewall extending at least partially around an interior of the shell and contiguous with at least a portion of the recess.

23. 23. The package of claim 22, further comprising a flange extending from the side wall around at least a portion of the shell.

24. the flange having a step extending from an upper edge of the side wall; a skirt spaced outwardly from the step and sloping downwardly relative to the remainder of the flange; 24. The package of claim 23, wherein the cover film is applied along at least a portion of each of the shoulder and the skirt of the flange.

25. a sidewall extending at least upwardly from the recess; a flange extending at least outwardly from said side wall; 16. The package of claim 15, wherein the sidewalls and the flange cooperate with the recess to reinforce the shell against upward bending, and a portion of the cover film overlaps the recess, the sidewalls, and the flange.

26. 16. The package of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the central wall is dome-shaped.

27. The package of claim 15 , wherein the cover film is applied along at least a portion of each of the central panel and the recess.

Images