Clamshell packaging container

Abstract

Clamshell packaging containers and methods of making the same are disclosed. A container includes a first shell portion and a complementary second shell portion to define a product cavity. A bridge portion is coupled to the first shell portion at a first hinge and to the second shell portion at a second hinge, such that the bridge portion is pivotable relative to each of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in a disassembled configuration, i.e., pivotable relative to the first shell portion at the first hinge and pivotable relative to the second shell portion at the second hinge, and the bridge portion is pivotable relative to one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in an assembled configuration, i.e., pivotable relative to the first shell portion at the first hinge or pivotable relative to the second shell portion at the second hinge.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to packaging and methods of packaging consumer goods such as food. BACKGROUND

[0002] Consumer goods are often housed in any of a variety of packaging types to organize, display, and protect the product. Rigid packaging offers several advantages over other forms of packaging, such as increased protection of the product contained within, improved reusability and durability, and a strong potential for attractive brand promotion and design.

[0003] A common form of rigid packaging is a clamshell container, in which two complementary container portions are coupled together at a hinge. Thus, the container can be opened and closed to access and protect the contents contained within. A sturdy construction and reliable opening and closing movement are desirable characteristics of a clamshell container.

[0004] Clamshell containers can be manufactured via a variety of molding and casting processes, such as injection molding. However, one challenge that can arise in the use of molds to manufacture clamshell containers in the packaging arts is referred to as "thin steel condition," in which the thinness of one or more portions of a given mold can lead to several manufacturing issues related to warping, temperature management, maintenance difficulties, and poor mold life. This is a particularly prominent issue with respect to the hinge or coupling portion between molded container portions.

[0005] In addition, rigid clamshell containers are often bulky, have a relatively narrow brand promotion surface, provide limited visibility when displayed among competing products on a shelf, and can be inconvenient for consumers to carry. Thus, there is also a need for a rigid container that has a stronger presence on a shelf, a larger brand promotion surface, while also being a shape that is convenient for consumers to transfer. SUMMARY

[0006] One embodiment relates to a container. The container includes a first shell portion and a second shell portion sized and shaped to complement the first shell portion to define a product cavity. The container also includes a bridge portion coupled to the first shell portion at a first hinge and to the second shell portion at a second hinge, wherein the bridge portion is pivotable relative to each of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in a disassembled configuration, i.e., pivotable relative to the first shell portion at the first hinge and pivotable relative to the second shell portion at the second hinge, and the bridge portion is pivotable relative to one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in an assembled configuration, i.e., pivotable relative to the first shell portion at the first hinge or pivotable relative to the second shell portion at the second hinge.

[0007] Another embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing a container. The method includes providing a mold shaped to define a first shell portion, a second shell portion sized and shaped to complement the first shell portion to define a product cavity, and a bridge portion coupled to the first shell portion at a first hinge and to the second shell portion at a second hinge, where the bridge portion is pivotable relative to each of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in a disassembled configuration, i.e., pivotable relative to the first shell portion at the first hinge and pivotable relative to the second shell portion at the second hinge, and the bridge portion is pivotable relative to one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in an assembled configuration, i.e., pivotable relative to the first shell portion at the first hinge or pivotable relative to the second shell portion at the second hinge. The method also includes forming the container using the mold. The method also includes permanently coupling the bridge portion to one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion.

[0008] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts (provided such concepts are consistent with each other) discussed in greater detail below are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. All combinations of the claimed subject matter presented at the end of this detailed description are also contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the appended drawings are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, of the scope of the subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances, various aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein can be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements (e.g., functionally similar, and / or structurally similar, elements).

[0010] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a clamshell package in an unassembled, open configuration, according to an example embodiment.

[0011] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a clamshell package in an unassembled, open configuration, according to an example embodiment. Figure 1A is a left side view of the clamshell package of

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a clamshell package in an unassembled, open configuration, according to an alternative embodiment, where the second portion is shown as transparent.

[0013] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a clamshell package in an assembled, open configuration, according to an example embodiment. Figure 1A

[0014] Figure 3B is a perspective view of a clamshell package in an assembled, open configuration, according to an example embodiment. Figure 3A ​Left view of the clamshell-shaped packaging.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a closed configuration assembled according to the example embodiment. Figure 1A Left view of the clamshell-shaped packaging.

[0016] Figure 5 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method for manufacturing a rigid clamshell container according to an example embodiment.

[0017] The features and advantages of the inventive concept disclosed herein will become more apparent from the specific embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following describes in more detail various concepts and embodiments thereof related to the rigid clamshell container of the present invention and methods of manufacturing such containers. It should be understood that the various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of many ways, as the disclosed concepts are not limited to any particular implementation. Examples of specific embodiments and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0019] refer to Figure 1A and 1B This illustration shows a container 100 in an open, unassembled configuration according to an example embodiment. In the illustrated arrangement, the container 100 is generally rectangular in shape, has rounded corners in a closed configuration, and can be opened into complementary halves in an open configuration. Other sizes and shapes of the container 100 are contemplated and can be used, such as circular, elliptical, square, irregular, symmetrical, or asymmetrical shapes, etc., as discussed below. Additionally, the container 100 may or may not be configured to have halves of the same size in the open configuration. The container 100 can be used to contain and protect consumer packaged goods, such as food, including but not limited to chewing gum. The container 100 can be made of any of a variety of materials used in packaging technologies, and specifically, may be made of materials used in molding or casting processes that ultimately produce rigid packaging such as plastics, metals, or alloys, or combinations thereof. In some arrangements, the container 100 is formed from materials derived from natural sources, or may be made from biodegradable, decomposable, recyclable, or otherwise sustainable materials.

[0020] The container 100 is configured as a clamshell and includes a first shell portion 102 configured to complementarily and releasably engage with a second shell portion 104. Either or both of the first and second shell portions 102, 104 can be formed so that the container 100 defines a product cavity sized and configured to accommodate the product 107 within the container 100 when in the closed configuration. In some arrangements, one shell portion can be formed as a lid, while the product 107 is primarily contained in the other shell portion. In other arrangements, each shell portion can be formed to contain the product 107 even when the container 100 is in the open configuration.

[0021] The product 107 can be any of a variety of items sold as consumer packaged goods, as described above. In the illustrated arrangement, the product 107 is embodied as a plurality of gum sticks arranged in side-by-side stacks of gum. In various arrangements, each stack of gum can be secured together by an article organizing component 124, such as a bellyband, and the stacks of gum can in turn be further secured in the side-by-side arrangement by an article stack organizing component 126, such as a sheath, a larger bellyband, or the like, to attractively maintain the organization of the gum sticks as individual gum sticks are removed. In some such arrangements, a given article organizing component 124 or article stack organizing component 126 can be secured to the first or second shell portion 102, 104, such as with an adhesive, a clip, a tab, or the like. This side-by-side arrangement of the product 107 provides the advantage of a large surface for brand promotion, design, text, and other eye-catching visual features on the container 100, which can significantly improve the presence of the product on a shelf. Additionally, the side-by-side arrangement of the product 107 provides a thin profile of the container 100, while accommodating a relatively large amount of product 107.

[0022] In the illustrated arrangement, the product 107 is disposed in both the first and second shell portions 102, 104 when the container 100 is in the open configuration. In some such arrangements, different types or varieties of the product 107 can be individually contained in the first and second shell portions 102, 104, such as different flavored edible products can be arranged in each shell portion. However, in other arrangements, the product 107 can be disposed only in the first shell portion 102 or only in the second shell portion 104 when the container 100 is in the open configuration. In Figure 2In the illustrated arrangement, when the container 100 is in the open configuration, the product 107 is housed only in the second shell portion 104, and further includes a stadium member 122, e.g., a shelf, configured to stagger the arrangement of the product 107, e.g., so that the product 107 is attractively displayed at different heights. In the illustrated arrangement, where the product 107 is an arrangement of multiple articles, the stadium member 122 staggers the height of some articles relative to others, so that multiple rows of product 107 are displayed at different heights. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in embodiments where the product 107 is disposed in both shell portions 102, 104, a stadium member 122 can be present in both shell portions 102, 104.

[0023] Returning to Figure 1A and 1B In some arrangements, the container 100 includes a securing member that releasably couples the first shell portion 102 and the second shell portion 104 together, so that in the closed configuration, the product is securely housed in the product chamber, and in the open configuration, the product is accessible by a user. Such features can be embodied as one or more undercuts, tabs and slots, ribs, interlocking protrusions, or other complementary components configured for releasable engagement. In the illustrated arrangement, the securing member is embodied as a first set of ribs 114 and a complementary second set of ribs 116 disposed on the first shell portion 102 and the second shell portion 104, respectively. In this arrangement, the first set of ribs 114 are disposed on the interior face of an inwardly recessed lip at the edge of either side face of the first shell portion 102, and the second set of ribs 116 are disposed on the exterior face of an outwardly recessed lip at the edge of either side face of the second shell portion 104. The recessed lips on the shell portions 102, 104 are configured to complement and engage one another when the container 100 is in the closed configuration. In the illustrated arrangement, the ribs in each set of ribs 114, 116 are disposed parallel to the edge of each respective shell portion 102, 104. In operation, when the container 100 is transitioned from the open configuration to the closed configuration, as the first shell portion 102 engages the second shell portion 104, the first set of ribs 114 interlock with the second set of ribs 116, thereby releasably securing the container in the closed configuration. In some arrangements, when the first shell portion 102 is secured to the second shell portion 104, the securing member is configured for audible engagement, e.g., a pleasing "click" sound or other sound. For example, the first set of ribs 114 and the second set of ribs 116 can be configured to "click" into place when the ribs interlock in the closed configuration.

[0024] In some arrangements, the container 100 can include one or both of a first brand promotion area 118 and a second brand promotion area 120 disposed on an interior face (i.e., facing the product cavity) of the first shell portion 102 or the second shell portion 104, respectively. The first brand promotion area 118 and the second brand promotion area 120 are portions of these interior faces on which graphics, logos, decorations, slogans, or other visual components are provided, such as stickers, stamps, dyes, sprays, embossed or debossed numbers or designs, etched numbers or designs, etc. In some such arrangements similar to that shown in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the first brand promotion area 118 and the second brand promotion area 120 is visible even with the product 107 disposed in the container 100. In other arrangements, either or both of the first brand promotion area 118 and the second brand promotion area 120 becomes visible upon or after the product 107 is removed from the container 100.

[0025] In some arrangements, the brand promotion areas 118, 120 of the container 100, as well as the exterior faces, can be used for any of a variety of highly customizable brand promotion, personalization, or messaging purposes. Each of these areas and faces can be customized independently of any molding or casting process used to manufacture the container 100 itself, and thus, the same inventory of containers 100 can be used for different products, different brands, different product types, and even for specific customers, by simply customizing the brand promotion areas 118, 120 or exterior faces of each container 100. For example, in an embodiment, the exterior faces of a given container 100 present a logo, color, and brand promotion of a particular chewing gum brand determined by the chewing gum manufacturer, while the first brand promotion area 118 and the second brand promotion area 120 include images and text customized for a particular user. Any combination of such brand promotion, personalization, and messaging on the exterior faces and brand promotion areas 118, 120 of the container 100 is encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0026] In further arrangements, the container 100 can be formed so as to be fully or partially transparent, such that the interior of one or more components is visible even when the container 100 is closed. In this way, various components inside the container 100 can be used as brand promotion surfaces. For example, in one such arrangement, the article stacking organization member 126 can include visual elements disposed on an outward-facing surface that would be visible through a transparent embodiment of the container 100 (e.g., any such elements that can be disposed on the brand promotion areas 118, 120). Visual elements can similarly be applied to the article organization member 124 of the product 107 or to the individual packaging materials.

[0027] The bridge portion 106 is disposed between the first and second shell portions 102, 104. First and second hinges 108, 110 couple opposite ends of the bridge portion 106 to the first and second shell portions 102, 104 of the container, respectively. Each hinge 108, 110 is an assembly that enables pivotal or hinged movement, such as a living hinge, a line of weakness, or the like. Thus, each of the first and second shell portions 102, 104 is pivotable relative to the bridge portion 106. When the container 100 is in an assembled configuration (e.g., as shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the bridge portion 106 is sized and shaped to be received by either of the first and second shell portions 102, 104. In the arrangement shown in the figures, the bridge portion 106 spans less than the entire width of the second shell portion 104, and the second shell portion 104 has a cutout sized and shaped to receive the bridge portion 106. In other arrangements, the bridge portion 106 can be received by either or both of the first and second shell portions 102, 104.

[0028] As can be appreciated, especially in Figure 1B , when the container is molded in an unassembled configuration, the bridge portion 106 effectively increases the distance between the first and second shell portions 102, 104. Thus, a larger mold section can be disposed between the first and second shell portions 102, 104, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating thin steel conditions when manufacturing the container.

[0029] Turning to Figure 3A and 3B , the container 100 is shown in an assembled, open configuration. The container 100 includes one or more fasteners 112 that permanently couple the bridge portion 106 to either of the first or second shell portions 102, 104. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3A and 3B , the fasteners 112 couple the bridge portion 106 to the second shell portion 104. The coupling function of the fasteners 112 is non-releasable as compared to a fixed component, and thus, once the bridge portion 106 is coupled to one of the shell portions 102, 104, it cannot be readily uncoupled unless a substantial amount of force is applied or the fastener 112 or the corresponding shell or bridge portion 102, 104, 106 is damaged. In various arrangements, the fasteners 112 can be embodied as one-way (i.e., non-reversible) tabs or ribs of the container, adhesive, welded or fused portions, or other mechanical assemblies contemplated for permanent engagement. In this way, once the bridge portion 106 is coupled to the shell portion 102, 104, depending on the manner of fastener 112 used, uncoupling the bridge portion 106 will result in deformation of the tabs or ribs, or tearing of the adhesive or weld, etc. In Figure 3A and 3BIn arrangements where the fastener 112 is embodied as a tab that protrudes laterally on opposite sides of the bridge portion 106, the tab is clipped onto the second shell portion 104 when the second shell portion 104 receives the bridge portion 106. In other arrangements that use a tab that protrudes laterally, the fastener 112 can be disposed on the first shell portion 102 or the second shell portion 104 and clipped onto the bridge portion 106.

[0030] The container 100 is shown in an assembled closed configuration in Figure 4 Since the bridge portion 106 is permanently coupled to the second shell portion 104, the first shell portion 102 can only pivot relative to the second shell portion 104 at the first hinge 108 to open and close the container 100. In arrangements where the bridge portion 106 is instead permanently coupled to the first shell portion 102, the first shell portion can only pivot relative to the second shell portion 104 at the second hinge 110.

[0031] The advantage provided by taking the additional step of permanently coupling the bridge portion 106 to either the first shell portion 102 or the second shell portion 104 after the container 100 is produced is that the reduction or elimination of thin steel conditions in manufacturing is preserved while providing a single-piece clamshell container (i.e., where the container is molded as a single piece that does not require separate pieces to be coupled together) that utilizes a strong fastening pivot action for opening and closing at a single hinge. Additionally, the overall profile of the container 100 when in the open configuration is thinner and more attractive, for example Figure 3B as shown in Figure 1B For example, by not permanently coupling the bridge portion 106 to one of the first shell portion 102 and the second shell portion, or having a larger hinge, results in a weaker, more fragile hinge that places the first shell portion 102 at a greater distance from the second shell portion 104 when the container 100 is in the open configuration, for example

[0032] In operation, an end user receives the container 100 containing the products 107 in the closed configuration shown in Figure 4 When the user wishes to access the products 107, the first shell portion 102 is pushed away from the second shell portion 104, causing a pivot action at the first hinge 108 when the resistance provided by the interlocked first and second sets of ribs 114, 116 is overcome. The container 100 then transitions to the open configuration shown in FIG. 3, exposing its contained products 107. The user selects one of the products 107 and observes the first and second brand promotion areas 118, 120 before returning the container 100 to the closed configuration as shown in Figure 4The closed configuration is shown. Throughout this operation, the bridging portion 106 remains connected to the second housing portion 104.

[0033] Figure 5 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method 500 for manufacturing a clamshell container (e.g., container 100) for containing a consumer packaged good (e.g., product 107) according to an example embodiment.

[0034] At 502, a container mold is provided. The container mold is shaped to define a container and includes a first shell portion (e.g., first shell portion 102), a second shell portion (e.g., second shell portion 104), and a bridging portion (e.g., bridging portion 106). In various arrangements, the container mold may additionally define fasteners (e.g., fastener 112), fixing members (e.g., first set of ribs 114 and second set of ribs 116), and grandstand-shaped members (e.g., grandstand-shaped member 122).

[0035] At 504, a container (e.g., container 100) is formed. The container is formed using a mold provided at 502 and can be manufactured by any of a variety of known processes, such as injection molding or casting.

[0036] In some arrangements, at point 506, a branding area (e.g., branding area 118, 120) is applied to either or both of the first and second shell portions of the container. The branding area can be applied by imprinting, dyeing, stickers, or any of a variety of visual application methods.

[0037] At 508, the container is filled with product (e.g., product 107). The product may be placed in either or both of the first shell portion and the second shell portion of the container.

[0038] At 510, the bridging portion is connected to either or both of the first and second shell portions of the container. Fasteners (e.g., fastener 112) are used to permanently connect the bridging portion to at least one of the first and second shell portions of the container.

[0039] At position 512, move the container to the off configuration (e.g., as shown below). Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). The first shell portion pivots at a hinge (e.g., first hinge 108) of the bridging portion to releasably engage the second shell portion for a closed configuration. In some arrangements, additional graphics are placed on the outer surface of the container (e.g., stickers, markings, dyes, etc.) and an outer packaging is applied. Furthermore, in some such arrangements, more graphics (e.g., stickers, markings, etc.) are applied to the top of the outer packaging.

[0040] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the direct or indirect association of two components with each other. Such association can be permanent, or the association can exist for some period of time depending on the specific purpose to which the association is put. Such association can be achieved by integral association and / or by associating components with each other via some intermediary component.

[0041] It should be noted that the orientations of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It will be recognized that features of the disclosed embodiments can be incorporated into other disclosed embodiments.

[0042] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the devices shown in the various example embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications (e.g., variations of sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) can be made without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the disclosed subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced without materially affecting the disclosed subject matter. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various example embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other mechanisms and / or techniques within the scope of the various inventive embodiments. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, in light of the teachings herein, that any one or more of the

[0044] Additionally, the technology described herein can be embodied as a method, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method can be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments can be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which can include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as serial act in illustrative embodiments.

[0045] The claims should not be read to be limited to the described order or elements unless such an interpretation is implied by the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize a variety of ways to implement the various embodiments described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Any features described as modules, units or components can be implemented together in an integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. In some embodiments, various features can be implemented as software modules or components. Some features can also be implemented as firmware. Software modules or components can be written in any appropriate software programming language, including C. Hardware logic can be implemented as custom logic or commercially available logic, or a combination thereof. Software modules or components can be stored in any appropriate non- transitory machine, computer, or machine readable data storage medium or memory, including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or any other suitable data storage device. The various embodiments described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes various hardware components and software components. The various embodiments described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes various hardware components and software components.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a first shell portion; a second shell portion sized and shaped to complement the first shell portion to define a product cavity; at least one securing component that releasably couples the first shell portion to the second shell portion in a closed configuration; a bridge portion coupled to the first shell portion at a first hinge and coupled to the second shell portion at a second hinge, wherein the bridge portion is pivotable relative to each of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in a disassembled configuration, i.e., pivotable at the first hinge relative to the first shell portion and at the second hinge relative to the second shell portion, and the bridge portion is pivotable relative to only one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in an assembled configuration, i.e., pivotable at the first hinge relative to the first shell portion or at the second hinge relative to the second shell portion, and a fastener that permanently couples the bridge portion to one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in the assembled configuration, wherein the fastener prevents the bridge portion from pivoting relative to one of the first shell portion or the second shell portion in the assembled configuration.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is sized and shaped to hold a product when the container is in an open configuration.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is sized and shaped to hold a product when the container is in an open configuration.

4. The container of claim 1, further comprising a product comprising a plurality of articles and at least one bleacher component shaped to stagger an arrangement of the plurality of articles in the container.

5. The container of claim 1, further comprising a product comprising a plurality of articles, wherein the plurality of articles are organized in a stacked side-by-side arrangement.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the product is coupled to the container.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the securing component is configured for audible engagement.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein an interior face of at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion comprises a branding zone.

9. A method of manufacturing a container, the method comprising: providing a mold shaped to define: a first shell portion; a second shell portion sized and shaped to complement the first shell portion to define a product cavity; at least one securing component that releasably couples the first shell portion to the second shell portion in a closed configuration; a bridge portion coupled to the first shell portion at a first hinge and to the second shell portion at a second hinge, wherein the bridge portion is pivotable relative to each of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in a disassembled configuration, i.e., at the first hinge relative to the first shell portion and at the second hinge relative to the second shell portion, and the bridge portion is pivotable relative to only one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion in an assembled configuration, i.e., at the first hinge relative to the first shell portion or at the second hinge relative to the second shell portion; and a fastener coupled to the bridge portion and to one of the first shell portion or the second shell portion in the assembled configuration, wherein the fastener prevents the bridge portion from pivoting relative to one of the shell portion or the second shell portion in the assembled configuration; forming the container using the mold; and permanently coupling the bridge portion to one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is sized and shaped to hold product when the container is in an open configuration.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein each of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is sized and shaped to hold product when the container is in an open configuration.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the mold is additionally shaped to define at least one bleacher-shaped feature that interleaves an arrangement of a plurality of articles in the container.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the securing feature is configured for audible engagement.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying a branding zone to an interior face of at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising filling at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion with product comprising a plurality of articles.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising coupling the product to the container.

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