The present invention relates generally to a sub-dividable container, dividable to form sub-containers, and also to methods of forming and dividing such a sub-dividable container.

Containers comprising a tray, and a lid for the tray, are frequently used to ship and, subsequently, store and display contents contained in that container. It is common for the design of the container to be based on a compromise between shipping, storage and display requirements, as opposed to the container being designed very specifically for one of shipping, storage and display.

Despite intended compromises, existing containers might be more suitable for storage and display of contents contained therein, than for shipping purposes. Conversely, containers that are most optimised for shipping and/or storage are not ideal for use in displaying the contents of the container.

It is an aim of an example embodiment of the present invention to provide a container that obviates or mitigates at least one disadvantage of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, or which provides an alternative or improvement over the prior art.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sub- dividable container, dividable to form sub-containers, the sub-dividable container comprising: a tray formed from two tray cavities located adjacent to (and, e.g. connected to) one another, the tray being formed from one or more first blanks, each tray cavity comprising a base, and one or more upstanding walls that extend around an entire periphery of the base; a lid for the tray, the lid being formed from a second blank, the lid forming a hood for at least partially enclosing an item locatable in the or each tray cavity, the hood extending around an entire periphery of the sub-dividable container, and forming at least a portion of all sidewalls of the container; and the lid being provided with a lid division facilitator for dividing the lid into two separate lids, one for each tray cavity, to facilitate the formation of two sub-containers each having a lid and a tray cavity.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided sub- dividable container, dividable to form sub-containers, the sub-dividable container comprising: a tray formed from two tray cavities located adjacent to (and, e.g. connected to) one another, the tray being formed from one or more first blanks, each tray cavity comprising a base, and one or more upstanding walls that extend around an entire periphery of the base, all of the one or more upstanding walls each having a height that is less than a height of the sub-dividable container; a lid for the tray, the lid being formed from a second blank, the lid forming a hood for at least partially enclosing an item locatable in the or each tray cavity, the lid being provided with a lid division facilitator for dividing the lid into two separate lids, one for each tray cavity, to facilitate the formation of two sub-containers each having a lid and a tray cavity.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sub- dividable container, dividable to form sub-containers, the sub-dividable container comprising: a tray formed from a first (i.e. single) blank, wherein the tray comprises two (e.g. adjacent and) connected (i.e. attached) tray cavities, each tray cavity comprising a base, and one or more upstanding walls that extend around an entire periphery of the base; a lid for the tray, the lid formed from a second (i.e. single) blank; wherein the lid is provided with a lid division facilitator for dividing the lid into two separate lids, one for each tray cavity; and wherein the tray is provided with a tray division facilitator for use in dividing the two connected tray cavities into two separate tray cavities, to form two sub-containers.

The sub-dividable container may comprises one or more lower sidewall portions proximate to the tray cavity base, formed by the tray; and the sub-dividable container may comprise one or more upper sidewall portions formed by the hood, (more) remote from the tray cavity base.

The sidewall portions formed by the hood may comprise at least 25%, 50% or 75% of a height of the sub-dividable container, for one, more or all sidewalls of the container (e.g. one, two, three or four walls of a container with a square or rectangular footprint). All of the one or more upstanding walls of each tray cavity may each have a height that is less than a height of the sub-dividable container.

The or a connection between tray cavities may comprise adhesive, and/or the first and second tray cavities both formed from a single blank.

If connected to one another, the tray may comprise a tray division facilitator for use in dividing the two connected tray cavities into two separate tray cavities, to form two sub-containers.

The lid division facilitator, and/or the tray division facilitator, may comprise one or more of: a line of perforations; a tear strip; a weakened line of material.

The lid division facilitator, and/or the tray division facilitator, may extend between opposite extents of the lid, and/or the tray.

An upstanding wall of a first tray cavity may be connected (i.e. attached) to an upstanding wall of a second tray cavity, to connect the tray cavities. The lid is shaped to accommodate (e.g. connected) upstanding walls of the tray(s).

The sub-dividable container may have a footprint having a length and a width. The length may be longer than the width.

The tray division facilitator and/or the lid division facilitator may extend across the width of the sub-dividable container. The length may be two or more times greater than the width, or two and a half times or more greater than the width.

Each tray cavity may comprise, or be defined by inclusion of, a base, and one or more upstanding walls that extend around an entire periphery of the base. One or both of the lid and tray are provided with one or both of tabs and slots, and/or removable sections, for use in interlocking the lid with the tray. Interlocking may be by some form of physical inter-engagement, or by an adhesive, or the like. The lid and/or the tray may be formed from corrugated material and/or cardboard.

The lid may form, or be shaped as, a hood, for at least partially enclosing one or more items locatable or located in the or each tray cavity.

The sub-dividable container may comprise one or more further connected tray cavities, and/or one or more further lid division facilitators, and/or one or more further tray division facilitators. One or more features of one or more aspects of the invention may be combined with and/or replace one or more other features of one or more other aspects of the invention, unless such combination or replacement would be understood by the skilled person to be mutually exclusive after a reading of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures in which:

Figure 1 schematically depicts containers of a first configuration, loaded on a pallet for shipping or transport;

Figure 2 schematically depicts containers of a second, different configuration, loaded on a pallet for shipping or transport; Figures 3 to 5 schematically depict use of the container shown in Figure 2;

Figures 6 and 7 schematically depict, respectively, a lid and a tray of a sub- dividable container according to an example embodiment; Figure 8 schematically depicts a blank for use in forming the lid of Figure 6; Figure 9 schematically depicts a blank for use in forming the tray of Figure 7;

Figures 10 to 17 schematically depict a first method of dividing a sub-dividable container according to an example embodiment; and

Figures 18 to 20 schematically depict a second method for dividing a sub- dividable container according to an example embodiment.

Figure 1 schematically depicts a pallet 2. Loaded on that pallet 2 is a plurality of containers 4. The dimensions of the containers 4 are such that, when loaded on the pallet 2, there is a gap or space 6 located in the centre of the loaded containers 4, extending downward to the pallet 2. Clearly, such a gap or space 6 leads to a reduction in the volume of container contents that can be carried by the pallet 2. In other words, the gap or space 6 is wasted space in terms of shipping or storing.

Figure 2 shows how the problem of wasted space can be obviated or mitigated by changing the footprint of the containers 8, so that the newly configured containers 8 can be loaded on to the pallet 2 without leaving such a space, whilst still containing the same contents (e.g. a number of items). In this instance, the footprint of the newly containers 8 is longer and is not as wide as the footprint of the containers in Figure 1.

Figure 3 schematically depicts a more detailed view of the container 8 as shown in and described with reference to Figure 2. Referring to Figure 3, the container 8 comprises a tray 10, for holding or retaining in some way contents of the container 8. The tray 10 itself may be described as a container of sorts. The container 8 also comprises a lid 12 for the tray, the lid 12 being hood-shaped in this embodiment. The lid 12 may simply cover the contents of the container 8, or could be separably attached to the tray 10, for example by one or more division facilitators in the form of a tear strip, perforations in material forming the lid 12 and/or tray 10, and so on.

Figure 4 shows the container of Figure 3, but with the lid removed, leaving only the tray 10 that holds contents 14. The contents may be wrapped or otherwise packaged confectionery or savoury items, for example snack items. As already discussed briefly above, this particular container is slightly longer and narrower than the container and shown in and described with reference to Figure 1. Although this might allow for more efficient stacking or loading of such longer and narrower containers on a pallet, there are disadvantages associated with such a longer, narrower container. Figure 5 shows that when a user 16 carries the tray 10, a portion of the tray 10 buckles 18 under the weight of the contents 14 in combination with the relatively long, narrow structure of the tray 10. The buckling 18 may be more pronounced, or only occur, when the tray 10 is carried after the lid has been removed from the tray 10. However, buckling may also occur, or be likely to occur, even when the lid of the tray 10 is attached to the tray 10, again, due to the generally longer and narrower nature of the container as a whole.

So, in summary, a container might be provided that allows for more efficient stacking or loading on a pallet or the like for shipping. However, in order to obtain this efficiency, and at least in one example, the container is made longer and narrower, which then leads to a reduced structural stability of the container as a whole, or at least the tray thereof. One way of potentially overcoming this problem would be to form a container from two independent and separately formed sub-containers that are joined together in some way. However, while this might improve the structural integrity of the container as a whole, the container might be inefficient in terms of time, costs, and/or materials involved in the manufacture and/or disposal of the container once used.

According to an example embodiment, one or more problems of the prior art may be obviated or mitigated. According to an example embodiment, there is provided a sub-dividable container that is dividable to form sub-containers. The sub- dividable container comprises a tray formed from a first, single, blank, wherein the tray comprises two connected tray cavities. The container further comprises a lid for the tray, the lid being formed from a second, single, blank. The lid is provided with a lid division facilitator for optionally dividing the lid into two separate lids, one for each tray cavity. The tray is provided with a tray divisional facilitator for use in optionally dividing the two connected tray cavities into two separate tray cavities, to form two sub-containers. In comprising two sub-containers that are initially connected together in some way, strength is added to the container as a whole. At the same time, however, forming each of the tray and the lid of the container using a single blank for each minimises potential wastage in terms of time, cost and materials during manufacture, and, subsequent disposal of the container. The use of two sub- containers might also allow for more flexibility in the use of the container, for example allowing one sub-container to be used in storage, and another for display.

Example embodiments of a sub-dividable container, and its use, will now be described, with reference to Figures 6 to 20.

Figure 6 schematically depicts a lid 20 for a tray of a container according to an example embodiment. The lid 20 is not necessarily planar in shape, but, at least as an example, takes the form of a hood-shaped lid 20. As will be described in more detail below, the lid 20 is formed from a single blank of material.

The lid 20 is provided with a lid division facilitator 22, for dividing the lid 20 into two separate lids. The lid division facilitator 22 can take any particular form, and might comprise one or more of a line of perforations, a tear strip, and/or a weakened line of material, or the like.

Figure 7 schematically depicts a tray 24 for use with the lid of Figure 6. Referring back to Figure 7, the tray 24 comprises two connected tray cavities 26, 28. The tray 24 is formed from a single blank of material. The tray 24, and/or each of its tray cavities 26, 28 may, or may each, be described as a container of sorts.

As with the lid, the tray 24 is provided with a tray division facilitator 30 for use in dividing the two connected tray cavities 26, 28 into two separate tray cavities, thus allowing two sub-containers to be formed using the tray cavities 26, 28. The tray division facilitator might comprise one or more of a line of perforations, a tear strip, and/or a weakened line of material, or the like.

When the lid of Figure 6 is loaded on to or in some way interlocked (i.e. engaged) with the tray of Figure 7, the lid division facilitator 22 is aligned with the tray division facilitator 30, so that the lid 20 and tray 24 may each be divided to form two separate tray cavities 26, 28, each having its own separate lid.

Each tray cavity 26, 28 comprises, or might alternatively/additionally be defined by a base 32 and one or more upstanding side walls 34 that extend around an entire periphery of the base 32. Thus, a true cavity is formed, as opposed to the situation where the one or more side walls do not extend all the way round the base, which would leave one side open and might allow contents to spill out or the like once the sub-dividable container has been divided. Also, by extending around an entire periphery of the base 32, the side walls 34 might add to the structural stability of each cavity 26, 28, and/or the tray 24, and container, as a whole.

Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the sub-dividable container formed from the lid 20 and tray 24 will have a footprint having a length and width, for example a length and width of a square or rectangular base. The length is typically longer than the width. The lid division facilitator 22 and the tray division facilitator 30 will typically extend across the width of the container. This means that when the container is divided, the longest dimension is the dimension that is divided, which might result in sub-containers that are more structurally stable, and/or easier to handle and use, in comparison with lengthwise division. Embodiments might find greatest use and application when the footprint of the container (pre-division) is two or more times greater than its width, or two and a half times or more greater than its width. Above these limits, such a container having a single tray cavity might become structurally unstable, as shown in and described with reference to Figure 5.

The lid 20 and tray 24 are each formed from single, separate blanks, as now described with reference to the example blanks of Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 8 shows a first blank 36 for forming the lid. The blank 36 comprises one or more score or fold lines 38, for use in shaping and forming the lid by manipulation of the blank 36. Additionally, the division facilitator 22 is provided, and extends between opposite extends of the blank 36. The blank 36 might come provided with the division facilitator 22, or be provided with the division facilitator at some later time.

The blank 36 is also shaped 40 to accommodate what will be upstanding walls of the tray, for example upstanding walls that join the tray cavities to one another. The blank 36 is also provided with one or both of tabs and/slots 42, and/or readily removable sections, for interlocking in some way the lid with the tray. This could be a physical interlocking, or an adhesive interlocking or similar. For instance, a section 42 may be provided with adhesive for use in adhering the lid to the tray. The section 42 could be removed from the rest of the lid by pushing or pulling on the section 42, leaving the section 42 on the tray and allowing the remainder of the lid to be removed from engagement (i.e. interlocking) with the tray. The blank 36, and also the container as a whole, may be formed from any suitable material that meets application requirements. For example, plastics, metals, or paper-based materials might be used. Conveniently, though, the blank 36 will likely be formed from a corrugated material and/or cardboard, typical in the use of containers of this type.

Figure 9 shows a second blank 44 for use in forming the tray of the container. The blank 44 comprises one or more score or fold lines 46 for use in manipulating the blank to form the tray. A particular fold or score line 46 that joins what will be an upstanding wall 48 of a first tray cavity with an upstanding wall 50 of a second, adjacent tray cavity may comprise, or serve as, the tray division facilitator 30. This conveniently allows for the two adjacent tray cavities to be formed adjacent to one another, and connected to one another, and yet at the same time be readily separable from one another. Again, the division facilitator 30 may be provided when the blank 44 is formed or may be formed provided subsequently.

The blank 44, and also the container as a whole, may be formed from any suitable material that meets application requirements. For example, plastics, metals, or paper-based materials might be used. Conveniently, though, the blank 44 will likely be formed from a corrugated material and/or cardboard, typical in the use of containers of this type.

In the examples shown so far, only two tray cavities have been shown and described, together with a related lid that is dividable into two, both the lid and tray each being provided with a single respective division facilitator. It will be appreciated that the very same principles are applicable to containers comprising one or more further connected tray cavities, and/or one or more further lid division facilitators, and or one or more further tray division facilitators. The advantages are much the same, in that a single overall container for shipping purposes or other handling is provided, but which can be subsequently divided as required, for example for separate use in storage and/or display.

Different methods of using the described container will now be described. Figures 10 to 17 depict a first method, and Figures 18 to 20 depict a second method. Figure 10 shows a container 60 according to an example embodiment. The lid 20 extends into the tray 24. This might be useful for functional reasons, such as retaining the contents, or for ease of subsequent division of the lid 20 and/or tray 24. However, in another embodiment, the lid may extend around the tray, such that the tray is located within portion of the lid. This alternative might be easier to manufacture.

Figure 11 shows the use of the lid division facilitator 22 to begin partial division of the lid 20. Figure 12 schematically depicts further division of the lid 20 using the lid division facilitator 22.

Figure 13 shows the division continuing using the division facilitator 22 to form two separate lids 62, 64, one for each of the two connected tray cavities 26, 28.

Figure 14 shows that the two tray cavities 26, 28 are now being divided from one another, so that they are no longer connected. Two separate sub-containers 70, 72 are now formed. Figure 15 shows use of a first sub-container 70. The lid 62 is separated from the tray 26 by separation or otherwise disengagement of the interlocking arrangement 42.

Figure 16 shows the lid 62 being removed from the tray 26 to reveal the contents 14.

Figure 17 shows that the first container 17, with its lid removed, may be used to display the contents 14. At the same time, the second sub-container 72, with lid 64 in place, may be used for alternative reasons, for example storage.

The same overall container can be used in different ways, as now exemplified in Figures 18 to 20.

Figures 18 and 19 show a container 60 according to example embodiment. The lid 20 of the container 60 is disengaged from the tray 24 by separation or otherwise disengaging the interlocking arrangements 42. Figure 20 shows removal of the lid 20 from the tray 24. The lid 20 is removed in its entirety - it is not divided, in this embodiment. After this point, the tray 24 and its contents 14 may be used in any convenient manner. For example, the tray 24 may be used to store or display the contents as is, or divided into two separate tray cavities 26, 28 having separate contents 14 contained therein, again for suitable display or storage or the like. The lid 20 could, subsequent to its removal, be replaced over the connected tray cavities 26, 28 or divided to provide lids for separated tray cavities 26, 28.

In addition to all of the benefits described above, disposal of a container according to an embodiment may also be more efficient that in comparison with existing containers. This is because a container according to an embodiment might contain less material, since it is formed from only two blanks.

The above embodiments have been described with a focus on the features and advantages of the tray, comprising two tray cavities, being formed from a single blank. However, additional and/or alternative advantageous features are also present in the embodiments described so far, which may be used in combination with or in independence of the two tray cavities being formed from a single blank. Other advantageous features are now described.

Referring to all Figures depicting example embodiments, it can be seen that the hood extends around an entire periphery of the sub-dividable container, and forms at least a portion of all sidewalls of the container. This means that the hood forms at least a part of the containing function of the container, and for example does not just reinforce sidewalls of the tray. This, in turn, allows the tray walls to be low, for example lower than if the lid was simply a planar piece of material. As a result, the tray, when used for display when the hood is removed, does not obscure the items in the tray, or at least not to the same extent as if the walls were higher, for example to a full height of the container. To that extent, the same or similar benefits can be obtained by ensuring that the height of the tray sidewalls is less than a height of the container. That is, again, the hood forms at least a part of the containing function of the container. The hood, and even contained items that might abut against the tray base and hood top, may be used to make the container as a whole structurally stable and robust in the absence of high tray walls. In more detail, the sub-dividable container may comprise one or more lower sidewall portions proximate to the tray cavity base, formed by the tray. The sub- dividable container may comprise one or more upper sidewall portions formed by the hood, (more) remote from the tray cavity base. The (upper)_sidewall portions formed by the hood may comprise at least 25%, 50% or 75% of a height of the sub-dividable container, for one, more or all sidewalls of the container (e.g. one, two, three or four walls of a container with a square or rectangular footprint). All of the one or more upstanding walls of each tray cavity may each have a height that is less than a height of the sub-dividable container.

When the hood is divided to facilitate the formation of two sub-containers, it will be noted that no hood sidewall will be present at the location of the division. This is clear from at least Figures 13 to 17. However, since each tray cavity is formed from one or more upstanding sidewalls extending around an entire periphery of a tray base, there is still a (tray) sidewall present to prevent items spilling from each sub-container, as visible in Figures 14 to 17.

The above embodiments have been described with a focus on the features and advantages of the tray, comprising two tray cavities, being formed from a single blank. However, in some embodiments, the tray cavities may be formed separately. This might be easier than forming two cavities from a single blank, for example require simpler forming machinery. Initially separate tray cavities may be located adjacent to one another, and kept in an adjacent manner, by engagement with the lid. Alternatively and/or additionally, an upstanding sidewall of one tray cavity may be attached to an upstanding sidewall of an adjacent tray cavity, to connect the cavities. For example, an adhesive may be used, or some form of interlocking between the sidewalls. The presence and use of such adjacent sidewalls may therefore assist in more easily connecting adjacent tray cavities.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.