PACKAGING CONTAINERS, BLANKS FOR MAKING PACKAGING CONTAINERS, AND METHODS FOR FORMING PACKAGING CONTAINERS FROM BLANKS

Abstract

A container includes a pair of horizontal walls, a plurality of vertical walls, and a corner wall. The corner wall extends between an adjacent pair of the vertical walls at an oblique angle. The container also includes a corner-support flap connected to the corner wall and one of the horizontal walls. The corner-support flap holds the corner panel at the oblique angle.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to product packaging and, more particularly, to packaging containers, blanks for constructing the packaging containers, and methods for forming packaging containers from blanks and, more particularly, to packaging containers and blanks having a corner-support flap configured to hold a corner wall in an appropriate position during formation and closing of the containers and methods for forming.

BACKGROUND

Containers are frequently utilized to store and aid in transporting products. These containers can be square, rectangular, or polygonal. The shape of the container can provide additional strength to the container. For example, polygonal-shaped containers provide greater resistance to bulge over conventional rectangular or square containers. A polygonal-shaped container may also provide increased stacking strength. However, due to the relative position of side walls and corners walls of a polygonal-shaped container, it may be challenging to automate formation of the container from a blank using a machine. Manufacturers and distributors engaged in transporting products continue to look for ways to improve packaging and shipping efficiency, as well as reduce overall costs and damage to products during shipment. Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of product packaging and shipping.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are packaging containers, blanks for assembling the disclosed packaging containers, and methods for packaging product using the disclosed packaging containers. The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure.

In an example, the disclosed blank includes a series of panels connected along a plurality of fold lines, a corner panel extending from a first one of the panels, and a corner-support flap connected to the corner panel and to a second one of the panels.

In an example, the disclosed container includes a pair of horizontal walls, a plurality of vertical walls, and a corner wall. The corner wall extends between an adjacent pair of the vertical walls at an oblique angle. The container also includes a corner-support flap connected to the corner wall and one of the horizontal walls. The corner-support flap holds the corner panel at the oblique angle.

In an example, the disclosed method for forming a container from a blank, including a series of panels connected along a plurality of fold lines, a corner panel extending from a first one of the panels, and a corner-support flap connected to the corner panel and to a second one of the panels along the plurality of fold lines, the method includes steps of: (1) rotating the first one of the panels about a respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels; (2) rotating the corner-support flap about a respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels; and (3) rotating the corner-support flap about a respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels.

Other examples of the disclosed packaging containers, blanks for making packaging containers, and methods for packaging will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, top plan view of an example of a blank used to construct a container;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example of the container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, top plan view of an example of a portion of the blank;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, top plan view of an example of the portion of the blank shown in FIG. 3, depicting the container in a partially erected form;

FIG. 5 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used to construct the container;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used to construct the container;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9A-9G, collectively, illustrate an example of a method for forming the container shown in FIG. 8 from the blank shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used to construct the container;

FIG. 11 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12A-12D, collectively, illustrate an example of a method for forming the container shown in FIG. 11 from the blank shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used to construct the container;

FIG. 14 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 13;

FIGS. 15A-15G, collectively, illustrate an example of a method for forming the container shown in FIG. 14 from the blank shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used to construct the container;

FIG. 17 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used to construct the container;

FIG. 19 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the container; and

FIG. 21 is a schematic, perspective view of a pair of trays formed from the container shown in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the present disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings. Throughout the present disclosure, any one of a plurality of items may generally be referred to individually as the item and a plurality of items may generally be referred to collectively as the items.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure are provided below. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic, and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example,” “one or more examples,” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. Moreover, the subject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example.

The present disclosure recognizes that automated packaging systems are often used to automatically form (e.g., erect or wrap) a packaging container around product(s) to be contained therein. The present disclosure also recognizes that many wrap-around packaging containers used today have horizontal panels that serve as a bottom wall and a top wall of the packaging container and a plurality of vertical panels that generally serve as side walls, end walls, and/or corner walls of the packaging container. Typically, at least one closure panel extends off the horizontal panel, which is folded and secured to an exterior of an associated vertical panel. The present disclosure also recognizes that a relatively large footprint, non-rectangular product, such as a round product, may not offer a consistent surface against which to obtain a satisfactory seal when forming the packaging container. For example, with round products, a vertical panel of the packaging container may generally need to be at least be equal to the product's radius to have suitable support for which to secure a closure panel. This support provides back pressure to the vertical panel, which enables the closure panel to be suitably secured to the vertical panel. When a vertical panel is less than the product's radius, there may be insufficient back support to form a sufficient seal between the vertical panel and the closure panel.

Referring to FIGS. 1-21, by way of examples, the present disclosure is directed to a packaging container (generally referred to herein as a container 100) and a blank of sheet material (generally referred to herein as a blank 200) used to make the packaging container 100.

Generally, the blank 200 includes a series of panels 400 that are connected along a plurality of fold lines 402. The blank 200 also includes a corner panel 404 that extends from a first one of the panels 400. The blank 200 further includes a corner-support flap 406 that is connected to the corner panel 404 and to a second one of the panels 400.

In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 406 is connected to the corner panel 404 along a first one of the fold lines 402 and is connected to the second one of the panels 400 along a second one of the fold lines 402. In one or more examples, the first one of the fold lines is substantially colinear with a third one of the fold lines 402 along which the first one of the panels 400 and the second one of the panels 400 are connected. In one or more examples, the second one of the fold lines 402 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first one of the fold lines 402.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes an edge 408 that extends between the corner panel 404 and the second one of the panels 400. The corner-support flap 406 is bound by the first one of the fold lines 402, the second one of the fold lines, and the edge 408. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 406 is triangular. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 406 is a scalene triangle.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes a plurality of corner panels 404 and a plurality of corner-support flaps 406. The panels 400 includes a spaced-apart first pair of panels 400 and a spaced-apart second pair of panels 400. Each one of the second pair of panels 404 is connected to at least one of the first pair of panels 400. One of corner panels 406 extends from each side of one of the first pair of panels 400. One of the corner-support flaps 406 is connected to each one of the corner panels 404 and one of the second pair of panels 400.

In one or more examples of the blank 200, one of the corner panels 404 extends from each side of each one of the first pair of panels 400. One of the corner-support flaps 406 is connected to each one of the corner panels 404 and one of the second pair of panels 400.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes a side panel 410 that extends from one of the corner panel 404. In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes a plurality of side panels 410. One of the side panels 410 extends from each one of the one of the second pair of panels 400.

Generally, the container 100 includes a pair of horizontal walls 112, a plurality of vertical walls 114, and a corner wall 116. The corner wall 116 extends between an adjacent pair of the vertical walls 114 at an oblique angle. The container 100 also includes the corner-support flap 406 that is connected to the corner wall 116 and one of the horizontal walls 112. The corner-support flap 406 holds the corner wall 116 at the oblique angle. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 406 is substantially parallel to the one of the horizontal walls 112 and is substantially perpendicular to the corner wall 116. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 406 is triangular. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 406 is a scalene triangle.

In one or more examples, the container 100 includes a plurality of corner walls 116. Each one of the corner walls 116 extends between a corresponding adjacent pair of the vertical walls 114. The vertical walls 114 and the corner walls 116 form a polygonal shape, such as an octagonal shape.

Any one of the fold lines 402, as well as any other fold lines and/or hinge lines described herein, may include any suitable predefined or preformed line of weakening and/or line of separation known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided, such as a crease, a score, a perforation, or the like. Generally, the fold lines 402 transform the blank 20 into a plurality of separate but integrals panels and flaps.

The examples of the blank 200 and container 100 formed from the blanks 200, disclosed herein, include at least one integral corner-support flap 406, such as those identified herein as corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228, 230, 240,242, 244 and/or 246 as well as any other corner-support flaps described herein, that holds at least one corner panel 404, such as those identified herein as corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288 as well as any other corner panels described herein, in their appropriate respective formation position when the panels 400, such as those identified herein as panels 210, 212, 214 and 216 as well as any other panels described herein, are moved to their respective formation position. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 406 may take the form of a bellows feature, a pleat, a gusset, or the like. The corner-support flap 406 (e.g., corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228, 230, 240, 242, 244 and/or 246) assist in folding of a respective corner panel 404 (e.g., corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288) and prevent the respective corner panel 404 (e.g., corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288) from moving open during formation of the container 100 from the blank 200, which advantageously improves formation and sealing of the container 100 using automatic packaging systems.

As will be described in more detail herein, the corner-support flap 406 (e.g., corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228, 230, 240, 242, 244 and/or 246) connect a respective corner panel 404 (e.g., corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288) to a respective panel 400 (e.g., panels 210, 212, 214 and/or 216). As such, when the panel 400 (e.g., panels 210, 212, 214 and/or 216) is folded to its respective formation position, during formation of the container 100, a respective corner-support flap 406 (e.g., corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228, 230, 240, 242, 244 and/or 246) are automatically folded. When the corner-support flap 406 (e.g., corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228, 230, 240, 242, 244 and/or 246) is folded, the corner-support flap 406 (e.g., corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228, 230, 240, 242, 244 and/or 246) pulls a respective corner panel 404 (e.g., corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288) to its respective formation positions and hold the respective corner panel 404 (e.g., corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288) and a respective panel 400 (e.g., panels 210, 212, 214 and/or 216) in their respective formation positions.

Examples of the disclosed container 100 and blank 200 that include one or more corner-support flaps 406 may be used with any suitable type of packaging container having any number of vertical walls (e.g., side wall, end wall, front wall, rear wall, corner wall, and the like) but may be particularly advantageous for packaging containers having a polygonal shape and including corner walls that are angled relative to adjacent side walls. Examples of the container 100 may take various forms, for example, depending on the product contained therein. In one or more examples, the container 100 may take the form of an enclosed carton, for example, a wrap-around carton, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6, 8, 11 and 14. In one or more examples, the container 100 may take the form of an open tray, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19.

The container 100 may be constructed from the blank 200 using a machine. In one or more examples, the blank 200 and, thus, the container 100 are fabricated from a cardboard material. In other examples, the blank 200 and, thus, the container 100 may be fabricated using any suitable material and, therefore, is not limited to a specific type of material. For example, the blank 200 and, thus, the container 100 may be fabricated using at least one of cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, paperboard, foamboard, corrugated paper, corrugated board, and any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein. As used herein, a corrugated material generally includes two liner sheets and an inner fluted material that is sandwiched between and is coupled to the liner sheets.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a first example of the blank 200 used to construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2). The blank 200 has an interior surface 202 (FIG. 1) that defines an interior surface of the container 100. The blank 200 has an opposing exterior surface 204 (FIG. 2) that defines an exterior surface of the container 100. The blank 200 defines a leading (e.g., first) edge 206 and an opposed trailing (e.g., second) edge 208. In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes, in series from the leading edge 206 to the trailing edge 208, a front (e.g., first) panel 210, a bottom (e.g., second) panel 212, a rear (e.g., third) panel 214, a top (e.g., fourth) panel 216, and a closure flap 218 that are coupled together along preformed, generally parallel, fold lines 220, 222, 394 and 396, respectively.

In one or more examples, the front panel 210 extends between the leading edge 206 and fold line 220, the bottom panel 212 extends from the front panel 210 along fold line 220, the rear panel 214 extends from bottom panel 212 along fold line 222, the top panel 216 extends from rear panel 214 along fold line 394, and closure flap 218 extends from top panel 216 along fold line 396 to the trailing edge 208.

In one or more examples, the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214 may be considered to be panels that define vertical side walls, such as a front wall 102 and a rear wall 104, respectively, of the container 100 (FIG. 2). In one or more examples, the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214 may be considered to be panels that define vertical end walls, such as a left end wall and a right end walls, respectively, of the container 10. In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 define horizontal walls, such as a bottom wall 106 and a top wall 108, respectively, of the container 100.

It should be appreciated that, when used to modify a structure, an element, an item, a component or a feature described herein, the terms “front,” “rear,” “bottom,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “side,” “end,” as well as similar terms or other forms of such terms, are relative and refer to an example of a spatial relationship between structures, elements, items, components or features. As such, examples of the container 100 and the blank 200, described herein and illustrated in the figures, are not intended to be limited by the specific relative terms used to describe any structure, element, item, component or feature of the container 100 or the blank 200.

In one or more examples, when the container 100 (FIG. 2) is formed from the blank 200 (FIG. 1), fold line 220 defines a bottom edge of the front panel 210 and a front edge of the bottom panel 212, fold line 222 defines a rear edge of the bottom panel 212 and a bottom edge of the rear panel 214, fold line 394 defines a top edge of the rear panel 214 and a rear edge of the top panel 216, and fold line 396 defines a front edge of the top panel 216 and a top edge of the closure flap 218.

In one or more examples, the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214 are substantially congruent and have, for example, a rectangular shape. In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are substantially congruent and have, for example, an octagonal shape.

The front panel 210 has a width between fold lines 258 and 262. The rear panel 214 has a width between fold lines 286 and 290. The closure flap 218 has a width between fold lines 374 and 376. In one or more examples, the widths of the front panel 210, the rear panel 214, and the closure flap 218 are substantially the same. In one or more examples, the widths of the front panel 210, the rear panel 214, and the closure flap 218 are different.

The bottom panel 212 has a width between fold lines 302 and 306. The top panel 216 has a width between fold lines 318 and 322. In one or more examples, the widths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are substantially the same. In one or more examples, the widths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are different.

In one or more examples, the widths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are greater (e.g., larger or longer) than the widths of the front panel 210, the rear panel 214, and the closure flap 218. In one or more examples, the widths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are substantially equal to or less (e.g., shorter or smaller) than the widths of the front panel 210, the rear panel 214, and the closure flap 218.

The front panel 210 has a height between the leading edge 206 and fold line 220. The rear panel 214 has a height between fold lines 222 and 394. In one or more examples, the heights of the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214 are substantially the same. In one or more examples, the heights of the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214 are different.

The bottom panel 212 has a depth between fold lines 220 and 222 and the top panel 216 has a depth between fold lines 394 and 396. In one or more examples, the depths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are the same. In one or more examples, the depths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are different.

In one or more examples, the depths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are less than the heights of the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214. In one or more examples, the depths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are substantially equal to or greater than the heights of the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214.

In one or more examples, at least one of the front panel 210, the bottom panel 212, the rear panel 214, and the top panel 216 is equally dimensioned. In one or more examples, at least one of the front panel 210, the bottom panel 212, the rear panel 214, and the top panel 216 may be other than equally dimensioned.

In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 may be considered to be substantially rectangular in shape with four angled corner edges defined by fold lines 232, 234, 236 and 238. In one or more examples, fold lines 232 and 238 are substantially parallel and fold lines 234 and 236 are substantially parallel. In one or more examples, the top panel 216 may be considered to be substantially rectangular in shape with four angled corner edges defined by fold lines 248, 250, 252 and 254. In one or more examples, fold lines 248 and 254 are substantially parallel and fold lines 250 and 252 are substantially parallel. As such, the angled corner edges of an otherwise rectangular shape of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 define an octagonal shape of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 and, thus, an octagonal shape of the bottom wall and the top wall of the container 100.

In one or more examples, when the container 100 (FIG. 2) is formed from the blank 200 (FIG. 1), fold line 232 defines a front-left corner edge of the bottom panel 212, fold line 234 defines a front-right corner edge of the bottom panel 212, fold line 236 defines a rear-left corner edge of the bottom panel 212, and fold line 238 defines a rear-right corner edge of the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, when the container 100 is formed from the blank 200, fold line 252 defines a front-left corner edge of the top panel 216, fold line 254 defines a front-right corner edge of the top panel 216, fold line 248 defines a rear-left corner edge of the top panel 216, and fold line 250 defines a rear-right corner edge of the top panel 216.

Alternatively, the bottom panel 212 and/or the top panel 216 may have any suitable shape that enables the container 100 to function as described herein. For example, the bottom panel 212 and/or the top panel 216 may be in the shape of a rectangle having corners that are truncated by a segmented edge such that the bottom panel 212 and/or the top panel 216 has more than eight sides. In another example, the bottom panel 212 and/or the top panel 216 may be in the shape of a rectangle having corners that are truncated by an arcuate edge such that the bottom panel 212 and/or the top panel 216 has four substantially straight sides and four arcuate sides.

In one or more examples, a first bottom side panel 300 extends from the bottom panel 212 along a fold line 302 to a free edge 308. A second bottom side panel 304 extends from the bottom panel 212 along a fold line 306 to a free edge 310. Fold line 302 defines a bottom edge of the first bottom side panel 300 and a side edge of the bottom panel 212. Fold line 306 defines a bottom edge of the second bottom side panel 304 and a side edge of the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, the first bottom side panel 300 and the second bottom side panel 304 are each generally trapezoidal or rectangularly shaped and have free side edges 312 and 314. The bottom side panels 300 and 304 each have a depth between side edges 312 and 314. In one or more examples, the depths of the bottom side panels 300 and 304 are shorter than the depths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 such that the bottom side panels 300 and 304 are narrower than the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216.

In one or more examples, fold line 302 extends between ends of fold lines 232 and 236. In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 has an edge 332 extending between ends of free side edge 312 and fold line 232 and an edge 334 extending between ends of free side edge 314 and fold line 236. Fold line 302 and edges 332 and 334 define the side edge of the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, fold line 306 extends between ends of fold lines 234 and 238. In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 has edge 332 extending between ends of free side edge 312 and fold line 234 and edge 334 extending between ends of free side edge 314 and fold line 238. Fold line 302 and edges 332 and 334 define the side edge of the bottom panel 212.

Similarly, in one or more examples, a first top side panel 316 extends from the top panel 216 along a fold line 318 to a free edge 324. A second top side panel 320 extends from the top panel 216 along a fold line 322 to a free edge 326. Fold line 318 defines a top edge of the first top side panel 316 and a side edge of the top panel 216. Fold line 322 defines a top edge of the second top side panel 320 and a side edge of the top panel 216. In one or more examples, the first top side panel 316 and the second top side panel 320 are each generally trapezoidal or rectangularly shaped and have free side edges 328 and 330. The top side panels 316 and 320 each have a depth between side edges 328 and 330. In one or more examples, the depths of the top side panels 316 and 320 are less than the depths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 such that the top side panels 316 and 320 are narrower than the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216.

In one or more examples, fold line 318 extends between ends of fold lines 248 and 252. In one or more examples, the top panel 216 has an edge 336 extending between ends of free side edge 328 and fold line 248 and an edge 338 extending between ends of free side edge 330 and fold line 252. Fold line 318 and edges 336 and 338 define the side edge of the top panel 216. In one or more examples, fold line 322 extends between ends of fold lines 250 and 254. In one or more examples, the top panel 216 has edge 336 extending between ends of free side edge 328 and fold line 250 and edge 338 extending between ends of free side edge 330 and fold line 254. Fold line 322 and edges 336 and 338 define the side edge of the top panel 216.

In one or more examples, the top side panels 316 and 320 are substantially congruent to the bottom side panels 300 and 304. In one or more examples, the top side panels 316 and/or 320 may be other than congruent to the bottom side panels 300 and/or 304.

In one or more examples, a first corner panel 256 extends from the front panel 210 along a fold line 258. A first side panel 264 extends from first corner panel 256 along a fold line 266 to a free edge 272. Fold lines 258 and 266 define side edges of the first corner panel 256. Fold line 258 defines a side edge of the front panel 210. Fold line 266 and free edge 272 define side edges of the first side panel 264. In one or more examples, the first corner panel 256 has a substantially rectangular shape defined by a top edge 276, a fold line 280, and fold lines 258 and 266. In one or more examples, fold line 280 is colinear with fold line 220 and forms a bottom edge of the first corner panel 256. In one or more examples, the first side panel 264 has a substantially rectangular shape defined by a top edge 278, a bottom edge 282, fold line 266, and free edge 272. In one or more examples, fold line 258 extends between ends of the top edge 276 and fold line 232.

Similarly, in one or more examples, a second corner panel 260 extends from the front panel 210 along a fold line 262. A second side panel 268 extends from the second corner panel 260 along a fold line 270 to a free edge 274. Fold lines 262 and 270 define side edges of the second corner panel 260. Fold line 262 defines a side edge of the front panel 210. Fold line 270 and free edge 274 define side edges of the first side panel 264. In one or more examples, the second corner panel 260 has a substantially rectangular shape defined by top edge 276, a fold line 340, and fold lines 262 and 270. In one or more examples, fold line 340 is colinear with fold line 220 and forms a bottom edge of the second corner panel 256. In one or more examples, the second side panel 268 has a substantially rectangular shape defined by top edge 278, bottom edge 282, fold line 270, and free edge 274. In one or more examples, fold line 262 extends between ends of the top edge 276 and fold line 234.

Similarly, in one or more examples, a third corner panel 284 extends from the rear panel 214 along a fold line 286. A third side panel 292 extends from the third corner panel 284 along a fold line 294 to a free edge 358. Fold lines 286 and 294 define side edges of the third corner panel 284. Fold line 286 defines a side edge of the rear panel 214. Fold line 294 and free edge 358 define side edges of the third side panel 292. In one or more examples, the third corner panel 284 has a substantially rectangular shape defined by a fold line 362, a fold line 366, and fold lines 286 and 294. In one or more examples, fold line 362 is colinear with fold line 222 and forms a bottom edge of the third corner panel 284. In one or more examples, fold line 366 is colinear with fold line 394 and forms a top edge of the third corner panel 284. In one or more examples, the third side panel 292 has a substantially rectangular shape defined by top edge 278, bottom edge 282, fold line 294, and free edge 358. In one or more examples, fold line 286 extends between ends of the fold lines 362 and 366.

Similarly, in one or more examples, a fourth corner panel 288 extends from the rear panel 214 along a fold line 290. A fourth side panel 296 extends from the fourth corner panel 288 along a fold line 298 to a free edge 360. Fold lines 290 and 298 define side edges of the fourth corner panel 284. Fold line 290 defines a side edge of the rear panel 214. Fold line 298 and free edge 360 define side edges of the fourth side panel 264. In one or more examples, the fourth corner panel 288 has a substantially rectangular shape defined by a fold line 364, a fold line 368, and fold lines 290 and 298. In one or more examples, fold line 364 is colinear with fold line 222 and forms a bottom edge of the fourth corner panel 288. In one or more examples, fold line 368 is colinear with fold line 394 and forms a top edge of the fourth corner panel 288. In one or more examples, the fourth side panel 296 has a substantially rectangular shape defined by top edge 278, bottom edge 282, fold line 298, and free edge 360. In one or more examples, fold line 290 extends between ends of the fold lines 364 and 368.

The first corner panel 256 has a height between fold line 280 and top edge 276. The first side panel 264 has a height between bottom edge 282 and top edge 278. In one or more examples, the front panel 210, the first corner panel 256, and the first side panel 264 have substantially equal heights. As such, top edges 276 and 278 are substantially collinear with the leading edge 206 and the bottom edge 282 and fold line 280 are substantially collinear with fold line 220. In one or more examples, at least one of the front panel 210, the first corner panel 256, and/or the first side panel 264 have other than equal heights.

The second corner panel 260 has a height between fold line 340 and top edge 276. The second side panel 268 has a height between bottom edge 282 and top edge 278. In one or more examples, the front panel 210, the second corner panel 260, and the second side panel 268 have substantially equal heights. As such, top edges 276 and 278 are substantially collinear with the leading edge 206 and the bottom edge 282 and fold line 340 are substantially collinear with fold line 220. In one or more examples, the front panel 210, the second corner panel 260, and the second side panel 268 have other than equal heights.

The third corner panel 284 has a height between fold lines 362 and 366. The third side panel 292 has a height between bottom edge 282 and top edge 278. In one or more examples, the rear panel 214, the third corner panel 284, and the third side panel 292 have substantially equal heights. As such, top edge 278 and fold lines 366 are substantially collinear with fold line 394 and the bottom edge 282 and fold lines 362 are substantially collinear with fold line 222. In one or more examples, the rear panel 214, the third corner panel 284, and the third side panel 292 have other than equal heights.

The fourth corner panel 288 has a height between fold lines 364 and 368. The fourth side panel 296 has a height between bottom edge 282 and top edge 278. In one or more examples, the rear panel 214, the fourth corner panel 288, and the fourth side panel 296 have substantially equal heights. As such, top edge 278 and fold line 368 are substantially collinear with fold line 394 and the bottom edge 282 and fold line 364 are substantially collinear with fold line 222. In one or more examples, the rear panel 214, the fourth corner panel 288, and the fourth side panel 296 have other than equal heights.

The first corner panel 256 has a width between fold lines 258 and 266. The first side panel 264 has a width between fold line 266 and free edge 272. In one or more examples, the width of the first side panel 264 is greater than the width of the first corner panel 256. In one or more examples, the width of the first side panel 264 is substantially equal to or less than the width of the first corner panel 256. In one or more examples, the width of the first corner panel 256 is substantially constant from the top edge 276 to fold line 280 such that the first corner panel 256 does not include cut-off corners and/or tapered top and/or bottom edges. In one or more examples, the width of the first side panel 264 is substantially constant from the top edge 278 to the bottom edge 282 such that the first side panel 264 does not include cut-off corners and/or tapered top and/or bottom edges.

The second corner panel 260 has a width between fold lines 262 and 270. The third corner panel 284 has a width between fold lines 286 and 294. The fourth corner panel 288 has a width between fold lines 290 and 298. In one or more examples, the widths of the second corner panel 260, the third corner panel 284, and the fourth corner panel 288 are substantially equal to the width of the first corner panel 256. The second side panel 268 has a width between fold line 270 and free edge 274. The third side panel 292 has a width between fold line 294 and free edge 358. The fourth side panel 296 has a width between fold line 298 and free edge 360. In one or more examples, the widths of the second side panel 268, the third side panel 292, and the fourth side panel 296 are substantially equal to the width of the first side panel 264. Alternatively, corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288 and/or side panels 264, 268, 292 and/or 296 may have any suitable dimensions that enable the blank 200 to function as described herein. In one or more examples, the width of corner panels 260, 284 and 288 are substantially constant such that corner panels 260, 284 and 288 do not include cut-off corners and/or tapered top and/or bottom edges. In one or more examples, the width of side panels 268, 292 and 296 are substantially constant such that side panels 268, 292 and 296 do not include cut-off corners and/or tapered top and/or bottom edges.

In one or more examples, the second corner panel 260, the third corner panel 284, and fourth corner panel 288 are substantially congruent to the first corner panel 256. In one or more examples, the second side panel 268, the third side panel 292, and the fourth side panel 296 are substantially congruent to the first side panel 264. In one or more examples, corner panels 256, 260, 284 and 288 are other than congruent to each other and/or side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 are other than congruent to each other. For example, first and second side panels 264 and 268 are congruent and third and fourth side panels 292 and 296 are congruent with each other but not to first and second side panels 264 and 268.

The first bottom side panel 300 has a height between fold line 302 and free edge 308. The second bottom side panel 304 has a height between fold line 306 and free edge 310. In one or more examples, the heights of the first bottom side panel 300 and the second bottom side panel 304 are of suitable length such that free edges 308 and 310 are proximate (e.g., at or near) each other when the container 100 (FIG. 2) is formed from the blank 200. In one or more examples, the heights of the first bottom side panel 300 and the second bottom side panel 304 are of suitable length such that free edges 308 and 310 are spaced away from each other when the container 100 is formed from the blank 200.

The first top side panel 316 has a height between fold line 318 and free edge 324. The second top side panel 320 has a height between fold line 322 and free edge 326. In one or more examples, the heights of the first top side panel 316 and the second top side panel 320 are of suitable length such that free edges 324 and 326 are proximate (e.g., at or near) each other when the container 100 (FIG. 2) is formed from the blank 200. In one or more examples, the heights of the first top side panel 316 and the second top side panel 320 are of suitable length such that free edges 324 and 326 are spaced away from each other when the container 100 is formed from the blank 200.

In one or more examples, the widths of the first side panel 264 and the third side panel 292 are of suitable length such that free edges 272 and 358 are proximate (e.g., at or near) each other when the container 100 (FIG. 2) is formed from the blank 200. In one or more examples, the widths of the first side panel 264 and the third side panel 292 are of suitable length such that free edges 272 and 358 are spaced away from each other when the container 100 is formed from the blank 200.

In one or more examples, the widths of the second side panel 268 and the fourth side panel 296 are of suitable length such that free edges 274 and 360 are proximate (e.g., at or near) each other when the container 100 (FIG. 2) is formed from the blank 200. In one or more examples, the widths of the second side panel 268 and the fourth side panel 296 are of suitable length such that free edges 274 and 360 are spaced away from each other when the container 100 is formed from the blank 200.

The heights of bottom side panels 300 and 304, the heights of top side panels 316 and 320, and the widths of side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 may depend on the desired overlap between bottom side panels 300 and 304 and side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 and/or the desired overlap between top side panels 316 and 302 and side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296. In one or more examples, the combined heights of bottom side panels 300 and 304 and width of the bottom panel 212 are substantially equal to or other than equal to the combined heights of top side panels 316 and 320 and width of the top panel 216. In one or more examples, the combined widths of corner panels 256 and 260, widths of side panels 264 and 268, and width of the front panel 210 are substantially equal to or other than equal to the combined widths of corner panels 284 and 288, widths of side panels 292 and 296, and width of the rear panel 214. In one or more examples, the combined heights of bottom side panels 300 and 304 and width of the bottom panel 212 are substantially equal to or other than equal to the combined widths of corner panels 256 and 260, widths of side panels 264 and 268, and width of the front panel 210 and/or the combined widths of corner panels 284 and 288, widths of side panels 292 and 296, and width of the rear panel 214. In one or more examples, the combined heights of top side panels 316 and 320 and width of the top panel 316 are substantially equal to or other than equal to the combined widths of corner panels 256 and 260, widths of side panels 264 and 268, and width of the front panel 210 and/or the combined widths of corner panels 284 and 288, widths of side panels 292 and 296, and width of the rear panel 214.

In one or more examples, a first corner closure flap 378 extends from the closure flap 218 along a fold line 374 to an edge 382. A second corner closure flap 380 extends from the closure flap 218 along a fold line 376 to an edge 384. The first corner closure flap 378 has a width between fold line 374 and edge 382 and a height between fold line 370 and an edge 386. The second corner closure flap 380 has a width between fold line 376 and edge 384 and a height between fold line 372 and an edge 388. In one or more examples, the heights of the first corner closure flap 378 and the second corner closure flap 380 are substantially the same of the width of the closure flap 218. In one or more examples, the combined widths of the corner closure flaps 378 and 380 and width of the closure flap 218 is greater than the widths of the top panel 216. In one or more examples, fold lines 370 and 372 are substantially collinear to fold line 396.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes bottom corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228 and 238 connecting the angled corner edges of the bottom panel 212 to respective corner panels 256, 260, 284 and 288. Bottom corner-support flap 224 extends between fold lines 232 and 280 and includes an edge 342 that extends between ends of fold lines 232 and 266. Bottom corner-support flap 226 extends between fold lines 234 and 340 and includes an edge 344 that extends between ends of fold lines 234 and 270. Bottom corner-support flap 228 extends between fold lines 236 and 362 and includes an edge 346 that extends between ends of fold lines 236 and 294. Bottom corner-support flap 230 extends between fold lines 238 and 364 and includes an edge 348 that extends between ends of fold lines 238 and 298.

In one or more examples, fold line 232 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold lines 220, 258 and 280 and an intersection of edges 332 and 342. Fold line 280 extends between an intersection of fold lines 220, 258 and 232 and an intersection of bottom edge 278282 the first side panel 264, fold line 266, and edge 342. Edge 342 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold line 232 and edge 332 and an intersection of fold lines 280 and 266 and bottom edge 282 of the first side panel 264.

In one or more examples, fold line 234 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold lines 220, 262 and 340 and an intersection of edges 332 and 344. Fold line 340 extends between an intersection of fold lines 220, 262 and 234 and an intersection of bottom edge 282 of the second side panel 268, fold line 270, and edge 344. Edge 344 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold line 234 and edge 332 and an intersection of fold lines 340 and 270 and bottom edge 282 of the second side panel 268.

In one or more examples, fold line 236 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold lines 222, 286 and 362 and an intersection of edges 334 and 346. Fold line 362 extends between an intersection of fold lines 222, 286 and 236 and an intersection of bottom edge 282 of the third side panel 292, fold line 294, and edge 346. Edge 346 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold line 236 and edge 334 and an intersection of fold lines 362 and 294 and bottom edge 282 of third side panel 292.

In one or more examples, fold line 238 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold lines 222, 290 and 364 and an intersection of edges 334 and 348. Fold line 364 extends between an intersection of fold lines 222, 290 and 238 and an intersection of bottom edge 282 of the fourth side panel 296, fold line 298, and edge 348. Edge 348 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold line 238 and edge 334 and an intersection of fold lines 364 and 298 and bottom edge 282 of the fourth side panel 292.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes top corner-support flaps 240, 242, 244 and 264 connecting the angled corner edges of the top panel 216 to respective corner panels 284 and 288 and closure flap 218. Top corner-support flap 240 extends between fold lines 248 and 366 and includes an edge 350 that extends between ends of fold lines 248 and 294. Top corner-support flap 242 extends between fold lines 250 and 368 and includes an edge 352 that extends between ends of fold lines 250 and 298. Top corner-support flap 244 extends between fold lines 252 and 370 and includes an edge 354 that extends between ends of fold line 252 and edge 382. Top corner-support flap 246 extends between fold lines 254 and 372 and includes an edge 356 that extends between ends of fold line 254 and edge 384.

In one or more examples, fold line 248 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold lines 394, 286 and 366 and an intersection of edges 336 and 350. Fold line 366 extends between an intersection of fold lines 394, 286 and 248 and an intersection of top edge 278 of the third side panel 292, fold line 294, and edge 350. Edge 350 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold line 248 and edge 336 and an intersection of fold lines 294 and 366 and top edge 278 of the third side panel 292.

In one or more examples, fold line 250 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold lines 394, 290 and 368 and an intersection of edges 336 and 352. Fold line 368 extends between an intersection of fold lines 394, 290 and 250 and an intersection of top edge 278 of the fourth side panel 296, fold line 298, and edge 352. Edge 352 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold line 250 and edge 336 and an intersection of fold lines 298 and 368 and top edge 278 of the fourth side panel 296.

In one or more examples, fold line 252 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold lines 226, 374 and 370 and an intersection of edges 338 and 354. Fold line 370 extends between an intersection of fold lines 226, 374 and 252 and an intersection of edges 354 and 382. Edge 354 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold line 252 and edge 338 and an intersection of fold line 370 and edge 382.

In one or more examples, fold line 254 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold lines 226, 376 and 372 and an intersection of edges 338 and 356. Fold line 372 extends between an intersection of fold lines 226, 376 and 254 and an intersection of edges 356 and 384. Edge 356 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold line 254 and edge 338 and an intersection of fold lines 372 and 298 and edge 384.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 and the container 100 formed by the blank 200 includes corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228 and/or 230 connecting respective corner panels 256, 260, 284 and 288 to the bottom panel 212. Each one of the corner-support flaps 224 and 226 is configured to position and hold a respective one of corner panels 256 and 260 in its formation position (e.g., oblique to the front panel 210 and substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212) when the front panel 210 is moved to its formation position (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212). Each one of the corner-support flaps 228 and 230 is configured to position and hold a respective one of corner panels 284 and 288 in its formation position (e.g., oblique to the rear panel 214 and substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212) when the rear panel 214 is moved to its formation position (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212).

In one or more examples, in addition to or as an alternative to corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228 and/or 230, the blank 200 and the container 100 formed by the blank 200 includes corner-support flaps 240,242, 244 and/or 246 connecting respective corner panels 284 and 288 and respecting corner closure flaps 378 and 380 to the top panel 216. Each one of the corner-support flaps 240 and 242 is configured to position and hold a respective one of corner panels 284 and 288 in its formation position (e.g., oblique to the rear panel 214 and substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216) when the rear panel 214 is moved to its formation position (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212) and the top panel 216 is moved to its formation position (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 214). Each one of the corner-support flaps 244 and 246 is configured to position and hold a respective one of corner closure flaps 378 and 380 in its formation position (e.g., oblique to the closure flap 218, substantially perpendicular to the top panel 216 and substantially parallel to a respective one of corner panels 284 and 288) when the closure flap 218 is moved to its formation position (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the top panel 216 and substantially parallel to the front panel 210).

In one or more examples, fold line 258 is substantially aligned with an intersection of fold lines 232 and 220. Fold line 266 is substantially aligned with an intersection of edge 342 and bottom edge 282 of the first side panel 264. Fold line 262 is substantially aligned with an intersection of fold lines 234 and 220. Fold line 270 is substantially aligned with an intersection of edge 344 and bottom edge 282 of the second side panel 268. Fold line 286 is substantially aligned with an intersection of fold lines 236 and 222 and with an intersection of fold lines 248 and 394. Fold line 294 is substantially aligned with an intersection of edge 346 and bottom edge 282 of the third side panel 292 and with an intersection of edge 350 and top edge 278 of the third side panel 292. Fold line 290 is substantially aligned with an intersection of fold lines 238 and 222 and with an intersection of fold lines 250 and 394. Fold line 298 is substantially aligned with an intersection of edge 348 and bottom edge 282 of the fourth side panel 296 and with an intersection of edge 352 and top edge 278 of the fourth side panel 292. In one or more examples, fold lines 258, 266, 262, 270, 302, 306, 286, 294, 290, 298, 318, 322, 374 and 376 are substantially parallel. In one or more examples, free edges 272, 274, 308, 310, 358, 360, 324 and 326 are substantially parallel with fold lines 258, 266, 262, 270, 302, 306, 286, 294, 290, 298, 318, 322, 374 and 376. In one or more examples, one or more of fold lines 258, 266, 262, 270, 302, 306, 286, 294, 290, 298, 318, 322, 374 and 376 and/or one or more of free edges 272, 274, 308, 310, 358, 360, 324 and 326 are other than parallel.

In one or more examples, blank 200 includes tear-away line 390. Tear-away line 390, as well as any other tear-away line, may include any suitable predefined or preformed line of weakening and/or line of division known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided, such as a perforation, zippering, and the like. In one or more examples, a tear-away hole 392 may be located along the tear-away line 390. The tear-away hole 392 may be suitably sized and shaped to enable a person to use a finger to sever the container 100 along the tear-away line 390. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presence of the tear-away line 390 in the assembled container 100 may facilitate accessing product 110 packaged in the container 100. In one or more examples, the tear-away line 390 is located on the top panel 216 (e.g., top wall 108 of the container 100). In other examples, the tear-away line 390 may be located on the front panel 210 (e.g., front wall 102 of the container 100) and/or the rear panel 214 (e.g., rear wall of the container 100).

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a first example of the container 100 that is formed from the blank 200 shown in FIG. 1. The container 100 is configured to be loaded with a product 110 (not visible in FIG. 2). Generally, the container 100 is a stackable, collapsible container that may be formed about the product 100 to be contained therein. Although the container 100 may be formed about the product 110 to be contained therein, the container 100 may also be formed without having the product 110 therein. Further, although the illustrated example of the container 100 includes a plurality of products 110, the container 100 may include any suitable number of products 110, such as one product 110. In one or more examples, the products 110 are cylindrical. In other examples, the products 110 may have any suitable shape.

FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate an example of corner-support flap 224 connecting the first corner panel 256 to the bottom panel 212. However, the example described below and illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is equally applicable to corner-support flap 226 connecting the second corner panel 260 to the bottom panel 212, corner-support flap 228 connecting the third corner panel 284 to the bottom panel 212, corner-support flap 230 connecting the fourth corner panel 288 to the bottom panel 212, corner-support flap 240 connecting the third corner panel 284 to the top panel 216, corner-support flap 242 connecting the fourth corner panel 288 to the top panel 216, corner-support flap 244 connecting the first corner closure flap 378 to the top panel 216, and corner-support flap 246 connecting the second corner closure flap 380 to the top panel 216 as well as any other corner-support flap 406 disclosed herein.

With the front panel 210 folded about fold line 220 to its formation position, during formation of the container 100, such that the front panel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212 (e.g., substantially vertical), the corner-support flap 224 is folded about fold line 232 such the corner-support flap 224 is parallel to and overlaps of portion of the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 224 is adjacent to and/or is in contact with the bottom panel 212. For example, the interior surface 202 of the corner-support flap 224 and the interior surface 202 of the bottom panel 212 are substantially coplanar. In its formation position, the corner-support flap 224 is located along the exterior surface 204 of the first corner panel 256. As such, the corner-support flap 224 presses against the first corner panel 256 and holds the first corner panel 256 in its formation position such that the first corner panel 256 is at an oblique angle A1 relative to the front panel 256.

In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 224 is generally triangular and is defined (e.g., bound) by fold line 280, fold line 232, and edge 342. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 224 is a scalene triangle. As such, fold line 280, fold line 232, and edge 342 have unequal lengths. In one or more examples, fold line 232 is at an oblique angle A2 relative to fold line 280. In one or more examples, the oblique angle A2 between fold lines 232 and 280 is less than the oblique angle A1 of the first corner panel 256 relative to the front panel 210. In one or more examples, the oblique angle A2 is approximately one-half of the oblique angle A1. In one or more examples, the oblique angle A1 is approximately 45 degrees. In one or more examples, the oblique angle A2 is approximately 22.5 degrees.

In one or more examples, to construct the container 100 from the blank 200, at least one product 110 is positioned on the interior surface 202 of the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 is sized to correspond to the product(s) 110 contained within the container 100.

In one or more examples, the front panel 210 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 220 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110. The rear panel 214 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 222 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110. In one or more examples, the front panel 210 and the rear panel 24 are rotated to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212, as shown in FIG. 2. In one or more examples, when the container 100 is formed about the products 110, the interior surface 202 of the front and rear panels 210 and 214 is adjacent to side walls of the products 110.

In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 forms the bottom wall 106 of the container 100. The front panel 210 forms the front wall 102 of the container 100. The rear panel 214 forms the rear wall 104 of container 100.

In one or more examples, the height of front and rear panels 210 and 214 is sized to correspond to a height of the products 110. In one or more examples, the height of the front and rear panels 210 and 214 is substantially equal to or greater than the height of the products 110.

In one or more examples, the first corner panel 256 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 258 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110. The first side panel 264 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 266 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110. In one or more examples, the first corner panel 256 is rotated such that the first corner panel 256 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the front panel 210 and substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212 and the first side panel 264 is rotated such that the first side panel 264 is substantially perpendicular to the front panel 210 and the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, when the container 100 is formed about the products 110, the interior surface 202 of the first corner panel 256 and the first side panel 264 is adjacent to the side walls of the products 110.

In one or more examples, the second corner 260 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 262 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110. The second side panel 268 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 270 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110. In one or more examples, the second corner panel 260 is rotated such that the second corner panel 260 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the front panel 210 and substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212 and the second side panel 268 is rotated such that the second side panel 268 is substantially perpendicular to the front panel 210 and the bottom panel 268. In one or more examples, when the container 100 is formed about the products 110, the interior surface 202 of the second corner panel 260 and the second side panel 268 is adjacent to the side walls of the products 110.

In one or more examples, the third corner panel 284 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 286 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110. The third side panel 292 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 294 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110 In one or more examples, the third corner panel 284 is rotated such that the third corner panel 284 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the rear panel 214 and substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212 and the third side panel 292 is rotated such that the third side panel 78 is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 214 and the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, when the container 100 is formed about the products 110, the interior surface 202 of the third corner panel 284 and the third side panel 292 is adjacent to the side walls of the products 110.

In one or more examples, the fourth corner panel 288 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 290 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110. The fourth side panel 296 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 298 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110. In one or more examples, the fourth corner panel 288 is rotated such that the fourth corner panel 288 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the rear panel 214 and substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212 and the fourth side panel 296 is rotated such that the fourth side panel 296 is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 214 and the bottom panel 212.

In one or more examples, rotation of the front panel 210 about fold line 220 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap 224 about fold line 232. Rotation of corner-support flap 224 about fold line 232 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the first corner panel 256 about fold line 258. Corner-support flap 224 then holds the first corner panel 256 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the front panel 210 about fold line 220 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap 226 about fold line 234. Rotation of corner-support flap 226 about fold line 234 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the second corner panel 260 about fold line 262. Corner-support flap 226 then holds the second corner panel 260 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the rear panel 214 about fold line 222 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap 228 about fold line 236. Rotation of corner-support flap 228 about fold line 236 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the third corner panel 284 about fold line 286. Corner-support flap 228 then holds the third corner panel 284 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the rear panel 214 about fold line 222 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap 230 about fold line 238. Rotation of corner-support flap 230 about fold line 238 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the fourth corner panel 288 about fold line 290. Corner-support flap 230 then holds the fourth corner panel 288 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, the oblique angle of corner panel 256, 260, 284 and 288 are substantially equal. In one or more examples, the oblique angle of the of corner panel 256, 260, 284 and/or 288 may be other than equal depending upon the products 110 contained within the container 100.

In one or more examples, the first corner panel 256 forms an angled (e.g., chamfered) first one of the corner walls 116 of the container 100. The second corner panel 260 forms an angled (e.g., chamfered) second one of the corner walls 116 of the container 100. The third corner panel 284 forms an angled (e.g., chamfered) third one of the corner walls 166 of container 100. The fourth corner panel 288 forms an angled (e.g., chamfered) fourth one of the corner walls 116 of the container 100.

In one or more examples, bottom edges 282 of side panels 264 and 292 are substantially aligned with fold line 302. Bottom edges 282 of side panels 268 and 296 are substantially aligned with fold line 306. As such, bottom edges of corner panels 256, 260, 284 and 288 (defined by respective fold lines 280, 340, 362 and 364) and bottom edges 282 of side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 are adjacent to and/or in contact with the bottom panel 212. For example, bottom edges of corner panels 256, 260, 284 and 288 (defined by respective fold lines 280, 340, 362 and 364) and bottom edges 282 of side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 are substantially coplanar with bottom panel 212.

In one or more examples, the first bottom side panel 300 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 302 toward the exterior surface 204 of side panels 264 and 292. The second bottom side panel 304 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 306 toward the exterior surface 204 of side panels 268 and 296. The interior surface 202 of the first bottom side panel 300 is secured to the exterior surface 204 of side panels 264 and 292 using any suitable bonding material, such as glue, tape, and/or adhesives. The interior surface 202 of the second bottom side panel 304 is secured to the exterior surface of side panels 268 and 296 using any suitable bonding material, such as glue, tape, and/or adhesives.

In one or more examples, the first side panel 264, the third side panel 292, and the first bottom side panel 300 form a first one of side walls, or end walls, 118 of the container. The second side panel 268, the fourth side panel 296, and second bottom side panel 304 form a second one of the side walls, or end walls, 118 of the container 100. In one or more examples, the bottom wall 106, the front wall 102, the rear wall 104, the corner walls 116, and the side/end walls 118 define an interior volume (e.g., a cavity) of the container 100 in which products 110 are contained. Further, when the top wall 108 is not yet formed by the top panel 216, the container 100 is considered to be in an open configuration.

In one or more examples, to close the container 100, the top panel 216 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 394 toward the interior volume such that the top panel 216 is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 214 and substantially parallel to the bottom panel 212. The first top side panel 316 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 318 toward the exterior surface 204 of the first side panel 264 and the third side panel 292. The second top side panel 320 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 322 toward the exterior surface 204 of the second side panel 268 and the fourth side panel 296. The interior surface 202 of the first top side panel 316 is secured to the exterior surface 204 of the first side panel 264 and the third side panel 292 using any suitable bonding material, such as glue, tape, and/or adhesives. The interior surface 202 of the second top side panel 320 is secured to the exterior surface 204 of the second side panel 268 and the fourth side panel 296 using any suitable bonding material, such as glue, tape, and/or adhesives.

In one or more examples, the first top side panel 316 becomes a part of the first one of the side/end walls 118 when container 100 is in a closed configuration. The second top side panel 320 becomes a part of the second one of the side/end walls 118 when the container 100 is in the closed configuration. The top panel 216 forms the top wall 108 of the container 100.

In one or more examples, the closure flap 218 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 396 toward the exterior surface 204 of the front panel 210 and is secured thereto using any suitable bonding material, such as glue, tape, and/or adhesives. The closure flap 218 becomes a part of the front wall 102 when container 100 is in the closed configuration.

In one or more examples, the first corner closure flap 378 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 374 toward the exterior surface 204 of the first corner panel 256 and is secured thereto using any suitable bonding material, such as glue, tape, and/or adhesives. The first corner closure flap 378 becomes a part of the first one of the corner walls 116 when container 100 is in the closed configuration. The second corner closure flap 380 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 376 toward the exterior surface 204 of the second corner panel 260 and is secured thereto using any suitable bonding material, such as glue, tape, and/or adhesives. The second corner closure flap 380 becomes a part of the second one of the corner walls 116 when container 100 is in the closed configuration.

In one or more examples, rotation of the top panel 216 about fold line 394 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap 240 about fold line 248. Rotation of corner-support flap 240 about fold line 248 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the third corner panel 284 about fold line 286. Corner-support flap 240 then holds the third corner panel 284 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the top panel 216 about fold line 394 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap 242 about fold line 250. Rotation of corner-support flap 242 about fold line 250 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the fourth corner panel 288 about fold line 290. Corner-support flap 242 then holds the fourth corner panel 288 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the closure flap 218 about fold line 396 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap 244 about fold line 252. Rotation of corner-support flap 244 about fold line 252 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the first corner closure flap 378 about fold line 374. Corner-support flap 244 then holds the first corner closure flap 378 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the closure flap 218 about fold line 396 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap 246 about fold line 254. Rotation of corner-support flap 246 about fold line 254 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the second corner closure flap 380 about fold line 376. Corner-support flap 246 then holds the second corner closure flap 380 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, when the container 100 is in the closed configuration, top edges 278 of side panels 264 and 292 are substantially aligned with fold line 318. Top edges 278 of side panels 268 and 296 are substantially aligned with fold line 322. As such, top edges 276 of corner panels 256 and 260, top edges of corner panels 284 and 288 (defined by respective fold lines 366 and 368), and top edges 278 of side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 are adjacent to and/or in contact with the top panel 216. For example, top edges 276 of corner panels 256 and 260, top edges of corner panels 284 and 288 (defined by respective fold lines 366 and 368), and top edges 278 of side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 are substantially coplanar with bottom panel 212.

By way of examples, and referring generally to FIGS. 1-19, the present disclosure is also directed to a method for forming the container 100 from the blank 200. The blank 200 includes a series of panels 400 connected along a plurality of fold lines 402, the corner panel 404 extending from a first one of the panels 400, and the corner-support flap 406 connected to the corner panel 404 and to a second one of the panels 400 along the plurality of fold lines 402.

In one or more examples, the method includes a step of rotating the first one of the panels 400 about a respective one of the fold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels 400. The method also includes a step of rotating the corner-support flap 406 about a respective one of the fold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels 400. The method further includes a step of rotating the corner panel 404 about a respective one of the fold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels 400.

In one or more examples, according to the method, the step of rotating the corner-support flap 406 about the respective one of the fold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels 400 causes (e.g., results in or brings about) the step of rotating the corner panel 404 about the respective one of the fold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels 400. In one or more examples, according to the method, the corner-support flap 406 holds the corner panel 404 at the oblique angle relative to the first one of the panels 400.

In one or more examples, according to the method, the step of rotating the first one of the panels 400 about a respective one of the fold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels 400 causes (e.g., results in or bring about) the step of rotating the corner-support flap 406 about a respective one of the fold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels 400.

In one or more examples, the described methods to form (e.g., construct or erect) the container 100 from the blank 200, described above, may be performed using a machine. The machine performs the above-described method to continuously form the container 100 from the blank 200 as the blank 200 is moved though the machine. In one embodiment, the machine includes at least one plow or finger to rotate the panels 400 (e.g., panels 210, 214, 256, 264, 260, 268, 284, 292, 288, 296, 300, 304, 216, 316 and/or 320).

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a second example of the blank 200 used to construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 6). The second example of the blank 200 is essentially the same as the first example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 1) and includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the blank 200. As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, the second example of the blank 200 may be sized and/or shaped differently than the first example of the blank 200, such as the relationships between widths, heights, and/or depths are different than the relationships with respect to the first example of the blank 200, and/or may include a different number and/or configuration of panels 400, fold lines 402, corner panels 404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels 410, as well as any other panels and/or flaps. The second example of the blank 200 may be formed using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the blank 100, as described above.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a second example of the container 100 formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 5). The second example of the container 100 is essentially the same as the first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2) and includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the container 100. As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. The second example of the container 100 may be formed from the blank 100 using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the container 100 from the blank 200, as described above. Further, the second example of the container 100 may be formed with a machine that performs the method of constructing the first example of the container 100.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a third example of the blank 200 used to construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 8). The third example of the blank 200 is essentially the same as the first example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 1) and includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the blank 200). As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, the second example of the blank 200 may be sized and shaped differently than the first example of the blank 200, such as the relationships between widths, heights, and/or depths are different than the relationships with respect to the first example of the blank 200, and/or may include a different number and/or configuration of panels 400, fold lines 402, corner panels 404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels 410, as well as any other panels and/or flaps. The second example of the blank 200 may be formed using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the blank 100, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 7, the blank 200 includes corner-support flaps 406 coupled between corner panels 404 and only one of the panels 400. More specifically, the blank 200 includes corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228 and 230 coupled to the bottom panel 212 and respective ones of corner panels 256,260, 284 and 288. Additionally, edges 408 of the corner-support flaps 408 are substantially colinear to edges of respective front and rear edges of the bottom panel 212. More specifically, edge 342 of corner-support flap 224 is substantially colinear to edge 332 of the bottom panel 212, edge 344 of corner-support flap 226 is substantially colinear to edge 332 of the bottom panel 212, edge 346 of corner-support flap 228 is substantially colinear to edge 334 of the bottom panel 212, and edge 348 of corner-support flap 230 is substantially colinear to edge 334 of the bottom panel 212.

Additionally, the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are non-congruent. In one or more examples, the top panel 216 has a hexagonal shape. For example, the top panel 216 may be considered to be substantially rectangular in shape with two cut-off corners or angled edges 414 and 416. As such, the cut-off corners of the otherwise rectangular top panel 216 define the hexagonal shape of the top panel 216. In one or more examples, edge 414 is substantially aligned with an intersection of fold lines 402 between the rear panel 214, the third corner panel 284, and the top panel 216. Similarly, edge 416 is substantially aligned with an intersection of fold lines 402 between the rear panel 214, the fourth corner panel 288, and the top panel 216. In one or more examples, edges 414 and 416 are oriented at an oblique angle that is substantially equal to the oblique angle of respective corner panels 284 and 288 when corner panels 284 and 288 are folded in their respective formation position.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a third example of the container 100 formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 7). The third example of the container 100 includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2). As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. The third example of the container 100 may be formed from the blank 100 using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the container 100 from the blank 200, as described above. Further, the third example of the container 100 may be formed with a machine that performs the method of constructing the first example of the container 100.

FIGS. 9A-9G, in combination, schematically illustrate examples of successive steps or folding operations used to construct the third example of the container 100 (shown n FIG. 8) from the third example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 7). For example, the folding operations illustrated by example in FIGS. 9A-9G may be substantially similar to the operations described above with respect to formation of the first example of the container 100 from the first example of the blank 200.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a fourth example of the blank 200 used to construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 11). The fourth example of the blank 200 includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 1). As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, the fourth example of the blank 200 is sized and shaped differently than the first example of the blank 200, such as the relationships between widths, heights, and/or depths are different than the relationships with respect to the first example of the blank 200, and/or may include a different number and/or configuration of panels 400, fold lines 402, corner panels 404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels 410, as well as any other panels and/or flaps. The fourth example of the blank 200 may be formed using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the blank 100, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 10, in one or more examples, the top panel 216 is bifurcated into a first top panel portion 216A and a second top panel portion 216B. The first top panel portion 216A extends from the front panel 210 along a respective fold line 402 to the leading edge 206 of the blank 200. The second top panel portion 216B extends from the rear panel 214 along a respective fold line 402 to the trailing edge 208 of the blank 200. In one or more examples, the top panel portion 216A and the second top panel portion 216B have a hexagonal shape and include angled edges 414 and 416. In one or more examples, first top portion side panels 316A and 320A extend from opposing sides of the first top panel portion 216A. Second top portion panels 316B and 320B extend from opposing sides of the second top panel portion 216B.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a fourth example of the container 100 formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 10). The fourth example of the container 100 includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2). As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. The fourth example of the container 100 may be formed from the blank 100 using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the container 100 from the blank 200, as described above. Further, the fourth example of the container 100 may be formed with a machine that performs the method of constructing the first example of the container 100.

FIGS. 12A-12D, in combination, schematically illustrate examples of successive steps or folding operations used to construct the fourth example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 11) from the fourth example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 10). For example, the folding operations illustrated by example in FIGS. 12A-12D may be substantially similar to the operations described above with respect to formation of the first example of the container 100 from the first example of the blank 200.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a fifth example of the blank 200 used to construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 14). The fifth example of the blank 200 includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 1) and/or components, elements, and/or features indicted in the fourth example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 10). As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, the fifth example of the blank 200 may be sized and shaped differently than the first example of the blank 200, such as the relationships between widths, heights, and/or depths are different than the relationships with respect to the first example of the blank 200, and/or may include a different number and/or configuration of panels 400, fold lines 402, corner panels 404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels 410, as well as any other panels and/or flaps. The fifth example of the blank 200 may be formed using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the blank 100, as described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, corner closure flaps 378A and 378B extend from opposing ends of the first bottom side panel 302 along respective fold lines 402. Corner closure flaps 380A and 380B extend from opposing ends of the second bottom side panel 304 along respective fold lines 402. Corner closure flap 378C extends from first top portion side panel 316A along a respective fold line 402. Corner closure flap 380C extends from first top portion side panel 320A along a respective fold line 402. Corner closure flap 378D extends from second top portion side panel 316B along a respective fold line 402. Corner closure flap 380D extends from second top portion side panel 320B along a respective fold line 402.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a fifth example of the container 100 formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 13). The fifth example of the container 100 includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2) and/or components, elements, and/or features indicted in the fourth example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 11). As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. The fifth example of the container 100 may be formed from the blank 100 using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the container 100 from the blank 200, as described above. Further, the fifth example of the container 100 may be formed with a machine that performs the method of constructing the first example of the container 100.

FIGS. 15A-15G, in combination, schematically illustrate examples of successive steps or folding operations used to construct the fifth example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 14) from the fifth example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 13). For example, the folding operations illustrated by example in FIGS. 15A-15G may be substantially similar to the operations described above with respect to formation of the first example of the container 100 from the first example of the blank 200.

Accordingly, in one or more examples, the container 100 may take the form of a fully enclosed carton, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6. In one or more examples, the container 100 may take the from of a partially enclosed carton, such as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 11 and 14. Alternatively, in one or more examples, the container 100 may take the form of an open tray, such as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a sixth example of the blank 200 used to construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 17). The sixth example of the blank 200 includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 1). As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, the sixth example of the blank 200 may be sized and shaped differently than the first example of the blank 200, such as the relationships between widths, heights, and/or depths are different than the relationships with respect to the first example of the blank 200, and/or may include a different number and/or configuration of panels 400, fold lines 402, corner panels 404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels 410, as well as any other panels and/or flaps. The sixth example of the blank 200 may be formed using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the blank 100, as described above.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a sixth example of the container 100 formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 16). The sixth example of the container 100 includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2). As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. The sixth example of the container 100 may be formed from the blank 100 using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the container 100 from the blank 200, as described above. Further, the sixth example of the container 100 may be formed with a machine that performs the method of constructing the first example of the container 100.

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates a seventh example of the blank 200 used to construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 19). The seventh example of the blank 200 includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 1) and/or components, elements, and/or features indicted in the sixth example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 16). As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, the seventh example of the blank 200 may be sized and shaped differently than the first example of the blank 200, such as the relationships between widths, heights, and/or depths are different than the relationships with respect to the first example of the blank 200, and/or may include a different number and/or configuration of panels 400, fold lines 402, corner panels 404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels 410, as well as any other panels and/or flaps. The seventh example of the blank 200 may be formed using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the blank 100, as described above.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a seventh example of the container 100 formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 18). The seventh example of the container 100 includes several components, elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted in the first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2) and/or components, elements, and/or features indicted in the sixth example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 17). As such, similar components are labeled with similar references. The seventh example of the container 100 may be formed from the blank 100 using a method similar to the method used to form the first example of the container 100 from the blank 200, as described above. Further, the seventh example of the container 100 may be formed with a machine that performs the method of constructing the first example of the container 100.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, in one or more examples, the container 100 (FIG. 20) may be configured to be transformed into a pair of trays 412 (FIG. 21). The pair of trays 412, created from the container 100, may be used to display product 110 or transport at least a portion of product 110, initially contained within the container 100. In one or more examples, the container 100, and the associated blank 200 used to form the container 100, may include a plurality of tear-away lines 390 such that a central portion of the container 100 may be severed from opposing end portions of the container. As such, the end portions of the container 100 become the pair of trays 412.

In one or more examples, the tear-away portion of the container 100 may be defined by panels 400, such as the front panel 210, the bottom panel 212, the rear panel 214, and the top panel 216. As such, the top wall 108, the bottom wall 106, the front wall 102, and the real wall 104 may be removable from the corner walls 116 and the end walls 118, while leaving the corner walls 116 and end walls 118 of each end of the container 100 intact. In one or more examples, the tear-away lines 390 may be located along certain fold lines 402 of the blank 200. In one or more examples, certain fold lines 402, such as fold lines 258, 262, 286, 290, 374 and 376 may be formed by or may include perforations, zippering, or the like.

Although examples of the container 100 disclosed herein may be formed about product 110 to be contained therein, other examples of the container 100 may also be formed without having product 10 already stored therein. Further, although the container 100 may include a plurality of products 110, the container 100 may include any suitable number of products 110, such as one product 100. Moreover, products 110 contained within the container 100 may have any suitable shape.

In one or more examples, the container 100 includes at least one marking thereon including, without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product. For example, the marking may include printed text that indicates a product's name and briefly describes the product, logos and/or trademarks that indicate a manufacturer and/or seller of the product, and/or designs and/or ornamentation that attract attention. “Printing,” “printed,” and/or any other form of “print” as used herein may include, but is not limited to including, ink jet printing, laser printing, screen printing, giclee, pen and ink, painting, offset lithography, flexography, relief print, rotogravure, dye transfer, and/or any suitable printing technique known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided. In one or more examples, the container 100 is void of markings, such as, without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product.

In one or more examples of the above-described blank and container formed from the blank includes eight sides to provided added compression strength as compared to containers having less than eight sides, such as containers having four sides. Furthermore, the above-described container may be formed about products to be contained therein such that, when the container is formed from the blank, the products are loaded and secured into the container. As such, the container is formed and loaded in one process, and once the container is formed it may be transported with the products therein. Moreover, the above-described blank may be formed on a known blank-forming machine.

In one or more examples of the above-described container formed from the blank, side and corner walls are substantially the same height as the front and rear walls such that the side and corner walls provide improved stacking strength and side wall strength as compared to containers having side walls that are shorter than the front and/or rear walls.

Examples of the disclosed containers formed about a product to be contained therein and blanks for making the same are described above in detail. The blanks and the container are not limited to the specific examples described herein, but rather, components, elements, and/or features of the blanks and/or the containers may be utilized independently and separately from other components, elements, and/or features described herein. For example, the blanks may also be used in combination with other type of product and is not limited to practice with only the cylindrical products, as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other container applications.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may include, without limitation, item A or item A and item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. In other examples, “at least one of” may be, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; and other suitable combinations.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, linked, fastened, attached, connected, put in communication, or otherwise associated with one another. In various examples, the elements may be associated directly or indirectly. As an example, element A may be directly associated with element B. As another example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, for example, via another element C. It will be understood that not all associations among the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the figures may also exist.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a condition that is essentially the stated condition that performs the desired function or achieves the desired result or a condition that is close to, but not exactly, the stated condition that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, referred to above, need be included in every example and not all elements described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the schematic illustrations of the examples depicted in FIGS. 1-4, referred to above, are not meant to imply structural limitations with respect to the illustrative example. Rather, although one illustrative structure is indicated, it is to be understood that the structure may be modified when appropriate. Additionally, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure.

Further, references throughout the present specification to features, advantages, or similar language used herein do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the examples disclosed herein should be, or are in, any single example. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages, and similar language used throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

The described features, advantages, and characteristics of one example may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the examples described herein may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples that may not be present in all examples. Furthermore, although various examples of the packaging container 100, blank 200 for forming the container 100 and methods have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A blank for forming a container, the blank comprising: a series of panels connected along a plurality of fold lines;a corner panel extending from a first one of the panels; anda corner-support flap connected to the corner panel and to a second one of the panels.

2. The blank of claim 1, wherein the corner-support flap is connected to the corner panel along a first one of the fold lines and is connected to the second one of the panels along a second one of the fold lines.

3. The blank of claim 2, wherein: the first one of the fold lines is substantially colinear with a third one of fold lines along which the first one of the panels and the second one of the panels are connected; andthe second one of the fold lines is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first one of the fold lines.

4. The blank of claim 3, wherein the oblique angle is approximately 22.5 degrees.

5. The blank of claim 3, further comprising an edge extending between the corner panel and the second one of the panels, wherein the corner-support flap is bound by the first fold line, the second fold line, and the edge.

6. The blank of claim 1, wherein the corner-support flap is triangular.

7. The blank of claim 6, wherein the corner-support flap is a scalene triangle.

8. The blank of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of corner panels and a plurality of corner-support flaps, wherein: the panels comprise a spaced-apart first pair of panels and a spaced-apart second pair of panels;each one of the second pair of panels is connected to at least one of the first pair of panels;one of the corner panels extends from each side of one of the first pair of panels; andone of the corner-support flaps is connected to each one of the corner panels and one of the second pair of panels.

9. The blank of claim 8, wherein: one of the corner panels extends from each side of each one of the first pair of panels; andone of the corner-support flaps is connected to each one of the corner panels and one of the second pair of panels.

10. The blank of claim 8, further comprising a side panel extending from one of the corner panels.

11. The blank of claim 8, further comprising a side panel extending from each side of one of the second pair of panels.

12. A container formed from a blank, the container comprising: a pair of horizontal walls, a plurality of vertical walls, and a corner wall, wherein the corner wall extends between an adjacent pair of the vertical walls at an oblique angle; anda corner-support flap connected to the corner wall and one of the horizontal walls, wherein the corner-support flap holds the corner wall at the oblique angle.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the corner-support flap is substantially parallel to the one of the horizontal walls and is substantially perpendicular to the corner wall.

14. The container of claim 12, wherein the corner-support flap is triangular.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the corner-support flap is a scalene triangle.

16. The container of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of corner walls, wherein: each one of the corner walls extends between a corresponding adjacent pair of the vertical walls; andthe vertical walls and the corner walls form a polygonal shape.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the vertical walls and the corner walls form an octagonal shape.

18. A method for forming a container from a blank, comprising a series of panels connected along a plurality of fold lines, a corner panel extending from a first one of the panels, and a corner-support flap connected to the corner panel and to a second one of the panels along the plurality of fold lines, the method comprising steps of: rotating the first one of the panels about a respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels;rotating the corner-support flap about a respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels; androtating the corner panel about a respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: the step of rotating the corner-support flap about the respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels causes the step of rotating the corner panel about the respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels; andthe corner-support flap holds the corner panel at an oblique angle relative to the first one of the panels.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of rotating the first one of the panels about a respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels causes the step of rotating the corner-support flap about a respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels.