This disclosure relates to containers and blanks therefor.
Certain containers for carrying certain items can be difficult to form for an end user, and/or can be difficult to carry once formed. Additionally, if preformed, the certain containers can be voluminous and expensive to ship in a formed condition.
Such conventional methods and systems have generally been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. However, there is still a need in the art for improved containers and blanks therefor. The present disclosure provides a solution for this need.
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a container configured to carry a plurality of articles can include a body configured to form an interior space. The body can include at least a side wall and a bottom, for example. The container can include a divider handle that can be configured to attach to the body. The divider handle can form a handle and at least one divider configured to divide the interior space into at least two compartments.
The divider handle can be configured to moveably attach to the body such that the handle is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The divider handle can be configured to be slidably retained by the body such that the divider handle can be configured to slide between the first position and the second position.
The body can define a plurality of slide apertures configured to receive a slide panel of the divider handle to allow the divider handle to slide between the first position and the second position. The side wall can be formed from a plurality of side panels. The container can include a plurality of slide aperture panels foldably connected to opposing side panels of the plurality of side panels. The slide aperture panels can fold over a respective side panel to a folded position to form the slide apertures.
The slide aperture panels can be configured to connect to the body to retain the slide aperture panels in the folded position. In certain embodiments, the first position can be a recessed position within the interior space, and the second position can be an extended position extending from the interior space and interacting with the body, e.g., such that the divider handle allows lifting of the body in at least the extended position.
In certain embodiments, the divider handle can be configured to be fixed relative to the body. The body can include a plurality of attachment apertures, and the divider handle can include a plurality of attachments configured to insert into the attachment apertures to fix the divider handle to the body and to allow the body to be lifted by the divider handle.
In certain embodiments, the divider handle can include a handle opening defined therein. In certain embodiments, the divider handle can include one or more moveable partition panels configured to move relative to a main handle portion of the divider handle to further divide the interior space. The moveable partition panels can include two movable partition panels, for example.
In certain embodiments, the moveable partition panels can be foldably connected to the main handle portion and configured to selectively divide the interior space. In certain embodiments, the moveable partition panels can be configured to connect to the body and can each include one of the plurality of attachments configured to insert into the attachment apertures. The divider handle can be configured to divide the interior space into two, three, or four compartments, for example. In certain embodiments, the moveable partition panels include a portion of the handle opening.
In certain embodiments, the bottom can be an autobottom configured to move between a flattened state and a formed state. In certain embodiments, the container can include one or more vent holes defined in the side wall and/or the bottom.
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a plurality of blanks or a blank configured to be separated into the plurality of blanks can be configured to form a container as disclosed herein, e.g., as described above. For example, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a plurality of blanks for forming a container can include a first blank configured to form a body as disclosed herein, e.g., as described above. The plurality of blanks can include a second blank configured to form a divider handle as disclosed herein, e.g., as described above.
In certain embodiments, the first blank can include a first, second, third, and fourth side panel foldably connected together. The first blank can include a first, second, third, and fourth bottom panel foldably connected to a respective side panel along a common fold line. The first blank can include a first and second slide aperture panel foldably connected to the second side panel opposite the second bottom panel. The first blank can include a third and fourth slide aperture panel foldably connected to the fourth side panel opposite the fourth bottom panel.
The first, second, third, and fourth slide aperture panels can include a tab extending therefrom. The second and fourth bottom panels can include a respective tab cut for each tab. Each tab can be configured to be inserted into each respective tab cut to retain each slide aperture panel in a folded over position where the aperture panels form a respective slide aperture.
In certain embodiments, the second blank can include a first and second main handle panel foldably connected together. Each handle panel can include a handle aperture defined therein. The second blank can include a first and second slide panel foldably connected to opposite sides of the first main handle panel, and dimensioned to fit within and slide within a respective slide aperture. The second blank can include a third and fourth slide panel foldably connected to opposite sides of the second main handle panel, and dimensioned to fit within and slide within a respective slide aperture.
The second blank can include a first moveable partition panel assembly foldably connected to the first main handle panel. The second blank can include a second moveable partition panel assembly foldably connected to the second main handle panel.
The first and second moveable partition panel assemblies can each include a connecting panel foldably connected to a respective main handle panel, a partition panel foldably connected to the connecting panel, and a slider panel foldably connected to the connecting panel and extending laterally beyond the respective main handle panel. The slider panel can be configured to fit within a slide aperture with a respective slide panel.
In certain embodiments, the first blank can include a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth side panel foldably connected together, a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth bottom panel foldably connected to a respective side panel along a common fold line, and a first, second, and third attachment aperture disposed in the side panels. The first attachment aperture can be defined in the first and second side panels. The second attachment aperture can be defined in the third and fourth side panels. The third attachment aperture can be defined in the fifth and sixth panels. The attachment apertures can each be disposed in a fold line between a respective panel pair.
The first blank can include a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth bottom panel foldably connected to a respective side panel at a common fold line and configured to form an autobottom. The third bottom panel and the fifth bottom panel can include a locking tab connected thereto and/or extending therefrom configured to lock together in a formed position.
The second blank can include a first and second main handle panel foldably connected to each other, and a first and second partition panel foldably connected to the first and second main handle panel, respectively. In certain embodiments, the first and second partition panel are not directly connected. The second blank can include a first handle aperture defined between the first main handle panel and the first partition panel, and a second handle aperture defined between the second main handle panel and the second partition panel.
In certain embodiments, the first and second partition panels can be shaped as a mirror image of each respective main handle panels. In certain embodiments, the first and second partition panels can include a first and second attachment tab extending therefrom, respectively. The first and second main handle panels can include a third and fourth attachment tab, respectively. The first attachment tab can be configured to insert into the first attachment aperture and the second attachment tab can be configured to insert into the second attachment aperture, for example. The third and fourth attachment tabs can be configured to insert together into the third attachment aperture.
These and other features of the embodiments of the subject disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.
So that those skilled in the art to which the subject disclosure appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the subject disclosure without undue experimentation, embodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:
Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an illustrative view of an embodiment of a container in accordance with the disclosure is shown in
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, referring to
In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in
The body 101 can define a plurality of slide apertures 113 (e.g., under slide aperture panels 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d, described further below) configured to receive a slide panel 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d (not visible in
The slide aperture panels 115a, b, c, d can be configured to connect to the body 101 (e.g., via one or more tabs 119 further described below) to retain the slide aperture panels 115a, b, c, d in the folded position. In certain embodiments, the first position can be a recessed position within the interior space 105 (e.g., such that a top of the divider handle 111 is flush with or under a top of side panels 107b, 107d). The second position can be an extended position extending from the interior space 105 and interacting with the body 101, e.g., such that the divider handle 111 allows lifting of the body 101 in at least the extended position (e.g., as shown in
Referring to
As shown in
As shown in
Referring to
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, referring to
Referring to
For example, as shown, the second bottom panel 133b and the fourth bottom panel 133d can be connected to (e.g., adhered via adhesive 141) to a first extension panel 137a and a second extension panel 137b, respectively. The first extension panel 137a can be foldably connected to the first bottom panel 133a, and the second extension panel 137b can be foldably connected to the third bottom panel 133c at a fold line 139. The first side panel 117a can be foldably connected to a connector tab 143 (e.g., with adhesive 141 disposed thereon) that is configured to connect to a last side panel, e.g., side panel 117d (e.g., to form side wall 107). Any other suitable panels or positions thereof are contemplated herein.
The first blank can 200A include a first and second slide aperture panel 115a, b foldably connected (e.g., at a fold line 116a) to the second side panel 117b opposite the second bottom panel 133b, for example. The first blank 200A can include a third and fourth slide aperture panel 115c, d foldably connected (e.g., at fold line 116b) to the fourth side panel 117d opposite the fourth bottom panel 133d.
The first, second, third, and fourth slide aperture panels 115a, b, c, d can include a tab 119 extending therefrom. The second and fourth bottom panels 133b, 133d can include a respective tab cut 136 (e.g., starting at fold line 134 as shown) for each tab 119. Each tab 119 can be configured to be inserted into each respective tab cut 136 to retain each slide aperture panel 115a, b, c, d in a folded over position (e.g., as shown in
The first blank 200A can include one or more vent holes 131 disposed therein. The vent holed 131 can include any suitable shape (e.g., an ornamental shape such as a leaf) and can include any suitable placement (e.g., bottom along the fold line 134 and only in the side panel, partly in the side panel and the bottom panel, etc.).
In certain embodiments, referring to
When the main handle panels 145a, 145b are folded over to form the main handle portion 129, adjacent slide panels 117a, 117d, and 117c, 117b can be folded away from each other. The slide aperture panels 115a, b, c, d can then be folded over each respective slide panel 117a, b, c, d and secured to the bottom panels 133b, 133d using the tabs 119 and respective tab cuts 136. The slide panels 115a, b, c, d can be less vertically tall than the slide apertures 113, and thus can allow the divider handle 111 to slide vertically until the slide panels 117a, b, c, d contact an upper surface of the slide apertures 113 (e.g., the fold line 116a, 116b). Any other method or structure for assembly is contemplated herein.
The second blank 200B can include a first moveable partition panel assembly 147a foldably connected to the first main handle panel 145a. The second blank 200B can include a second moveable partition panel assembly 147b foldably connected to the second main handle panel 145b.
The first and second moveable partition panel assemblies 147a, b can each include a connecting panel 149 foldably connected to a respective main handle panel 145a, b (e.g., at a fold line 150), a partition panel foldably 127a, 127b connected to a respective connecting panel 149a, 149b (e.g., at a fold line 152), and a slider panel 151a, 151b foldably connected to the connecting panel 149a, 149b (e.g., at fold line 154) and extending laterally beyond the respective main handle panel 145a, 145b, e.g., as shown. The slider panel 151a, b can be configured to fit within a slide aperture 113 with a respective slide panel 117a, 117d. For example, before enclosing the first and fourth slide panels 117a, 117d, the connecting panels 149a, 149b can be folded up against the respective main handle panels 145a, 145b and the slider panels 151a, b can be folded with the slide panels 117a, 117d, respectively. The partition panels 127a, b can be selective folded relative to the connecting panel 149a, b to further divide the interior space in use.
Referring to
The first blank 400A can the bottom panels 333a, b, c, d, e, f can be configured to form an autobottom. Any suitable autobottom is contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the third bottom panel 333c and the fifth bottom panel 333e can include a locking tab 355a, 335b connected thereto and/or extending therefrom configured to lock together in a formed position (e.g., as shown in
For example, as shown, the second bottom panel 133b and the sixth bottom panel 133d can be connected to (e.g., adhered via adhesive 141) to a first extension panel 337a and a second extension panel 137b, respectively. The first extension panel 137a can be foldably connected to the second bottom panel 333a, and the second extension panel 337b can be foldably connected to the fifth bottom panel 333e at a fold line 356a, 356b, respectively. As shown, the first locking tab 355a can extend from the first extension panel 337a, whereas the second locking tab 355b can extend from the fifth bottom panel directly and not from the second extension panel 337b. Any other suitable arrangement is contemplated herein. The locking tabs 355a, 355b can be configured to lock together when the container is in a formed position, which can strengthen the bottom 309 and resist moving back to a flatten position.
A third extension panel 337c can extend from and/or be connected to the fourth bottom panel 333d, e.g., at a fold line 358. The third extension panel 337a can be connected to the first bottom panel 333a (e.g., via adhesive, not shown) underneath the other bottom panels, for example. In certain embodiments, in the formed position, the lines 356a, 356b, and 358 may be aligned. Any suitable arrangement and/or connection is contemplated herein to achieve a suitable autobottom.
The first side panel 317a can be foldably connected to a connector tab 343 (e.g., with adhesive 141 disposed thereon) that is configured to connect to a last side panel, e.g., side panel 317f (e.g., to form side wall 307). Any other suitable panels or positions thereof are contemplated herein.
Referring to
In certain embodiments, the first and second partition panels 327a, 327b can be shaped as a mirror image of each respective main handle panels 357a, 357b, e.g., as shown. In certain embodiments, the first and second partition panels 327a, 327b can include a first and second attachment tab 323a, 323b extending therefrom, respectively. The first and second main handle panels 357a, 357b can include a third and fourth attachment tab 323c, 323d extending therefrom, e.g., as shown. Referring additionally to
Embodiments can include separate moveable or stationary divider handles. Certain embodiments allow for a two, three, or four way divider, for example, or any other suitable number of divisions.
In certain embodiments, the divider handle can slide up and down. In the recessed position, and/or where the divider handle is fixed in place, the divider handle can be flush with a side wall or lower, e.g., to allow stacking. Embodiments can include ventilation holes, e.g., at least partly in the sides and/or bottom to allow ventilation. Embodiments of ventilation holes can include non-straight edges (e.g., to increase airflow). Embodiments can include two or more holes per compartment and/or can be defined in both side panels and bottom panels, for example.
Embodiments can provide an efficient and customizable buying experience with a telescoping, removable handle, for example. Embodiments of a container can be a basket or other suitable carrier and can have two pieces. Embodiments can include an auto bottom style base (e.g., square autobottom, hexagonal autobottom, etc.) and a separate insert that acts as a handle and divider (e.g., which can be collapsible, telescoping or fixed). Embodiments can also incorporate scalloped cuts on side panels and/or bottom panels, and/or die cut leaves or other ornamental shapes which can deliver a basket aesthetic.
Embodiments can be used in any suitable applications, e.g., bakery/deli in retail chains, take-out food (sporting events, doughnuts, fast food), beverages (beer/cans), pies, mini pies, and/or other desserts. Embodiments can provide a sustainable alternative for current plastic baskets because embodiments need not be plastic (but could be). For example, embodiments can be made of Kraft board which can provide an earthy, “new-age” aesthetic appeal.
Any suitable adhesive can be applied to any suitable panel disclosed herein for any suitable purpose. Any suitable foldable line types are contemplated herein (e.g., perforated, creased, cut/creased, etc.). While the figures may include a legend indicating the line types of the embodiments of the figures, any other suitable line types for the lines shown in the drawings are contemplated herein. Any other suitable panel arrangement (e.g., more or less panels in any suitable location) is contemplated herein.
While embodiments have been described and shown above, any suitable panels and/or other design for a blank to form a package as disclosed above is contemplated herein. Any suitable material for use (e.g., paper, cardboard, e.g., corrugated paperboard, plastic board, etc.) and/or one or more combinations thereof are contemplated herein. One having ordinary skill in the art understands how to make and use a container as disclosed above from the embodiments of a blank disclosed herein without undue experimentation.
Those having ordinary skill in the art understand that any numerical values disclosed herein can be exact values or can be values within a range. Further, any terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “approximately”, “around”) used in this disclosure can mean the stated value within a range. For example, in certain embodiments, the range can be within (plus or minus) 20%, or within 10%, or within 5%, or within 2%, or within any other suitable percentage or number as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art (e.g., for known tolerance limits or error ranges).
The articles “a”, “an”, and “the” as used herein and in the appended claims are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.
The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”
Any suitable combination(s) of any disclosed embodiments and/or any suitable portion(s) thereof are contemplated herein as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure.
The embodiments of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for improvement in the art to which they pertain. While the subject disclosure includes reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2021/045636 | 8/12/2021 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63065899 | Aug 2020 | US |