Patent Publication Number: US-10329049-B2

Title: Container with inner divider

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/031775, filed May 20, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/000,704, filed May 20, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosed Subject Matter 
     The present disclosed subject matter relates to a food container for packaging and serving of food items, such as chicken nuggets, french fries, and other bite-size foods. Particularly, the present disclosed subject matter is directed to a container for holding food items, wherein the container has engagement features disposed to engage each other when the container is an expanded configuration to form an interior dividing wall within the interior of the container. 
     Description of Related Art 
     A variety of food items, such as french fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, popcorn shrimp, and other bite-size foods, are often served from small paperboard containers. These food containers can be pouch-shaped, such as commonly used for french fries, or can be box-shaped and have a lid to contain the food item, such as deli items or the like. Exemplary food containers for packaging and serving a variety of food items are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,050,482; 6,053,403; 6,216,946; 6,561,414; and 8,584,884, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     Containers of this type can be formed of foldable paperboard, and can be a single-use product used in large quantities. As such, it can be desirable to reduce or minimize the costs associated with materials, manufacturing, storage, shipping, manner of use, and the like, of such containers. 
     It can also be desirable to provide a food container with a divider therein to separate the interior of the container into more than one portion or compartment. In this manner, each portion or compartment can contain a serving of a different product, with the different products separated by the divider. 
     SUMMARY 
     The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings. 
     To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a food container having a first body portion and a second body portion. The first and second body portions are joined proximate opposing sides thereof to define an interior of the container and a mouth to the interior. The container has a flat configuration with the first and second body portions in a generally planar condition and an expanded configuration with the first and second body portions in a contoured condition. The container further includes first side flaps extending from the opposing sides of the first body portion and folding inwardly into the interior of the container, and at least one of the first side flaps has an engagement feature disposed thereon. The engagement feature of the at least one first side flap is disposed to engage the opposing first side flap when the container is the expanded configuration to form an interior dividing wall within the interior of the container. 
     As embodied herein, at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion can have an arcuate first upper edge defining a portion of the mouth and extending toward the interior of the container. The other of the first body portion and the second body portion can have an arcuate second upper edge defining a portion of the mouth and extending away from the interior of the container. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion can have bend lines extending along at least a portion of a length thereof to provide the contoured condition of the at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion. 
     Additionally, and as embodied herein, each first side flap can be defined in part by a first side flap fold line along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion. The at least one of the first side flaps can have a free end opposite the first side flap fold line with the engagement feature configured as a tab extending from the free end, and in some embodiments, the container can further have an opening defined therein to receive the tab when the container is in the expanded configuration. The engagement feature can further include a first interlocking hook disposed on the at least one of the first side flaps to engage a second interlocking hook disposed on the opposing first side flap when the container is in the expanded configuration to form the interior dividing wall. Additionally or alternatively, the container can further include second side flaps extending from opposing sides of the second body portion. In this manner, each second side flap can be defined in part by a second side flap fold line along at least a portion of a respective side of the second body portion, and each second side flap can be folded inwardly into the interior of the container. The at least one of the first side flaps and one of the second side flaps each can have a free end with an engagement feature configured as a tab extending from the free end. The tab of the at least one first side flap and the tab of the second side flap can be disposed adjacent to and aligned with each other, and in some embodiments, the container can further have an opening defined therein to receive the tab of the at least one first side flap and the tab of the second side flap when the container is in the expanded configuration. The opening can be defined by a gap between the first and second body portions. 
     Furthermore, and as embodied herein, the first side flaps can be secured to the second side flaps to join the first and second body portions proximate the opposing sides thereof. Each first side flap can be secured to a respective second side flap by an adhesive. 
     In addition, and as embodied herein, the engagement feature can be configured as an aperture defined in one of the first side flaps and one of the second side flaps. The aperture of the first side flap and the aperture of the second side flap can be disposed adjacent to and aligned with each other, and further the other of the first side flaps and the other of the second side flaps can be secured together at a discrete location disposed within the aperture of the first side flap and the aperture of the second side flap. The discrete location of each of the other of the first side flaps and the other of the second side flaps can include a raised surface. The other of the first side flaps and the other of the second side flaps can be secured together by an adhesive applied to the raised surfaces. The secured raised surfaces can be disposed at one region of the aperture when the container is in the flat configuration and can move toward another region of the aperture when the container urged toward the expanded configuration. When the container is in the expanded configuration, the secured raised surfaces can engage the first and second side flaps proximate the another region of the aperture. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second body portions can have a foldable support formed therein to hold a receptacle. The container can further include a base portion disposed between a base edge of the first body portion and a base edge of the second body portion. The base portion can have an upwardly arched condition extending toward the interior when the container is in the expanded configuration. Each of the first and second body portions can have a foot extending beyond the base edge to define a support surface. 
     The disclosed subject matter also includes a unitary blank for forming a food container including a first body portion and a second body portion aligned along a longitudinal axis. The first body portion and the second body portion each have a base edge and opposing sides. The base edge of the first body portion face the base edge of the second body portion. The blank further includes first side flaps extending laterally from the opposing sides of the first body portion. Each first side flap is defined in part by a first side flap fold line along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion. At least one of the first side flaps has an engagement feature disposed thereon. The engagement feature is disposed to engage the opposing first side flap when the first side flaps are folded along the first side flap fold lines and moved toward each other. The first side flaps form an interior dividing wall when the first and second body portions are joined proximate the opposing sides thereof to define a container having an interior. 
     Additionally, and as embodied herein, the at least one of the first side flaps can have a free end opposite the first side flap fold line with the engagement feature configured as a tab extending from the free end, and in some embodiments, the container formed from the blank can further have an opening defined therein to receive the tab. 
     Furthermore, and as embodied herein, the blank can further include second side flaps extending from opposing sides of the second body portion. Each second side flap can be defined in part by a second side flap fold line along at least a portion of a respective side of the second body portion, and in some embodiments, each second side flap can be configured to be folded inwardly into the interior of the container. The at least one of the first side flaps and one of the second side flaps each can have a free end with an engagement feature configured as a tab extending from the free end. The tab of the first side flap and the tab of the second side flap can be disposed adjacent to and aligned with each other, and in some embodiments, the container formed from the blank can further have an opening defined therein to receive the tab of the first side flap and the tab of the second side flap. The engagement feature can further include a first interlocking hook disposed on the at least one of the first side flaps to engage a second interlocking hook disposed on the opposing first side flap when the container is in the expanded configuration to form the interior dividing wall. 
     In addition, and as embodied herein, the engagement feature can be configured as an aperture defined in one of the first side flaps and one of the second side flaps. The aperture of the first side flap and the aperture of the second side flap can be spaced apart a similar distance from a corresponding base edge and aligned with each other. The engagement feature can further include a first interlocking hook disposed on the at least one of the first side flaps to engage a second interlocking hook disposed on the opposing first side flap when the container is in the expanded configuration to form the interior dividing wall. At least one of the first and second body portions can have a foldable support formed therein to hold a receptacle. 
     In some embodiments, the blank can further include a base panel disposed between the base edge of the first body portion and the base edge of the second body portion. The base panel can include a longitudinal base fold line extending substantially parallel with the base edges. The base panel can include at least one lateral base fold line substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal base fold line. The base panel can include arcuate fold lines on opposing sides of the lateral base fold line. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed subject matter claimed. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a unitary blank for a food container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the unitary blank of  FIG. 1 , with corresponding side flaps folded inward. 
         FIG. 3  is a right perspective view of an exemplary container formed from the unitary blank of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a unitary blank for a food container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the unitary blank of  FIG. 4 , with corresponding side flaps folded inward. 
         FIG. 6  is a right perspective view of an exemplary container formed from the unitary blank of  FIG. 4 , with additional engagement features of the container not engaged. 
         FIG. 7  is a left perspective view the exemplary container of  FIG. 6 , with the additional engagement features engaged with each other. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a unitary blank for a food container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 9  is a right perspective view of the unitary blank of  FIG. 8 , with corresponding side flaps folded inward. 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the unitary blank of  FIG. 8 , with a first body portion folded toward a second body portion. 
         FIG. 11  is a left perspective view of an exemplary container formed from the unitary blank of  FIG. 8 , with additional engagement features of the container not engaged. 
         FIG. 12  is a left perspective view the exemplary container of  FIG. 11 , with the additional engagement features engaged with each other. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, exemplary embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The structure and corresponding method of operation of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system. 
     The apparatus and methods presented herein may be used for transport of food items and other perishable and nonperishable products. The disclosed subject matter is particularly suited for packaging and serving of food items, wherein the container has engagement features disposed to engage each other when the container is an expanded configuration to form an interior dividing wall within the interior of the container. 
     In accordance with the disclosed subject matter herein, the container generally includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first and second body portions are joined proximate opposing sides thereof to define an interior of the container and a mouth to the interior. The container has a flat configuration with the first and second body portions in a generally planar condition and an expanded configuration with the first and second body portions in a contoured condition. The container further includes first side flaps extending from the opposing sides of the first body portion and folding inwardly into the interior of the container, and each first side flap has an engagement feature disposed thereon. The engagement features of the first side flaps are disposed to engage each other when the container is the expanded configuration to form an interior dividing wall within the interior of the container. A unitary blank for forming a food container is also provided. 
     The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, exemplary embodiments of the container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter are shown in  FIGS. 1-12 . The container is suitable for use with a wide variety of hot and cold food items, such as fruit slices, chips, bread sticks, candies, and other suitable bite-size food items, particularly if typically consumed with a dipping sauce or the like. However, the container disclosed herein is particularly suitable and beneficial for use with hot, prepared food items, such as chicken nuggets, french fries, onion rings, and popcorn shrimp, wherein the container can be used for storing, transporting, and/or re-using such food items as well as serving of different type of products (e.g., chicken nuggets with french fries) each in separate portions or compartments in the container, with the portions or compartments and the different products therein separated by a divider. For purpose of illustration, and not limitation, reference will made herein to a container intended to contain food items. 
     For purpose of illustration and not limitation, reference is made to the exemplary embodiment of a unitary blank  100  for a container shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Additionally, for purpose of understanding, reference is made in conjunction to the container  200  of  FIG. 3  formed by the blank  100  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the blank  100  generally includes a first body portion  110  and a second body portion  114  aligned along a longitudinal axis. The first body portion  110  and the second body portion  114  each have a base edge  112   a ,  112   b  and opposing sides  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c ,  116   d . The base edge  112   a  of the first body portion  110  face the base edge  112   b  of the second body portion  114 . The blank  100  further includes first side flaps  118   a ,  118   b  extending laterally from the opposing sides  116   a ,  116   b  of the first body portion. Each first side flap  118   a ,  118   b  is defined in part by a first side flap fold line  120   a ,  120   b  along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion  110 . Each first side flap  118   a ,  118   b  can have at least one contoured upper edge  122   a ,  122   b  extending from the first body portion  110 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , and as discussed further below, the first side flaps  118   a ,  118   b  form an interior dividing wall  210  when the first and second body portions  110 ,  114  are joined proximate the opposing sides  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c ,  116   d  thereof to define container  200  having an interior. With reference to  FIG. 3 , the interior dividing wall  210  can define a portion of and at least partially separate compartments  212 ,  214  in the interior of the container. 
     Additionally or alternatively, and as embodied herein, the blank  100  can include second side flaps  118   c ,  118   d  extending laterally from the opposing sides  116   c ,  116   d  of the second body portion. Each second side flap  118   c ,  118   d  is defined in part by a second side flap fold line  120   c ,  120   d  along at least a portion of a respective side of the second body portion  114 . Each second side flap  118   c ,  118   d  can have at least one contoured upper edge  128   a ,  128   b  extending from the second body portion  114 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , and as discussed further below, the second side flaps  118   c ,  118   d , if provided, can further form interior dividing wall  210  when the first and second body portions  110 ,  114  are joined proximate the opposing sides  116   a ,  116   b ,  116   c ,  116   d  thereof to define container  200  having an interior. 
     For purpose of illustration and not limitation, and as embodied herein, at least one of the first body portion  110  and the second body portion  114  can have an arcuate first upper edge  136   a  defining a portion of the mouth and extending toward the interior of the container. The other of the first body portion  110  and the second body portion  114  can have an arcuate second upper edge  136   b  defining a portion of the mouth and extending away from the interior of the container. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first body portion  110  and the second body portion  114  can have bend lines  138  extending along at least a portion of a length thereof to provide the contoured condition of the at least one of the first body portion  110  and the second body portion  114 . 
     As further embodied herein, the blank  100  can further include a base panel  130  disposed between the base edge  112   a  of the first body portion  110  and the base edge  112   b  of the second body portion  114 . The base panel  130  can include a longitudinal base fold line  132  extending substantially parallel with the base edges  112   a ,  112   b . The base panel  130  can include at least one lateral base fold line  134  substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal base fold line. The base panel  130  can include arcuate fold lines  142   a ,  142   b  on opposing sides of the lateral base fold line. 
     Additionally, and as embodied herein, blank  100  can have one or more engagement features to form container  200  with inner dividing wall  210 . For purpose of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein, one of the first side flaps  118   a  can have a free end  124   a  opposite the first side flap fold line  120   a  with a tab  126   a  extending therefrom. With reference to  FIG. 3 , tab  126   a  can form tab  126  of container  200  when the first side flap  118   a  is joined to the second side flap  118   c  to form container  200 . As embodied herein, one of the second side flaps  118   c  can have a free end  124   b  with a tab  126   b  extending therefrom. The tab  126   a  of the first side flap  118   a  and the tab  126   b  of the second side flap  118   c  can be disposed adjacent to and aligned with each other to form tab  126  of container  200  when the first side flap  118   a  is joined to the second side flap  118   c  to form container  200 , as described further below. 
     Furthermore, as shown for example in  FIG. 3 , the container  200  formed from the blank  100  can further have an opening  140  defined therein to receive the tab  126 . For purpose of illustration and not limitation, as shown for example in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , opening  140  can be defined by an area  140   a  of a first side flap  118   b  and an area  140   b  of a second side flap  118   d  that is free of adhesive when the first side flap  118   b  is joined to the second side flap  118   d  to form the container. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as embodied herein, container  200  can be formed from blank  100  by folding first side flap  118   b  and second side flap  118   d  inwardly along first side flap fold line  120   b  and second side flap fold line  120   d , respectively, and folding first side flap  118   a  and second side flap  118   c  inwardly along first side flap fold line  120   a  and second side flap  120   c , respectively. In this manner, as shown for example in  FIG. 2 , first side flap  118   a  can at least partially overlap first side flap  118   b , and second side flap  118   c  can at least partially overlap second side flap  118   d . Additionally, and as embodied herein, first side flap  118   a  can be joined to second side flap  118   c  proximate first side flap fold line  120   a  and second side flap fold line  120   c . Furthermore, and as embodied herein, first side flap  118   b  can be joined to second side flap  118   d  proximate first side flap fold line  120   b  and second side flap fold line  120   d , with areas  140   a  and  140   b  free of adhesive to form opening  140  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     In this configuration, the joined pair of flaps  118   a ,  118   c  can move inwardly independently of joined pair of flaps  118   b ,  118   d , with flaps  118   a ,  118   c  moving inside and between joined flaps  118   b ,  118   d  from an initial flat configuration toward the expanded configuration. As the container  200  is further urged toward the expanded configuration, tabs  126   a ,  126   b  move through non-adhesively joined areas  140   a ,  140   b  of joined flaps  118   b ,  118   d . As embodied herein, areas  140   a ,  140   b  can form opening  140  having a size to engage joined tabs  126   a ,  126   b  within joined flaps  118   b ,  118   d  in a frictional engagement. In this manner, first and second body portions  110 ,  114  can be secured in a contoured condition with divider wall  210  formed therebetween, as shown for example in  FIG. 3 , with or without additional engagement features, as described further below. With reference to  FIG. 3 , in the contoured configuration, contoured upper edges  122   a ,  122   b  of first side flaps  118   a ,  118   b  and contoured upper edges  128   a ,  128   b  of second side flaps  118   c ,  118   d  can define a contoured upper edge of the interior dividing wall  210 , which can facilitate access to compartments  212 ,  214  in the interior of the container. 
     In addition, and as embodied herein, at least one of the first and second body portions  110 ,  114  can have a foldable support formed therein to hold a receptacle, as shown and described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 8,584,884, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     Reference is made now to an alternative embodiment of a unitary blank  300  for a container shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in conjunction with container  600  of  FIGS. 6  and  7  formed by the blank  400  of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The unitary blank  300  and container  400  can include some or all of the various features described herein with respect to unitary blank  100  and container  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the blank  300  generally includes a first body portion  310  and a second body portion  314  aligned along a longitudinal axis. The first body portion  310  and the second body portion  314  each have a base edge  312   a ,  312   b  and opposing sides  316   a ,  316   b ,  316   c ,  316   d . The base edge  312   a  of the first body portion  310  face the base edge  312   b  of the second body portion  314 . The blank  300  further includes first side flaps  318   a ,  318   b  extending laterally from the opposing sides  316   a ,  316   b  of the first body portion. Each first side flap  318   a ,  318   b  is defined in part by a first side flap fold line  320   a ,  320   b  along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion  310 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , and as discussed further below, the first side flaps  318   a ,  318   b  form an interior dividing wall  410  when the first and second body portions  310 ,  314  are joined proximate the opposing sides  316   a ,  316   b ,  316   c ,  316   d  thereof to define container  400  having an interior. With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the interior dividing wall  410  can define a portion of and at least partially separate compartments  412 ,  414  in the interior of the container. 
     Additionally or alternatively, and as embodied herein, the blank  300  can include second side flaps  318   c ,  318   d  extending laterally from the opposing sides  316   c ,  316   d  of the second body portion. Each second side flap  318   c ,  318   d  is defined in part by a second side flap fold line  320   c ,  320   d  along at least a portion of a respective side of the second body portion  314 . Each second side flap  318   c ,  318   d  can have at least one contoured upper edge  328   a ,  328   b  extending from the second body portion  314 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , and as discussed further below, the second side flaps  318   c ,  318   d , if provided, can further form interior dividing wall  410  when the first and second body portions  310 ,  314  are joined proximate the opposing sides  316   a ,  316   b ,  316   c ,  316   d  thereof to define container  400  having an interior. 
     As embodied herein, at least one of the first body portion  310  and the second body portion  314  can have an arcuate first upper edge  336   a  defining a portion of the mouth and extending toward the interior of the container. The other of the first body portion  310  and the second body portion  314  can have an arcuate second upper edge  336   b  defining a portion of the mouth and extending away from the interior of the container. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first body portion  310  and the second body portion  314  can have bend lines  338  extending along at least a portion of a length thereof to provide the contoured condition of the at least one of the first body portion  310  and the second body portion  314 . 
     As further embodied herein, the blank  300  can also include a base panel  330  disposed between the base edge  312   a  of the first body portion  310  and the base edge  312   b  of the second body portion  314 . The base panel  330  can include a longitudinal base fold line  332  extending substantially parallel with the base edges  312   a ,  312   b . The base panel  330  can include at least one lateral base fold line  334  substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal base fold line. The base panel  330  can include arcuate fold lines  342   a ,  342   b  on opposing sides of the lateral base fold line. 
     Furthermore, and as embodied herein, blank  300  can have one or more engagement features to form container  400  with inner dividing wall  410 . For example, and as embodied herein, each first side flap  318   a ,  318   b  can have engagement features in the form of opposing hooks  322   a ,  322   b  extending from the first body portion  310 . With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the hooks  322   a ,  322   b  are disposed to engage each other when the first side flaps  318   a ,  318   b  are folded along the first side flap fold lines  320   a ,  320   b  and moved toward each other. As shown for example in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , hooks  322   a ,  322   b  can be formed with edges and corners defining the interlocking hooks. Alternatively, in some embodiments, hooks  322   a ,  322   b  can be configured with rounded or smoothed corners and/or rounded or smoothed edges. 
     Additionally, and as set forth above, engagement features can be provided in the form of tabs. For purpose of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein, one of the first side flaps  318   a  can have a free end  324   a  opposite the first side flap fold line  320   a  with a tab  326   a  extending therefrom. With reference to  FIG. 6 , tab  326   a  can form tab  326  of container  400  when first side flap  318   a  is joined to second side flap  318   c  to form container  400 . As embodied herein, one of the second side flaps  318   c  can have a free end  324   b  with a tab  326   b  extending therefrom. The tab  326   a  of the first side flap  318   a  and the tab  326   b  of the second side flap  318   c  can be disposed adjacent to and aligned with each other to form tab  326  of container  400  when the first side flap  318   a  is joined to the second side flap  318   c  to form container  200 , as described further below. 
     Furthermore, and as set forth above, the container  400  formed from the blank  300  can further have an opening  340  defined therein to receive the tab  326 . The opening  340  can be defined by an area  340   a  of first side flap  318   b  and an area  340   b  of second side flap  318   d  that is free of adhesive when first side flap  318   b  is joined to second side flap  318   d  to form the container. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , as embodied herein, container  400  can be formed from blank  300  by folding first side flap  318   b  and second side flap  318   d  inwardly along first side flap fold line  320   b  and second side flap fold line  320   d , respectively, and folding first side flap  318   a  and second side flap  318   c  inwardly along first side flap fold line  320   a  and second side flap  320   c , respectively. In this manner, as shown for example in  FIG. 5 , first side flap  318   a  can at least partially overlap first side flap  318   b , and second side flap  318   c  can at least partially overlap second side flap  318   d . Additionally, and as embodied herein, first side flap  318   a  can be joined to second side flap  318   c  proximate first side flap fold line  320   a  and second side flap fold line  320   c . Furthermore, and as embodied herein, first side flap  318   b  can be joined to second side flap  318   d  proximate first side flap fold line  320   b  and second side flap fold line  320   d , with areas  340   a  and  340   b  free of adhesive to form opening  340  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
     In this configuration, the joined pairs of flaps can move inwardly independently of each other from an initial flat configuration into the expanded configuration with the first and second body portions  310 ,  314  in a contoured condition, as shown for example in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in the contoured configuration, contoured upper edges of first side flaps  318   a ,  318   b  and contoured upper edges  328   a ,  328   b  of second side flaps  318   c ,  318   d  can define a contoured upper edge of the interior dividing wall  410 , which can facilitate access to compartments  412 ,  414  in the interior of the container. 
     In addition, and as embodied herein, at least one of the first and second body portions  310 ,  314  can have a foldable support formed therein to hold a receptacle, as shown and described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 8,584,884, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     Reference is made now to another alternative embodiment of a unitary blank  500  for a container shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , in conjunction with container  600  of  FIGS. 11 and 12  formed by the blank  500  of  FIGS. 8-10 . The unitary blank  500  and container  600  can include some or all of the various features described herein with respect to unitary blank  100  and container  200  and/or blank  300  and container  400 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the blank  500  generally includes a first body portion  510  and a second body portion  514  aligned along a longitudinal axis. The first body portion  510  and the second body portion  514  each have a base edge  512   a ,  512   b  and opposing sides  516   a ,  516   b ,  516   c ,  516   d . The base edge  512   a  of the first body portion  510  face the base edge  512   b  of the second body portion  514 . The blank  500  further includes first side flaps  518   a ,  518   b  extending laterally from the opposing sides  516   a ,  516   b  of the first body portion. Each first side flap  518   a ,  518   b  is defined in part by a first side flap fold line  520   a ,  520   b  along at least a portion of a respective side of the first body portion  510 . As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , and as discussed further below, the first side flaps  518   a ,  518   b  form an interior dividing wall  610  when the first and second body portions  510 ,  514  are joined proximate the opposing sides  516   a ,  516   b ,  516   c ,  516   d  thereof to define container  600  having an interior. With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the interior dividing wall  610  can define a portion of and at least partially separate compartments  612 ,  614  in the interior of the container  600 . 
     As embodied herein, at least one of the first body portion  510  and the second body portion  514  can have an arcuate first upper edge  536   a  defining a portion of the mouth and extending toward the interior of the container. The other of the first body portion  510  and the second body portion  514  can have an arcuate second upper edge  536   b  defining a portion of the mouth and extending away from the interior of the container. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first body portion  510  and the second body portion  514  can have bend lines  538  extending along at least a portion of a length thereof to provide the contoured condition of the at least one of the first body portion  510  and the second body portion  514 . 
     Furthermore, and as embodied herein, blank  500  can have one or more engagement features to form container  600  with inner dividing wall  610 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 8 , blank  500  can have an engagement feature in the form of a raised surface disposed within an aperture, as described below. For example, and as embodied herein, one of the first side flaps  568   b  and one of the second side flaps  568   d  each can have an aperture  570   a ,  570   b  defined therein. Aperture  570   a  of the first side flap  568   b  and aperture  570   b  of the second side flap  568   d  each can be spaced apart a similar distance from a corresponding base edge  572   a ,  572   b  and aligned with each other. The other of the first side flaps  568   a  and the other of the second side flaps  568   c  can be secured together at a discrete location  574   a ,  574   b , which can be disposed within the aperture  570   a  of the first side flap  568   b  and the aperture  570   b  of the second side flap  568   d . Each second side flap  568   c ,  568   d  can have at least one contoured upper edge  528   a ,  528   b  extending from the second body portion  514 . 
     Additionally, and as embodied herein, the discrete location  574   a ,  574   b  of each of the other of the first side flaps  568   a  and the other of the second side flaps  568   c  can include a raised surface  580   a ,  580   b . The other of the first side flaps  568   a  and the other of the second side flaps  568   c  can be secured together by an adhesive applied to the raised surfaces  580   a ,  580   b  at the discrete location  574   a ,  574   b . For example, and as embodied herein, first side flap  568   a  and second side flap  568   c  can be folded inwardly, and first side flap  568   b  and second side flap  568   d  can be folded inwardly. In this manner, first side flap  568   b  can at least partially overlap first side flap  568   a , and second side flap  568   d  can at least partially overlap second side flap  568   c . Furthermore, and as embodied herein, in this configuration, raised surfaces  580   a ,  580   b  of discrete locations  574   a ,  574   b  of first side flap  568   a  and second side flap  568   c , respectively, can be exposed through apertures  570   a ,  570   b  in overlapping first side flap  568   b  and second side flap  568   d . Adhesive can be applied to the raised surfaces  580   a ,  580   b , and the corresponding first side flap  568   a  and second side flap  568   c  can be joined and adhesively secured together proximate the raised surfaces  580 ,  580   b.    
     The joined first side flap  568   a  and second side flap  568   c  can move, for example and without limitation, within apertures  570   a ,  570   b  of the joined first side flap  568   b  and second side flap  568   d  from an initial flat configuration into the expanded configuration with corresponding body panels in a contoured condition. That is, as shown for example and without limitation in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the secured raised surfaces  580   a ,  580   b  at the discrete location  574   a ,  574   b  can be disposed at one region  576   a ,  576   b  of the aperture  570   a ,  570   b  when container  600  is in the flat configuration. The secured raised surfaces  580   a ,  580   b  at the discrete location  574   a ,  574   b  can move toward another region  578   a ,  578   b  of the aperture  570   a ,  570   b  when container  600  is urged toward the expanded configuration. When container  600  is in the expanded configuration, the secured raised surfaces  580   a ,  580   b  can engage the first and second side flaps  568   b ,  568   d  proximate the another region  578   a ,  578   b  of the aperture  570   a ,  570   b . With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , in the contoured configuration, contoured upper edges  528   a ,  528   b  of second side flaps  568   c ,  568   d  can define a contoured upper edge of the interior dividing wall  610 , which can facilitate access to compartments  612 ,  614  in the interior of the container. 
     Additionally, and as set forth above, engagement features can be provided in the form of hooks. For example, and as embodied herein, each first side flap  568   a ,  568   b  can have opposing hooks  522   a ,  522   b  extending from the first body portion  510 . With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the hooks  522   a ,  522   b  are disposed to engage each other when the first side flaps  568   a ,  568   b  are folded along the first side flap fold lines  520   a ,  520   b  and moved toward each other. Additionally, or alternatively, and as set forth above, engagement features can be provided in the form of tabs (not shown). 
     The containers disclosed herein are preferably disposable, but it is contemplated that they may be reused at a future time. Also, the containers can be constructed from materials suitable to be placed in a heating apparatus, such as a microwave, to heat the food and/or used for storage in the refrigerator or freezer. Additionally, the materials from which the food containers are made need not be the same throughout. The containers and blanks described herein can be manufactured from any suitable material, including but not limited to paperboard. 
     It is to be recognized that the dimensions and relative proportions of the first body portions, second body portions, flaps, etc. of the food containers or blanks will vary according to the exact size and intended use of the food containers or blanks. For purpose of illustration and not limitation, exemplary dimensions and angles shown in  FIGS. 1, 4, and 8  are provided in Table 1. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations to the exemplary dimensions and angles can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. One of ordinary skill will recognize that any suitable shape and depth of food container and corresponding blank can be employed, and the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the sizes and shapes illustrated in  FIGS. 1-12 . Other suitable shapes include rectangles, triangles, cylinders, ovals, various polygons, etc., having any suitable dimensions. 
     In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features disclosed herein can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Exemplary Dimensions 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Length in Inches 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 L101 
                 11.1 
               
               
                   
                 L102 
                 10 1/64 
               
               
                   
                 L103 
                 1⅞ 
               
               
                   
                 L104 
                  2 7/32 
               
               
                   
                 L105 
                  ¾ 
               
               
                   
                 L106 
                  4 17/32 
               
               
                   
                 L107 
                  5 
               
               
                   
                 L108 
                  2.8 
               
               
                   
                 L109 
                  ⅜ 
               
               
                   
                 L110 
                  1.1 
               
               
                   
                 L111 
                  1 53/64  
               
               
                   
                 w101 
                  2 29/32  
               
               
                   
                 w102 
                  4 15/64 
               
               
                   
                 w103 
                  9.77 
               
               
                   
                 L201 
                 11.06 
               
               
                   
                 L202 
                  2 3/32 
               
               
                   
                 L203 
                  4 15/32 
               
               
                   
                 L204 
                  4 61/64 
               
               
                   
                 L205 
                  3 3/32 
               
               
                   
                 L206 
                  1 
               
               
                   
                 L207 
                  2 1/16 
               
               
                   
                 w201 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 w202 
                  5.43 
               
               
                   
                 w203 
                  2 31/32 
               
               
                   
                 L301 
                 11.06 
               
               
                   
                 L302 
                  2 3/32 
               
               
                   
                 L303 
                  4 15/32 
               
               
                   
                 L304 
                  4 61/64 
               
               
                   
                 L305 
                  3 3/32 
               
               
                   
                 w301 
                  9.69 
               
               
                   
                 w302 
                  5.43 
               
               
                   
                 w303 
                  2 31/32 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Radius of  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Curvature in 
               
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Inches 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 R11 
                  2 19/32 
               
               
                   
                 R21 
                  2.572 
               
               
                   
                 R22 
                  2 3/16 
               
               
                   
                 R23 
                  2.572 
               
               
                   
                 R31 
                  2.572 
               
               
                   
                 R32 
                  2 3/16 
               
               
                   
                 R33 
                  2.572 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Angle 
                 Degrees 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 θ11 
                 11 
               
               
                   
                 θ21 
                 11 
               
               
                   
                 θ31 
                 11