Patent Application
20150320113
The present disclosure relates to containers, convertible packaging devices, packaged product assemblies, and product display methods. The packaging and containers may be employed in conjunction with products made or derived from tobacco, or that otherwise incorporate tobacco, and are intended for human consumption in a smokeless form.
Various types of containers for dispensing solid objects, particularly solid products intended for human consumption, are known in the art. Such containers are often characterized by a hand-held size that can be easily stored and transported. Example consumable products that are often packaged in such containers include a wide variety of consumer products, including smokeless tobacco-related products.
Tobacco may be enjoyed in a so-called “smokeless” form. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are employed by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth of the user. See for example, the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,917 to Levi; U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,756 to Pittman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,993 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,269 to Story et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,599 to Tibbetts; U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,907 to Townsend; U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,352 to Sprinkle, III et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,839 to Williams; U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,654 to Williams; U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,040 to Atchley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,601 to Atchley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,686 to Atchley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,810,507 to Dube et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,819,124 to Strickland et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,728 to Holton, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,512 to Quinter et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,168,855 to Neilsen et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,557 to Kumar et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,036 to Strickland et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,627,828 to Strickland et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,940,344 to Crawford et al.; U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2004/0020503 to Williams; 2007/0062549 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 2008/0029116 to Robinson et al.; 2008/0029117 to Mua et al.; 2008/0173317 to Robinson et al.; 2008/0196730 to Engstrom et al.; 2009/0065013 to Essen et al.; and 2010/0291245 to Gao et al.; PCT Pub. Nos. WO 04/095959 to Arnarp et al.; and WO 10/132444 to Atchley; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Representative smokeless tobacco products that have been marketed include those referred to as CAMEL Orbs, CAMEL Strips and CAMEL Sticks by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company; GRIZZLY moist tobacco, KODIAK moist tobacco, LEVI GARRETT loose tobacco and TAYLOR'S PRIDE loose tobacco by American Snuff Company, LLC; KAYAK moist snuff and CHATTANOOGA CHEW chewing tobacco by Swisher International, Inc.; REDMAN chewing tobacco by Pinkerton Tobacco Co. LP; COPENHAGEN moist tobacco and RED SEAL long cut by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company; and Taboka by Philip Morris USA.
Representative types of snuff products, commonly referred to as “snus,” which may comprise pasteurized or heat treated tobacco products, are manufactured in Europe, particularly in Sweden, by or through companies such as Swedish Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB, Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S and Rocker Production AB. Snus products available in the U.S.A. have been marketed under the trade names such as CAMEL Snus Frost, CAMEL Snus Original and CAMEL Snus Spice by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Snus products, such as CAMEL Snus Original, are commonly supplied in small teabag-like pouches. The pouches are typically a nonwoven fleece material, and contain about 0.4 to 1.5 grams of pasteurized tobacco. These products typically remain in a user's mouth for about 10-30 minutes. Unlike certain other smokeless tobacco products, snus products typically do not require expectoration by the user. Other pouch types of smokeless tobacco products include those marketed as COPENHAGEN Pouches, SKOAL Bandits, SKOAL Pouches, REVEL Mint Tobacco Packs by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company; and MARLBORO Snus by Philip Morris USA.
Various types of containers for dispensing moistened solid components, particularly components intended for human consumption, are known in the art. Such containers are often characterized by a hand-held size that can be easily stored and transported. For example, snus products have been packaged in tins, “pucks” or “pots” that are manufactured from metal or plastic. See, for example, those types of containers generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,421 to Foster; U.S. Pat. No. 4,190,170 to Boyd and U.S. Pat. No. 8,440,023 to Carroll et al.; and U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2010/0065076 to Bergstrom et al.; 2010/0065077 to Lofgreen-Ohrn et al.; 2012/0024301 to Carroll et al. and 2012/0193265 to Patel et al.; each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Yet other types of containers for smokeless types of tobacco products are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 8,458,996 to Bried et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,781 to Pipes et al.; D574,709 to Crofts et al. and D649,284 to Patel et al.; U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2008/0202956 to Welk et al., 2010/0012534 to Hoffman, and 2010/0018883 to Patel et al.; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. as well as the various types of containers referenced in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2013/0206153 to Beeson et al.; each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 8,567,597 to Gibson et al. discloses a compartment container for snus, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,781 to Patel et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a container including a first compartment and a second compartment separated by an intermediate wall. The first compartment is configured to receive a tobacco-containing material and the second compartment is configured to receive an environment modification material, which acts through the intermediate wall upon an atmosphere within the first compartment.
It may be desirable to provide such containers with an aesthetically pleasing design. Additionally, packaging and display apparatuses and methods for the containers may be desirable in order to ship the containers and provide a means for displaying the containers at a point of sale.
The present disclosure provides a container that, in certain embodiments, combines aesthetics and environmental protection of a product, and which can be provided in a convenient handheld size. The type and form of the product to be stored can vary.
In one embodiment, the container of the disclosure comprises a body having a bottom wall and a side wall. The bottom wall and the side wall define an internal storage compartment adapted for storage of a plurality of units of a product. The side wall has an outer peripheral surface. A rib structure is engaged with the body about the outer peripheral surface of the side wall and extends outwardly therefrom. A cover is configured to be removably engaged with the body. The cover includes a top wall and a peripheral flange having an inner surface. The inner surface is substantially smooth and is configured to interact with the rib structure when the cover is received over the outer peripheral surface of the side wall so as to form an interference fit.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a container comprising a polymeric body having a bottom wall and a cylindrical side wall. The bottom wall and the side wall define an internal storage compartment adapted for storage of a plurality of units of a product. The side wall has an outer peripheral surface. A circumferential rib structure is integrally formed with the polymeric body about the outer peripheral surface of the side wall and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The rib structure includes a plurality of ribs extending circumferentially about the outer peripheral surface of the side wall. The ribs are spaced apart so as to form channels therebetween for facilitating venting. A metallic cover is configured to be removably engaged with the polymeric body. The metallic cover includes a top wall and a peripheral flange having a cylindrical inner surface. The cylindrical inner surface is substantially smooth and is configured to interact with the rib structure when the metallic cover is received over the outer peripheral surface of the side wall so as to form an interference fit.
In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a polymeric body having a bottom wall and a cylindrical side wall having an edge. The bottom wall and the side wall define an internal storage compartment adapted for storage of a plurality of units of a product. The internal storage compartment has an opening thereto adjacent to the edge of the side wall, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the side wall comprises a neck region of reduced diameter proximal to the edge of the side wall such that the side wall defines a lip. A circumferential rib structure is integrally formed with the polymeric body about the outer peripheral surface of the side wall in the neck region and projects radially outwardly therefrom. The rib structure includes a plurality of rib segments extending circumferentially about the outer peripheral surface of the side wall. The rib segments are spaced apart so as to form vent channels therebetween and each rib segment includes a rib wall projecting radially from the outer peripheral surface of the body and a rib projection projecting radially from the rib wall. Each vent channel is at least partially defined by adjacent rib walls and the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the body. A metallic cover is configured to be removably engaged with the polymeric body. The metallic cover has a top wall and a peripheral flange having a cylindrical inner surface. The cylindrical inner surface is substantially smooth and is configured to interact with the rib structure when the metallic cover is received over the neck region of the side wall so as to form an interference fit, and wherein the metallic cover is configured to abut the lip of the side wall of the body when the metallic cover is fully seated on the body.
In another aspect a convertible packaging device is provided. The convertible packaging device may include a package configurable between a closed configuration and a display configuration. The package may include a plurality of panels configurable to define an inner cavity substantially enclosed by the panels in the closed configuration and configured to hold one or more products. The panels may include a reconfigurable portion and a base portion. The reconfigurable portion may be configured to move relative to the base portion to define an opening to the inner cavity. The reconfigurable portion may be further configured to engage the base portion to define a display in the display configuration.
In some embodiments the convertible packaging device may additionally include an insert received within the package. The insert may be configured to support the one or more products. The insert may define a stepped configuration configured to support each of the products at a differing height. The base portion of the panels may include a disposable portion that is removable. The base portion may be configured such that the one or more products at least partially extend through the opening when the disposable portion is removed. The disposable portion may include at least a portion of one or more lateral panels. The disposable portion may additionally include at least a portion of a front panel. The panels may additionally include a rear panel. A cut through the rear panel may define a rear tab configured to engage the reconfigurable portion in the display configuration.
In an additional aspect a packaged product assembly is provided. The packaged product assembly may include a convertible packaging device. The convertible packaging device may include a package configurable between a closed configuration and a display configuration. The package may include a plurality of panels configurable to define an inner cavity substantially enclosed by the panels in the closed configuration. The panels may include a reconfigurable portion and a base portion. The reconfigurable portion may be configured to move relative to the base portion to define an opening to the inner cavity. The reconfigurable portion may also be configured to engage the base portion to define a display in the display configuration. One or more products may be received in the inner cavity.
In some embodiments of the packaged product assembly the convertible packaging device may additionally include an insert received within the package. The insert may support the one or more products. The insert may define a stepped configuration configured to support each of the products at a differing height. The base portion of the panels may include a disposable portion that is removable. The base portion of the panels of the package may be configured such that the one or more products at least partially extend through the opening when the disposable portion is removed. The disposable portion may include at least a portion of one or more lateral panels. The disposable portion may additionally include at least a portion of a front panel. The panels of the package may additionally include a rear panel. A cut through the rear panel may define a rear tab configured to engage the reconfigurable portion in the display configuration.
In an additional aspect a product display method is provided. The product display method may include receiving a convertible packaging device. The convertible packaging device may include a package in a closed configuration. The package may include a plurality of panels substantially enclosing an inner cavity. The convertible packaging device may additionally include one or more products received in the inner cavity. The product display method may additionally include transforming the convertible packaging device to a display configuration. Transforming the convertible packaging device to a display configuration may include moving a reconfigurable portion of the panels to define an opening to the inner cavity and engaging the reconfigurable portion of the panels with a base portion of the panels to define a display.
In some embodiments transforming the convertible packaging device to the display configuration may additionally include removing a disposable portion of the base portion of the panels. Removing the disposable portion of the base portion of the panels may include removing at least a portion of one or more lateral panels. Further, removing the disposable portion of the base portion of the panels may include removing at least a portion of a front panel. Engaging the reconfigurable portion of the panels with the base portion of the panels to define the display may include engaging the reconfigurable portion with a rear tab defined by a cut in a rear panel.
In another aspect a packaging device is provided. The packaging device may include a package and an insert received within the package. The insert may be configured to support the one or more products. The insert may be formed from a blank defining a plurality of panels folded to define a stepped configuration configured to support the products at a plurality of differing heights.
In some embodiments the panels may include an inner left panel, an outer left panel, an inner right panel, and an outer right panel. The inner left panel and the outer left panel may be positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to one another. The inner right panel and the outer right panel may be positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to one another. The inner left panel may be in contact with the outer left panel and the inner right panel may be in contact with the outer right panel.
In some embodiments the panels may further include a first longitudinal support panel defining a left notch and a right notch. The inner left panel, the outer left panel, the inner right panel, and the outer right panel may respectively include an upper notch. The left notch of the first longitudinal support panel may be configured to engage the upper notch of the inner left panel and the outer left panel. The right notch of the first longitudinal support panel may be configured to engage the upper notch of the inner right panel and the outer right panel.
In some embodiments the panels may further include a second longitudinal support panel defining a left notch and a right notch. The inner left panel, the outer left panel, the inner right panel, and the outer right panel may respectively include a lower notch. The left notch of the second longitudinal support panel may be configured to engage the lower notch of the inner left panel and the outer left panel. The right notch of the second longitudinal support panel may be configured to engage the lower notch of the inner right panel and the outer right panel.
In some embodiments the panels may additionally include a rear panel, a first pair of lateral support panels extending between the rear panel and the first longitudinal support panel, a second pair of lateral support panels extending between the first longitudinal support panel and the second longitudinal support panel, and a third pair of lateral support panels extending between the second longitudinal support panel and a third longitudinal support panel. The panels may further include a bottom panel extending between the inner left panel and the inner right panel. The outer left panel and the outer right panel may be inwardly recessed with respect to a left lateral edge and a right lateral edge of the insert.
In some embodiments the panels may include a bottom panel, a plurality of lateral panels extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel, a rear panel extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel and the lateral panels, a plurality of pairs of lateral support panels extending substantially parallel to the bottom panel, each of the pairs of lateral support panels being respectively positioned at one of the differing heights, and a plurality of longitudinal support panels extending substantially parallel to the rear panel, a respective one of the longitudinal support panels extending between each of the pairs of lateral support panels. The panels may further include a plurality of rear securing panels extending from the lateral panels and engaged with the rear panel, and a plurality of intermediate securing panels extending from the lateral panels and engaged with at least one of the longitudinal support panels. The products may include containers including a tobacco-containing material. The package may be configurable between a closed configuration and a display configuration.
In a further aspect a method for forming an insert is provided. The method may include providing a blank defining a plurality of panels. The method may additionally include folding the blank inwardly between a bottom panel and a plurality of lateral panels extending therefrom such that the lateral panels extend substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel. Additionally, the method may include folding the blank inwardly between the bottom panel and a rear panel such that the bottom panel extends substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. The method may further include folding the blank inwardly between the rear panel and a pair of lateral support panels extending therefrom such that the pair of lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. The method may additionally include folding the blank inwardly between the pair of lateral support panels and a longitudinal support panel such that the longitudinal support panel extends substantially parallel to the rear panel.
In some embodiments the method may further include engaging a left notch and a right notch defined in the longitudinal support panel with a respective one of a plurality of notches defined in the lateral panels. The method may additionally include folding the blank outwardly between the longitudinal support panel and a second pair of lateral support panels such that the second pair of lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. Further, the method may include folding the blank inwardly between the second pair of lateral support panels and a second longitudinal support panel such that that second longitudinal support panel extends substantially parallel to the rear panel. The longitudinal support panel and the second longitudinal support panel may each define a left notch and a right notch. The method may additionally include engaging the left notch and the right notch of the longitudinal support panel with a respective one of a plurality of upper notches defined in the lateral panels and engaging the left notch and the right notch of the second longitudinal support panel with a respective one of a plurality of lower notches defined in the lateral panels.
In some embodiments the method may further comprise folding the blank outwardly between the second longitudinal support panel and a third pair of lateral support panels such that the third pair of lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. Additionally, the method may include folding the blank inwardly between the third pair of lateral support panels and a third longitudinal support panel such that that third longitudinal support panel extends substantially parallel to the rear panel. The method may further include folding the blank outwardly between the third longitudinal support panel and a left bottom panel such that the left bottom panel extends substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. The method may additionally include folding the blank outwardly between the third longitudinal support panel and a right bottom panel such that the right bottom panel extends substantially perpendicular to the rear panel.
In some embodiments the method may further include folding the blank inwardly between the rear panel and a plurality of outer lateral panels extending therefrom such that the outer lateral panels extend substantially parallel and adjacent to the lateral panels. Additionally, the method may include engaging a plurality of rear securing panels extending from the lateral panels with the rear panel. Further, the method may include engaging a plurality of intermediate securing panels extending from the lateral panels with the longitudinal support panel.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.
Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to certain preferred aspects. These aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The container embodiments described herein can be used to store various solid products, but are particularly well-suited for products designed for oral consumption.
Example embodiments of consumable products that are often packaged in such containers include a wide variety of moist consumer products, including tobacco products of the type that have a smokeless form. Various forms of suitable smokeless tobacco products are those types products set forth and described generally in U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2012/0193265 to Patel et al. and 2013/0206153 to Beeson et al.; which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
Of particular interest, are tobacco products that include tobacco formulations in a loose form, such as moist snuff products. Other types of smokeless tobacco products include the types of products set forth in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2012/0024301 to Carroll et al., which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Example embodiments of loose form tobacco used with the containers of the present disclosure may include tobacco formulations associated with, for example, commercially available GRIZZLY moist tobacco products and KODIAK moist tobacco products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC. Example embodiments of snus forms of tobacco products are commercially available as CAMEL Snus by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
The shape of the outer surface of the containers of the disclosure can vary. Although the container embodiments illustrated in the drawings have certain contours, containers with other exterior surface designs also can be suitably adapted and used. For example, the sides or edges of the containers of the disclosure can be flattened, rounded, or beveled, and the various surfaces or edges of the container exterior can be concave or convex. Further, the opposing sides, ends, or edges of the container can be parallel or non-parallel such that the container becomes narrower in one or more dimensions. See, for example, the types of containers, components, component arrangements and configurations, and constructions thereof set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 8,458,996 to Bried et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,781 to Pipes et al.; and D649,284 to Patel et al.; and U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2010/0018883 to Patel et al.; as well as the various types of containers referenced in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2013/0206153 to Beeson et al.; each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
The dimensions of the containers described herein can vary without departing from the scope of the disclosure. However, in highly preferred embodiments, the containers can be described as having a cylindrical size suitable for handheld manipulation and operation. Example dimensions for such handheld generally cylindrical embodiments include diameters in the range from about 50 mm to about 100 mm, and more typically from about 60 mm to about 80 mm. Example wall thicknesses include the range from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, and more typically from about 0.8 mm to about 1.4 mm. Example depths for handheld container embodiments of the present disclosure range from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, more typically from about 8 mm to about 30 mm, and most often from about 15 mm to about 25 mm. In some embodiments a general outward appearance of the container is comparable in many regards to that have been used for commercially available GRIZZLY and KODIAK products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC.
However, in other highly preferred embodiments, the size of the containers described herein may vary from the above-described dimensions. For example, the containers may be sized for promotional purposes by providing either increased or decreased dimensions as compared to typical dimensions for such containers. In this regard, containers having increased or decreased dimensions may define a relatively more eye-catching appearance.
By way of further example, the dimensions of the containers may be scaled upwardly or downwardly by certain multipliers. In this regard, in some embodiments the dimensions of the container may be scaled upwardly or downwardly by a multiple from about one to about ten times. Thus, whereas a conventional container according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to store about 1.2 ounces of a tobacco-containing material, an oversized container may be configured to store, for example, 2.4 ounces or 7.2 ounces of the tobacco containing material. In specialty markets the containers may define a larger cylindrical configuration having a diameter from about 100 mm to about 140 mm (e.g., preferably about 120 mm) and a depth from about 30 mm to about 50 mm (e.g., preferably about 40 mm). Containers having such a size may define a relatively eye-catching appearance. Further, it is noted that the dimensions and capacities of the containers disclosed herein are provided for example purposes only and may be modified to suit particular purposes.
Referring to
The bottom wall 22 and the side wall 24 cooperate to define a sealed lower internal storage compartment 26 for storage of an environment modification material 25. The lower internal storage compartment 26 is bounded at a top by an intermediate wall 28 (e.g., an intermediate bottom wall, or false bottom) that is engaged with the side wall 24 at a position upwardly displaced from the bottom wall 22 and towards an upper region or portion 30 (see, e.g.,
Thus, the body portion 20 may include first (e.g., the upper internal storage compartment 29) and second (e.g., the lower internal storage compartment 26) compartments. The relative dimensions of the upper internal storage compartment 29 and lower internal storage compartment 26 of the body portion 20 of the container 10 can vary. For example, the ratio of the volume of the upper internal storage compartment 29 to that of the lower internal storage compartment 26 of a sealed container 10 can range from about 6:1 to about 2:1, and most often from about 5:1 to about 3:1.
The intermediate bottom wall 28 possesses at least one aperture, through hole, perforation, or air passageway 39 defined therethrough, or is otherwise adapted to allow for atmosphere within the lower internal storage compartment 26 to pass between that compartment and the upper internal storage compartment 29. The air passageways 39 may be formed in the intermediate bottom wall 28 (e.g., molded therein) or punched or otherwise removed therefrom. The size, number and positioning of the air passageways 39 in the intermediate bottom wall 28 are such that the environment modification material 25 located in the lower internal storage compartment 26 can act upon the atmosphere within the upper internal storage compartment 29. The air passageways 39 also are configured so as to allow the contents of the lower storage compartment 26 (e.g., the environment modification material 25) to be physically separated from the upper internal storage compartment 29. In this regard, the intermediate wall 28 may comprise a screen, a permeable membrane, or any other barrier configured to prevent physical contact between the contents of the upper internal storage compartment 29 and the contents of the lower internal storage compartment 26 while allowing the environment modification material 25 to affect the atmosphere within the upper internal storage compartment. In some embodiments, a barrier between the upper internal storage compartment 29 and the lower internal storage compartment 26 can be gas permeable and can be substantially impermeable to liquids.
In this regard, the upper internal storage compartment 29 may be configured to receive a product such as a tobacco-containing material 41 (e.g., a smokeless tobacco product) in any form (e.g., packaged or loose) therein. The cover 21 may define an upper boundary of the upper internal storage compartment 29 when coupled to the body portion 20. In this regard, the cover 21 is typically removably secured to the upper region 30 (see, e.g.,
As illustrated, the cover 21 may include a top wall 42, which, in some instances, may be substantially planar, and a peripheral flange 44 depending from the top wall which is shown as being cylindrical, and which extends to a lower edge 46. The peripheral flange 44 of the cover 21 is configured to be received over the side wall 24 of the body portion 20 so as to form an enclosure therebetween. The illustrated peripheral flange 44 possesses an outer surface 48, and may include a substantially flat or smooth inner surface 50 (see,
The material of construction of the body portion 20 of the container 10 can vary. Example embodiments of preferred materials include metal and synthetic plastic materials. Polymeric materials that can be extruded and/or molded into desired shapes are typically utilized, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and the like. For example, plastic materials may be injection molded to form the body portion 20. Example embodiments of preferred body portions are those that incorporate polymeric materials such as those types of plastic-type materials commonly used for popular types of smokeless tobacco products. For example, body portions formed from polymeric materials are comparable to the components and general structures used for commercially available CAMEL Snuff, GRIZZLY and KODIAK products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC. Various metallic materials may additionally or alternatively be employed to form the body portion 20 of the container 10. Body portions formed from metallic materials are available from J. L. Clark of Rockford, Ill., Crown Cork and Seal of Philadelphia, Pa., and Independent Can of Belcamp, Md. The metallic materials may include tinplate or tinplated steel in some embodiments.
The manner by which the body portion 20 of the container 10 is manufactured can vary. As discussed hereinafter, the intermediate bottom wall 28 and/or the bottom wall 22 may be substantially irreversibly (e.g., irreleasably and permanently) attached to the remainder of the body portion 20. In a highly preferred embodiment, the intermediate bottom wall 28 and the side wall 24 that defines the side walls of the upper and lower internal compartments 29, 26 are integral with one another. As such, those components of the body portion 20 may be manufactured as one piece. In one embodiment the intermediate bottom wall 28 and the side wall 24 may be joined by injection molding or any of the various other formation and coupling techniques.
In a preferred embodiment, the body portion 20 is formed from a polymeric material, while the cover 21 is formed from a metallic material such as, for example, aluminum or tinplate. Such a configuration is advantageous in that it provides an aesthetically appealing appearance by using a metallic cover 21 (which is typically stamped), while also allowing the body to be less expensively produced using, for example, an injection molding process. In this manner, a rib structure (as described below) may be more easily and less expensively formed at the body portion 20 (i.e., via plastic injection molding instead of metallic stamping). Example embodiments of covers formed from metallic materials are those used for commercially available CAMEL Snuff, GRIZZLY and KODIAK products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC. In this regard, the cover 21 can be manufactured from iron or steel, which can be plated with a thin layer of tin, and then overcoated with primers, epoxy lacquers, and the like. A thin layer of thermoplastic (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene) can be applied over epoxy lacquer coated tin plated steel. However, if desired, the cover can be manufactured from polymeric materials, such as polymeric materials identical to those used to produce the body portion.
Accordingly, the container 10 may be formed from various materials including, for example, metal and/or plastic. In some embodiments the container may optionally include a gasket configured to seal the connection between the cover 21 and the body portion 20 as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,458,996 to Bried et al. or U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,781 to Pipes et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Further, in one embodiment the body portion 20 and/or the cover 21 may be formed from two or more materials. For example, in one embodiment the body portion 20 may comprise a plastic insert or liner inside of a metal outer body. This body portion may be combined with a metal cover such that the container appears to be all metal when the exterior thereof is viewed. Use of a plastic insert in a metal outer body is employed in containers for CAMEL Snus, as marketed by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, GRIZZLY moist tobacco products, as marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC, and MARLBORO snus, as marketed by Philip Morris.
When the tobacco-containing material 41 is a loose tobacco product, the amount of tobacco product stored in the upper storage compartment 29 of the container 10 can also vary. Typically, for example, the amount of stored moist tobacco product varies from about 20 g to about 50 g, and most often is provided in weights from about 30 g to about 40 g and may be embodied in loose form. When the tobacco-containing material 41 is a pouched or snus-type of product, the number of solid product units stored in a representative container can also vary, and will depend upon factors such as the size of the container 10, the size of the product units, the degree of container fill, and the like. Typically, the number of stored pouched product units will vary from about 5 to about 30, more typically from about 10 to about 25, and often from about 15 to about 20.
Various embodiments of the environment modification material 25 may be employed. The environment modification material 25 can be selected so as to provide for alteration or control of the atmosphere within the sealed container 10. For example, the environment modification material 25 can be selected so as to control the level of certain gases, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide, within the container 10. The environment modification material 25 also can have the form of a humidity control device or formulation, and as such, the degree of moisture within the sealed container 10 can be controlled. As such, the environment modification material 25 can be a selected from materials or formulations that have desiccant properties. Alternatively, a preferred humidity control device is of the type set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,026 to Saari et al, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
In one embodiment the environment modification material 25 may be configured to provide moisture to, or remove moisture from, the atmosphere in the container 10, depending on the level of humidity in the atmosphere in the container. An example embodiment of such an environment modification material is sold under the trade name BOVEDA PACK by Serious Cigars of Houston, Tex. As yet another example, the environment modification material 25 may comprise a material that is capable of imparting sensory attributes, such as flavor or aroma characteristics, to the tobacco-containing material 41 that is stored within the sealed container 10. For example, the environment modification material 25 can be comprised of volatile flavor and/or aroma substances carried by a substrate material that provides for controlled release of those volatile substances. Various other examples of environmental modification materials include ion exchange materials (e.g., resins), preservatives, desiccants, and aromatic materials.
The environment modification material 25 may be embodied in a number of different foims. For example, the environment modification material 25 may comprise beads (e.g., alumina beads), films (e.g., impregnated films), loose material, material in a package (e.g., a fabric package), material in a packet (e.g., a porous paper packet) or a sachet, plastic materials, sponges, sponge-type material, carbon materials (e.g., charcoal), etc. The amount of environment modification material 25 that is incorporated into the container 10 can vary. The amount of environment modification material 25 may range from about 10 g to about 50 g and preferably from about 15 g to about 30 g. Note that this amount corresponds to a typically-sized container and may be scaled appropriately, depending on the size of the container, in proportion to the volume of the container and/or the quantity of tobacco containing material received in the container.
As noted above, in one embodiment the environment modification material 25 may be configured to control a humidity level within the container 10. In this regard, it may be desirable to maintain the relative humidity within the upper internal storage compartment 29 of the container 10 from about 20% to about 90%. By way of example, snus may preferably be stored at a relative humidity from about 25% to about 35%. Moist snuff may preferably be stored at a relative humidity from about 75% to about 90%. Accordingly, the environment modification material 25 may be configured to maintain relative humidity levels within the upper internal storage compartment 29 within these ranges when such tobacco-containing materials 41 are received therein. In this regard, as noted above, the environment modification material 25 may be configured to provide moisture to and/or remove moisture from the atmosphere in the container 10, depending on the level of humidity in the atmosphere in the container, such that the relative humidity level in the upper internal storage compartment 29 falls within a desired range.
As described below, the rib structure may be configured to allow for venting from the container. However, it should be understood that venting is optional depending on the particular type of product stored therein. For example, venting may be employed in conjunction with moist snuff smokeless tobacco products. Alternatively, venting may not be required for pasteurized smokeless tobacco products such as snus, which may be sealed in an airtight container.
The rib projections 68 may extend radially outwardly from the rib wall 66 or extend directly radially outwardly from the outer peripheral surface 27 of the side wall 24 of the body portion 20. In some instances, the rib projection 68 may extend along the entire width of an end of the rib wall 66 proximate to the open end of the body portion 20. Although the rib projections 68 are shown in spaced relation to the top edge 69 of the body portion 20, the position of the rib projections may vary in relation to the top edge, meaning the rib projection could be moved closer to or further away from the top edge 69. In some instances, the rib projections 68 have a substantially arcuate or rounded profile, although other configurations may also be employed, such as, for example, a configuration in which the rib projection 68 terminate at a substantially sharp edge distal from the outer peripheral surface 27.
When the cover 21 (see,
Further, a plurality of bumps or protrusions 70 may be positioned on the top edge 69 of the body portion 20. As described below, the protrusions 70 may facilitate venting through the vent channels 64 when the cover 21 (see,
Example dimensions for the rib projections 68 include heights in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 0.75 mm. As used herein, height refers to the major dimension of the rib projection 68 that extends from the side wall 24, as indicated by reference character B. Further, a height C of the rib wall 66, also defined relative to the side wall 24, may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.3 mm. Rib projections 68 may be positioned in a range from about 1.5 mm to about 2.0 mm below the top edge 69 of the side wall 24 below the top edge.
In instances where the lip 32 is provided on the body portion 20, the lower edge 46 of the peripheral flange 44 may interact with the surface 36 (see,
Alternatively, the lip 32 may be displaced from the lower edge 46 of the peripheral flange 44 when the cover 21 is fully received on the body portion 20 to allow for venting from the vent channels 64 to the exterior of the container 10. For example, the dimensions of the protrusions 70, the neck region 34 of the side wall 24, and/or the peripheral flange 44 of the cover 21 may be configured to provide a separation between the lower edge 46 of the peripheral flange and the lip 32. Regardless of whether the lower edge 46 of the peripheral flange abuts the lip 32, the protrusions 70 may provide upper vent channels 71 between each pair of the protrusions and between the top wall 42 of the lid and the top edge 69 of the body portion 20. The upper vent channels 71 may be in communication with the vent channels 64 to facilitate venting of the container 10 in the manner described above.
The cylindrical outer surface 48 of the cover 21 may typically have the same approximate size or diameter as the side wall 24 of the body portion 20, such that the cover 21 and the body portion form a smooth exterior surface when the cover is placed over the neck region 34 of the side wall and fully seated upon the body portion. For example, the peripheral flange 44 of the cover 21 can engage the rib projections 68 in such a manner that the outer peripheral surface 27 of the body portion 20 below the lip 32 is substantially flush with the outer surface 48 of the cover 21. In other words, in some instances, the peripheral flange 44 of the cover 21 may not be deflected by the rib structure 60 to such a degree that causes the peripheral flange 44 to extend outwardly beyond the lip 32.
Although the embodiment of the cover 21 is described above as generally defining a substantially planar top wall 42 and a peripheral flange 44 extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom to the lower edge 46, various other configurations of the cover may be employed. In this regard, by way of example,
Further, the peripheral flange 44′ may include an indentation 80′ defined in an outer surface 48′ of the peripheral flange. The indentation 80′ may form a protrusion 82′ at an inner surface 50′ of the peripheral flange 44′. The protrusion 82′ may be configured to engage a rib structure to prevent accidental release of the cover 21′ from a body portion (see, e.g., body portion 20 including the rib structure 60 in
In order to form the various curves, indentation, angles and bends described above, in some embodiments the cover 21′ and other covers described herein may comprise stamped metal (e.g., tin). However, in other embodiments the cover may be formed in other manners beyond stamping. Further, the cover may comprise various other materials as described above.
Referring to
However, various other configurations of the intermediate bottom wall and the air passageways extending therethrough may be provided. For example,
Accordingly, the air passageways 39 may be positioned at a variety of locations within the intermediate bottom wall 28. Further, various quantities, sizes, and shapes of the air passageways 39 may be employed. Other types of air passageways include, e.g., through holes extending through a screen or a layer of fabric. However, any of various embodiments of the intermediate bottom wall 28 and the air passageways 39 may be employed so long as the intermediate bottom wall is configured to prevent the environment modification material 25 from entering the upper internal storage compartment 29, prevent the tobacco-containing material 41 from entering the bottom internal storage compartment 26, and allow the environment modification material to affect the atmosphere within the upper internal storage compartment (e.g., by allowing airflow between the lower internal storage compartment and the upper internal storage compartment).
In this regard, the bottom wall 22 may be hermetically sealed to side wall 24 of the body portion 20. For example, the bottom wall 22 may be retained in engagement with the side wall 24 of the body portion 20 via one-way hooks, hinges, rivets, adhesives, sealants, gaskets, welds (e.g., ultrasonic welds, foil laminate ultrasonic welds, friction stir welds), etc., or any combination thereof. Examples of hermetic sealing and various other permanent joint arrangements are disclosed, by way of example, in PCT Application WO 2009068915 A2 to Warwick et al. and EP 0813946 A1 to Davis et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. An example embodiment of an induction sealing system for welding foil laminates, which may be employed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, is available from Enercon Industries Corporation of Menomonee Falls, Wis.
The transverse wall 174 may include the air passageways 139 extending therethrough. In this regard, the transverse wall 174 may include air passageways 139 extending transversely to the air passageways in the remainder of the intermediate bottom wall 128 in some embodiments. Alternatively, only the transverse wall 174 may include the air passageways 139. Including air passageways 139 in the transverse wall 174 may be desirable in that it may provide additional airflow therethrough, and these air passageways may be less prone to blockage due to the transverse orientation, such that gravity may not press tobacco-containing material (e.g., tobacco-containing material 41, as illustrated in
The intermediate wall 228 may extend around the periphery of the first internal storage compartment 229 (e.g., extending around the circumference thereof in the illustrated embodiment) such that the second internal storage compartment 226 surrounds the periphery of the first internal storage compartment (e.g., surrounding the circumference thereof in the illustrated embodiment). In this regard, the intermediate wall 228 may be radially inwardly displaced from the side wall 224 such that the second internal storage compartment defines an annular configuration. Use of such a configuration may hide the second internal storage compartment 226 from a consumer, such that a consumer does not know of, and thereby does not attempt to gain access to, the second internal storage compartment. In this regard, the top of the intermediate wall 228 may be integrally formed with, or otherwise coupled to, the side wall 224 or other part of the body portion 220 such that the second internal storage compartment 226 is sealed at the top and a consumer may not view into the second internal storage compartment. Further, the second internal storage compartment 226 may be enclosed at a bottom thereof by a bottom wall 222 of the body portion 220 in some embodiments.
In one embodiment the width of the annular space between the side wall 224 and the intermediate wall 228 may be from about 3.8 mm to about 12.7 mm, and preferably about 6.4 mm. Accordingly, the distance between the side wall 224 and the intermediate wall 228 may be relatively small. As noted above, this may assist in concealing the presence of the second internal storage compartment 226.
The intermediate wall 228 may include perforations or air passageways 239 that allow the environmental modification material 225 to act through the intermediate wall upon an atmosphere within the first internal storage compartment 229. The air passageways 239 may be positioned within the intermediate wall 228 at locations from a top to a bottom of the intermediate wall in one embodiment. Alternatively, as illustrated, the air passageways 239 may be separated from the bottom wall 222 (e.g., spaced therefrom from about 0.25 6.4 mm to about 25.4 mm and preferably about 12.7 mm) in some embodiments. Such a spacing may be configured to prevent any tobacco-containing material 241 (e.g., crumbs or particles thereof) from entering the air passageways 239, such that the air passageways do not become blocked and the tobacco-containing material does not enter the second internal storage compartment 226.
Referring to
A portion of a bottom wall 322 of the body portion 320 of the container 310 possesses the form of a door or flap 380 which is shown as open, but which is configured to be sealed shut to maintain the environment modification material 325 sealed in the lower internal storage compartment 326. In this regard, the flap 380 may be configured to be substantially irreversibly shut in some embodiments, such that a user may not remove the flap during ordinary use thereof. For example, the flap 380 may be retained in the closed configuration via one-way hooks, hinges, rivets, adhesives, sealants, gaskets, welds (e.g., ultrasonic welds, foil laminate ultrasonic welds, and friction stir welds), etc., or any combination thereof.
Further, the flap 380 may be hermetically sealed to the remainder of the bottom wall 322. Examples of hermetic sealing and other permanent coupling arrangements are disclosed, by way of example, in PCT Application WO 2009068915 A2 to Warwick et al. and EP 0813946 A1 to Davis et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. An example embodiment of an induction sealing process for welding foil laminates, which may be employed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure to seal the flap 380 to the remainder of the bottom wall 322 is available from Enercon Industries Corporation of Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Note that while embodiments of containers are described above and illustrated in the drawings as having particular configurations (e.g., cylindrical), these embodiments are provided for example purposes only. In this regard, the containers of the present disclosure may embody any of various configurations in which a container includes two chambers separated by a barrier (e.g., a semipermeable barrier) configured to prevent movement of a product from one chamber to the other while allowing for environmental exchange, particularly gases and vapors, between the chambers. Accordingly, the configurations of the containers incorporating aspects of the present disclosure may differ from the particular example embodiments disclosed above. For example, the two chambers may be one on top of the other, beside each other, or configured in any of various other manners.
Thus, as noted above, embodiments of the present disclosure may include an environment modification material, which may affect an environment within a container so as to preserve or otherwise affect a tobacco-containing material or other material received therein. Accordingly, as described above, an intermediate wall having air passageways extending therethrough may be employed to divide an interior of a body portion of the container into first and second internal storage compartments into which the tobacco-containing material and the environment modification material may be respectively received.
However, use of the environment modification material and the intermediate wall is optional. In this regard,
In this regard, the body portion 420 includes a bottom wall 422, which in some instances, may be substantially planar, and at least one side wall 424 which, depending from the shape of bottom wall, may be generally cylindrical (as shown). The side wall 424 defines a peripheral portion of the container 410 such that the side wall includes an outer peripheral surface 427.
Further, the cover 421 may include a top wall 442, which, in some instances, may be substantially planar, and a peripheral flange 444 depending from the top wall which is shown as being cylindrical, and which extends to a lower edge 446. The peripheral flange 444 of the cover 421 is configured to be received over the side wall 424 of the body portion 420 so as to form an enclosure therebetween. The illustrated peripheral flange 444 possesses an outer surface 448 that may be configured to align with the outer peripheral surface 427 of the side wall 424 of the body portion 420. In some embodiments the lid 421 may include a rib structure that is substantially similar to the rib structure 60 described above with respect to the container 10 illustrated in
However, the container 410 may differ from the embodiments of containers described above in that the container illustrated in
With respect to any of the embodiments of containers disclosed herein, as part of the final packaging process after filling the containers with a desired amount of smokeless tobacco product or other tobacco-containing material, the containers may be sealed (e.g., by placing the cover over the body portion), and the sealed containers optionally can be further sealed with a circumferential label or wrapper of a pervious or impervious material. The label or wrapping material can vary. Typically, the selection of the packaging label or wrapper is dependent upon factors such as aesthetics, desired barrier properties (e.g., so as to provide protection from exposure to oxygen, or so as to provide protection from loss of moisture), or the like.
Accordingly, various embodiments of containers for tobacco-containing materials are provided above. It may be desirable to provide suitable packaging and product displays for the above-described containers and various other products. In this regard, embodiments of the present disclosure are further directed to accessory items that may be employed in conjunction with the above-described containers and various other embodiments of products.
In this regard,
As illustrated, the blank 500 may comprise a first major surface 500′. Further, a second major surface 500″ may oppose the first major surface 500′. The blank 500 may define a plurality of panels 500a-p. The panels 500a-p may be separated by folds, cuts, score lines, and/or any other feature defining a boundary. Accordingly, the blank 500 may be integral in one embodiment, and the panels 500a-p may comprise portions thereof.
The blank 500 may include a plurality of lateral panels 500a-e. The lateral panels 500a-e may include a front panel 500a, a rear panel 500b, a left panel 500c, a right panel 500d, an overlapping panel 500e, and an interlocking panel 500f. Further, the blank 500 may include a plurality of top panels 500g-l. The top panels 500g-l may include an upper top panel 500g, a sloped top panel 500h, a left inner panel 500i, a right inner panel 500j, a left corner panel 500k, and a right corner panel 500l. Additionally, the blank 500 may include a plurality of bottom panels 500m-p. The bottom panels 500m-p may include a front bottom panel 500m, a rear bottom panel 500n, a left bottom panel 500o, and a right bottom panel 500p.
The blank 500 may be assembled into a package. For example, assembling the blank 500 into a package may involve folding the blank. Unless otherwise noted below, each of the folds employed in forming the blank 500 into a package involves moving the first major surface 500′ of the referenced panels toward one another. Alternatively, unless otherwise noted below, each of the folds may involve moving the second major surface 500″ of the referenced panels toward one another. Folds that are conducted in a differing direction from other folds are referenced as being “opposing.”
By way of example, the blank 500 may be folded between the front panel 500a and the left panel 500c. Further, the blank 500 may be folded between the front panel 500a and the right panel 500d. Thereby, the left panel 500c and the right panel 500d may extend substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front panel 500a.
The blank 500 may also be folded between the left panel 500c and the overlapping panel 500e. Further, the blank may be folded between the right panel 500d and the rear panel 500b. Thus, the overlapping panel 500e and the rear panel 500b may extend substantially parallel to one another and the front panel 500a and substantially perpendicular to the left panel 500c and the right panel 500d. The overlapping panel 500e and the rear panel 500b may overlap when folded in this manner.
In order to retain the front panel 500a, the rear panel 500b, the left panel 500c, and the right panel 500d in this folded configuration, the overlapping panel 500e may be secured to the rear panel. For example, an adhesive 502e may be applied to the first major surface 500′ at the overlapping panel 500e, such that when the second major surface 500″ of the rear panel 500b is folded thereagainst, a bond is formed between the overlapping panel and the rear panel. In this regard, in some embodiments the overlapping panel 500e may be positioned inwardly from the rear panel 500b when coupled thereto in order to provide the resultant package with a smooth exterior appearance.
Further, the bottom panels 500m-p may be folded. In this regard, each of the bottom panels 500m-p may be folded inwardly such that each bottom panel is substantially perpendicular to the lateral panels 500a-e. More particularly, the front bottom panel 500m may be folded inwardly and the left bottom panel 500o may be folded thereagainst. Similarly, the rear bottom panel 500n may be folded inwardly and the right bottom panel 500p may be folded thereagainst.
In some embodiments the first major surface 500′ of the blank 500 may include an adhesive 502m at the front bottom panel 500m and an adhesive 502n at the rear bottom panel 500n. Accordingly, a bond may be formed between the first major surface 500′ of the front bottom panel 500m and the second major surface 500″ of the left bottom panel 500o. In particular, the adhesive 502m on the front bottom panel 500m may engage a portion 504o of the left bottom panel 500o at the second major surface 500″. Similarly, a bond may be formed between the first major surface 500′ of the rear bottom panel 500n and the second major surface 500″ of the right bottom panel 500p. In particular, the adhesive 502p on the rear bottom panel 500n may engage a portion 504p of the right bottom panel 500p at the second major surface 500″.
In order to complete a bottom of the package formed from the blank 500, the left bottom panel 500o and the right bottom panel 500p may be engaged with one another. In this regard, as illustrated, the left bottom panel 500o and the right bottom panel 500p may respectively include cutouts 506o, 506p configured to provide for engagement therebetween. Thus, the left bottom panel 500o and the right bottom panel 500p may be folded in manner whereby a portion of the left bottom panel is inwardly positioned relative to the right bottom panel, and a portion of the left bottom panel is positioned outwardly relative to the right bottom panel. Note that while a particular order of steps is described above in folding the blank 500, these steps may be conducted in differing sequences in other embodiments.
Accordingly, as illustrated in
The above-described procedure causes the package 602 to define an open configuration in which an inner cavity 604 defined by the panels 500a-p is accessible. Accordingly, one or more products may be placed into the package 602. In some embodiments it may be desirable to support products received in the inner cavity 604 for display purposes. For example, as described below, the package 602 may be configured to display products for sale or other purposes.
In this regard,
As illustrated, the blank 700 may comprise a first major surface 700′. Further, a second major surface 700″ may oppose the first major surface 700′. The blank 700 may define a plurality of panels 700a-m. The panels 700a-m may be separated by folds, cuts, score lines, and/or any other feature defining a boundary. Accordingly, the blank 700 may be integral in one embodiment, and the panels 700a-m may comprise portions thereof.
The panels 700a-m may include a rear panel 700a, a left lateral panel 700b, a right lateral panel 700c, and a bottom panel 700d. Further, the panels 700a-m may include a plurality of elevated panels 700e-k. The elevated panels 700e-k may be elevated with respect to the bottom panel 700d and configured to hold and display products. As illustrated, the elevated panels 700e-k may include a plurality of longitudinal support panels 700e-h. Additionally, the elevated panels 700e-k may include a plurality of pairs of lateral support panels 700i-k. One or more locking panels 700l, 700m may extend from one of the longitudinal support panels 700f.
The blank 700 may be assembled into an insert. Unless otherwise noted below, each of the folds employed in forming the insert involve moving the first major surface 700′ of the referenced panels toward one another. Alternatively, unless otherwise noted below, each of the folds may involve moving the second major surface 700″ of the referenced panels toward one another. Folds that are conducted in a differing direction from other folds are referenced as being “opposing.”
In this regard, the blank 700 may be folded between the bottom panel 700d and the rear panel 700a such that the rear panel extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel. For example, the bottom panel 700d may extend substantially horizontally and the rear panel 700a may extend substantially vertically after being folded relative to one another. The blank 700 may be folded between the rear panel 700a and a first pair of lateral support panels 700i such that the lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel (e.g., substantially horizontal).
Further, the blank 700 may be folded between the first pair of lateral support panels 700i and a first longitudinal support panel 700e, such that the first longitudinal support panel extends downwardly (e.g., substantially vertically) from the first pair of lateral support panels 700i. The blank 700 may also be folded between the first longitudinal support panel 700e and a second pair of lateral support panels 700j, such that the second pair of lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular thereto (e.g., substantially horizontal). This fold may be conducted in an opposing manner such that the second pair of lateral support panels 700j extends away from, rather than toward, the first pair of lateral support panels 700i.
The blank 700 may additionally be folded between the second pair of lateral support panels 700j and a second longitudinal support panel 700f. Thereby, the second longitudinal support panel 700f may extend substantially perpendicular to the second pair of lateral support panels 700j (e.g., substantially vertical). The blank 700 may additionally be folded between the second longitudinal support panel 700f and a third pair of lateral support panels 700k. This fold may be conducted in an opposing manner such that the third pair of lateral support panels 700k extends away from, rather than toward, the second pair of lateral support panels 700j. Thereby, the third pair of lateral support panels 700k may extend substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the second longitudinal support panel 700f.
Further, the blank 700 may be folded between the third pair of lateral support panels 700k and a third longitudinal support panel 700g. Thereby, the third longitudinal support panel 700f may extend substantially vertically and perpendicular to the third pair of lateral support panels 700k. Additionally, the blank 700 may be folded between the bottom panel 700d and a fourth longitudinal support panel 700h. Thereby, the fourth longitudinal support panel 700h may extend upward substantially vertically and perpendicular to the bottom panel 700d. Further, the fourth longitudinal support panel 700h may be positioned against and substantially parallel to the third longitudinal support panel 700g.
In some embodiments the third and fourth longitudinal support panels 700g, 700h may be secured to one another (e.g., via adhesive), to retain the folded configuration described above. However, additional or alternative securing mechanisms may be employed to retain the blank 700 in the folded configuration. In this regard, the locking panels 700l, 700m may be folded toward the second longitudinal support panel 700f such that they extend substantially perpendicular thereto. Thereby, the locking panels 700l, 700m may engage notches 702b, 702c defined in the lateral panels 700b, 700c to retain the folded configuration.
As illustrated in dashed outline in
The rear securing panels 700n, 700o may be configured to engage the rear panel 700a. For example, the first major surface 700′ of the rear securing panels 700n, 700o may be secured to the second major surface 700″ of the rear panel 700a. Alternatively, the second major surface 700″ of the rear securing panels 700n, 700o may be secured to the first major surface 700′ of the rear panel 700a.
Further, the intermediate securing panels ‘700p, 700q may be configured to engage the first longitudinal support panel 700e. For example, the first major surface 700’ of the intermediate securing panels 700p, 700q may be secured to the second major surface 700″ of the first longitudinal support panel 700e. Alternatively, the second major surface 700″ of the intermediate securing panels 700p, 700q may be secured to the first major surface 700′ of the first longitudinal support panel 700e.
The rear securing panels 700n, 700o may be secured to the rear panel 700a, and the intermediate securing panels 700p, 700q may be secured to the first longitudinal support panel 700e, via an adhesive or glue. Thereby, engagement between the rear securing panels 700n, 700o and the rear panel 700a, and between the intermediate securing panels 700p, 700q and the first longitudinal support panel 700e may further stiffen and strengthen the insert formed from the blank 700. Thereby, as described below, the insert may support the weight of products.
Accordingly, the above-described operations may be employed to form an insert 800, as illustrated in
As noted above, the insert 800 may optionally be employed in conjunction with the package 602. In this regard,
The insert 800 may be configured to hold any of various products. In this regard, the insert 800 may define a plurality of compartments 802a-d configured to respectively receive a product. Note that in the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the compartments 802a-d are configured to receive containers (e.g., embodiments of the containers described above). Thus, the compartments 802a-d define a shape and size configured to receive corresponding containers (e.g., containers that are generally cylindrical). As may be understood, the insert may be configured to support various other shapes, sizes, and number of products in other embodiments.
However, in the illustrated embodiment, the insert 800 defines four compartments 802a-d. A first compartment 802a may be defined between the front panel 500a of the package 602 and the fourth longitudinal support panel 700h of the insert 800. A second compartment 802b may be defined between the fourth longitudinal support panel 700h (and/or the third longitudinal support panel 700g) and the second longitudinal support panel 700f of the insert 800. Further, a third compartment 802c may be defined between the second longitudinal support panel 700f and the first longitudinal support panel 708e of the insert 800. Additionally, a fourth compartment 802d may be defined between the first longitudinal support panel 700e and the rear panel 700a of the insert 800.
The packaged product assembly 900 is illustrated in an open configuration in
Accordingly, the package 602 of the packaged product assembly 900 may be configured to a closed configuration, as illustrated in
In this regard, in some embodiments the package 602 may be configurable between the closed configuration illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated, the sloped top panel 500h may be folded along a fold line 512 during formation of the display 608. Thereby, the sloped top panel 500h may be folded inwardly toward the rear panel 500b (see, e.g.,
The sloped top panel 500h may include a slit 518 (see,
However, in order to more prominently display the container 810a-d or other product received in the inner cavity 604, the base portion 508b may include a disposable portion 508b′ (seem e.g.,
Accordingly, as illustrated in
A related product display method is also provided. As illustrated in
In some embodiments transforming the convertible packaging device to the display configuration at operation 1004 may further comprise removing a disposable portion of the base portion of the panels. Removing the disposable portion of the base portion of the panels may comprise removing at least a portion of one or more lateral panels. Removing the disposable portion of the base portion of the panels may further comprise removing at least a portion of a front panel. Engaging the reconfigurable portion of the panels with the base portion of the panels to define the display may comprise engaging the reconfigurable portion with a rear tab defined by a cut in a rear panel.
Note that although particular example embodiments of inserts are described above, the 602 (see, e.g.,
However, as described above, the support panels may require usage of an adhesive or glue to provide the insert with additional support. Adhesives and glues may require time to dry or cure, and may complicate the assembly process associated with forming an insert from a blank. Accordingly, in other embodiments it may be preferable to provide a blank configured to form an insert that supports containers or other products without usage of adhesives or glues.
In this regard, by way of additional example,
As illustrated, the blank 1100 may comprise a first major surface 1100′. Further, a second major surface 1100″ may oppose the first major surface 1100′. The blank 1100 may define a plurality of panels 1100a-n. The panels 1100a-n may be separated by folds, cuts, score lines, and/or any other feature defining a boundary. Accordingly, the blank 1100 may be integral in one embodiment, and the panels 1100a-n may comprise portions thereof.
The panels 1100a-n may include a rear panel 1100a, an inner left panel 1100b, an outer left panel 1100c, an inner right panel 1100d, an outer right panel 1100e, a bottom panel 1100f (which may also be referred to as a rear bottom panel), a left bottom panel 1100g, and a right bottom panel 1100h. Further, the panels 1100a-n may include a plurality of elevated panels 1100i-n. The elevated panels 1100i-n may be at least partially elevated with respect to the bottom panels 1100f-h and configured to hold and display products. As illustrated, the elevated panels 1100i-n may include a plurality of longitudinal support panels 1100i-k. Additionally, the elevated panels 1100i-n may include a plurality of pairs of lateral support panels 11001-n.
The blank 1100 may be assembled (e.g., folded and otherwise manipulated, as described below) into an insert. Unless otherwise noted below, each of the folds employed in forming the insert from the blank 1100 involve moving the first major surface 1100′ of the referenced panels toward one another, which may be referenced as an inward fold. Alternatively, unless otherwise noted below, each of the folds may involve moving the second major surface 1100″ of the referenced panels toward one another, which may also be referenced as inward. Folds that are conducted in a differing direction from other folds are referenced as being opposing or outward.
The bottom panel 1100f extends between the inner left panel 1100b and the inner right panel 1100d. The blank 1100 may be folded between the bottom panel 1100f and the inner left panel 1100b and between the bottom panel 1100f and the inner right panel 1100d such that the inner left and right panels extend substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel. For example, the bottom panel 1100f may extend substantially horizontally and the inner left panel 1100b and the inner right panel 1100d may extend substantially vertically after being folded relative to one another. In order to allow this folding operation, the inner left panel 1100b and the outer left panel 1100c may be separated by a cut line, and the inner right panel 1100d and the outer right panel 1100e may be respectively separated by a cut line.
Additionally, the blank 1100 may be folded between the bottom panel 1100f and the rear panel 1100a. Thereby, the bottom panel 1100f may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 1100a. Further, the blank 1100 may be folded between the rear panel 1100a and the outer left panel 1100c, and between the rear panel 1100a and the outer right panel 1100e. Thereby, the outer left panel 1100c and the outer right panel 1100e may extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 1100a and substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 1100f.
In this configuration, the outer left panel 1100c may extend substantially parallel and adjacent to the inner left panel 1100b. Similarly, the outer right panel 1100e may extend substantially parallel and adjacent to the inner right panel 1100d. Accordingly, each of the lateral panels 1100b-e may extend substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 1100f. In some embodiments the inner left panel 1100b may be in contact with the outer left panel 1100c and the inner right panel 1100d may be in contact with the outer right panel 1100e, which may facilitate engagement of notches as described below.
Further, the blank 1100 may be folded between a first pair of lateral support panels 11001 and the rear panel 1100a. Thereby, the first pair of lateral support panels 11001 may extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 1100a. Further, a first longitudinal support panel 1100i may be folded relative to the first pair of lateral support panels 11001. Thereby, the first longitudinal support panel 1100i may extend substantially perpendicular to the first pair of lateral support panels 11001, and substantially parallel to the rear panel 1100a. A cutout 1102a surrounded by the first pair of lateral support panels 11001, the rear panel 1100a, and the first longitudinal support panel 1100i may facilitate the folds between the first pair of lateral support panels 11001 and the rear panel 1100a and between the first pair of lateral support panels and the first longitudinal support panel 1100i.
The blank 1100 may also be folded between the first longitudinal support panel 1100i and a second pair of lateral support panels 1100m, such that the second pair of lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular thereto (e.g., substantially horizontal). This fold may be conducted in an opposing manner such that the second pair of lateral support panels 1100m extends away from, rather than toward, the rear panel 1100a.
In order to allow for formation of the fold between the first longitudinal support panel 1100i and the second pair of lateral support panels 1100m, one or more slits, cutouts, or cuts 1102b may be defined through the blank 1100 between the first longitudinal support panel 1100i and a second longitudinal support panel 1100j. Thereby, the first longitudinal support panel 1100i may move with respect to the second longitudinal support panel 1100j. Further to allow for formation of the fold between the first longitudinal support panel 1100i and the second pair of lateral support panels 1100m, one or more slits, cutouts, or cuts 1102c may extend through the blank 1100 along inner edges of the second pair of lateral support panels 1100m. Thereby, the first longitudinal support panel 1100i may move with respect to the second pair of lateral support panels 1100m.
As the first longitudinal support panel 1100i is folded with respect to the first and second pairs of lateral support panels 11001, 1100m, the first longitudinal support panel may engage the inner and outer left panels 1100b, 1100c and the inner and outer right panels 1100d, 1100e. In some embodiments the first longitudinal support panel 1100i may lock into engagement with the inner and outer left panels 1100b, 1100c and the inner and outer right panels 1100d, 1100e. In this regard, the first longitudinal support panel 1100i may define a left notch 1102d and a right notch 1102e. Further the inner left panel 1100b and the outer left panel 1100c may respectively define an upper notch 1102f, 1102g. Similarly, the inner right panel 1100d and the outer right panel 1100e may respectively define an upper notch 1102h, 1102i.
Accordingly, when the first longitudinal support panel 1100i is folded with respect to the first and second pairs of lateral support panels 11001, 1100m, the left notch 1102d defined in the first longitudinal support panel 1100i may engage the upper notch 1102f defined in the inner left panel 1100b and the upper notch 1102g defined in the outer left panel 1100c. Similarly, the right notch 1102e defined in the first longitudinal support panel 1100i may engage the upper notch 1102h defined in the inner right panel 1100d and the upper notch 1102i defined in the outer right panel 1100e. Accordingly, the engagement of the notches 1102d, 1102e with the upper notches 1102f-i may provide for a secure, locked configuration between the first longitudinal support panel 1100i and the left and right panels 1100b-e, which may also be referred to as the left and right lateral panels, or simply the lateral panels.
The blank 1100 may additionally be folded between the second pair of lateral support panels 1100m and the second longitudinal support panel 1100j. Thereby, the second longitudinal support panel 1100j may extend substantially perpendicular to the second pair of lateral support panels 1100m (e.g., substantially vertical). Further, the blank 1100 may be folded between the second longitudinal support panel 1100j and a third pair of lateral support panels 1100n. This fold may be conducted in an opposing manner such that the third pair of lateral support panels 1100n extends away from, rather than toward, the rear panel 1100a. Thereby, the third pair of lateral support panels 1100n may extend substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the second longitudinal support panel 1100j.
In order to allow for formation of the fold between the second longitudinal support panel 1100j and the third pair of lateral support panels 1100n, one or more slits, cutouts, or cuts 1102j may be defined through the blank 1100 between the second longitudinal support panel 1100j and a third longitudinal support panel 1100k. Thereby, the second longitudinal support panel 1100j may move with respect to the third longitudinal support panel 1100k. Further to allow for formation of the fold between the second longitudinal support panel 1100j and the third pair of lateral support panels 1100n, one or more slits, cutouts, or cuts 1102k may extend through the blank 1100 along inner edges of the third pair of lateral support panels 1100n. Thereby, the second longitudinal support panel 1100j may move with respect to the third pair of lateral support panels 1100n.
As the second longitudinal support panel 1100j is folded with respect to the second and third pairs of lateral support panels 1100m, 1100n, the second longitudinal support panel may engage the inner and outer left panels 1100b, 1100c and the inner and outer right panels 1100d, 1100e. In some embodiments the second longitudinal support panel 1100j may lock into engagement with the inner and outer left panels 1100b, 1100c and the inner and outer right panels 1100d, 1100e. In this regard, the second longitudinal support panel 1100j may define a left notch 1102l and a right notch 1102m. Further the inner left panel 1100b and the outer left panel 1100c may respectively define a lower notch 1102n, 1102o. Similarly, the inner right panel 1100d and the outer right panel 1100e may respectively define a lower notch 1102p, 1102q.
Accordingly, when the second longitudinal support panel 1100j is folded with respect to the second and third pairs of lateral support panels 1100m, 1100n, the left notch 1102l defined in the second longitudinal support panel 1100j may engage the lower notch 1102n defined in the inner left panel 1100b and the lower notch 1102o defined in the outer left panel 1100c. Similarly, the right notch 1102m defined in the second longitudinal support panel 1100j may engage the lower notch 1102p defined in the inner right panel 1100d and the lower notch 1102q defined in the outer right panel 1100e. Accordingly, the engagement of the notches 1102l, 1102m with the lower notches 1100n-q may provide for a secure, locked configuration between the second longitudinal support panel 1100j and the left and right panels 1100b-e.
Note that by positioning the inner left panel 1100b substantially parallel to, and in contact with, the outer left panel 1100c may facilitate respective engagement of the upper notches 1102f, 1102g and the lower notches 1102n, 1102o with the left notch 1102d defined in the first longitudinal support panel 1102i and the left notch 1102l defined in the second longitudinal support panel 1100j. Similarly, positioning the inner right panel 1100d substantially parallel to, and in contact with, the outer right panel 1100e may facilitate respective engagement of the upper notches 1102i, 1102g and the lower notches 1102p, 1102q with the right notch 1102e defined in the first longitudinal support panel 1102i and the right notch 1102m defined in the second longitudinal support panel 1100j. In this regard, positioning the notches 1102f-I, 1102n-q adjacent one another may allow for aligned pairs of the notches defined in the inner and outer lateral panels 1100b-d to engage a respective one of the notches 1102d, 1102e, 1102l, 1102m defined in the first and second longitudinal support panels 1102i, 1102j. In other words, each of the notches 1102d, 1102e, 1102l, 1102m defined in the longitudinal support panels 1102i, 1102j may engage two of the notches 1102f-I, 1102n-q defined in the lateral panels 1100b-e, to thereby simplify the configuration of the blank 1100 and assembly thereof into an insert.
Further, the blank 1100 may be folded between the third pair of lateral support panels 1100n and a third longitudinal support panel 1100k. Thereby, the third longitudinal support panel 1100k may extend substantially vertically and perpendicular to the third pair of lateral support panels 1100n. Further, the blank 1100 may be folded between the third longitudinal support panel 1100k and the left bottom panel 1100g and between the third longitudinal support panel and the right bottom panel 1100h. Thereby, the left and right bottom panels 1100g, 1100h may extend substantially perpendicular to the third longitudinal support panel 1100k and, for example, substantially horizontal.
Thus, as a result of the folding operations described above, the pairs of lateral support panels 11001-n may extend substantially parallel to the bottom panel 1100f. As described below, each of the pairs of lateral support panels may be respectively positioned at differing heights relative to the bottom panel 1100f. Further, each of the longitudinal support panels 1100i-k may extend substantially parallel to the rear panel 1100a, with a respective one of the longitudinal support panels extending between each of the pairs of lateral support panels.
Accordingly, the above-described operations may be employed to form an insert 1200, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In this regard, the insert 1200 may define a plurality of compartments 1202a-d configured to respectively receive a product. Note that in the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the compartments 1202a-d are configured to receive containers (e.g., embodiments of the containers described above). Thus, the compartments 1202a-d define a shape and size configured to receive corresponding containers (e.g., containers that are generally cylindrical).
As may be understood, the insert may be configured to support various other shapes, sizes, and number of products in other embodiments. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the insert 1200 defines four compartments 1202a-d. A first compartment 1202a may be defined between the front panel 500a of the package 602, which is shown in outline in
Accordingly, the insert 1200 may support the containers in the compartments 1202a-d in a stepped configuration. For clarity purposes, containers are not shown in the compartments 1202a-d. However, as may be understood, the containers may be laterally supported in each of the compartments by the left and right panels 500c, 500d of the package 602 and/or portions of the insert as described below.
Further, a first container may be longitudinally supported in the first compartment 1202a between the front panel 500a of the package 602 and the third longitudinal support panel 1100k of the insert 1200. The container may be vertically supported in the first compartment 1202a by the left bottom panel 1100h and the right bottom panel 1100g. The container may be laterally centered within the first compartment 1202a by the left and right bottom panels 1100g, 1100h.
A second container may be longitudinally supported in the second compartment 1202b between the third longitudinal support panel 1100k and the second longitudinal support panel 1100j of the insert 1200. The container may be vertically supported in the second compartment 1202b by the third pair of lateral support panels 1100n and/or the left and right lateral panels 1100b-e of the insert 1200, and these panels may additionally laterally center the container within the second compartment 1202b.
A third container may be longitudinally supported in the third compartment 1202c between the second longitudinal support panel 1100j and the first longitudinal support panel 1100i of the insert 1200. The container may be vertically supported in the third compartment 1202c by the second pair of lateral support panels 1100m and/or the left and right lateral panels 1100b-e of the insert 1200, and these panels may additionally laterally center the container within the third compartment 1202c.
A fourth container may be longitudinally supported in the fourth compartment 1202d between the first longitudinal support panel 1100i and the rear panel 1100a of the insert 1200. The container may be vertically supported in the fourth compartment 1202d by the first pair of lateral support panels 11001 and/or the left and right lateral panels 1100b-e of the insert 1200, and these panels may additionally laterally center the container within the fourth compartment 1202d.
Accordingly, the insert 1200 of
As further illustrated in
A method for forming an insert is additionally provided. As illustrated in
In some embodiments the method may further comprise engaging a left notch and a right notch defined in the longitudinal support panel with a respective one of a plurality of notches defined in the lateral panels. The method may additionally include folding the blank outwardly between the longitudinal support panel and a second pair of lateral support panels such that the second pair of lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. Further, the method may include folding the blank inwardly between the second pair of lateral support panels and a second longitudinal support panel such that that second longitudinal support panel extends substantially parallel to the rear panel.
In some embodiments the longitudinal support panel and the second longitudinal support panel may each define a left notch and a right notch. The method may further comprise engaging the left notch and the right notch of the longitudinal support panel with a respective one of a plurality of upper notches defined in the lateral panels and engaging the left notch and the right notch of the second longitudinal support panel with a respective one of a plurality of lower notches defined in the lateral panels.
In some embodiments the method may further comprise folding the blank outwardly between the second longitudinal support panel and a third pair of lateral support panels such that the third pair of lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. The method may additionally include folding the blank inwardly between the third pair of lateral support panels and a third longitudinal support panel such that that third longitudinal support panel extends substantially parallel to the rear panel. The method may also include folding the blank outwardly between the third longitudinal support panel and a left bottom panel such that the left bottom panel extends substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. Additionally, the method may include folding the blank outwardly between the third longitudinal support panel and a right bottom panel such that the right bottom panel extends substantially perpendicular to the rear panel.
Further, in some embodiments the method may include folding the blank inwardly between the rear panel and a plurality of outer lateral panels extending therefrom such that the outer lateral panels extend substantially parallel and adjacent to the lateral panels. Additionally, the method may include engaging a plurality of rear securing panels extending from the lateral panels with the rear panel. The method may also include engaging a plurality of intermediate securing panels extending from the lateral panels with the longitudinal support panel.
Many modifications and other aspects of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific aspects disclosed and that modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/274,245, filed May 9, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14274245 | May 2014 | US |
| Child | 14700636 | US |
