container with lid

Abstract

A container for holding a product. The container may include a tray, which has side walls that extend at least partially around the interior of the tray. The side walls may have support edges. The lid may include at least a top panel, and one or more passages may be formed in at least the side walls of the tray. The container includes an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially spaced away from the interior of the tray, and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially positioned inside the tray. At least a portion of one or more passages in at least the side walls of the tray extends upward from the top panel toward the support edges of the side walls to allow air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container is in the closed configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 447,912, filed on February 24, 2023.

[0002] Incorporation by reference The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 447,912, filed on February 24, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Background Art

[0003] This disclosure relates to trays, cartons, containers, etc. for holding food or other items.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Generally, one aspect of the disclosure is generally directed to a container for holding a product. The container can include a tray having side walls that at least partially extend around the interior of the tray. The side walls can have a support edge. The lid can include at least a top panel, and one or more passages can be formed at least in the side walls of the tray. The container includes an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially spaced from the interior of the tray and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially disposed within the interior of the tray. At least a portion of the one or more passages in at least the side walls of the tray extends upwardly from the top panel toward the support edge of the side wall to enable air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container is in the closed configuration.

[0005] In another embodiment, the disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a container. The blank may include a tray portion that at least partially forms a tray of a container formed from the blank. The tray portion may include a plurality of panels that at least partially form the sidewalls of a tray formed from the tray portion. The plurality of panels may be configured to form one or more passages in at least the sidewalls when the tray is formed from the tray portion. The blank may further include a lid portion that at least partially forms a lid of a container formed from the blank. The lid portion may include at least a top panel. A container formed from the blank may include an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially separated from the interior of the tray formed from the tray portion, and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially positioned inside the tray formed from the tray portion. At least a portion of the one or more passages formed when the plurality of panels of the tray portion form the sidewalls may extend over the top panel toward the supporting edge of the sidewall to allow air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container formed from the blank is in a closed configuration.

[0006] In another embodiment, the disclosure generally covers a combination of a tray blank forming a tray of a container and a lid blank forming a lid of a container. The tray blank may comprise a plurality of panels that at least partially form the side walls of a tray formed from the tray blank. The plurality of panels may be configured to form at least one or more passages in the side walls when the tray is formed from the tray blank. The lid blank may comprise a top panel. The container formed from the tray blank and lid blank may include an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially separated from the interior of the tray formed from the tray blank, and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially positioned inside the tray formed from the tray blank. At least a portion of the one or more passages formed when the side walls are formed by the plurality of panels of the tray blank may extend over the top panel toward the supporting edge of the side wall to allow air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container formed from the tray blank and lid blank is in a closed configuration.

[0007] In another embodiment, the disclosure generally relates to a method for forming a container. The method may include forming a tray. The tray may include a plurality of panels. Forming a tray may include forming at least a plurality of panels into side walls that extend at least partially around the interior of the tray. The side walls may have support edges, and one or more passages may be formed in the side walls. The method may further include forming a lid, the lid may include at least a top panel. The container may include an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially spaced away from the interior of the tray, and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially positioned inside the tray. At least a portion of one or more passages in the side walls of at least the tray may extend upward from the top panel toward the support edges of the side walls to allow air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container is in the closed configuration.

[0008] In another embodiment, the disclosure generally relates to a method for forming a container. This method may include obtaining a blank including a tray portion and a lid portion. The tray portion may include a plurality of panels, and the lid portion may include at least a top panel. This method may further include forming a tray from the tray portion. Forming a tray may include forming at least a plurality of panels into side walls that extend at least partially around the interior of the tray, the side walls having support edges. One or more passages may be formed in at least the side walls. This method may also include forming a lid from the lid portion. The container may include an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially spaced away from the interior of the tray, and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially positioned inside the tray. At least a portion of one or more passages in at least the side walls of the tray may extend upward from the top panel toward the support edges of the side walls to allow air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container is in the closed configuration.

[0009] In another embodiment, the disclosure generally relates to a method for forming a container. The method may include obtaining a tray blank and a lid blank, the tray blank comprising a plurality of panels and the lid blank comprising at least a top panel. The method may further include forming a tray from the tray blank. Forming a tray may include forming at least a plurality of panels into side walls that extend at least partially around the interior of the tray, the side walls having support edges. One or more passages may be formed in at least the side walls. The method may also include forming a lid from a lid blank. The container may include an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially spaced away from the interior of the tray and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially positioned inside the tray. At least a portion of one or more passages in at least the side walls of the tray may extend upward from the top panel toward the support edges of the side walls to allow air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container is in the closed configuration.

[0010] Those skilled in the art will understand the above advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments by referring to the drawings listed below and reading the following detailed description of the embodiments.

[0011] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below do not necessarily have to be drawn to scale. The dimensions of the various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of a blank forming a carton according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view of a carton formed from a blank in Figure 1 in an open configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] This is a perspective view of a carton formed from a blank in Figure 1 in an open configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] Figures 2A and 2B show perspective views of the carton in a closed configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] Figures 2A and 2B show perspective views of the carton in a closed configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figures 2A to 3B show cross-sectional views of the carton. [Figure 5] Figures 2A to 3B show cross-sectional views of the carton. [Figure 6] Figures 2A to 3B are perspective views of stacks of multiple cartons. [Figure 7A] This is a plan view of a tray blank forming a carton tray according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] This is a plan view of a lid blank forming a carton lid according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]This is a perspective view of the tray and lid of a carton formed from the tray blank and lid blank of Figures 7A and 7B in an open configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] This is a perspective view of the carton in a closed configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] This is a perspective view of the carton in a closed configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figures 8 to 9B are cross-sectional views of the containers. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawing.

[0014] This disclosure relates to structures, boxes, cartons, carriers, trays, or containers and packaging for holding one or more products or articles, such as food (for example, for food service, exhibition and / or sale, storage and / or transport, etc.) or other articles such as any suitable type of product that can be stored, displayed, served, transported, cooled, frozen, heated and / or cooked. Some suitable products may include sushi, salads, sandwiches, tacos, desserts, pastries, cookies, chips, hot dogs, french fries, nachos, fruits, vegetables, popcorn, cuts of meat, or any other suitable food or other article. It is understood that foods and / or non-food items other than those listed herein may be contained in the packaging. The structures provided by this disclosure may contain products or articles of any shape.

[0015] As used herein, the terms "inner", "inside", "outer", "outside", "lower", "bottom", "upper", and "top" refer to directions determined with respect to a completely upright container and carton. As described herein, the structure can be formed using a plurality of walls, panels, portions, tabs, flaps, fold lines, cuts, break lines, and / or other aspects, which are related terms to each other herein and may be indicated by sequential or non-sequential references, such as "first", "second", "third", etc., without departing from the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank 101 used to form a container or carton 103 (FIGS. 2A - 6) of a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows the inner surface 104 of the blank 101. The carton 103 can be used to hold food (not shown), such as sushi and / or other suitable food service items, and / or other suitable products. For example, prepared food can be placed in the carton for serving to consumers and / or displayed for sale. The carton 103 includes a tray 107 sized to hold food and a lid 111 foldably connected to the tray 107 by a hinge 115. In an embodiment, the lid 111 has features that facilitate the flow of air over the lid 111 when the carton 103 is in a closed configuration.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, as described in more detail below, the carton 103 can include a window or window assembly 113 in one or more panels of the tray 107 and / or the lid 111. For example, the window assembly 113 can include an opening 177 defined in the lid 111 and a transparent or translucent liner material 179 covering the opening 177, as described in more detail below. For example, the liner material can include a sustainable polymer, a biopolymer (such as cellulose acetate), and / or other suitable polymers and / or other suitable materials.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the carton blank 101 has a vertical axis LI and a horizontal axis L2. The blank 101 includes a first portion or tray portion 117 that forms a tray 107 and a second portion or lid portion 119 that forms a lid 111. The tray portion 117 includes a bottom panel 121 that is foldably connected to a back panel or first side panel123 along a lateral fold line f 125. A front panel or second side panel 129 is foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 along a lateral fold line 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray portion 117 includes two end panels 135, 137 that are foldably connected to opposite ends of the bottom panel 121 along respective vertical fold lines 138. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the end panels 135, 137 can include two diagonal fold lines 157 that define respective opposing distal portions 159 in the end panels 135, 137.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, two end flaps 139, 141 are foldably connected to opposite ends of the first side panel 123 along respective diagonal fold lines 143, and two end flaps 145, 147 are foldably connected to opposite ends of the second side panel 129 along respective diagonal fold lines 149. In an embodiment, the fold lines 143, 149 can be diagonal such that the side panels 123, 129 are widest along their respective lateral fold lines 125, 131 and become narrower as the side panels 123, 129 move away from the bottom panel 121. In an exemplary embodiment, when the tray 107 is formed from the tray portion 117, the end flaps 139, 141, 145, 147 can be adhered to at least the distal portions 159 of the end panels 135, 137, and the diagonal fold lines 157 within the end panels 135, 137 can facilitate folding the tray 107 into a flat or collapsed configuration (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, a bottom closure flap 151 is foldably connected to the second side panel 129 along a lateral fold line 153, and a locking opening or slot 155 extends in the bottom closure flap 151 (e.g., at the center or central portion of the bottom closure flap 151).

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the side panels 123, 129 may have a height or depth D1 (e.g., the distance between fold line 125 and hinge 115, the distance between fold line 131 and fold line 153), and the end panels 135, 137 may have a height or depth D2 (e.g., the distance between each fold line 138 and each distal edge 199 of the end panels 135, 137). In the embodiment, the distance D2 may be smaller than the distance D1 so that the top edges of the side panels 123, 129 are positioned higher than the distal edges 199 of the end panels 135, 137 when the tray 107 is formed from the tray portion 117. In exemplary embodiments, the angles of the diagonal fold lines 143, 149 can cause the end panels 135, 137 to extend diagonally (e.g., inward and upward) from the bottom panel 121 when the tray 107 is upright (as shown, for example, in Figure 4), and the diagonal position of the end panels 135, 137 can further contribute to the difference in height between the top edge of the side panels 123, 129 and the distal edge 199 of the end panels relative to the bottom panel 121 within the upright tray 107. As shown in Figure 1, the upper edges 193 of the end flaps 139, 141, 145, 149 can be spaced at a distance D3 (e.g., the length of the diagonal fold lines 143, 149) from each of the respective end panels 135, 137 (e.g., from each corner of the bottom panel 121). In embodiments, distance D3 can be greater than distance D2 such that when the tray 107 is upright, the upper edge 193 is further away from the bottom panel than the distal edges 199 of the end panels 135, 137. Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, the upper edges 193 of the end flaps 139, 141, 145, 149 can extend at an oblique angle in the blank 101, and this oblique angle is selected such that when the tray 107 is upright, the upper edge 193 is coplanar (e.g., substantially and / or nearly coplanar) with the top edges of the side panels 123, 129. Any of the features forming the tray portion 117 and the tray 107 can be omitted or in other forms, arrangements, configurations, and / or arrangements without departing from the present disclosure.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the lid portion 119 includes a central or top panel 161 that is foldably connected to a top closing panel 163 along a transverse fold line 165. In the embodiment, a locking tab 167 may extend from the top panel 161 toward the top closing panel 163 and may be at least partially defined by a cut line 169 that can intersect with the transverse fold line 165. As shown in Figure 1, the locking tab 167 may be located in the center or central portion of the top panel 161 and the top closing panel 163. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking opening 155 of the bottom closing flap 151 and the locking tab 167 may be aligned along the longitudinal axis CL of the blank 101. The lid portion 119 may also include two top end panels 171, 173 that are foldably connected to both ends of the top panel 161 along their respective longitudinal fold lines 175.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the notch, opening, or window 177 is defined at least within the top panel 161, and at least the edge of the top panel 161 extends along the window 177. In other embodiments, the window 177 may extend to other parts of the blank 101. In exemplary embodiments, the window assembly 113 may be formed at least partially by applying a liner material / film 179 or other suitable material to at least the inner surface 104 of the top panel 161 by means of adhesive, heat sealing, welding, and / or other suitable attachment methods. In the illustrated embodiments, the film 179 may be transparent or translucent so that the articles contained in the container 103 can be seen when the container 103 is closed (Figures 3A and 3B). In embodiments, the film 179 may be sealed to the inner surface 104 of the top panel 161 around the entire perimeter of the window 177 so that the film 179 protects the articles inside the container 103. In exemplary embodiments, the film 179 may include sustainable materials. For example, the film 179 may be derived from sustainable resources (e.g., biopolymers), and / or the film may be recyclable and / or compostable. In one embodiment, the film 179 may include, for example, sustainable cellulose acetate. None of the features forming the lid portion 119 and the lid 111 may be omitted or in other forms, arrangements, configurations, and / or arrangements without departing from the disclosure.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the features forming the hinge 115 may include a hinge panel 181 that is foldably connected to the first side panel 123 of the tray portion 117 along a transverse fold line 183 and to the top panel 161 of the lid portion 119 along a transverse fold line 185. In an embodiment, the width of the hinge panel 181 (e.g., the distance between the transverse fold lines 183, 185) may be equal to, or equivalent to, the difference between the distance D1 (e.g., the height of the fold line 183 when the tray 107 is formed) and the height of the distal edge 199 of the upper end panels 135, 137 of the bottom panel 121 when the tray 107 is formed (e.g., so that the top panel 161 of the lid 111 is formed along or substantially along the plane of the distal edge 199 of the molded and closed carton 103). In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the upper distal edge 199 of the bottom panel 121 can be less than the distance D2 (e.g., slightly less than, e.g., on the order of 1 millimeter less than). This configuration of the hinge panel 181 can help position the lid so that the lid 111 is recessed into the tray 107 when it is in the closed position (Figures 3A to 6), as will be described in more detail below. Any of the hinge structures can be omitted or may be of other shapes, arrangements, configurations, and / or arrangements without departing from the present disclosure.

[0024] The bottom and top end panels 135, 171 and end flaps 139, 145 may extend along a first peripheral region of the blank 101, and the bottom and top end panels 137, 173 and end flaps 141, 147 may extend along a second peripheral region of the blank 101. The blank 101 may be in other shapes, arrangements, and / or configurations without departing from the present disclosure. For example, the blank 101 may include any suitable number of locking tabs 167 and locking openings 155 arranged along closing panels 163, 151.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the carton 103 is formed by forming the tray portion 117 of the blank 101 into a tray 107 and the lid portion 119 of the blank into a lid 111. In the exemplary method, the tray 107 is formed by folding the side panels 123, 129 and end panels 135, 137 relative to the bottom panel 121 so that they extend at least partially around the interior 189 of the tray 107 (Figures 2A and 2B). In the illustrated embodiment, the end flaps 139, 145 are folded inward and overlap with the end panel 135 to form a first end wall 191a of the tray 107, and the end flaps 141, 147 overlap with the end panel 137 to form an opposing second end wall 191b of the tray 107. In embodiments, the end flaps 139, 145 and 141, 147 can be bonded to their respective end panels 135, 137 (for example, they can be bonded to and / or otherwise secured to the distal portion 159). As shown at least in Figures 3B to 5, the bottom closing flap 151 can be folded inward along the transverse fold line 153 and overlapped at least partially with the second side panel 129. In some embodiments, the bottom closing flap 151 can be fixed (e.g., bonded) to the inner surface of the second side panel 129 in face-to-face contact. In embodiments, the side panels 123, 129 and end walls 191a, 191b can cooperate to form at least partially a side wall 192 extending around the interior 189 of the tray 107. The tray 107 can be formed by other forming steps without departing from the present disclosure.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the lid 111 can be formed by folding the top closing panel 163 and top end panels 173 and 175 relative to the top panel 161 along their respective fold lines 165 and 175. As shown in Figure 2B, the locking tab 167 separates from the top closing panel 163 along the cut line 167 so that the tab 167 extends outward from the top panel 161 adjacent to the top closing panel 163. The carton 103 is shown in Figures 2A and 2B in an open configuration in which the lid 111 is folded away from the tray 107, allowing items to be placed in and / or removed from the interior 189 of the tray 107.

[0027] The carton 103 can be converted to a closed configuration (Figures 3A-36) by folding the lid 111 toward the tray 107 at the hinge 115. When the lid 111 is closed, the top closing panel 163 can be positioned inside the second side panel 129 and the bottom closing flap 151 (e.g., Figures 4 and 5), the top end panels 171, 173 can be positioned inside their respective end walls 191a, 191b (e.g., Figures 4 and 5), while the hinge panel 181 can be folded downwards to overlap with the first side panel 123. For example, the hinge panel 181 can be folded so that it is in face contact with the inner surface of the first side panel 123. Accordingly, the lid 111 can move into the interior 189 of the tray 107 such that the top panel 161 is spaced downward from the upper edges 193 of the lateral fold lines 183, 153 and the end flaps 139, 141, 145, 147. When the top panel 161 is moved to the closed position, the locking tab 167 can engage (e.g., at least partially engage) with the locking opening 155 of the bottom closing flap 151 to help lock the lid 111 to the tray 107 in the closed position. As shown in Figure 5, the locking opening 155 of the bottom closing flap 151 can be positioned along the interior of the second side panel 129 (e.g., so that the opening is not on the outer surface of the tray 107, thereby preventing the contents of the carton 103 from spilling out and / or preventing contaminants from entering the carton 103 through the locking mechanism and / or concealing the locking mechanism from the outside of the carton 103). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the second side panel 129, the bottom closing flap 151, and the top closing panel 163 can overlap and / or be in close proximity (for example, with the bottom closing flap 151 sandwiched between the second side panel 129 and the top closing panel 163), and the locking tab 167 can extend outward from the top panel 161 and enter into the locking opening 155 of the bottom closing flap 151. In embodiments, the locking tab 167 can extend toward and / or abut against the inner surface of the second side panel 129. The lid 111 can be closed in other ways without departing from the present disclosure.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper support feature of the carton 103 can be formed when the carton 103 is in a closed configuration. For example, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the upper edges 193 of the lateral fold lines 183, 153 and the end flaps 139, 141, 145, 147 can cooperate to form a support edge 195 of the carton 103 (for example, along the side wall 192 of the tray 107). In the embodiment, the support edge 195 can contact and support the bottom panel 121 of the upper carton 103 stacked on top of the lower carton 103 (Figure 6). In an exemplary embodiment, the top panel 161 can be smaller than the bottom panel 121 (for example, in the lateral direction L2) such that the end walls 191a, 191b slope inward from their bottom to their top (for example, Figure 4), and the upper edges 193 of the end panels 191a, 191b are spaced inward from the outermost edge of the bottom panel 121 (for example, along the vertical fold line 138).

[0029] As shown in Figures 3A to 4, the carton 103 may include two end cutbacks, recesses, or passages 197 that are at least partially defined in the end walls 191a, 191b. In the illustrated embodiment, the passages 197 may be at least partially defined along the distal edge 199 of the bottom end panel 135 between the end flaps 139, 145, and along the distal edge 199 of the bottom end panel 137 between the end flaps 141, 147. In an exemplary embodiment, the passages 197 may facilitate the movement of air (e.g., cold, dry air in a refrigerator) over the top panel 161 of the lower carton 103, even when the upper carton 103 is stacked on top of the lower carton. For example, as shown in Figure 6, a lower carton 103 and an upper carton 103 can be arranged in a stack 200 such that the support edge 195 of the lower carton 103 can support the bottom panel 121 of the upper carton 103 on the top panel 161 of the lower carton 103, and air can flow through the passage 197 in the end walls 191a, 191b between the top panel 161 of the lower carton 103 and the bottom panel 121 of the upper carton 103. Thus, the moving air can help remove moisture that may accumulate between the stacked containers (e.g., by evaporation, synchronization of moisture in the air, etc.). Although two cartons 103 are shown in a stack 200 in Figure 6, any appropriate number of cartons 103 can be arranged in a stack 200 in sales display cases, storage facilities, and transportation, etc. For example, multiple cartons 103 having two or more cartons 103 can be stacked.

[0030] In embodiments, the film 179 (e.g., bio-derived cellulose acetate) may be sensitive to moisture (e.g., may be adversely affected by humidity). For example, moisture may contribute to warping, rippling, deformation, etching, clouding, and / or other damage to the film 179. These damages may appear unfavorable to potential customers and / or may make it difficult for potential customers to see the items inside the container 103. Therefore, removing any moisture that may be present between stacked cartons 103 (e.g., by allowing air to move through the passage 197 between the top panel 161 of the lower carton 103 and the bottom panel 121 of the upper carton 103) can help avoid damage to the film 179 and help keep the film 179 at least partially transparent. The carton 103 may be configured in other embodiments without departing from the present disclosure.

[0031] Figures 7A and 7B show tray blank 301a and lid blank 301b forming carton 303 (Figures 8-10) according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure, similar to carton 103 and blank 101 of the prior embodiments. Thus, similar or analogous features are indicated by similar or analogous reference numerals between the two embodiments. The second embodiment is broadly similar to the first embodiment, except for the modifications described and those that would be obvious to those skilled in the art. While carton 103 in Figures 2A-6 is considered to have a one-piece construction, carton 303 may have a two-piece construction including a separate tray 307 and lid 311 without hinges. As shown in Figure 7A, the tray blank 301a used to form tray 307 may include a bottom panel 121, side panels 123, 129, and end flaps 139, 141, 145, 147, similar to the bottom panel, side panels, and end flaps of the prior embodiments. In the embodiment, the bottom panel, side panels, and end flaps of the embodiment in Figure 7A may have different shapes, sizes, aspect ratios, etc., from the corresponding panels and flaps of the embodiment in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 7A, the end flaps 139, 141, 145, 147 are foldably connected to their respective side panels 123, 129 along vertical fold lines 343, 349 instead of the diagonal fold lines 143, 149 of the embodiment in Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side panels 123, 129 is foldably connected to their respective bottom closing panels 350, 351 along their respective transverse fold lines 352, 353, and the bottom closing panels 350, 351 are foldably connected to their respective spacer flaps 401, 403 along their respective transverse fold lines 405, 407. Each of the bottom closing panels 350, 351 may include a locking opening 155 (for example, aligned with the vertical axis CL of the tray blank 301a).

[0032] As shown in Figure 7A, the bottom end panels 335, 337 are similar to the bottom end panels 135, 137 in Figure 1, except that each of the bottom end panels 335, 337 includes two spaced projections 409 that at least partially define a recess 411 between the projections 409. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 409 may extend from the respective distal portions 359 of the end panels 335, 337. In the embodiment, the distal edge 399 of the bottom end panels 335, 337 extends along the recess 411, and the upper edge 393 of the projections 409 is spaced outward from the distal edge 399. Any of the features forming the tray blank 301a and the tray 307 may be omitted or in other forms, arrangements, configurations, and / or arrangements without departing from the present disclosure.

[0033] As shown in Figure 7B, the lid blank 301b may include two top closing panels 363, 364 that are foldably connected to the top panel 361 along their respective transverse fold lines 365, 366, and two top end panels 371, 373 that are foldably connected to the top panel 361 along their respective longitudinal fold lines 375. In the illustrated embodiment, the window 377 extends into the top panel 361 and into the top end panels 371, 373, and the edges of the top panel 361 and the top end panels 371, 373 extend along the window 377. As shown in Figure 7B, the film 379 can be fixed to the top panel 361 and the top end flaps 371, 373 along and around the window 377 to at least partially form the window assembly 313. Any of the features forming the lid blank 301b and the lid 311 may be omitted or be in other shapes, arrangements, configurations, and / or arrangements without departing from the present disclosure.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, the tray 307 can be formed in a similar manner to the tray 107 in the previous embodiment. For example, the bottom end panels 335, 337 and the side panels 123, 129 can be folded upward along their respective fold lines 138, 138, 125, 131 relative to the bottom panel 121, and then the bottom end panels 335, 337 and their respective end flaps 139, 145 and 141, 147 can be overlapped and bonded to each other. The overlapped bottom end panels 335 and end flaps 139, 145 can form at least partially an end wall 391a, and the overlapped bottom end panels 337 and end flaps 141, 147 can form at least partially an end wall 391b. In this embodiment, at least the side panels 123, 129 and the end walls 391a, 391b can form a side wall 392 extending around the interior 389 of the tray 307. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom closing panels 350, 351 can be folded inward 389 into the tray 307 along their respective transverse fold lines 352, 353, and the spacer flaps 401, 403 can be folded outward along their respective transverse fold lines 405, 407, extending from each bottom closing panel 350, 351 toward each side panel 123, 129 (as shown, for example, in Figure 10). Thus, the spacer panels 401, 403 can help prevent the bottom closing panels 350, 351 from rotating outward toward each side panel 123, 129, otherwise they could move the locking opening 155 out of position and reduce the locking engagement of the locking mechanism between the lid 311 and the tray 307.

[0035] As shown in Figure 8, the lid 311 can be formed by folding the top closing panels 363, 364 and the top end panels 371, 373 downwards along the respective fold lines 365, 366, 375, 375 relative to the top panel 361. A separate tray 307 and lid 311 (e.g., a two-piece carton 303) are shown in an open configuration in Figure 8. The tray 307 and lid 311 can be formed in other ways without departing from the present disclosure.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 311 can be positioned on the tray 307 as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. With the top closing panels 363, 364 positioned along the bottom closing panels 350, 351 and the top end panels 371, 373 positioned along the end walls 391a, 391b, the lid 311 can be moved into the interior 389 of the tray 307. Alternatively, the lid 311 can be rotated 180 degrees relative to the tray 307 before being inserted into the tray. The lid 311 can be moved into the tray 307 until the locking tabs 167 engage with their respective locking openings 155 and the top panel 361 is separated downward from the support edge 395 of the tray 307 (e.g., fitted or rebated). In this embodiment, the support edge 395 can be formed by the cooperation of the lateral fold lines 352, 353, the upper edges 193 of the end flaps 139, 141, 145, 147, and the upper edges 393 of the protrusions 409 of the bottom end panels 335, 337. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the recess 411 can form at least partially a cutout or passage 397 within the end walls 391a, 391b, and the distal edges 399 of the end panels 335, 337 extend along the passage 397 between the protrusions 409 of the end panels 335, 337. In this embodiment, the cutout or passage 397 can allow air to move over the top panel 361 between stacked cartons 303, similar to the previous embodiment.

[0037] Any of the features of the various embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, panels, flaps, and other features illustrated and described in relation to blanks 101, 301a, 301b and cartons 103, 303 are included as examples.

[0038] Blanks according to any embodiment of this disclosure may be formed from, for example, coated cardboard and similar materials. For example, the inside and / or outside of the blank may be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blank may then be coated with varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated on one or both sides with, for example, a moisture barrier layer. According to the embodiments described above, the blank may be made of cardboard of a thickness such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank may also be made of other materials such as corrugated cardboard, rigid paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described herein. The blank may also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet materials in selected panels or panel portions.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, fold lines can be any substantially linear weakening form that facilitates folding, even if they are not necessarily straight lines. More specifically, and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include, for example, notions formed by a blunt scoring knife that creates a crushed or recessed portion in the material along a desired weak line, cuts that partially extend into the material along a desired weak line, and / or a series of cuts that partially and / or completely extend into the material along a desired weak line, as well as various combinations of these features. In situations where cuts are used to form fold lines, such cuts are usually not excessively extensive in such a way that a reasonable user would mistakenly perceive the fold line as a tear line.

[0040] As an example, a tear line can include a slit that partially extends into the material along a desired weak line, and / or a series of spaced slits that partially and / or completely penetrate the material along a desired weak line, 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 that completely penetrate the material, with adjacent slits slightly spaced apart, defining a nick (e.g., a small, somewhat bridging portion of the material) between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nick breaks while tearing along the tear line. The nick is typically a relatively small proportion of the tear line, and alternatively, the nick can be omitted from or torn from the tear line so that the tear line is a continuous break line. That is, each tear line can be replaced by a continuous slit, etc., which is within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the break line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than a slit, without departing from this disclosure.

[0041] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels bonded together by adhesive during the assembly of the carton embodiment. The term “adhesive” is intended to encompass all types of adhesives used to fasten the carton panels in place.

[0042] The foregoing description of this disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. Since various modifications can be made to the above configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure, all matters included in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be construed as illustrative and not as restrictive. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, changes, etc., to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, while this disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, various other combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope of this disclosure as shown herein, corresponding to the foregoing teachings and / or within the scope of the skills or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, specific features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A container for holding a product, A tray comprising a side wall extending at least partially around the interior of the tray, wherein the side wall has a support edge, At least the lid including the top panel, At least one or more passages formed in the side wall of the tray, Equipped with, The container includes an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially separated from the interior of the tray, and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially positioned inside the tray, wherein at least a portion of the one or more passages in the side wall of the tray extends upward from the top panel toward the support edge of the side wall to allow air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container is in the closed configuration.

2. The container according to claim 1, further comprising at least a window defined in the top panel and a film extending along the window, wherein the film is at least one of a biopolymer, a recyclable material, and a compostable material.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein the film comprises sustainable cellulose acetate.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the tray further includes a bottom panel, the side wall includes at least an end panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, the end panel including a distal edge facing the bottom panel and extending along at least a portion of one or more passages.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein the end panel is a first end panel, the passage is a first passage, and the side wall further includes a second end panel foldably connected to the bottom panel opposite the first end panel, the distal edge of the second end panel extends along the second passage of the one or more passages.

6. The container according to claim 4, wherein the side wall further includes at least an end flap that overlaps with the end panel.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the side wall includes at least an end panel and an end flap in an overlapping relationship, the support edge of the side wall includes the upper edge of the end flap, and the distal edge of the end panel extends away from the end flap along one or more of the passages.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the end flap is a first end flap, the side wall further includes a first side panel, a second side panel, and a second end flap, the first end flap is foldably connected to the first side panel, the second end flap is foldably connected to the second side panel, the second end flap is in a relationship where it overlaps with the end panel opposite to the first end flap, and the passage extends between the first end flap and the second end flap.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the side wall includes at least an end panel, the end panel includes two spaced-apart protrusions and a recess extending between the two protrusions, the recess extending along one or more of the passages.

10. The container according to claim 1, wherein the one or more passages include a first passage and an opposing second passage, the side wall includes at least a first end panel and a second end panel, each of the first end panel and the second end panel includes two spaced projections and a recess extending between the two projections, the recess extending along each of the first passage and the second passage.

11. The container according to claim 1, wherein the tray further includes a bottom closing flap that is foldably connected to the side wall and extends along at least a portion of the interior of the tray, and a locking slot extending in the bottom closing flap, and the lid further includes a locking tab extending from the top panel, the locking tab being at least partially received in the locking slot when the container is in the closed configuration.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the lid is foldably connected to the side wall by a hinge positioned opposite the bottom closing flap.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the tray includes a bottom panel, the side wall includes a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel and a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, the lid foldably connected to the first side panel by a hinge, the bottom closing flap foldably connected to the second side panel along a fold line, and the hinge and the fold line are spaced apart from the bottom panel.

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein the locking slot is spaced apart from the fold line and the bottom panel.

15. The container according to claim 11, wherein the side wall includes a side panel, the bottom closing flap is foldably connected to the side panel along a fold line, and the fold line extends along a portion of the support edge of the side wall.

16. The container according to claim 1, wherein the tray further includes a first bottom closing flap and a second bottom closing flap, each foldably connected to the side wall and extending along at least a portion of the interior of the tray, wherein a first locking slot extends in the first bottom closing flap and a second locking slot extends in the second bottom closing flap, and the lid further includes a first locking tab and a second locking tab, each extending from the top panel, wherein each of the first locking tab and the second locking tab is at least partially received in the first locking slot and the second locking slot, respectively, when the container is in the closed configuration.

17. The container according to claim 1, wherein the lid is foldably connected to the side wall of the tray along a hinge.

18. The container according to claim 17, wherein the side wall includes a side panel, the hinge includes a hinge panel foldably connected to the side panel along a first fold line, and the hinge panel foldably connected to the top panel along a second fold line.

19. The container according to claim 18, wherein the hinge panel overlaps with the side panel when the container is in the closed configuration.

20. The container according to claim 18, wherein the first fold line extends along a portion of the support edge of the side wall.

21. A blank for forming a container that holds a product, A tray portion that at least partially forms a tray of the container formed from the blank, the tray portion includes a plurality of panels that at least partially form the side wall of the tray formed from the tray portion, the plurality of panels are configured to form at least one passage in the side wall when the tray is formed from the tray portion, A lid portion that forms at least partially the lid of the container formed from the blank, comprising a lid portion including at least a top panel, Equipped with, The container formed from the blank includes an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially separated from the interior of the tray formed from the tray portion, and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially positioned inside the tray formed from the tray portion, wherein at least a portion of the one or more passages formed when the side walls are formed by the plurality of panels of the tray portion extends over the top panel toward the supporting edge of the side wall to allow air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container formed from the blank is in the closed configuration.

22. The blank according to claim 21, further comprising at least a window defined in the top panel and a film extending along the window, wherein the film is at least one of a biopolymer, a recyclable material, and a compostable material.

23. The blank according to claim 22, wherein the film comprises sustainable cellulose acetate.

24. The blank according to claim 21, wherein the tray portion further includes a bottom panel, the plurality of panels include at least end panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, the end panels include a distal edge facing the bottom panel, the distal edge extends along at least a portion of one or more passages in the side wall of the tray formed from the tray portion.

25. The blank according to claim 24, wherein the end panel is a first end panel, the passage is a first passage, and the plurality of panels further include a second end panel foldably connected to the bottom panel opposite to the first end panel, the distal edge of the second end panel extends along the second passage of one or more passages in the side wall of the tray formed from the tray portion.

26. The blank according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of panels include at least end panels, the end flaps overlap with the end panels when the tray is formed from the tray portion, the upper edges of the end flaps at least partially form the support edges of the side walls when the tray is formed from the tray portion, and the distal edges of the end panels extend away from the end flaps along the passage of one or more passages in the side walls of the tray formed from the tray portion.

27. The end flap according to claim 26, wherein the end flap is a first end flap, the plurality of panels further include a first side panel and a second side panel, the first end flap is foldably connected to the first side panel, the second end flap is foldably connected to the second side panel, the second end flap is in a relationship to overlap with the end panel opposite to the first end flap when the tray is formed from the tray portion, and the passage extends between the first end flap and the second end flap in the side wall of the tray formed from the tray portion.

28. The blank according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of panels include side panels, the tray portion further includes a bottom closing flap foldably connected to the side panel and a locking slot extending in the bottom closing flap, and the lid portion further includes a locking tab extending from the top panel, the locking tab being at least partially received in the locking slot when the container formed from the blank is in the closed configuration.

29. The blank according to claim 28, wherein the tray portion further includes a bottom panel, the side panel is a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, the lid portion is foldably connected to the first side panel by a hinge, the bottom closing flap is foldably connected to the second side panel along a fold line, and the hinge and the fold line are spaced apart from the bottom panel.

30. The blank according to claim 29, wherein the locking slot is spaced apart from the fold line and the bottom panel.

31. The blank according to claim 28, wherein the bottom closing flap is foldably connected to the side panel along a fold line, the fold line extending along a portion of the support edge of the side wall when the tray is formed from the tray portion.

32. The blank according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of panels of the tray portion include side panels, the lid portion is foldably connected to the side panels along hinges, the hinges include hinge panels foldably connected to the side panels along a first fold line, and the hinge panels foldably connected to the top panel along a second fold line.

33. The blank according to claim 32, wherein the first fold line extends along a portion of the support edge of the side wall when the tray is formed from the tray portion.

34. A combination of a tray blank that forms the tray of a container and a lid blank that forms the lid of the container, The tray blank comprises a plurality of panels that at least partially form the side walls of the tray formed from the tray blank, and the plurality of panels are configured to form at least one or more passages in the side walls when the tray is formed from the tray blank. The aforementioned lid blank is equipped with a top panel, The container formed from the tray blank and the lid blank includes an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially separated from the interior of the tray formed from the tray blank, and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially positioned inside the tray formed from the tray blank, wherein at least a portion of the one or more passages formed when the side wall is formed by the plurality of panels of the tray blank extends over the top panel toward the supporting edge of the side wall to allow air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container formed from the tray blank and the lid blank is in the closed configuration.

35. The combination according to claim 34, wherein the lid blank further comprises at least a window defined in the top panel and a film extending along the window, the film being at least one of a biopolymer, a recyclable material, and a compostable material.

36. The combination according to claim 35, wherein the film comprises sustainable cellulose acetate.

37. The combination according to claim 34, wherein the tray blank further includes a bottom panel, the plurality of panels include at least end panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, the end panels include a distal edge facing the bottom panel, the distal edge extends along at least a portion of one or more passages in the side wall of the tray formed from the tray blank.

38. The combination according to claim 37, wherein the end panel is a first end panel, the passage is a first passage, and the plurality of panels further include a second end panel foldably connected to the bottom panel opposite to the first end panel, the distal edge of the second end panel extends along the second passage of one or more passages in the side wall of the tray formed from the tray blank.

39. The combination according to claim 37, wherein the side wall further includes at least an end flap that overlaps with the end panel.

40. The combination according to claim 34, wherein the plurality of panels include at least an end panel, the end panel includes two spaced projections and a recess extending between the two projections, the recess extending along a passage of one or more passages in the tray formed from the tray blank.

41. The combination according to claim 34, wherein the plurality of panels include at least a first end panel and a second end panel, each of the first end panel and the second end panel including two spaced projections and a recess extending between the two projections, the recess extending along each of the first and second passages of the one or more passages in the side wall of the tray formed from the tray blank.

42. The combination according to claim 34, wherein the plurality of panels include side panels, the tray blank further includes a bottom closing flap foldably connected to the side panels and a locking slot extending in the bottom closing flap, and the lid blank further includes a locking tab extending from the top panel, the locking tab being at least partially received in the locking slot when the container formed from the tray blank and the lid blank is in the closed configuration.

43. The combination according to claim 42, wherein the bottom closing flap is foldably connected to the side panel along a fold line, the fold line extending along a portion of the support edge of the side wall when the tray is formed from the tray blank.

44. The combination according to claim 34, wherein the plurality of panels include a first side panel and an opposing second side panel, the tray blank further includes a first bottom closing flap foldably connected to the first side panel and a second bottom closing flap foldably connected to the second side panel, the first locking slot extending in the first bottom closing flap and the second locking slot extending in the second bottom closing flap, the lid further includes a first locking tab and a second locking tab, each extending from the top panel, the first locking tab and the second locking tab each being at least partially received in the first locking slot and the second locking slot when the container formed from the tray blank and the lid blank is in the closed configuration.

45. A method for forming a container for holding a product, Forming a tray, wherein the tray comprises a plurality of panels, and forming the tray includes forming the plurality of panels into side walls that at least partially extend around the interior of the tray, wherein the side walls have supporting edges, and one or more passages are formed in the side walls. To form a lid, wherein the lid includes at least a top panel. Includes, The container includes an open configuration in which the top panel is at least partially separated from the interior of the tray, and a closed configuration in which the top panel is at least partially positioned inside the tray, wherein at least a portion of the one or more passages in the side wall of the tray extends upward from the top panel toward the support edge of the side wall to allow air to move over the top panel of the lid when the container is in the closed configuration.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein the lid further comprises at least a window defined in the top panel and a film extending along the window, the film being at least one of a biopolymer, a recyclable material, and a compostable material.

47. The method according to claim 45, wherein the tray further includes a bottom panel, the plurality of panels include at least end panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, the end panels include distal edges facing the bottom panel, and forming the plurality of panels into the side wall includes positioning the distal edges of the end panels to extend along at least a portion of the passage of one or more passages.

48. The method according to claim 45, wherein the plurality of panels include side panels, the tray further includes a bottom closing flap foldably connected to the side panels and a locking slot extending in the bottom closing flap, and forming the tray includes positioning the bottom closing flap to extend along at least a portion of the interior of the tray, and the lid further includes a locking tab extending from the top panel, the locking tab being at least partially received in the locking slot when the container is in the closed configuration.

49. The method of claim 45, further comprising obtaining a blank, the blank comprising a tray portion and a lid portion, forming the tray comprising forming the tray portion of the blank into the tray, and forming the lid comprising forming the lid portion of the blank into the lid.

50. The method according to claim 45, wherein the plurality of panels of the tray include side panels, the lid is foldably connected to the side panels along hinges, the hinges include hinge panels foldably connected to the side panels along a first fold line, and the hinge panels foldably connected to the top panel along a second fold line.

51. The method of claim 45, further comprising obtaining a tray blank and a lid blank, wherein forming the tray includes forming the tray blank into the tray, and forming the lid includes forming the blank into the lid.

52. The method according to claim 45, wherein the side wall includes at least an end panel, the end panel includes two spaced-apart projections and a recess extending between the two projections, the recess extending along one or more of the passages.

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