Tray with partition structure

Abstract

A tray for holding one or more items includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the interior of the tray, the plurality of panels including a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one back panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels; and a divider structure forming at least one divider wall extending into the interior of the tray to form a plurality of compartments within the tray, the divider structure including the at least one divider panel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 400,917, filed August 25, 2022.

[0002] Incorporation by reference The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 400,917, filed August 25, 2022, and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 900,508, filed August 22, 2023, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth herein in their entireties. Background to the disclosure

[0003] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure generally relates to a container for holding at least one item. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a tray having a partition structure therein for holding at least one item. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a tray for holding one or more items, the tray comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior periphery of the tray, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one back panel, at least one hinge panel, at least one divider panel, and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The divider structure forms at least one divider wall extending into the interior of the tray to form a plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray, the divider structure comprising the at least one divider panel.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a tray for holding one or more items, the blank including a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior perimeter of the tray formed from the blank, the plurality of panels including a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one back panel, at least one hinge panel, at least one divider panel, and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The blank includes a divider structure for forming at least one divider wall extending into the interior of the tray formed from the blank to form a plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray formed from the blank, the divider structure including the at least one divider panel.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a tray for holding one or more items, the method including obtaining a blank including a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels including a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one back panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel. The blank further includes a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, and the blank further includes a divider structure including the at least one divider panel. The method further includes positioning the plurality of panels at least partially around an interior periphery of the tray, and positioning the at least one divider panel to form at least one divider wall extending into the interior of the tray and forming a plurality of compartments within the interior of the tray.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above advantages and other benefits and advantages of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings listed below. It is within the scope of this disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations.

[0008] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the exterior surface of a blank for forming a tray according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of a tray partially formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of one configuration of a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the exterior surface of a blank for forming a tray according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tray partially formed from the blank of FIG. 6 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one configuration of a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 6 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 7 is a perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 6 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 7 is a perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 6 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0011] Containers and trays according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of many different shapes. As used herein, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," "top," "front," and "back" refer to orientations determined with respect to a fully assembled container. As described herein, a container may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, sections, and / or end flaps. Such panels, sections, and / or end flaps may be designated in relative terms with respect to one another, e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc., with consecutive or non-consecutive reference, without departing from the present disclosure.

[0012] 1 illustrates an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 for forming a tray 105 ( FIGS. 3 , 4 , 5 ) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can have divider structures for forming multiple compartments in an interior 107 of the tray 105, as described further herein. Also, as described further herein, the tray 105 can be selectively configurable and / or reconfigurable between multiple different configurations. In some embodiments, the different configurations of the tray 105 can include selective and / or alternative arrangements of the divider structures.

[0013] The tray 105 can be used to hold one or more items, such as portioned retail food products, which can include one or more of the following: food products, e.g., cookies, crackers, cakes, pastries, candy, nuts, popcorn, trail mix, gum, etc. In some embodiments, the items can include frozen or non-frozen foods that can be served in separate portions, e.g., chicken nuggets, French fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, chips, popcorn, other finger foods, etc. In embodiments, other types of items, which can include food and / or non-food products, can be placed in the tray for serving to customers, for example, at a quick service restaurant or vendor. In some embodiments, such products can be contained in additional packaging and then placed in the tray. Such trays can be of other shapes and configurations and can be used to hold other products and / or items in similar or different environments without departing from this disclosure.

[0014] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide the items in the tray at least partially separated from one another, for example, to avoid intermingling of different food items, for ease of use service, to more prominently display such different items to customers, etc. In this regard, as described further herein, it may be desirable to provide divider structures in the tray to provide at least partial separation between such items.

[0015] 1 , blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. Blank 103 can have multiple panels including a first bottom panel 121, a front panel 123 foldably connected to bottom panel 121 at a transverse fold line 125, a first back panel 127 foldably connected to bottom panel 121 at a transverse fold line 129, a second back panel 131 foldably connected to first back panel 127 at a transverse fold line 133, and a second bottom panel 135 foldably connected to second back panel 131 at a transverse fold line 137. In some embodiments, first back panel 127 and second back panel 131 can be considered respective portions of a single panel.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can also include a first hinge panel 139 foldably connected to the bottom panel 135 at a diagonal fold line 141 interrupted by a weakened curve or curved cut 143. A second hinge panel 145 (broadly the "first hinge panel") can be foldably connected to the bottom panel 135 at a diagonal fold line 147 interrupted by a weakened curve or curved cut 149.

[0017] The first divider panel 151 can be foldably connected to the hinge panel 139 at a longitudinal fold line 153, and the second divider panel 155 can be foldably connected to the hinge panel 139 at a transverse fold line 157. The second divider panel 155 can have a base portion 159 foldably connected to the hinge panel 139 at fold line 157 and a distal portion 161 foldably connected to the base portion 159 at a diagonal fold line 163.

[0018] Similarly, third divider panel 165 (broadly, the “first divider panel”) can be foldably connected to hinge panel 145 at longitudinal fold line 167, and fourth divider panel 169 (broadly, the “second divider panel”) can be foldably connected to hinge panel 145 at transverse fold line 171. Fourth divider panel 169 can have a base 173 foldably connected to hinge panel 145 at fold line 171 and a distal portion 175 foldably connected to base 173 at diagonal fold line 177.

[0019] The connecting panel 179 may be foldably connected to the bottom panel 135 at a transverse fold line 181 as shown. The connecting panel 179 may also be foldably connected to the base 159 of the divider panel 155 at a longitudinal fold line 183 and to the base 173 of the divider panel 169 at a longitudinal fold line 185. In some embodiments, the connecting panel 179 may be considered a divider panel of the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom.

[0020] As described further herein, the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can include divider structures for forming multiple compartments in the interior 107 of the tray 105. In some embodiments, the divider structures can include one or more of the panels 139, 145, 151, 155, 165, 169, 179 of the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom, and optionally associated features thereof.

[0021] The blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom may also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective ones of the plurality of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of end flaps may include an end flap 187 foldably connected to the front panel 123 at respective portions of the longitudinal fold lines 189, an end flap 191 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at respective portions of the fold lines 189, an end flap 193 foldably connected to the back panel 127 at respective portions of the fold lines 189, and an end flap 195 foldably connected to the distal portion 161 of the divider panel 155 at respective portions of the fold lines 189. As shown, end flap 191 can include a base 197 foldably connected to bottom panel 121 at a respective portion of fold line 189, a first distal portion 199 foldably connected to base 197 at diagonal fold line 201, and a second distal portion 203 foldably connected to base 197 at diagonal fold line 205. In some embodiments, fold line 153, which is generally collinear with a portion of fold line 189, can be considered part thereof.

[0022] Similarly, the plurality of end flaps can include an end flap 207 foldably connected to the front panel 123 at a respective portion of the longitudinal fold line 209, an end flap 211 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a respective portion of the fold line 209, an end flap 213 foldably connected to the back panel 127 at a respective portion of the fold line 209, and an end flap 215 foldably connected to a distal portion 175 of the divider panel 169 at a respective portion of the fold line 209. As shown, the end flap 211 can include a base 217 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a respective portion of the fold line 209, a first distal portion 219 foldably connected to the base 217 at a diagonal fold line 221, and a second distal portion 223 foldably connected to the base 217 at a diagonal fold line 225. In some embodiments, fold line 167, which is approximately collinear with a portion of fold line 209, can be considered part thereof.

[0023] In this regard, end flaps 187, 191, 193, 195 may be a first plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels at respective portions of fold lines 189 and extending along a first peripheral portion of blank 103 to overlap to form a first closed end of tray 105 formed from blank 103. Similarly, end flaps 207, 211, 213, 215 may be a second plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels at respective portions of fold lines 209 and extending along a second peripheral portion of blank 103 to overlap to form a second closed end of tray 105 formed from blank 103.

[0024] In some embodiments, one or both of the divider panels 151, 165 can be considered end flaps foldably connected to the panels of the blank 103 and respective panels of the tray 105 formed therefrom.

[0025] The blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom may also include a locking feature for at least partially maintaining an upright configuration of the tray 105 formed from the blank 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking feature may include a locking tab 227 formed at least in part by a notch 229 interrupting the fold line 181 and at least in part received through a notch 231 or locking opening interrupting the fold line 125 formed thereby. In this regard, the locking tab 227 may be a protruding portion of the bottom panel 135 that separates from the connecting panel 179 upon formation of the tray 105 from the blank, and the notch 231 / associated locking opening may be defined between the bottom panel 121 and the front panel 123.

[0026] It will be understood that the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom may include different numbers, arrangements, and / or configurations of panels, end flaps, and / or related features without departing from this disclosure.

[0027] 2 and 3, the formation of construct 105 from blank 103 will be described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the intermediate configuration between blank 103 and the illustrated tray shown in FIG. 1 may optionally be considered a further folded configuration of blank 103 or a partially erected configuration of construct 105.

[0028] The blank 103 may be placed with the outer surface 101 facing downwards on a support surface and the inner surface facing upwards.

[0029] End flap 191 can be folded at respective portions of fold line 189 into at least partial face contact with bottom panel 121. Simultaneously or subsequently, distal portions 199, 203 of end flap 191 can be folded at respective fold lines 201, 205 into overlapping and / or at least partial face contact with respective portions of base 197 of end flap 191.

[0030] Similarly, the end flap 211 can be folded at respective portions of the fold line 209 to make at least partial surface contact with the bottom panel 121, and the distal portions 219, 223 of the end flap 211 can be folded at respective fold lines 221, 225 to overlap and / or make at least partial surface contact with its base 217.

[0031] End flaps 187, 207 can be folded at respective portions of fold lines 189, 209 to make at least partial surface contact with front panel 123, and end flaps 193, 213 can be folded at respective portions of respective fold lines 189, 209 to make at least partial surface contact with back panel 127.

[0032] The front panel 123 can be folded at fold line 125 to be in at least partial face contact with the bottom panel 121, thereby positioning the end flaps 187, 207 carried thereon in at least partial face contact with the inner surfaces of the respective distal portions 199, 219 of the respective end flaps 191, 211.

[0033] Additionally, the back panel 127 can be folded at fold line 129 to at least partially contact the bottom panel 121, thereby positioning the end flaps 193, 213 carried thereon to at least partially contact the inner surfaces of the distal portions 203, 223 of the respective end flaps 191, 211.

[0034] In some embodiments, the distal portions 161, 175 of the respective divider panels 155, 169 may also be folded at the respective fold lines 163, 177 so that the respective end flaps 195, 215 attached thereto are carried in at least partial face contact with the respective hinge panels 139, 145.

[0035] Thereafter, in some embodiments, each divider panel 151, 165 can be folded at the respective fold line 153, 167 to at least partially make face contact with the outer surface of the respective end flap 195, 215.

[0036] Such a folded or further folded arrangement of the blank 103 / tray 105 may be a folded configuration of the construct 105 having a generally flat profile in a minimal or space-saving arrangement, for example, for shipping, storage, stacking, etc.

[0037] Panels 123, 127 and end flaps 191, 211 may then be folded at respective fold lines 125, 129, 189, 209 into a generally upright / vertical relationship with bottom panel 121, and panels 151, 155, 165, 169 may be folded at respective fold lines 153, 157, 167, 171 into a generally upright / vertical relationship with bottom panel 135.

[0038] From the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the blank 103 / construct 105 can be further selectively folded / configured to provide different arrangements of partition structures in the interior 107 of the tray 105 to suit a desired purpose.

[0039] 2 and 3, one configuration of tray 105 can be formed by at least partially separating hinge panel 139 from bottom panel 135 at cut 143 and folding hinge panel 139 at fold line 141 in the direction of arrow A1 into at least partial face contact with bottom panel 135. Such movement of panel 139 can cause at least partial folding of divider panel 155 relative to connecting panel 179 at fold line 183.

[0040] The distal portion 175 of the divider panel 169 can also be folded at fold line 177 to make at least partial surface contact with the base portion 173 of the divider panel 169. Simultaneously or subsequently, the divider panel 165 can be folded at fold line 167 to make at least partial surface contact with the inner surface of the hinge panel 145.

[0041] In such a configuration, back panel 131 can be folded in the direction of arrow A2 at fold line 133 into at least partial face-to-face contact with back panel 127, and bottom panel 135 can be positioned into at least partial face-to-face contact with bottom panel 121. Such movement of bottom panel 135 can include at least partial folding at fold line 137 relative to back panel 131.

[0042] Such arrangement of the panels and end flaps of the tray 105 can be maintained at least in part by at least partial separation of the locking tab 227 from the connecting panel 179 at the notch 229 and at least partial insertion through the opening formed by the notch 231.

[0043] The aforementioned movement (e.g., flipping) of the hinge panel 139 positions the partition panels 151, 155 to extend upward from the bottom panels 121, 135 and into the interior 107 of the tray 105, thereby forming respective partition walls 233, 235 (generally, respective "first partition wall" and "second partition wall") in the interior 107 of the tray 105 with each partition panel.

[0044] In the illustrated configuration, the divider walls 233, 235 are positioned in a cross relationship in the interior 107 of the tray 105, e.g., can form compartment spaces or compartments 237 that are portions of the interior 107 of the tray 105 to provide separated receiving spaces for items or products within the tray 105. As shown, the compartments 237 can be at least partially formed between the divider walls 233, 235, a portion of the front panel 123, and a portion of the end flap 191.

[0045] The partition walls 233 , 235 may also provide another compartment 239 formed by the remainder of the interior 107 of the tray 105 separated from the compartment 237 by the partition walls 233 , 235 .

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, a second configuration of tray 105 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] The hinge panel 145 can be at least partially separated from the bottom panel 135 at the notch 149 and folded in the direction of arrow A3 at the fold line 147 into at least partial face contact with the bottom panel 135. Such movement of the panel 145 can cause at least partial folding of the divider panel 169 relative to the connecting panel 179 at the fold line 185.

[0048] The distal portion 161 of the divider panel 155 can also be folded at fold line 163 to make at least partial face-to-face contact with the base portion 159 of the divider panel 155. Simultaneously or subsequently, the divider panel 151 can be folded at fold line 153 to make at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surface of the hinge panel 139.

[0049] In such a configuration, back panel 131 can be folded at fold line 133 into at least partial face-to-face contact with back panel 127, and bottom panel 135 can be positioned into at least partial face-to-face contact with bottom panel 121. Such movement of bottom panel 135 can include at least partial folding at fold line 137 relative to back panel 131.

[0050] Such arrangement of the panels and end flaps of the tray 105 can be maintained at least in part by at least partial separation of the locking tab 227 from the connecting panel 179 at the notch 229 and at least partial insertion through the opening formed by the notch 231.

[0051] The aforementioned movement (e.g., flipping) of the hinge panel 145 can cause the partition panels 165, 169 to extend upward from the bottom panels 121, 135 and into the interior 107 of the tray 105, forming respective partition walls 241, 243 (generally, respective "third partition wall" or "first partition wall" and "fourth partition wall" or "second partition wall") within the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0052] In the illustrated configuration, the divider walls 241, 243 are positioned in a cross relationship in the interior 107 of the tray 105, e.g., can form compartment spaces or compartments 245 that are portions of the interior 107 of the tray 105 to provide separated receiving spaces for items or products within the tray 105. As shown, the compartments 245 can be at least partially formed between the divider walls 241, 243, a portion of the front panel 123, and a portion of the end flap 211.

[0053] The partition walls 241 , 243 may also provide a compartment 247 formed by the remainder of the interior 107 of the tray 105 that is separated from the compartment 245 by the partition walls 241 , 243 .

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, a third configuration of tray 105 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] The third configuration of the tray 105 can include reversing the respective hinge panels 139, 145 to form the divider walls 233, 235, 241, 243, as described above with respect to the first configuration of the tray 105 and the second configuration of the tray 105.

[0056] In this regard, a tray 105 can be provided having an interior 107 with divider walls 233, 235 extending upwardly from the bottom panels 121, 135 to form a compartment 237, and divider walls 241, 243 extending upwardly from the bottom panels 121, 135 to form a compartment 245.

[0057] Dividers 233, 235, 241, 243 may also be arranged within tray 105 to form compartment 249 separated from compartment 237 by dividers 233, 235 and from compartment 245 by dividers 241, 243. In the illustrated embodiment, compartment 247 may define a smaller partial volume of interior 107 of tray 105 than either of compartments 239, 247 described above due to the simultaneous presence of compartments 237, 245 in interior 107 of tray 105.

[0058] 6, there is shown an exterior surface 301 of a blank 303 for forming a tray 305 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom may have one or more features that are the same as or similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103 and the tray 105, and the like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

[0059] As shown, blank 303 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. Blank 303 can have a generally similar arrangement of panels and end flaps compared to blank 103 described above, except that one or more panels and / or end flaps of blank 303 have one or more dimensions that are different from those described above with respect to blank 103.

[0060] Additionally, the locking feature of blank 303 and tray 305 formed therefrom may include a locking tab 227A that is at least partially defined by notch 229A that interrupts fold line 137 and is at least partially received in notch 231A or a locking opening formed thereby, which interrupts fold line 129.

[0061] In this regard, with further reference to Figures 7-10, there are shown first, second, and third configurations of tray 305 from blank 303, which may proceed in a manner generally similar to that described above with respect to first, second, and third configurations of tray 105 from blank 103, which may provide similar advantages to those described above with respect to blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge panels 139, 145 are positioned closer to the back panel 131 than the blank 103 / tray 105 described above, eg, such that the fold lines 141, 147 intersect with the fold line 137.

[0063] 8, the inversion of the hinge panel 139 and attached features as described above can position the divider wall 233 in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel 131, with the divider wall 235 extending perpendicularly therefrom into the interior 107 of the tray 305 and intersecting the connecting panel 179. The connecting panel 179 and the divider panel 169 then intersect with one another in a generally planar arrangement, both extending generally perpendicularly from the divider wall 235. Such an arrangement of the dividers 233, 235 within the tray 305 can at least partially define compartments 345, 347 within the interior 107 of the tray 305, as shown.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting panel 179 may form a fifth divider wall 344 of the tray 305 .

[0065] Compartments 345 may be at least partially formed between divider walls 235, 243, 344, a portion of back panel 131, and a portion of end flaps 211, as shown.

[0066] 9, inversion of the hinge panel 145 and the aforementioned attached features can position the divider wall 241 in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel 131, with the divider wall 243 extending perpendicularly from and intersecting the connecting panel 179 / divider wall 344 into the interior 107 of the tray 305. The connecting panel 179 / divider wall 344 and the divider panel 155 then intersect with one another in a generally planar arrangement, both extending generally perpendicularly from the divider wall 243. Such an arrangement of the dividers 241, 243 within the tray 305 can at least partially define compartments 337, 339 within the interior 107 of the tray 305, as shown.

[0067] Compartment 339 may be at least partially formed between divider walls 235, 344, 243, a portion of back panel 131, and a portion of end flap 191, as shown.

[0068] 10 , hinge panels 139, 145 of tray 305 can be inverted as described above to place dividers 233, 241 in at least partial face-to-face contact with back panel 131, with respective dividers 235, 243 extending substantially perpendicular therefrom to intersect connecting panel 179 / divider wall 344. Connecting panel 179 / divider wall 344 then extends from divider wall 235 to divider wall 243 to form compartment 351 of interior 107 of tray 305 separated from compartment 349 of the remainder of interior 107 of tray 305.

[0069] Compartment 351 may be formed at least partially between divider walls 235, 344, 243 and a portion of back panel 131, as shown.

[0070] Thus, blank 303 and tray 305 formed therefrom provide a reconfigurable tray with similar advantages to blank 103 and tray 105 described above in alternative configurations.

[0071] In this regard, various configurations of the tray 305 may include different relative positions of the divider walls 233, 235, 241, 243 to provide different arrangements of compartments in the interior 107 of the tray 305.

[0072] It will be understood that blanks and trays according to the present disclosure can have different numbers, arrangements, and / or configurations of features without departing from the present disclosure.

[0073] Generally, the blanks described herein may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper that is heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blanks may also be constructed from other materials, such as cardboard, sheet plastic, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the container to function at least generally as described above. The blanks may be coated, for example, with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated, for example, with a moisture barrier layer on one or both sides of the blank. The blanks may also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0074] By way of example, the tear line may include a slit extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced slits extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or completely through the material, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits extending completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart, typically resulting in nicks (e.g., somewhat bridge-like pieces of material) defined between adjacent slits to temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. Nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line; alternatively, nicks can be omitted from or torn out of the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to replace each tear line with a continuous slit, etc. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than the slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0075] According to exemplary embodiments, fold lines need not necessarily be straight, but can be substantially straight, any form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, without intending to narrow the scope of this disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that create a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness, cuts that extend partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, and various combinations of these features. In situations where cuts are used to create fold lines, the cuts typically do not extend excessively in a manner that would cause a reasonable user to mistakenly consider the fold line to be a cut line.

[0076] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during assembly of the container embodiment. The term "glue" is intended to encompass any manner of adhesive typically used to secure container panels in place, and is not intended to exclude heat, chemical, or frequency bonding techniques.

[0077] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. Because various changes can be made in the above configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure encompasses various modifications, combinations, variations, etc., of the above-described embodiments. Additionally, while the present disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments, various other combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope of the present disclosure as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A tray for holding one or more items, comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels including a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one back panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels; a partition structure forming at least one partition wall extending into the interior of the tray to form a plurality of compartments within the tray, the partition structure including at least one partition panel.

2. The tray of claim 1 , wherein the at least one divider panel is foldably connected to the at least one hinge panel.

3. 3. The tray of claim 2, wherein the at least one hinge panel is at least partially separable from the at least one bottom panel at a notch that interrupts a fold line where the at least one hinge panel is at least partially foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel.

4. 4. The tray of claim 3, wherein the at least one partition panel is a first partition panel at least foldably connected to the at least one hinge panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second partition panel at least foldably connected to the at least one hinge panel, the at least one partition wall is a first partition wall comprising the first partition panel, and the partition structure further comprises a second partition wall comprising the second partition panel.

5. The tray of claim 4 , wherein the first partition wall intersects with the second partition wall to form each of the plurality of compartments within the tray.

6. 6. The tray of claim 5, wherein the at least one hinge panel is a first hinge panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises: a second hinge panel at least partially separable from the at least one bottom panel at a notch that interrupts a fold line at least partially foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel; a third divider panel foldably connected to the second hinge panel; and a fourth divider panel foldably connected to the second hinge panel, and the divider structure further comprises a third divider wall at least partially formed by the third divider panel and a fourth divider wall at least partially formed by the fourth divider panel.

7. 7. The tray of claim 6, wherein the first partition wall intersects with the second partition wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within the tray between the first partition wall, the second partition wall, a portion of the front panel, and each of the plurality of end flaps.

8. 8. The tray of claim 7, wherein the third partition wall intersects with the fourth partition wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within the tray between the third partition wall, the fourth partition wall, a portion of the front panel, and a respective end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

9. The tray of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a connecting panel foldably connected to each of the second and fourth divider panels.

10. The tray of claim 9 , wherein the partition structure further comprises a fifth partition wall including the connecting panel.

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

12. 12. The tray of claim 11, wherein the one compartment of the plurality of compartments within the tray is formed between the first divider wall, the fifth divider wall, the fourth divider wall, a portion of the at least one back panel, and a respective end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

13. 11. The tray of claim 10, wherein the second divider wall intersects with the fifth divider wall, and the fifth divider wall intersects with the fourth divider wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within the tray between the second divider wall, the fifth divider wall, the fourth divider wall, a portion of the at least one back panel, and a respective end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

14. 1. A blank for forming a tray for holding one or more items, comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray formed from the blank, the plurality of panels including a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one back panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels; a partition structure for forming at least one partition wall extending within the tray formed from the blank to form a plurality of compartments within the tray formed from the blank, the partition structure including at least one partition panel.

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

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

17. 17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the at least one divider panel is a first divider panel at least foldably connected to the at least one hinge panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second divider panel at least foldably connected to the at least one hinge panel, the first divider panel being for at least partially forming a first divider wall when the tray is formed from the blank, and the second divider panel being for at least partially forming a second divider wall when the tray is formed from the blank.

18. 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the at least one hinge panel is a first hinge panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises: a second hinge panel at least partially separable from the at least one bottom panel at a notch that interrupts a fold line at least partially foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel; a third divider panel foldably connected to the second hinge panel; and a fourth divider panel foldably connected to the second hinge panel, wherein the third divider panel at least partially forms a third divider wall when the tray is formed from the blank, and the fourth divider panel at least partially forms a fourth divider wall when the tray is formed from the blank.

19. 20. The blank of claim 18, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a connecting panel foldably connected to each of the second divider panel and the fourth divider panel.

20. 20. The blank of claim 19, wherein the connecting panel is for at least partially forming a fifth divider wall when the tray is formed from the blank.

21. 1. A method of forming a tray for holding one or more items, comprising: obtaining a blank including a plurality of panels, including a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one back panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel, the blank further including a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, and a divider structure including the at least one divider panel; disposing the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray; and positioning the at least one divider panel to form at least one divider wall extending within the tray to form a plurality of compartments within the tray.

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

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

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one divider panel is a first divider panel at least foldably connected to the at least one hinge panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a second divider panel at least foldably connected to the at least one hinge panel, and the at least one divider wall is a first divider wall comprising the first divider panel, the method further comprising positioning the second divider panel to at least partially form a second divider wall.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first divider wall intersects with the second divider wall to form each of the plurality of compartments within the tray.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one hinge panel is a first hinge panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises: a second hinge panel at least partially separable from the at least one bottom panel at a notch interrupting a fold line at least partially foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel; a third divider panel foldably connected to the second hinge panel; and a fourth divider panel foldably connected to the second hinge panel, the method further comprising positioning the third divider panel to at least partially form a third divider wall, and the method further comprises positioning the fourth divider panel to at least partially form a fourth divider wall.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first partition wall intersects with the second partition wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within the tray between the first partition wall, the second partition wall, a portion of the front panel, and a respective end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

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

29. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a connecting panel foldably connected to each of the second divider panel and the fourth divider panel.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising positioning the connecting panel to at least partially form a fifth partition wall.

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

32. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the one compartment of the plurality of compartments within the tray is formed between the first divider wall, the fifth divider wall, the fourth divider wall, a portion of the at least one back panel, and a respective end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

33. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the second divider wall intersects with the fifth divider wall, and the fifth divider wall intersects with the fourth divider wall to form one of the plurality of compartments within the tray between the second divider wall, the fifth divider wall, the fourth divider wall, a portion of the at least one back panel, and a respective end flap of the plurality of end flaps.

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