Container Lid With Container Engaging Features, Related Containers, Systems, And Methods

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/540,440, filed on Sep. 26, 2023, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to containers for holding one or more articles. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to containers with a lid with container engaging features.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a container for holding at least one article, the container comprising a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container, a closed bottom engaged with the body, and a reclosable lid engaged with the body, the reclosable lid including a base portion hingably connected to a lid portion, the base portion comprising at least one wall forming a body receiving space at least partially receiving the body of the container.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a combination for forming a container for holding at least one article, the combination comprising a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container formed from the combination, a bottom blank for forming a closed bottom engaged with the body of the container formed from the combination, and a reclosable lid for being engaged with the body of the container formed from the combination, the reclosable lid comprising a base portion hingably connected to a lid portion, the base portion comprising at least one wall forming a body receiving space for at least partially receiving the body of the container formed from the combination.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a container for holding at least one article, the method comprising obtaining a body blank, obtaining a bottom blank, obtaining a reclosable lid comprising a base portion hingably connected to a lid portion, the base portion comprising at least one wall forming a body receiving space, forming a body from the body blank such that the body extends at least partially around an interior of the container, forming a closed bottom from the bottom blank and engaging the closed bottom with the body of the container, and engaging the reclosable lid with the body of the container such that the body receiving space at least partially receives a portion of the body.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a body blank used to form a body of a container according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a bottom blank for forming a bottom of a container according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member of a container according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a reclosable lid for a container, in an open configuration, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an assembly view of a first exemplary embodiment of a container including the reclosable lid of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembled container of FIG. 5 in an open configuration.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a section of the container taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 5 in a closed configuration.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a body blank used to form a body of a container according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a reclosable lid for a container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure and in a closed configuration.

FIG. 10 is an assembly view of a second exemplary embodiment of a container including the reclosable lid of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the assembled container of FIG. 10 in an open configuration.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 11 in a closed configuration.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged view of a section of the container taken along line 12A-12A of FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reclosable lid for a container according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure and in an open configuration.

FIG. 14 is an assembly view of a third exemplary embodiment of a container including the reclosable lid of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the assembled container of FIG. 14 in an open configuration.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 15 in a closed configuration.

FIG. 16A is an enlarged view of a section of the container taken along line 16A-16A of FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 15 in an open configuration and showing the movement of one or more hinge features thereof.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Containers according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes articles such as food products. Such food products can be provided in discrete or granular portions, e.g., as in snacks, for example, candy, gum, chocolate, granola, cereal, nuts, trail mix, raisins, dried fruit, etc. It will be understood that a different type of article such as a different type of food product or different type of article, e.g., powdered food products or powdered articles such as baby formula, powdered nutritional supplements, dehydrated food product, drink mixes, etc., can be held in containers according to the present disclosure without departing from the disclosure. It will be further understood that articles other than food products can be held in containers according to the present disclosure.

In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright containers. As described herein, containers can be formed from blanks by overlapping multiple panels, portions, and/or end flaps. Such panels, portions and/or end flaps may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 1-3 are plan views of a series of blanks used to form components that assemble to form a portion of a container 105 (FIG. 6) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a reclosable lid assembly or reclosable lid 109 (FIG. 5) that forms a portion of the container 105 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In this regard, in some embodiments, the container 105 can be considered an assembly or system of a plurality of components, for example, a plurality of blanks and a reclosable lid. As described further herein, one or more of such components can form containers according to further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a plan view of an exterior surface 201 of a body blank 203 for forming a body or body wall 205 of the container 105 is illustrated. As described herein, the body wall 205 is arranged to extend at least partially around an interior 107 of the container 105.

As shown, the body blank 203 can have a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. In some embodiments, the axes L1, L2 can be transposed. In the illustrated embodiment, the body blank 203 can have a generally rectangular configuration with a pair of opposite lateral free edges 207, 209 and a pair of opposite longitudinal free edges 211, 213 extending from a respective endpoint of the free edge 207 to a respective endpoint of the free edge 209.

The body blank 203 can also include a body forming portion 215 defined along a central portion of the body blank 203, an upper peripheral portion/upper marginal portion 217 of the body blank 203, and a lower peripheral portion/lower marginal portion 219 of the body blank 203.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the body blank 203 can include a multiple pluralities of lateral lines of weakening 221 that can facilitate the formation of curved corners when the body wall 205 is formed from the body blank 203, as described further herein. In some embodiments, the body blank 203/body wall 205 formed therefrom can be devoid of one or more of the lines of weakening 221.

In some embodiments, the body blank 203 can be comprised of one or more paperboard materials made predominantly from cellulose fibers or paper fibers. The material may be provided in the form of a continuous web or may be provided as individual sheets of material. The paperboard material may be a single ply or multi ply material and may be a laminate comprising one or more reinforcing, moisture resistant non-cellulosic layers of materials such as films and coatings, metal foil, etc. The paperboard material may be coated, printed, embossed, etc. and may comprise fillers, pigments, binders and other additives as known in the art. In some embodiments, the paperboard material can be devoid of polymeric and/or metallic materials.

Turning to FIG. 2, the exterior surface 301 of a bottom blank 303 for at least partially forming a closed bottom or closed end 111 of the container 105 is illustrated.

As shown, the bottom blank 303 can have a configuration generally similar to that of the lid blank 303 described above, e.g., having the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, a central portion 307, and a marginal portion 309 extending to the peripheral edges of the bottom blank 303. In the illustrated embodiment, the marginal portion 309 can be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 307 at a generally rounded rectangular/elliptical fold line, though the blank 303 can be devoid of such fold line without departing from the disclosure.

Turning to FIG. 3, the exterior surface 401 of a barrier blank 403 for forming a barrier member 405 of the construct 105 is illustrated.

The barrier blank 403 can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, and can include a central portion 407 and a marginal portion 409 extending to the peripheral edges of the barrier blank 403. In some embodiments, the marginal portion 409 of the barrier blank 403 can be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 407 at one or more lines of weakening, e.g., fold lines. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the marginal portion 409 of the blank 403 and the central portion 407 of the blank 403 can be formed upon formation of the barrier member 405.

In some embodiments, the marginal portion 409 of the blank 403 can be at least partially separable from the central portion 407 of the blank 403 and barrier member 405 formed therefrom at least one line of weakening.

In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier blank 403 and barrier member 405 formed therefrom can be formed from a laminate structure that includes a plurality of layers in general registration, with vertically adjacent layers in overlapping and/or at least partial face-to-face contact with one another. In some embodiments, one or more layers of such laminate structure can be formed from one or more of polymeric materials (e.g., a plastic film), composite materials (e.g., a paper or paperboard material), and metallic materials (e.g., a metallic film). In some embodiments, the barrier blank 403 and barrier member 405 formed therefrom can be formed from a single layer of material. In some embodiments, the barrier blank 403 and barrier member 405 formed therefrom can include one or more lines of weakening, e.g., cuts, tears, etc., to facilitate relative separation of one or more portions from the remainder of the barrier blank 403/barrier member 405, for example, to facilitate opening thereof to access the interior of the container 105.

Turning to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the reclosable lid 109 is illustrated according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the lid assembly 109 can include a base portion 113 for engaging a portion of the body wall 205 of the container 105, and a lid portion 115 hingably connected to the base portion 113 at a hinge 117.

As shown, the base portion 113 of the reclosable lid 109 can include a body 119 that generally defines an inner wall portion 121 and an outer wall portion 123. The inner wall portion 121 can include an upper flanged wall 125 that extends to a curved transition 127 to a sidewall 129 that extends to a curved transition 131 to a lower flanged wall 133 that extends around an access opening 135.

The outer wall portion 123 of the base portion 113 of the reclosable lid 109 can include a sidewall 137 intersecting and extending both vertically upwardly and vertically below the upper flanged wall 125. A discontinuity 139 can be formed along the portion of the sidewall 137 extending upwardly from the upper flanged wall 125, as shown.

As shown, a body wall receiving space 143 (FIG. 6A) can be at least partially defined between an interior surface of the sidewall 137 of the outer wall portion 123 and an interior surface of the sidewall 129 of the inner wall portion 121 of the base portion 113 of the reclosable lid assembly 109. The interior surface of the sidewall 137 can at least partially define a protruding shelf or ledge 145 extending into the body wall receiving space 143 for contacting a portion of the body wall 205 of the container 105, as described further herein.

The lid portion 115 of the reclosable lid 109, as shown, can have a body 147 that includes an upper wall portion 149 including a generally flat peripheral portion 151 (FIG. 7) and a sloped sidewall 153 extending upwardly from the peripheral portion 151 to a generally flat central portion 155. A user engagement tab 157, as shown, can extend outwardly away from the peripheral portion 151.

A lower wall portion 159 of the lid portion 115 can include a sidewall 161 extending downwardly from the upper wall portion 149. As described further herein, in a closed configuration, the sidewall 161 of the lid portion 115 of the reclosable lid 109 can be at least partially received in the base portion 113.

The hinge 117, in some embodiments, can be an at least partially flexible length of material extending from the base portion 113 to the lid portion 115 of the reclosable lid 109. Accordingly, the hinge 117 can permit movement of the lid portion 115 relative to the base portion 113, for example, due to bending of the hinge 117. In some embodiments, the hinge 117 can incorporate a pin and slot arrangement such that the hinge 117 can be formed by a portion of the lid portion 115 rotatably received in a portion of the base portion 113 of the reclosable lid 109. In some embodiments, the hinge 117 can be arranged such that a portion of the lid portion 115 rotatably receives a portion of the base portion 113 of the reclosable lid 109 to permit relative movement therebetween.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the reclosable lid 109 can be formed from a polymeric material (e.g., a plastic material), without departing from the disclosure, though it will be understood that one or more portions of the reclosable lid 109 can be formed from one or more different materials, e.g., a composite material, a metallic material, etc. In some embodiments, the reclosable lid 109 can be formed from an injection-molded material, e.g., a material that is cooled/set in a mold after being injected therein in a melted state.

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, formation of the container 105 from the blanks 203, 303, 403 and the reclosable lid 109 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

The body blank 203 can be positioned to extend at least partially around an interior 107 of the container 105. In one embodiment, the body blank 203 can be at least partially bent, curved, folded, etc., for example, at the fold lines 221, into a generally elliptical or rounded rectangular cross-section, with portions of the body blank 203 proximate the free edges 207, 209 at least partially overlapped to form a seam arrangement, which can be maintained with a strip of adhesive tape. In some embodiments, the free edges 207, 209 of the blank 203 can be brought into generally edge-to-edge contact.

The overlapping/meeting portions of the body blank 203 can be joined, for example, with an adhesive such as glue, with an adhesive coated tape or substrate, and/or through another method of joining such as welding, interfering locking arrangements, etc.

As shown, the body wall 205 of the container 105 can thus be formed, with respective portions of the body forming portion 215 of the blank 203 forming a front wall or front panel 225, a first side wall or first side panel 227, a second side wall or second side panel 231, and a back wall or back panel 229. Respective curved corners 233, 235, 237, 239 can be formed between the respective panels 225, 227, the respective panels 227, 229, the respective panels 229, 231, and the respective panels 231, 225.

As described above, in some embodiments, the body wall 205 of the container 105 can be formed into a different cross-sectional configuration, e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc., including rounded or curved corner variations thereof.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the closed bottom 111 of the container 105 can be formed, according to the illustrated embodiment, by positioning the bottom blank 303 in the interior 107 of the container 105, with the central portion 307 of the bottom blank 303 positioned in generally perpendicular relation with the panels 225, 227, 229, 231 so as to form a bottom panel 305 of the container 105. As shown, the bottom blank 303 can be positioned a vertical distance above the longitudinal free edge 213 of the blank 203.

The marginal portion 309 of the bottom blank 303 can be bent or folded downwardly relative to the central portion 307 of the blank 303/bottom panel 305 and attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the interior surface of one or more of the panels 225, 227, 229, 231 and corners 233, 235, 237, 239 of the body wall 205 of the container 105 so as to engage the body wall 205 and form the closed bottom 111.

In some embodiments, the lower marginal portion 219 of the blank 203 can be bent/curled or folded over the marginal portion 309 of the bottom blank 303 to form a bottom flange of the container 105 that extends downwardly from the bottom panel 305. In some embodiments, the lower marginal portion 219 of the blank 203 can be crimped in such an arrangement.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the container 105 having the closed bottom 111 can be supported on a surface such as a conveyor for being positioned below a filling station within which one or more articles can be deposited and held in the interior 107 of the container 105. In some embodiments, a container 105 can be supported in a generally stationary position and one or more filling devices can be brought into proximity with the container 105 for depositing articles in the interior 107 of the container 105.

After filling the interior 107 of the container 105 with articles, the barrier blank 403 can be positioned in the interior 107 of the container 105 above the articles, with the central portion 407 of the barrier blank 403 positioned in generally perpendicular relation with the panels 225, 227, 229, 231. As shown, the barrier blank 403 can be positioned a vertical distance below an upper edge of the body wall 205.

In some embodiments, the barrier blank 403 can be inserted into the interior 107 of the container 105, formed into the barrier member 405, and/or attached to the body wall 205 of the container 105 via contact with a plunger or other moveable tool for positioning the blank 403/member 405.

In this regard, at least a portion of the marginal portion 409 of the blank 403/barrier member 405 can be bent or folded upwardly relative to the central portion 407 of the barrier blank 403 and attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the interior surface of one or more of the panels 225, 227, 229, 231 and corners 233, 235, 237, 239 of the body wall 205 of the container 105 to form the barrier member 405. It will be understood that a greater or fewer number of barrier members 405 can be coupled to the body 205 of the container 105 without departing from the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the barrier blank 403 can be positioned and formed into the barrier member 405 prior to filling of the container 105 with one or more articles. For example, the partially formed container 105 could be inverted prior to closure of the bottom 111, e.g., such that an open bottom thereof is oriented facing upwardly toward a filling station, filling element, etc., and one or more articles can be deposited onto the lower/interior surface of the barrier member 405. Thereafter, the bottom 111 of the container 105 could be closed such that one or more articles are held in the interior 107 of the container 105 between the barrier member 405 and the closed bottom 111.

With additional reference to FIG. 6A, in order to couple the reclosable lid 109 to the body wall 205 of the container 105, the upper marginal portion 217 of the body blank 203/body wall 205 can be at least partially received in the body wall receiving space 143 of the reclosable lid 109.

In some embodiments, the upper marginal portion 217 of the blank 203/body wall 205 can be at least partially folded upon itself or curled to at least partially fill the body wall receiving space 143, e.g., to form a compressible engagement between the body wall 205 and the reclosable lid 109. As shown, the upper marginal portion 217 of the blank 203/body wall 205 can be positioned to contact the ledge 145.

In some embodiments, the sidewalls 129, 137 of the lid 109 can be biased toward a compressing/clamping arrangement with a portion of the body wall 205 to effect an at least partial interference coupling between the reclosable lid 109 and the body wall 205.

An open configuration of the container 105 is illustrated in FIG. 6, in which the reclosable lid 109 is in an open position. In the open position of the lid 109/open configuration of the container 105, the lid portion 115 can be raised above and/or spaced away from the base portion 113 such that the interior 107 of the container 105 is at least partially accessible, for example, through the access opening 135.

Turning to FIG. 7, a closed configuration of the container 105 is illustrated, in which the reclosable lid 109 is in a closed position. In such closed position, the lid portion 115 of the reclosable lid 109 can be positioned at least partially overlying the interior 107 of the container 105 and/or the access opening 135 of the lid 109. In some embodiments, the sidewall 161 of the lid portion 115 can be at least partially received in the base portion 113 of the lid 109 in the closed position thereof.

In some embodiments, the closed configuration of the container 105/closed position of the lid 109 can be at least partially maintained via a press-fit relationship between the sidewall 161 of the lid portion 115 and a portion of the base portion 113, e.g., the sidewall 129. In some embodiments, the closed configuration of the container 105/closed position of the lid 109 can be at least partially maintained via a press fit or interference fit between the user engagement tab 157 and the discontinuity 139 in which the user engagement tab 117 can be at least partially received in the closed position of the lid 109. Such engagement could, in some embodiments, be accompanied by an audible click or snap, accompanying vibration, etc., in order to give a tactile and/or auditory confirmation of closure to a user and/or passers-by.

It will be understood that the closed configuration of the container 105/closed position of the lid 109 can be transitioned to the open configuration of the container 105/open position of the lid 109 by lifting the lid portion 115 away from/above the base portion 113 thereof via the hinge 117. Such transition can include overcoming any frictional and/or interference fit between the base portion 113 and the lid portion 115 of the lid 109, for example, via lifting upwardly at the user engagement tab 157 and/or another portion of the lid portion 115.

In view of the foregoing, a container 105 can be provided with a reclosable lid 109 in an arrangement that minimizes the need for adhesive generally, and in particular, for connection between the body wall 205 and the reclosable lid 109. In some embodiments, the container 105 can be devoid of adhesive connection between the reclosable lid 109 and the body wall 205. Such minimization of the use of adhesives can minimize the waste stream while contributing to recyclability, reusability, sustainability, etc.

Turning to FIG. 8, an exterior surface 201A of the body blank 203A is for at least partially forming a body wall 205A (FIG. 9) according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

As shown, the body blank 203A can be generally similar to the body blank 203 described above, except that the body blank 203 can have a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart weakened portions 241A formed along the upper marginal portion 217 by respective lines of weakening 243A. While the lines of weakening 243A are shown as having a generally rectangular configuration, it will be understood that one or more of the lines of weakening 243A and resultant weakened portions 241A can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 9-12A, a container 505 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The container 505 can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the container 105, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

The container 505 can include the bottom panel 305 and the barrier member 405 formed from the respective blanks 303, 403, and can include a body wall 205A formed from the body blank 203A.

A reclosable lid 509 for use with the container 505 is illustrated according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the lid 509 can include a base portion 513 for engaging a portion of the body wall 205A of the container 505, and a lid portion 515 hingably connected to the base portion 513 at a hinge 517.

The base portion 513 of the reclosable lid assembly 509 can include a vertical sidewall 524 that intersects a generally flat upper wall 527. In the illustrated embodiment, an at least partial discontinuity can be formed along the sidewall 524, e.g., such that a curved transition 525 or other recessed feature can be at least partially defined therealong, for at least partially receiving a user engagement feature of the lid 515, as described further herein.

As shown, a generally concave curved sidewall 529 extends downwardly from the sidewall upper wall 527 toward an oblique wall 531 extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom.

The oblique wall 531 extends to a curved transition or curved wall 533 that intersects a vertical sidewall 535 extending downwardly therefrom to a flange 537 extending generally perpendicularly away therefrom that extends at least partially around an access opening 522 of the lid 509. As shown, a body wall receiving space 539 can be at least partially formed between the sidewall 524 and one or more of the walls 524, 529, 531 and the curved transition 533 for at least partial receiving the body wall 205A. A ledge or protrusion 541 can extend generally perpendicularly from a respective wall into the body wall receiving space 539 toward the sidewall 524 to facilitate such receipt of the body wall 205A.

The lid portion 515 of the reclosable lid 509 can include a generally flat upper wall 545 extending to a sidewall 547 extending downwardly therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the lid portion 515 can include an oblique lip 543 that intersects that flat upper wall 545.

As shown, the oblique lip 543 can be a user engagement feature extending away from the remainder of the lid portion 515 for presenting a protruding portion of the lid portion 515 that can be engaged by a user, for example, to transition the lid 509 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In this regard, the oblique lip 543 can have one or more textured surfaces, e.g., knurls, grooves, ridges, etc., that can be positioned facing the curved transition 525 between respective portions of the sidewall 524, for example, so as to facilitate maintenance of a closed condition of the lid 509.

A ledge 549 can extend generally perpendicularly from a portion of the sidewall 547 toward the concave sidewall 529 of the base 513 to facilitate closure of the base 513 and the lid 515, as described further herein.

An oblique wall 553 can extend downwardly and outwardly from the sidewall 547 of the lid portion 515 of the lid 509 to a sidewall 555 that extends further downwardly therefrom to a lower wall 557 that meets an upwardly extending wall 559 that intersects a top wall 561 of the lid 509, as shown.

The hinge 517, in some embodiments, can be an at least partially flexible length of material extending from the base portion 513 to the lid portion 515 of the reclosable lid 509. Accordingly, the hinge 517 can permit movement of the lid portion 515 relative to the base portion 513, for example, due to bending of the hinge 517. In some embodiments, the hinge 517 can incorporate a pin and slot arrangement such that the hinge 517 can be formed by a portion of the lid portion 515 rotatably received in a portion of the base portion 513 of the reclosable lid 509. In some embodiments, the hinge 517 can be arranged such that a portion of the lid portion 515 rotatably receives a portion of the base portion 513 of the reclosable lid 509 to permit relative movement therebetween.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the reclosable lid 509 can be formed from a body comprising a polymeric material (e.g., a plastic material), without departing from the disclosure, though it will be understood that one or more portions of the reclosable lid 509 can be formed from one or more different materials, e.g., a composite material, a metallic material, etc. In some embodiments, the reclosable lid 509 can be formed from an injection-molded plastic, e.g., a plastic material that is cooled/set in a mold after being injected therein in a melted state.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8-12A, the container 505 can be formed in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the container 105, except that the marginal portion 217 of the blank 203A/body wall 205A can be at least partially received in the body wall receiving space 539 of the reclosable lid 509 to attach the lid 509 to the body wall 205A.

In some embodiments, the weakened portions 241A of the blank 203A/body wall 205A can at least partially separate therefrom at the respective lines of weakening 243A to facilitate such attachment of the reclosable lid 509 and the body wall 205A. For example, in some embodiments, respective lower edges of the weakened portions 241A can at least partially separate from and move relative to the remainder of the blank 203A/body wall 205A upon engagement by the ledge or protrusion 541 extending inwardly from the sidewall 535 to facilitate engagement of the blank 203A/body wall 205A and the lid 509. In this regard, it will be understood that the lid 509 can be engaged with the blank 203A/body wall 205A without folding or curling of the marginal portion 217 relative to the remainder of the blank 203A/body wall 205A, though such arrangement of the marginal portion 217 can be effected without departing from the disclosure.

An open configuration of the container 505 is illustrated in FIG. 11, in which the reclosable lid 509 is in an open position. In the open position of the lid 509/open configuration of the container 505, the lid portion 515 can be raised above and/or spaced away from the base portion 513 such that the interior 507 of the container 505 is at least partially accessible, for example, through the access opening 522.

FIG. 12 illustrates a closed configuration of the container 505. In such closed position, the lid portion 515 of the reclosable lid 509 can be positioned at least partially overlying the interior 507 of the container 505 and/or the access opening 522 of the lid 509. In some embodiments, the walls 545, 547, 553, 555, 557, 559 can be at least partially received in the base portion 513 of the lid 509 in the closed position thereof, e.g., such that respective portions of the base portion 513 and the lid portion 515 are aligned/coextensive.

In some embodiments, the closed configuration of the container 505/closed position of the lid 509 can be at least partially maintained via a press-fit relationship between the walls 545, 547, 553, 555, 557, 559 of the lid portion 515 and a portion of the base portion 513, e.g., the walls 524, 526, 527, 529, 531, 533, 535, 537. In some embodiments, the closed configuration of the container 505/closed position of the lid 509 can be at least partially maintained via a press fit or interference fit between the user engagement tab 543 and the curved transition 525/discontinuity along the wall 524 in which the user engagement tab 543 can be at least partially received in the closed position of the lid 509.

In some embodiments, the ledge 549 of the lid portion 515 of the lid 505 can be at least partially received along the concave sidewall 529, e.g., so as to be at least partially constrained from movement or a preselected degree of movement by upper and lower surfaces thereof. In this regard, upon closure of the lid 505, the ledge 549 can cam or otherwise slide over respective surfaces of the walls 527, 529. Similarly, in order to open the lid 505, the ledge 549 can transition past an upper surface/upper portion of the concave sidewall 529. Either such transition can be accompanied by an audible click or snap, accompanying vibration, etc., in order to give a tactile and/or auditory confirmation of closure to a user and/or passers-by.

It will be understood that the closed configuration of the container 505/closed position of the lid 509 can be transitioned to the open configuration of the container 505/open position of the lid 509 by lifting the lid portion 515 away from/above the base portion 513 thereof via the hinge 517. Such transition can include overcoming any frictional and/or interference fit between the base portion 513 and the lid portion 515 of the lid 109, for example, via lifting upwardly at the user engagement tab 543 and/or another portion of the lid portion 515.

In view of the foregoing, a container 505 can be provided with a reclosable lid 509 in an arrangement that minimizes the need for adhesive generally, and in particular, for connection between the body wall 205A and the reclosable lid 509. In some embodiments, the container 505 can be devoid of adhesive connection between the reclosable lid 509 and the body wall 205A. Such minimization of the use of adhesives can minimize the waste stream while contributing to recyclability, reusability, sustainability, etc.

Turning to FIGS. 13-16, a container 605 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The container 605 can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the containers 105, 505, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

The container 605 can include the bottom panel 305 and the barrier member 405 formed from the respective blanks 303, 403, and can include a body wall 205 formed from a body blank 203.

As shown in FIG. 13, a reclosable lid 609 for use with the container 605 is illustrated according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the lid 609 can include a base portion 613 for engaging a portion of the body wall 205 of the container 605, and a lid portion 615 hingably connected to the base portion 613 at a hinge 617.

The lid portion 615 and hinge 617 of the reclosable lid 609 can be generally similar to that of the lid portion 515, and hinge 517 of the reclosable lid 509 described above, except that the lid portion 615 can be devoid of the ledge 549, though a ledge 549 could be provided without departing from the disclosure.

The base portion 613 of the reclosable lid assembly 609 can include a vertical sidewall 624 that intersects a generally flat upper wall 627 extending from a position below the upper edge of the sidewall 624. In the illustrated embodiment, an at least partial discontinuity can be formed along the sidewall 624, e.g., such that a curved transition 625 or other recessed feature can be at least partially defined therealong, for at least partially receiving a user engagement feature 626 of the lid 609, e.g., a user engagement tab, as described further herein.

As shown, a sidewall 629 can extend perpendicularly or obliquely downwardly from the upper wall 627 toward a curved wall or curved transition 631 to an oblique wall 633. The oblique wall 633 can meet a convexly-curved wall 633 that can at least partially define a protrusion or protuberance. A vertical wall 635 can extend downwardly from the wall 633 to a flange 637.

In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 633, 635, and the flange 637 can together form a clamp 639 of the reclosable lid 609 that can be hingably coupled to the wall 631 or proximate thereto at a suitable pivotable/rotational structure, for example, a pin and slot configuration, or another configuration that allows the clamp 639 to pivot relative to the remainder of the base portion 613 of the lid 609.

Accordingly, and as shown, a body wall receiving space 641 can be at least partially defined between a portion of the wall 631/a portion of the base portion 613 of the lid 609 extending downwardly from the wall 631, and the wall 633/a portion of the base portion 613 of the lid 609 extending downwardly from the wall 633 so as to be at least partially defined between the hinge 639 and the remainder of the base portion 613 of the lid 609.

In this regard, the clamp 639 can be at least partially reconfigurable between a clamped or lowered configuration, in which the flange 637 is in generally spaced and parallel relation with the wall 627 of the base portion 613 of the lid 609, and a raised or unclamped configuration, in which the clamp 639 is pivoted upwardly and away from the body wall receiving space 641.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the reclosable lid 609 can be formed from a body comprising a polymeric material (e.g., a plastic material), without departing from the disclosure, though it will be understood that one or more portions of the reclosable lid 609 can be formed from one or more different materials, e.g., a composite material, a metallic material, etc. In some embodiments, the reclosable lid 609 can be formed from an injection-molded plastic, e.g., a plastic material that is cooled/set in a mold after being injected therein in a melted state.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13-17, the container 605 can be formed in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the containers 105, 505, with the marginal portion 217 of the blank 203 at least partially received in the body wall receiving space 641.

As shown, upon formation of the container 605, the clamp 639 can be positioned in the lowered or clamping configuration, such that the marginal portion 217 of the blank 203 is compressibly received in the body wall receiving space 641 between a respective portion of the clamp 639 and the remainder of the base portion 613 of the lid 609.

In some embodiments, the marginal portion 217 of the blank 203 can be provided with one or more lines of weakening so as to facilitate positioning a portion of the blank 203 in the body wall receiving space 641 by folding or bending the marginal portion 217 of the blank 203 away from the remainder thereof.

FIGS. 16 and 16A illustrate a closed configuration of the container 605. In such closed position, the lid portion 515 of the reclosable lid 509 can be positioned at least partially overlying the interior 507 of the container 505 and/or an access opening 622 of the lid 509. In some embodiments, one or more of the walls of the lid portion 615 of the lid 609 can be at least partially received in the base portion 613 of the lid 609 in the closed position thereof in the manner described above with respect to the containers 105, 505, e.g., such that respective portions of the base portion 613 and the lid portion 615 are aligned/coextensive.

In some embodiments, the closed configuration of the container 605/closed position of the lid 609 can be at least partially maintained via a press-fit relationship between the walls of the lid portion 615 and a portion of the base portion 613 in the manner described above with respect to the containers 105, 505.

It will be understood that the closed configuration of the container 605/closed position of the lid 609 can be transitioned to the open configuration of the container 605/open position of the lid 609 by lifting the lid portion 615 away from/above the base portion 613 thereof via the hinge 617. Such transition can include overcoming any frictional and/or interference fit between the base portion 613 and the lid portion 615 of the lid 609, for example, via lifting upwardly at a and/or another portion of the lid portion 615.

To facilitate separation of the lid 609 from the container 605, for example, for separate disposal of the lid 609 and the remainder of the container 609, the clamp(s) 639 can be at least partially rotated about the remainder of the base portion 613 of the lid 609 at the respective arrows A1, A2 to at least partially relieve the clamping or compressive force on the blank 203/body wall 205 therealong such that the reclosable lid 609 can be generally freely separable from the body 205 of the container 605.

In this regard, the container 605 can provide advantages and functionality similar to that described above with respect to the containers 105, 505. It will be understood that the clamps(s) 639 can be applied to the reclosable lid 109 or 509 to provide similar advantages.

In view of the foregoing, a container 605 can be provided with a reclosable lid 609 in an arrangement that minimizes the need for adhesive generally, and in particular, for connection between the body wall 205 and the reclosable lid 609. In some embodiments, the container 605 can be devoid of adhesive connection between the reclosable lid 609 and the body wall 205. Such minimization of the use of adhesives can minimize the waste stream while contributing to recyclability, reusability, sustainability, etc.

It will be understood that the containers 105, 505, 605 and/or one or more components thereof can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, it will be understood that one or more of the blanks, members, and lids described herein can be shaped, sized, or otherwise configured to engage such container structures. Such container structures can include Boardio®, available from Graphic Packaging International, LLC of Atlanta, GA, Sealio®, available from Graphic Packaging International, LLC of Atlanta, GA, and Cekacan® available from Graphic Packaging International, LLC of Atlanta, GA, to name a few.

The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the containers to function at least generally as described above. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the spaced apart slits to be replaced with a continuous slit, a continuous score, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure. Also, a tear line can be a series of cut scores passing completely, or partially, through the material, that are separated by nicks.

The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure container panels or portions in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Container Lid With Container Engaging Features, Related Containers, Systems, And Methods

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Provisional Applications (1)