AU2019359021A1

AU2019359021A1 - Stackable thermoplastic egg tray and egg packaging carton

Info

Publication number: AU2019359021A1
Application number: AU2019359021A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Chih-Shun WANG; Chang Kwong YANG
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-10-10
Filing date: 2019-09-13
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Also published as: EP3863943A1; KR20210091706A; JP2022504807A; CN113286751A; MY198823A; WO2020076149A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to stackable thermoplastic egg tray (100) and egg packaging carton. More particularly, the present invention relates to an egg package that provides the ability to stack and palletize egg packaging carton, i.e., stack one package a top another on a pallet, that can be easily moved in from one location to another location. One of the advantages of the improved egg packaging carton construction is to provide better egg protection while stacked in a stable arrangement such that when physically moved on a pallet the multitude of stacked, filled cartons are transportable without risk of falling off the pallet, falling out of the stacked arrangement, and/or otherwise moving or collapsing so as to cause damage to the eggs. Another advantage of the improved egg packaging carton is to provide air to be flow through the entire egg packaging carton via air space and gap to provide air ventilation and prolong freshness of the eggs.

Description

STACKABLE THERMOPLASTIC EGG TRAY AND EGG PACKAGING CARTON

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to stackable thermoplastic egg tray and egg packaging carton. More particularly, the present invention relates to an egg package that provides the ability to stack and palletize egg packaging carton, i.e., stack one package a top another on a pallet, that can be easily moved in from one location to another location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Large volumes of eggs and similar items have become more popular to consumers, resulting in a need for larger packages that can hold increased quantities of eggs to be sold by traditional grocery stores and other retail outlets. Thus, in order to stay competitive, grocers and warehouse retailers now require larger package sizes for eggs and other produce (e.g. eighteen (18) count egg tray containers and higher), but do not have a large floor area for storage and/or display. Many stores use molded fibertrays (known as“filler flats”) and single faced corrugated sleeves to accommodate large volumes of items. The retailers stack several egg trays which can be insecure and unstable if not stacked properly. In addition, conventional egg packaging systems do not nest within each other, and thus a large volume of retail space may be required to display and store the egg trays.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,531 , which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein, discloses a molded fiber nestable egg tray packaging system that includes a transparent lid. The transparent lid includes upwardly extending conical shaped elements and a downwardly shaped rim having notches that assist in securing the lid to a filler flat. A shrink film band is placed around the filler flat with lid applied to secure the lid during handling and make the finished product“tamper evident'. The transparent lid provides lateral stability for trays when stacked and avoids the increasing cost that results from the eggs being damaged or broken. Although the nestable egg tray packaging system disclosed by this patent is a significant advance in the field of packaging systems, when used the egg placed in the pocket will be easily broken if more stackable molded fiber nestable egg tray packaging systems placed on top of each other. This is due to the fact that there is no air space provided between the lid and the base of each egg tray packaging system and therefore the weight of eggs from the top packaging system is applied directly to the eggs at bottom packaging system and the risk of breakage or instability has not been reduced to any considerable extent. In addition, due to the close proximity of each egg placed between them, air ventilation between the eggs in the packaging system in this patent is unlikely to occur. Therefore, a heat will be built-up in the packaging system due to humid weather and subsequently has caused the eggs to be rotten.

Plastic egg cartons have been provided with flexible walls between the cell pockets to protect the eggs and stop the eggs from going into adjacent cell pockets. However, during handling such as loading cases (groups of stacked egg cartons) onto a grocery pallet and stacking the cases 5 to 6 high on the pallet, and/or while being thrown onto the pallets and bumping into each other, the cartons are subjected to considerable compressive and lateral impact forces. The eggs can come out of their cell pockets and make contact from a hard side impact blow.

In view of the above shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide a new design for an egg tray and packaging of eggs that is conducive to the food warehouse environment, and/or a package that provides additional protection for a fragile food product stored in the package. The improved egg packaging carton construction to provide better egg protection while encountering the adverse mechanical forces and environmental changes that typically occur during packaging, transportation and storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a stackable thermoplastic egg tray comprising a plurality of egg-receiving compartments having non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of an egg, the plurality of compartments being arranged in at least two parallel rows, wherein each egg-receiving compartment having a plurality of posts, each of the post having a top; an egg-supporting surface for supporting the egg and having a continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface approximating the ellipsoidal surface of the egg, the continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface having a continuous circular zone and a plurality of lower tongues extending downwardly from the continuous circular zone into a flared surface, the continuous circular zone and the lower tongues formed within the egg-receiving compartment, the continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface also having a plurality of upper tongues extending upwardly from the continuous circular zone, along a slanting side wall of the posts, and out of the egg-receiving compartment; characterized in that a plurality of the slanting side walls of each post and a plurality of grooves between each egg-receiving compartment are provided for allowing air to flow through each egg-receiving compartment; and accepting means located at tops of the posts for accepting an egg tray of the same type from above, and projections means from the bottoms of the egg-receiving compartment for engaging the accepting means of another egg tray of the same type from bottom to restrict movement of the egg trays in a stackable arrangement.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton comprising a lid having a lid surface, a plurality of conical-shaped elements extending downwardly from the lid surface, and a rim that encompasses and extends downwardly from the lid surface; an egg tray comprising; a plurality of egg-receiving compartments having non- planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of an egg, the plurality of compartments being arranged in at least two parallel rows, wherein each egg-receiving compartment having a plurality of posts, each of the post having a top; an egg-supporting surface for supporting the egg and having a continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface approximating the ellipsoidal surface of the egg, the continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface having a continuous circular zone and a plurality of lower tongues extending downwardly from the continuous circular zone into a flared surface, the continuous circular zone and the lower tongues formed within the egg-receiving compartment, the continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface also having a plurality of upper tongues extending upwardly from the continuous circular zone, along a side wall of the posts, and out of the egg-receiving compartment; characterized in that a plurality of the slanting side walls of each post and a plurality of grooves between each egg-receiving compartment are provided for allowing air to flow through each egg-receiving compartment; and accepting means located at tops of the posts for accepting the lid of the same type from above, and projections means from the bottoms of the egg-receiving compartment for engaging the accepting means of another lid of the egg tray of the same type from bottom to restrict movement of the egg trays in a stackable arrangement, wherein the conical-shaped elements extending downwardly from the lid surface aligned and rested onto the posts of the egg tray in a predetermined orientation to allow an air space created between the lid and the egg tray in each egg-receiving compartment.

A method of stacking a plurality of thermoplastic egg packaging cartons on top of one another, each egg packaging carton having a lid having a lid surface, a plurality of conical-shaped elements extending downwardly from the lid surface, and a rim that encompasses and extends downwardly from the lid surface; and an egg tray comprising a plurality of egg-receiving compartments having non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of an egg, the plurality of compartments being arranged in at least two parallel rows, wherein each egg-receiving compartment having a plurality of posts, each of the post having a top;a plurality of the slanting side walls of each post and a plurality of grooves between each egg-receiving compartment are provided for allowing air to flow through each egg-receiving compartment; and accepting means located at tops of the posts for accepting the lid of the same type from above, and projections means from the bottoms of the egg-receiving compartment for engaging the accepting means of another lid of the egg tray of the same type from bottom to restrict movement of the egg trays in a stackable arrangement comprising providing a first egg packaging carton and a second egg packaging carton; placing the first egg packaging carton on top of and nested partially within the second egg packaging carton wherein the egg-receiving compartment of the tray of the first egg packaging carton rests between the conical-shaped elements of the lid of the second egg packaging carton; and repeating the step of placing egg packaging carton on top of one another of the egg packaging carton.

One of the advantages of the improved egg packaging carton construction to provide better egg protection while stacked in a stable arrangement such that when physically moved on a pallet the multitude of stacked, filled cartons are transportable without risk of falling off the pallet, falling out of the stacked arrangement, and/or otherwise moving or collapsing so as to cause damage to the eggs. Another advantage of the improved egg packaging carton is to provide air to be flow through the entire egg packaging carton via air space and gap to provide air ventilation and prolong freshness of the eggs.

Further advantages of the system in accordance with the invention and its application can be derived from the description and the accompanying drawings. The above-mentioned features and those to be further described below can be utilized in accordance with the invention individually or collectively in arbitrary combination. The embodiments mentioned are not to be considered exhaustive enumerations, rather have exemplary character. The invention is shown in the drawings and explained more closely with reference to embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a stackable thermoplastic egg tray in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a back view of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a back view of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a lid of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a lid and an egg tray in opening position of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a lid and an egg tray in open and close positions of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton in accordance of the present invention. Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of an egg seated in egg-receiving compartment of a lid and an egg tray in closed position of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 11 illustrates a top view of a lid hinged to an egg tray in an open position of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates a back view of a lid hinged to an egg tray in an open position of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton in accordance of the present invention.

Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a lid hinged to an egg tray in open and close positions of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton in accordance of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in detail in connection with specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as,“comprises” and“comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to”. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or“an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment” or“in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

The terms“left,”“right,”“top,”“bottom,”“front,”“rear,”“side,”“height,”“length,”“width,”“upper,” “lower,”“interior,”“exterior,”“inner,”“outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as“first,”“second,”“third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a stackable thermoplastic egg tray (100) in accordance of the present invention. A stackable thermoplastic egg tray (100) of the present invention having a plurality of egg-receiving compartments (102) having non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of an egg, the plurality of compartments (102) being arranged in at least two parallel rows. Each egg-receiving compartment (102) having a plurality of posts (104), each of post (104) having a top (106). Depending types of eggs, the height of each post is between 85 mm to 100 mm from a base of the egg-receiving compartment (102) preferably 91 mm.

Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray (100) in accordance of the present invention. An egg-supporting surface (202) for supporting the egg and having a continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface approximating the ellipsoidal surface of the egg. Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a back view of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray (100) in accordance of the present invention. The continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface having a continuous circular zone and a plurality of lower tongues extending downwardly from the continuous circular zone into a flared surface (302). A plurality of recessions (306) is provided at a bottom perimeter of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray (100).

Figure 4 illustrates a back view of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray in accordance of the present invention. The continuous circular zone and the lower tongues formed within the eggreceiving compartment (102). A plurality of finger slots (402) is provided on opposing sides of the perimeter of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray (100) to allow sufficient space for a user’s fingers to be removed from the egg tray when in a stackable position. Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray (100) in accordance of the present invention. The continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface also having a plurality of upper tongues extending upwardly from the continuous circular zone, along a slanting side wall (502) of the posts (504), and out of the egg-receiving compartment. The egg-receiving compartment (102) and posts (504) are arranged in a regular orthogonal pattern, wherein each egg-receiving compartment (102) is surrounded by four posts (504). The underside of each egg-receiving compartment (102) is designed to maximize the stability and security of stackable thermoplastic egg tray (100) and reduce the likelihood that eggs will break within each stackable thermoplastic egg tray (100).

Figure 6 illustrates a rear view of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray in accordance of the present invention. A plurality of the slanting side walls (602) of each post (604) and a plurality of grooves (606) between each egg-receiving compartment are provided for allowing air to flow through each egg-receiving compartment. An accepting means (108) located at tops (106) of the posts (104) for accepting an egg tray of the same type from above and projections means (304) from the bottoms of the egg-receiving compartment for engaging the accepting means of another egg tray of the same type from bottom to restrict movement of the egg trays in a stackable arrangement. The accepting means can be any type of concave surface fit enough to accept a projecting means can be any type of protrusion from the bottom of the egg-receiving compartment for engagement or a locking mechanism. The egg tray may be manufactured from a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet material via a thermoforming process, injection process or any equivalent process. In other embodiments, the egg carton is manufactured from other materials, such as other suitable polymer materials and/or utilizing other manufacturing processes. The specific spring rates and configurations of the egg tray disclosed herein indicate that plastic recyclable materials may be utilized in a preferred embodiment. Wall thicknesses of PET cases in a contemplated embodiment are of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm in thickness, but this thickness may vary, for instance, once the sheet is formed into the egg tray.

The egg tray of the present invention comprises of a 3x4, 4x5, 5x6, matrix of egg-receiving compartment (102). It is contemplated in accordance with the present invention, however, that the egg tray systems could be of different sizes to provide an alternate number of eggs within each tray system (with and a corresponding number of expansions). The egg tray of the present invention can be designed to possess, for example, four, six, twelve, eighteen, twenty, twenty-four or thirty-six conical expansions and a corresponding number of eggs. A variety of different configurations exists for each different size egg tray system for different grade of eggs such as AA, A, B ,C. For example, an egg tray system possessing 12 eggs can be configured to have 3 rows of 4 eggs each or 2 rows of 6 eggs each. The egg tray of the present invention is able to withstand a mass weight of at least 40 kg for at least 20 stacking layers of the egg trays with eggs presence in 4x6 matrix of egg-receiving compartment.

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a lid of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton in accordance of the present invention. A lid having a lid surface, a plurality of conical shaped elements (702) extending downwardly from the lid surface (704), and a rim (706) that encompasses and extends downwardly from the lid surface (704).

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a lid (804) and an egg tray (806) in opening position of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton (802) in accordance of the present invention. A stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton (802) comprising a lid (804) having a lid surface, a plurality of conical-shaped elements extending downwardly from the lid surface, and a rim (808) that encompasses and extends downwardly from the lid surface and an egg tray comprising a plurality of egg-receiving compartments (810) having non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of an egg, the plurality of compartments (810) being arranged in at least two parallel rows, wherein each egg-receiving compartment (810) having a plurality of posts (812), each of the post having a top (814). A plurality of the slanting side walls (816) of each post and a plurality of grooves (818) between each egg-receiving compartment (810) are provided for allowing air to flow through each egg receiving compartment (810).

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a lid and an egg tray in open and close positions of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton (902) in accordance of the present invention. Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of an egg seated in egg-receiving compartment of a lid (1012) and an egg tray (1014) in closed position of a stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton (902) in accordance of the present invention. Accepting means (1016) located at tops of the posts for accepting the lid (1012) of the same type from above, and projections means (1018) from the bottoms of the egg-receiving compartment for engaging the accepting means of another lid of the egg tray of the same type from bottom to restrict movement of the egg trays in a stackable arrangement. The accepting means can be any type of concave surface fit enough to accept a projecting means can be any type of protrusion from the bottom of the egg-receiving compartment for engagement or a locking mechanism. In addition, the conical- shaped elements extending downwardly from the lid surface aligned and rested onto the posts of the egg tray in a predetermined orientation to allow an air space (1020) created between the lid and the egg tray in each egg-receiving compartment. An air space (1022) is also provided as a gap between an egg seated and the bottom of the egg-receiving compartment. The air space (1020,1022) of the present invention preferably between 10 mm to 25 mm is important by allowing air to flow through the entire egg tray to provide air ventilation and prolong freshness of the eggs.

While eggs are sold by weight, the variation of egg dimensions must be considered and accommodated in the egg carton. While each egg within the given egg carton size (e.g., 4, 6, 8, etc.) is important, the egg carton also accounts for overall spacing between the eggs within the carton. The eggs regardless of size or adjustment of the carton must fall into a grid of location while accounting for all carton geometry. All side wall and all other design features must be adjusted to keep the distances within each individual carton and all other nesting cartons on the same grid. This allows for the universal stack nest feature to work across the board in this carton system.

For the purposes of stacking stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton, the egg tray rests between the elements of a lid of an underlying another egg packaging carton by rotating the tray packaging carton about 90 degrees and placing the tray of the egg packaging carton on top of and nested partially within the underlying of another tray packaging carton.. The natural strength of the egg is being harnessed by the egg carton of the present invention to improve the overall top load characteristic of the single egg carton, particularly when interlocked with multiple cartons as the system provides, thereby adding strength to a cube of multiple egg cartons. Thus, the disclosed egg carton utilizes the natural geometry and strength of the egg for securely positioning and maintaining the eggs in the egg carton.

In an alternative embodiment, the lid (1102) is hingedly (1104) connected to the egg tray (1106) at one end and a locking mechanism (1 108, 1 1 10) is provided between the lid and egg tray at another end as illustrated in Figure 11 and Figure 12. On the hinge side, the label may be glued or affixed to the carton bottom, thereby allowing lid (1302) to open in the common egg carton method as illustrated in Figure 13. The locking mechanism (1 108, 11 10) of stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton comprises of at least one retainment projection (1 108) extended from at least one perimeter side of the lid (1 102) for locking engagement with at least one aperture (1110) in the corresponding surface of the egg tray. Meanwhile, the two opposite sides of the lid without hinge and locking mechanism are provided for displaying product information (904) as illustrated in Figure 9. In another embodiment, the lid includes a number of features according to the present invention that facilitate aligning and stacking of multiple cartons for transport, and also provides multiple areas visible to the consumer from both top and side views for printing or labeling.

In operation, the method of stacking a plurality of thermoplastic egg packaging cartons on top of one another, each egg packaging carton having a lid and an egg tray begins by providing a first egg packaging carton and a second egg packaging carton. Then, placing the first egg packaging carton on top of and nested partially within the second egg packaging carton wherein the egg-receiving compartment of the tray of the first egg packaging carton rests between the conical-shaped elements of the lid of the second egg packaging carton. Finally, repeating the step of placing egg packaging carton on top of one another of the egg packaging carton.

The carton is typically integrally molded from a sheet of plastic material which is formed into an end product having the components described herein via conventional molding processes, e.g., pressing a plastic sheet between male or female dies to form shaped lid and base portions and then removing (trimming) any remaining portions of the sheet to form an integral carton. The plastic can be foam or unfoamed (e.g., a solid plastic sheet), such as a clear solid plastic sheet of polyester (e.g., virgin or recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), or a blend including polyester and/or polystyrene. The use of any technique to shape the PET is provided to form stronger reinforcements using ribbing, struts, angles, deformations, thickness variations, and the like.

The foregoing detailed description and examples are merely illustrative of the preferred embodiments. They are by no means meant to be the exclusive description of the inventive concept hereby disclosed. It will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that certain aspects of the practice of the invention are readily susceptible to modification or practice by alternative, known means.

Claims

1. A stackable thermoplastic egg tray comprising; a plurality of egg-receiving compartments having non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of an egg, the plurality of compartments being arranged in at least two parallel rows, wherein each egg-receiving compartment having

a plurality of posts, each of the post having a top;

an egg-supporting surface for supporting the egg and having a continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface approximating the ellipsoidal surface of the egg, the continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface having a continuous circular zone and a plurality of lower tongues extending downwardly from the continuous circular zone into a flared surface, the continuous circular zone and the lower tongues formed within the egg-receiving compartment, the continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface also having a plurality of upper tongues extending upwardly from the continuous circular zone, along a slanting side wall of the posts, and out of the egg-receiving compartment; characterized in that

a plurality of the slanting side walls of each post and a plurality of grooves between each egg-receiving compartment are provided for allowing air to flow through each egg-receiving compartment; and

accepting means located at tops of the posts for accepting an egg tray of the same type from above, and projections means from the bottoms of the egg-receiving compartment for engaging the accepting means of another egg tray of the same type from bottom to restrict movement of the egg trays in a stackable arrangement.

2. The egg tray as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a plurality of recessions is provided at a bottom perimeter of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray.

3. The egg tray as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the egg tray comprises of a 3x4, 4x5, 5x6, matrix of egg-receiving compartment.

4. The egg tray as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the egg-receiving compartment and posts are arranged in a regular orthogonal pattern, wherein each egg-receiving compartment is surrounded by four posts.

5. The egg tray as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a plurality of finger slots is provided on opposing sides of the perimeter of the stackable thermoplastic egg tray to allow sufficient space for a user’s fingers to be removed from the egg tray when in a stackable position.

6. The egg tray as claimed in Claim 1 wherein an air space is provided as a gap between an egg seated and the bottom of the egg-receiving compartment.

7. A stackable thermoplastic egg packaging carton comprising a lid having a lid surface, a plurality of conical-shaped elements extending downwardly from the lid surface, and a rim that encompasses and extends downwardly from the lid surface; an egg tray comprising;

a plurality of egg-receiving compartments having non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of an egg, the plurality of compartments being arranged in at least two parallel rows, wherein each egg receiving compartment having a plurality of posts, each of the post having a top; an egg-supporting surface for supporting the egg and having a continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface approximating the ellipsoidal surface of the egg, the continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface having a continuous circular zone and a plurality of lower tongues extending downwardly from the continuous circular zone into a flared surface, the continuous circular zone and the lower tongues formed within the egg-receiving compartment, the continuous substantially ellipsoidal surface also having a plurality of upper tongues extending upwardly from the continuous circular zone, along a side wall of the posts, and out of the egg-receiving compartment; characterized in that

accepting means located at tops of the posts for accepting the lid of the same type from above, and projections means from the bottoms of the egg-receiving compartment for engaging the accepting means of another lid of the egg tray of the same type from bottom to restrict movement of the egg trays in a stackable arrangement,

wherein the conical-shaped elements extending downwardly from the lid surface aligned and rested onto the posts of the egg tray in a predetermined orientation to allow an air space created between the lid and the egg tray in each egg-receiving compartment.

8. The egg packaging carton as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the egg tray rests between the elements of a lid of an underlying another egg packaging carton by rotating the tray packaging carton about 90 degrees and placing the tray of the egg packaging carton on top of and nested partially within the underlying of another tray packaging carton.

9. The egg packaging carton as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the lid is hingedly connected to the egg tray at one end and a locking mechanism is provided between the lid and egg tray at another end.

10. The egg packaging carton as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the locking mechanism comprises of at least one retainment projection extended from at least one perimeter side of the lid for locking engagement with at least one aperture in the corresponding surface of the egg tray.

1 1. The egg packaging carton as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the two opposite sides of the lid without hinge and locking mechanism are provided for displaying product information.

12. The egg packaging carton as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the egg packaging carton comprises of a 3x4, 4x5, 5x6, matrix of egg-receiving compartment.

13. The egg packaging carton as claimed in Claim 7 wherein an air space is provided as a gap between an egg seated and the bottom of the egg-receiving compartment.

14. A method of stacking a plurality of thermoplastic egg packaging cartons on top of one another, each egg packaging carton having a lid having a lid surface, a plurality of conical-shaped elements extending downwardly from the lid surface, and a rim that encompasses and extends downwardly from the lid surface; and an egg tray comprising a plurality of egg-receiving compartments having non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of an egg, the plurality of compartments being arranged in at least two parallel rows, wherein each egg-receiving compartment having a plurality of posts, each of the post having a top;

a plurality of the slanting side walls of each post and a plurality of grooves between each egg-receiving compartment are provided for allowing air to flow through each egg-receiving compartment; and accepting means located at tops of the posts for accepting the lid of the same type from above, and projections means from the bottoms of the egg-receiving compartment for engaging the accepting means of another lid of the egg tray of the same type from bottom to restrict movement of the egg trays in a stackable arrangement comprising providing a first egg packaging carton and a second egg packaging carton;

placing the first egg packaging carton on top of and nested partially within the second egg packaging carton wherein the egg-receiving compartment of the tray of the first egg packaging carton rests between the conical-shaped elements of the lid of the second egg packaging carton; and

repeating the step of placing egg packaging carton on top of one another of the egg packaging carton.

15. The method as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the lid is hingedly connected to the egg tray at one end and a locking mechanism is provided between the lid and egg tray at another end.