The present disclosure relates to a container, and more particularly to a container for packaging at least one product.
Containers for packaging a product are well known in the art. Generally, the containers comprise a cardboard card attached to a plastic blister into which the product is placed.
The plastic blister may reduce a viewability of the product packaged in the containers. Moreover, such containers are generally designed to be hanged and may not be suitable for displaying the product packaged therein on shelves of retail stores.
There remains a need to provide a container for packaging at least one product which improves the viewability of the product packaged therein, restrains the at least one product from movement, and is cost effective, easy to manufacture, and environmentally friendly.
Containers of the present disclosure can provide an environmentally sustainable option for packaging. In some forms, a container for packaging at least one product, the container comprises: a front portion comprising a front wall defining a first foot region at a lower end thereof; a rear portion comprising a rear wall, a bottom wall connected to the rear wall; a first side wall connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, and a second side wall disposed opposite to the first side wall and being connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, wherein each of the first side wall and the second side wall is disposed between the front wall and the rear wall, such that a receptacle is defined between the first and second side walls, wherein the at least one product is at least partially received between the first side wall and the second side wall, and a second foot region connected to the bottom wall, wherein the first foot region and the second foot region are attached to each other to form a foot that extends downwardly from the bottom wall away from the receptacle; and a first support and second support each opposite the foot, wherein each of the first support and second support comprise at least a portion of the first wall and rear wall or the second wall and rear wall, and wherein the container is configured such that upon seating the foot and the plurality of supports on a horizontal planar surface the container is inclined obliquely to the horizontal planar surface.
In some forms, a container for packaging at least one product, the container comprising: a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion comprising a front wall defining a first foot region at a lower end thereof; the rear portion comprising a rear wall; a bottom wall connected to the rear wall; a first side wall connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, the first side wall comprising a first side connecting portion comprising a top end and a bottom end, and a second side wall disposed opposite to the first side wall and connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, the second side wall comprising a second side connecting portion comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein each of the first and second side connecting portions is spaced apart from the rear wall and attached to the front wall, wherein each of the first side wall and the second side wall is disposed between the front wall and the rear wall, such that a receptacle is defined between the first and second side walls, wherein the at least one product is at least partially received between the first side wall and the second side wall; and a second foot region connected to the bottom wall, wherein the second foot region comprise a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end of the second foot region comprises a first end angle and the bottom end of the first side connecting portion comprises a first bottom end angle, wherein the first end angle and the first bottom end angle are complementary, and wherein the first foot region and the second foot region are attached to each other to form a foot that extends downwardly from the bottom wall away from the receptacle, and wherein the container is configured such that upon seating the foot and the plurality of supports on a horizontal planar surface the container is inclined obliquely to the horizontal planar surface.
Containers for packaging in accordance with the present disclosure comprise at least one product. The container may be designed for packaging a plurality of products. In other words, the container may be utilized for packaging one or more products.
The container comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion comprises a front wall defining a first foot region at a lower end thereof. The rear portion comprises a rear wall, a bottom wall connected to the rear wall, and a second foot region connected to the bottom wall. The front wall, the rear wall, and the bottom wall at least partially define a receptacle therebetween. The at least one product is at least partially received within the receptacle.
A portion of the at least one product may additionally be disposed outboard of the front wall via a front cutout in the front wall. The front wall may comprise one or more front cutouts. The utilization of the front cutout can save on the amount of material utilized for the container as well as the amount of colorant utilized in the container to create depictions of the product. That said, there is a balance that should be achieved. While allowing the consumer to easily visualize the product within the container is beneficial, where too much of the product is exposed, this could facilitate theft of the product from the package. That said, the inventors have found that 50 percent or greater; 70 percent or greater, 80 percent or greater or 90 percent or greater of a face of the product within the container may be visible through the front cutout, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby while still providing theft deterrence. For example, the front cutout may allow for visualization of from between about 50 percent to about 98 percent; from about 60 percent to about 97 percent; from about 70 percent to about 96 percent or from about 80 percent to about 96 percent of a face of the product within the container, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.
In other forms, particularly where there is additional concern regarding theft, artwork may be utilized to depict the articles within the container rather than having 50 percent or more of the product showing. In such forms, the product may be completely or at least substantially enclosed within the container.
Similarly, the rear wall may comprise one or more rear cutouts which expose a portion of the at least one product received in the receptacle. Each of the one or more rear cutouts may comprise a smaller surface area than each front cutout. Also, the one or more rear cutouts may collectively comprise a surface area which is less than that of each front cutout or cumulative surface area thereof. For those configurations comprising more than one rear cutout, the rear cutouts may be arranged such that they are side-by-side, one above another or a combination thereof.
The first foot region and the second foot region are attached to each other to form a foot that extends downwardly from the bottom wall away from the receptacle, such that upon seating the foot and the bottom wall on a horizontal surface (e.g. a shelf of a retail store), the container is inclined obliquely to the horizontal surface.
In other words, the foot may allow the container to lean slightly backward upon being seated on the horizontal surface, making the front wall of the container and the at least one product packaged therein more viewable. Therefore, the container may improve a viewability of the at least one product packaged therein. The front wall and/or the rear wall may define one or more apertures extending therethrough, such that the container may be alternatively hung. The foot may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall. Alternatively, the foot may be obliquely inclined with respect to the bottom wall. The foot may be designed based on a desired inclination angle of the container with respect to the horizontal surface.
The inclination of the container may allow a consumer to view the front wall of the container more easily, particularly when the container is positioned below eye level of the consumer. It is worth noting though that when positioned at eye level a different level of inclination may be desirable. In other words, if the degree of inclination (from the horizontal surface) is too great to accommodate locations of the container below eye level, the same package when at eye level may be substantially less appealing. An additional complication is the fact that these containers may occupy different shelves, i.e. be at different heights, in different retail establishments. However, the inventors have found that an angle of inclination of the front wall of the containers of the present disclosure relative to the horizontal surface may be between about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, more preferably from about 65 to about 85, even more preferably from about 75 to about 82 or most preferably from about 77 to 79 degrees, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. In some examples, the angle of inclination may be about 78 degrees. These aforementioned angles can accommodate shelves which are positioned at eye level, above eye level, or below eye level and still allow the consumer to easily view the product(s) within the package as well as information pertinent to the product(s) on the front portion.
The bottom wall may protect the at least one product from direct contact with a surface, such as the horizontal surface, in case the container is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container may secure the at least one product packaged therein and restrain the at least one product from movement. Therefore, the container may prevent damage to the at least one product during shipping and/or handling of the at least one product and may further prevent theft of the at least one product from the container. Thus, the container may be suitable for shipping the at least one product to retail stores and for displaying the at least one product to consumers in the retail stores.
In addition to the bottom wall, containers in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise supports extending from the bottom wall. For example, containers of the present disclosure may comprise a pair of outermost supports extending from the bottom wall, and which are spaced apart from one another. Each of the pair of outermost supports may be opposite the foot and extend from at least a portion of the first wall and rear wall or the second wall and rear wall. Containers comprising more than one product therein may comprise supports that extend solely from the rear wall.
One of a pair of outermost supports may have a portion thereof extending from the first side wall and a portion extending from the rear side wall, and the other of the pair of outermost supports may have a portion thereof extending from the second side wall and a portion extending from the rear side wall. The outermost supports may be symmetrical with one another comprising the same length and the same width. Additional supports may be disposed between the outermost supports and be evenly spaced therebetween. For example, in a container comprising two products therein, an interior support may have a centerline which extends and/or projects between the two products.
For containers with three products, two interior supports extending from the rear wall may be disposed between the outermost supports. Each of the two interior supports may comprise a centerline which extends and/or projects between two adjacent products within the container. And these interior supports may be symmetrical in their height and width and evenly spaced from the outermost supports. Additionally, these interior supports may be spaced from one another. Alternatively, a single interior support may be utilized that has a centerline in a vertical plane which also comprises a centerline for the product disposed in the middle of the package.
For containers with four products (or more), three or more interior supports extending from the rear wall may be disposed between the outermost supports. Each of the interior supports may comprise a centerline which extends and/or projects between two adjacent products within the container. The interior supports may be symmetrical in their height and width and evenly spaced from the outermost supports. Additionally, these interior supports may be spaced from one another.
Regarding the prevention of theft, as noted previously, a portion of the at least one product may be disposed outboard of the front wall. The portion of the at least one product disposed outboard of the front wall can be beneficial to consumers as they can much more easily see the product disposed, at least in part, within the container. To reduce the likelihood of theft, the front wall may comprise a barrier which covers at least a portion of the at least one product. For example, the barrier may cover a top portion of the at least one product. As yet another example, the barrier may cover a bottom portion of the at least one product. As yet another example, the barrier may be disposed about a periphery of the at least one product and cover a substantial portion thereof.
The first foot region may be substantially coextensive in area with the second foot region. In other words, the first foot region may substantially overlap with the second foot region upon being attached thereto. Alternatively, the first foot region may be greater in length and width than the second foot region or vice versa. Similarly, the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the second foot region may be substantially coextensive with each other in length.
The container may further comprise a collar received at least partially within the receptacle. The collar may comprise a front portion at least partially engaging with the front wall, a rear portion at least partially engaging with the rear wall, a support portion disposed between and connected to the front portion and the rear portion, and a collar foot portion extending from the front portion opposite to the support portion and at least partially secured between the first foot region and the second foot region. The collar may define at least one collar cutout extending therethrough. The support portion of the collar may comprise at least two support arms extending between the front wall and the rear wall, and at least partially defining the at least one collar cutout therebetween. The at least one product may be received through the at least one collar cutout, such that the at least two support arms of the support portion engage with the at least one product.
The collar may further restrain the at least one product packaged in the container. Specifically, the at least two support arms of the support portion may engage with the at least one product to restrain the at least one product packaged in the container from movement in a vertical direction. The collar may further increase stability of the at least one product packaged in the container. Therefore, the container comprising the collar may provide improved theft prevention, and further reduce damage that may be caused during shipping and/or handling of the at least one product.
The collar foot portion may comprise a plurality of rectangular segments extending from the front portion and spaced apart from each other. The plurality of rectangular segments may provide sufficient area for securement between the first foot region and the second foot region while reducing an amount of material required to manufacture the collar.
The container may further comprise a first side wall connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, and a second side wall disposed opposite to the first side wall and connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall. Each of the first side wall and the second side wall may be disposed between the front wall and the rear wall, such that the receptacle is defined between the first and second side walls. The at least one product may be at least partially received between the first side wall and the second side wall. Each of the first and second side walls may extend substantially perpendicular to the rear wall and bottom wall.
The container may further comprise a first side connecting portion connected to the first side wall and a second side connecting portion connected to the second side wall. Each of the first and second side connecting portions may be spaced apart from the rear wall and attached to the front wall. The container may further comprise a top wall disposed opposite to the bottom wall and connected to the rear wall, the first side wall and the second side wall, and a top connecting portion connected to the top wall. The top connecting portion may be attached to the front wall.
The front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the top wall may substantially enclose the at least one product packaged in the container, thereby securing the at least one product in the receptacle defined between the first and second side walls.
As noted previously, the front wall may comprise at least one front cutout extending therethrough. The at least one front cutout may at least partially receive the at least one product therein. Furthermore, the rear wall may define at least one rear cutout extending therethrough and at least partially aligned with the at least one front cutout. The front wall may further comprise at least one partially circular portion extending into the at least one front cutout.
The at least one front cutout may improve viewability of the at least one product packaged in the container. The at least one partially circular portion may be used to advertise one or more features of the at least one product. For example, the at least one circular portion may be used for advertising a fragrance of the at least one product using scratch and sniff technology.
The front region and rear region may be unitary. For example, the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the second foot region may form a single unitary component, such that the second foot region is foldably connected to the lower end of the front wall. Additionally, each of the first side wall, second side wall, bottom wall and top wall may be foldably connected to the rear wall. Also, the first side connecting portion and the second side connecting portion may be foldably connected to the first and second side walls, respectively. In contrast, the front portion and rear portion may be comprised by discrete components. For example, the front portion may comprise a first material and the rear portion may comprise a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are discrete. Similarly, the second foot region may be a discrete from the bottom wall. The first side wall, second side wall, bottom wall and top wall, or any combination thereof, may be discrete from the rear wall. To minimize the complexity of manufacturing, it may be beneficial to reduce the number of discrete parts of the containers of the present disclosure.
Regardless of whether a single unitary component or multiple discrete components are utilized, containers of the present disclosure may be made of carton board. In some examples, the carton board may have a thickness of about 0.3 millimeters (mm) to about 0.7 mm, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. In some examples, the carton board may have a thickness of about 0.5588 mm or 22 points or mils. Therefore, the container may be made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic (e.g., any plastic blister). For example, a plastic content of the container may be less than about 5% by weight of the container, less than about 3% by weight of the container or less about 1% by weight of the container, specifically reciting all values within these ranges or any ranges created thereby. In such constructions, the containers of the present disclosure may be recycled through paper/cardboard/carton board recycling streams.
In some configurations, the containers of the present disclosure may comprise a thin plastic film, e.g. polyethylene. During sealing of the container, the plastic film may be utilized via heat sealing to adhere parts of the container together. The film may be plastic or comprise polymeric materials. In one example, the film may comprise a polyolefin, e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, or combinations thereof.
Alternatively or in conjunction therewith, adhesives may be utilized which easily dissolve or are dispersible in paper recycling streams. For example, adhesives which can dissolve in water during the recycling process may be particularly suitable for the package seals of the present disclosure. Such adhesives include starch-based adhesives, polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesives, and polyethylene oxide-based adhesives. One suitable example of a starch-based adhesive is available from LD Davis located in Monroe, North Carolina, under the trade name AP0420CR. One suitable example of a polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesive is available from Sekisui Chemical Company, located in Osaka, Japan, under the trade name Selvol 205. One suitable example of a polyethylene oxide-based adhesive is available from Dow Chemicals Co. located in Midland, Michigan, under the trade name WSR N-80.
If the adhesive is not water-soluble, then water-dispersible adhesives may similarly be utilized. Suitable examples of water dispersible adhesives include thermoplastic elastomer-based adhesives and polyvinyl acetate-based adhesives. One suitable example of a thermoplastic elastomer-based adhesive is available from Actega located in Blue Ash, Ohio, under the trade name Yunico 491. One suitable example of a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive is available from Bostik located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, under the trade name Aquagrip 4419U01.
Any suitable pressure sensitive adhesives may be utilized as well. One suitable example of a pressure sensitive adhesives includes sold by Formulated Polymer Products Ltd. Located in Bury, Lancashire, England, and sold under the trade name FP2154. As one specific example, the access seal may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that containers of the present disclosure which utilize adhesives dissolvable in water may comprise higher weight percentages of such adhesives than adhesives which are only water dispersible. For example, containers comprising water dissolvable adhesives may comprise a first weight percentage of adhesive while packages comprising water dispersible adhesives may comprise a second weight percentage of adhesive. It is believed that the first weight percentage may be greater than the second weight percentage for the purposes of recycling the package material.
In the following description, the at least one product may be a consumer product including, but not limited to, an air-freshening refill/cartridge for a dispenser, air-freshening dispensers, single-use air-freshener products, or combinations thereof.
The front wall 110 may define an aperture 119 extending therethrough. The aperture 119 may be defined proximal to the upper end 110A of the front wall 110. The front wall 110 may further define at least one front cutout 112 extending therethrough. Moreover, the rear wall 120 may define at least one rear cutout extending therethrough and at least partially aligned with the at least one front cutout 112. The front wall 110 may further comprise at least one partially circular portion extending into the at least one front cutout 112.
The front wall 110 defines a first foot region 115 at the lower end 110B thereof. In other words, the first foot region 115 is defined at the lower end 110B of the front wall 110. The first foot region 115 is demarcated by the intersection of the bottom wall 130 and the front wall 110. The container 100 further comprises a second foot region 135 which may be foldably connected to the bottom wall 130. The second foot region 135 may extend downwardly from the bottom wall 130 and may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 130.
As shown, the second foot region 135 may comprise a first end 135A and a second end 135B. The top connecting portion 142 may similarly comprise a first end 142A and a second end 142B. And, the first side connecting portion 152 may comprise a top end 152A and a bottom end 152B. Similarly, the second side connecting portion 162 may comprise a top end 162A and a bottom end 162B. As depicted, the first end 135A and the second end 135B are generally perpendicular to a horizontal plane. However, the inventors have surprisingly discovered, particularly where the front wall and rear wall comprise discrete components, that such configuration of the first end 135A and the second end 135B can be difficult to manage particularly in high-speed manufacturing processes. For example, in such configurations the attachment of the second foot region 135 to the front wall 110 may have some variability given the first end 135A and the second end 135B do not have a stop so to speak. However, the first end 135A and the second end 135B may be configured to engage the bottom end 152B of the first side connecting portion 152 and the bottom end 162B of the second side connecting portion 162, respectively. In such configurations, the attachment of the second foot region 135 to the front wall 110 has less variability given the engagement of the first end 135A and the second end 135B with the bottom ends 152B and 162B, respectively. This results in containers which have a more uniform appearance which is more appealing to consumers.
Referring now to
The foregoing is applicable where the first and second angles total to about 90 degrees. However, the same principle may be applied where the cumulative value of the first and second angles total greater than 90 degrees. The first and second angle may be complementary to one another to achieve the desired cumulative angle. As an example, where the desired cumulative angle is 150 degrees, the first angle and second angle may be configured in any suitable manner being complementary to one another to achieve the desired cumulative angle. The desired cumulative value of the angle can be any suitable angle less than 180 degrees. Again, when the ends 135A and 135B are configured to abut the ends 152B and 162B, respectively, a mechanical stop can be created which creates greater uniformity during assembly of the container.
The first end 142A and second end 142B of the top connecting portion 142 may be similarly configured to the first end 135A and the second end 135B of the second foot. Additionally, the top end 152A and the top end 162A may be similarly configured to the bottom end 152B and the bottom end 162B.
Referring now to
The front wall 110, the rear wall 120, and the bottom wall 130 at least partially define a receptacle 175 therebetween. The front wall 110, the rear wall 120, and the bottom wall 130 may have suitable dimensions, such that the receptacle 175 may be configured to at least partially receive the at least one product therein. Moreover, each of the first side wall 150 and the second side wall 160 may be disposed between the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120, such that the receptacle 175 is additionally defined between the first and second side walls 150, 160. Therefore, the at least one product at least partially received within the receptacle 175 may be disposed between the first and second side walls 150, 160.
Furthermore, the first foot region 115 and the second foot region 135 are attached to each other to form a foot 170 that extends downwardly from the bottom wall 130 away from the receptacle 175. The foot 170 may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 130. Alternatively, the foot 170 may be inclined obliquely to the bottom wall 130.
Referring now to
The foot 170 may allow the container 100 to be inclined obliquely to any planar surface, such as shelves of retail stores, thereby making the front wall 110 of the container 100 and the at least one product 12 more viewable by a consumer. In other words, the container 100 may lean backward when placed on any planar surface due to the foot 170, thereby improving viewability of the at least one product 12 through the at least one front cutout 112 (shown in
The at least one product 12 maybe at least partially received between the first side wall 150 and the second side wall 160. In other words, the at least one product 12 maybe at least partially received within the receptacle 175 between the first side wall 150 and the second side wall 160. In some examples, the at least one front cutout 112 may at least partially receive the at least one product therein.
The bottom wall 130 of the container 100 may protect the at least one product 12 from direct contact with a surface, such as the horizontal planar surface 50, in case the container 100 is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container 100 may secure the at least one product 12 packaged therein and restrain the at least one product from movement. Therefore, the container 100 may prevent damage to the at least one product 12 during shipping and/or handling of the at least one product 12 and may further prevent theft of the at least one product 12 from the container 100. Thus, the container 100 may be suitable for shipping the at least one product 12 to retail stores and for displaying the at least one product to consumers in the retail stores.
As an additional measure of protection for the at least one product 12 within the container 100, the container 100 may comprise first and second supports 155 and 165, respectively. The first support 155 may have a portion thereof extending from the first side wall 150 and a portion extending from the rear side wall 120. Similarly, the second support 165 may have a portion thereof extending from the second side wall 160 and a portion extending from the rear side wall 120. Each of the first and second supports 155 and 165 may extend from the bottom surface 130 such that when the container 100 is placed on a horizontal planar surface, the bottom surface 130 is spaced from the horizontal planar surface 50. While the portions of the support may be discrete, it is believed that unitary construction of these supports provide additional stability and stiffness to the supports 155 and 165.
Containers of the present disclosure may further comprise at least one partially circular portion which may be utilized for advertising one or more features of the at least one product. In some examples, a scratch and sniff technology may be used to advertise a fragrance of the at least one product. Specifically, the at least one partially circular portion may comprise a fragrant coating disposed thereon. Alternatively, a sticker comprising the fragrant coating may be disposed on the at least one partially circular portion. The fragrant coating may correspond to the fragrance of the at least one product, thereby allowing the fragrance of the at least one product to be smelled by a consumer.
Moreover, the container 100 may be wholly made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic. The container 100 may be environmentally friendly and may promote environmental sustainability.
Specifically, the at least one front cutout 112 of the container 200 may comprise a first front cutout 112A and a second front cutout 112B spaced apart from the first front cutout 112A. The first front cutout 112A may be spaced apart and at least partially separated from the second front cutout 112B by a first front divider wall 113A extending therebetween. Similar to the container 100, the container 200 may further comprise at least one partially circular portion which extends into each of the first front cutout 112A and the second front cutout 112B. Alternatively, the first and second front cutouts 112A, 112B may have respective partially circular portions extending thereinto.
Furthermore, the rear wall 120 of the container 200 may comprise at least one rear cutout. For example, the rear wall 120 may comprise a first rear cutout and a second rear cutout spaced apart from each other. The first rear cutout may be spaced apart and separated from the second rear cutout by a first rear divider wall extending therebetween. The first rear cutout and second rear cutout may be at least partially aligned with the first front cutout 112A and the second front cutout 112B, respectively. It is worth noting that additional rear cutouts may be present below the first rear cutout and the second rear cutout. Moreover, the first front divider wall 113A may be at least partially aligned with the first rear divider wall.
As shown in
Referring now to
The foot 170 may allow the container 200 to be inclined obliquely to any planar surface, such as shelves of retail stores, thereby making the front wall 110 of the container 200 and first and second products within the container 200 more viewable. In other words, the container 200 may lean backward when placed on any horizontal planar surface due to the foot 170, thereby improving a viewability of the first and second products through the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b, respectively. Alternatively, the aperture 119 may be utilized to hang the container 200 to display the first and second products.
Referring to
The bottom wall 130 of the container 200 may protect the first and second products from direct contact with a surface, such as the horizontal planar surface 50, in case the container 200 is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container 200 may secure the first and second products packaged therein and restrain the first and second products from movement. Therefore, the container 200 may prevent damage to the first and second products during shipping and/or handling of the first and second products and may further prevent theft of the first and second products from the container 200. Thus, the container 200 may be suitable for shipping the first and second products to retail stores and for displaying the first and second products to consumers in the retail stores.
Specifically referring to
Furthermore, the at least one partially circular portion may be utilized for advertising one or more features of the first product and the second product. In some examples, a scratch and sniff technology may be used to advertise fragrances of the first product and the second product. Specifically, the at least one partially circular portion may comprise a fragrant coating disposed thereon. Alternatively, a sticker comprising the fragrant coating may be disposed on the at least one partially circular portion. In some cases, when each of the first and second products have a same fragrance, the fragrant coating may correspond to the same fragrance of the first and second products, thereby allowing the same fragrance of the first and second products to be smelled by the consumer. In some other cases, when the first product and the second product have different fragrances, the container 200 may comprise two partially circular portions extending into the respective first and second front cutouts 112A, 112B. The two partially circular portions may comprise different fragrant coatings disposed thereon corresponding to the different fragrances of the first and second products, thereby allowing the different fragrances of the first and second products to be smelled by the consumer.
Moreover, the container 200 may be wholly made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic. The container 200 may be environmentally friendly and may promote environmental sustainability.
Specifically, the at least one front cutout 112 of the container 300 may comprise the first front cutout 112A, the second front cutout 112B, and a third front cutout 112C spaced apart from each of the first front cutout 112A and the second front cutout 112B. The first and second front cutouts 112A, 112B may be separated by the first front divider wall 113A. The third front cutout 112C may be spaced apart and separated from the second front cutout 112B by a second front divider wall 113B extending therebetween. The container 300 may further comprise at least one partially circular portion may extend into the second front cutout 112B. Alternatively, the first, second, and third front cutouts 112A, 112B, 112C may have respective partially circular portions extending thereinto.
Furthermore, the container 300 may further comprise at least one rear cutout. For example, the container 300 may comprise a first rear cutout, a second rear cutout, and a third rear cutout spaced apart from each of the first rear cutout and the second rear cutout. The first and second rear cutouts may be separated by a first rear divider wall. The third rear cutout may be spaced apart and separated from the second rear cutout by a second rear divider wall extending therebetween. The first rear cutout, the second rear cutout, and the third rear cutout may be at least partially aligned with the first front cutout 112A, the second front cutout 112B, and the third front cutout 112C, respectively. Moreover, the first front divider wall 113A may be at least partially aligned with the first rear divider wall, and the second front divider wall 113B may be at least partially aligned with the second rear divider wall.
It is worth noting that additional rear cutouts may be provided. For example, an additional rear cutout may be provided below the first rear cutout, below the second rear cutout and/or the third rear cutout.
As shown in
It is worth noting that the first end 135A and second end 135B of the second foot region 135; the first end 142A and second end 142B of the top connecting portion 142; the top end 152A and bottom end 152B of the first side connecting portion 152; and the top end 162A and bottom end 162B of the second side connecting portion 162A, may be configured as described herein regarding
Moreover, the second foot region 135 of the container 300 has a second length 135L3 and a second width 135W3. In some examples, the first length 115L3 may be greater than the second length 135L3, and the first width 115W3 may be greater than the second width 135W3. In other words, in some examples, the first foot region 115 may be greater in length and width than the second foot region 135. Alternatively, the first length 115L3 may be equal to the second length 135L3, and the first width 115W3 may be equal to the second width 135W3. In other words, the first foot region 115 may alternatively be substantially equal in length and width to the second foot region 135. Additionally, particularly in forms where the first end 135A and the second end 135B are angled, the second width 135W1 may be greater than the first width 115W1. In such forms, it may be preferable for the first width 115W1 and the second width 135W1 to be equal to one another.
The foot 170 may allow the container 300 to be inclined obliquely to any planar surface, such as shelves of retail stores, thereby making the front wall 110 of the container 300 and the first, second, and third products more viewable. In other words, the container 300 may lean backward when placed on any horizontal planar surface due to the foot 170, thereby improving a viewability of the first, second, and third products through the first, second, and third front cutouts 112A, 112B, 112C, respectively. Alternatively, the aperture 119 may be utilized to hang the container 300 to display the first, second, and third products.
Referring now to
The bottom wall 130 of the container 300 may protect the first, second, and third products from direct contact with a surface, such as the horizontal planar surface 50 in case the container 300 is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container 300 may secure the first, second, and third products packaged therein and restrain the first, second, and third products from movement. Therefore, the container 300 may prevent damage to the first, second, and third products during shipping and/or handling of the first, second, and third products, and may further prevent theft of the first, second, and third products from the container 300. Thus, the container 300 may be suitable for shipping the first, second, and third products to retail stores and for displaying the first, second, and third products to consumers in the retail stores.
Specifically referring to
Furthermore, the at least one partially circular portion may be utilized for advertising one or more features of the first product, the second product, and the third product. In some examples, a scratch and sniff technology may be used to advertise fragrances of the first product, the second product, and the third product. Specifically, the at least one partially circular portion may comprise a fragrant coating disposed thereon. Alternatively, a sticker comprising the fragrant coating may be disposed on the at least one partially circular portion. In some cases, when each of the first, second, and third products have a same fragrance, the fragrant coating may correspond to the same fragrance of the first, second, and third products, thereby allowing the same fragrance of the first, second, and third products to be smelled by the consumer. In some other cases, when the first, second, and third products have different fragrances, the container 300 may comprise three partially circular portions (not shown) extending into the respective first, second, and third front cutouts 112A, 112B, 112C. The three partially circular portions may comprise different fragrant coatings disposed thereon corresponding to the different fragrances of the first, second, and third products thereby allowing the different fragrances of the first, second, and third products to be smelled by the consumer.
Moreover, the container 300 may be wholly made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic. The container 300 may be environmentally friendly and may promote environmental sustainability.
It is worth noting that while containers 100, 200, and 300 hold a single product, two products and three products, respectively, containers in accordance with the present disclosure may be created that contain more than three products. For example, a container in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise four products, five products and so on. Those container having more than three products therein may be configured in a similar fashion as described herein including additional supports, divider walls, front cutouts, etc.
Additionally, the containers of the present disclosure, e.g. 100, 200 and/or 300 may further comprise a collar which is partially received within the receptacle 175. The collar may engage with the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120. Collars can provide additional support to the at least one product within the container. Collars are described in additional detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/950,127 which is incorporated herein by reference. Referring now to
A. A container for packaging at least one product, the container comprising: a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion comprising a front wall defining a first foot region at a lower end thereof; the rear portion comprising a rear wall; a bottom wall connected to the rear wall; a first side wall connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, the first side wall comprising a first side connecting portion comprising a top end and a bottom end, and a second side wall disposed opposite to the first side wall and connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, the second side wall comprising a second side connecting portion comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein each of the first and second side connecting portions is spaced apart from the rear wall and attached to the front wall, wherein each of the first side wall and the second side wall is disposed between the front wall and the rear wall, such that a receptacle is defined between the first and second side walls, wherein the at least one product is at least partially received between the first side wall and the second side wall; and a second foot region connected to the bottom wall, wherein the second foot region comprises a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end of the second foot region comprises a first end angle and the bottom end of the first side connecting portion comprises a first bottom end angle, wherein the first end angle and the first bottom end angle are complementary, and wherein the first foot region and the second foot region are attached to each other to form a foot that extends downwardly from the bottom wall away from the receptacle, and wherein the container is configured such that upon seating on a horizontal planar surface the container is inclined obliquely to the horizontal planar surface.
B. The container according to Paragraph A, wherein the first foot region is substantially coextensive in area with the second foot region.
C. The container according to Paragraph A, wherein the first foot region is greater in length and width than the second foot region.
D. The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-C, wherein the foot is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall.
E. The container according to Paragraphs A-D, wherein each of the first and second side walls extends substantially perpendicular to the rear wall and bottom wall.
F. The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-E, wherein the front wall defines at least one front cutout extending therethrough, the at least one front cutout at least partially receiving the at least one product therein.
G. The container according to Paragraph F, wherein the rear wall defines at least one rear cutout extending therethrough and at least partially aligned with the at least one front cutout.
H. The container according to any one of Paragraphs F and G, wherein the front wall further comprises at least one partially circular portion extending into the at least one front cutout.
I. The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-H, wherein the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the second foot region are substantially coextensive with each other in length.
J. The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-I, wherein the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the second foot region form a single unitary component, such that the second foot region is foldably connected to the lower end of the front wall.
K. The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-I, wherein the front portion and the rear portion are formed from discrete components.
L The container according to any of Paragraphs J and K, wherein the single unitary or the discrete components are made of carton board.
M. The container according to Paragraph F, wherein the at least one front cutout has a first surface area and the at least one rear cutout has a second surface area, wherein the first surface area is greater than the second surface area.
N. The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-M, further comprising a first support and second support each opposite the foot, wherein each of the first support and second support comprise at least a portion of the first wall and rear wall or the second wall and rear wall, and wherein the container is configured such that upon seating the foot and the plurality of supports on a horizontal planar surface the container is inclined obliquely to the horizontal planar surface.
O. The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-N, further comprising an insert.
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any present disclosure disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such present disclosure. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this present disclosure.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63444050 | Feb 2023 | US |