U.S. patent application number 16/661088 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-23 for convertible tray.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lamb Weston, Inc.. Invention is credited to Casey Bettendorf, Gaby Cruz, Michael Grandinetti, Larry Mozdrzech.
Application Number | 20200122910 16/661088 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70278863 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200122910 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cruz; Gaby ; et al. |
April 23, 2020 |
CONVERTIBLE TRAY
Abstract
Convertible trays are disclosed with features that facilitate
preparation, transportation, and presentation of food items. An
example convertible tray includes a substrate defining apertures,
where each aperture is for holding a food item. The convertible
tray also includes a first separation feature (e.g., at least one
perforation) defined by the folded substrate on a first side of the
convertible tray adjacent to at least one aperture of the
apertures. The convertible tray further includes flaps that are
foldable to support the first side of the convertible tray above a
support surface. The folded substrate can be divided at the at
least one perforation, to remove an individual tray that includes
the at least one aperture adjacent to the perforation. The
individual tray can be inserted into a serving container while
holding the food item.
Inventors: |
Cruz; Gaby; (Richland,
WA) ; Grandinetti; Michael; (Richland, WA) ;
Bettendorf; Casey; (Richland, WA) ; Mozdrzech;
Larry; (Richland, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lamb Weston, Inc. |
Eagle |
ID |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70278863 |
Appl. No.: |
16/661088 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62749342 |
Oct 23, 2018 |
|
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|
62769210 |
Nov 19, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/0015 20130101;
B65D 5/48 20130101; B65D 5/5038 20130101; B65D 1/36 20130101; B65D
71/72 20130101; B65D 2571/00333 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/72 20060101
B65D071/72; B65D 1/36 20060101 B65D001/36; B65D 5/50 20060101
B65D005/50; B65D 5/48 20060101 B65D005/48; B65D 5/00 20060101
B65D005/00 |
Claims
1. A convertible tray system for food items comprising: a food item
defining a cavity to receive one or more additional food items; a
convertible tray for holding the food item, the convertible tray
including a substrate defining at least one aperture into which the
food item is received, a first separation feature defined by the
substrate on a first edge of the convertible tray adjacent to the
at least one aperture, the first separation feature defining a
boundary between the convertible tray and a second convertible tray
detached from a blank forming each of the convertible tray and the
second convertible tray, and a plurality of flaps defined by the
substrate by folding along at least one fold feature defined by the
substrate, the plurality of flaps providing support of the at least
one aperture of the convertible tray above a support surface; and a
serving container for substantially enclosing the convertible tray
while holding the food item, the serving container including a
bottom shell rotatably coupled to a top shell via at least one
hinge, the bottom shell having a plurality of interior sidewalls
and including the support surface, wherein at least one flap of the
plurality of flaps conforms to at least one interior sidewall of
the plurality of interior sidewalls, wherein the top shell rotates
via the at least one hinge to substantially enclose the convertible
tray while holding the food item within an interior volume defined
by the bottom shell and the top shell.
2. The convertible tray system of claim 1, wherein the food item
includes a formed food product pressed in a mold to define the
cavity.
3. The convertible tray system of claim 1, wherein the convertible
tray includes a second separation feature, the second separation
feature defining a second boundary between the convertible tray and
an end flap detached from the blank forming each of the convertible
tray and the end flap.
4. The convertible tray system of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface
of the food item rests on the support surface of the serving
container when the convertible tray is substantially enclosed
within the serving container.
5. The convertible tray system of claim 1, wherein the substrate
defines a first fold feature about which a first flap of the
plurality of flaps is folded, and wherein the substrate defines a
second fold feature about which a second flap of the plurality of
flaps is folded.
6. The convertible tray system of claim 5, wherein the first flap
opposes the second flap beneath the aperture when the convertible
tray is positioned on the support surface.
7. The convertible tray system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
fold feature includes a score line defined by the substrate.
8. The convertible tray system of claim 1, wherein the first
separation feature includes a perforation defined by the
substrate.
9. The convertible tray system of claim 1, wherein the convertible
tray includes at least one tray stabilizer defined by the
substrate, the at least one tray stabilizer configured to hinge
along the at least one fold feature to raise a section of the
substrate above the at least one aperture.
10. A convertible tray system for food items comprising: a
convertible tray for holding a food item, the convertible tray
including a substrate defining at least one aperture into which the
food item is received, a first separation feature defined by the
substrate on a first edge of the convertible tray adjacent to the
at least one aperture, the first separation feature defining a
boundary between the convertible tray and a second convertible tray
detached from a blank forming each of the convertible tray and the
second convertible tray, a plurality of flaps defined by the
substrate by folding along at least one fold feature defined by the
substrate, the plurality of flaps providing support of the at least
one aperture of the convertible tray above a support surface, and
at least one tray stabilizer defined by the substrate, the at least
one tray stabilizer configured to hinge along the at least one fold
feature to raise a section of the substrate above the at least one
aperture; and a serving container for substantially enclosing the
convertible tray while holding the food item, the serving container
including a bottom shell rotatably coupled to a top shell via at
least one hinge, the bottom shell having a plurality of interior
sidewalls and including the support surface, wherein at least one
flap of the plurality of flaps conforms to at least one interior
sidewall of the plurality of interior sidewalls, wherein the top
shell rotates via the at least one hinge to substantially enclose
the convertible tray while holding the food item within an interior
volume defined by the bottom shell and the top shell.
11. The convertible tray system of claim 10, wherein the
convertible tray includes a second separation feature, the second
separation feature defining a second boundary between the
convertible tray and an end flap detached from the blank forming
each of the convertible tray and the end flap.
12. The convertible tray system of claim 10, wherein a bottom
surface of the food item rests on the support surface of the
serving container when the convertible tray is substantially
enclosed within the serving container.
13. The convertible tray system of claim 10, wherein the substrate
defines a first fold feature about which a first flap of the
plurality of flaps is folded, and wherein the substrate defines a
second fold feature about which a first flap of the plurality of
flaps is folded.
14. The convertible tray system of claim 13, wherein the first flap
opposes the second flap beneath the aperture when the convertible
tray is positioned on the support surface.
15. The convertible tray system of claim 10, wherein the at least
one fold feature includes a score line defined by the
substrate.
16. The convertible tray system of claim 10, wherein the first
separation feature includes a perforation defined by the
substrate.
17. A convertible tray comprising: a substrate defining a plurality
of apertures, each aperture for holding a food item; a first
separation feature defined by the substrate on a first side of the
convertible tray adjacent to at least one aperture of the plurality
of apertures; a plurality of flaps foldable to support the first
side of the convertible tray above a support surface, wherein at
least one of the substrate and at least one flap of the plurality
of flaps can be divided at the first separation feature to remove
an individual tray that includes the at least one aperture of the
plurality of apertures; and at least one tray stabilizer defined by
the substrate, the at least one tray stabilizer configured to hinge
along the at least one fold feature to raise a section of the
substrate above the at least one aperture.
18. The convertible tray of claim 17, further comprising an end
flap coupled between two flaps of the plurality of flaps, wherein
the end flap defines a locking slot into which a locking tab
defines by at least one flap of the plurality of flaps is
inserted.
19. The convertible tray of claim 17, further comprising a
plurality of separation features defined by the substrate on the
first side of the convertible tray, each separation feature of the
plurality of separation features adjacent to at least one aperture
of the plurality of apertures, wherein the substrate is configured
to be divided at each separation feature to remove a plurality of
individual trays that each include at least one aperture of the
plurality of apertures.
20. The convertible tray of claim 17, wherein the at least one tray
stabilizer defines a recess in the substrate when hinged along the
at least one fold feature to raise the section of the substrate
above the at least one aperture.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/749,342,
entitled CONVERTIBLE TRAY, filed Oct. 23, 2018, and of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/769,210, entitled CONVERTIBLE
TRAY, filed Nov. 19, 2018. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos.
62/749,342 and 62/769,210 are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Trays can be used for transporting food in multiple
temperature states and between multiple locations. Deformation of
trays during transport can result in inefficient food preparation,
damage to food held by the trays, and other issues affecting cost
and safety of food preparation.
SUMMARY
[0003] This summary is provided solely as an introduction to
subject matter that is fully described in the detailed description
and drawings. The summary should not be considered to describe
essential features nor be used to determine the scope of the
claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the summary and
the detailed description are examples and explanatory only and are
not necessarily restrictive of the subject matter claimed.
[0004] Convertible trays are disclosed with features that
facilitate preparation, transportation, and presentation of food
items. In one aspect, an example convertible tray system includes,
but is not limited to, a convertible tray for holding a food item
and a serving container for substantially enclosing the convertible
tray while holding the food item. The convertible tray includes a
first separation feature defined by the substrate on a first edge
of the convertible tray adjacent to the at least one aperture, the
first separation feature defining a boundary between the
convertible tray and a second convertible tray detached from a
blank forming each of the convertible tray and the second
convertible tray, a plurality of flaps defined by the substrate by
folding along at least one fold feature defined by the substrate,
the plurality of flaps providing support of the at least one
aperture of the convertible tray above a support surface, and at
least one tray stabilizer defined by the substrate, the at least
one tray stabilizer configured to hinge along the at least one fold
feature to raise a section of the substrate above the at least one
aperture. The serving container includes a bottom shell rotatably
coupled to a top shell via at least one hinge, the bottom shell
having a plurality of interior sidewalls and including the support
surface, wherein at least one flap of the plurality of flaps
conforms to at least one interior sidewall of the plurality of
interior sidewalls, wherein the top shell rotates via the at least
one hinge to substantially enclose the convertible tray while
holding the food item within an interior volume defined by the
bottom shell and the top shell.
[0005] In one aspect, a convertible tray includes, but is not
limited to a substrate defining a plurality of apertures, each
aperture for holding a food item; a first separation feature
defined by the substrate on a first side of the convertible tray
adjacent to at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures; a
plurality of flaps foldable to support the first side of the
convertible tray above a support surface, wherein at least one of
the substrate and at least one flap of the plurality of flaps can
be divided at the first separation feature to remove an individual
tray that includes the at least one aperture of the plurality of
apertures; and at least one tray stabilizer defined by the
substrate, the at least one tray stabilizer configured to hinge
along the at least one fold feature to raise a section of the
substrate above the at least one aperture.
DRAWINGS
[0006] The Detailed Description is described with reference to the
accompanying figures. Any dimensions included in the accompanying
figures are provided by way of example only and are not meant to
limit the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a convertible tray
and food bowl products held in the convertible tray in accordance
with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the convertible tray and
food bowl products of FIG. 1, where the convertible tray is
separated into individual trays.
[0009] FIG. 3A is an isometric view illustrating an individual tray
and food bowl products separated from a convertible tray, such as
the convertible tray shown in FIG. 1, where the individual tray and
food bowl products are to be introduced to a serving container in
accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3B is an isometric view illustrating an individual tray
and food bowl products separated from a convertible tray, such as
the convertible tray shown in FIG. 1, where the individual tray and
food bowl products are nested in a serving container in accordance
with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 4A is a top plan view of a blank for constructing a
convertible tray, such as the convertible tray illustrated in FIG.
1, in accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4B is a top plan view of a blank for constructing a
convertible tray in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4C is a top plan view of a blank for constructing a
convertible tray in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4D is a top plan view of a blank for constructing a
convertible tray in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the blank illustrated in FIG.
4A, where the blank is constructed to form a convertible tray.
[0016] FIG. 6A is an exploded isometric view of illustrating
multiple convertible trays, such as the convertible tray
illustrated in FIG. 5, with food bowl products held thereby, where
such convertible trays are held in a shipping container for
transportation in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6B is an exploded isometric view of illustrating
multiple convertible trays, such as the convertible tray
illustrated in FIG. 5, with food bowl products held thereby, where
such convertible trays are held in a shipping container for
transportation in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Aspects of the disclosure are described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form
a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, example
features. The features can, however, be embodied in many different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the combinations
set forth herein; rather, these combinations are provided so that
this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully
convey the scope. The following detailed description is, therefore,
not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0019] Packaging for food items can influence the amount and types
of interaction between equipment or individuals and the food items
during preparation, cooking, and serving processes. As a food item
is transferred between different packaging, such as being removed
from one package and inserted into another package (e.g., for the
purposes of preparing, forming, cooking, cooling, freezing,
preserving/stabilizing, serving, etc.), the likelihood that the
food item can be deformed, damaged, or otherwise altered, can be
increased.
[0020] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 6B, convertible trays
100 are described in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure. As described herein, a convertible tray 100 can
be formed or erected from one or more blanks 102 (e.g., a foldable,
unitary, single-sheet paperboard, corrugated, and/or plastic
substrate, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 4D, and/or multiple
paperboard, corrugated, and/or plastic substrates joined (e.g.,
glued, formed) together). The convertible trays 100 and the blanks
102 used to form the convertible trays 100 include features that
facilitate preparation, transportation, and presentation of food
items across multiple locations while providing support and
stabilization of food items held by the convertible trays 100. For
example, the convertible trays 100 can adopt a first configuration
(e.g., shown in FIG. 1) to carry several food items 50 at a time,
where the food items 50 can be held, supported, and/or retained by
the convertible tray 100. Convertible trays 100 in the first
configuration can be stacked with other convertible trays 100 for
bulk transport (e.g., to a food-handling facility), as shown for
example, in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The convertible trays 100 can adopt a
second configuration (e.g., shown in FIG. 2), where individual
trays 104 can be separated from other trays or other portions of
the convertible tray 100. Each individual tray 104 can hold one or
more food items 50. While the individual trays shown in FIG. 2 each
include two food items 50, the disclosure is not limited to two
food items for an individual tray 104, where individual trays 104
can support fewer food items (i.e., less than two food items) or
more food items (e.g., three food items, four food items, five food
items, and greater). Blanks 102 configured to support different
numbers of food items 50 are described further herein with respect
to FIGS. 4A through 4D. For example, FIG. 4C shows a blank 102
where each individual tray 104 can support up to twelve food items,
FIG. 4D shows a blank 102 where each individual tray 104 can
support up to six food items, and so forth. The individual trays
104 can be combined with additional packaging (e.g., shown in FIGS.
3A and 3B), such as in a food handling facility for presentation to
an end consumer.
[0021] The convertible tray 100 defines multiple apertures 106,
where each aperture 106 can hold a food item 50. Example food items
include, but are not necessarily limited to: food bowl products,
cup products, cone products, and so forth (e.g., where the items
may or may not be edible and/or may or may not be filled with
additional food product). The example food items 50 shown can
include a potato-based product formed via pressing food product
into a mold to define a cavity 52 in the food product. The cavity
52 can be filled with additional food product, such as at a
food-handling facility, which can be separate from the location
where the food items 50 are initially prepared. In some
embodiments, multiple food items can be carried by a convertible
tray 100 through one or more cooking processes,
preservation/stabilizing processes, transportation processes, and
so forth. For instance, a convertible tray 100 can be filled with
food items and processed at a high temperature, a freezing
temperature, through various thermal transitions (e.g., high
temperature to freezing temperature), and so forth. The convertible
tray 100 filled with the food items 50 can then be stacked with
other convertible trays 100 and transported (e.g., to a
food-handling facility), as shown for example, in FIGS. 6A and
6B.
[0022] In an example process, multiple food items 50 are prepared
at a production facility and introduced to a convertible tray 100
in the first configuration (e.g., shown in FIG. 1) while the food
items 50 are in a first preparation state (e.g., at an elevated
temperature state following forming into a bowl shape and cooking).
The convertible tray 100 is then transferred in the first
configuration to transition the food items 50 to a second
preparation state (e.g., at a reduced or frozen temperature state).
Multiple convertible trays 100 are then stacked (e.g., as shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B) for transport to a food-handling facility. At the
food-handling facility, individual trays 104 having the food items
50 supported thereby are separated from the convertible trays 100
to provide the second configuration (e.g., shown in FIG. 2). The
individual trays 104 can be prepared on demand to transition the
food items 50 to a third preparation state (e.g., ready for
consumption by a consumer, which can include introducing additional
food items into the cavity 52 formed by the bowl shape, transfer of
the individual tray 104 into a serving container (e.g., shown in
FIGS. 3A, 3B), and the like). The example process described herein
is an example embodiment of the present disclosure, and not
limiting to the configurations or processes applicable to the
convertible tray 100.
[0023] In some embodiments, one or more sides of the blank 102 can
be coated with a material coating 108 for withstanding a heating
process and/or a cooling process without substantial deformation
and/or substantial loss of structural integrity. The coating 108
can also provide a barrier for food retained by a convertible tray
100. For example, the blank 102 has a polyethylene coating, a
polypropylene coating, a polyester coating, a susceptor coating,
and/or another type of coating that provides a moisture and/or a
grease barrier. Such a coating may also reduce warping of the
paperboard, corrugated, or plastic substrate(s).
[0024] The blank 102 can be folded to form a convertible tray 100.
In some embodiments, the blank 102 includes one or more fold
features 110 to facilitate folding of the blank 102 into the
convertible tray 100, the individual tray 104, or configurations of
the convertible tray 100. The fold features 110 can be or can
include a scoring feature cut into the substrate of the blank 102,
a change in thickness of the blank 102 at the fold feature 110, and
so forth to permit folding of the blank 102. A blank 102 or blanks
may have one or more flaps 112 or other features that extend from
the blank 102 and can be folded to form sides that support a first
side 114 of the convertible tray 100 above a support surface (e.g.,
a counter, a box, another convertible tray 100). For example, the
flaps 112 can be folded at one or more fold features 110 to support
the first side 114 of the convertible tray above the support
surface. The flaps 112 can be used to support the convertible tray
100 during transport and/or storage of food products retained in
the apertures 106. In some embodiments (e.g., shown in FIG. 2), the
flaps 112 extend from the first side 114 to contact and terminate
at the support surface. For example, the blank 102 can include a
first fold feature 110 to fold a first flap 112 extending from the
first side 114 beneath the aperture 106 and a second fold feature
110 to fold a second flap 112 extending from the first side 114
beneath the aperture 106, generally opposing the first flap
112.
[0025] In some embodiments, the convertible tray 100 include two or
more sides (e.g., flaps 112) and a top (e.g., first side 114), with
no bottom portion. In some embodiments, the flaps 112 extend from a
side of the blank 102 and can be folded and secured (e.g., glued or
otherwise adhered) to another side and/or flap of the blank 102 to
form a convertible tray 100 having a bottom formed from the flaps
112. Alternatively or additionally, the blank 102 may include a
bottom portion to which the flaps 112 are secured to support the
first side 114 of the convertible tray 100 above the bottom portion
on the support surface. In some embodiments, the food items 50 may
extend to a level below the first side 114 of the convertible tray
100 generally even with a bottom edge of the flaps 112 when folded
to form the side of the convertible tray 100. The flaps 112 may
also be used to support the first side 114 of an individual tray
104 which has been separated from a convertible tray 100.
[0026] A convertible tray 100 includes one or more first separation
features (e.g., perforations 116) defined by the folded substrate
blank 102 on the first side 114 of the convertible tray 100
adjacent to one or more of the apertures 106. As used herein, the
term "perforations" shall refer to one or more small holes (e.g., a
row of small holes) and/or "nicks" cut through the substrate so
that a part can be torn off easily. It should be noted that the
first separation feature may also be, and/or may include, one or
more other features, such as "nicks," a zipper, a tear strip, and
so forth. The folded substrate can be divided at a perforation 116
to remove an individual tray 104 (FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B) from the
convertible tray 100, where the individual tray 104 includes one or
more apertures 106 adjacent to the perforation 116. An individual
tray 104 can include a first separation feature (e.g., perforation
116) on a first edge 118 of the first side 114, where the first
separation feature defines a boundary between the individual tray
104 and a second individual tray 104 detached from the individual
tray 104 at the first separation feature.
[0027] A convertible tray 100 may include one or more locking tabs
120 extending from the flaps 112 and configured to be inserted into
locking slots 122 included with an end flap 124. For example, an
end flap 124 may be folded under a locking tab 120, and an end of
the locking tab 120 may be inserted into the locking slot 122
defined by (e.g., cut through) the end flap 124. As described, the
end flaps 124, the locking tabs 120, or combinations thereof may be
removed from an individual tray 104 using perforations 116 as
previously described. An individual tray can include a first
separation feature (e.g., perforation 116) on a first edge 118 of
the first side 114, where the first separation feature defines a
boundary between the individual tray 104 and a second individual
tray 104 detached from the individual tray 104 at the first
separation feature, and can include a second separation feature
(e.g., perforation 116) on a second edge 126 of the first side 114
which defines a boundary between the individual tray 104 and an end
flap 124 removed from the individual tray 104 at the second
separation feature (e.g., the transition between the first
configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the second configuration shown in
FIG. 2). In some embodiments, separation features between apertures
106 are not included in a convertible tray 100. The convertible
tray 100 can include one or more separation features (e.g.,
perforations 116) between one or more apertures 106 and one or more
end flaps 124 without separation features between the apertures
106. For example, a convertible tray 100 can include a separation
feature at the second edge 126, but not the first edge 118.
[0028] In some embodiments the convertible tray 100 may also
include one or more additional separation features (e.g., a zipper
or tear strip) defined by the folded substrate on a second side of
the convertible tray 100 generally opposite the first separation
feature/perforation 116. As used herein, the term "tear strip"
shall refer to a scored band or added narrow ribbon that provides
an easy and defined way of separating two adjacent parts of the
substrate (e.g., by removing the strip). It should be noted that
the second separation feature may also be, and/or may include, one
or more other features, such as one or more perforations. As
described, the tear strip can be separated from the folded
substrate, and the folded substrate can be divided at the
perforation 116 to remove an individual tray 104 from the
convertible tray 100, where the individual tray 104 includes one or
more apertures 106 adjacent to the perforation 116.
[0029] In some embodiments, the apertures 106 include rows of two
or more apertures 106, e.g., where each aperture in a first row is
arranged directly opposite a corresponding aperture of a second
row. For example, each row may have two apertures, as shown in the
convertible trays 100 or individual trays 106 shown in FIGS. 1-4A
and 5-6B. In some embodiments, a row may have more than two
apertures, for example as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. In some
embodiments, a row may have a single aperture, for example as shown
in FIG. 4B. Further, adjacent rows may have different numbers of
apertures, and the apertures may or may not be arranged across from
one another. For example, FIG. 4D shows a blank 102 where apertures
106 in a first row 128 on an individual tray 104 are offset from
apertures 106 in a second row 130 on the individual tray 104. In
some embodiments, one or more of the multiple apertures 106 is a
circular aperture. However, a circle is provided by way of example
and is not meant to limit the present disclosure. In other
embodiments, differently-shaped apertures may be used (e.g.,
square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.), where an
individual tray 104 may include multiple differently-shaped
apertures. Further, the apertures can include additional features
for accessing and/or retaining the food items, such as fingerholes,
a starburst-patterned shape, flaps, and so forth.
[0030] The convertible tray 100 may include features for accessing
the tray, retaining the tray, and combinations thereof. For
example, the convertible tray 100 can include one or more tray
stabilizers 132. In embodiments, the tray stabilizers 132 hinge at
the fold feature 110 to raise a section of the substrate material
above the first side 114 of the convertible tray 100. When a second
or another convertible tray 100 is stacked on the first convertible
tray 100, the flaps 112 of the second convertible tray 100 can rest
against the tray stabilizers 132 of the first convertible tray 100.
For example, an exterior surface of a flap 112 can rest against an
interior surface of a tray stabilizer 132. Example stacking
arrangements are shown with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B, where
multiple convertible trays 100 can be stacked for transport within
an exterior container 600. Further, the convertible tray 100 can
include a recess 134 left in the convertible tray 100 when the tray
stabilizer 132 is hinged at the fold feature 110 and raised above
the first side 114. The recess 134 can provide an access point for
a finger or tool to move one or more convertible trays 100,
particularly where the apertures 106 are blocked or otherwise
inaccessible from the first side 114 due to being filled with food
items 50.
[0031] In embodiments of the disclosure, an individual tray 104
separated from the convertible tray 100 can be nested in a serving
container 300. The food items 50 (e.g., frozen food items) carried
in the individual tray 104 may be cooked within a container, such
as the serving container 300; may be cooked prior to being placed
in a container, such as the serving container 300; may be
dethawed/defrosted prior to be placed within a container, such as
the serving container 300, and then cooked; and so forth. The
serving container 300 can substantially enclose an individual tray
104 while the individual tray 104 holds the food item(s) 50, or
while one or more apertures 106 are empty. For example, the serving
container 300 can include a bottom shell 302 coupled to a top shell
304 via at least one hinge 306. The top shell 304 can rotate with
respect to the bottom shell 302 via the at least one hinge 306 to
substantially enclose the individual tray 104 while holding the
food item(s) 50 within an interior volume 308 defined by the bottom
shell 302 and the top shell 304. In some embodiments, the bottom
shell 302 includes a plurality of interior sidewalls 310 and a
support surface 312 on which at least one flap 112 of the
individual tray 104 rests. One or more flaps 112 of the individual
tray 104 can conform to one or more of the interior sidewalls 310
of the serving container 300 during or following introduction of
the individual tray 104 to the serving container 300. For example,
one or more flaps 112 of the individual tray 104 can hinge about
the fold feature 110 to conform one or more of the interior
sidewalls 310 of the serving container 300, such as by bending to
an angle with respect to the surface in which the aperture 106 is
disposed to substantially match an angle of the interior sidewall
310 of the serving container 300. In some embodiments, a surface of
the food item(s) 50 rests on the support surface 312 when the
individual tray 104 is received within the interior volume 308 of
the serving container 300.
[0032] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
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