Tray with denesting features

Abstract

A tray for holding one or more products, the tray comprising a plurality of panels at least partially extending around an interior of the tray. The plurality of panels may comprise a bottom panel, at least one side panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel, and at least one end panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel. An end flap may be foldably connected to the at least one end panel. The end flap may comprise a lower portion protruding below the bottom panel and forming a denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray from a lower nested tray.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257TRAY WITH DENESTING FEATURESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 742,110 filed on January 6, 2025.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 742,110, filed on January 6, 2025 is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally 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 denesting features for at least maintaining a desired amount of separation among a plurality of nested trays.BACKGROUND

[0004] Conventional packaging trays may be designed to nest together for efficient storage and shipping. However, when trays nest too tightly, they can become difficult to separate, leading to inefficient separation and / or damage. New trays need features to control the nesting depth, which can result in reduced handling time and protection from damage.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a tray for holding one or more food products, the tray comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one end panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel, and at least one side panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel. The tray further comprises a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising at least one endAtorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 flap foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the at least one end flap comprising a lower portion protruding below the bottom panel and forming a denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray with a lower nested tray.

[0006] In some embodiments, the end flap may be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one side panel. The end flap may include an interior surface positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with an exterior surface of the at least one side panel. The plurality of panels may further comprise a first side panel and a second side panel, with the second side panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel. The plurality of panels may further comprise a first end panel and a second end panel, with the second end panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel. The tray may further comprise a second end flap foldably connected to the first end panel, the second end flap comprising a second lower portion protruding below the bottom panel and forming a denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray with a lower nested tray, and the second end flap may be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second side panel. The lower portion of the end flap may include a free edge comprising a pair of oblique segments forming an angled leg.

[0007] 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 comprises 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, at least one end panel for extending upwardly from the bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank, and at least one side panel for extending upwardly from the bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank. The blank further comprises a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising at least one end flap foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the at least one end flap comprising a lower portion for protruding below the bottom panel and forming a denesting lug when the tray is formed from the blank for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray formed from the blank with a lower nested tray.

[0008] In some embodiments, the end flap may be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one side panel when the tray is formed from the blank. An interior surface of the end flap may be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with an exterior surface of the atAtorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 least one side panel. The plurality of panels may further comprise a second side panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel. The plurality of panels may further comprise a second end panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel. The blank may further comprise a second end flap foldably connected to the first end panel, the second end flap comprising a second lower portion for protruding below the bottom panel and forming a denesting lug when the tray is formed from the blank. The second end flap may be positioned in at least partied face-to-face contact with the second side panel. The lower portion of the end flap may include a free edge comprising a pair of oblique segments forming an angled leg.

[0009] The blank may comprise a cut line positioned between the end flap and the at least one side panel, the cut line defining a separation between the end flap and the at least one side panel when the tray is erected from the blank. Alternatively, the blank may comprise a cutout positioned between the end flap and the at least one side panel, the cutout providing clearance between the end flap and the at least one side panel when the tray is erected from the blank.

[0010] According to a further aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a tray for holding one or more food products, the method comprises obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one end panel, and at least one side panel, the blank further comprises a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising at least one end flap foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the at least one end flap comprising a lower portion. The method further comprises positioning the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray such that the at least one end panel extends upwardly from the bottom panel and such that the at least one side panel extends upwardly from the bottom panel, the method further comprising positioning the at least one end flap such that the lower portion of the at least one end flap protrudes below the bottom panel and forms a denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray with a lower nested tray.

[0011] Methods may comprise positioning the end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one side panel, wherein positioning the end flap may comprise positioning an interior surface of the end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact with an exterior surface of the at least one side panel. The methods may comprise positioning a second side panel to extend upwardlyAttorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 from the bottom panel and positioning a second end panel to extend upwardly from the bottom panel. The methods may further comprise positioning a second end flap such that a second lower portion protrudes below the bottom panel and forms a denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray from a lower nested tray, and positioning the second end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second side panel. The methods may comprise positioning a pair of oblique segments of a free edge of the lower portion to form an angled leg.

[0012] 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. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] 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.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a tray according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of a tray formed from the blank of Fig. 1 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the tray of Fig. 2 with the denesting lugs extending downwardly from the bottom panel.

[0017] Figs. 4 is a top perspective view of a nested stack of trays as shown in Fig. 2.

[0018] Fig. 5 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a tray according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.Atorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

[0021] Techniques disclosed herein may relate generally to trays with denesting features. More specifically, techniques disclosed herein may relate to trays with end flaps having lower portions that protrude below a bottom panel and form denesting lugs for maintaining at least partial separation between nested trays, thereby facilitating easy separation. Various embodiments may be described herein, including blanks for forming trays, trays formed from such blanks, methods of forming trays with denesting features, and arrangements of nested trays with maintained spacing between the trays.

[0022] In order to better appreciate the features and aspects of the present disclosure, further context for the disclosure may be provided in the following section by discussing one particular implementation of a tray with denesting features according to embodiments of the disclosure. These embodiments may be for explanatory purposes only and other embodiments may be employed in other applications. For example, embodiments of the disclosure may be used with any suitable tray or container that holds food products, retail items, or other goods. In some instances, embodiments of the disclosure may be particularly well suited for use in automated dispensing systems where trays need to be easily separated from a stack. The addition of denesting lugs protruding below the bottom panel maintain spacing between the nested trays and prevent vacuum forces or excessive friction that may hinder separation.

[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 for at least partially forming a tray 105 (Fig. 2) or other container according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in Fig.1 the blank 103 can have a lateral axis LI, a longitudinal axis L2, and a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior 107 (see Fig. 2) of the tray 105.Attorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of panels can include a central panel or bottom panel 121, a side panel 123 (broadly, “first side panel”) foldably connected to the bottom panel The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the 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 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.at a longitudinal fold line 125, a side panel 127 (broadly, “first side panel”) foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 129, an end panel 131 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a lateral fold line 133, and an end panel 135 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a lateral fold line 137.

[0025] A plurality of end flaps 139, 149, 159, 169 can also be foldably connected to a 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 an end panel 131, 135 of the plurality of panels.

[0026] As shown, the plurality of end flaps 139, 149, 159, 169 can include an end flap 139 foldably connected to the end panel 131 at an oblique fold line 141 and at least partially separably connected to the side panel 123 at a cut 143. The cut 143, as shown, can include a first oblique segment 145 generally extending from the fold lines 125, 133, 141 to a second oblique segment 147. The segment 147 may generally extend at a shallower angle relative to the lateral axis LI than the segment 145.

[0027] The plurality of end flaps 139, 149, 159, 169 can further include an end flap 149 foldably connected to the end panel 131 at an oblique fold line 151 and at least partially separably connected to the side panel 127 at a cut 153. The cut 153, as shown, can include a first oblique segment 155Atorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 generally extending from the fold lines 129, 133, 151 to a second oblique segment 157. The segment 157 may extend at a shallower angle relative to the lateral axis LI than the segment 155.

[0028] An end flap 159 can be foldably connected to the end panel 135 at an oblique fold line 161 and at least partially separably connected to the side panel 123 at a cut 163. The cut 163, as shown, can include a first oblique segment 165 generally extending from the fold lines 125, 137, 161 to a second oblique segment 167. The segment 165 can extend at a steeper angle relative to the lateral axis LI than the segment 167.

[0029] Similarly, an end flap 169 can be foldably connected to the end panel 135 at an oblique fold line 171 and at least partially separably connected to the side panel 127 at a cut 173. The cut 173, as shown, can include a first oblique segment 175 generally extending from the fold lines 129, 137, 171 to a second oblique segment 177. The segment 175 may extend at a steeper angle relative to the lateral axis LI than the segment 177.

[0030] As described further herein, respective lower portions 182, 184, 186, 188 of each of the plurality of end flaps 139, 149, 159, 169 can form respective denesting features of the blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom. The denesting features can have any suitable size and / or shape. In some embodiments the denesting features can include portions of the end flap 139 positioned a distance of 0 inches < DI < 0.6 inches from the fold line 133 along the longitudinal axis L2, portions of the end flap 149 positioned a distance of 0 inches < D2 < 0.6 inches from the fold line 133 along the longitudinal axis L2, portions of the end flap 159 positioned a distance of 0 inches < D3 < 0.6 inches from the fold line 137 along the longitudinal axis L2, and portions of the end flap 169 positioned a distance of 0 inches < D4 < 0.6 inches from the fold line 137 along the longitudinal axis L2. It will be understood that a different arrangement of one or more of the end flaps 139, 149, 159, 169 could be provided without departing from the disclosure.

[0031] Turning to Figs. 2-3, formation of a tray 105 from the blank 103 (see Fig. 1) will be described and illustrated according to the first 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.Attorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257

[0032] The blank 103 (see Fig. 1) 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 123, 127 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 end 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.

[0033] In such an arrangement, the end flap 139 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 141 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 123, the end flap 149 can be foldably connected at the fold line 151 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 127, the end flap 159 can be at least partially folded at the fold line 161 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 123, and the end flap 169 can be folded at the fold line 171 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 127. Such construction of the tray 105 can be at least partially maintained with the application of one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue.

[0034] In such an arrangement, the panels 121, 123, 127, 131, 135 ofthetray 105 can be positioned extending at least partially around the interior 107 thereof, with lower portions 182, 184, 186, 188 of the respective end flaps 139, 149, 159, 169 protruding below the bottom panel 121 and respective fold lines 125, 129, 133, 137 so as to at least partially define respective denesting lugs 179, 181, 183, 185.

[0035] Each denesting lug 179, 181, 183, 185, as shown, can have a free edge at least partially defined by the respective cut 143, 153, 173, 163 so as to have a respective pair of oblique segments that can at least partially have the form of a respective angled leg. As described above, the respective denesting lugs 179, 181, 183 185 can have lengths along the longitudinal axis L2, e.g., so as to protrude between the bottom panel 121 and fold lines 125, 129, 133, 137 a distance up to and including DI, D2, D3, D4, respectively.

[0036] Advantageously, the positioning of the end flaps 139, 149, 159, 169 on an exterior portion for the tray 105, e.g., so as to be positioned overlapping the exterior surfaces of the respective side panels 123, 127, can position the denesting lugs 179, 181, 183, 185 protruding outwardly andAtorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 downwardly from the remainder of the tray 105 for facilitating engagement with a lower nested tray 105, as described further below.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4, the tray 105b (broadly, “lower nested container” or “first upper nested container” or “second upper nested container”) can be arranged with other trays 105a, 105c (broadly, “lower nested container” or “first upper nested container” or “second upper nested container”) or another similar container in a nested arrangement or stack 187, wherein the panels 121, 123, 127, 131, 135 of each tray 105a, 105b, 105c is positioned at least partially in the interior 107 of a lower, nested tray 105b, 105c.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the denesting lugs 179, 181, 183, 185 can extend downwardly from the bottom panel 121 of each tray 105a, 105b, 105c in the stack 187. Accordingly, when the denesting lugs 179, 181, 183, 185 of an upper tray (e.g., 105a) are positioned adjacent the interior surfaces of the respective panels 121, 123, 127, 131, 135 ofalower nested tray (e.g., 105b), the denesting lugs 179, 181, 183, 185 can at least partially support the upper tray 105a relative to the lower tray 105b so as to minimize, inhibit, and / or prevent the further movement of the upper tray 105a into the interior 107 of the lower tray 105b, e.g., beyond a preselected degree.

[0039] In some embodiments, the degree of separation between a tray 105a and a nested lower tray 105b afforded by the downward positioning and engagement of the denesting lugs 179, 181, 183, 185 of an upper tray 105a with the interior surfaces of a lower tray 105b can provide spacing therebetween so as to minimize nesting between an upper tray 105a with a lower tray 105b. For example, in some embodiments, such spacing can avoid frictional contact between the panels 121, 123. 127. 131. 135 of an upper tray 105a and respective panels 121, 123, 137, 131, 135 ofalower tray 105b and / or vacuum forces incidental to close nested proximity of the panels 121, 123, 127, 131. 135 of an upper tray 105a and respective panels 121, 123, 137, 131, 135 of a lower tray 105b. In some embodiments, such spacing can facilitate the receipt of a separating mechanism during machine processes, e.g., a screw-type separator, a lug-type separator, etc.

[0040] It will be understood that one or more features of the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can have a different configuration and / or arrangement without departing from theAtorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 disclosure. For example, with additional reference to Fig. 5, a blank 203 for forming a tray according to a second embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0041] The blank 203 can have a configuration generally similar to that described above with respect to the blank 103, e.g., so as to have the lateral axis LI, longitudinal axis L2, panels 121, 123, 127, 131, 135, end flaps 139, 149, 159, 169 and associated features.

[0042] However, the respective lower portions and denesting lugs 179, 181, 183, 185 of the end flaps 139, 149, 159, 169 can be at least partially defined by respective cutouts 289, 291, 293, 295 between the respective end flap 139, 149, 159, 169 and the respective side panel 123, 127. In some embodiments, the respective cutouts 289, 291, 293, 295 can form a portion of the respective cut 143, 153, 163, 173.

[0043] In some embodiments, portions of the denesting lugs 179, 181, 183, 185 in the blank 203 and tray formed therefrom can include portions of the end flap 139 positioned a distance of 0 inches < D5 < 0.4 inches from the fold line 133 along the longitudinal axis L2, portions of the end flap 149 positioned a distance of 0 inches < D6 < 0.4 inches from the fold line 133 along the longitudinal axis L2, portions of the end flap 159 positioned a distance of 0 inches < D7 < 0.4 inches from the fold line 137 along the longitudinal axis L2, and portions of the end flap 169 positioned a distance of 0 inches < D8 < 0.4 inches from the fold line 137 along the longitudinal axis L2. It will be understood that a different arrangement of one or more of the end flaps 139, 149, 159, 169 could be provided without departing from the disclosure.

[0044] A tray can thus be formed from the blank 203 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the formation of the tray 105 from the blank 103, with similar advantages and functionality. For example, trays formed from the blanks 203 can be provided in a stack, with vertically adjacent trays spaced apart a suitable distance by the denesting lugs 179, 181, 183, 185 so as to facilitate ease of separation as described above.

[0045] 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.Attorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257

[0046] 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.

[0047] A tear line as disclosed herein 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 tom 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.

[0048] In accordance with the example 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,Attorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the 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.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A tray for holding one or more products, the tray comprising:a plurality of panels at least partially extending around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one side panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel, and at least one end panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel; andan end flap foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the end flap comprising a lower portion protruding below the bottom panel and forming a denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray from a lower nested tray.

2. The tray of claim 1, wherein the end flap is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one side panel.

3. The tray of claim 2, wherein an interior surface of the end flap is in at least partial face-to-face contact with an exterior surface of the at least one side panel.

4. The tray of claim 2, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a second side panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel.

5. The tray of claim 4, wherein the at least one end panel is a first end panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a second end panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel.

6. The tray of claim 5, wherein the end flap is a first end flap, the lower portion is a first lower portion, the tray further comprising a second end flap foldably connected to the first end panel, the second end flap comprising a second lower portion protruding below the bottom panel and forming a denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray from a lower nested tray, and wherein the second end flap is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second side panel.

7. The tray of claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the end flap includes a free edge comprising a pair of oblique segments that form an angled leg.Atorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT92578. A blank for forming a tray for holding one or more products, the blank comprising:a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one end panel arranged to extend upwardly from the bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank, and at least one side panel arranged to extend upwardly from the bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank; andan end flap foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the end flap comprising a lower portion arranged to protrude below the bottom panel and form a denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray with a lower nested tray when the tray is formed from the blank.

9. The blank of claim 8, wherein the end flap is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one side panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

10. The blank of claim 9, wherein an interior surface of the end flap is in at least partial face-to-face contact with an exterior surface of the at least one side panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

11. The blank of claim 9, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a second side panel arranged to extend upwardly from the bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

12. The blank of claim 11 , wherein the at least one end panel is a first end panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a second end panel arranged to extend upwardly from the bottom panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

13. The blank of claim 12, wherein the end flap is a first end flap, the lower portion is a first lower portion, the blank further comprising a second end flap foldably connected to the first end panel, the second end flap comprising a second lower portion arranged to protrude below theAttorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 bottom panel and to form a second denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray from the lower nested tray when the tray is formed from the blank, and wherein the second end flap is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second side panel when the tray is formed from the blank.

14. The blank of claim 8, wherein the lower portion of the end flap includes a free edge comprising a pair of oblique segments that form an angled leg when the tray is formed from the blank.

15. The blank of claim 8, wherein the blank comprises a cut line between the end flap and the at least one side panel.

16. The blank of claim 8, further comprising a cutout positioned between the end flap and the at least one side panel.

17. A method of forming a tray for holding one or more products, the method comprising:obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one end panel, and at least one side panel, the blank further comprising an end flap foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the end flap comprising a lower portion;positioning the plurality of panels such that the at least one end panel extends upwardly from the bottom panel and such that the at least one side panel extends upwardly from the bottom panel; andpositioning the end flap such that the lower portion of the end flap protrudes below the bottom panel and forms a denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray with a lower nested tray.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning the end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one side panel.Atorney Docket No. 23202.1232WO2Client Docket No. GPT9257 19. The method of claim 18, wherein positioning the end flap comprises positioning an interior surface of the end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact with an exterior surface of the at least one side panel.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a second side panel, and wherein positioning the plurality of panels comprises positioning the second side panel to extend upwardly from the bottom panel.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one end panel is a first end panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a second end panel, and wherein positioning the plurality of panels comprises positioning the second end panel to extend upwardly from the bottom panel.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the end flap is a first end flap, the lower portion is a first lower portion, the blank further comprising a second end flap foldably connected to the first end panel, the second end flap comprising a second lower portion, the method further comprising positioning the second end flap such that the second lower portion protrudes below the bottom panel and forms a second denesting lug for maintaining at least partial separation of the tray from the lower nested tray, and positioning the second end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second side panel.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein the lower portion of the end flap includes a free edge comprising a pair of oblique segments, and wherein positioning the end flap comprises positioning the pair of oblique segments to form an angled leg.

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