Patent Grant
12179972
This disclosure relates to containers having folding tops and blanks therefor.
Traditional container designs do not maximize material efficiency and strength. 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.
A blank for forming a package can include a base panel, a first base side panel foldably connected to the base panel, a plurality of first base side flaps foldably connected to the first base side panel, a second base side panel foldably connected to the base panel opposite the first base side panel, and a plurality of second base side flaps foldably connected to the second base side panel. The blank can include a hinge panel foldably connected to the base panel, a top panel foldably connected to the hinge panel, a first top side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a plurality of first top side flaps foldably connected to the first top side panel, a second top side panel foldably connected to the top panel opposite the first top side panel, and a plurality of second top side flaps foldably connected to the second top side panel. An end first base side flap and an end first top side flap can be formed and separated by a first cut line such that the end first base side flap and the end first top side flap are abutting each other, and an end second base side flap and an end second top side flap can be formed and separated by a second cut line such that the end second base side flap and the end second top side flap are abutting each other.
The plurality of first and second base side flaps can include two side flaps foldably connected to each other on each side of the first and second base side panel, respectively. Any other suitable number of panels is contemplated herein.
The blank can include a base side panel fold line 119a, b between each base side panel and the base, and a hinge panel base fold line between the base panel and the hinge panel. Each base side panel fold line 119a, b between each base side panel and the base panel can be perpendicular relative to the hinge panel base fold line between the base and the hinge panel.
The blank can include a base side flap fold line between adjacent base side flaps, and a base side panel flap fold line between each base side panel and each adjacent base side flap. Each base side flap fold line and each base side panel flap fold line can be parallel with the hinge panel base fold line.
The plurality of first and second top side flaps can include one top side flap foldably connected to each side of the first and second top side panel, respectively. Any other suitable number of top side flaps is contemplated herein.
The blank can further include a top side panel fold line between each top side panel and the top panel. The blank can also include a hinge panel top fold line between the top panel and the hinge panel. Each top side panel fold line between each top side panel and the top panel can be perpendicular relative to the hinge panel top fold line between the top and the hinge panel.
The blank can include a top side panel flap fold line between each top side panel and each top side flap. Each top side panel flap fold line can be parallel with the hinge panel top fold line. Each top side panel fold line can be collinear with a respective base side panel fold line 119a, b.
The base panel and the top panel can be the same shape and dimensions. In certain embodiments, the base panel and the top panel can be octagonal. In certain embodiments, the hinge panel, all side panels, and all side flaps can be rectangular. The hinge panel and each side panel can have the same length dimension extending away from the base panel and/or the top panel, respectively (e.g., to have the same height when formed).
The blank can further include one or more front side panels foldably connected to the base panel and/or the top panel opposite the hinge panel. In certain embodiments, the one or more front side panels can include a top front panel foldably connected to the top panel, and a base front panel foldably connected to the base panel. The top front panel and base front panel can be dimensioned to have a combined length dimension extending away from the base panel and the top panel equal to or less than the hinge panel.
In certain embodiments, the one or more front side panels can include a top front panel foldably connected to the top panel, and a base front panel foldably connected to the base panel, and the base front panel can include a length dimension extending away from the base panel equal to the hinge panel. In certain embodiments, the one or more front side panels can include a base front panel foldably connected to the base panel and an attachment panel foldably connected to the base front panel opposite the base panel, and the base front panel can include a length dimension extending away from the base panel equal to the hinge panel.
In certain embodiments, the blank can include a tearaway line defined in the top panel and/or the top front panel and/or the base front panel (e.g., a weakened line such as a perforated line). Any other suitable additional features, fold line, cut lines, and/or weakened lines are contemplated herein.
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a package can be formed from any suitable embodiment of a blank disclosed herein, e.g., as described above. In certain embodiments, a full overlay (FOL) package (e.g., formable from certain embodiments of a blank disclosed herein) can include an octagonal shaped base. The FOL package can be formed from a single blank and can have a total of 12 or more weight bearing corners, for example. In certain embodiments, the number of weight bearing corners can be 12, 14, or 16. Any other suitable number is contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the package can include a six sided top panel and other panels configured to cover the octagaonal shaped base such that a handle panel creates a space between a side of the octagonal shaped base and the handle panel to create a finger space for inserting fingers into a handle hole. Any other suitable additional features are contemplated herein. In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a blank can be configured to form any suitable embodiment of a package as disclosed herein, e.g., as described above.
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 blank in accordance with the disclosure is shown in
Referring to
An end first base side flap 105a and an end first top side flap 113b can be formed and separated by a first cut line 117a such that the end first base side flap 105a and the end first top side flap 113b are abutting each other. Similarly, an end second base side flap 105e and an end second top side flap 113d can be formed and separated by a second cut line 117b such that the end second base side flap 105e and the end second top side flap 113d are abutting each other. Such a configuration can maximize usage of the available material in a given square area while minimizing waste and increasing strength, as well as simplifying manufacturing of the blank and formation of a package from the blank, for example. Increasing stacking strength of packages can allow for a reduction in thickness of the material used for form the blank and an overall material savings.
The plurality of first and second base side flaps 105a-h can include two side flaps (e.g., pair 105a, 105b, pair 105c, 105d, pair 105e, 105f, and pair 105g, 105h) foldably connected to each other on each side of the first and second base side panel 103a, 103b, respectively, e.g., as shown in
The blank 100, 300, 500 can include a base side panel fold line 119a, b between each base side panel 103a, b and the base panel 101. The blank 100, 300, 500 can include a hinge panel base fold line 121 between the base panel 101 and the hinge panel 107. Each base side panel fold line 119a, b between each base side panel 103a, b and the base panel 101 can be perpendicular relative to the hinge panel base fold line 121 between the base panel 101 and the hinge panel 107.
The blank 100, 300, 500 can include a base side flap fold line 123a, b, c, d between adjacent base side flaps (e.g., between pair 105a, 105b, pair 105c, 105d, pair 105e, 105f, and pair 105g, 105h). The blank 100, 300, 500 can include a base side panel flap fold line 125a, b, c, d between each base side panel 103a, b and each adjacent base side flap 105b, 105c, 105f, 105g. Each base side flap fold line 123a, b, c, d and each base side panel flap fold line 125a, b, c, d can be parallel with the hinge panel base fold line 121, for example, e.g., as shown.
The plurality of first and second top side flaps 113a, b, c, d can include one top side flap foldably connected to each side of the first and second top side panel 111a, b, respectively (e.g., one top side flap 113a connect on a left of panel 111a as shown, another single panel 113b connected on a right as shown). Any other suitable number of top side flaps is contemplated herein.
The blank 100, 300, 500 can further include a top side panel fold line 127a, b between each top side panel 111a, b, and the top panel 109. The blank 100, 300, 500 can also include a hinge panel top fold line 129 between the top panel 109 and the hinge panel 107. Each top side panel fold line 127a, b between each top side panel 111a, b and the top panel 109 can be perpendicular relative to the hinge panel top fold line 129 between the top panel 109 and the hinge panel 107. As shown the hinge fold lines 121, 129 can be parallel, and the hinge panel 107 can be configured to form a side of a package.
The blank 100, 300, 500 can include a top side panel flap fold line 131a, b, c, d between each top side panel 111a, b and each top side flap 113a, b, c, d. Each top side panel flap fold line 131a, b, c, d can be parallel with the hinge panel top fold line 129. Each top side panel fold line 127a, b can be collinear with a respective base side panel fold line 119a, b (e.g., fold lines 127a and 119a can be collinear, and fold lines 127b and 119b can be collinear).
As shown, the base panel 101 and the top panel 109 can be the same shape and dimensions. In certain embodiments, the base panel 101 and the top panel 109 can be octagonal (e.g., a regular octagon or an irregular octagon as shown). In certain embodiments, the hinge panel 107, all side panels 103a, b, 111a, b, and all side flaps 105a-h, 113a, b, c, d can be rectangular. Any other suitable shape for one or more panels/flaps are contemplated herein.
The hinge panel 107 and each side panel 103a, b, 111a, b can have about the same length dimension extending away from the base panel 101 and/or the top panel 109, respectively (e.g., to have the same height when formed). Some or all of the side flaps 105a-h, 113a-d can have about the same shape and dimensions as other side flaps and/or side panels 103a, b, 111a, b. In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown, the end base side flaps 105a, 105e and/or 105d, 105h have a slightly smaller length dimension extending away from the base panel 101, e.g., to accommodate a folding of a wrap around panel (e.g., folding top panel 109).
The blank 100, 300, 500 can further include one or more front side panels 133, 135 foldably connected to the base panel 101 and/or the top panel 109 opposite the hinge panel 107. In certain embodiments, as shown in the embodiment of
In certain embodiments, referring to the embodiment of
In certain embodiments, referring to the embodiment of
In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, referring to
In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in certain embodiments such as that of
Embodiments can include non-rectangular single lid FOL tray wraps with reinforcing corner elements. Embodiments can include a footprint shape and minor flap arrangement that can have advantages with rounded products, resulting in a tighter fitting pack and eliminating open corners, and reducing the potential for stretch wrap deformation. Embodiments can maximize the stacking strength of the carton by offering more vertical corner structures, many are larger than 90 degrees and result in a non-traditional, non rectangular footprint. As the available material that provides the stacking strength come out material limited in part by the carton's depth dimension, shallower traditional packages have compromised combinations of inner and outer flaps. In some cases a portion of the outer corner flaps have been reduced to achieve a specific shape or as a strategy to limit the square footage of the overall blank. Certain embodiments having octagonal or angular shapes can provide improved stacking strength through increased, laminated corner structures, further bolstered by FOL end panels having vertical corrugations. The octagonal footprint can also work well with shallower package sizes. For example, certain embodiments can be less than 10 inches deep (e.g., 3-5 inch deep packages), which would correspond to the length of the hinge panel and other matching length panels/flaps.
The embodiments shown in
Referring to the embodiments of
Referring to
As shown in the embodiments of
Embodiments disclosed can be used for food, consumer goods, and/or anything that is round and requires stacking support for example. Embodiments allow for shallow, single lid, tray wrap packs that can otherwise be challenged to find enough material to add vertical strength. The octagonal shape can allow for additional corners to be added to the pack, while also offering a non-traditional shape for products that can benefit.
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, plastic board, etc.) and/or one or more combinations thereof are contemplated herein.
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.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2819833 | Sauer | Jan 1958 | A |
| 4765534 | Zion | Aug 1988 | A |
| 5263634 | Korine | Nov 1993 | A |
| 5295623 | Bacques | Mar 1994 | A |
| 5351880 | Goudreau | Oct 1994 | A |
| 6223978 | Drager | May 2001 | B1 |
| 8459532 | Stephens | Jun 2013 | B2 |
| 20230271744 | McLeod | Aug 2023 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220144483 A1 | May 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63112557 | Nov 2020 | US |
