Tray for food products

Abstract

A tray for holding one or more food products, the tray includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels include a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a plurality of end flaps are foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps include a plurality of top end flaps foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, a flange extending outwardly from the interior of the tray, the flange including the plurality of top end flaps, and denesting features having a plurality of denesting tabs foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, the denesting tabs extending into the interior of the tray from a respective side panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 780,635, filed on Mar. 31, 2025, entitled Tray for Food Products.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 780,635, filed on Mar. 31, 2025, entitled Tray for Food Products, is hereby incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure relates to blanks, trays, and various features and methods for forming a tray from a blank. More specifically, the disclosure is generally directed to trays with reinforcement features and denesting features.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a tray for holding one or more food products, the tray comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising a plurality of top end flaps foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, a flange extending outwardly from the interior of the tray, the flange comprising the plurality of top end flaps, and denesting features comprising a plurality of denesting tabs foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, the denesting tabs extending into the interior of the tray from a respective side panel.

[0005] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a tray for holding one or more food products, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of the tray formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising a plurality of top end flaps foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, the plurality of top end flaps are for forming a flange extending outwardly from the interior of the tray formed from the blank, and denesting features comprising a plurality of denesting tabs foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, the denesting tabs for extending into the interior of the tray from a respective side panel in the tray formed from the blank.

[0006] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a tray for holding one or more food products, the method comprising obtaining a blank for forming a tray for holding at least one food product, the blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising a plurality of top end flaps foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, and the blank comprising denesting features comprising a plurality of denesting tabs foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, the method comprising folding the plurality of panels at least partially around the interior of the tray, folding the plurality of top end flaps to form a flange extending outwardly from the interior of the tray, and positioning the denesting tabs extending into the interior of the tray from a respective side panel.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[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 the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for at least partially forming a tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a tray formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a top view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIGS. 6 and 7 are side elevation views of the tray formed from the blank of FIG. 1.

[0014] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Trays according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes articles such as food products, e.g., fruit or vegetable items. In one embodiment, articles described herein can be fruits such as tomatoes (e.g., cherry tomatoes, etc.), berries (e.g., blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, etc.), apples, oranges, tangerines, clementines, lemons, limes, cherries, etc. In another embodiment, articles described herein can be product packages, containers, bottles, cans, etc., that are at least partially disposed within the tray embodiments. The articles can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. Packaged articles can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, glass; aluminum and / or other metals; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; composite materials; and the like, or any combination thereof.

[0016] The articles described herein can include different types of food or beverage products, containers thereof, and / or having different shapes, without departing from the disclosure. In this specification, the terms “lower,”“bottom,”“upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright trays. As described herein, trays can be formed from blanks by overlapping multiple panels, portions, and / or end flaps. Such panels, portions and / or end flaps may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 for at least partially forming a tray 105 other container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 can have a longitudinal axis L1, a lateral axis L2, and a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of panels can include a central panel or bottom panel 121, a side panel 122 (broadly, “first side panel” or “second side panel”) foldably connected to the bottom panel 123 at a lateral fold line 125, a side panel 126 (broadly, “first side panel” or “second side panel”) foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a lateral fold line 129, a side panel 131 (broadly, “third side panel” or “fourth side panel”) foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 133, and a side panel 135 (broadly, “third side panel” or “fourth side panel”) foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 137.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom panel 121 can have a generally hexagonal, e.g., eight sided, profile, though a different configuration could be provided without departing from the disclosure.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment the side pane 122 includes a central portion 123 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at the fold line 125, a first distal portion 139 foldably connected to the central portion 123 at an oblique fold line 141, and a second distal portion 143 foldably connected to the central portion 123 at an oblique fold line 144. Similarly, the side panel 126 includes a central portion 127 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at the fold line 129, a first distal portion 145 foldably connected to the central portion 127 at an oblique fold line 147, and a second distal portion 149 foldably connected to the central portion 127 at an oblique fold line 151.

[0021] A plurality of end flaps can also be foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom, e.g., such that each end flap of the plurality of panels is foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels.

[0022] As shown, the plurality of end flaps can include a side end flap 153 foldably connected to the first distal portion 139 of the side panel 122 at an oblique fold line 155, a side end flap 157 foldably connected to the second distal portion 143 of the side panel 122 at an oblique fold line 159, a side end flap 161 foldably connected to the first distal portion 145 of the side panel 126 at an oblique fold line 163, and a side end flap 165 foldably connected to the second distal portion 149 of the side panel 126 at an oblique fold line 167.

[0023] The plurality of end flaps of the blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom can further include a plurality of top end flaps that can include a first top end flap 168 having a base portion 169 foldably connected to the central portion 123 of the side panel 122 at a lateral fold line 171 and a distal portion 173 foldably connected to the base portion 169 at a lateral fold line 175. As shown, the distal portion 173 can have an at least partially arcuate configuration, with end portions thereof curving away from the remainder of the blank 103. As described herein, the base portion 169 and the distal portion 173 can be considered respective foldably connected portions of a single end flap 168, but in other embodiment, the base portion 169 and distal portions 173 could be configured as separate end flaps.

[0024] Similarly, a first top end flap 176 has a base portion 177 foldably connected to the central portion 127 of the side panel 126 at a lateral fold line 179 and a distal portion 181 foldably connected to the base portion 177 at a lateral fold line 183. As shown, the distal portion 181 can have an at least partially arcuate configuration, with end portions thereof curving away from the remainder of the blank 103. As described herein, the base portion band the distal portion 181 can be considered respective foldably connected portions of a single end flap 176, but in other embodiment, the base portion 177 and distal portions 181 could be configured as separate end flaps.

[0025] It will be understood that the top end flaps 168, 176 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, the top end flaps 168, 176 could be a single portion or be alternatively, shaped, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0026] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the top end flaps can include a top end flap 185 foldably connected to the side panel 131 at a longitudinal fold line 187 and a top end flap 189 foldably connected to the side panel 135 at a longitudinal fold line 191. A top end flap 193 can be foldably connected to the first distal portion 139 of the side panel 122 at an oblique fold line 195, a top end flap 197 can be foldably connected to the second distal portion 143 of the side panel 122 at an oblique fold line 199. Similarly, a top end flap 201 can be foldably connected to the first distal portion 145 of the side panel 126 at an oblique fold line 203, and a top end flap 205 can be foldably connected to the second distal portion 149 of the side panel 126 at an oblique fold line 207.

[0027] The blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can further include a plurality of reinforcement features that can include a plurality of reinforcement end flaps foldably connected to a respective end flap of the plurality of end flaps. In the illustrated embodiment, a reinforcement end flap 209 can be foldably connected to the side end flap 153 at an oblique fold line 211, a reinforcement end flap 213 can be foldably connected to the side end flap 157 at an oblique fold line 215, a reinforcement end flap 217 can be foldably connected to the side end flap 161 at an oblique fold line 219, and a reinforcement end flap 221 can be foldably connected to the side end flap 165 at an oblique fold line 223.

[0028] The blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can further include a plurality of denesting features that can include a plurality of denesting tabs foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, a denesting tab 225 can be foldably connected to the first distal portion 139 of the side panel 122 at an oblique fold line 227, and a denesting tab 229 can be foldably connected to the second distal portion 143 of the side panel 122 at an oblique fold line 231. Similarly, a denesting tab 233 can be foldably connected to the first distal portion 145 of the side panel 126 at an oblique fold line 235, and a denesting tab 237 can be foldably connected to the second distal portion 149 of the side panel 126 at an oblique fold line 239. The denesting tabs 225, 229, 233, 237 can be at least partially separable from the bottom panel 121 and the central portions 123, 127 of the side panels 122, 126 at a respective cut that can include one or more of straight, angled, and curved segments. The denesting tabs 225, 229, 233, 237 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0029] The blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can further include product visibility features, for example, for allowing line of sight access to one or more food products in an interior of the tray 105 formed from the blank 103, to provide ventilation to or from such food products, to permit the egress of accumulated moisture, etc., or for any other purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the product visibility features can include a plurality of openings 241 at least partially formed in each of the side panels 122, 126, 131, 135. It will be understood that the openings 241 can be provided in different numbers, locations, and / or arrangements without departing from the disclosure.

[0030] Turning to FIGS. 2-7, formation of a tray 105 from the blank 103 will be described and illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, though it will be understood that the tray 105 could be formed through a different sequence to arrive at a similar construction without departing from the disclosure.

[0031] The blank 103 can be inverted, e.g., such that the exterior surface 101 thereof is positioned on a supporting surface and such that an interior surface thereof is positioned facing upwardly. The side panels 122, 126 can be at least partially folded at the respective fold lines 125, 129 into a generally upright arrangement relative to the bottom panel 121, and the side panels 131, 135 can be at least partially folded at the respective fold lines 133, 137 into a generally upright arrangement relative to the bottom panel 121. In some embodiments, the panels 122, 126, 131, 135 can be obliquely disposed relative to the bottom panel 121 such that the tray 105 has a generally tapering configuration.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first distal portion 139 of the side panel 122 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 141 and the side end flap 153 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 155 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 131. Similarly, the second distal portion 143 of the side panel 122 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 144 and the side end flap 157 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 159 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 135. In the illustrated embodiment, the first distal portion 139 and the second distal portion 143 are positioned obliquely relative to the central portion 123 of the side panel 122.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the first distal portion 145 of the side panel 126 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 147 and the side end flap 161 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 163 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 131. As also shown, the second distal portion 149 of the side panel 126 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 151 and the side end flap 165 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 167 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 135. In the illustrated embodiment, the first distal portion 145 and the second distal portion 149 are positioned obliquely relative to the central portion 127 of the side panel 126.

[0034] In such an arrangement, the distal portion 139 of the side panel 122 can be positioned to extend between the central portion 123 of the side panel 122 and the side panels 131, the distal portion 143 of the side panel 122 can be positioned to extend between the central portion 123 of the side panel 122 and the side panel 135, the distal portion 145 of the side panel 126 can be positioned to extend between the central portion 127 of the side panel 126 and the side panel 131, and the distal portion 149 of the side panel 126 can be positioned to extend between the central portion 127 of the side panel 126 and the side panel 135 so as to form corner panels of the tray 105, with the tray 105 having a generally bowl shaped configuration with eight side panels. In one embodiment, the side panels 131, 135 are obliquely disposed relative to the central portions 123, 127 of respective side panels 122, 126. It will be understood that the tray 105 can be provided in a different bowl-shaped arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

[0035] With continued reference to FIGS. 2-7, the top end flap 168 can be folded at least partially downwardly at the fold line 171, the top end flap 176 can be folded at least partially downwardly at the fold line 179, the top end flap 185 can be folded at least partially downwardly at the fold line 187, the top end flap 189 can be folded at least partially downwardly at the fold line 191, the top end flap 193 can be folded at least partially downwardly at the fold line 195, the top end flap 197 can be folded at least partially downwardly at the fold line 199, the top end flap 201 can be folded at least partially downwardly at the fold line 203, and the top end flap 205 can be folded at least partially downwardly at the fold line 207.

[0036] In such an arrangement, the top end flap 185 can be positioned at least partially overlapping respective portions of the top end flaps 193, 201 and the top end flap 189 can be positioned at least partially overlapping respective portions of the top end flaps 197, 205. In some embodiments, the distal portion 173 of the top end flap 168 can be positioned at least partially overlapping respective portions of the top end flaps 193, 197, and the distal portion 177 of the top end flap 176 can be positioned at least partially overlapping respective portions of the top end flaps 201, 205.

[0037] In one embodiment, the distal portion 173 of the top end flap 168 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 175 into at least partial overlapping face-to-face contact with the base portion 169 of the top end flap 168, and, optionally, respective portions of the top end flaps 193, 197. Similarly, the distal portion 181 of the top end flap 176 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 183 into at least partial overlapping face-to-face contact with the base portion 177 of the top end flap 176 and, optionally, respective portions of the top end flaps 201, 205.

[0038] The top end flaps 168, 176, 185, 189, 193, 197, 201, 205 can be positioned in a generally spaced and planar arrangement with the bottom panel 121 and arranged extending outwardly, e.g., away from a respective panel to which the respective top end flap is foldably connected, so as to form a rim or flange 109 of the tray 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 109 extends outwardly from the interior 107 of the tray 105 and extends outwardly from the interior 107 of the tray 105 and around a perimeter of the tray 105. In some embodiments, the distal portions 173, 181 of the top end flaps 168, 176 can be considered a portion of the flange 109.

[0039] The downward folding of the top end flaps 185, 189, as described herein, can cause the top end flap 185 to contact the respective reinforcement end flaps 209, 217 that are positioned in general registration therewith to cause the reinforcement end flaps 209, 217 to fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines 211, 219 that are generally aligned with the fold line 187.

[0040] Similarly, the movement of the top end flap 189 can cause the respective reinforcement end flaps 213, 221 positioned in general registration therewith to fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines 215, 223 that are generally aligned with the fold line 191.

[0041] The reinforcement end flaps 209, 217 can thus be positioned underlapping the top end flap 185 and the reinforcement end flaps 213, 221 can be positioned overlapping the top end flap 189 in a supporting arrangement that at least partially maintains the outwardly-extending arrangement of the flange 109, e.g., so as to resist deformation such as tilting, curling, bunching, etc. due to incidental use or movement, stacking, the application of one or more sealing films thereto, etc.

[0042] The arrangement of the distal portion 173 of the top end flap 168 at least partially overlapping the base portion 169 of the top end flap 168, and, optionally, respective portions of the top end flaps 193, 197 and the arrangement of the distal portion 181 of the top end flap 176 at least partially overlapping the base portion 177 of the top end flap 176, and, optionally, respective portions of the top end flaps 201, 205, can similarly at least partially reinforce and maintain the arrangement of the flange 109. In this regard, one or both of the distal portions 173, 177 of the top end flaps 168, 176 can be reinforcement features of the blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the various portions of the flange 109 can have a two-ply configuration to enhance rigidity and reinforcement of the flange to resist deformation of the flange.

[0043] As described herein, one or more sealing films or liners can be applied at least partially overlapping the flange 109 to at least partially cover the interior 107 of the tray 105, for example, to maintain a condition of one or more food products therein, to avoid the ingress of debris or pests, etc. The application of such film may exert a compressive force across one or more portions of the flange, which can be resisted by the reinforcement features of the tray 105.

[0044] The aforementioned arrangement of the tray 105 can be at least partially maintained with one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue G (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, glue G can be applied to exterior surfaces of the blank 103 along the exterior surface 101 thereof along the top end flaps 168, 176, 185, 189, and along interior surfaces thereof (e.g., planarly opposite the exterior surface 101) along respective portions of the side end flaps 153, 157, 161, 165 to facilitate formation and maintenance of the tray 105. It will be understood that a different pattern of adhesive could be provided without departing from the disclosure.

[0045] As also shown, the denesting tabs 225, 229, 233, 237 can be at least partially separated from the respective panels 121, 122, 126, 131, 135 at the respective cuts and positioned generally freely extending into the interior 107 of the tray 105 upon the formation thereof. The denesting tabs 225, 229, 233, 237 can be movable relative to the respective distal portions 139, 143, 145, 149 of the side panels 122, 126 at the respective fold lines 227, 231, 235, 237 so as to be exposed and present engagement surfaces, for example, such that when another tray (e.g., another tray 105 or a differently-configured tray) is at least partially received in the interior 107 of the tray 105, the denesting tabs 225, 229, 233, 237 can be positioned for contacting such received tray to provide adequate spacing therebetween to minimize, inhibit, and / or prevent the trays from becoming stuck together, for example, due to low or negligible tight tolerances in the sizes there therebetween that can result in an at least partial interference fit between the trays.

[0046] Furthermore, the denesting tabs 225, 229, 233, 237 are generally free to slidably engage the bottom panel 121, for example, to provide a flexibly arrangeable plurality of tabs that can dampen impact forces associated with loading and / or movement of food products in the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0047] The blank 103 and the tray(s) 105 formed therefrom described herein provide a robust configuration of a tray with a flange having reinforcement features through one or more of reinforcing tabs and overlapping arrangements of top end flaps. Denesting tabs further provide for convenient nesting and separation of multiple stacked trays 105, for example, for shipping, storage, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, the octagonal configuration of the bottom panel 121 and side panels 122, 126, 131, 135, extending upwardly therefrom can form a generally bowl-shaped configuration that may streamline one or more of manufacturing operations, food product loading operations, and / or food service operations. Such a bowl-shaped arrangement of the tray 105 can be accomplished on associated forming equipment that may, for example, be configured for a differently-arranged tray. For example, adhesive G can be provided on the side end flaps 152, 157, 161, 165, which may correspond to adhesive placement locations, for example, for generally rectangular or generally circular shaped trays so as to minimize the need for changeover parts or reconfiguration of associated forming equipment.

[0049] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0051] As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0052] In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a 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 cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

[0053] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carrier embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.

[0054] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept 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 disclosure.

[0055] Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as "bottom or "top" and the like can be used to describe an element and / or feature's relationship to another element(s) and / or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and / or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as a "bottom" surface can then be oriented "above" other elements or features. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0056] Terms “and,”“or,” and “an / or,” as used herein, may include a variety of meanings that also is expected to depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular or may be used to describe some combination of features, structures, or characteristics. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example and claimed subject matter is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the term “at least one of” if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, can be interpreted to mean any combination of A, B, and / or C, such as A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, AA, AAB, ABC, AABBCCC, etc.

[0057] Reference throughout this specification to “one example,”“an example,”“certain examples,” or “exemplary implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the feature and / or example may be included in at least one feature and / or example of claimed subject matter. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one example,”“an example,”“in certain examples,”“in certain implementations,” or other like phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same feature, example, and / or limitation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples and / or features.

[0058] In the preceding detailed description, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods and apparatuses that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may also include all aspects falling within the scope of appended claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A tray for holding at least one food product, the tray comprising:a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel,a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising a plurality of top end flaps foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels,a flange extending outwardly from the interior of the tray, the flange comprising the plurality of top end flaps, anddenesting features comprising a plurality of denesting tabs foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, the denesting tabs extending into the interior of the tray from a respective side panel.

2. The tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises a plurality of side end flaps foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels and a plurality of reinforcement end flaps foldably connected to a respective side end flap of the plurality of end flaps, the tray having reinforcement features comprising at least one reinforcement end flap positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with at least one top end flap forming the flange.

3. The tray of claim 2, wherein at least one side panel of the plurality of side panels has a central portion foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a first distal portion and a second distal portion each foldably connected to the central portion at opposite sides of the central portion.

4. The tray of claim 3, wherein the plurality of denesting tabs comprises a first denesting tab foldably connected to the first distal portion and a second denesting tab foldably connected to the second distal portion.

5. The tray of claim 3, wherein the plurality of side end flaps comprises a first side end flap foldably connected to the first distal portion and a second side end flap foldably connected to the second distal portion.

6. The tray of claim 5, wherein the plurality of reinforcement end flaps comprises a first reinforcement end flap foldably connected to the first side end flap and second reinforcement end flap foldably connected to the second side end flap.

7. The tray of claim 4, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the at least one side panel further comprises a second side panel having a central portion foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a first distal portion and a second distal portion each foldably connected to the central portion at opposite sides of the central portion of the second side panel.

8. The tray of claim 7, wherein the plurality of denesting tabs comprises a third denesting tab foldably connected to the first distal portion of the second side panel and a fourth denesting tab foldably connected to the second distal portion of the second side panel.

9. The tray of claim 8, wherein the first and second distal portions of each of the first side panel and the second side panel are positioned obliquely relative to a respective central portion of the first side panel and the second side panel.

10. The tray of claim 9, wherein the plurality of side panels comprises a third side panel and a fourth side panel, the third side panel and the fourth side panel being orthogonal to the central portion of the first side panel and the central portion of the second side panel.

11. The tray of claim 10, wherein the first side end flap overlaps the third side panel and the second side end flap overlaps the fourth side panel.

12. The tray of claim 3, wherein the top end flaps are positioned substantially perpendicular to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels and cooperate to form the flange extending around a perimeter of the tray.

13. The tray of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of top end flaps comprises a base portion foldably connected to the at least one side panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the distal portion, the distal portion having an arcuate configuration.

14. The tray of claim 13, wherein the at least one of the plurality of top end flaps is a first top end flap foldably connected to the central portion of the at least one side panel, the plurality of top end flaps comprises a second top end flap foldably connected to the first distal portion of the at least one side panel and a third top end flap foldably connected to the second distal portion of the at least one side panel.

15. The tray of claim 14, wherein the first top end flap at least partially overlaps the second top end flap and the third top end flap to at least partially form the flange.

16. A blank for forming a tray for holding at least one food product, the blank comprising:a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of the tray formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel,a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising a plurality of top end flaps foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels,the plurality of top end flaps are for forming a flange extending outwardly from the interior of the tray formed from the blank, anddenesting features comprising a plurality of denesting tabs foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, the denesting tabs for extending into the interior of the tray from a respective side panel in the tray formed from the blank.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises a plurality of side end flaps foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels and a plurality of reinforcement end flaps foldably connected to a respective side end flap of the plurality of end flaps, the tray having reinforcement features comprising at least one reinforcement end flap for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with at least one top end flap forming the flange in the tray formed from the blank.

18. The blank of claim 17, wherein at least one side panel of the plurality of side panels has a central portion foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a first distal portion and a second distal portion each foldably connected to the central portion at opposite sides of the central portion.

19. The blank of claim 18, wherein the plurality of denesting tabs comprises a first denesting tab foldably connected to the first distal portion and a second denesting tab foldably connected to the second distal portion.

20. The blank of claim 18, wherein the plurality of side end flaps comprises a first side end flap foldably connected to the first distal portion and a second side end flap foldably connected to the second distal portion.

21. The blank of claim 19, wherein the plurality of reinforcement end flaps comprises a first reinforcement end flap foldably connected to the first side end flap and second reinforcement end flap foldably connected to the second side end flap.

22. The blank of claim 19, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the at least one side panel further comprises a second side panel having a central portion foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a first distal portion and a second distal portion each foldably connected to the central portion at opposite sides of the central portion of the second side panel.

23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the plurality of denesting tabs comprises a third denesting tab foldably connected to the first distal portion of the second side panel and a fourth denesting tab foldably connected to the second distal portion of the second side panel.

24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the first and second distal portions of each of the first side panel and the second side panel are for being positioned obliquely relative to a respective central portion of the first side panel and the second side panel in the tray formed from the blank.

25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the plurality of side panels comprises a third side panel and a fourth side panel, the third side panel and the fourth side panel for being orthogonal to the central portion of the first side panel and the central portion of the second side panel in the tray formed from the blank,the first side end flap is for overlapping the third side panel and the second side end flap is for overlapping the fourth side panel in the tray formed from the blank.

26. The blank of claim 18, wherein the top end flaps are for being positioned substantially perpendicular to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels for forming the flange extending around a perimeter of the tray formed from the blank.

27. The blank of claim 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of top end flaps comprises a base portion foldably connected to the at least one side panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the distal portion, the distal portion having an arcuate configuration.

28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the at least one of the plurality of top end flaps is a first top end flap foldably connected to the central portion of the at least one side panel, the plurality of top end flaps comprises a second top end flap foldably connected to the first distal portion of the at least one side panel and a third top end flap foldably connected to the second distal portion of the at least one side panel,the first top end flap is for at least partially overlapping the second top end flap and the third top end flap to at least partially form the flange in the tray formed from the blank.

29. A method of forming a tray for holding at least one food product, the method comprising:obtaining a blank for forming a tray for holding at least one food product, the blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising a plurality of top end flaps foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels, and the blank comprising denesting features comprising a plurality of denesting tabs foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels;folding the plurality of panels at least partially around the interior of the tray;folding the plurality of top end flaps to form a flange extending outwardly from the interior of the tray; andpositioning the denesting tabs extending into the interior of the tray from a respective side panel.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises a plurality of side end flaps foldably connected to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels and a plurality of reinforcement end flaps foldably connected to a respective side end flap of the plurality of end flaps, the tray having reinforcement features comprising at least one reinforcement end flap, the method comprising positioning the at least one reinforcement end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact with at least one top end flap forming the flange.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein at least one side panel of the plurality of side panels has a central portion foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a first distal portion and a second distal portion each foldably connected to the central portion at opposite sides of the central portion.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the plurality of denesting tabs comprises a first denesting tab foldably connected to the first distal portion and a second denesting tab foldably connected to the second distal portion.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the plurality of side end flaps comprises a first side end flap foldably connected to the first distal portion and a second side end flap foldably connected to the second distal portion.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of reinforcement end flaps comprises a first reinforcement end flap foldably connected to the first side end flap and second reinforcement end flap foldably connected to the second side end flap.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the at least one side panel further comprises a second side panel having a central portion foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a first distal portion and a second distal portion each foldably connected to the central portion at opposite sides of the central portion of the second side panel.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the plurality of denesting tabs comprises a third denesting tab foldably connected to the first distal portion of the second side panel and a fourth denesting tab foldably connected to the second distal portion of the second side panel.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the folding the plurality of panels comprises positioning the first and second distal portions of each of the first side panel and the second side panel obliquely relative to a respective central portion of the first side panel and the second side panel.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the plurality of side panels comprises a third side panel and a fourth side panel, the folding the plurality of panes comprises positioning the third side panel and the fourth side panel orthogonal to the central portion of the first side panel and the central portion of the second side panel.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein folding the plurality of panels comprises positioning the first side end flap to overlap the third side panel and positioning the second side end flap to overlap the fourth side panel.

40. The method of claim 31, wherein the folding the plurality of top end flaps comprises positioning the top end flaps substantially perpendicular to a respective side panel of the plurality of side panels to form the flange extending around a perimeter of the tray.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein at least one of the plurality of top end flaps comprises a base portion foldably connected to the at least one side panel and a distal portion foldably connected to the distal portion, the distal portion having an arcuate configuration.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the at least one of the plurality of top end flaps is a first top end flap foldably connected to the central portion of the at least one side panel, the plurality of top end flaps comprises a second top end flap foldably connected to the first distal portion of the at least one side panel and a third top end flap foldably connected to the second distal portion of the at least one side panel, the folding the plurality of top end flaps comprises positioning the first top end flap to at least partially overlap the second top end flap and the third top end flap to at least partially form the flange.

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