CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19(e) of United States provisional patent application no. 61/906.558 which was filed on November 20, 2013. The entirety of the aforementioned application is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of containers. More particularly, it relates to multi-compartment containers with detachable compartments.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Containers (or food trays) of many types, sizes and forms are known in the art for receiving food to be temporarily stored therein. In many cases, these containers are multi-compartment containers where the multiple compartments allow the division of an assortment of food items or of several portions of a single variety of a food product.

[0004] Such multi-compartment containers are often designed such that the compartments are easily detachable from one another, for example and without being limitative, in order to allow the compartments to be initially packaged together as a single container, and subsequently be separated from each other by a user. For instance, it is known to connect the compartments of multicompartment containers using connecting sections which include a weakened portion in order to allow the easy detachment of the compartments from one another.

[0005] Containers such as described above however tend to suffer from several drawbacks. For instance, the inclusion of a weakened portion in the connecting section often results in a substantially low structural rigidity of the connecting section which can, for example and without being limitative, lead to involuntary separation of the compartments when the container is supported only by a subset of the compartments, for example, when the container is held or manipulated by a user.

[0006] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved container which would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to a first general aspect, there is provided a container. The container comprises at least two compartments, at least one connecting section connecting two adjacent ones of the at least two compartments and extending along a connecting section axis and at least one strengthening structure in each one of the at least one connection section and extending between the at least two adjacent compartments. Each one of the at least one connecting section comprises a separation strip extending along the connecting section axis and defining a weakened section thereof along which the at least two adjacent compartments can be separated from one another. The at least one strengthening structure extends substantially perpendicular to the connecting section axis of the corresponding connecting section.

[0008] In an embodiment, each one of the at least two compartments comprises a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, at a periphery thereof, and comprises an upper edge spaced apart from the bottom wall. Each one of the at least one connecting section extends from the upper edge of the peripheral wall of each one of the two adjacent ones of the at least two compartments.

[0009] In an embodiment, the at least one strengthening structure comprises a series of depressions defined in the corresponding connecting section. [00010] In an embodiment, each one of the series of depressions extends downwardly from an upper surface thereof.

[00011] In an embodiment, the separation strip comprises a series of longitudinally aligned perforations.

[00012] In an embodiment, at least one of the perforations is provided within at least one of the depressions of the series of depressions.

[00013] In an embodiment, the depressions are spaced-apart from one another.

[00014] In an embodiment, the series of depressions comprises at least three regularly spaced-apart half-cylindrical depressions.

[00015] In an embodiment, each depression of the series of depressions is a channel shaped depression opened at opposed ends thereof in the two adjacent ones of the at least two compartments connected by the connecting section.

[00016] In an embodiment, the container comprises expanded polystyrene.

[00017] According to another general aspect, there is also provided a container which comprises at least two compartments, at least one connecting section connecting two of the at least two compartments and extending along a connecting section axis. Each one of the at least two compartments comprising a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, at a periphery thereof, and comprising an upper edge spaced apart from the bottom wall at least one strengthening structure defined in each one of the at least one connecting section and extending substantially perpendicular to the connecting section axis of each one of the at least one connecting section. Each one of the at least one connecting section extends outwardly from the upper edge of the peripheral wall of each one of the two of the at least two compartments and comprises a weakened section allowing separation of the two compartments from one another. The at least one strengthening structure spans a width of a corresponding connecting section, between the peripheral walls of the two of the at least two compartments.

[00018] In an embodiment, the at least one strengthening structure comprises a series of depressions defined in the corresponding connecting section.

[00019] In an embodiment, each one of the series of depressions extends downwardly from an upper surface thereof.

[00020] In an embodiment, each depression of the series of depressions is a channel shaped depression, opened in the two of the at least two compartments, at opposed ends of the channel shaped depression. Each channel shaped depression defining a recess in the corresponding lateral wall of each one of two of the at least two compartments.

[00021] In an embodiment, the weakened section of each one of the at least one connecting section comprises a separation strip including a series of longitudinally aligned perforations.

[00022] In an embodiment, at least one of the perforations is provided within at least one of the depressions of the series of depressions.

[00023] In an embodiment, the depressions are spaced-apart from one another.

[00024] In an embodiment, the series of depressions comprises at least three regularly spaced-apart half-cylindrical depressions.

[00025] In an embodiment, the container comprises expanded polystyrene.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00026] Other objects, advantages and features will become more apparent upon reading the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [00027] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a multi-compartment container, according to an embodiment.

[00028] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the multi-compartment container of Figure 1 .

[00029] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the multi-compartment container of Figure 1 .

[00030] Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the multi-compartment container, taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3.

[00031] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the multi-compartment container of Figure 1 .

[00032] Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the multi-compartment container of Figure 1 .

[00033] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of a multi-compartment container, according to an embodiment, wherein three compartments are configured in an inline configuration.

[00034] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a multi-compartment container, according to an embodiment, wherein four compartments are configured in a compact configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00035] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are embodiments only, given solely for exemplification purposes.

[00036] Moreover, although the embodiments of the multi-compartment container and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the multi-compartment container, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "above", "below", "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

[00037] In general terms, the present description concerns a multi-compartment container or food tray designed such that the compartments are detachable from one another while the structural rigidity of connecting sections provided between the compartments is sufficient to substantially prevent involuntary separation of the compartments from one another when only a subset of the compartments are supported.

[00038] Referring generally to Figures 1 to 6, in accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a multi-compartment container 20, i.e. a container having at least two compartments 22. Each compartment 22 includes a bottom wall 31 and a peripheral wall 30 extending upwardly along a periphery of the bottom wall 31. The bottom wall 31 and the peripheral wall 30 together define a compartment cavity 23. In the embodiment, shown, each compartment 22 includes an upper rim 35 extending outwardly from a periphery of an upper edge 33 of the peripheral wall 30 and spaced-apart from the bottom wall 31 . One skilled in the art will understand that, in an embodiment, the upper rim 35 can cover only a section of the upper edge 33 of the peripheral wall 30, the other section of the upper edge 33 of the peripheral wall 30 being free of upper rim 35.

[00039] The compartments 22 are connected to one another by a connecting section 24 defined between two adjacent sections of the peripheral walls 30 of adjacent compartments 22, at the upper edge 33 thereof. In the embodiment shown, the connecting section 24 is defined by a common section of the upper rim 35 of adjacent compartments 22. The connecting section 24 extends along a connecting section axis 25 extending substantially parallel to the two adjacent sections of the peripheral walls 30 of the adjacent compartments 22 connected by the connecting section 24.

[00040] In the embodiment shown, the container 20 includes two adjacent compartments 22 of a substantially rectangular shape and detachably connected together along one of the longer edges of the peripheral wall 30, by the connecting section 24 extending between both compartments 22. One skilled in the art will however understand that, in an alternative embodiment, the container 20 can include more than two compartments 22 and that the compartments 22 can connect along a different edge (or edge section) of the peripheral wall 30. Moreover, in an alternative embodiment, the shape and size of the compartments 22 can differ from the one shown in the appended figures. For example and without being limitative, the compartments 22 can be of another polygonal shape, of a rounded shape, such as a circular shape, or the like. Moreover, it will be understood that, even though in the embodiment shown, the shape and size of the two compartments are substantially similar, in an alternative embodiment, the compartments 22 can present different size and/or shape with respect to one another.

[00041] Each connecting section 24, provided between adjacent compartments 22, includes a series of longitudinally aligned perforations 26 extending along the connecting section axis 25 and defining a separation strip 27. In the embodiment shown, the perforations 26 extends through the container 20, from the top surface to the bottom surface, and are visible in the top views (Figures 1 and 3) and in a bottom plan view (Figure 6). In the embodiment shown, the perforations 26 present an elongated profile, are evenly distributed along the connecting section 24 and extend through the material of the connecting section 24. [00042] One skilled in the art will however understand that, in alternative embodiments, the perforations 26 can be of different forms and sizes and can be evenly distributed or can follow diverse perforation patterns. The density of the perforations 26 can also vary from the embodiment shown. Moreover, only a subset of the perforations 26 can extend through the material of the connecting section 24 or the perforations 26 can only extend into the material of the connecting section 24, without extending therethrough.

[00043] The separation strip 27 defines a weakened section 34 which allows substantially easy separation of the compartments 22 from one another therealong, by lowering the integrity of the connecting section 24, along a section thereof. Therefore, when a user wishes to separate the compartments 22 from one another, the container 20 can, for instance, be folded along the separation strip 27 to easily break the connection formed by the connecting section 24, along the separation strip 27.

[00044] One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment, other weakening assemblies than a series of perforations 26 defining the separation strip 27 can be used to define the weakened section 34. For example and without being limitative, in an alternative embodiment, the weakened section 34 can be defined by a separation strip 27 provided by a continuous thinner strip of material formed in the connecting section 24.

[00045] It will be understood that by lowering the integrity of the connecting section 24, the weakened section 34 leads to a lower structural rigidity of the connecting section 24, which, as previously mentioned, can be undesirable. Hence, in order to increase the overall structural rigidity of the connecting section 24, and thereby counterbalance the effects of the weakened section 34 defined by the separation strip 27, the connecting section 24 further includes at least one strengthening structure 32 defined in the connection section 24 and extending between the adjacent compartments 22 of the container 20. The strengthening structure(s) 32 extend substantially perpendicular to the connecting section axis 25 and is/are meant to help maintaining the compartments 22 connected together even when only a subset of the compartments 22 (for instance a single compartment 22) is supported.

[00046] In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one strengthening structure 32 includes a series of spaced-apart depressions 28 defined in the connecting section 24, and extending downwardly from an upper surface thereof, as better seen in Figures 1 , 3 and 4. As can be easily understood, lower sections of the series of spaced-apart depressions 28 form a series of protrusions 29, protruding downwardly from the connecting section 24, when seen from the bottom side of the container 20 (See Figures 2, 5 and 6). Each one of the depressions 28 spans the width of the connecting section 24 and extends between the peripheral walls 30 of the adjacent compartments 22. In the embodiment shown, each depression 28 is a channel shaped depression open in the respective compartment 22 at opposed ends thereof. The opening of each one of the depressions 28 in the respective compartment 22, at the opposed ends of the depression 28, creates a recess in the peripheral wall 30 of each one of the corresponding compartment 22. As previously mentioned, the depressions 28 extend substantially perpendicularly to the connecting section axis 25 in order to produce an effective increase in the rigidity of the connecting section 24.

[00047] The term "substantially perpendicular" is used to refer to the fact that a longitudinal axis of the depressions 28 extends generally perpendicular to the connecting section axis 25, but need not be perfectly perpendicular therewith. In other words, in an alternative embodiment, the depressions 28 can be slightly angled with respect to a perfect perpendicular configuration between the depressions 28 and the connecting section axis 25.

[00048] One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment, the at least one strengthening structure 32 can differ from the series of spaced- apart depressions 28 defined in the connecting section 24, from the upper surface thereof. For example and without being imitative, in an embodiment, a single depression 28 can be provided or the plurality depressions 28 can be consecutive rather than spaced-apart from one another. Moreover, in an alternative embodiment, the strengthening structure 32 can include a series of spaced-apart depressions defined in the connecting section 24, from the lower face thereof, and thereby forming a series of protrusions protruding from the upper surface of the connecting section 24. In another alternative embodiment, the strengthening structure 32 can include a combination of protrusions and depressions (as seen from the upper surface of the connecting section 24), or can include any structures or combination of structure which result in the desired increase in the structural rigidity of the container, between the compartments 22.

[00049] Still referring to Figures 1 to 6, in the embodiment shown, three regularly spaced-apart half-cylindrical depressions 28 are provided. One skilled in the art will however understand that, in an alternative embodiment, the connecting section 24 can include more or less than three depressions 28, with variable distances therebetween, and that the shape of the depressions 28 can differ from the one shown in the appended figures. For example and without being limitative, the depressions 28 can present a hyperbolic configuration, a triangular configuration, a half square configuration, or the like.

[00050] It will be understood that the amount of depressions 28 and the distance between each depression 28 is determined based on the desired rigidity of the connecting section 24. Numerous closely spaced depressions 28 can be provided when a higher rigidity is required, while fewer depressions 28 with a greater space therebetween can be provided when a lower rigidity is required. In an embodiment, the desired rigidity is determined based on the rigidity of the connecting section 24 required for the compartments 22 to remain connected when a food product is received in the compartments 22 and a single compartment 22 is supported. One skilled in the art will also understand that, similarly to the amount of depressions 28 and the distance therebetween, the depth of the depressions 28 can vary from the embodiment shown. [00051] In the embodiment shown, perforations 26 are provided within the depressions 28. The presence of perforations 26 within the depressions 28 facilitates the separation of the compartments 22 when such a separation is required. One skilled in the art will however understand that, in an alternative embodiment, all of the depressions 28, or a subset thereof, can be free of perforation 26.

[00052] In an embodiment, the above described container 20 is an expanded polystyrene container. Once again, one skilled in the art will understand that in an alternative embodiment, other materials can be used to form the container 20. These materials include other foamable polymers such as polystyrene and polylactide (PLA), thermoformed polymers, non-foamed thermoformed plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) and oriented polystyrene (OPS) and the like.

[00053]With reference to Figures 7 and 8, alternative embodiments where like features are numbered with similar reference numbers in the 100 series (Figure 7) and the 200 series (Figure 8) are shown. In the embodiments shown, the container 120, 220 includes more than two compartments 122, 222, with the compartments 122, 222 arranged according to different patterns, i.e. adjacent compartments 122, 222 are connected to one another according to different possible configurations, with a connecting section 124, 224 provided between each pair of compartments 122, 222. One skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments, more than two compartments 122, 222 can also be arranged according to different patterns than the embodiments shown.

[00054] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a container 120 where the compartments 122 are arranged according to an inline configuration. In such an embodiment, the compartments 122 are aligned and connected in cascade, i.e. along opposite sections of the upper edges 133 of the peripheral walls 130 of the compartments 122, such as longitudinal edges (or edge sections) thereof. A first compartment 122a is connected to a second compartment 122b by a first connecting section 124a extending along a first connection axis 125a and the second compartment 122b is connected to a third compartment 122c by a second connecting section 124b extending along a second connection axis 125b. The first connecting section 124a and the second connecting section 124b extend from opposite sections of the upper edge 133 of the second compartment 122b with the first connection axis 125a and the second connection axis 125b, being substantially parallel to one another. Each one of the first connecting section 124a and the second connecting section 124b includes a separation strip 127 defining a weakened section 134 and at least one strengthening structure 132 embodied by the series of spaced-apart depressions defined in the corresponding connecting section 124a, 124b, from the upper surface thereof (as represented by the series of spaced-apart protrusions 129 in Figure 7, where the bottom surface of the container 120 is shown), and extending between the compartments 122a, 122b, 122c.

[00055] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a container 220 where the compartments 222 are connected according to a compact configuration. In such an embodiment, adjacent compartments 222 are regrouped and connected along adjacent sections of the upper edges 233 of the peripheral walls 230 of the compartments 222. In the embodiment shown, four rectangular compartments 222a, 222b, 222c, 222d are provided and configured in a compact rectangular configuration. A first compartment 222a is connected to a second compartment 222b by a first connecting section 224a extending along a first connection axis 225a, the second compartment 222b is connected to a third compartment 222c by a second connecting section 224b extending along a second connection axis 225b, the third compartment 222c is connected to a fourth compartment 222d by a third connecting section 224c extending along the first connection axis 225a and the fourth compartment 222d is connected to the first compartment 222a by a fourth connecting section 224d extending along the second connection axis 225b, with the first connection axis 225a and the second connection axis 225b, being substantially perpendicular to one another. The first connecting section 224a and the third connecting section 224c extend between one of the longitudinal sections of the upper edge 233 edges of the peripheral walls 230 of the first and second compartments 222a, 222b and third and fourth compartments 222c, 222d respectively. The second connecting section 224b and the fourth connecting section 224d extend between one of the lateral sections of the upper edge 233 of the peripheral walls 230 of the second and third compartments 222b, 222c and first and fourth compartments 222a, 222d respectively. Once again, each connecting section 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d includes a separation strip 227 defining a weakened section 234 and at least one strengthening structure 232 embodied by the series of spaced-apart depressions 228 defined in the corresponding connecting section 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d, from the upper surface thereof (as represented by the series of spaced-apart protrusions 229 in Figure 8, where the bottom surface of the container 220 is shown), and extending between the compartments 222a, 222b, 222c, 222d.

[00056] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. One skilled in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments can be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.