US20250326535A1

US20250326535A1 - Container With Reclosable Lid

Info

Publication number: US20250326535A1
Application number: US19/181,784
Authority: US
Inventors: Anna Naukkarinen; My Hommerberg
Original assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Current assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Priority date: 2024-04-17
Filing date: 2025-04-17
Publication date: 2025-10-23
Also published as: WO2025221975A1

Abstract

A container includes a body extending at least partially around an interior and including a lower marginal portion, a central portion, and an upper marginal portion at least partially separably connected to the central portion at a line of weakening, the upper marginal portion curled toward the interior of the container and defining a free edge, a closed bottom engaged with the body, a barrier member positioned in the interior of the container, and a lid member positioned in the interior of the container proximate the free edge of the upper marginal portion of the body and having a central portion, a peripheral marginal portion at least partially attached to the upper marginal portion of the body, and a pull tab extending away from the peripheral marginal portion for facilitating at least partial separation of the upper marginal portion of the body from the central portion of the body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/635,160, filed on Apr. 17, 2024.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/635,160, filed on Apr. 17, 2024, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to containers for holding one or more articles. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a container with a reclosable lid for facilitating accessing at least one article in the interior of the container.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a container for holding at least one article, the container comprising a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container and comprising a lower marginal portion, a central portion, and an upper marginal portion at least partially separably connected to the central portion at a line of weakening, the upper marginal portion curled toward the interior of the container and defining a free edge, a closed bottom engaged with the body, a barrier member positioned in the interior of the container, and a lid member positioned in the interior of the container proximate the free edge of the upper marginal portion of the body and comprising a central portion, a peripheral marginal portion at least partially attached to the upper marginal portion of the body, and a pull tab extending away from the peripheral marginal portion for facilitating at least partial separation of the upper marginal portion of the body from the central portion of the body.
According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a combination of blanks for forming a container for holding at least one article, the combination of blanks comprising a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks, the body blank comprising a lower marginal portion, a central portion, and an upper marginal portion at least partially separably connected to the central portion at a line of weakening, the upper marginal portion defining a free edge and for being curled toward the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks, a bottom blank for at least partially forming a closed bottom engaged with the body of the container formed from the combination of blanks, a barrier blank for forming a barrier member positioned in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks, and a lid blank for forming a lid member positioned in the interior of the container proximate the free edge of the upper marginal portion of the body when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, the lid blank comprising a central portion, a peripheral marginal portion for being at least partially attached to the body upper marginal portion of the body blank, and a pull tab extending away from the peripheral marginal portion for facilitating at least partial separation of the upper marginal portion of the body blank from the central portion of the body blank when the container is formed from the combination of blanks.
According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a container for holding at least one article, the method comprising obtaining a body blank comprising a lower marginal portion, a central portion, and an upper marginal portion at least partially separably connected to the central portion at a line of weakening, the upper marginal portion defining a free edge, obtaining a bottom blank, obtaining a barrier blank, obtaining a lid blank comprising a central portion, a peripheral marginal portion at least partially attached to the body, and a pull tab extending away from the peripheral marginal portion, positioning the body blank forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container and curling the upper marginal portion of the body blank toward the interior of the container, engaging the bottom blank with the body of the container to at least partially forming a closed bottom of the container; and positioning the lid blank forming a lid member in the interior of the container proximate the free edge of the upper marginal portion of the body and at least partially attaching the peripheral marginal portion of the lid member to the upper marginal portion of the body.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a lower lid blank for forming a lower lid member of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an exterior surface of an upper lid blank for forming an upper lid member of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a container formed from the blanks of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 6 taken along the line VII-VII.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 6 prior to opening the lid thereof.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 8 following opening and reclosure of the lid thereof.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 8 showing an alternative method of opening.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an exterior surface of an alternative configuration of the upper lid blank of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an exterior surface of another alternative configuration of the upper lid blank of FIG. 5 .

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Containers according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes articles such as flowable products or materials, e.g., granular materials/materials with a relatively small particle size, such as flowable food products. In one embodiment, articles described herein can be flowable products such as, e.g., granulated sugar, powdered drink mix (e.g., iced tea mix, sport drink mix, instant coffee, etc.), spices or seasoning, cereal, granola, trail mix, candy, pasta, or any other food product such as powdered food or beverage products. In other embodiments, the flowable products could be nonfood productions (e.g., detergent, cat litter, etc.) without departing from the disclosure.
In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright containers. As described herein, containers can be formed from blanks by overlapping multiple panels, portions, and/or end flaps. Such panels, portions and/or end flaps may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.
FIGS. 1-5 are plan views of a series of blanks used to form components that can assemble to form a container 105 (FIG. 6 ) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, in some embodiments, the container 105 can be considered an assembly or system of a plurality of components.
Referring to FIG. 1 , a plan view of an exterior surface 201 of a body blank 203 for forming a body 205 of the container 105 is illustrated. As described herein, the body 205 is arranged to extend at least partially around an interior of the container 105.
As shown, the body blank 203 can have a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. In some embodiments, the axes L1, L2 can be transposed. In the illustrated embodiment, the body blank 203 can have a generally rectangular configuration with a pair of opposite lateral free edges 207, 209 and a pair of opposite longitudinal free edges 211, 213 extending from a respective endpoint of the free edge 207 to a respective endpoint of the free edge 209.
The body blank 203 and body 205 formed therefrom can also include a central portion 215, an upper marginal portion 217, and lower marginal portion 219. In some embodiments, the body blank 203 and body 205 formed therefrom can include one or more lines of weakening such as a longitudinal/circumferential lines of weakening 220, for facilitating at least partial separation of one portion of the body 205 from a remainder thereof. For example, an upper portion of the body 205 could be configured for at least partial separation from the remainder of the body 205, e.g., so as to facilitate access to an interior of the container 105.
In some embodiments, the body blank 203 can be comprised of one or more paperboard materials made predominantly from cellulose fibers or paper fibers. The material may be provided in the form of a continuous web or may be provided as individual sheets of material. The paperboard material may be a single ply or multi ply material and may be a laminate comprising one or more reinforcing, moisture resistant non-cellulosic layers of materials such as films and coatings, metal foil, etc. The paperboard material may be coated, printed, embossed, etc. and may comprise fillers, pigments, binders and other additives as known in the art. In some embodiments, the paperboard material can be devoid of polymeric and/or metallic materials.
Turning to FIG. 2 , the exterior surface 301 of a bottom blank 303 for at least partially forming a bottom member 305 to provide a closed bottom or closed end 111 of the container 105 (FIG. 6 ) is illustrated.
As shown, the bottom blank 303 can the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, a central portion 307, and a marginal portion 309 extending to the peripheral edges of the bottom blank 303. In the illustrated embodiment, the marginal portion 309 can be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 307 at a generally rounded rectangular/elliptical fold line, though the blank 303 can be devoid of such fold line without departing from the disclosure.
In this regard, the bottom blank 303 and the bottom member 305 formed therefrom can have a predominantly circular configuration, though it will be understood that the blank 303 and bottom member 305 can have a different profile without departing from the disclosure. It will be understood that the bottom blank 303/bottom member 305 and associated features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.
Turning to FIG. 3 , the exterior surface 401 of a barrier blank 403 for forming a barrier member 405 (FIG. 7 ) of the construct 105 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the barrier blank 403 and barrier member 405 formed therefrom can be formed from one or more materials that can include aluminum foil, silicon-coated paper, plastic film, or laminates thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the barrier blank 403 can include at least a layer of paperboard material laminated with a layer of foil. In some embodiments, the barrier blank 403 and barrier member 405 formed therefrom can be formed of a paperboard material that is devoid of polymeric and/or metallic materials.
The barrier blank 403 and the barrier member 405 formed therefrom can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, and can include a central portion 407 and a marginal portion 409 extending to the peripheral edges of the barrier blank 403. In some embodiments, the marginal portion 409 of the barrier blank 403 can be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 407 at one or more lines of weakening, e.g., fold lines. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the marginal portion 409 of the blank 403 and the central portion 407 of the blank 403 can be formed upon formation of the barrier member 405.
It will be understood that the barrier blank 403/barrier member 405 and associated features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the barrier member 405 can be provided with a pull tab to facilitate removal from the container 105.
Turning to FIG. 4 , the exterior surface 501 of a lower lid blank 503 (broadly, “first lid blank” or “second lid blank”) for at least partially forming a lower lid member 505 (broadly, “first lid member” or “second lid member”) (FIG. 7 ) of the container 105 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the lower lid member 505 can at least partially close the interior 107 of the container 105 at an intermediate upper portion thereof so as to form a reclosable top end 109 (FIG. 6 ) of the container 105. In some embodiments, the container 105 can be devoid of the lower lid member 505.
As shown, the lower lid blank 503 and the lower lid member 505 formed therefrom can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, and can include a central portion 507 and a marginal portion 509 extending to the peripheral edges of the lower lid blank 503. The blank 503 can have a generally circular configuration, though can have a different profile without departing from the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the marginal portion 509 of the lower lid blank 503 can be at least partially foldably connected to the lower lid portion 507 at a generally rounded rectangular/elliptical fold line. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the marginal portion 509 of the lower lid blank 503 and the central portion 507 of the lower lid blank 503 can be formed upon formation of the lower lid member 505, as described further herein.
It will be understood that the lower lid blank 503/lower lid member 505 and associated features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.
Turning to FIG. 5 , the exterior surface 601 of an upper lid blank 603 (broadly, “first lid blank” or “second lid blank”) for at least partially forming an upper lid member 605 (broadly, “first lid member” or “second lid member”) (FIG. 7 ) of the container 105 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the upper lid member 605 can at least partially close the interior 107 of the container 105 at an upper portion thereof so as to form a reclosable top end 109 (FIG. 6 ) of the container 105.
As shown, the upper lid blank 603 and the upper lid member 605 formed therefrom can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, and can include a central portion 607 and a peripheral marginal portion 609 extending to a generally circular peripheral free edge 611 of the peripheral marginal portion 609 of the upper lid blank 603. In this regard, the upper lid blank 603 and the upper lid member 605 formed therefrom can have a predominantly circular configuration, though it will be understood that the blank 603 and lid member 605 can have a different profile without departing from the disclosure.
The free edge 611 of the blank 603, as shown, can be interrupted by a pull tab 613 extending radially outwardly from the peripheral marginal portion 609 of the blank 603 such that points along the pull tab 613 are radially spaced from the center of the central portion 607 a greater distance than points along the free edge 611.
In some embodiments, the pull tab 613 can have an at least partially elongate configuration defined by generally oblique or straight free edges extending outwardly from the free edge 611 and intersecting a generally curved free edge. In some embodiments, the oblique or straight free edges of the pull tab 613 can intersect the free edge 611 at a curved transition.
As described further herein, the pull tab 613 can be connected to the peripheral marginal portion 609 and central portion 607 of the blank 603 and upper lid member 605 formed therefrom such that the pull tab 613 can transmit one or more tensile forces, shear forces, compressive forces, etc., along the peripheral marginal portion 609 and central portion 607 while substantially avoiding tearing therealong or deformation thereof.
In some embodiments, the pull tab 613 can be a contiguous extension of the blank 603 and upper lid member 605 formed therefrom, though it will be understood that one or more lines of weakening can be provided between the pull tab 613 and the peripheral marginal portion 609 (and/or on one or more portions thereof), without departing from the disclosure.
It will be understood that the upper lid blank 603/upper lid member 605 and associated features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.
Turning to FIGS. 6-8 , formation of the container 105 from the blanks 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
The body blank 203 can be positioned to extend at least partially around an interior 107 of the container 105. In one embodiment, the body blank 203 can be at least partially bent, curved, folded, etc., into a generally circular cross-section, with portions of the body blank 203 proximate the free edges 207, 209 at least partially overlapped to form a seam arrangement, which can be maintained with a strip of adhesive tape or other closure feature. In some embodiments, the free edges 207, 209 of the blank 203 can be brought into generally edge-to-edge contact.
In some embodiments, the overlapping/meeting portions of the body blank 203 can be joined, for example, with an adhesive such as glue, with an adhesive coated tape or substrate, and/or through another method of joining such as ultrasonic welding, RF welding, interfering locking arrangements, etc.
As described above, in some embodiments, the body 205 of the container 105 can be formed into a different cross-sectional configuration, e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc., including rounded or curved corner variations thereof.
The closed bottom 111 of the container 105 can be formed, according to the illustrated embodiment, by positioning the bottom blank 303 in the interior 307 of the container 105, with the central portion 307 of the bottom blank 303 positioned in generally perpendicular relation with body 205 of the container 105 so as to form a bottom panel 311 of the bottom member 305 of the container 105.
The marginal portion 309 of the bottom blank 303/bottom member 305 can be bent or folded downwardly relative to the central portion 307 of the blank 303/bottom member 305 and attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the interior surface of the container body 205. In some embodiments, the marginal portion 309 of the bottom blank 303/bottom member 305 can be positioned at least partially received in a curled arrangement of the lower marginal portion 219 of the body blank 203/body 205 of the container 105.
Articles A can be inserted into the interior 107 of the container 105 upon formation of the bottom 111 thereof, or the bottom 111 can be formed after articles A are positioned in the interior 107 of the container 105 in an inverted orientation, as described further below. As described herein, articles A can be flowable products or materials, e.g., granular materials/materials with a relatively small particle size, such as flowable food products, though the articles A can be other products without departing from the disclosure.
It will be understood that, in some embodiments, one or more top portions of the container 105 can be closed prior to formation of the closed bottom 111 of the container 105 such that the interior 107 of the container 105 can be filled with the container 105 in an inverted orientation, e.g., prior to formation of the closed bottom 111.
In some embodiments, following loading of articles A into the interior 107 of the container 105, the marginal portion 409 of the barrier blank 403 can be folded or bent at least partially upwardly or downwardly relative to the central portion 407 of the barrier blank 403 to form the barrier member 405, with the marginal portion 409 positioned for attachment to one or more interior surfaces of the container body 205.
The barrier member 405, as shown, can be positioned in the interior 107 of the container at a selected depth below the upper edge of the body 205 of the container 105. The barrier member 405 can thus be arranged in generally perpendicular relation with the body 205, with the marginal portion 409 thereof attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the container body 205. In some embodiments, a portion of the barrier member 405 can be at least partially clamped or held between the interior surface of the container body 205 and one or more rim or frame elements associated with a top portion of the container 105.
With continued reference to FIGS. 6-8 , the lower lid member 505 can be formed, in some embodiments, by folding or bending the marginal portion 509 of the lower lid blank 503 at least partially upwardly or downwardly relative to the central portion 507 of the lower lid blank 503 to form the lower lid member 505, with the marginal portion 509 positioned for attachment to one or more interior surfaces of the container body 205.
The lower lid member 505, as shown, can be positioned in the interior 107 of the container 105 at a selected depth below the upper edge of the body 205 of the container 105. The lower lid member 505 can thus be arranged in generally perpendicular relation with the body 205, with the marginal portion 509 thereof attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the container body 205.
Similarly, the peripheral marginal portion 609 of the upper lid blank 603 can be at least partially upwardly folded or bent relative to the central portion 607 of the upper lid blank 603 to form the lower lid member 505, with the peripheral marginal portion 609 positioned for attachment to one or more interior surfaces of the container body 205.
The upper lid member 605, as shown, can be positioned in the interior 107 of the container 105 at a selected depth below the upper edge of the body 205 of the container 105. The upper member 605 can thus be arranged in generally perpendicular relation with the body 205, with the peripheral marginal portion 609 thereof attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the container body 205.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the peripheral marginal portion 609 of the upper lid member 605 can be attached to an interior surface of the body 205 along a portion thereof, e.g., around a portion of the peripheral marginal portion 609 that is coextensive with the free edge 611, and the remainder of the upper lid member 605 can be free from adhesive or welding attachment to the body 205 of the container 105 such that the upper lid member 605 is attached to the body 205 in a hinged arrangement. For example, a portion of the upper lid member 605 can be configured to be adhered or welded to the body of the container 105 while the remainder thereof is generally free to be separated from and raised away from the container 105, as described further below. In this regard, the lid member 605 can be a reclosable lid/lid member.
In some embodiments, the upper lid member 605 can be arranged such that the central portion 607 thereof is positioned proximate, e.g., at or near the edge 211 of the body 205 of the container, the top marginal portion 217 thereof having been curled toward the interior 107 of the container 105 as described above.
To that end, the pull tab 613 of the upper lid member 605 can be positioned extending upwardly toward the marginal portion 217 of the body 205 of the container 105. In some embodiments, the pull tab 613 can be bend or folded backward so as to be positioned overlapping the marginal portion 217 of the body 205 and/or the central portion 607 of the upper lid member 605 and exposed so as to be grasped by a user. In some embodiments, the pull tab 613 of the upper lid member 605 can be arranged so as to be at least partially recessed behind the curled marginal portion 217 of the body 205 and positioned between the marginal portion 217 and the central portion 215 of the body 205.
It will be understood that the container 105 can be formed in a different manner without departing from the disclosure. For example, in embodiments in which the articles A are to be loaded into the interior 107 of the container 105 in an inverted arrangement, the body 205 of the container 105 can be formed and one or more of the barrier member 405, the lower lid member 505, and the upper lid member 605 can be formed and attached to the body 205 before the container 105 is inverted and loaded with articles A, for example, at a loading or filling station. The bottom member 305 can then be formed and attached to the body 205 of the container 105 as described above.
In the illustrated arrangement, a plurality of interior chambers can be formed in the interior 107 of the container 105. For example, a lower interior chamber 113 can be formed between the bottom member 305, the barrier member 405, and a respective portion of the body 205 of the container 105 for receiving one or more of the articles A. In some embodiments, the barrier member 405 can form and/or maintain a hermetic seal of the lower interior chamber 113 of the interior 107 of the container 105 that can avoid disruption, for example, until the barrier member 405 is at least partially separated from the body 205 of the container 105.
An intermediate interior chamber 115, as shown, can be formed between the barrier member 405, the lower lid member 505, and a respective portion of the body 205 of the container 105. Similarly, an upper interior chamber 117 can be formed between the lower lid member 505, the upper lid member 605, and a respective portion of the body 205 of the container 105. In some embodiments, for example, embodiments in which the container 105 is devoid of a lower lid member 505, the upper interior chamber 117 can be formed between the barrier member 405, the upper lid member 605, and a respective portion of the body 205 of the container 105.
As shown in FIG. 8 , when it is desired for a user to open the container 105 and access one or more articles A in the interior 107 thereof, a user can grasp the pull tab 613 of the upper lid member 605 and withdraw the upper lid member 605 at least partially though/away from the top end 109 of the container 105 in the direction of the arrow M1. Due to the arrangement of the upper lid member 605 relative to the body 205 of the container 105, e.g., the hinged connection thereof, a portion of the peripheral marginal portion 609 of the upper lid member 605 can remain attached to the body 205 of the container 105 at a point of adhesion/welding, and the remainder thereof can be raised away upon tension applied to the pull tab 613.
Thereafter, the lower lid member 505 (optionally, if present), can be removed from the interior 107 of the container 105. For example, in some embodiments, the central portion 507 of the lower lid member 505 can be breached or torn, and/or the marginal portion 509 of the lower lid member 505 can be at least partially separated from the body of the container 105 to provide access therebelow. In some embodiments, the lower lid member 505 can be provided with one or more lines of weakening to facilitate relative separation of parts of the lower lid member 505 and/or to facilitate at least partial separation from the body 205 of the container 105.
Similarly, the barrier member 405 can be removed from the interior 107 of the container 105. In some embodiments, the central portion 407 of the barrier member 405 can be breached or torn, and/or the marginal portion 409 of the barrier member 405 can be at least partially separated from the body 205 of the container 105 to provide access to the article(s) A therebelow. In some embodiments, the barrier member 405 can be provided with one or more lines of weakening to facilitate relative separation of parts of the barrier member 405 and/or to facilitate at least partial separation from the body 205 of the container 105.
As shown in FIG. 9 , when it is desired to reclose the top end 109 of the container 105, the upper lid member 605 can be hingedly pressed downwardly past and tucked under the curled marginal portion 217 of the body 215 of the container 105 to at least partially cover the interior 107 of the container 105 and maintain a closed configuration of the top end 109 of the container 105.
In some embodiments, the central portion 607 of the upper lid member 605 can be at least partially maintained in a generally planar arrangement via at least partial contact with the longitudinal free edge 211 of the body 205 that faces downwardly due to the curled arrangement of the marginal portion 217 thereof. For example, such contact with the edge 211 of the body 205 can minimize, inhibit, and/or prevent raising of the upper lid member 605 above the edge 211 of the body 205 so as to provide positional control over the upper lid member 605.
In some embodiments, a planar arrangement of the central portion 607 of the upper lid member 605 that is at least partially maintained via proximity and/or contact with the edge 211 of the body 205 can include the maintenance of a generally planar (e.g., flat) condition, notwithstanding incidental bumps, curves, etc. incidental to a prior opening of the upper lid member 605.
Turning to FIG. 10 , another modality of opening and closing the container 105 to access and/or close one or more articles A in the interior 107 thereof. A user can grasp the pull tab 613 of the upper lid member 605 and pull with sufficient force to cause the upper marginal portion 217 of the body 215 to at least partially separate from the central portion 215 and lower marginal portion 219 thereof at the line of weakening 220 in the direction of the arrow M2. A user may selectively separate the upper marginal portion 217 of the body 205 from the remainder thereof along the line of weakening 220, e.g., so as to provide a hinged arrangement of the upper marginal portion 217 to the remainder of the body 205 and thereby provide a reclosable configuration of the top end 109. In some embodiments, the line of weakening 220 can be formed with one or more discontinuities therealong to facilitate such hingable connection of the marginal portion 217 of the body 205/top end 109.
In this regard, the upper marginal portion 217 of the body 205 can carry the upper lid member 605 engaged under the curled portion of the upper marginal portion 217 of the body 205 therewith as well as the central portion 507 of the lower lid member 505 and the marginal portion 509 of the lower lid member 505 attached to the upper marginal portion 217 of the body 205. Accordingly, the engagement of the upper lid member 605 below the curled portion of the upper marginal portion 217 of the body 205 is sufficient to withstand pulling and other exerted forces distributed from the user's engagement with the pull tab 613 to allow at least partial separation of the upper marginal portion 217 of the body 205 and the lid members 505, 605 carried therewith.
Thereafter, the barrier member 405 can be removed from the interior 107 of the container 105 to provide access to the article(s) A therebelow, as described above.
As also shown in FIG. 10 , when it is desired to reclose the top end 109 of the container 105, the upper marginal portion 217 of the body 205, and the lid members 505, 605 carried therewith can be lowered toward an engagement with the remainder of the container 105, e.g., in which the lid members 505, 605 are in generally spaced and planar relation with respect to the barrier member 405 and in which a lower free edge of the upper marginal portion 217 of the body 205 is in register with an upper free edge of the central portion 215 of the body 205. In some embodiments, one or more locating/closure features, e.g., complementary protruding and recessed portions of the upper marginal portion 217 of the body 205 and the central portion 215 of the body 205 can be engaged to facilitate and/or maintain a closed configuration of the container 105.
In this regard, the configuration and/or arrangement of the upper lid member 605 provides a reclosable configuration of the top end 109 of the container 105, with the pull tab 613 advantageously provided to facilitate convenient opening and/or reclosing by a user.
It will be understood that one or more portions of the container 105 or components thereof can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, with reference to FIG. 11 , the exterior surface 601A of an upper lid blank 603A (broadly, “first lid blank” or “second lid blank”) for at least partially forming an upper lid member of the container 105 is illustrated.
The upper lid blank 603A can be an alternative configuration of the upper lid blank 603, and can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, the central portion 607 and the peripheral marginal portion 609 extending to the generally circular peripheral free edge 611.
The free edge 611 of the blank 603A, as shown, can be interrupted by a pull tab 613A extending radially outwardly from the peripheral marginal portion 609 of the blank 603A such that points along the pull tab 613 are radially spaced from the center of the central portion 607 a greater distance than points along the free edge 611. In the illustrated configuration, the pull tab 613A can have an at least partially tapered configuration, narrowing from a free end portion of the pull tab 613A toward the peripheral marginal portion 609 of the blank 603A.
The container 105 could be formed with the blank 603A to form an upper lid member therefrom with advantages and functionality similar to that described above with respect to the upper lid blank 603/upper lid member 605 described above.
Turning to FIG. 12 , the exterior surface 601B of an upper lid blank 603B (broadly, “first lid blank” or “second lid blank”) for at least partially forming an upper lid member of the container 105 is illustrated.
The upper lid blank 603B can be an alternative configuration of the upper lid blank 603, and can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, the central portion 607 and the peripheral marginal portion 609 extending to the generally circular peripheral free edge 611.
The free edge 611 of the blank 603B, as shown, can be interrupted by a pull tab 613B extending radially outwardly from the peripheral marginal portion 609 of the blank 603B such that points along the pull tab 613 are radially spaced from the center of the central portion 607 a greater distance than points along the free edge 611. In the illustrated configuration, the pull tab 613B include an aperture or opening extending therethrough, for example, for at least partially receiving a user's finger or a machine element to facilitate opening and/or placement of an upper lid member formed from the upper lid blank 613B.
The container 105 could be formed with the blank 603B to form an upper lid member therefrom with advantages and functionality similar to that described above with respect to the upper lid blank 603/upper lid member 605 described above.
In some embodiments, one or more portions of the container 105 can comprise a pulp fiber material. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the container 105 can be free from plastic materials. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the container 105 can be formed of a material that includes from about 95% to about 100% of pulp fibers, such as softwood pulp fibers, optionally virgin softwood pulp fibers. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the container 105 can be formed of a material that includes about 98% to about 100% of pulp fibers. Examples of such pulp fiber materials which have been developed for molding applications such as molded trays and blisters, shaped or embossed boxes, etc. are produced e.g. at Billerud Gruvön of Gums, Sweden and sold as Billerud FibreForm® contact formable paper. A similar formable paper material is sold as Advantage Formable by Mondi of Surrey, United Kingdom.
The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the containers to function at least generally as described above. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features.
As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the spaced apart slits to be replaced with a continuous slit, a continuous score, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure. Also, a tear line can be a series of cut scores passing completely, or partially, through the material, that are separated by nicks.
The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure container panels or portions in place.
The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container for holding at least one article, the container comprising:

a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container and comprising a lower marginal portion, a central portion, and an upper marginal portion at least partially separably connected to the central portion at a line of weakening, the upper marginal portion curled toward the interior of the container and defining a free edge;

a closed bottom engaged with the body;

a barrier member positioned in the interior of the container; and

a lid member positioned in the interior of the container proximate the free edge of the upper marginal portion of the body and comprising a central portion, a peripheral marginal portion at least partially attached to the upper marginal portion of the body, and a pull tab extending away from the peripheral marginal portion for facilitating at least partial separation of the upper marginal portion of the body from the central portion of the body.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the central portion of the lid member has a generally planar configuration, and the pull tab extends at least partially upwardly from the lid member.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the pull tab is arranged extending outwardly from the marginal portion of the lid member.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the body of the container comprises paperboard.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the upper marginal portion of the body is at least partially hingably connected to the central portion of the body.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the hingable connection of the upper marginal portion of the body to the central portion of the body provides a reclosable top end of the container.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the reclosable top end of the container comprises the upper marginal portion of the body and the lid member at least partially attached to the body.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the lid member is an upper lid member, and the container further comprises a lower lid member attached to the upper marginal portion of the body and spaced below the upper lid member in the interior of the container, the reclosable top end of the container further comprises the lower lid member.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein an upper interior chamber is at least partially formed in the interior of the container between the upper lid member and the lower lid member, and the barrier member is attached to the body and spaced below the lower lid member in the interior of the container such that an intermediate interior chamber is at least partially formed in the interior of the container between the lower lid member and the barrier member.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the container further comprises a bottom member attached to the body at least partially forming the closed bottom of the container, and a lower interior chamber is at least partially formed between the closed bottom and the barrier member.

11. A combination of blanks for forming a container for holding at least one article, the combination of blanks comprising:

a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks, the body blank comprising a lower marginal portion, a central portion, and an upper marginal portion at least partially separably connected to the central portion at a line of weakening, the upper marginal portion defining a free edge and for being curled toward the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks;

a bottom blank for at least partially forming a closed bottom engaged with the body of the container formed from the combination of blanks;

a barrier blank for forming a barrier member positioned in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks; and

a lid blank for forming a lid member positioned in the interior of the container proximate the free edge of the upper marginal portion of the body when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, the lid blank comprising a central portion, a peripheral marginal portion for being at least partially attached to the upper marginal portion of the body blank, and a pull tab extending away from the peripheral marginal portion for facilitating at least partial separation of the upper marginal portion of the body blank from the central portion of the body blank when the container is formed from the combination of blanks.

12. The combination of blanks of claim 11, wherein the pull tab extends radially outwardly from the marginal portion from the lid blank.

13. The combination of blanks of claim 12, wherein the body blank comprises paperboard.

14. The combination of blanks of claim 12, wherein the lid blank is an upper lid blank for forming an upper lid member, and the combination of blanks further comprises a lower lid blank for being attached to the body formed from the lid blank and spaced below the lid member formed from the upper lid blank in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks such that an interior chamber is at least partially formed in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks between the upper lid member and the lower lid member.

15. The combination of blanks of claim 14, wherein the interior chamber is an upper interior chamber, and the barrier blank is for forming the barrier member attached to the body formed from the body blank and spaced below the lower lid member formed from the lower lid blank in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks such that an intermediate interior chamber is at least partially formed in the interior of the container between the lower lid member and the barrier member when the container is formed from the combination of blanks.

16. The combination of blanks of claim 15, wherein the container further comprises a bottom blank for being attached to the body formed from the body blank for at least partially forming the closed bottom of the container formed from the combination of blanks, and such that a lower interior chamber is at least partially formed between the closed bottom and the barrier member when the container is formed from the combination of blanks.

17. A method of forming a container for holding at least one article, the method comprising:

obtaining a body blank comprising a lower marginal portion, a central portion, and an upper marginal portion at least partially separably connected to the central portion at a line of weakening, the upper marginal portion defining a free edge;

obtaining a bottom blank;

obtaining a barrier blank;

obtaining a lid blank comprising a central portion, a peripheral marginal portion, and a pull tab extending away from the peripheral marginal portion;

positioning the body blank forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container and curling the upper marginal portion of the body blank toward the interior of the container;

engaging the bottom blank with the body of the container to at least partially forming a closed bottom of the container;

positioning the lid blank forming a lid member in the interior of the container proximate the free edge of the upper marginal portion of the body and at least partially attaching the peripheral marginal portion of the lid member to the upper marginal portion of the body.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the central portion of the lid member has a generally planar configuration, and the pull tab extends at least partially upwardly from the lid member.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the pull tab is arranged extending outwardly from the marginal portion of the lid member.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the body blank comprises paperboard.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the upper marginal portion of the body is at least partially hingably connected to the central portion of the body.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the hingable connection of the upper marginal portion of the body to the central portion of the body provides a reclosable top end of the container.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the reclosable top end of the container comprises the upper marginal portion of the body and the lid member at least partially attached to the body.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the lid member is an upper lid member, and the method further comprises attaching a lower lid member to the upper marginal portion of the body spaced below the upper lid member in the interior of the container, the reclosable top end of the container further comprises the lower lid member.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein an upper interior chamber is at least partially formed in the interior of the container between the upper lid member and the lower lid member, and the barrier member is attached to the body and spaced below the lower lid member in the interior of the container such that an intermediate interior chamber is at least partially formed in the interior of the container between the lower lid member and the barrier member.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the method further comprises attaching a bottom member to the body to at least partially form the closed bottom of the container and such that a lower interior chamber is at least partially formed between the closed bottom and the barrier member.