THE SAME

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.

Provisional Application 62/447,474, filed on January 18, 2017. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a food packaging system and a nested food storage assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Food packaging and container systems are known. For example, containers and collapsible trays for storing food are known. While existing packaging and container configurations perform adequately for their intended purpose, improvements to packaging and container configurations are continuously being sought in order to advance the arts.

SUMMARY

[0004] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a foodstuff packaging system. The foodstuff packaging system may comprise a container and a tray. The container has a cylindrical outer sidewall defining a cavity having a first length. The tray includes at least one panel defining a recess. The foodstuff packaging system may be operable in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the outer sidewall of the container is received in the recess of the tray and a second configuration wherein the tray is enclosed within the cavity of the container.

[0006] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the container may define a first length, and the tray defines a second length greater than the first length. For example, the tray may be operable in a second length greater than the first length of the cavity and a third length less than the first length of the cavity.

[0007] In some implementations, the tray may include a tear seam formed in the at least one panel. The tear seam defines a first portion of the tray having the third length and a second portion of the tray having a fourth length. In the first configuration the first portion of the tray is joined to the second portion along the tear seam and in the second configuration the first portion of the tray is separated from the second portion along the tear seam.

[0008] In some examples of the foodstuff packaging system, the at least one panel includes a base panel and a pair of side panels extending from opposing ends of the base panel. A distance between the side panels defines a width of the tray that is less than a diameter of the cavity of the container. The base panel includes a planar outer surface and each of the side panels includes a concave inner surface defining a portion of the recess. The foodstuff packaging system of Claim 6, wherein the concave inner surface receives the cylindrical outer sidewall of the container when the food packaging system is in the first configuration.

[0009] In some examples, the at least one panel further includes a pair of end panels extending from opposing edges of the base panel and between the pair of side panels. In the first configuration both of the end panels are attached to the base panel and in the second configuration at least one of the end panels is separated from the base panel.

[0010] In some implementations, the foodstuff packaging system further includes an enclosure wrapped around the container and the tray when the foodstuff packaging system is in the first configuration.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a foodstuff packaging system. The foodstuff packaging system may includes a plurality of foodstuffs, a container, and a tray. The container may include a cylindrical outer sidewall defining an interior cavity having a diameter extending along a first length. The tray may include a recess, the tray operable between a first configuration for receiving the cylindrical outer sidewall of the container within the recess and a second

configuration for receiving the foodstuffs and being enclosed within the interior cavity of the container.

[0012] In the first configuration the tray may be defined by a first length portion and a second length portion joined to the first length portion along a tear seam. The tear seam may include a plurality of perforations. In the second configuration the second length portion, may be separated from the first length portion along the tear seam. A second length of the first length portion may be less than the first length of the cavity.

[0013] In some implementations of the foodstuff packaging system, the tray may include a base panel, a first lateral panel extending from a first end of the base panel, a second lateral panel extending from a second end of the base panel opposing the first lateral end, a first end panel extending from a third end of the base panel between the first lateral panel and the second lateral panel, and a second end panel extending from a fourth end of the base panel between the first lateral panel and the second lateral panel. A distance from an outer surface of the first lateral panel to an outer surface of the second lateral panel may be less than the diameter of the interior cavity.

[0014] In some implementations, the lateral panel includes a first concave surface and the second lateral panel includes a second concave surface opposing the first concave surface, the first concave surface and the second concave surface configured to receive the outer sidewall of the container.

[0015] In some examples, the first end panel may be attached to each of the base panel, the first lateral panel, and the second lateral panel along a first tear seam in the first configuration, and is separated from the tray along the tear seam in the second configuration. The base panel may be substantially planar.

[0016] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary system including a container, a tray and an enclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a packaging assembly formed from the system of FIG. 1. [0020] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a serving assembly formed from the system of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 2C is an exploded view of a nested storage assembly formed from the system of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 3 A is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3B is an assembled perspective view of the container of FIG. 3 A.

[0024] FIG. 4A is a side cross-section view according to line 4A-4A of FIG. 3A.

[0025] FIG. 4B is a side cross-section view according to line 4B-4B of FIG. 3B.

[0026] FIG. 5A is a view of a cylindrical body of the container according to arrow 5A ofFIG. 3A.

[0027] FIG. 5B is a view of the cylindrical body of the container according to arrow 5B of FIG. 3A.

[0028] FIG. 6A is a view of a disk-shaped, non-removable closure member of the container according to arrow 6A of FIG. 3 A.

[0029] FIG. 6B is a view of the disk-shaped, non-removable closure member of the container according to arrow 6B of FIG. 3 A.

[0030] FIG. 7A is a view of a disk-shaped, selectively -removable closure member of the container according to arrow 7A of FIG. 3 A.

[0031] FIG. 7B is a view of a disk-shaped, selectively -removable closure member of the container according to arrow 7B of FIG. 3 A.

[0032] FIG. 8A is a plan view of an exemplary substantially planar blank that forms the tray of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 8B is a side of the substantially planar blank of FIG. 8A.

[0034] FIG. 8C is an end view of the substantially planar blank of FIG. 8A.

[0035] FIG. 9A is a plan view of an exemplary substantially planar-shaped spatially-manipulatable body formed from the substantially planar blank of FIGS. 8A- 8C that forms the tray of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 9B is a side of the substantially planar-shaped spatially-manipulatable body of FIG. 9 A.

[0037] FIG. 9C is an end view of the substantially planar-shaped spatially- manipulatable body of FIG. 9A.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 1 formed from the exemplary substantially planar-shaped spatially-manipulatable body of FIGS. 9A-9C.

[0039] FIG. 11A is a plan view of the tray of FIG. 10. [0040] FIG. 11 B is a side of the tray of FIG. 1 1 A.

[0041] FIG. 1 1C is an end view of the tray of FIG. 1 1 A.

[0042] FIG. 12A is a side cross-section view according to line 12A-12A of FIG.

10.

[0043] FIG. 12B is an end cross-section view according to line 12B-12B of FIG. 10.

[0044] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the system according to line 1 SABA of FIG. 1 defining the packaging assembly of FIG. 2A.

[0045] FIGS. 13B is another cross-sectional view of the system according to FIG. 13A, illustrating removal of the enclosure.

[0046] FIGS. 13C-13E are cross-sectional views of the container and the tray of the system defining the serving assembly of FIG. 2B.

[0047] FIGS. 13F-13I are cross-sectional views of the container and the tray of the system defining the nested storage assembly of FIG. 2C.

[0048] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary system including a primary container, a secondary container, a primary tray, a secondary tray and an enclosure.

[0049] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a packaging assembly formed from the system of FIG. 14.

[0050] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary system including a primary container, a secondary container, a tertiary container, a primary tray, a secondary tray, a tertiary tray and an enclosure.

[0051] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a packaging assembly formed from the system of FIG. 16.

[0052] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"

"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0055] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0056] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations. [0057] Referring to FIG. 1, a system is shown generally at 10. The system 10 may include a container 12, a tray 14 and an enclosure 16. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 A, the container 12, the tray 14 and the enclosure 16 define a packaging assembly 100. With reference to FIG. 2B, the container 12 and the tray 14 may define a serving assembly 200. Lastly, as seen in FIG. 2C, the tray 14 is separable to define a first length portion 14' and a second length portion 14"; the container 12 and the first length portion 14' of the tray 14 define a nested storage assembly 300.

[0058] In some implementations, as seen in FIG. 2A, the packaging assembly 100 may be directed to a food packaging assembly whereby the container 12 is a cylindrically-shaped food container that stores foodstuff F while, as seen more clearly in FIG. 1, the tray 14 functions as a packaging portion. In this regard, the tray 14 may be referred to herein as the packaging portion 14 and/or the food tray portion 14. In such an implementation, the serving assembly 200 (of FIG. 2B) may be directed to a food serving assembly whereby the tray 14 provides a secondary function as a food tray portion. Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 2C, the second length portion 14" of the food tray portion 14 is separated from the first length portion 14' of the food tray portion 14 in order to permit the first length portion 14' of the food tray portion 14 to be stored within the cylindrically-shaped container 12 for defining the storage assembly 300, which may be referred to as a nested foodstuff tray storage assembly. Although some implementations of the container 12 may be directed to a 'cylindrically '-shaped food container, the container 12 may be defined to include any desirable geometry and is not limited to a cylindrical shape.

[0059] In an example, as seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, the foodstuff F may be defined by a plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n . As will be described in the following disclosure, the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n may be described to include a consumed portion Fx-F _n that are consumed by a consumer C (see, e.g., FIG. 2C) in a first serving session and an unconsumed portion Fi-F _x- i that are not consumed by the consumer C in the first serving session. Furthermore, each foodstuff unit of the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n may be similarly shaped in order to permit the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F„ to be arranged in a stacked configuration Fs (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-3B) that is sized for storage within: (1) the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 and/or (2) upon the food tray portion 14 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13D-13F). The similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n arranged in the stacked configuration Fs may be, for example, a plurality of stacked potato chips.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A and 5A-5B, the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 is defined by a cylindrical sidewall 18. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 5A-5B, the cylindrical sidewall 18 is defined by an inner surface 18i, an outer surface 18o, a proximal end surface 18p (see, e.g., FIG. 5A) and a distal end surface 18D (see, e.g., FIG. 5B). The proximal end surface 18p of the cylindrical sidewall 18 joins the inner surface 18i to the outer surface 18o. The distal end surface 18D of the cylindrical sidewall 18 joins the inner surface 18i to the outer surface 18o.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A and 6A-6B, the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 may be further defined by a disk-shaped, non-removable closure member 20. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 6A-6B, the disk-shaped, non-removable closure member 20 is defined by an inner surface 20i (see, e.g., FIG. 6B) an outer surface 20o (see, e.g., FIG. 6A) and a side surface 20s. The side surface 20s of the disk-shaped, non-removable closure member 20 joins the inner surface 20i to the outer surface 20o.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A and 7A-7B, the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 may be further defined by a disk-shaped, selectively -removable closure member 22. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 7A-7B, the disk-shaped, selectively -removable closure member 22 is defined by an inner surface 22i (see, e.g., FIG. 7A), an outer surface 22o (see, e.g., FIG. 7B) and a side surface 22s. The side surface 22s of the disk-shaped, selectively -removable closure member 22 joins the inner surface 22i to the outer surface 22o-

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3A, the disk-shaped, non-removable closure member 20 may be secured near the proximal end surface 18p of the cylindrical sidewall 18. The disk-shaped, selectively -removable closure member 22 may be removably-secured near the distal end surface 18D of the cylindrical sidewall 18. Referring to FIG. 4B, the inner surface 18i of the cylindrical sidewall 18 cooperates with the inner surface 20i of the disk-shaped, non-removable closure member 20 (and, in some examples, the inner surface 22i of the disk-shaped, selectively-removable closure member 22 when the disk-shaped, selectively-removable closure member 22 is removably- secured to the sidewall 18) to define a foodstuff-receiving cavity 24 for removably- securing the foodstuff F within the cylindrically-shaped food container 12.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 3B and 4B, the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 may be defined by a length L ₁₂ extending, for example, from the outer surface 20o of the non-removable closure member 20 located proximate the proximal end surface 18p of the side all 18 to the outer surface 22o of the selectively-removable closure member 22 located proximate the distal end surface 18D of the sidewall 18.

Furthermore, as seen in FIGS 3B and 4B, the outer surface 18o of the cylindrical sidewall 18 defines an outer diameter Di ₈ of the sidewall 18 of the cylindrically- shaped food container 12.

[0065] As seen in FIG. 4B, the inner surface 18i of the cylindrical sidewall 18 defines a cavity diameter D24 of the cavity 24. Even further, as seen in FIG. 4B, the cavity 24 may be defined by a cavity length L ₂₄ extending from the inner surface 20i of the non-removable closure member 20 to the inner surface 22i of the selectively- removable closure member 22 or the distal end surface 18D of the sidewall 18.

[0066] The components 18, 20, 22 defining the container 12 may be formed from any desirable material. In an example, the cylindrical sidewall 18 may be formed from a paperboard or cardboard material. In some implementations, the non- removable closure member 20 may be formed from a metal material. In some examples, the selectively-removable closure member 22 may be formed from a plastic material.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14 is formed from a substantially planar blank 26. The substantially planar blank 26 may be shaped by, for example: stamping, cutting, slitting and/or perforating in order to define a substantially planar-shaped spatially-manipulatable body 28 (see also, e.g., FIGS. 9A-9C). The substantially planar-shaped spatially-manipulatable body 28 is folded, bent, shaped and/or glued along fold lines, pre-weakened edges, perforations and the like to form the tray 14. The substantially planar blank 26 may be formed from any desirable material such as, for example, a paperboard material, a cardboard material, a plastic material or the like.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 9A, the substantially planar-shaped spatially- manipulatable body 28 may be spatially manipulated to define a plurality of panels 30 that form the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14. In an example, the plurality of panels 30 may include a base panel 30B, a proximal panel 30p, a distal panel 30D, a first lateral panel 30LI and a second later panel 30L ₂ . The proximal panel 30p extends from a proximal end 30BPE of the base panel 30B. The distal panel 30D extends from a distal end 30BDE of the base panel 30B. The first lateral panel 30LI extends from a first lateral end 30BLI of the base panel 30B. The second lateral panel 30L2 extends from a second lateral end 30BL2 of the base panel 30B.

[0069] The base panel 30B defines an inner surface 30BI and an outer surface 30BO. The proximal panel 30p defines an inner surface 30pi, an outer surface 30po and a side surface 30ps. The side surface 30ps of the proximal panel 30p joins the inner surface 30pi to the outer surface 30po. As shown, the proximal panel 30p defines a first lateral edge 30pu and an opposing second lateral edge 30PL2. Each of the first lateral edge 30PLI and the second lateral 30 L2 edge may be arcuate in in shape.

[0070] The distal panel 30D defines an inner surface 30DI, an outer surface 30DO and a side surface 30DS- The side surface 30DS of the distal panel 30D joins the inner surface 30DI to the outer surface 30DO. As shown, the distal panel 30D defines a first lateral edge 30DLI and an opposing second lateral edge 30DL2. Each of the first lateral edge 30DLI and the second lateral edge 30DL2 may be arcuate in in shape.

[0071] The first lateral panel 30LI defines an inner surface 30LI I, an outer surface 30LIO and a side surface 30LIS- The side surface 30LIS of the first lateral panel 30LI joins the inner surface 30LI I to the outer surface 30LIO.

[0072] The second lateral panel 30u defines an inner surface 30L2I, an outer surface 30L2O and a side surface 30L2S. The side surface 30L2S of the second lateral panel 30L2 joins the inner surface 30L2I to the outer surface 30L2O.

[0073] In an example, as seen in FIG. 9A, the plurality of panels 30 may further include a first proximal webbing panel 30pwi, a second proximal webbing panel 30pw2, a first distal webbing panel 30DWI and a second distal webbing panel 30DW2. The first proximal webbing panel 30pwi connects the first lateral edge 30PLI of the proximal panel 30p to a proximal end 30LI P of the first lateral panel 30LI. The second proximal webbing panel 30pw ₂ connects the second lateral edge 30PL2 of the proximal panel 30p to a proximal end 30L2P of the second lateral panel 30L2.

[0074] The first distal webbing panel 30DWI connects the first lateral edge 30DLI of the distal panel 30D to a distal end 30LID of the first lateral panel 30LI- The second distal webbing panel 30DW2 connects the second lateral edge 30DL2 of the distal panel 30D to a distal end 30L2D of the second lateral panel 30L2. Furthermore, each of the first proximal webbing panel 30pwi, the second proximal webbing panel 30pw2, the first distal webbing panel 30DWI and the second distal webbing panel 30DW2 may define a fold line 32. [0075] The proximal panel 3 Op, the distal panel 30D, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2 may be spatially manipulated (e.g., folded) relative to, respectively, the proximal end 30BPE, the distal end 30BDE, the first lateral edge 30BLI and the second lateral edge 30BL2 of the base panel 30B for forming the food tray portion 14, as seen in FIG. 10. Put another way, the lateral panels 30LI, 30L2 may be folded with respect to the base panel 30B SO that opposing ends 30LIP, 30L2P, 30LID, - 30L2D of each of the respective lateral panels 30LI, 30L2 are joined with the arcuate lateral edges 30PLI, 30PL2, 30DLI, 30DL2 of the proximal panel 30 and the distal panel 30 _D .

[0076] Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 10, as the proximal panel 30p, the distal panel 30D, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second later panel 30L are spatially

manipulated relative the base panel 30B as described above, the first proximal webbing panel 30PWI, the second proximal webbing panel 30pw2, the first distal webbing panel 30DWI and the second distal webbing panel 30DW2 may be collapsed along their respective fold line 32. In some examples, an adhesive may be applied to each of the first proximal webbing panel 30pwi, the second proximal webbing panel 30pw2, the first distal webbing panel 30DWI and the second distal webbing panel 30DW2 in order to retain the substantially planar-shaped spatially-manipulatable body 28 that defines the food tray portion 14 in the spatially manipulated configuration as seen in FIG. 10.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 10, 1 lA-11C and 12A-12C, when the substantially planar-shaped spatially-manipulatable body 28 is spatially manipulated for defining the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14, the inner surfaces 30BI, 30PI, 30DI, 30LI I, 30L2I of, respectively, the base panel 30B, the proximal panel 30p, the distal panel 30D, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second later panel 30 cooperate to define a foodstuff-receiving recess 34 for removably-securing the foodstuff F upon the food tray portion 14. As discussed above, the recess is formed by joining opposing ends 30LI P, 30L2P, 30LID, 30L2D of each of the lateral panels 30LI, 30L2 to respective ones of the arcuate lateral edges 30PLI, 30PL2, 30DLI, 30DL2. Accordingly, the lateral panels 30LI, 30L2 are also arcuate such that the inner surfaces 30LI I, 30L2iare concave in shape and are configured to receive the cylindrical outer surface 18o of the container 12.

[0078] As seen in FIGS. 10, 1 lA-1 IB and 12 A, the recess 34 of the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14 may be defined by a recess length L34 extending from the inner surface 30PI of the proximal panel 30p to the inner surface 30DI of the distal panel 3 Op. As seen in FIGS. 10, 11A, 1 1C and 12B, the recess 34 of the food tray portion 14 may be further defined by a recess width W34 extending from the inner surface 30LI I of the first lateral panel 30LI to the inner surface 30L2I of the second lateral panel 30L2. As seen in FIGS. 10, 11 B-l 1C and 12B, the recess 34 of the food tray portion 14 may be further defined by a recess height H34 extending from the inner surface 30BI of the base panel 30B to a side end 30LI S, 30L2S of each of the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L ₂ .

[0079] Furthermore, as seen in FIGS. 10, 1 1 A-l IB and 12A, the food tray portion 14 may be defined by a length LH extending from the outer surface 30po of the proximal panel 30p to the outer surface 30DO of the distal panel 30p. As seen in FIGS.

10, 11A, l lC and 12B, the food tray portion 14 may be further defined by a width

Wi4 extending from the outer surface 30LIO of the first lateral panel 30LI to the outer surface 30L2O of the second lateral panel 30L2. As seen in FIGS. 10, 1 lB-11C and 12B, the food tray portion 14 may be further defined by a height H14 extending from the outer surface 30BO of the base panel 30B to the side end 30us, 30L2S of each of the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2.

[0080] As seen in FIG. 9A, when the substantially planar blank 26 is shaped into the substantially planar-shaped spatially-manipulatable body 28, the substantially planar blank 26 may be perforated to define a plurality of perforations 36 extending through the thickness T ₂₈ (see, e.g., FIGS. 9B-9C) of the substantially planar-shaped, spatially-manipulatable body 28. The plurality of perforations 36 may define a substantially linear pattern extending across a width W ₃ OB of the a base panel 30B, a width W30L1 of the first lateral panel 30LI and a width W301.2 of the second later panel 30 _L 2.

[0081] With reference to FIG. 11 A, each of the base panel 30B, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2 are defined by a length L30. The substantially linear pattern of the plurality of perforations 36 may be arranged at a distance D36 away from the proximal end 30BPE, 30LIP and 30L2P of each of the base panel 30B, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2 for defining a portion L ₃ op of the length L30 of the base panel 30B, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2- The portion L30P of the length L30 may be approximately equal to about ninth-tenths (9/10) of the length L30 of the base panel 30B, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2. A remainder L ₃ O of the length L30 of the base panel 30B, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2 extends between the distal end 30BDE, 30LI D and 30L2D of each of the base panel 30B, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2 and the substantially linear pattern of the plurality of perforations 36.

[0082] When the substantially planar-shaped spatially-manipulatable body 28 is spatially manipulated for defining the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14 as described above, the plurality of perforations 36 define a tear seam 38.

Furthermore, the tear seam 38 demarcates the food tray portion 14 for defining the first length portion 14' of the food tray portion 14 and the second length portion 14" of the food tray portion 14. The first length portion 14' of the food tray portion 14 is defined by the proximal panel 30p and the portion L ₃ op of the length L30 of each of the base panel 30B, the first lateral panel 30u and the second lateral panel 30L2. The second length portion 14" of the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14 is defined by the distal panel 30D and the remainder L30 of length L30 of each of the base panel 30B, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2. AS seen in FIGS. 8A, 9A, 10 and 1 1 A, in some implementations, the food tray portion 14 may be symmetrically formed to include a second plurality of perforations 36 defining a second tear seam 38 arranged proximate the proximal panel 30p; formation of a second plurality of perforations 36 defining a second tear seam 38 permits a user to selectively choose which end (i.e., the proximal end of the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14 including the proximal panel 30p or the distal end including the distal panel 30D of the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14) of the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14 should be separated such that the second length portion 14" of the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14 may be at least partially defined by either of the proximal panel 30p or the distal panel 30D of the packaging portion 14 / the food tray portion 14.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 13A-13B, the food packaging assembly 100 is now described. The food packaging assembly 100 includes the cylindrically- shaped food container 12, the tray 14 and the enclosure 16. Although the tray 14 is also the food tray portion defined by the first length portion 14' joined to the second length portion 14" at the tear seam 38, when arranged relative the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 as described below in the context of the food packaging assembly 100, the tray / the food tray portion 14 is hereinafter referred to as a "packaging portion." [0084] With reference to FIG. 13 A, the food packaging assembly 100 may be prepared at a food manufacturing site; the food manufacturing site may be 'clean room' (e.g., a substantially germ-free / bacteria-free environment). In an example, the food packaging assembly 100 may be prepared at the food manufacturing site whereby the foodstuff-receiving cavity 24 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 is filled with one or more foodstuff units Fi-F _n such as, for example, a plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n that are arranged in a stacked configuration Fs (e.g., PRINGLES®). Although the food packaging assembly 100 may be prepared with one or more foodstuff units Fi-F _n arranged within the foodstuff-receiving cavity 24 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12, the food packaging assembly 100 may be assembled without disposing the one or more foodstuff units Fi-F _n within the foodstuff-receiving cavity 24 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 (i.e., the one or more foodstuff units Fi-F _n is/are not a critical or essential component of the food packaging assembly 100, and, therefore, an exemplary implementation of the food packaging assembly 100 may not include the one or more foodstuff units Fi-F _n ). Furthermore, although the one or more units Fi-F _n is/are described as one or more 'foodstuff units Fi-F _n , the one or more units Fi-F _n may be non-edible / non-foodstuff material.

[0085] After the one or more foodstuff units Fi-Fn are arranged within the foodstuff-receiving cavity 24 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12, the packaging portion 14 may be connected to the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 by at least partially nesting the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 within the container-receiving recess 34 of the packaging portion 14. As will be described below with respect to the food serving assembly 200, the 'container'-receiving recess 34 of the packaging portion 14 will be alternatively-referred to as a 'foodstuff - receiving recess 34 for removably-securing the foodstuff F (that is removed from the foodstuff-receiving cavity 24 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12) upon the food tray portion 14.

[0086] The length Lu of the container-receiving recess 34 of the packaging portion 14 extending from the inner surface 30pi of the proximal panel 30p of the packaging portion 14 to the inner surface 30DI of the distal panel 3 Op of the packaging portion 14 is sized to be approximately equal to but slightly greater than the length Li ₂ of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 that extends between the outer surface 20o of the non-removable closure member 20 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 and the outer surface 22o of the selectively-removable closure member 22 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12. Furthermore, the width W34 of the container-receiving recess 34 of the packaging portion 14 extending from the inner surface 30LI I of the first lateral panel 30LI to the inner surface 30L2I of the second lateral panel 30L ₂ is sized for receiving a least a portion of the outer circumference of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 defined by the outer diameter Die of the sidewall 18. In some examples, the width W34 of the container-receiving recess 34 of the packaging portion 14 is sized to be less than the outer diameter Die of the sidewall 18. Yet even further, the height H34 of the container-receiving recess 34 of the packaging portion 14 extending from the inner surface 3 OBI of the base panel 30B to a side end 30LI S, 30L ₂ S of each of the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2 is sized to be less than the outer diameter Die of the sidewall 18. The nesting of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 within the container-receiving recess 34 of the packaging portion 14 results in at least one of: (1) the inner surface 30LH, 30L2I, 30BI of the first lateral panel 30LI, the second lateral panel 30L2 and the base panel 30B being disposed adjacent the outer surface 18o of the cylindrical sidewall 18, (2) the inner surface 30pi of the proximal panel 30p being disposed adjacent the outer surface 20o of the disk-shaped, non-removable closure member 20 and (3) the inner surface 30DI of the distal panel 30p being disposed adjacent the outer surface 22o of the disk- shaped, selectively -removable closure member 22 such that the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 is loosely-connected to the packaging portion 14. In this regard, the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 may be loosely-connected to the packaging portion 14 when the packaging portion 14 is in a lengthened state.

[0087] With continued reference to FIG. 13 A, after nesting the cylindrically- shaped food container 12 within the container-receiving recess 34 of the packaging portion 14 as described above, the enclosure 16 is wrapped about and disposed adjacent all of or some portions of the outer surfaces 18o, 20o, 22o, 30BO, 30po, 30DO, 30LIO, 30L2O of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14 thereby forming the food packaging assembly 100. In example, the enclosure 16 may be a transparent plastic film, which may be referred to as a shrink wrap material.

[0088] As seen in FIG. 13 A, once the enclosure 16 is wrapped about the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14, the enclosure 16 forms a cavity 40 that contains the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14. By wrapping the enclosure 16 about all of or some portions of the outer surfaces 18 ₀₎ 20o, 22o, 30BO, 30 _po , 30DO, 30LIO, 30 _L 2O of the cylindrically- shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14, the enclosure 16 secures the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 to the packaging portion 14 while also sealing the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14 within the cavity 40 from surrounding atmosphere A. Once the enclosure 16 seals the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14 from surrounding atmosphere A, and, upon the food packaging assembly 100 leaving the environment defined by the 'clean room', the enclosure 16 protects the cylindrically- shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14 from being contaminated by germs and/or bacteria in the surrounding atmosphere A of the non-clean-room environment.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 13B, the seal provided by the enclosure 16 may be subsequently broken by a consumer C (see, e.g., FIG. 2C) in order to permit the consumer C to expose the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14 to surrounding atmosphere A and subsequently remove the cylindrically- shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14 from the cavity 40 formed by the enclosure 16. As seen in FIG. 2B, the enclosure 16 may then be discarded in a trash receptacle T.

[0090] As seen in FIG. 2B and 13C, upon removing the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14 from the cavity 40, the cylindrically- shaped food container 12 and the packaging portion 14 is said to function as the food serving assembly 200. When arranged relative the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 as described below at FIGS. 13D-13E, in the context of the food serving assembly 200, the tray / the packaging portion 14 is hereinafter referred to as a "food tray portion." As seen in FIGS. 13D-13E, the food tray portion is initially defined by the first length portion 14' being joined to the second length portion 14" at the tear seam 38.

[0091] As seen in FIG. 13C, after separating the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 from the food tray portion 14 such that the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 is no longer arranged in a nested orientation with respect to the food tray portion 14, the recess 34 formed by the packaging portion 14 / food tray portion 14 is no longer referred to as a 'container'-receiving recess 34 but rather a 'foodstuff - receiving recess 34. As seen in FIGS. 13D-13E, the foodstuff-receiving recess 34 is sized for receiving the foodstuff F (that may be defined by a plurality of similarly- shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n that are arranged in a stacked configuration Fs) that is removed from the foodstuff-receiving cavity 24 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12.

[0092] As seen in FIG. 13E, the food tray portion 14 provides unobstructed access to the foodstuff-receiving recess 34 and any item(s) such as, for example, the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n arranged thereupon. The unobstructed access to the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n arranged upon the food tray portion 14 advantageously permits a plurality of foodstuff consumers Ci- n to access the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n whereas only one foodstuff consumer O (see, e.g., FIG. 13C)could access an upper-most foodstuff unit F _n (see, e.g., FIG. 13C) of the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n that are arranged in the stacked configuration Fs within the foodstuff-receiving cavity 24 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12.

[0093] As seen in FIG. 13F, a portion (e.g., Fi-F _x -i) of the plurality of similarly- shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n may not be consumed during a serving session, and, in order to maintain the freshness of the remaining portion Fi-F _x- i of the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n , a consumer C may wish to return the remaining portion Fi— F _X .| of the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n to the foodstuff-receiving cavity 24 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12.

Furthermore, the consumer C may wish to maintain the unobstructed consumption convenience provided by the food tray portion 14 while not having to directly touch the remaining portion Fi-F _x- i of the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n as the remaining portion Fi-F _x- i of the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-Fn are returned to the foodstuff-receiving cavity 24. Therefore, the consumer C may move or otherwise transform the packaging portion 14 from the lengthened state (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 10) to a shortened state (e.g., FIGS. 13F-13I). For example, as seen in FIG. 13F, to move or otherwise transform the packaging portion 14 from the lengthened state (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 10) to the shortened state (e.g., FIGS. 13F-13I), the consumer C may separate the first length portion 14' of the food tray portion 14 from the second length portion 14" of the food tray portion 14 at the tear seam 38 such that second length portion 14" of the food tray portion 14 may be discarded into a trash receptacle T (see, e.g., FIG. 2C) while the first length portion 14' of the food tray portion 14 may removably-support the remaining portion Fi-F _x -i of the plurality of similarly-shaped foodstuff units Fi-F _n . Upon separating the second length portion 14" of the food tray portion 14 from the first length portion 14' of the food tray portion 14, the cylindrically-shaped food container 12 and the first length portion 14' of the food tray portion 14 cooperate to form the foodstuff tray storage assembly 300. In other implementations, the consumer or other user may move or otherwise transform the packaging portion 14 from the lengthened state (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 10) to the shortened state (e.g., FIGS. 13F-13I) by folding or bending a portion of the packaging portion 14 to reduce the overall length L of the food tray portion 14.

[0094] The purpose of removing the second length portion 14" of the food tray portion 14 from the first length portion 14' of the food tray portion 14 results in a reduction of the overall length LH of the food tray portion 14. Referring to FIG. 13F, after separating the second length portion 14" of the food tray portion 14 from the first length portion 14' of the food tray portion 14, the food tray portion 14 may be approximately equal to the portion L ₃ op of the length L30 of: the base panel 30B, the first lateral panel 30LI and the second lateral panel 30L2 extending between the plurality of perforations 36 defining the tear seam 38 and the proximal end 30BPE, 30LIP and 30L2P of each of the base panel 30B, the first lateral panel 30u and the second lateral panel 30L2. The length L30P of the remainder of the food tray portion 14 defined by the first length portion 14' is less than the length L ₂₄ of the cavity 24 extending from the inner surface 20i of the non-removable closure member 20 to the inner surface 22i of the selectively-removable closure member 22 / the distal end surface 18D of the sidewall 18, and, with reference to FIGS. 13G-13I, the remainder of the food tray portion 14 defined by the first length portion 14' is sized for storage within the foodstuff-receiving cavity 24 of the cylindrically-shaped food container 12.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 14, a system is shown generally at 10'. The system 10' includes a primary container 12i', a secondary container 12 ₂ ', a primary tray 14i', a secondary tray 14 ₂ ', and an enclosure 16'. As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the primary container 12i', the secondary container 12 ₂ ', the primary tray 14i', the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' and the enclosure 16' define a packaging assembly 100'. In a substantially similar manner as described above at FIGS. 1-131, the primary container 12 and the primary tray 14i' define a first serving assembly (not shown) of the system 10' and the secondary container 12 ₂ ' and the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' define a second serving assembly (not shown) of the system 10'. Furthermore, in a substantially similar manner as described above at FIGS. 1-131, each of the primary tray 14i' and the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' are separable to define a first length portion (see, e.g., 14' in FIG. 1 1A) and a second length portion (see, e.g., 14" in FIG. 11A); thereafter, the primary container 12i' and the first length portion of the primary tray 14ι' define a first nested storage assembly (not shown) of the system 10' and the secondary container 12 ₂ ' and the first length portion of the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' define a second nested storage assembly (not shown) of the system 10'.

[0096] In some implementations, as seen in FIG. 15, the packaging assembly 100' may be directed to a food packaging assembly whereby each of the primary container 12i' and the secondary container 12 ₂ ' are cylindrically-shaped food containers that store foodstuff F while, as seen more clearly in FIG. 14, each of the primary tray 14i' and the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' function as packaging portions; in such an

implementation, each of the first and second serving assemblies may be directed to first and second food serving assemblies whereby each of the primary tray 14i' and the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' provide a secondary function as a food tray portion.

Thereafter, the second length portion (see, e.g., 14" in FIG. 1 1 A) of each of the primary tray 14i' and the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' is separated from the first length portion (see, e.g., 14' in FIG. 11 A) of each of the primary tray 14i' and the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' in order to permit the first length portion of each of the primary tray Hi ' and the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' to be respectively stored within the primary container 12Γ and the secondary container 12 ₂ ' for respectively defining the first storage assembly and the second storage assembly, which may be respectively referred to as a first nested foodstuff tray storage assembly and a second nested foodstuff tray storage assembly. Although some implementations of the primary container 12] ' and the secondary container 12 ₂ ' may be directed to a 'cylindrically'-shaped food container, each of the primary container 12i' and the secondary container 12 ₂ ' may be defined to include any desirable geometry and is not limited to a cylindrical shape.

[0097] As seen in FIGS. 14-15, at least of the outer surfaces 30BO', 30 _po \ 30DO', 30LIO', 30L2O' of the plurality of panels 30' that respectively form the primary tray 14i' and the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' may include one or more of a logo and indicia 42'. In an example, at least one outer surface (see, e.g., the outer surface 30L2O') of the primary tray 14i' includes a first logo and/or indicia portion 42a' and at least one outer surface (see, e.g., the outer surface 30LIO') of the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' includes a second logo and/or indicia portion 42b'; as seen in FIG. 14, when the primary tray 14ι' and the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' are horizontally disposed adjacent one another (i.e., in a side-by- side relationship) for arrangement as components of the packaging assembly 100', the outer surface 30L2O' of the primary tray 14i' including the first logo and/or indicia portion 42a' cooperates with outer surface 30LIO' of the secondary tray 14 ₂ ' including the second logo and/or indicia portion 42b' in order to form the logo or indicia 42'.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 16, a system is shown generally at 10". The system 10" includes a primary container 12i", a secondary container 12 ₂ ", a tertiary container

12 ₃ ", a primary tray 14i", a secondary tray 14 ₂ ", a tertiary tray 14 ₃ " and an enclosure 16". As seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, the primary container 12i", the secondary container 12 ₂ ", the tertiary container 12 ₂ ", the primary tray 14i", the secondary tray 14 ₂ ", the tertiary container 12 ₃ " and the enclosure 16" define a packaging assembly 100". In a substantially similar manner as described above at FIGS. 1 -131, the primary container 12i" and the primary tray 14i " define a first serving assembly (not shown) of the system 10", the secondary container 12 ₂ " and the secondary tray 14 ₂ " define a second serving assembly (not shown) of the system 10" and the tertiary container 12 ₃ " and the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " define a third serving assembly (not shown) of the system 10". Furthermore, in a substantially similar manner as described above at FIGS. 1-131, each of the primary tray 14i", the secondary tray 14 " and the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " are separable to define a first length portion (see, e.g., 14' in FIG. 1 1 A) and a second length portion (see, e.g., 14" in FIG. 1 1A); thereafter, the primary container 12i", the first length portion of the primary tray 14i" define a first nested storage assembly (not shown) of the system 10", the secondary container 12 ₂ " and the first length portion of the secondary tray 14 ₂ " define a second nested storage assembly (not shown) of the system 10" and the tertiary container 12 ₃ " and the first length portion of the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " define a third nested storage assembly (not shown) of the system 10".

[0099] In some implementations, as seen in FIG. 17, the packaging assembly 100" may be directed to a food packaging assembly whereby each of the primary container 12i", the secondary container 12 ₂ " and the tertiary container 12 ₃ " are cylindrically- shaped food containers that store foodstuff F while, as seen more clearly in FIG. 16, each of the primary tray 14i", the secondary tray 14 ₂ " and the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " function as packaging portions; in such an implementation, each of the first, second and third serving assemblies may be directed to first, second and third food serving assemblies whereby each of the primary tray 14i", the secondary tray 14 ₂ " and the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " provide a secondary function as a food tray portion. Thereafter, the second length portion (see, e.g., 14" in FIG. 1 1 A) of each of the primary tray 14i", the secondary tray 14 ₂ " and the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " is separated from the first length portion (see, e.g., 14' in FIG. 11 A) of each of the primary tray 14i", the secondary tray 14 ₂ " and the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " in order to permit the first length portion of each of the primary tray 14i", the secondary tray 14 ₂ " and the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " to be respectively stored within the primary container 12i", the secondary container 12 ₂ " and the tertiary container 12 ₃ " for respectively defining the first storage assembly, the second storage assembly and the third storage assembly, which may be respectively referred to as a first nested foodstuff tray storage assembly, a second nested foodstuff tray storage assembly and a third nested foodstuff tray storage assembly. Although some implementations of the primary container 12|", the secondary container 12 ₂ " and the tertiary container 12 ₃ " may be directed to a 'cylindrically'-shaped food container, each of the primary container 12i", the secondary container 12 ₂ " and the tertiary container 12 ₃ " may be defined to include any desirable geometry and is not limited to a cylindrical shape.

[00100] As seen in FIGS. 16-17, at least of the outer surfaces 30BO", 30PO", 30DO", 30LIO", 30L2O" of the plurality of panels 30" that respectively form the primary tray 14i", the secondary tray 14 ₂ " and the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " may include one or more of a logo and indicia 42". In an example, at least one outer surface (see, e.g., the outer surface 30L2O") of the primary tray 14i" includes a first logo and/or indicia portion 42a", at least one outer surface (see, e.g., the outer surface 30L ₂ O") of the secondary tray 14 ₂ " includes a second logo and/or indicia portion 42b" and at least one outer surface (see, e.g., the outer surface 30L2O") of the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " includes a third logo and/or indicia portion 42c"; as seen in FIG. 16, when the primary tray 14i", the secondary tray 14 ₂ " and the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " are arranged in vertically stacked orientation (such that the secondary tray 14 ₂ " is arranged between the primary tray 14i" and the tertiary tray 14 ₃ "), as components of the packaging assembly 100", the outer surface 30L2O" of the primary tray 14i", including the first logo and/or indicia portion 42a" cooperates with outer surface 30L ₂ O" of the secondary tray 14 ₂ " including the second logo and/or indicia portion 42b" and the outer surface 30L2O" of the tertiary tray 14 ₃ " including the third logo and/or indicia portion 42c" in order to form the logo or indicia 42".

[00101] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.