U.S. patent application number 16/270523 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-15 for standing packages and related methods of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Transcontinental Holding Corp (formerly Coveris Holding Corp.). Invention is credited to Joshua Ball, Thomas R. Lee.
Application Number | 20190248534 16/270523 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67540729 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190248534 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Thomas R. ; et
al. |
August 15, 2019 |
STANDING PACKAGES AND RELATED METHODS OF USE
Abstract
A package including a tray and a lid is provided. The tray can
include a central portion disposed between a plurality of walls and
first and second legs. A lid may be releasably coupled to the tray
such that the package is configured to hold a food product. Methods
of manufacturing and using the package are also provided.
Inventors: |
Lee; Thomas R.; (Menasha,
WI) ; Ball; Joshua; (Appleton, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Transcontinental Holding Corp (formerly Coveris Holding
Corp.) |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67540729 |
Appl. No.: |
16/270523 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62628883 |
Feb 9, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/76 20130101;
B65D 77/2024 20130101; B65D 1/40 20130101; B65D 2207/00 20130101;
B65D 81/2015 20130101; B65D 1/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/34 20060101
B65D001/34; B65D 77/20 20060101 B65D077/20; B65D 81/20 20060101
B65D081/20; B65D 1/40 20060101 B65D001/40; B65D 85/76 20060101
B65D085/76 |
Claims
1. A package, comprising: a tray comprising; a first wall and a
second wall; a third wall extending between first ends of the first
and second walls; a fourth wall extending between second ends of
the first and second walls; a central portion disposed between each
of the first, second, third, and fourth walls; and a first leg
disposed adjacent at least one of the first, second, third, and
fourth walls; wherein the tray is configured to be releasably
coupled to a lid.
2. The package of claim 1, further comprising a second leg, wherein
the second leg is disposed adjacent a junction of the second and
fourth walls, and wherein the first leg is disposed adjacent a
junction of the first and fourth walls.
3. The package of claim 1, wherein the tray further comprises a rim
extending around a perimeter of the tray along first edges of each
of the first, second, third, and fourth walls.
4. The package of claim 3, wherein the rim is substantially
planar.
5. The package of claim 3, wherein the rim extends radially outward
from the first edges of each of the first, second, third, and
fourth walls.
6. The package of claim 3, wherein a distance between a plane
formed by an inside surface of the central portion and a plane
formed by the rim is substantially uniform.
7. The package of claim 6, wherein a distance between an inside
surface of the first leg and the plane formed by the rim is greater
than the distance between the plane formed by the inside surface of
the central portion and the plane formed by the rim; and wherein a
distance between an inside surface of the second leg and the plane
formed by the rim is greater than the distance between the plane
formed by the inside surface of the central portion and the plane
formed by the rim.
8. The package of claim 1, wherein the first leg extends between
the fourth wall and a position distal of a median of the first wall
relative to the fourth wall.
9. The package of claim 8, wherein the first leg extends distally
away from the central portion relative to a plane formed by the rim
at an angle such that a distance of a portion of an inside surface
of the first leg adjacent the fourth wall relative to the plane
formed by the rim is greater than a distance of a portion of the
inside surface of the first leg adjacent the position distal of the
median of the first wall.
10-12. (canceled)
13. The package of claim 3, further comprising a lid, wherein the
lid is releasably coupled to the tray at the rim.
14. The package of claim 13, wherein the lid is releasably coupled
to the tray by a peelable seal.
15. (canceled)
16. The package of claim 13, wherein the package is configured to
hold a food product, and wherein a vacuum between the tray and the
lid holds the food product.
17-26. (canceled)
27. The package of claim 1, wherein the package is configured to
hold a food product.
28. The package of claim 27, wherein the food product is selected
from at least one of meat, processed meat, or cheese.
29. A tray, comprising: a cavity surrounded by a plurality of
walls; a rim extending around a perimeter of the tray along upper
edges of the plurality of walls, wherein a depth of a central
portion of the cavity is substantially uniform relative to a plane
formed by the rim; a first leg disposed adjacent a first corner
formed by the plurality of walls; and a second leg disposed
adjacent a second corner formed by the plurality of walls, wherein
the first and second legs extend away from the central portion of
the cavity relative to the plane formed by the rim.
30. The tray of claim 29, wherein the cavity is substantially
rectangular.
31. The tray of claim 29, wherein the rim is substantially
planar.
32. The tray of claim 29, wherein the rim extends radially outward
from the upper edges of the plurality of walls.
33. The tray of claim 29, wherein the first leg extends between the
first corner and a position distal of a median of a first lateral
wall relative to the first corner.
34. The tray of claim 33, wherein the first leg extends distally
away from the central portion of the cavity at an angle relative to
the plane formed by the rim such that a depth of a portion of the
first leg adjacent the first corner relative to the rim is greater
than a depth of a portion of the first leg adjacent the position
distal of the median of the first lateral wall relative to the
plane formed by the rim.
35. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to packages, and
more particularly to standing packages including a tray and methods
of manufacturing and using the same. The tray can include a central
portion disposed between a plurality of walls and first and second
legs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] The written disclosure herein describes illustrative
embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is
made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted
in the figures, in which:
[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front of an embodiment of
a package.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a back of the package of
FIG. 1.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the front of the package of FIG.
1.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the back of the package of FIG.
1.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a first side of the package of FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second side of the package of
FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1
including a lid in a partially removed configuration.
[0010] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a back of another embodiment
of a package.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Embodiments of the disclosure may be best understood by
reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by
like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the
components of the present disclosure, as generally described and
illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed
in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following
more detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to
limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of
possible embodiments of the disclosure. In some cases, well-known
structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in
detail. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented
in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless
specifically indicated.
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 are front and rear perspective views,
respectively, of a package 100. As depicted, the package 100 is in
a standing or upright configuration. The package 100 can include a
tray 110 and a lid 105. The lid 105 may be coupled to the tray 110.
In some embodiments, the package 100 may lack a lid (e.g., the
package 100 may include the tray 110 only). The tray 110 may also
be configured to be coupled (e.g., releasably or resealably
coupled) to a lid such as the lid 105.
[0013] The tray 110 can include a first wall 112 (or first lateral
wall) and a second wall 116 (or second lateral wall). As shown, the
first wall 112 can be disposed opposite of the second wall 114
relative to the tray 110. The tray 110 can also include a third
wall 120 (or top wall) extending between a first end 113 of the
first wall 112 and a first end 117 of the second wall 116.
Furthermore, a fourth wall 124 (or bottom wall) can extend between
a second end 114 of the first wall 112 and a second end 118 of the
second wall 116. As depicted, the third wall 120 can be disposed
opposite of the fourth wall 124 relative to the tray 110.
Directional terms, such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," etc.,
are used herein with respect to the orientation shown, for example,
in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8 (i.e., the standing configuration). The terms
are used for the sake of convenience and are not necessarily
intended to be limiting.
[0014] The tray 110 can include a central portion 128 that is
disposed between each of the first, second, third, and fourth walls
112, 116, 120, 124. The tray 110 can also include a first leg 132
and a second leg 136. As depicted, the tray 110 can include the
first leg 132 disposed at or adjacent a junction of the first and
fourth walls 112, 124 and the second leg 136 disposed at or
adjacent a junction of the second and fourth walls 116, 124. In
some embodiments, the first leg 132 may be disposed at or adjacent
the fourth wall 124 and offset from the first wall 112. Likewise,
the second leg 136 may be disposed at or adjacent the fourth wall
124 and offset from the second wall 116.
[0015] Furthermore, the first and second legs 132, 136 can protrude
away from a plane formed by the central portion 128 (see, e.g.,
plane P.sub.1 of FIGS. 5 and 6). In some embodiments, the tray 110
may include only one leg. For example, a single leg may be disposed
at or adjacent a middle portion of the fourth wall 124. In some
other embodiments, the tray 110 may include two, three, four, or
more legs. For example, in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a third leg
may be disposed between the first and second legs 132, 136.
Furthermore, the one or more legs may be disposed at or adjacent
one or more walls of the tray (e.g., at or adjacent the first,
second, third, and/or fourth walls 112, 116, 120, 124). For
example, one leg may be disposed adjacent the first wall 112 and
two legs may be disposed adjacent the fourth wall 124.
[0016] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tray 110 can
further include a rim 140 extending around at least a portion of a
perimeter of the tray 110. As illustrated, the rim 140 can be
coupled to or extend radially outward from first edges 115, 119,
123, 127 (or upper edges) of each of the first, second, third, and
fourth walls 112, 116, 120, 124, respectively. The rim 140 may be
planar or substantially planar. In other embodiments, the rim 140
may not be planar or substantially planar (e.g. the rim 140 may be
irregularly shaped).
[0017] In some embodiments, a distance between the third wall 120
and the fourth wall 124 (i.e., the height of the package 100 not
including the rim 140) may be between about 75 mm and about 150 mm,
between about 85 mm and about 140 mm, between about 95 mm and about
130 mm, between about 105 mm and about 120 mm, about 115 mm, or
another suitable distance. Other heights of the package 100 may
also be within the scope of this disclosure. In certain
embodiments, a distance between the first wall 112 and the second
wall 116 (i.e., the width of the package 100 not including the rim
140) may be between about 150 mm and about 350 mm, between about
200 mm and about 300 mm, between about 225 mm and about 275 mm,
about 250 mm, or another suitable distance. Other widths of the
package 100 may also be within the scope of this disclosure.
[0018] In various embodiments, the width of the rim 140 (i.e., a
distance between the first edges and an outside edge of the rim
140) may be between about 4 mm and about 12 mm, between about 6 mm
and about 10 mm, between about 7 mm and about 9 mm, or about 8 mm.
Other widths of the rim 140 may also be within the scope of this
disclosure. In other embodiments, a distance (see distance
D.sub.132 in FIG. 5; i.e., a depth of the first leg 132) between an
end 133 of the first leg 132 and a plane formed by the rim 140
(see, e.g., plane P.sub.2 of FIGS. 5 and 6) may be between about 15
mm and about 75 mm, between about 30 mm and about 50 mm, about 40
mm, or another suitable distance. Likewise, a distance (see
distance D.sub.136 in FIG. 5; i.e., a depth of the second leg 136)
between an end 137 of the second leg 136 and the plane formed by
the rim 140 may be between about 15 mm and about 75 mm, between
about 30 mm and about 50 mm, about 40 mm, or another suitable
distance. In some embodiments, the depths of the first and second
legs 132, 136 may be the same or substantially the same. For
example, the first and second legs 132, 136 may be symmetrical or
substantially symmetrical. In some other embodiments, the depths of
the first and second legs 132, 136 may be different. For example,
the first and second legs 132, 136 may be asymmetrical.
[0019] As discussed above, the package 100 or tray 110 may be
configured to stand upright (i.e., in the standing or upright
configuration). In other words, the package 100 or tray 110 may be
capable of standing on its own. The package 100 or tray 110 may
also be substantially capable of maintaining its structural
conformation. In certain embodiments, a portion of the rim 140 and
portions of the first and second legs 132, 136 of the package 100
or tray 110 may serve as a base on which the package 100 or tray
110 rests. In some embodiments, the first and second legs 132, 136
and/or the rim 140 can be configured such that they assist in
disposing the package 100 in the standing configuration as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, at least a portion of
each of the first and second legs 132, 136 and the rim 140 may be
configured to contact a surface (e.g., such as a shelf or table)
such that the package 100 can be placed on the surface in the
standing configuration.
[0020] The components of the tray 110 (e.g., the first, second,
third, and fourth walls 112, 116, 120, 124; the first and second
legs 132, 136; and the rim 140) can be formed from a unitary piece
of material. For example, the first and second legs 132, 136 can be
integral with the tray 110. In some other embodiments, one or more
of the components of the tray 110 may be formed from discrete
pieces of material. As such, the separate components of the tray
110 may be bonded or coupled to each other to form the tray
110.
[0021] The tray 110 may be semirigid. In other words, the tray 110
may be formed from a material that is semirigid (e.g., the material
may be stiff and/or stable but the material may also be flexible).
In some embodiments, the tray 110 may be rigid. In some other
embodiments, the tray 110 may be flexible.
[0022] In some embodiments, the tray 110 may be formed from a
polymer web including a multi-layer film. The multi-layer film may
include at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer
may be coupled (e.g., laminated to or coextruded with) the second
layer. The first layer may include polyester, polypropylene,
polystyrene (such as high-impact polystyrene (HIPS)), or
combinations thereof. Other suitable materials are also within the
scope of this disclosure. Additionally, a thickness of the first
layer may be between about 10 mils and about 40 mils, between about
12 mils and about 25 mils, between about 14 mils and about 30 mils,
between about 16 mils and about 24 mils, or another suitable
thickness. The second layer may include ethylene vinyl alcohol
(EVOH), polyamide (nylon), polyethylene, polyolefin, amorphous
polyester (APET), ionomer, or combinations thereof. The EVOH may be
a barrier layer. Other suitable materials are also within the scope
of this disclosure. Additionally, a thickness of the second layer
may be between about 1 mil and about 5 mils, between about 1.5 mils
and about 4 mils, between about 2 mils and about 3 mils, or another
suitable thickness. In certain embodiments, the tray 110 may be
formed from a single-layer film. The single-layer film may include
APET, polystyrene (e.g., HIPS), polypropylene, or polyester. The
first and/or the second layers of the tray 110 may be multi-layer
films or structures including any of the above-identified
components.
[0023] The lid 105 may be flexible. In other words, the lid may be
formed from a material that is flexible. In some embodiments, the
lid 105 may be semirigid or rigid. For example, the lid may be a
snap-on lid. In other embodiments, the package 100 may include a
first lid (e.g., a first flexible lid coupled to the tray) and a
second lid (e.g., a second semirigid or rigid lid that is a snap-on
lid). The second lid may be couplable to the tray over or around
the first lid such that the first lid is disposed between the tray
and the second lid when the first and second lids are coupled to
the tray. The lid 105 may be releasably coupled to the tray 110
along at least a portion of the rim 140 (e.g., via a peelable
seal). In some embodiments, the lid 105 may be a single-use lid. In
some other embodiments, the lid 105 may be a multiple-use lid. For
example, the lid 105 may be resealable to the tray. In other words,
the package 100 may be configured such that a user can remove at
least a portion of the lid 105 from the tray 110 (e.g., to access
the contents of the package 100) and then the user may recouple or
reseal the lid 105 to the tray 110 (e.g., such that the remaining
contents of the package 100 may be kept fresh). A seal may be
disposed between the lid 105 and the tray 110. The seal may or may
not be airtight, liquid-tight, and/or hermetic.
[0024] In certain embodiments, the lid 105 may be formed from a
polymer web including a multi-layer film. In certain other
embodiments, the lid 105 may be formed from a single-layer film.
The multi-layer film may include at least a first layer and a
second layer. The first layer may be coupled (e.g., laminated to or
coextruded with) the second layer. The first layer may include
polyester, polypropylene (e.g., oriented polypropylene), polyamide
(nylon (e.g., biaxially-oriented nylon)), or combinations thereof.
Other suitable materials are also within the scope of this
disclosure. A thickness of the first layer may be between about
between about 20 gauge and about 200 gauge, between about 32 gauge
and about 175 gauge, between about 36 gauge and about 150 gauge,
between about 40 gauge and about 120 gauge, between about 40 gauge
and about 48 gauge, or another suitable thickness. The second layer
may include EVOH (e.g., a barrier layer), polyamide, an adhesive
layer, ionomer, APET, polyolefin, polyethylene, or combinations
thereof. Other suitable materials are also within the scope of this
disclosure. A thickness of the second layer may be between about 1
mil and about 5 mils, between about 1.5 mils and about 4.5 mils,
between about 2 mils and about 4 mils, between about 2 mils and
about 3 mils, or another suitable thickness. The first and/or the
second layers of the lid 105 may be multi-layer films or structures
including any of the above-identified components.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-layer film forming the
lid 105 may include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer, a tie
layer, an EVOH layer, a tie layer, a polyethylene (PE) layer, a hot
melt adhesive layer, and a sealant layer (e.g., a second PE layer).
To form a seal, an outer PE layer of the multi-layer film forming
the lid 105 may be bonded or coupled to a PE layer disposed on an
outer surface of the multi-layer film forming the tray 110. A hot
melt adhesive layer of the multi-layer film forming the lid 105 may
allow or permit the lid 105 to be resealed to the tray 110.
Multi-layer films including more or fewer layers may also be used
to form the lid 105 or the tray 110. In another exemplary
embodiment, the polymer web forming the lid 105 may have a
thickness of between about 1 mil and about 7 mils, between about 2
mils and about 5 mils, between about 3 mils and about 4 mils, or
about 3.75 mils. Other suitable materials, layers, or thicknesses
may also be used.
[0026] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the tray 110
and/or the lid 105 may be clear. In some other embodiments, at
least a portion of the tray 110 and/or the lid 105 may be tinted
(e.g., the tray 110 may be tinted black). Furthermore, at least a
portion of the tray 110 and/or the lid 105 may include a matte
finish or a shiny/glossy finish. One or more labels or indicia may
be disposed on at least a portion of the tray 110 and/or the lid
105.
[0027] FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and rear plan views of the package
100, respectively. The tray 110 can include a cavity 144 (or
recess) surrounded by a plurality of walls (i.e., the first,
second, third, and fourth walls 112, 116, 120, 124). The rim 140
can extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the tray
110. The central portion 128 of the tray 110 can include the
portions of the inside surface of the tray 110 that do not include
the first and second legs 132, 136. That is, the central portion
128 may be disposed between each of the first, second, third, and
fourth walls 112, 116, 120, 124 and the first and second legs 132,
136. As discussed in further detail below, a depth of the central
portion 128 of the cavity 144 can be substantially uniform relative
to the plane formed by the rim 140.
[0028] The first leg 132 can be disposed at or adjacent a first
corner 152 formed by the plurality of walls (i.e., by the first and
fourth walls 112, 124). The second leg 136 can be disposed at or
adjacent a second corner 154 formed by the plurality of walls
(i.e., by the second and fourth walls 116, 124). The first and
second legs 132, 136 can extend away from the central portion 128
of the cavity 144 relative to the plane formed by the rim 140.
[0029] As depicted, the cavity 144 (and/or the tray 110) can be
substantially rectangular. In some embodiments, the shape of the
cavity 144 (and/or the tray 110) can be substantially oval,
substantially circular, substantially square, or substantially
triangular. Any other suitable shape can also be used. For example,
the shape of the cavity 144 (and/or the tray 110) can be irregular
(i.e., not a traditionally defined shape). A zone 156 may be
disposed or present between each of the first and second legs 132,
136 along at least a portion of the fourth wall 124. As
illustrated, the zone 156 can have a length such that at least a
portion of the central portion 128 of the cavity 144 can be
disposed between each of the first leg 132 and the second leg 136.
The distance between the plane formed by the inside surface of the
central portion 128 and the plane formed by the rim 140 at a
position at or adjacent the third wall 120 may be substantially
equal to the distance between the plane formed by the inside
surface of the central portion 128 and the plane formed by the rim
140 at a position at or adjacent the fourth wall 124 (e.g., at a
position in the zone 156 between the first and second legs 132,
136). Stated another way, the cavity 144 can have a constant or
substantially constant depth from the third wall 120 to the fourth
wall 124 of the tray 110.
[0030] In some embodiments, the thickness of the multi-layer film
forming the tray 110 may depend on the depth of the cavity 144
and/or the depth of the first and second legs 132, 136. For
example, the greater the depth of the cavity 144, the greater the
thickness of the multi-layer film forming the tray 110. The
thickness of the multi-layer film forming the tray 110 may be
between about 5 mils and about 50 mils, between about 10 mils and
about 40 mils, between about 12 mils and about 30 mils, between
about 15 mils and about 25 mils, about 24 mils, or another suitable
thickness.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a first side of the package 100 and
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second side of the package 100. In
various embodiments, the central portion 128 can be substantially
flat or planar. Accordingly, as shown, a distance D.sub.1 between a
plane P.sub.1 formed by an inside surface of the central portion
128 and a plane P.sub.2 formed by the rim 140 can be uniform or
substantially uniform. Stated another way, the depth of the cavity
144 disposed between the plane P.sub.1 formed by the inside surface
of the central portion 128 and the plane P.sub.2 formed by the rim
140 may be even or substantially even along a majority of the
inside surface of the central portion 128. In other embodiments,
the depth of the cavity 144 at or adjacent the third wall 120 may
be greater than the depth of the cavity 144 at or adjacent the
fourth wall 124, or vice versa.
[0032] As shown, a distance between an inside surface of the first
leg 132 and the plane P.sub.2 formed by the rim 140 can be greater
than the distance D.sub.1 between the plane P.sub.1 formed by an
inside surface of the central portion 128 and the plane P.sub.2
formed by the rim 140. Likewise, a distance between an inside
surface of the second leg 136 and the plane P.sub.2 formed by the
rim 140 can be greater than the distance D.sub.1 between the plane
P.sub.1 formed by an inside surface of the central portion 128 and
the plane P.sub.2 formed by the rim 140.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 6, the first leg 132 can extend
between a position along the fourth wall 124 and a position 148a
distal of a median M.sub.112 of the first wall 112 relative to the
fourth wall 124 (see FIG. 4). Additionally, the first leg 132 can
extend distally away from the plane P.sub.1 formed by an inside
surface of the central portion 128 relative to the plane P.sub.2
formed by the rim 140 at a first angle .theta..sub.1 such that a
distance of a portion of an inside surface of the first leg 132 at
or adjacent the fourth wall 124 relative to the plane P.sub.2
formed by the rim 140 may be greater than a distance of a portion
of the inside surface of the first leg 132 at or adjacent the
position 148a distal of the median M.sub.112 of the first wall
112.
[0034] Likewise, the second leg 136 can extend between a position
along the fourth wall 124 and a position 148b distal of a median
M.sub.116 of the second wall 116 relative to the fourth wall 124.
Additionally, the second leg 136 can extend distally away from the
plane P.sub.1 formed by an inside surface of the central portion
128 relative to the plane P.sub.2 formed by the rim 140 at a second
angle such that a distance of a portion of an inside surface of the
second leg 136 at or adjacent the fourth wall 124 relative to the
plane P.sub.2 formed by the rim 140 may be greater than a distance
of a portion of the inside surface of the second leg 136 at or
adjacent the position 148b distal of the median M.sub.116 of the
second wall 116.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the first
angle .theta..sub.1 may be substantially equal to the second angle.
In some other embodiments, the first angle .theta..sub.1 may be
greater than the second angle, or vice versa. The first angle
.theta..sub.1 may be between about 10.degree. and about 45.degree.,
between about 15.degree. and about 40.degree., between about
20.degree. and about 35.degree., between about 25.degree. and about
30.degree., or another suitable angle. Likewise, the second angle
may be between about 10.degree. and about 45.degree., between about
15.degree. and about 40.degree., between about 20.degree. and about
35.degree., between about 25.degree. and about 30.degree., or
another suitable angle.
[0036] The first and second legs 132, 136 can be shorter, taller,
wider, or deeper than what is depicted in FIGS. 1-8. For example,
in some embodiments, a first or second leg can extend farther away
from the plane formed by the rim 140 than what is shown in FIGS.
1-6. Additionally, a first or second leg can extend between a
position along the fourth wall 124 and a position proximal of a
median M.sub.112, M.sub.116 of the first or second wall 112, 116,
respectively, relative to the fourth wall 124 than what is shown in
FIGS. 1-6. Other relative configurations of the first and second
legs 132, 136 are also within the scope of this disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 7 depicts the package 100 in a partially open
configuration. For example, a user has grasped at least a portion
of the lid 105 and uncoupled or unsealed it from the tray 110. As
shown, the cavity 144 can be configured to hold a food product 2.
In some embodiments, the food product 2 may be meat (e.g., bacon
(either uncooked or pre-cooked) or processed meat), cheese, and/or
another suitable food product. In various embodiments, the food
product 2 may be a refrigerated food product or an unrefrigerated
food product. Other suitable food products are also within the
scope of this disclosure. The package 100 and/or the tray 110 may
be configured such that the food product 2 can be cooked in a
microwave within the package 100 and/or the tray 110. For example,
the user may open or vent the package 100 and then cook or heat-up
the food product 2 in a microwave. That is, the package 100 and/or
the tray 110 may be microwave safe. In some other embodiments, the
cavity 144 can be configured to hold a non-food product.
[0038] Due at least in part to the substantially constant height of
the cavity 144 between the third wall 120 and the fourth wall 124
of the tray 110, the food product 2 can be disposed along
substantially the entire height of the tray 110. For example,
placement of the food product 2 in the cavity 144 can be maintained
between the third and fourth walls 120, 124 of the tray 110 (e.g.,
due at least in part to a vacuum formed in the cavity 144 as
described below).
[0039] The depth of the first and second legs 132, 136 can be
varied according to the height of the package 100 and/or the center
of gravity of the package 100. For example, a package having a
greater height may include first and second legs having greater
depths. Furthermore, the shape and/or the packing arrangement
(e.g., the placement) of the food product 2 may affect the center
of gravity of the package 100. For example, if the food product 2
is packed at or adjacent a lower portion of the package 100 and/or
the tray 110 (i.e., when the package 100 and/or the tray 110 is in
the standing configuration) the depth of the first and second legs
132, 136 may be less than in a package and/or a tray wherein the
food product in packed at or adjacent an upper portion of the
package and/or the tray.
[0040] FIG. 8 depicts a rear perspective view of a package 200 that
can resemble the package 100 described above in certain respects.
Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference
numerals, with the leading digits incremented to "2." Relevant
disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features
thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of
the package 200 may not be shown or identified by a reference
numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written
description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the
same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other
embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments.
Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply
equally to the features of the package 200. Any suitable
combination of the features and variations of the same described
with respect to the package 100 can be employed with the package
200, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to
further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described
hereafter, wherein the leading digits may be further
incremented.
[0041] As shown, the package 200 can include a tray 210. The tray
210 can include a central portion 228 that is disposed between each
of first, second, third, and fourth walls 212, 216, 220, 224. The
tray 210 can also include a first leg 232 disposed at or adjacent a
junction of the first and fourth walls 212, 224 and a second leg
236 disposed at or adjacent a junction of the second and fourth
walls 216, 224. The tray 210 can also include one or more ridges
246 (or ribs). The ridges 246 may extend from a plane formed by the
central portion 228 toward a plane formed by a rim 240 of the tray
210. Furthermore, the ridges 246 may extend (e.g., longitudinally)
between each of the first wall 212 and the second wall 216 or
between each of the first leg 232 and the second leg 234.
[0042] In some embodiments, the tray 210 may include five ridges
246. In some other embodiments, the tray 210 may include one, two,
three, four, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more ridges 246.
Other suitable numbers of ridges 246 are also within the scope of
this disclosure. As depicted, the ridges 246 can be elongate and
substantially parallel to each other. In certain embodiments, the
ridges 246 may be wavy, scalloped, or resemble a dashed line. Other
shapes and/or patterns of the ridges 246 are also within the scope
of this disclosure. The one or more ridges 246 may be configured to
engage with a food product that is disposed within a cavity 244 of
the tray 210. For example, when the tray 210 is in a standing
configuration as depicted, the one or more ridges 246 may engage at
least a portion of the food product such that the food product does
not migrate or slide down toward a lower portion of the tray 210
(e.g., due to gravity). In certain embodiments, the one or more
ridges 246 may be configured to collect or hold grease or oil that
may be released by a food product that is disposed within the
package 200.
[0043] Methods of assembling, forming, or manufacturing a tray as
disclosed herein (e.g., trays 110, 210) are also provided herein.
In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing the tray can
include disposing a polymer web on a mold. A contour or shape of
the mold can include first, second, third, and fourth walls as
described above. The contour of the mold can also include a central
portion disposed between each of the first, second, third, and
fourth walls. Furthermore, the contour of the mold can include a
first leg disposed at or adjacent a junction of the first and
fourth walls and a second leg disposed at or adjacent a junction of
the second and fourth walls. The contour of the mold can conform to
any of the components of the trays 110, 210 as described above
(e.g., the contour may include a rim, ridges, etc.). The method of
manufacturing the tray can further include conforming the polymer
web to at least a portion of the contour of the mold. The polymer
web may then be removed from the mold. The polymer web may include
a multi-layer film as discussed above.
[0044] Methods of loading a package as disclosed herein (e.g.,
packages 100, 200) are also provided herein. In some embodiments,
the method of loading the package can include placing a food
product (e.g., meat, cheese, etc.) in a cavity of a tray. A lid may
then be coupled or sealed to the tray. For example, the lid may be
coupled to a rim of the tray. The method of loading the package may
also include forming a vacuum in the cavity. In some embodiments,
the vacuum within the cavity may be between about 999 mBar and
about 500 mBar, between about 980 mBar and about 750 mBar, about
960 mBar, or another suitable value. Upon formation of the vacuum,
a central portion of the tray may exert a first force on a first
surface of the food product and the lid may exert a second force on
a second surface of the food product. In some embodiments, the
first force may be in a first direction and the second force may be
in a second direction, wherein the first direction may be
substantially opposite of the second direction. The first and
second forces on the food product may maintain or partially
maintain the position or placement of the food product within the
package, for example, when the package is in a standing
configuration. In embodiments wherein the central portion includes
one or more ridges, the ridges may also aid in maintaining the
position of the food product within the package in combination with
the forces provided by the vacuum seal in the cavity.
[0045] As can be appreciated, the package can be shorter, taller,
narrower, or wider than what is depicted in FIGS. 1-8. For example,
in some embodiments, a ratio of the height of a package to its
width can be less than or greater than what is shown in FIGS. 1-8.
Other relative configurations are also within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0046] Any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or
actions for performing the described method. The method steps
and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other
words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for
proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of
specific steps and/or actions may be modified.
[0047] References to approximations are made throughout this
specification, such as by use of one or more of the terms "about,"
"approximately," "substantially," and "generally." For each such
reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the
value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without
approximation. For example, where such a qualifier is used, the
term includes within its scope the qualified word in the absence of
the qualifier.
[0048] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment"
or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or
variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are
not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Similarly, it
should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments,
various features are sometimes grouped together in a single
embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is
not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any
embodiment requires every feature shown in a particular
drawing.
[0049] Unless otherwise noted, the terms "a" or "an" are to be
construed as meaning "at least one of." In addition, for ease of
use, the words "including" and "having" are interchangeable with
and have the same meaning as the word "comprising." Recitation of
the term "first" with respect to a feature or element does not
necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such
feature or element.
[0050] The claims following this written disclosure are hereby
expressly incorporated into the present written disclosure, with
each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This
disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with
their dependent claims. Moreover, additional embodiments capable of
derivation from the independent and dependent claims that follow
are also expressly incorporated into the present written
description.
[0051] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled
in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the
invention to its fullest extent. The claims and embodiments
disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and
exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present
disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art, with the aid of the present disclosure, that
changes may be made to the details of the above-described
embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the
disclosure herein. In other words, various modifications and
improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the
description above are within the scope of the appended claims. The
scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *