CA2017950A1 - Food tray - Google Patents
Food trayInfo
- Publication number
- CA2017950A1 CA2017950A1 CA 2017950 CA2017950A CA2017950A1 CA 2017950 A1 CA2017950 A1 CA 2017950A1 CA 2017950 CA2017950 CA 2017950 CA 2017950 A CA2017950 A CA 2017950A CA 2017950 A1 CA2017950 A1 CA 2017950A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wall panels
- base
- panel
- base panel
- end wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 title abstract description 11
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 62
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 claims 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 235000002020 sage Nutrition 0.000 claims 1
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000010186 staining Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000287828 Gallus gallus Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015278 beef Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013330 chicken meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000015220 hamburgers Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013622 meat product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002674 ointment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000015277 pork Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Cartons (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A food tray for display of foodstuffs is made of rigid paperboard and includes a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces. Opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels are provided, with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel such that each side wall panel pair forms a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel. The inner side wall panels each have an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, each said base flap being secured to the top major surface of the base panel, and the base flaps defining opposed ends. Opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels are provided, each outer end wall hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel. End flap means are secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means being interposed between the associated inner and outer end wall panels to assist in securing the side and end walls in assembled positions generally at right angles to the base panel. Each of the inner end wall panels has a locking means defined along an edge thereof which is arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions, said locking means lies in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to opposing ends of the base flaps which are secured to the base panel. This serves to retain the inner and outer end walls in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with said end flap means, assists in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
A food tray for display of foodstuffs is made of rigid paperboard and includes a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces. Opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels are provided, with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel such that each side wall panel pair forms a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel. The inner side wall panels each have an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, each said base flap being secured to the top major surface of the base panel, and the base flaps defining opposed ends. Opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels are provided, each outer end wall hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel. End flap means are secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means being interposed between the associated inner and outer end wall panels to assist in securing the side and end walls in assembled positions generally at right angles to the base panel. Each of the inner end wall panels has a locking means defined along an edge thereof which is arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions, said locking means lies in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to opposing ends of the base flaps which are secured to the base panel. This serves to retain the inner and outer end walls in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with said end flap means, assists in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
Description
TRAY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to trays for containment and/or display of products and~ in particular, food trays for displaying selected foodstuffs, such as meat, on a supermarket shelf.
One well known form of food tray is known in the industry as a bulk pack meat tray. Bulk pack meat trays are commonly of foam plastics, corrugated cardboard and, more recently, paperboard, the latter two types being folding trays, which trays are used to package large portions of meat. Typically ~rom 3 to 15 pounds of meat can be supported on a tray. Typical types and quantities of meat packaged in bulk for consumer use may include two or more roasts of beef or pork, two or more chickens, eight or more steaks or chops, six or more hamburger patties, ten or more veal cutlets and so on.
A bulk pack meat tray is necessary to hold the individual portions together in an attractively presented package. The tray is loaded with meat and over-wrapped with poly film and then priced. Bullc packs are usually displayed on shelves in the meat section of the supermarket. Supermark~t chains like to use bulk packs for several reasons:
1. It is economical in terms of using labour (i.e. butcher's time) in packagin~ ~resh c~ts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to trays for containment and/or display of products and~ in particular, food trays for displaying selected foodstuffs, such as meat, on a supermarket shelf.
One well known form of food tray is known in the industry as a bulk pack meat tray. Bulk pack meat trays are commonly of foam plastics, corrugated cardboard and, more recently, paperboard, the latter two types being folding trays, which trays are used to package large portions of meat. Typically ~rom 3 to 15 pounds of meat can be supported on a tray. Typical types and quantities of meat packaged in bulk for consumer use may include two or more roasts of beef or pork, two or more chickens, eight or more steaks or chops, six or more hamburger patties, ten or more veal cutlets and so on.
A bulk pack meat tray is necessary to hold the individual portions together in an attractively presented package. The tray is loaded with meat and over-wrapped with poly film and then priced. Bullc packs are usually displayed on shelves in the meat section of the supermarket. Supermark~t chains like to use bulk packs for several reasons:
1. It is economical in terms of using labour (i.e. butcher's time) in packagin~ ~resh c~ts.
2. The consumer perceives an economy of purchase because the pack is in "bulk"l~ ~
3. More of these high-profit meat items are sold and consum~d by the customer. ~ ~
- :
~ .
In general it may be said that foldin~ cartons have advantages over foam plastics trays because the cartons ~re generally stronger and more rigid, are capable of displaying the best graphics, tend to be cleaner looking ~reduced showing of meat juices) and can be arranged and constructed to display well on the meat shelf of a supermarket.
Folding cartons of paperboard have substantial advantages over trays of corrugated cardboard because they tend to be more economical in cost, easier to assemble, tend to be cleaner looking and are as strong and rigid if not more so than the corrugated version.
The paperboard cartons tend to maintain their stren~th for four or five times lon~er on the shelf because of the paperboard cartons' superior moisture resistance when suitably treated with a liquid impervious coating such as wax. Corrugated cardboard has flutes between both surfaces and a~ a result wax protection is only on the surface and not on the ends of the sheet. Liquid such as meat juices enters the corrugated material through the flutes and bypasses the wax layer thus softening the corrugated material, weakening the carton and causing staining.
SUMMAP~Y OF THE INVENTION
¦ 25 It is a ba~ic object of the present invention to provide an Lmproved tray which is very useul for displaying products including foodstuffs, such as various meat products, on the supermarket shelf, and which tray may be made quite rigid with substantial strength in tension and in bending, which tray is easy to assemble and which can be readily coated so as to be leak resistant, and which maintains its stxength for a substantial period of time without si~nificant problems owing to staining by meat juices and the like.
Thus in accordance with the invention in one aspect there i~ provided a tray including: a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and B
2~3~950 opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces. Opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels are provided, with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side oE the base panel - 5 such that each side wall panel pair forms a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel. The inner side wall panels each have an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, each said base flap being secured to the top major surface of the base panel, and the base flaps defining opposed ends. Opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels are provided, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel. End flap means are secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means being interposed between the associated inner and outer end wall panels to assist in securing the side and end walls in assembled positions generally at right angles to the base panel. Each of the inner end wall panels has a locking means defined along an edge thereof which is arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions, said locking means lies in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to opposing ends of the base flaps which are secured to the base panel. This serves to retain the inner and outer end walls in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with said end flap means, assists in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
In accordance with the invention in a further aspect the opposed ends of the base flaps terminate short of the opposed ends of the base panel and define therewith shallow steps against which the locking means on the inner end wall panels abut to retain the inner ., and outer end walls in close juxtaposition to each other and to assist in permitting rapid assembly of the tray.
In a further aspect of the invention said locking means comprises a locking tab on each of the inner end wall panels, each said locking tab arranged to flex relative to its associated inner end wall panel when the latter is moved into juxtaposition to the outer end wall panel so as to bring each locking tab into contacting relation with said base panel, each locking tab having a free terminal edge which comes into the abutting relation with the shallow step provided by the adjacent ends of said base flaps.
Further according to the invention said end flap means comprise end flaps hingedly connected to the opposing ends of each of the inner side wall panels.
Still further according to a feature of the invention said end flap means further comprises corner web-like folds interposed and spanning the region between adjacent ends of each of said outer side wall panels and outer end wall panels.
As a further feature of the invention each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels are spaced apart and connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith, and with outer portions of said base panel, hollow box-beam-like structures.
In a still further feature of the invention stabilizing tabs are hingedly connected to opposing ends o~ each of the inner end wall panels, which stabilizing tabs bear against the inner side wall panels adjacent the opposing ends thereof.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the food tray is made o~ rigid paperboard with the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard. Preferably, the base flaps are adhesively secured ~irmly to the top surface of the base panel and ~1179~
a wax coating is applied over the entire exposed paperboard surfaces to help prevent ingress of moisture into the paperboard interior.
The invention further relates to a blank for forming the food tray as defined herein and as set out in the appended claims.
Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, reference being had to the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully assembled food tray in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invent~on;
~IG. 2 is a sectional perspective view thereof taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective view of the tray taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 1;
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view o~ the tray showing ~he end wall panel arrangement in a partially unfolded condition;
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the - tray showing the end wall panels and adjacent structures in the fully folded assembled condition;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the production blank ~or the subject food tray shown prior to its being folded and with the fold lines being shown as broken lines;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the food tray blanX in a partially assembled condition, ready to be shipped to the user or austomer;.
FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are perspective views illustrating the manner in which the partly assembled blank of Fig. 7 is folded by the customer thereby to place the food tray in its final assembled condition;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE RREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now~to the drawings, the food tray ~¢~ 9S;~
10, which is preferably of a rigid paperboard material, includes a centrally located base panel 12 having opposed sides and ends and top and bottom major surfaces. The structure includes opposed pairs of inner side wall panels 14 and outer side wall panels 16, each side wall panel pair being hingedly interconnected along score lines 18 and 20 by narrow rim panel portions 22.
Each outer side wall panel 16 is hingedly connected to and extends along a respective side of the base panel 12 via a respective score line 24. The panels are dimensional and arranged such that in the erected conditi~n the inner and outer side wall panels 14 and 16 together with their associated rim panel portions 22 and edge portions of the ba~e panel 12 form h~llow box~
beam-like side wall~ 26 along both sides of the tray.
The inner side wall panels 14 each have an elongated base flap 28 hingedly co~nected thereto along score line 30 and in the partially assembled condition of the carton as illustrated in Fig. 7 and in the fully assembled condi~ion shown in Figs. 1-3, each of these 1~QS ~18-t a~al~sl~ a~d A base flaps 28~is firmly ~ecured by a suitable adhesive tà the top major surface of the base panel 12.
It will be noted here that the base flaps 28 are of a length such that when assembled and adhesively glued to the base panel 12, the opposed ends 32 of the base flaps terminate short o~ the oppo~ing ends of the base panel 12 as best illustrated in Fig. 7. These opposed ends 32, owin~ to the act that the paperboard material from which the blank is made has a definite and ~inite thickness, define with the base panel 12 shallow steps, the ~unction of which will become more clear hereinafter.
The structure further includes opposed pairs o~ inner and outer end wall panels 36 and 38, each panel pair being hingedly connected together via score line 40. Furthermore, each outer end wall panel is hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel 12 via a ,. . ~ - .. ... - . . .. . . . . . ... . .
2~179~0 respective score line 42 and in the assembled condition of the tray these end wall panels 36 and 38 serve to define a sturdy end wall 44 extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel.
End flap means are secured to opposing ends of the side wall panels 14 and 16, which end flap means are interposed between associated inner and outer end wall panels 36 and 38 in the assembled condition of the tray - to assist in securing the side and end walls 26 and 44 in their assembled positions generally at right angles to the base panel 12. These end flap means include end flaps 46 hingedly connected via respective score lines to the opposing ends of each of the inner side wall panels 14. The above-noted end flap means further includes corner web-like folds 48 having diagonally disposed fold lines therein interposed and spanning the region between adjacent ends of each of the outer side wall panels 16 and outer end wall panels 38.
Each of the inner end wall panels 36 has a locking tab 50 extending along the outer edge thereof and hingedly connected thereto via score line 52. The - dimensional arrangement is such that when the side and end walls 26 and 44 are in their respective assembled positions, the locking tabs 50 lie in close juxtaposition to the base panel 12 near the opposing ends thereo~ and in abutting relationship to the shallow steps defined by the opposing ends 32 of the base flaps 28 which are adhesively secured to base panel 12.
Re~erence may be had here to Figs. 2, 3 and 5 which clearly illustrate this relationship. By virtue of this relationship between the locking tabs 50 and the step-like ends 32 of the base flaps 28, the inner and outer end wall panels are maintained in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with the end flap means 46 and 48, assist in securing the side and end walls 26 and 44 in their respective assembled positions.
During assembly, each locking tab 50 ~lexes ~q-~17~
along score l.ine 52 relative to its associated inner end wall panel 36 when the latter is moved into juxtaposition to the outer end wall panel 38, thereby bringing each locking tab 50 into close contacting relation with the end portions of the base panel 12. At this point the free terminal edge of each locking tab 50 comes into the previously noted abutting relationship with the shallow steps provided by the adjacent ends 32 of the base flaps 28.
It might be noted here that the base flaps 28 extend toward each other by varying degrees depending on the size of the tray. The primary function is to provide adhesive securement by glueing, f~r which a minimum width of 3/4 inch is needed, and secondly to make the base panel more rigid. On larger trays the base flaps extend into close relationship thereby providing a dual thickness base for the larger tray thus increasing its strength.
! It i5 furthermore noted that stabiliæing tabs 56 are hingedly connected via r4spective score lines to opposing ends of each of the inner end wall panels 36.
These stabilizing tabs 56, in the assembled condition of the tray, bear against the inner side wall panels 14 , adjacent the opposing ends thereof thus further ¦ 25 contributing to the overall stability and rigidity of the assembled tray.
As noted previously, the material ~or the tray blank is preferably relatively rigid paperboard, e.g.
two-ply paperboard. The degree of rigidity is to some extent dependent on the overall size of the tray with larger sized trays generally requiring somewhat more rigid thicker paperboard. The hinge connections, as previously noted, are defined by score lines of a conventional nature in the paperboard.
The surfaces of the paperboard are subjected to a conventional coating treatment thereby to prevent ingress of moisture into the paperboard interior. The 2!,~1~9 preferred coating material is wax although other suitable coating materials may be used as desired.
As noted previously, Figure 7 illustrates the tray in the partially assembled condition as shipped to the customer or end user. It will be seen here that the blank has been folded along the opposed score lines 18 such that the narrow rim panel portions 22, inner side wall panels 14 and base flaps 28 overlie the outer side wall panels 16 and the top major surface of the base panel 12. As noted previously, the base flaps 28 are firmly secured to the top major surface of base panel 12.
With reference now to the assembly procedure depicted in Figs. 8 through 10, the ultimate user, in bringing the tray into its assembled or erected condition, firstly grasps the inner and outer side wall panels (which will ultimately form the side walls 26 of the tray) and folds these assemblies inwardly in the direction of arrows A, during the course of which folding takes place about the various score lines 18, 20, 24 and 30 to form the hollow box-beam-like side walls. Then, with reference to Fig. 9, the end flaps 46 are folded inwardly in the direction of arrows B and the web-like folds 48 are caused to fold along their various fold lines including the diagonal fold line of each by exerting inward pressure with the fingers in the dir~ction of arrows C. At the same time, this foldin~
action causes the inner and outer end wall panels 36, 38 to ~old about the score line 42 at the end of base panel 12. With reference to Figure 10, the thumb and ~ore~ingers are utilized to fold the inner end wall panel 36 around the score line 40 thus bringing it into close juxtaposition with the outer end wall panel 38 by movement in the direction indicated by arrow D and this action brings the locking tab 50 into the previously described close juxtaposition with the top surface of the end portion of base panel 12 with the free outer $,.
: :: ~ . . . . : . :
211 179~i~
edge of the locking tab 50 snapping into position such that this edge comes into abutting relationship with the shallow step provided by the adjacent ends 32 of the base flaps 28. At this same time the stabilizing tabs are forced to pivot around their respective score lines and brought to bear against the inner side wall panels 14 adjacent the opposing ends o same. As noted previously, the end flaps 46 and the web-like folds 48 become interposed between the inner and outer end wall panels 36, 38 and thus held securely in position thereby stabilizing and securing the side and end walls 26, 44 of the tray in their respective assembled positions.
The above-described assembly proce~ure is of course essentially the same for the opposing end of the tray and need not be further described here. The assembly sequence, with a little practice, can be accomplished very quickly; there is no need for any separate fasteners, adhesives or tools of any kind.
Numerous advantages are associated with the invention, many of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having regard to the foregoing description. For example, the one piece paperboard blank can be readily stamped by way of a die cutting tool from standard paperboard stock and the score lines ~5 formed therein utilizing conventional equipment. The manufacturer simply needs to glue the base flaps to the top surface of the base panel, following which this partially assembled blank is shipped to the customer.
Because o~ the flat configuration, space is conserved and shipping costs kept to a minimum. The assembly sequence as described is quick and simple making the ~ood tray ideal for supermarket use. The final tray is strong and rigid, capable of displaying attractive graphics, is cleaner looking owing to non-absorption of meat juices and has a relatively long life span without problems of weakening and softening as was the case with the previous corrugated paperboard designs. Numerous - ... . . .. .. .. . ; - . - . ~ - .
~ . , .. . ~ . . - . , . ~ .. . . . , . - :, . - . . : . .
Z~ 9~;0 other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in this art.
While a preferred form of the invention has been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art will realize that numerous chanqes and modifications may be made while still remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention. For definitions of the invention, reference may be had to the appended claims.
:~ ' .
. . . , ~ : ~ . . . . .. . .
- :
~ .
In general it may be said that foldin~ cartons have advantages over foam plastics trays because the cartons ~re generally stronger and more rigid, are capable of displaying the best graphics, tend to be cleaner looking ~reduced showing of meat juices) and can be arranged and constructed to display well on the meat shelf of a supermarket.
Folding cartons of paperboard have substantial advantages over trays of corrugated cardboard because they tend to be more economical in cost, easier to assemble, tend to be cleaner looking and are as strong and rigid if not more so than the corrugated version.
The paperboard cartons tend to maintain their stren~th for four or five times lon~er on the shelf because of the paperboard cartons' superior moisture resistance when suitably treated with a liquid impervious coating such as wax. Corrugated cardboard has flutes between both surfaces and a~ a result wax protection is only on the surface and not on the ends of the sheet. Liquid such as meat juices enters the corrugated material through the flutes and bypasses the wax layer thus softening the corrugated material, weakening the carton and causing staining.
SUMMAP~Y OF THE INVENTION
¦ 25 It is a ba~ic object of the present invention to provide an Lmproved tray which is very useul for displaying products including foodstuffs, such as various meat products, on the supermarket shelf, and which tray may be made quite rigid with substantial strength in tension and in bending, which tray is easy to assemble and which can be readily coated so as to be leak resistant, and which maintains its stxength for a substantial period of time without si~nificant problems owing to staining by meat juices and the like.
Thus in accordance with the invention in one aspect there i~ provided a tray including: a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and B
2~3~950 opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces. Opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels are provided, with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side oE the base panel - 5 such that each side wall panel pair forms a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel. The inner side wall panels each have an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, each said base flap being secured to the top major surface of the base panel, and the base flaps defining opposed ends. Opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels are provided, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel. End flap means are secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means being interposed between the associated inner and outer end wall panels to assist in securing the side and end walls in assembled positions generally at right angles to the base panel. Each of the inner end wall panels has a locking means defined along an edge thereof which is arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions, said locking means lies in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to opposing ends of the base flaps which are secured to the base panel. This serves to retain the inner and outer end walls in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with said end flap means, assists in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
In accordance with the invention in a further aspect the opposed ends of the base flaps terminate short of the opposed ends of the base panel and define therewith shallow steps against which the locking means on the inner end wall panels abut to retain the inner ., and outer end walls in close juxtaposition to each other and to assist in permitting rapid assembly of the tray.
In a further aspect of the invention said locking means comprises a locking tab on each of the inner end wall panels, each said locking tab arranged to flex relative to its associated inner end wall panel when the latter is moved into juxtaposition to the outer end wall panel so as to bring each locking tab into contacting relation with said base panel, each locking tab having a free terminal edge which comes into the abutting relation with the shallow step provided by the adjacent ends of said base flaps.
Further according to the invention said end flap means comprise end flaps hingedly connected to the opposing ends of each of the inner side wall panels.
Still further according to a feature of the invention said end flap means further comprises corner web-like folds interposed and spanning the region between adjacent ends of each of said outer side wall panels and outer end wall panels.
As a further feature of the invention each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels are spaced apart and connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith, and with outer portions of said base panel, hollow box-beam-like structures.
In a still further feature of the invention stabilizing tabs are hingedly connected to opposing ends o~ each of the inner end wall panels, which stabilizing tabs bear against the inner side wall panels adjacent the opposing ends thereof.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the food tray is made o~ rigid paperboard with the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard. Preferably, the base flaps are adhesively secured ~irmly to the top surface of the base panel and ~1179~
a wax coating is applied over the entire exposed paperboard surfaces to help prevent ingress of moisture into the paperboard interior.
The invention further relates to a blank for forming the food tray as defined herein and as set out in the appended claims.
Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, reference being had to the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully assembled food tray in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invent~on;
~IG. 2 is a sectional perspective view thereof taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective view of the tray taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 1;
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view o~ the tray showing ~he end wall panel arrangement in a partially unfolded condition;
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the - tray showing the end wall panels and adjacent structures in the fully folded assembled condition;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the production blank ~or the subject food tray shown prior to its being folded and with the fold lines being shown as broken lines;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the food tray blanX in a partially assembled condition, ready to be shipped to the user or austomer;.
FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are perspective views illustrating the manner in which the partly assembled blank of Fig. 7 is folded by the customer thereby to place the food tray in its final assembled condition;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE RREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now~to the drawings, the food tray ~¢~ 9S;~
10, which is preferably of a rigid paperboard material, includes a centrally located base panel 12 having opposed sides and ends and top and bottom major surfaces. The structure includes opposed pairs of inner side wall panels 14 and outer side wall panels 16, each side wall panel pair being hingedly interconnected along score lines 18 and 20 by narrow rim panel portions 22.
Each outer side wall panel 16 is hingedly connected to and extends along a respective side of the base panel 12 via a respective score line 24. The panels are dimensional and arranged such that in the erected conditi~n the inner and outer side wall panels 14 and 16 together with their associated rim panel portions 22 and edge portions of the ba~e panel 12 form h~llow box~
beam-like side wall~ 26 along both sides of the tray.
The inner side wall panels 14 each have an elongated base flap 28 hingedly co~nected thereto along score line 30 and in the partially assembled condition of the carton as illustrated in Fig. 7 and in the fully assembled condi~ion shown in Figs. 1-3, each of these 1~QS ~18-t a~al~sl~ a~d A base flaps 28~is firmly ~ecured by a suitable adhesive tà the top major surface of the base panel 12.
It will be noted here that the base flaps 28 are of a length such that when assembled and adhesively glued to the base panel 12, the opposed ends 32 of the base flaps terminate short o~ the oppo~ing ends of the base panel 12 as best illustrated in Fig. 7. These opposed ends 32, owin~ to the act that the paperboard material from which the blank is made has a definite and ~inite thickness, define with the base panel 12 shallow steps, the ~unction of which will become more clear hereinafter.
The structure further includes opposed pairs o~ inner and outer end wall panels 36 and 38, each panel pair being hingedly connected together via score line 40. Furthermore, each outer end wall panel is hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel 12 via a ,. . ~ - .. ... - . . .. . . . . . ... . .
2~179~0 respective score line 42 and in the assembled condition of the tray these end wall panels 36 and 38 serve to define a sturdy end wall 44 extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel.
End flap means are secured to opposing ends of the side wall panels 14 and 16, which end flap means are interposed between associated inner and outer end wall panels 36 and 38 in the assembled condition of the tray - to assist in securing the side and end walls 26 and 44 in their assembled positions generally at right angles to the base panel 12. These end flap means include end flaps 46 hingedly connected via respective score lines to the opposing ends of each of the inner side wall panels 14. The above-noted end flap means further includes corner web-like folds 48 having diagonally disposed fold lines therein interposed and spanning the region between adjacent ends of each of the outer side wall panels 16 and outer end wall panels 38.
Each of the inner end wall panels 36 has a locking tab 50 extending along the outer edge thereof and hingedly connected thereto via score line 52. The - dimensional arrangement is such that when the side and end walls 26 and 44 are in their respective assembled positions, the locking tabs 50 lie in close juxtaposition to the base panel 12 near the opposing ends thereo~ and in abutting relationship to the shallow steps defined by the opposing ends 32 of the base flaps 28 which are adhesively secured to base panel 12.
Re~erence may be had here to Figs. 2, 3 and 5 which clearly illustrate this relationship. By virtue of this relationship between the locking tabs 50 and the step-like ends 32 of the base flaps 28, the inner and outer end wall panels are maintained in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with the end flap means 46 and 48, assist in securing the side and end walls 26 and 44 in their respective assembled positions.
During assembly, each locking tab 50 ~lexes ~q-~17~
along score l.ine 52 relative to its associated inner end wall panel 36 when the latter is moved into juxtaposition to the outer end wall panel 38, thereby bringing each locking tab 50 into close contacting relation with the end portions of the base panel 12. At this point the free terminal edge of each locking tab 50 comes into the previously noted abutting relationship with the shallow steps provided by the adjacent ends 32 of the base flaps 28.
It might be noted here that the base flaps 28 extend toward each other by varying degrees depending on the size of the tray. The primary function is to provide adhesive securement by glueing, f~r which a minimum width of 3/4 inch is needed, and secondly to make the base panel more rigid. On larger trays the base flaps extend into close relationship thereby providing a dual thickness base for the larger tray thus increasing its strength.
! It i5 furthermore noted that stabiliæing tabs 56 are hingedly connected via r4spective score lines to opposing ends of each of the inner end wall panels 36.
These stabilizing tabs 56, in the assembled condition of the tray, bear against the inner side wall panels 14 , adjacent the opposing ends thereof thus further ¦ 25 contributing to the overall stability and rigidity of the assembled tray.
As noted previously, the material ~or the tray blank is preferably relatively rigid paperboard, e.g.
two-ply paperboard. The degree of rigidity is to some extent dependent on the overall size of the tray with larger sized trays generally requiring somewhat more rigid thicker paperboard. The hinge connections, as previously noted, are defined by score lines of a conventional nature in the paperboard.
The surfaces of the paperboard are subjected to a conventional coating treatment thereby to prevent ingress of moisture into the paperboard interior. The 2!,~1~9 preferred coating material is wax although other suitable coating materials may be used as desired.
As noted previously, Figure 7 illustrates the tray in the partially assembled condition as shipped to the customer or end user. It will be seen here that the blank has been folded along the opposed score lines 18 such that the narrow rim panel portions 22, inner side wall panels 14 and base flaps 28 overlie the outer side wall panels 16 and the top major surface of the base panel 12. As noted previously, the base flaps 28 are firmly secured to the top major surface of base panel 12.
With reference now to the assembly procedure depicted in Figs. 8 through 10, the ultimate user, in bringing the tray into its assembled or erected condition, firstly grasps the inner and outer side wall panels (which will ultimately form the side walls 26 of the tray) and folds these assemblies inwardly in the direction of arrows A, during the course of which folding takes place about the various score lines 18, 20, 24 and 30 to form the hollow box-beam-like side walls. Then, with reference to Fig. 9, the end flaps 46 are folded inwardly in the direction of arrows B and the web-like folds 48 are caused to fold along their various fold lines including the diagonal fold line of each by exerting inward pressure with the fingers in the dir~ction of arrows C. At the same time, this foldin~
action causes the inner and outer end wall panels 36, 38 to ~old about the score line 42 at the end of base panel 12. With reference to Figure 10, the thumb and ~ore~ingers are utilized to fold the inner end wall panel 36 around the score line 40 thus bringing it into close juxtaposition with the outer end wall panel 38 by movement in the direction indicated by arrow D and this action brings the locking tab 50 into the previously described close juxtaposition with the top surface of the end portion of base panel 12 with the free outer $,.
: :: ~ . . . . : . :
211 179~i~
edge of the locking tab 50 snapping into position such that this edge comes into abutting relationship with the shallow step provided by the adjacent ends 32 of the base flaps 28. At this same time the stabilizing tabs are forced to pivot around their respective score lines and brought to bear against the inner side wall panels 14 adjacent the opposing ends o same. As noted previously, the end flaps 46 and the web-like folds 48 become interposed between the inner and outer end wall panels 36, 38 and thus held securely in position thereby stabilizing and securing the side and end walls 26, 44 of the tray in their respective assembled positions.
The above-described assembly proce~ure is of course essentially the same for the opposing end of the tray and need not be further described here. The assembly sequence, with a little practice, can be accomplished very quickly; there is no need for any separate fasteners, adhesives or tools of any kind.
Numerous advantages are associated with the invention, many of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having regard to the foregoing description. For example, the one piece paperboard blank can be readily stamped by way of a die cutting tool from standard paperboard stock and the score lines ~5 formed therein utilizing conventional equipment. The manufacturer simply needs to glue the base flaps to the top surface of the base panel, following which this partially assembled blank is shipped to the customer.
Because o~ the flat configuration, space is conserved and shipping costs kept to a minimum. The assembly sequence as described is quick and simple making the ~ood tray ideal for supermarket use. The final tray is strong and rigid, capable of displaying attractive graphics, is cleaner looking owing to non-absorption of meat juices and has a relatively long life span without problems of weakening and softening as was the case with the previous corrugated paperboard designs. Numerous - ... . . .. .. .. . ; - . - . ~ - .
~ . , .. . ~ . . - . , . ~ .. . . . , . - :, . - . . : . .
Z~ 9~;0 other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in this art.
While a preferred form of the invention has been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art will realize that numerous chanqes and modifications may be made while still remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention. For definitions of the invention, reference may be had to the appended claims.
:~ ' .
. . . , ~ : ~ . . . . .. . .
Claims (54)
1. A tray for containment or display of products comprising:
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces;
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel, each side wall panel pair forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being spaced apart and connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like structure, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, said base flaps extending toward each other, and each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel to ensure the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure,, and the base flaps defining opposed ends;
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective end of the base panel and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to allow them to be folded into close juxtaposition with one another to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel;
end flap means secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means being interposed between the associated inner and outer end wall panels to assist in securing the side and end walls in assembled positions at preselected angles to the base panel;
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions said locking means lies in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to retain the inner and outer end wall panels in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces;
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel, each side wall panel pair forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being spaced apart and connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like structure, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, said base flaps extending toward each other, and each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel to ensure the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure,, and the base flaps defining opposed ends;
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective end of the base panel and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to allow them to be folded into close juxtaposition with one another to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel;
end flap means secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means being interposed between the associated inner and outer end wall panels to assist in securing the side and end walls in assembled positions at preselected angles to the base panel;
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions said locking means lies in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to retain the inner and outer end wall panels in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
2. The tray of claim 1 wherein the opposed ends of the base flaps terminate short of the opposed ends of the base panel and define therewith shallow steps against which the locking means on the inner end wall panels abut to retain the inner and outer end walls in said close juxtaposition to each other and to assist in permitting rapid assembly of the tray.
3. The tray of claim 2 wherein said locking means comprise a locking tab on each of the inner end wall panels, each said locking tab arranged to flex relative to its associated inner end wall panel when the latter is moved into juxtaposition to the outer end wall panel so as to bring each locking tab into contacting relation with said base panel, each locking tab having a free terminal edge which comes into the abutting relation with the shallow step provided by the adjacent ends of said base flaps.
4. The tray of claim 3 wherein said end flap means comprise end flaps hingedly connected to the opposing ends of each of the inner side wall panels.
5. The tray of claim 4 wherein said end flap means further comprises corner web-like folds interposed and spanning the region between adjacent ends of each of said outer side wall panels and outer end wall panels.
6. The tray of any one of claims 1-5 wherein said base flaps extend toward each other into close relation so as to provide a dual thickness base for the tray.
7. The tray of any one of claims 1-5 wherein stabilizing tabs are hingedly connected to opposing ends of each of the inner end wall panels, which stabilizing tabs bear against the inner side wall panels adjacent the opposing ends thereof.
8. The tray of any one of claims 1-5 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard.
9. The tray of any one of claims 1-5 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard, and the side and end walls being generally at right angles to the base panel when in their assembled positions.
10. The tray of any one of claims 1-5 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard, and a wax coating on the paperboard surfaces to help prevent ingress of moisture into the paperboard interior.
11. A partially assembled tray blank, the partially assembled tray being suitable for containment or display of products, the blank comprising:
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces;
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel such that each side wall panel pair is capable of forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like sidewall structure when in the assembled condition, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel so as to extend toward each other and to make the base panel more rigid in the area of securement and to ensure the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure when assembled and to enable the inner and outer side wall panels to be rotated or folded from a flat condition in close juxtaposition to one another relative to said base panel into spaced apart relation to form said hollow box-beam-like sidewall structures,, and the base flaps defining opposed ends:
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel when in the assembled condition;
end flap means secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means adapted to be interposed between the associated inner and outer end wall panels in the assembled condition of the blank to assist in securing the side and end walls in assembled positions at a preselected angle to the base panel;
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions said locking means can lie in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to enable retention of the inner and outer end wall panels in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, in use together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces;
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel such that each side wall panel pair is capable of forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like sidewall structure when in the assembled condition, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel so as to extend toward each other and to make the base panel more rigid in the area of securement and to ensure the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure when assembled and to enable the inner and outer side wall panels to be rotated or folded from a flat condition in close juxtaposition to one another relative to said base panel into spaced apart relation to form said hollow box-beam-like sidewall structures,, and the base flaps defining opposed ends:
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel when in the assembled condition;
end flap means secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means adapted to be interposed between the associated inner and outer end wall panels in the assembled condition of the blank to assist in securing the side and end walls in assembled positions at a preselected angle to the base panel;
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions said locking means can lie in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to enable retention of the inner and outer end wall panels in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, in use together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
12. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 11 wherein the base flaps are of a length such that when assembled the opposed ends of the base flaps terminate short of the opposed ends of the base panel and define therewith shallow steps against which the locking means on the inner end wall panels abut when assembled to retain the inner and outer end walls in said close juxtaposition to each other and to assist in permitting rapid assembly of the tray.
13. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 12 wherein said locking means comprises a locking tab on each of the inner end wall panels, each said locking tab arranged to flex relative to its associated inner end wall panel when the latter is moved into juxtaposition to the outer end wall panel so as to bring each locking tab into contacting relation with said base panel, each locking tab having a free terminal sage which during assembly comes into the abutting relation with the shallow step provided by the adjacent ends of said base flaps.
14. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 13 wherein said end flap means comprise end flaps hingedly connected to the opposing ends of each of the inner side wall panels.
15. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 14 wherein said end flap means further comprises corner web-like folds interposed and spanning the region between adjacent ends of each of said outer side wall panels and outer end wall panels.
16. The partially assembled tray blank of any one of claims 11-15 wherein stabilizing tabs are hingedly connected to opposing ends of each of the inner end wall panels which stabilizing tabs in the assembled condition bear against the inner side wall panels adjacent the opposing ends thereof.
17. The partially assembled tray blank of any one of claims 11-15 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard.
18. The partially assembled tray blank of any one of claims 11-15 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard, and a wax coating on the paperboard surfaces to help prevent ingress of moisture into the paperboard interior.
19. A tray for containment or display of products such as foodstuffs comprising:
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces;
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel, each side wall panel pair forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being spaced apart and hingedly connected together by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like structure, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, said base flaps extending toward each other, and each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel to assist in ensuring the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure, and the base flaps defining opposed ends;
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective end of the base panel, and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to allow the panels of each pair to be folded into close juxtaposition with one another to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel;
end flap means interacting between the adjacent ends of said sidewall panel pairs and said end wall panel pairs and adapted to assist in securing the side and end walls formed thereby in their respective assembled positions at preselected angles to the base panel;
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions said locking means lie in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to retain the inner and outer end wall panels in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces;
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel, each side wall panel pair forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being spaced apart and hingedly connected together by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like structure, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, said base flaps extending toward each other, and each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel to assist in ensuring the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure, and the base flaps defining opposed ends;
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective end of the base panel, and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to allow the panels of each pair to be folded into close juxtaposition with one another to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel;
end flap means interacting between the adjacent ends of said sidewall panel pairs and said end wall panel pairs and adapted to assist in securing the side and end walls formed thereby in their respective assembled positions at preselected angles to the base panel;
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions said locking means lie in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to retain the inner and outer end wall panels in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
20. The tray of claim 19 wherein the opposed ends of the base flaps terminate short of the opposed ends of the base panel and define therewith shallow steps against which the locking means on the inner end wall panels abut to retain the inner and outer end walls in said close juxtaposition to each other and to assist in permitting rapid assembly of the tray.
21. The tray of claim 20 wherein said locking means comprise a locking tab hingedly connected to each of the inner end wall panels, each said locking tab arranged to flex relative to its associated inner end wall panel when the latter is moved into juxtaposition to the outer end wall panel so as to bring each locking tab into contacting relation with said base panel, each locking tab having a free terminal edge which comes into the abutting relation with the shallow step provided by the adjacent ends of said base flaps.
22. The tray of claim 19 wherein said end flap means comprise end flaps hingedly connected to the opposing ends of each of the inner side wall panels.
23. The tray of claim 22 wherein said end flap means further comprises corner web-like folds spanning the region between and hingedly connected to adjacent ends of each of said outer side wall panels and said outer end wall panels, said flaps and web-like folds being interposed between the inner and outer end wall panels to secure the side and end walls generally at right angles to the base panel.
24. The tray of any one of claims 19-23 wherein said base flaps extend toward each other into close relation so as to provide a dual thickness base for the tray.
25. The tray of any one of claims 19-23 wherein stabilizing tabs are hingedly connected to opposing ends of each of the inner end wall panels, which stabilizing tabs bear against the inner side wall panels adjacent the opposing ends thereof.
26. The tray of any one of claims 19-23 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard.
27. The tray of any one of claims 19-22 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard, and the side and end walls being generally at right angles to the base panel when in their assembled positions.
28. The tray of any one of claims 19-23 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard, and a wax coating on the paperboard surfaces to help prevent ingress of moisture into the paperboard interior.
29. A partially assembled tray blank, the partially assembled tray being suitable for containment or display of products, the blank comprising:
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces;
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel such that each side wall panel pair is capable of forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like sidewall structure when in the assembled condition, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel so that the base flaps extend toward each other and tend to make the base panel more rigid in the area of securement and help to ensure the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure when assembled, the inner end outer side wall panels during assembly being rotated or folded about said hinged connections from a flat condition in close juxtaposition to one another relative to said base panel into assembled positions in spaced apart relation to form said hollow box-beam-like sidewall structures, and the base flaps defining opposed ends;
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel when in the assembled condition;
end flap means adapted to assist in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions at preselected angles to the base panel:
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions said locking means can be positioned in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to enable retention of the inner and outer end wall panels in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, in use together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces;
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel such that each side wall panel pair is capable of forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like sidewall structure when in the assembled condition, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel so that the base flaps extend toward each other and tend to make the base panel more rigid in the area of securement and help to ensure the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure when assembled, the inner end outer side wall panels during assembly being rotated or folded about said hinged connections from a flat condition in close juxtaposition to one another relative to said base panel into assembled positions in spaced apart relation to form said hollow box-beam-like sidewall structures, and the base flaps defining opposed ends;
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel and each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel when in the assembled condition;
end flap means adapted to assist in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions at preselected angles to the base panel:
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions said locking means can be positioned in close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to enable retention of the inner and outer end wall panels in close juxtaposition to each other and thus, in use together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
30. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 29 wherein the base flaps are of a length such that when assembled the opposed ends of the base flaps terminate short of the opposed ends of the base panel and define therewith shallow steps against which the locking means on the inner end wall panels abut when assembled to retain the inner and outer end walls in said close juxtaposition to each other and to assist in permitting rapid assembly of the tray.
31. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 30 wherein said locking means comprises a locking tab hingedly connected to each of the inner end wall panels, each said locking tab arranged to flex relative to its associated inner end wall panel when the latter is moved into juxtaposition to the outer end wall panel so as to bring each locking tab into contacting relation with said base panel, each locking tab having a free terminal edge which during assembly comes into the abutting relation with the shallow step provided by the adjacent ends of said base flaps.
32. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 29 wherein said end flap means comprise end flaps hingedly connected to the opposing ends of each of the inner side wall panels and adapted to interact with the end wall panels to effect said securement of the side and end walls.
33. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 32 wherein said end flap means further comprises corner web-like folds interposed and spanning the region between adjacent ends of each of said outer side wall panels and outer end wall panels.
34. The partially assembled tray blank of any one of claims 29-33 wherein stabilizing tabs are hingedly connected to opposing ends of each of the inner end wall panels, which stabilizing tabs in the assembled condition bear against the inner side wall panels adjacent the opposing ends thereof.
35. The partially assembled tray blank of any one of claims 29-33 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard.
36. The partially assembled tray blank of any one of claims 29-33 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard, and a wax coating on the paperboard surfaces to help prevent ingress of moisture into the paperboard interior.
37. A tray for containment or display of products comprising:
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces:
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel, each side wall panel pair forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being spaced apart and connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like structure, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, said base flaps extending toward each other, and each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel to make the base panel more rigid in the area of securement and to ensure the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure, and the base flaps defining opposed ends;
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective end of the base panel and the inner and outer end wall panels of each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together and being folded into close juxtaposition with one another to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel;
end flap means secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means being interposed between the associated closely juxtaposed inner and outer end wall panels and thus held securely in position thereby stabilizing and securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions generally transverse to the base panel;
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions with said inner and outer end wall panels in said close juxtaposition said locking means lies in both (a) close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and (b) in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to securely retain the inner and outer end wall panels in said close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces:
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel, each side wall panel pair forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being spaced apart and connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like structure, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, said base flaps extending toward each other, and each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel to make the base panel more rigid in the area of securement and to ensure the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure, and the base flaps defining opposed ends;
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective end of the base panel and the inner and outer end wall panels of each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together and being folded into close juxtaposition with one another to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel;
end flap means secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means being interposed between the associated closely juxtaposed inner and outer end wall panels and thus held securely in position thereby stabilizing and securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions generally transverse to the base panel;
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions with said inner and outer end wall panels in said close juxtaposition said locking means lies in both (a) close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and (b) in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to securely retain the inner and outer end wall panels in said close juxtaposition to each other and thus, together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
38. The tray of claim 37 wherein the opposed ends of the base flaps terminate short of the opposed ends of the base panel and define therewith shallow steps against which the locking means on the inner end wall panels abut to retain the inner and outer end walls in said close juxtaposition to each other and to assist in permitting rapid assembly of the tray.
39. The tray of claim 38 wherein said locking means comprise a locking tab hingedly connected to each of the inner end wall panels, each said locking tab arranged to flex relative to its associated inner end wall panel when the latter is moved into juxtaposition to the outer end wall panel so as to bring each locking tab into contacting relation with said base panel, each locking tab having a free terminal edge which comes into the abutting relation with the shallow step provided by the adjacent ends of said base flaps.
40. The tray of claim 37 wherein said end flap means comprise end flaps hingedly connected to the opposing ends of each of the inner side wall panels.
41. The tray of claim 40 wherein said end flap means further comprises corner web-like folds spanning the region between and hingedly connected to adjacent ends of each of said outer side wall panels and said outer end wall panels, said flaps and web-like folds being interposed between the inner and outer end wall panels to secure the side and end walls generally at right angles to the base panel.
42. The tray of any one of claims 37-41 wherein said base flaps extend toward each other into close relation so as to provide a dual thickness base for the tray.
43. The tray of any one of claims 37-41 wherein stabilizing tabs are hingedly connected to opposing ends of each of the inner end wall panels, which stabilizing tabs bear against the inner side wall panels adjacent the opposing ends thereof.
44. The tray of any one of claims 37-41 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard.
45. The tray of any one of claims 37-40 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard, and the side and end walls being generally at right angles to the base panel when in their assembled positions.
46. The tray of any one of claims 37-41 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard, and a wax coating on the paperboard surfaces to help prevent ingress of moisture into the paperboard interior.
47. A partially assembled tray blank, the assembled tray being suitable for containment or display of products, the blank comprising:
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces;
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel such that each side wall panel pair is capable of forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like sidewall structures when in the assembled condition, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, said flaps capable of extending toward each other in the assembled condition of the tray, each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel to make the base panel more rigid in the area of securement and to ensure the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure when assembled and to enable the inner and outer side wall panels to be rotated or folded from a flat condition in close juxtaposition to one another relative to said base panel into spaced apart relation to form said hollow box-beam-like sidewall structures, and the base flaps defining opposed ends;
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel and the inner and outer end wall panels of each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to allow them to be folded into close juxtaposition with one another to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel when in the assembled condition;
end flap means secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means adapted to be interposed between the associated inner and outer end wall panels when the latter are in the assembled condition of the blank to assist in stabilizing and securing the side and end walls in respective assembled positions generally transverse to the base panel;
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions with said inner and outer end wall panels in said close juxtaposition said locking means can lie in both (a) close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and (b) in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to enable retention of the inner and outer end wall panels in said close juxtaposition to each other and thus, in use together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
a centrally located base panel having opposed sides and opposed ends and top and bottom major surfaces;
opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels with each outer side wall panel hingedly connected to and extending along a respective side of the base panel such that each side wall panel pair is capable of forming a side wall along each of the opposed sides of the base panel;
each of the opposed pairs of inner and outer side wall panels being connected by a narrow rim panel portion so as to define therewith and with outer portions of said base panel a hollow box-beam-like sidewall structures when in the assembled condition, the inner side wall panels each having an elongated base flap hingedly connected thereto, said flaps capable of extending toward each other in the assembled condition of the tray, each said base flap being adhesively secured to and lying flat against the top major surface of the base panel to make the base panel more rigid in the area of securement and to ensure the integrity of the associated box-beam-like structure when assembled and to enable the inner and outer side wall panels to be rotated or folded from a flat condition in close juxtaposition to one another relative to said base panel into spaced apart relation to form said hollow box-beam-like sidewall structures, and the base flaps defining opposed ends;
opposed pairs of inner and outer end wall panels, each outer end wall panel hingedly connected to a respective end of the base panel and the inner and outer end wall panels of each end wall panel pair being hingedly connected together to allow them to be folded into close juxtaposition with one another to define an end wall extending along each of the opposed ends of the base panel when in the assembled condition;
end flap means secured to opposing ends of said inner and/or outer side wall panels, said end flap means adapted to be interposed between the associated inner and outer end wall panels when the latter are in the assembled condition of the blank to assist in stabilizing and securing the side and end walls in respective assembled positions generally transverse to the base panel;
each of the inner end wall panels having a locking means defined along an edge thereof and arranged such that when the side and end walls are in their respective assembled positions with said inner and outer end wall panels in said close juxtaposition said locking means can lie in both (a) close juxtaposition to said base panel near the opposing ends thereof and (b) in abutting relation to said opposed ends of the base flaps which are adhesively secured to the base panel thereby to enable retention of the inner and outer end wall panels in said close juxtaposition to each other and thus, in use together with said end flap means, assisting in securing the side and end walls in their respective assembled positions.
48. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 47 wherein the base flaps are of a length such that when assembled the opposed ends of the base flaps terminate short of the opposed ends of the base panel and define therewith shallow steps against which the locking means on the inner end wall panels abut when assembled to retain the inner and outer end walls in said close juxtaposition to each other and to assist in permitting rapid assembly of the tray.
49. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 48 wherein said locking means comprises a locking tab hingedly connected to each of the inner end wall panels, each said locking tab arranged to flex relative to its associated inner end wall panel when the latter is moved into juxtaposition to the outer end wall panel so as to bring each locking tab into contacting relation with said base panel, each locking tab having a free terminal edge which during assembly comes into the abutting relation with the shallow step provided by the adjacent ends of said base flaps.
50. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 47 wherein said end flap means comprise end flaps hingedly connected to the opposing ends of each of the inner side wall panels and adapted to interact with the end wall panels to effect said securement of the side and end walls.
51. The partially assembled tray blank of claim 50 wherein said end flap means further comprises corner web-like folds interposed and spanning the region between adjacent ends of each of said outer side wall panels and outer end wall panels.
52. The partially assembled tray blank of any one of claims 47-50 wherein stabilizing tabs are hingedly connected to opposing ends of each of the inner end wall panels, which stabilizing tabs in the assembled condition bear against the inner side wall panels adjacent the opposing ends thereof.
53. The partially assembled tray blank of any one of claims 47-50 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard.
54. The partially assembled tray blank of any one of claims 47-50 when made of rigid paperboard, the hinge connections being defined by score lines in the paperboard, and a wax coating on the paperboard surfaces to help prevent ingress of moisture into the paperboard interior.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2017950 CA2017950A1 (en) | 1990-05-31 | 1990-05-31 | Food tray |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2017950 CA2017950A1 (en) | 1990-05-31 | 1990-05-31 | Food tray |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2017950A1 true CA2017950A1 (en) | 1991-05-16 |
Family
ID=4145108
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2017950 Abandoned CA2017950A1 (en) | 1990-05-31 | 1990-05-31 | Food tray |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2017950A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018195665A1 (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2018-11-01 | Emery Silfurtun Inc. | Absorbent tray with coating |
-
1990
- 1990-05-31 CA CA 2017950 patent/CA2017950A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018195665A1 (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2018-11-01 | Emery Silfurtun Inc. | Absorbent tray with coating |
| CN110691741A (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2020-01-14 | 埃默里·西尔弗顿公司 | Coated absorbable tray |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |