CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/400,917, filed on August 25, 2022.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosures of each ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/400,917, filed on August

25, 2022, and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/900,508, filed on August 22, 2023, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to containers for holding at least one article. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to trays having divider features in the interior thereof for holding at least one article.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a tray for holding one or more articles, the tray comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one back panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, and divider features forming at least one divider wall extending in the interior of the tray for forming a plurality of compartments in the interior of the tray, the divider features comprising the at least one divider panel.

[0005] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a tray for holding one or more articles, 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 front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one back panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, and divider features for forming at least one divider wall extending in the interior of the tray formed from the blank to form a plurality of compartments in the interior of the tray formed from the blank, the divider features comprising the at least one divider panel. [0006] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a tray for holding one or more articles, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one bottom panel, at least one back panel, at least one hinge panel, and at least one divider panel, the blank further comprising a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the blank further comprising divider features comprising the at least one divider panel. The method further comprises positioning the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the tray, and positioning the at least one divider panel to form at least one divider wall extending in the interior of the tray to form a plurality of compartments in the interior of the tray.

[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. 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

[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 an exterior surface of a blank for forming a tray according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a partial formation of a tray from the blank of Fig. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one configuration of a tray formed from the blank of Fig. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from the blank of Fig. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from the blank of Fig. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 6 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a tray according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. [0015] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a partial formation of a tray from the blank of Fig. 6 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one configuration of a tray formed from the blank of Fig. 6 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from the blank of Fig. 6 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another configuration of a tray formed from the blank of Fig. 6 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Containers and trays according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” and “back” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected containers. As described herein, containers may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, portions, and/or end flaps. Such panels, portions, and/or end flaps may be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 for forming a tray 105 (Figs. 3, 4, 5) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom can have divider features for forming a plurality of compartments in the interior 107 of the tray 105, as described further herein. As also described further herein, the tray 105 can be selectively configurable and/or reconfigurable between a plurality of different configurations. In some embodiments, different configurations of the tray 105 can include selective and/or alternative arrangements of the divider features.

[0022] The tray 105 can be used for holding one or more articles such as food products, e.g., portioned retail food products that can include one or more of cookies, crackers, cakes, pastries, candies, nuts, popcorn, trail mix, gum, etc. In some embodiments, the articles can include frozen or non-frozen food products that can be provided in discrete portions, for example, chicken nuggets, French fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, chips, popcorn, other finger foods, etc. In embodiments, other types of articles that can include food products and/or non-food products can be placed in a tray for service to a customer, for example, at a quick service restaurant or vendor. In some embodiments, such products can be contained in additional packaging and then placed in a tray. Such trays could be otherwise shaped and arranged and could be used to hold other products and/or articles in similar or different environments without departing from the disclosure.

[0023] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide articles in a tray in at least partial separation from one another, e.g., to avoid commingling of different food products, for ease of service of use, to more prominently display such different articles to a customer, etc. In this regard, it can be desirable to provide divider features in the tray to provide at least partial separation between such articles, as described further herein.

[0024] With continued reference to Fig. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis LI and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 can have a plurality of panels including a first bottom panel 121, a front panel 123 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a lateral fold line 125, a first back panel 127 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a lateral fold line 129, a second back panel 131 foldably connected to the first back panel 127 at a lateral fold line 133, and a second bottom panel 135 foldably connected to the second back panel 131 at a lateral fold line 137. In some embodiments, the first back panel 127 and the second back panel 131 can be considered respective portions of a single panel.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can also include a first hinge panel 139 foldably connected to the bottom panel 135 at an oblique fold line 141 interrupted by a curved line of weakening or curved cut 143. A second hinge panel 145 (broadly, “first hinge panel”) can be foldably connected to the bottom panel 135 at an oblique fold line 147 interrupted by a curved line of weakening or curved cut 149.

[0026] A first divider panel 151 can be foldably connected to the hinge panel 139 at a longitudinal fold line 153 and a second divider panel 155 can be foldably connected to the hinge panel 139 at a lateral fold line 157. The second divider panel 155 can have a base portion 159 foldably connected to the hinge panel 139 at the fold line 157, and a distal portion 161 foldably connected to the base portion 159 at an oblique fold line 163.

[0027] Similarly, a third divider panel 165 (broadly, “first divider panel”) can be foldably connected to the hinge panel 145 at a longitudinal fold line 167 and a fourth divider panel 169 (broadly, “second divider panel”) can be foldably connected to the hinge panel 147 at a lateral fold line 171. The fourth divider panel 169 can have a base portion 173 foldably connected to the hinge panel 147 at the fold line 171, and a distal portion 175 foldably connected to the base portion 173 at an oblique fold line 177. [0028] A connector panel 179 as shown, can be foldably connected to the bottom panel 135 at a lateral fold line 181. The connector panel 179 can also be foldably connected to the base portion 159 of the divider panel 155 at a longitudinal fold line 183, and can be foldably connected to the base portion 173 of the divider panel 165 at a longitudinal fold line 185. In some embodiments, the connector panel 179 can be considered a divider panel of the blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom.

[0029] As described further herein, the blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom can include divider features for forming a plurality of compartments in the interior 107 of the tray 105. In some embodiments, the divider features can include one or more of the panels 139, 145, 151, 155, 165, 169, 179 of the blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom, and optionally, associated features thereof.

[0030] The blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom can also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of end flaps can include an end flap 187 foldably connected to the front panel 123 at a respective portion of a longitudinal fold line 189, an end flap 191 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a respective portion of the fold line 189, an end flap 193 foldably connected to the back panel 127 at a respective portion of the fold line 189, and an end flap 195 foldably connected to the distal portion 161 of the divider panel 155 at a respective portion of the fold line 189. As shown, the end flap 195 can include a base portion 197 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at the respective portion of the fold line 189, a first distal portion 199 foldably connected to the base portion 197 at an oblique fold line 201, and a second distal portion 203 foldably connected to the base portion 197 at an oblique fold line 205. In some embodiments, the fold line 1 3, which lies generally collinearly with portions of the fold line 189, can be considered a portion thereof.

[0031] Similarly, the plurality of end flaps can include an end flap 207 foldably connected to the front panel 123 at a respective portion of a longitudinal fold line 209, an end flap 211 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a respective portion of the fold line 209, an end flap 213 foldably connected to the back panel 127 at a respective portion of the fold line 209, and an end flap 215 foldably connected to the distal portion 175 of the divider panel 169 at a respective portion of the fold line 209. As shown, the end flap 211 can include a base portion 217 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at the respective portion of the fold line 209, a first distal portion 219 foldably connected to the base portion 217 at an oblique fold line 221, and a second distal portion 223 foldably connected to the base portion 217 at an oblique fold line 225. In some embodiments, the fold line 167, which lies generally collinearly with portions of the fold line 209, can be considered a portion thereof.

[0032] In this regard, the end flaps 187, 191, 193, 195 can be a first plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels at respective portion of the fold line 189 and extending along a first marginal portion of the blank 103 for being overlapped to form a first closed end of the tray 105 formed from the blank 103. Similarly, the end flaps 207, 211, 213, 215 can be a second plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels at a respective portion of the fold line 209 and extending along a second marginal portion of the blank 103 for being overlapped to form a second closed end of the tray 105 formed from the blank 103.

[0033] In some embodiments, one or both of the divider panels 151, 165 can be considered end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom.

[0034] The blank 103 and the tray 105 formed therefrom can also include locking features for at least partially maintaining an erected configuration of the tray 105 formed from the blank 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking features can include a locking tab 227 at least partially formed by a cut 229 interrupting the fold line 181 and for being at least partially received through a cut 231 or locking opening formed thereby and interrupting the fold line 125. In this regard, the locking tab 227 can be a protruding portion of the bottom panel 135 that separates from the connector panel 179 upon formation of the tray 105 from the blank, and the cut 231/associated locking opening can be defined between the bottom panel 121 and the front panel 123.

[0035] It will be understood that the blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom can include a different number, arrangement, and/or configuration of panels, end flaps, and/or associated features without departing from the disclosure.

[0036] With additional reference to Figs. 2 and 3, formation of the construct 105 from the blank 103 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that intermediate configurations between the blank 103 illustrated in Fig. 1 and the illustrated trays can optionally be considered a further folded configuration of the blank 103 or a partially erected configuration of the construct 105.

[0037] The blank 103 can be positioned with the exterior surface 101 facing downwardly on a supporting surface and with an interior surface thereof facing upwardly.

[0038] The end flap 191 can be folded at a respective portion of the fold line 189 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121. Simultaneously or thereafter, the distal portions 199, 203 of the end flap 191 can be folded at the respective fold lines 201, 205 into overlapping and/or at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the base portion 197 of the end flap 191. [0039] Similarly, the end flap 211 can be folded at the respective portion of the fold line 209 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121, and the distal portions 219, 223 of the end flap 211 can be folded at the respective fold lines 221, 225 into overlapping and/or at least partial face- to-face contact with the base portion 217 thereof.

[0040] The end flaps 187, 207 can be folded at the respective portions of the fold lines 189, 209 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the front panel 123, and the end flaps 193, 213 can be folded at the respective portions of the respective fold lines 189, 209 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel 127.

[0041] The front panel 123 can be folded at the fold line 125 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121 such that the end flaps 187, 207 carried thereon can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the interior surface of the respective distal portions 199, 219 of the respective end flaps 191, 211.

[0042] Further, the back panel 127 can be folded at the fold line 129 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121 and such that the end flaps 193, 213 carried thereon can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the interior surfaces of the respective distal portions 203, 223 of the respective end flaps 191, 211.

[0043] In some embodiments, the distal portions 161, 175 of the respective divider panels 155, 169 can also be folded at the respective fold lines 163, 177 such that the respective end flaps 195, 215 attached thereto are carried into at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective hinge panels 139, 145.

[0044] Thereafter, in some embodiments, the respective divider panels 151, 165 can be folded at the respective fold lines 153, 167 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the exterior surface of the respective end flaps 195, 215.

[0045] Such a folded arrangement or a further folded arrangement of the blank 103/tray 105 can be a collapsed configuration of the construct 105 that has a generally flattened profile, for example, for shipping, storage, stacking, etc., in a minimized or space-saving arrangement.

[0046] The panels 123, 127 and end flaps 191, 209 can then be folded at the respective fold lines 125, 129, 189, 209 into generally upright/perpendicular relation with the bottom panel 121 and the panels 151, 155, 165, 169 can then be folded at the respective fold lines 153, 157, 167, 171 into generally upright/perpendicular relation with the bottom panel 135. [0047] From the configuration illustrated in Fig. 2, the blank 103/construct 105 can be further selectively folded/configured to provide different arrangements of divider features in the interior 107 of the tray 105 to suit a desired purpose.

[0048] With continued reference to Figs. 2 and 3, one configuration of the tray 105 can be formed by at least partially separating the hinge panel 139 from the bottom panel 135 at the cut 143 and folding the hinge panel 139 at the fold line 141 in the direction of the arrow Al into at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 135. Such movement of the panel 139 can cause at least partial folding of the divider panel 155 relative to the connector panel 179 at the fold line 183.

[0049] The distal portion 175 of the divider panel 169 can also be folded at the fold line 177 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the base portion 173 of the divider panel 169. Simultaneously or thereafter, the divider panel 165 can be folded at the fold line 165 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the interior surface of the hinge panel 145.

[0050] In such an arrangement, the back panel 131 can be folded at the fold line 133 in the direction of the arrow A2 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel 127, and the bottom panel 135 can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121. Such movement of the bottom panel 135 can include at least partial folding at the fold line 137 relative to the back panel 131.

[0051] Such arrangement of the panels and end flaps of the tray 105 can be at least partially maintained by the at least partial separation of the locking tab 227 from the connector panel 179 at the cut 229 and at least partial insertion through an opening formed by the cut 231.

[0052] The aforementioned movement (e.g., inversion) of the hinge panel 139 can carry the divider panels 151, 155 into an arrangement extending upwardly from the bottom panels 121, 135 and extending into the interior 107 of the tray 105 to form respective divider walls 233, 235 (broadly, respective “first divider wall” and “second divider wall”) in the interior 107 of the tray 105 that comprise the respective divider panels.

[0053] In the illustrated arrangement, the divider walls 233, 235 can be positioned in intersecting relation in the interior 107 of the tray 105 to form a compartment space or compartment 237 that is a respective portion of the interior 107 of the tray 105, e.g., to provide separated receiving spaces for articles or products in the tray 105. As shown, the compartment 237 can be formed at least partially between the divider walls 233, 235, a portion of the front panel 123, and a portion of the end flap 191. [0054] The divider walls 233, 235 can also provide another compartment 239 formed by the remainder of the interior 107 of the tray 105 that is separated from the compartment 237 by the divider walls 233, 235.

[0055] Turning to Fig. 4, the formation of a second configuration of the tray 105 is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] The hinge panel 145 can be at least partially separated from the bottom panel 135 at the cut 149 and folded at the fold line 147 in the direction of the arrow A3 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 135. Such movement of the panel 145 can cause at least partial folding of the divider panel 169 relative to the connector panel 179 at the fold line 185.

[0057] The distal portion 161 of the divider panel 155 can also be folded at the fold line 163 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the base portion 159 of the divider panel 155. Simultaneously or thereafter, the divider panel 151 can be folded at the fold line 153 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the interior surface of the hinge panel 139.

[0058] In such an arrangement, the back panel 131 can be folded at the fold line 133 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel 127, and the bottom panel 135 can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom panel 121. Such movement of the bottom panel 135 can include at least partial folding at the fold line 137 relative to the back panel 131.

[0059] Such arrangement of the panels and end flaps of the tray 105 can be at least partially maintained by the at least partial separation of the locking tab 227 from the connector panel 179 at the cut 229 and at least partial insertion through an opening formed by the cut 231.

[0060] The aforementioned movement (e.g., inversion) of the hinge panel 145 can carry the divider panels 165, 169 into an arrangement extending upwardly from the bottom panels 121, 135 and extending into the interior 107 of the tray 105 to form respective divider walls 241 , 243 (broadly, respective “third divider wall” or “first divider wall”, and “fourth divider wall” or “second divider wall”) in the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0061] In the illustrated arrangement, the divider walls 241, 243 can be positioned in intersecting relation in the interior 107 of the tray 105 to form a compartment space or compartment 245 that is a respective portion of the interior 107 of the tray 105, e.g., to provide separated receiving spaces for articles or products in the tray 105. As shown, the compartment 245 can be formed at least partially between the divider walls 241 , 243 , a portion of the front panel 123 , and a portion of the end flap 211. [0062] The divider walls 241 , 243 can also provide a compartment 247 formed by the remainder of the interior 107 of the tray 105 that is separated from the compartment 245 by the divider walls 241, 243.

[0063] Turning to Fig. 5, the formation of a third configuration of the tray 105 is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0064] The third configuration of the tray 105 can include the formation of the divider walls 233, 235,

241 , 243 via the inversion of the respective hinge panels 139, 145 as described above with regard to the first configuration of the tray 105 and the second configuration of the tray 105.

[0065] In this regard, the tray 105 can be provided having the interior 107 in which the divider walls 233, 235 extend upwardly from the bottom panels 121, 135 to form the compartment 237 and in which the divider walls 241 , 243 extend upwardly from the bottom panels 121 , 135 to form the compartment 245.

[0066] The divider walls 233, 235, 241, 243 can also be arranged to form a compartment 249 in the interior of the tray 105 that is separated from the compartment 237 by the divider walls 233, 235 and that is separated from the compartment 245 by the divider walls 241 , 243. In the illustrated embodiment, the compartment 247 can define a smaller partial volume of the interior 107 of the tray 105 than either of the compartments 239, 247 described above due to the concurrent presence of the compartments 237, 245 in the interior 107 of the tray 105.

[0067] Turning to Fig. 6, the exterior surface 301 of a blank 303 for forming a tray 305 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with regard to the blank 103 and the tray 105, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

[0068] As shown, the blank 303 has the longitudinal axis LI and the lateral axis L2. The blank 303 can have generally the same arrangement of panels and end flaps as compared to the blank 103 described above, except one or more panels and/or end flaps of the blank 303 can have one or more dimensions that are different than those described above with respect to the blank 103.

[0069] Furthermore, locking features of the blank 303 and the tray 305 formed therefrom can include a locking tab 327 at least partially defined by a cut 329 interrupting the fold line 137 and for being at least partially received in a cut 331 or locking opening formed thereby that interrupts the fold line 129. [0070] In this regard, and with additional reference to Figs. 7-10, formation of first, second, and third configurations of a tray 305 from the blank 303 are illustrated, which can proceed in generally the same manner as described above with regard to the formation of first, second, and third configurations of the tray 105 from the blank 103, and which can provide similar advantages to those described above with regard to the blank 103 and tray 105 formed therefrom.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiments, the hinge panels 139, 145 are positioned closer to the back panel 131 than in the blank 103/tray 105 described above, e.g., such that the fold lines 141, 147 intersect the fold line 137.

[0072] In this regard, and as shown in Fig. 8, inversion of the hinge panel 139 and attached features as described above can position the divider wall 233 in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel 131, with the divider wall 235 extending perpendicularly therefrom into the interior 107 of the tray 305 to intersect the connector panel 179, and with the connector panel 179 and divider panel 169 intersecting in generally planar arrangement with each other and both extending generally perpendicularly from the divider wall 235. Such arrangement of the divider walls 233, 235 in the tray 305 can at least partially define compartments 345, 347 in the interior 107 of the tray 305, as illustrated.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector panel 179 can form a fifth divider wall 344 of the tray 305.

[0074] The compartment 345, as shown, can be formed at least partially between the divider walls 235, 243, 344, a portion of the back panel 131, and a portion of the end flap 211.

[0075] As another example, as shown in Fig. 9, inversion of the hinge panel 145 and attached features as described above can position the divider wall 241 in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel 131, with the divider wall 243 extending perpendicularly therefrom into the interior 107 of the tray 305 to intersect the connector panel 179/divider wall 344, and with the connector panel 179/divider wall 344 and divider panel 155 intersecting in generally planar arrangement with each other and both extending generally perpendicularly from the divider wall 243. Such arrangement of the divider walls 241, 243 in the tray 305 can at least partially define compartments 337, 339 in the interior 107 of the tray 305, as illustrated.

[0076] The compartment 339, as shown, can be formed at least partially between the divider walls 235, 344, 243, a portion of the back panel 131, and a portion of the end flap 191.

[0077] As yet another example, as shown in Fig. 10, the hinge panels 139, 145 of the tray 305 can be inverted as described above to provide the divider walls 233, 241 in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel 131, the respective divider walls 235, 243 extending generally perpendicularly therefrom to intersect the connector panel 179/divider wall 344, and the connector panel 179/divider wall 344 extending from the divider wall 235 to the divider wall 243 to form a compartment 351 of the interior 107 of the tray 305 that is separated from a compartment 349 in the remainder of the interior 107 of the tray 305.

[0078] The compartment 351 , as shown, can be formed at least partially between the divider walls 235, 344, 243, and a portion of the back panel 131

[0079] The blank 303 and tray 305 formed therefrom thus provides a reconfigurable tray with advantages similar to the blank 103 and tray 105 described above, in an alternative arrangement.

[0080] In this regard, the various configurations of the tray 305 can include different relative positions of the divider walls 233, 235, 241, 243 to provide different arrangements of compartments in the interior 107 of the tray 305.

[0081] It will be understood that blanks and trays according to the present disclosure can have a different number, arrangement, and/or configuration of features without departing from the disclosure.

[0082] In general, the blanks described herein may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, sheet plastics or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the container to function at least generally as described above. The blanks 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.

[0083] 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 of 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the container embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure container panels in place, and is not intended to exclude heat, chemical, or frequency bonding techniques.

[0086] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. As various changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the 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. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the above-described embodiments. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, but various other combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope of the disclosure 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.