Patent Publication Number: US-9409669-B2

Title: Tray for supporting containers and a blank for making the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/094,398, filed Apr. 26, 2011, entitled “TRAY FOR SUPPORTING CONTAINERS AND A BLANK FOR MAKING THE SAME,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments described herein relate generally to a tray formed from a blank of sheet material and, more particularly, to a tray for supporting a plurality of containers included within the tray. 
     At least some known trays are configured to hold a plurality of containers therein. Most of these known trays are formed from a relatively large blank having a plurality of panels that fold and/or wrap to define container holders. More specifically, the plurality of panels form a rectangular tube having cutouts into which the containers are inserted. Because these trays are formed from a relatively large blank of sheet material they can be expensive to make. Moreover, because of the plurality of panels, they can be complicated to form. 
     Another known tray includes single-thickness side and end walls having a cup holder that extends outwardly from each end wall. The end walls of such a tray include side flaps that couple to an adjacent side wall. The end walls and side flaps are taller than the side walls. As such, when a cup is positioned in the tray, the cup is secured by the combination of the cup holder, the end wall, and the side flap. Notably, the retractable cup holders only extend from the end walls because the end wall and side flap cooperate with the cup holder to secure the cup in the tray. Further, the central portion of the tray is configured to allow for other food items to be positioned therein. As such, this other known tray is limited in the number of containers it is able to support therein. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a blank for forming a tray is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, a pair of opposing end panels connected to the bottom panel, and a pair of opposing side panels connected to the bottom panel. A first divider panel assembly is defined within the bottom panel and a first end panel of the pair of end panels. The first divider panel assembly includes a first upper panel and a first inner panel connected at a first fold line. The first upper panel is defined within the first end panel and the first inner panel is defined within the bottom panel. In an erect configuration, the first upper panel is configured to be at a first angle to the bottom panel, and the first inner panel is configured to be a second angle to the first end panel. A second divider panel assembly is defined within the bottom panel and a first side panel of the pair of side panels. The second divider panel assembly includes a second upper panel and a second inner panel connected at a second fold line. The second upper panel is defined within the first side panel, and the second inner panel is defined within the bottom panel. In the erect configuration, the second upper panel is configured to be at a third angle to the bottom panel, and the second inner panel is configured to be at a fourth angle to the first side panel. 
     In another aspect, a tray formed from a blank of sheet material is provided. The tray includes a bottom wall, a pair of opposing end walls connected to the bottom wall, and a pair of opposing side walls connected to the bottom walls. A first divider structure extends from the bottom wall and a first end wall of the pair of end walls. The first divider structure includes a first upper panel and a first inner panel connected at a first fold line. The first upper panel is at a first angle to the bottom wall, and the first inner panel is at a second angle to the first end wall. A second divider structure extends from the bottom wall and a first side wall of the pair of side walls. The second divider structure includes a second upper panel and a second inner panel connected at a second fold line. The second upper panel is at a third angle to the bottom wall, and the second inner panel is at a fourth angle to the first side wall. 
     In yet another aspect, a method for forming a tray from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank of sheet material includes a bottom panel, a pair of opposing end panels connected to the bottom panel, a pair of opposing side panels connected to the bottom panel, a first divider panel assembly defined within the bottom panel and a first side panel of the pair of side panels, and a second divider panel assembly defined within the bottom panel and a first end panel of the pair of end panels. The first divider panel assembly includes a first upper panel defined within the first side panel and a first inner panel defined within the bottom panel. The second divider panel assembly includes a second upper panel defined within the first end panel and a second inner panel defined within the bottom panel. The method includes rotating the pair of side panels toward the bottom panel to form a pair of opposing side walls, rotating the first upper panel with respect to the first side panel and the first inner panel with respect to the bottom panel to form a first divider structure, rotating the pair of end panels toward the bottom panel to form a pair of opposing end walls, and rotating the second upper panel with respect to the first end panel and the second inner panel with respect to the bottom panel to form a second divider structure. 
     In still another aspect, a blank for forming a tray is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, a pair of opposing end panels connected to the bottom panel, a pair of opposing side panels connected to the bottom panel, and a plurality of divider panel assemblies defined within the bottom panel and a first side panel of the pair of side panels. Each divider panel assembly of the plurality of divider panel assemblies includes an upper panel and an inner panel connected at a fold line. The upper panel is defined within the first side panel, and the inner panel is defined within the bottom panel. The upper panel is configured to be at a first angle to the bottom panel, and the inner panel is configured to be at a second angle to the first side panel in an erected configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-12  show exemplary embodiments of the blanks, trays, and methods described herein. 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary blank of sheet material for forming a tray. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the blank shown in  FIG. 1  at a first stage of construction. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the blank shown in  FIG. 1  at a second stage of construction. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the blank shown in  FIG. 1  at a third stage of construction. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the blank shown in  FIG. 1  at a fourth stage of construction. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary tray formed from the blank shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the tray shown in  FIG. 6  having products therein. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a first alternative blank of sheet material for forming a tray. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a tray formed from the blank shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the tray shown in  FIG. 9  having products therein. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of a second alternative blank of sheet material for forming a tray. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a tray formed from the blank shown in  FIG. 4  and having products therein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments described herein provide a tray configured to support and/or contain a plurality of containers and/or products. For example, the trays described herein can be used to contain a plurality of cylindrical and/or tub-shaped containers, such as dairy containers, during transport through an assembly line and/or to a store and/or during storage of the containers. An alternative tray is configured to contain a plurality of elongated products, such as cards and/or blister packs, during transport and/or storage. 
     The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and use of the disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure. 
     A tray formed from a single sheet of material and a method and machine for constructing the container is described herein. The tray may be constructed from a blank of sheet material using a machine. In one embodiment, the tray is fabricated from a cardboard material. The tray, however, may be fabricated using any suitable material, and therefore is not limited to a specific type of material. In alternative embodiments, the tray is fabricated using cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, paperboard, foamboard, corrugated paper, and/or any suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided. 
     In an example embodiment, the tray includes at least one marking thereon including, without limitation, indicia that communicates the product stored in the tray, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product. For example, the marking may include printed text that indicates a product&#39;s name and briefly describes the product, logos and/or trademarks that indicate a manufacturer and/or seller of the product, and/or designs and/or ornamentation that attract attention. “Printing,” “printed,” and/or any other form of “print” as used herein may include, but is not limited to including, ink jet printing, laser printing, screen printing, giclée, pen and ink, painting, offset lithography, flexography, relief print, rotogravure, dye transfer, and/or any suitable printing technique known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided. In another embodiment, the tray is void of markings, such as, without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary blank  10  of sheet material for forming a tray, such as a tray  100  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). Blank  10  has a first or interior surface  12  and an opposing second or exterior surface  14 . Further, blank  10  defines a first edge  16  and an opposing second edge  18 . In one embodiment, blank  10  includes, in series from first edge  16  to second edge  18 , a first end panel  20 , a bottom panel  22 , and a second end panel  24  coupled together along preformed, generally parallel, fold lines  26  and  28 , respectively. More specifically, first end panel  20  extends from first edge  16  to fold line  26 , bottom panel  22  extends from first end panel  20  along fold line  26 , second end panel  24  extends from bottom panel  22  along fold line  28  to second edge  18 . Fold lines  26  and/or  28 , as well as other fold lines and/or hinge lines described herein, may include any suitable line of weakening and/or line of separation known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided. In the exemplary embodiment, each end panel  20  and  24  includes free side edges  30 . When tray  100  is formed from blank  10 , fold line  26  defines a bottom edge of first end panel  20  and a first end edge of bottom panel  22 ; fold line  28  defines a second end edge of bottom panel  22  and a bottom edge of second end panel  24 ; first edge  16  defines a top edge of first end panel  20 ; and second edge  18  defines a top edge of second end panel  24 . 
     A first side panel  32  extends from a first side edge of bottom panel  22  at a fold line  34 , and a second side panel  36  extends from a second side edge of bottom panel  22  at a fold line  38 . Fold lines  34  and  38  are substantially parallel. First side panel  32  has a free edge  40  that defines a top edge of first side panel  32  when tray  100  is formed, and second side panel  36  has a free edge  42  that defines a top edge of second side panel  36  when tray  100  is formed. A first end flap  44  extends from an end edge of first side panel  32  at a fold line  46 , and a second end flap  48  extends from an opposing end edge of first side panel  32  at a fold line  50 . Each end flap  44  and  48  includes free edges  52 ,  54 , and  56 . Similarly, a third end flap  58  extends from an end edge of second side panel  36  at a fold line  60 , and a fourth end flap  62  extends from an opposing end edge of second side panel  36  at a fold line  64 . Each end flap  58  and  62  includes free edges  52 ,  54 , and  56 . In the exemplary embodiment, each end flap  44 ,  48 ,  58 , and  62  is separated from an adjacent end panel  20  or  24  by a gap  66 ; however, it should be understood that any of end flaps  44 ,  48 ,  58 , and/or  62  can be separated from an adjacent end panel  20  or  24  by a cut line without gap  66 . 
     Each end panel  20  and  24  has a height H 1 , and each side panel  32  and  36  has a height H 2 . In the exemplary embodiment, height H 1  is substantially equal to height H 2 . Alternatively, height H 1  is other than substantially equal to height H 2 , for example less than or greater than height H 2 . In the exemplary embodiment, end flaps  44 ,  48 ,  58 , and  62  each have a height H 3  that is approximately equal to, or slight smaller than height H 1 . Further, end panels  20  and  24  each have a width W 1 , and side panels  32  and  36  each have a width W 2  that is larger than width W 1 . Alternatively, width W 2  is equal to or less than width W 1  depending on what type and/or how many products tray  100  supports therein. 
     Blank  10  further includes a plurality of divider panel assemblies  68 . In the exemplary embodiment, blank  10  includes a first divider panel assembly  68   a  defined within at least one end panel  20  and/or  24  and a second divider panel assembly  68   b  defined within at least one side panel  32  and/or  36 . Each divider panel assembly  68   a  and  68   b  is configured similarly and is referred to generically as divider panel assembly  68  for the sake of simplicity. In the exemplary embodiment, each end panel  20  and  24  includes one divider panel assembly  68 , and each side panel  32  and  36  includes a plurality of divider panel assemblies  68 . Alternatively, each side panel  32  and  36  includes one divider panel assembly  68  such that tray  100  is configured to support four containers. In the exemplary embodiment, divider panel assemblies  68  have any suitable size and/or configuration based on the containers supported by tray  100 . Further, divider panel assemblies  68  are configured to cooperate with an adjacent divider panel assembly  68  to secure the containers within tray  100 . For example, each of the containers is contacted by two divider panel assemblies  68 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, each divider panel assembly  68  includes an upper panel  70  defined within a panel  20 ,  24 ,  32 , and/or  36  and an inner panel  72  defined within bottom panel  22 . More specifically, upper panel  70  is defined within a panel  20 ,  24 ,  32 , and/or  36  by side cut lines  74  and a fold line  76 . Inner panel  72  is defined within bottom panel  22  by side cut lines  78  and a fold line  80 . Side cut lines  78  are continuous with side cut lines  74  across a respective fold line  26 ,  28 ,  34 , and/or  38 . Upper panel  70  and inner panel  72  are connected to each other at a fold line  82  that is substantially collinear with a respective fold line  26 ,  28 ,  34 , or  38 . Alternatively, fold line  82  is offset from a respective fold line  26 ,  28 ,  34 , or  38 . In the exemplary embodiment, a depth D 1  of upper panel  70  is substantially equal to a height H 4  of inner panel  72  such that upper panel  70  is substantially perpendicular to inner panel  72  when a divider structure  212  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). In an alternative embodiment, depth D 1  is other than equal to height H 4  such that upper panel  70  is at an acute or an obtuse angle to inner panel  72 . 
     Upper side cut lines  74  include at least a curved portion  84  to correspond to a shape of the products supported by tray  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, upper side cut lines  74  include curved portion  84  and a substantially straight portion  86 . More specifically, curved portion  84  has an edge configured to interface with or engage a container supported within tray  100 . As such, curved portion  84  of upper side cut lines  74  defines an engagement edge of divider panel assembly  68 . Engagement edges of adjacent divider panel assemblies  68  are configured to cooperate with each other to secure a container within in tray  100 , as described in more detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, first divider panel assembly  68   a  includes a first engagement edge defined by curved portion  84  and second divider panel assembly  68   b  includes a second engagement edge defined by curved portion  84  adjacent to the first engagement edge. The first engagement edge and the second engagement edge are configured to cooperate with each other to secure a product between first divider panel assembly  68   a  and second divider panel assembly  68   b  in the erected configuration. Further, substantially straight portion  86  is configured to space the products from a wall of tray  100 . Upper side cut lines  74  define free side edges of upper panel  70  when tray  100  is formed as described below. Inner side cut lines  78  are substantially straight and define free side edges of inner panel  72  when tray  100  is formed. Inner panel  72  has a width between side cut lines  78  based on a size of the containers supported by tray  100 . 
     When blank  10  is in a flat, unformed state, divider panel assemblies  68  are in a flat configuration. More specifically, upper panel  70  is coplanar with a respective panel  20 ,  24 ,  32 , or  36  and inner panel  72  is coplanar with bottom panel  22  in the flat configuration. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of blank  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) at a first stage of construction.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of blank  10  at a second stage of construction.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of blank  10  at a third stage of construction.  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of blank  10  at a fourth stage of construction.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary tray  100  formed from blank  10 .  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of tray  100  having container and/or products  102  therein. The herein-described method for forming tray  100  from blank  10  can be performed manually and/or automatically. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , to construct tray  100  from blank  10 , side panels  32  and  36  are rotated about fold lines  34  and  38  toward bottom panel  22  to be substantially perpendicular to bottom panel  22  to form a first side wall  104  and a second side wall  106 . Bottom panel  22  forms a bottom wall  108 . As side panels  32  and  36  are rotated, divider panel assemblies  68  begin to buckle inwardly at fold lines  76 ,  80 , and  82 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . More specifically, interior surface  12  of upper panel  70  rotates about fold line  76  toward interior surface  12  of a respective side panel  32  or  36 , and interior surface  12  of inner panel  72  rotates about fold line  80  toward interior surface  12  of bottom panel  22 . Upper panel  70  and inner panel  72  rotate with respect to each other at fold line  82 . As divider panel assemblies  68  begin to buckle, an opening  110  is formed at each divider panel assembly  68  in bottom wall  108  and a respective side wall  104  or  106 . 
     When side panels  32  and  36  are substantially perpendicular to bottom panel  22 , upper panels  70  are at an angle, such as a right angle, to a respective side wall  104  or  106  and inner panels  72  are at an angle, such as a right angle, to bottom wall  108 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , upper panels  70  are substantially parallel to bottom wall  108  and inner panels  72  are substantially parallel to side walls  104  and  106 . As such, upper panels  70  are substantially perpendicular to inner panels  72 . Alternatively, upper panels  70  are at any suitable angle to inner panels  72 . Such a configuration of divider panel assemblies  68  is referred to as an erected configuration. In the erected configuration, divider panel assemblies  68  form divider structures  112  associated with side walls  104  and  106 . 
     End flaps  44 ,  48 ,  58 , and  62  are rotated about fold lines  46 ,  50 ,  60 , and  64  to be substantially perpendicular to a respective side panel  32  or  36 . In the exemplary embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , end flaps  44 ,  48 ,  58 , and  62  are rotated as side panels  32  and  36  are rotated; however, it should be understood that end flaps  44 ,  48 ,  58 , and/or  62  can be additionally or alternatively rotated before and/or after side panels  32  and  36  are rotated. In a particular embodiment, end flaps  44 ,  48 ,  58 , and  62  are not rotated until end panels  20  and  24  are rotated as described below. In such an embodiment, end flaps  44 ,  48 ,  58 , and  62  are secured to exterior surface  14  of end panels  20  and  24 , rather than secured to interior surface  12  of end panels  20  and  24 , as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, when side panels  32  and  36  are substantially perpendicular to bottom panel  22 , end flaps  44 ,  48 ,  58 , and  62  are also substantially perpendicular to bottom panel  22 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     End panels  20  and  24  are rotated about fold lines  26  and  28  toward bottom panel  22  to be substantially perpendicular to bottom wall  108 . Exterior surface  14  of end flaps  44 ,  48 ,  58 , and  62  are coupled to interior surface  12  of an adjacent end panel  20  and/or  24  to form a first end wall  114  and a second end wall  116 . More specifically, first end wall  114  includes first end panel  20 , first end flap  44 , and third end flap  58 . Similarly, second end wall  116  includes second end panel  24 , second end flap  48 , and fourth end flap  62 . In the exemplary embodiment, end walls  114  and  116  and side walls  104  and  106  have substantially the same height. 
     As end panels  20  and  24  are rotated, divider panel assemblies  68  associated with end panels  20  and  24  begin to buckle inwardly at fold lines  76 ,  80 , and  82 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . More specifically, interior surface  12  of upper panel  70  rotates about fold line  76  toward interior surface  12  of a respective end panel  20  or  24 , and interior surface  12  of inner panel  72  rotates about fold line  80  toward interior surface  12  of bottom panel  22 . Upper panel  70  and inner panel  72  rotate with respect to each other at fold line  82 . As divider panel assemblies  68  begin to buckle, opening  110  is formed at each divider panel assembly  68  in bottom wall  108  and a respective end wall  114  or  116 . When end panels  20  and  24  are substantially perpendicular to bottom wall  108 , upper panels  70  are at an angle, such as a right angle, to a respective end wall  114  or  116  and inner panels  72  are at an angle, such as a right angle, to bottom wall  108 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , upper panels  70  are substantially parallel to bottom wall  108  and inner panels  72  are substantially parallel to end walls  114  and  116 . As such, upper panels  70  are substantially perpendicular to inner panels  72 . In the erected configuration, divider panel assemblies  68  form divider structures  112  associated with end walls  114  and  116 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, an upper surface  118  of each divider structure  112  is below a top edge  120  of walls  104 ,  106 ,  114 , and  116 . Further, each upper panel  70  is at angle to a respective wall  104 ,  106 ,  114 , or  116 , and each inner panel  72  is at an angle to bottom wall  108 . In the exemplary embodiment, the angles are substantially right angles; however, the angles can be any suitable angle that is other than 0° or 180°. 
     Products  102  are positioned within a cavity  122  of tray  100  between at least two divider structures  112  as shown in  FIG. 7 . When products  102  are positioned in tray  100 , the free side edges of upper panels  70  act as engagement edges and contact sides of products  102  to secure products  102  within tray  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, adjacent engagement edges of two adjacent divider structures  112  cooperate to secure product  102  within tray  100 . Further, products  102  are spaced from walls  104 ,  106 ,  114 , and  116  by upper panels  70 . Further, top edge  120  of walls  104 ,  106 ,  114 , and  116  is below a top  124  of products  102 . Although the exemplary embodiments are described herein as being configured to support six products  102 , it should be understood that blank  10  and tray  100  can be configured to contain four or more products  102 . 
     At least on divider structure  112  can be collapsed to provide tray  100  having at least one less opening  110 . More specifically, a force is applied to interior surface  12  around fold line  82  to rotate upper panel  70  about fold line  76  and inner panel  72  about fold line  80  until upper panel  70  is substantially coplanar with a respective panel  20 ,  24 ,  32 , or  36  and inner panel  72  is substantially coplanar with bottom panel  22 . Such a configuration is referred to as a collapsed configuration, and may be used to store or transport trays  100 . In the collapsed configuration, inner panel  72  forms a portion of bottom wall  108 , and upper panel  70  forms a portion of an associated wall  104 ,  106 ,  114 , or  116 . Divider structures  112  can be re-formed to the erected configuration by applying a force to exterior surface  14  around fold line  82  to rotate upper panel  70  about fold line  76  and inner panel  72  about fold line  80  until upper panel  70  is substantially perpendicular to a respective wall  104 ,  106 ,  114 , or  116  and inner panel  72  is substantially perpendicular to bottom wall  108 . 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of a first alternative blank  200  of sheet material for forming a tray (not shown). Blank  200  is substantially similar to blank  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), except blank  200  includes a plurality of divider panel assemblies  202 . As such, components shown in  FIG. 8  are labeled with the same reference numbers used in  FIG. 1 . In the exemplary embodiment, divider panel assembly  202  is substantially similar to divider panel assembly  68  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), except divider panel assembly  202  includes side cut lines  204  that are arcuate and/or curved rather than being substantially straight, like side cut lines  78  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Inner side cut lines  204  are a continuous curved with upper side cut lines  74 . Alternatively, inner side cut lines  204  can have a different curve than, and/or a curve that is not continuous with, curved portion  84  of upper side cut lines  74 . 
     Side cut lines  204  are curved because an inner panel  206  of each divider panel assembly  202  has a height H 5  that is longer than depth D 1  of upper panel  70 . As such, inner panel  206  will be at acute angles to bottom panel  22  and upper panel  70  when a tray  250  (shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) is formed from blank  200 . In the exemplary embodiment, divider panel assemblies  202  are defined in side panels  32  and  36 , divider panel assemblies  68  are defined in end panels  20  and  24 . Alternatively, blank  200  includes divider panel assemblies  202  defined in side panels  32  and  36  and in end panels  20  and  24 . Because inner panel  206  slopes back to the side edges of bottom panel  22  when tray  250  is formed, side cuts lines  204  are configured to conform to a contour diagonally across a side wall of the products within tray  250 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of tray  250  formed from blank  200  (shown in  FIG. 8 ).  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of tray  250  having products  102  therein. Tray  250  is formed substantially similar to tray  100  (shown in  FIG. 6 ), except tray  250  includes a plurality of divider structures  252 . As such, components shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  are labeled with the same reference numbers used in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In the exemplary embodiment, divider structures  252  extend from at least side walls  104  and  106 . Divider structures  252  are each configured such that upper panel  70  is at an acute angle α to a respective side wall  104  or  106 , and inner panel  206  is at an obtuse angle β with respect to bottom wall  108 . Further, each upper panel  70  is at a substantially right angel to a respective wall  114  or  116 , and each inner panel  72  is at a substantially right angle to bottom wall  108 . However, it should be understood that the angles can be any suitable angle that is other than 0° or 180°. 
     Divider structures  252  are beneficial to contact more of product  102  as compared to divider structures  112  and isolate a center round tub product  102   a  in all directions in a horizontal plane. 
       FIG. 11  is a top view of a second alternative blank  300  of sheet material for forming a tray  350  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). Tray can  350  be configured to support a plurality of cards, blister packs, and/or other suitable elongated products, such as products  352  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) therein. Blank  300  is substantially similar to blank  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), except blank  300  includes a plurality of divider panel assemblies  302 . As such, components shown in  FIG. 11  are labeled with the same reference numbers used in  FIG. 1 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, divider panel assembly  302  includes an upper panel  304  defined within side panel  32  or  36  and an inner panel  306  defined within bottom panel  22 . More specifically, upper panel  304  is defined within panel  32  or  36  by side cut lines  308  and a fold line  310 . Cut lines  312  separate upper panel  304  from bottom panel  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, cut lines  312  are substantially collinear with a respective fold line  34  or  38 ; however, it should be understood that at least one cut line  312  can be offset from a respective fold line  34  or  38 . Side cut lines  308  are substantially straight and configured to space products from a wall  104  and/or  106  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of tray  350 . Upper side cut lines  308  define free side edges of upper panel  304  when tray  350  is formed. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, slots  314  are defined within upper panel  304  by cut lines  316  and cut lines  312 . More specifically, slots  314  extend inwardly a distance from cut line  312  toward fold line  310 . Slots  314  are substantially rectangular in the exemplary embodiment; however slots  314  can have any suitable configuration depending on a configuration of a product supported within the tray. In a particular embodiment, slots  314  are configured to contact a side edge of a product  352  supported in tray  350  to secure product  352  within tray  350 . In the exemplary embodiment, slots  314  are equally spaced apart along side panel  32  or  36  regardless of whether slots  314  are on same divider panel assembly  302  or on adjacent divider panel assemblies  302 . Alternatively, at least two adjacent slots  314  have a spacing different than the spacing between another two adjacent slots  314 . In the exemplary embodiment, each slot  314  defines an engagement edge of divider panel assembly  302  that is configured to engage a product positioned within tray  350  formed from blank  300 . 
     Inner panel  306  is defined within bottom panel  22  by side cut lines  318  and a fold line  320 . Side cut lines  318  are continuous with an adjacent slot cut line  316  across a respective fold line  34  or  38 . Upper panel  304  and inner panel  306  are connected to each other at a fold line  322  that is substantially collinear with cut lines  312  and/or fold line  34  or  38 . Alternatively, fold line  322  is offset from cut lines  312  and/or fold line  34  or  38 . In the exemplary embodiment, inner side cut lines  318  are substantially straight and define free side edges of inner panel  306  when the tray is formed. Inner panel  306  has a width between side cut lines  318  based on a size of the products supported by tray  350 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of tray  350  having products  352  therein. Tray  350  is formed substantially similar to tray  100  (shown in  FIG. 6 ), except tray  350  includes a plurality of divider structures  354 . As such, components shown in  FIG. 12  are labeled with the same reference numbers used in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In the exemplary embodiment, divider structures  354  extend from at least side walls  104  and  106 . Divider structures  354  are each configured such that slots  314  of divider structures  354  contact a side edge region  356  of product  352  supported in tray  350  to secure product  352  within tray  350 . For example, opposing side edges  356  of product  352  are secured by opposing divider panel assemblies  302  at slots  314 . In the exemplary embodiment, each upper panel  304  is at angle to a respective wall  104  or  106 , and each inner panel  306  is at an angle to bottom wall  108 . In the exemplary embodiment, the angles are substantially right angles and, as such, upper panel  304  is substantially perpendicular to side wall  104  or  106  and inner panel  306  is substantially perpendicular to bottom wall  108  when divider structure  354  is formed. However, the angles can be any suitable angle that is other than 0° or 180°. For example, upper panel  304  is at an acute or obtuse angle to side wall  104  or  106  and inner panel  306  is at an acute or obtuse angle to bottom wall  108  when divider structure  354  is formed. 
     The above-described embodiments provide a tray for supporting a plurality of containers and/or products using less material than is used in known tube-type trays. More specifically, the divider panel assemblies defined within the side, end, and bottom panels do not require a plurality of panels to form a tube. Further, because each container is contacted by two divider structures configured to correspond to the shape of the container, the container is more securely supported within the tray, as compared to trays using the side and end walls in conjunction with one holder to secure a container. 
     Exemplary embodiments of a tray for supporting containers and a blank for making the same are described above in detail. The methods, blanks, and trays are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of blanks and/or trays and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.