Tray with ribs configured for redirecting compressive loads

Abstract

A tray, as described herein, includes one or more ribs that increase the stacking or compressive strength of the tray and advantageously direct vertical compressive stacking forces to the relatively stronger portions of the tray. Specifically, the ribs direct the compressive stacking forces from the intermediate portions of the sidewall downward and outward toward the adjacent corners. The ribs can have an at least partially curvilinear shape between the intermediate portion of the sidewall and the adjacent corner thereof, such as having an intermediate generally bell-shaped region such that a vertex of the concave region is higher on the sidewall than where its legs intersect the corners of the tray. In another or alternative form, the tray can include one or more gripping portions that facilitate a user holding onto the tray.