Container for stacked food products

Abstract

A container for stacked food items, such as potato chips, is provided. The container includes a composite laminate that includes one or more layers of paperboard. The container is non-circular. The container has a horizontal cross-section with an end portion having a constant radius along its length and a side portion having a radius that varies along its length, wherein the end portion and the side portion continuously transition between one another.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Application No. 17 / 316,218, filed May 10, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] background

[0004] This disclosure relates to containers for storing stacked food items, such as stacked potato chips. It is desirable to construct the containers using recyclable materials. A significant constraint for elongated containers used for stacked food items is implosion resistance, a design constraint for packaging food at relatively high altitudes and low relative humidity, followed by transportation to low altitudes and high relative humidity. This specification discloses designs for containers for stacked food items manufactured from recyclable materials and with sufficient strength to withstand significant changes in pressure differentials between the inside and outside of the container (e.g., pressure differentials under reasonable worst-case conditions due to extreme altitudes, temperatures, and humidity conditions observed in the United States). Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a first representative embodiment. The embodiment includes a container for storing a stack of food products. The container includes a composite body forming an elongated housing between an open top end and a bottom end, the composite body including a plurality of layers secured together. The composite body extends with a uniform cross-section between the open top end and the bottom end. The composite body includes a seam extending between the open top end and the bottom end, the spiral seam securing the elongated portions of the plurality of layers together, a closure bottom secured to the bottom end of the composite body, the closure bottom including a cardboard portion extending to the bottom end of the composite body. The composite body includes an inner liner layer, a first body layer, a second body layer, and an outer layer, a first adhesive provided to adhere the inner liner layer to the first body layer, and a second adhesive provided to adhere the second body layer to the outer layer. The inner layer includes one of PE or PET, the first body layer and the second body layer include cardboard, and the outer layer includes paper. The composite body includes a horizontal cross-section constant along its length, wherein the horizontal cross-section includes opposing first and second end portions and opposing first and second side portions, wherein each of the first and second end portions is arcuate, and each of the first and second side portions is arcuate. The first and second side portions each extend between first and second ends, and the first and second end portions each extend between first and second ends, wherein the first side portion extends from the first end of the second end portion and the second end of the first end portion, and the second side portion extends from the second end of the second end portion and the first end of the first end portion. The first end portion has a constant radius about a first focal point, and the second end portion has a constant radius about a second focal point, wherein the first and second focal points are each disposed on a line extending through a geometric center of the horizontal cross-section of the container. Each of the first and second side portions has a radius varying along its length, the varying radius extending from a minimum at each of its first and second ends to a maximum at a center thereof, and the transition between adjoining ends of the respective end and side portions is continuous.

[0006] Another representative embodiment is provided. The embodiment includes a container for storing a stack of food products. The container includes a composite body forming an elongated housing between an open top end and a bottom end, the composite body including a plurality of layers secured together. The composite body extends with a uniform cross section between the open top end and the bottom end. The composite body includes a spiral seam extending between the open top end and the bottom end, the spiral seam securing the elongated portions of the plurality of layers together. A closed bottom is secured to the bottom end of the composite body, the closed bottom including a portion of cardboard extending to the bottom end of the composite body. The composite body includes an inner liner layer, a first body layer, a second body layer, and an outer layer, a first adhesive is provided to adhere the inner liner layer to the first body layer, and a second adhesive is provided to adhere the second body layer to the outer layer. The inner layer includes one of PE or PET. The first body layer and the second body layer include cardboard. The outer layer includes paper. The composite body includes a horizontal cross section constant along its length, wherein the horizontal cross section includes opposing first and second end portions, and opposing first and second side portions, wherein each of the first and second end portions is arcuate and each of the first and second side portions is arcuate. The first and second side portions each extend between the first and second ends, and the first and second end portions each extend between the first and second ends, wherein the first side portion extends from the first end of the second end portion and the second end of the first end portion, and the second side portion extends from the second end of the second end portion and the first end of the first end portion. The first end portion has a constant radius about a first focal point, and the second end portion has a constant radius about a second focal point, wherein the first and second focal points are disposed on a line extending through a geometric center of the horizontal cross section of the container. Each of the first and second side portions has a radius that varies along its length, the varying radius extending from a minimum at each of its first and second ends to a maximum at its center. The transition between adjoining ends of the respective end portions and side portions is continuous. Each transition between the first and second end portions and the respective first and second side portions includes a location 27 mm from the proximate first or second focal point and 33.1 mm from the geometric center, wherein the first and second end portions have a constant radius of 27 mm, wherein the arc length of each of the first and second side portions is 86.8 degrees.

[0007] Another representative embodiment is provided. The embodiment includes a container for storing a stack of food products. The container includes a composite body forming an elongated housing between an open top end and a bottom end, the composite body including a plurality of layers secured together. The composite body extends with a uniform cross-section between the open top end and the bottom end. The composite body includes a spiral seam extending between the open top end and the bottom end, the spiral seam securing the elongated portions of the plurality of layers together. A closure bottom is secured to the bottom end of the composite body, the closure bottom including a portion of cardboard extending to the bottom end of the composite body. The composite body includes an inner layer, a first body layer, a second body layer, and an outer layer, a first adhesive is provided to adhere the inner layer to the first body layer, and a second adhesive is provided to adhere the second body layer to the outer layer. The inner layer includes one of PE or PET. The first body layer and the second body layer include cardboard. The outer layer includes paper. The composite body includes a horizontal cross-section that is constant along its length, wherein the horizontal cross-section includes opposing first and second end portions and opposing first and second side portions, wherein each of the first and second end portions is arcuate, and each of the first and second side portions is arcuate. The first and second side portions each extend between a first end and a second end, and the first and second end portions each extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the first side portion extends from the first end of the second end portion and the second end of the first end portion, and the second side portion extends from the second end of the second end portion and the first end of the first end portion. The first end portion has a constant radius about a first focal point, and the second end portion has a constant radius about a second focal point, wherein the first and second focal points are each disposed on a line extending through a geometric center of the horizontal cross-section of the container. Each of the first and second side portions has a radius that varies along its length, the varying radius extending from a minimum value at each of its first and second ends to a maximum value at its center, wherein the maximum radius is 81.7 mm. The transition between adjoining ends of the respective end portions and side portions is continuous. Each transition between the first and second end portions and the respective first and second side portions each includes a location that is 27 mm from the proximate first or second focal point and 33.1 mm from the geometric center, and wherein the first and second end portions have a constant radius of 27 mm. The arc length of each of the first and second side portions is 86.8 degrees.

[0008] The advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, by way of example only. As will be realized, the disclosed subject matter is capable of other and different embodiments, and its details are capable of modifications in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container for holding food products, such as a plurality of stacked food products;

[0010] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The horizontal cross-sectional view of the container shows that the thickness of the composite material forming the container is not drawn to scale.

[0011] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another horizontal cross-sectional view of the container, the thickness of the composite material forming the container is not drawn to scale;

[0012] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Another horizontal cross-sectional view of the container, the thickness of the composite material forming the container is not drawn to scale;

[0013] Figure 5 To form a spiral combination Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the composite laminate of the container;

[0014] Figure 5a This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a composite laminate that can be used as an inner layer;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a spiral joint formed between two adjacent composite laminates. The spiral joint is spiral in shape.

[0016] Figure 7 A view of multiple (11) circular containers inside a shipping box measuring 330mm x 228mm;

[0017] Figure 8 For placement with Figure 7 A view of multiple (16) roughly oval containers within a shipping box of the same size. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Turn now Figures 1 to 6 The system provides a container 10 for food. In some embodiments, the container 10 may be a container for multiple stacks of food, such as potato chips. In some embodiments, the stacked food may be multiple stacks of food having the same size and shape, and the stacked food is generally oval.

[0019] Container 10 may be vertically oriented and includes an open top 14, a closed bottom 16, and sidewalls 18 forming the walls of container 10. Sidewalls 18 may be formed from a composite body discussed below. In a preferred embodiment, sidewalls 18 are formed by a helical winding process to establish a helical seam, while in other embodiments, sidewalls 18 may be formed with vertical seams, or formed by extrusion. For example, sidewalls 18 may be formed by linear stretching or winding processes. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, a lid 19 can be provided which is hingedly secured to the side wall so that the lid 19 can be opened or closed over the container 10. When closed, the recess 19a fits within the side wall 18.

[0020] The closed bottom can be formed from a paperboard portion which can be a laminate composite. In some embodiments, the closed bottom can have a polymer inner layer with one or more paperboard layers disposed outwardly of the polymer layer (the polymer inner layer faces the interior volume of the container 10). In still other embodiments, the bottom can be a tin metal sheet. The closed bottom 16 can be secured to the side wall 18 with various attachment structures and methods known in the art, such as by adhesive, a bent tab or other structure. The open top 14 can accept a conventional plastic cap, or can accept a paper top.

[0021] The side wall 18 can be a composite body formed from an elongate composite laminate 180 which includes multiple layers extending along the length of the laminate (the laminate is either spirally wound or formed with a vertical seam). In some embodiments, the laminate 180 can include 4 layers, including an inner liner layer 181, a first body layer 182, a second body layer 183 and an outer layer 184. Figure 5 As shown in some embodiments, the laminate 180 can include 4 layers, including an inner liner layer 181, a first body layer 182, a second body layer 183 and an outer layer 184.

[0022] The inner liner layer 181 can be a polymeric material such as PE (polyethylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate - a polyester) or other polymeric material suitable for contact with food. In some embodiments, the inner liner 181 can be a metalized PET (PET MET, or PE + PET MET). In some embodiments, the inner layer can be a composite of various layers with various materials. As shown, in embodiments, the inner layer can include a thin paper layer 181a, followed by a PE layer 181b, followed by a metal layer (such as aluminum) 181c, followed by a PE layer 181d, with the PE layer (181d) exposed on the inner surface of the side wall. Figure 5a As shown, in embodiments, the inner layer can include a thin paper layer 181a, followed by a PE layer 181b, followed by a metal layer (such as aluminum) 181c, followed by a PE layer 181d, with the PE layer (181d) exposed on the inner surface of the side wall.

[0023] The first and second body layers 182, 183 can be paperboard material such as cardboard. In some embodiments, the first and second body layers 182, 183 can be one or more of cardboard, paperboard, fibrous material or composite material. In preferred embodiments, the first and second body layers are cardboard. In some embodiments, the first and second body layers can form 3 or more layers. In preferred embodiments, the outer layer 184 is paper. The outer layer 184 can include various inks and lacquers for display purposes.

[0024] In some embodiments, the inner layer 181 can be an 80 g / m2material (such as those discussed above) and the outer layer 184 can be a 100 g / m2material.

[0025] In some embodiments, the combination of one or both of the first and second body layers 182, 183 can be 250 g / m2, 310 g / m2, 325 g / m2, or 360 g / m2. In some embodiments, each layer can be in the range of 100 g / m2to 200 g / m2, including all values within the range. In the preferred embodiment discussed herein, both the first and second body layers 182, 183 are 310 g / m2. In some embodiments, the first and second body layers 182, 183 and include a third body layer. In some embodiments, the third body layer can be the same material and thickness. In another embodiment with three body layers, the body layers can be different materials and / or different thicknesses.

[0026] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , a cross-sectional view of the composite laminate 180 for forming a side wall is provided. The first and second body layers 182, 183 can be formed, with the first body layer having a portion that extends out of the elongated left edge 191 of the remaining left edge of the laminate, and the second body layer 183 having a portion that extends out of the elongated right edge 192 of the remaining layer of the composite. In some embodiments, the inner layer can be the same size as the first body layer 182, and the outer layer 184 can be the same size as the second body layer 183, with the result that the outer surface of the side wall is completely covered when the inner layer 181 and outer layer 184 are formed (except for the seam formed when the body is formed). In some embodiments, the inner layers of the abutments can interact / connect with each other during the spiral winding process to form a seal to prevent communication through the seam of the spiral wound side wall 18. In some embodiments, the inner layers can form an Anaconda seal along the seam, as is known in the art.

[0027] Some or all of the various layers of the composite laminate 180 can be connected together in various ways, such as using an adhesive Figure 5 , element 199, schematic view) or by heat setting the layers together. Figure 5 In, the inner layer 181 and the first body layer 182 are described as being secured together with an adhesive 199, and the outer layer 184 and the second layer 183 are described as being secured together with an adhesive. Similarly, when two portions of the composite are adjacent to each other, and the left extending edge 191 of one portion of the composite extends over the right extending edge 192 of the adjacent second portion of the composite, an adhesive can be provided between the extending edges 191, 192 to secure the abutments together.

[0028] In some embodiments, the side wall 18 can be formed around a mandrel (e.g., in the manner discussed above) such that the side wall is formed in the dimensions and geometry discussed below.

[0029] Turning to Figure 3 The geometry of the sidewall 18 is provided. Note that the container 10 can be formed such that the length of the sidewall 18 is variable, which results in the container 10 having different lengths in order to support and enclose different amounts of food product, such as potato chips, within the container, when the lid 21 is disposed thereon.

[0030] Regardless of the length of the sidewall 18, the sidewall 18 is formed with the same geometry along its length. The sidewall includes opposing first and second side portions 140, 150 and opposing first and second end portions 120, 130. The first side portion 140 extends from a first end 141 to an opposite second end 142. The second side portion 150 extends from a first end 151 to an opposite second end 152. The first end portion 120 extends from a first end 121 to a second end 122. The second end portion 130 extends from a first end 131 to a second end 132. In some embodiments, the first and second end portions 120, 130 are both the same size and geometry, and the first and second side portions 140, 150 are both the same size and geometry.

[0031] It is best to refer to Figures 2 to 4 for an understanding that the various adjoining end portions are connected to one another in a continuous manner, with the curves (at the adjoining ends) between the various adjoining portions being continuous (notwithstanding any small local discontinuities due to the seams that secure the adjoining portions together). As Figure 2 described, the first end of the first end portion 120 transitions to the second end 152 of the second side portion 150. The first end 151 of the second side portion 150 transitions to the second end 132 of the second end portion 130, and the first end 131 of the second end portion 130 transitions to the second end 142 of the first side portion 140. The first end 141 of the first end portion 140 transitions to the second end 122 of the second side portion 120.

[0032] The sidewall 18 defines a geometric center 201 and first and second focal points 202, 202a. The geometric center 201 and the first and second focal points 202, 202a are disposed, respectively, on a line 1001 for a single geometric cross section, or on a plane for the entire sidewall 18. The line 1001 (and the plane) extends through the centers of the first and second end portions 120, 130 and establishes a plane of mirror symmetry between the portions of the sidewall on opposite sides of the line 1001 (the plane).

[0033] Each of the first and second end portions 120, 130 can be formed with a constant radius about the respective first or second focal point (the first end portion 120 is formed about the first focal point 202, and the second end portion 130 is formed about the second focal point 202a). In the preferred embodiment, the radius of each of the first and second end portions about the respective focal point (202, 202a) between the first and second ends is 27 mm. In this embodiment, the first and second focal points 202, 202a are each located about 10.5 mm from the geometric center 201. In this embodiment, the horizontal cross-section is about 75 mm long (from the center point 125 of the first end portion 120 to the center point 135 of the second end portion 130) and about 56.8 mm wide (from the center point 145 of the first side portion 140 to the center point 155 of the second side portion 150).

[0034] The first and second side portions 140, 150 are arcuate, with a radius that varies along their length, extending from a minimum radius at the end points to a maximum radius at the center points 143, 153. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second ends 141, 142, 151, 152 have a radius of about 27 mm at their end points (where the side portions transition to the adjoining end portions 120, 130), and a maximum radius of about 81.7 mm at the center portions 143, 153 of each of the side portions 140, 150. As shown, the respective center portions 143, 153 of the first and second side portions 140, 150 are each located on a line 1002 that extends through the geometric center 201 (or, for the entire length of the side wall 18, on a plane). The line 1002 is perpendicular to a line that extends through the geometric center 201 and the first and second focal points 202, 202a. In some embodiments, the line 1002 establishes a plane of mirror symmetry between portions of the line 1002 on opposite sides of the line 1002. Figure 2

[0035] As noted above, in the preferred embodiment, the first and second end portions 120, 130 each transition to the adjoining first and second side portions 140, 150 at a location where the radius of curvature is 27 mm. This transition point is about 33.1 mm from the geometric center 201. In this embodiment, the respective center points 145, 155 of each of the first and second side portions 140, 150 are each about 28.4 mm from the geometric center 201. As noted above, the radius of curvature of the respective center points 145, 155 is 81.7 mm.

[0036] In this embodiment, the arc length of the first and second side portions 140, 150, which are arcuate and vary, is about 86.8 degrees, and thus the arc length of each of the first and second end portions 120, 130 (which have a constant radius) is about 93.2 degrees.

[0037] ​The embodiments disclosed above are specific preferred embodiments of containers that, as described below, have been determined through testing to have exemplary strength characteristics compared to other container designs having other sidewall geometries. Accordingly, the above-described embodiments include sidewalls having a constant cross-sectional geometry that have the precise dimensions discussed above (e.g., the radii of the first and second portions from the respective focal points are exactly 27 mm, rather than“about 27 mm”). In other embodiments, the cross-sectional geometry of the sidewall 18 can be within the range indicated by“about [dimension or angle],” with the term about being defined to include the reference value as well as a range of ±5% of the reference value. The geometry of the embodiments disclosed above has been found to optimize the strength characteristics of the container and achieve unexpected strength compared to other non-circular geometries that have been traditionally available.

[0038] Notably, the circular geometry of the tubular container is optimal for stacked products such as potato chips, having the greatest strength ratio for a given cross-sectional area. However, containers having an elliptical or oval horizontal cross-section (or another shape that is longer along one dimension of the cross-sectional plane than the perpendicular dimension along the same cross-sectional plane) are beneficial in several respects. For example, as shown in Figures 7 to 8 As shown, when the container is elliptical or oval (or non-circular as described above), more containers can typically be housed in a side-by-side fashion for a given box size due to less space between abutting containers. Similarly, due to the relatively“flat” aspect ratio of the forward-facing first and second side surfaces (the surfaces that face outward toward the customer on a shelf) compared to cylindrical containers, which have more curved forward-facing surfaces, elliptical or generally oval containers are typically more efficiently and effectively arranged on a store shelf than circular containers. Furthermore, many commercial stacked potato chip products form a cross-section that is generally elliptical or oval, rather than circular. Accordingly, a container that is also generally elliptical or oval will more closely approximate the cross-section of the potato chips, thus causing the sidewall to be closer to the outer edge of the stacked potato chips, which reduces the overall size and geometry of the sidewall 18, causing less material to be used, the container to be lighter in weight, and the overall container to be smaller, which will allow a shipping box for multiple containers to be smaller, or possibly contain more containers in a shipping box of a given size.

[0039] As described above, through experimentation, it has been found that the cross-sectional geometry of the sidewall of the container disclosed above for a container suitable for containing stacked potato chips has optimized strength characteristics compared to other geometries available. Due to the significant variations in elevation, temperature, and humidity across the United States and many other places around the world, the burst strength of a container (partly due to packaging a relatively hot product in an environment of relatively low atmospheric pressure and shipping it to an environment of relatively high atmospheric pressure, although many other factors can cause a pressure differential change from the product packaging to the product delivery location) is generally considered to be an important acceptance test for rigid container designs.

[0040] Table A (below) presents the results of FEA testing that simulates the forces experienced by proposed packages of different sizes due to a typical worst case implosion risk (i.e. packaging the product at a higher temperature, lower pressure (atmospheric), and shipping the product to a lower temperature, higher pressure and atmospheric location). It has been determined that a 192 mbar pressure differential (higher external pressure to the container) is the potential "worst case" pressure differential that a package can experience under reasonable expectations for packaging for the potential markets in the United States and outside the United States. The potential worst case explosion risk (internal pressure greater than ambient pressure) of forces on the proposed package sizes was also analyzed, and the worst reasonable case for explosion risk was determined to be 100 mbar. Sample G is comprised of the dimensions in the preferred embodiment described above. Sample G was found to have unexpected results in significantly superior implosion performance compared to various other geometric designs with constant radius end portions as described below, and significantly superior explosion performance compared to designs with constant radius end portions as described below.

[0041]

[0042] Table A

[0043] Referring to Figure 3 and Table B below, the test samples are discussed as follows. Figure 3 In the figures, the end portions are designated as elements 120, 130, and the side portions are designated as elements 140, 150. The focal points are designated as 202, 202a, and the geometric center is 201. Angle a is the angle that line 1003 makes with the beginning of the end portions 120 / 130 (and, conversely, the end of the side portions 140 / 150). Line 1003 extends through the focal point 202 / 202a, and is perpendicular to line 1001, which extends through the geometric center 201 and both focal points 202, 202a.

[0044] The oblong design has parallel lines forming the side portions and semicircles forming the end portions, with the ends of the semicircles continuously connected to the ends of the parallel lines. Thus, the radius of the end portions is constant along its arc length. The ellipse is formed as a geometric ellipse with a length of 75 mm and a relative width of 57 mm.

[0045]

[0046] Table B

[0047] Due to the identified customer preference factors, the ellipse in some embodiments is not the preferred geometry for cans of stacked food products such as potato chips.

[0048] Each sample (A-G and oblong) was subjected to FEA testing at steady state pressure differentials both inside and outside the container, with the first tests for implosion being based on the pressure outside the container being greater than the pressure inside the container, and the tests for explosion being conducted with the pressure inside the container being greater than the pressure outside the container.

[0049] Based on the material properties of the sidewall material and the configuration of the container, it has been assumed that the maximum deformation amount resulting from implosion forces that would only cause elastic deformation of the container (and thus would not result in the container collapsing and not recovering upon the elimination of the pressure differential) is an implosion deformation of 6%. Referring to Table A, the designs tested that exhibited less than 6% vacuum deformation were the oblong design, Design A, and Design G. Based on perceived customer preferences, designs with front and back surfaces that are flat or relatively flat are more preferred than designs that exhibit a pronounced curvature of the front and back surfaces, such as the design exhibited in Design A and the oblong design. Thus, since the oblong design and Design A are not commercially desirable, Design G is the proprietary design with the necessary implosion strength design. Since Design G exhibits less than 6% vacuum deformation, this design is optimized for strength for the required approximately 75 x 57 mm size of the package.

[0050] While the preferred embodiments of the disclosed have been described, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and all devices falling within the meaning of the claims, both literally and equitably, are intended to be encompassed therein.

Claims

1. Containers for storing stacked food, including: A composite body, wherein an elongated shell is formed between an open top and a bottom, the composite body comprising multiple layers fixed together; The composite body extends with a consistent cross-section between the top and bottom ends of the opening; The composite body includes a helical joint extending between the top and bottom ends of the opening, the helical joint securing the elongated portions of the plurality of layers together. A closed bottom is fixed to the bottom end of the composite body, and the closed bottom includes a cardboard portion extending to the bottom end of the composite body. The composite body includes an inner liner, a first body layer, a second body layer, and an outer layer. A first adhesive is provided to adhere the inner liner to the first body layer, and a second adhesive is provided to adhere the second body layer to the outer layer. The inner layer comprises either PE or PET; The first body layer and the second body layer comprise cardboard; The outer layer comprises paper; The composite body includes a horizontal cross-section that is constant along its length, wherein the horizontal cross-section includes opposing first and second ends and opposing first and second sides, wherein each of the first and second ends is arc-shaped, and each of the first and second sides is arc-shaped. The first side portion and the second side portion each extend between a first end and a second end, and the first end portion and the second end portion each extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the first side portion extends from the first end of the second end portion and the second end of the first end portion, and the second side portion extends from the second end of the second end portion and the first end of the first end portion. The first end has a constant radius around a first focus, and the second end has a constant radius around a second focus, wherein both the first focus and the second focus are located on a line extending through the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section of the container. Each of the first side portion and the second side portion has a radius that varies along its length, the varying radius extending from a minimum at each of its first and second ends to a maximum at its center. The transitions between adjacent ends and sides are continuous.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the first side and the second side has the same geometry.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein each of the first end and the second end has the same geometry.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end have a constant radius of 27 mm.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein the first focal point and the second focal point are each 10.5 mm away from the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the horizontal cross-section has a length of 75 mm and a width of 56.8 mm.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein a line extending through the first focus and the second focus and the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section is established in a plane mirrored on opposite sides of the line.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the container further comprises a second line extending through the geometric center and perpendicular to the line, wherein the second line is established on a plane mirrored on opposite sides of the second line.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein each transition between the first end and the second end and the first side and the second side comprises a position 27 mm from the nearest first focal point or the second focal point and a position 33.1 mm from the geometric center.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the distance between the center of each of the first side and the second side and the geometric center is 28.4 mm, and the radius of curvature at the center of each of the first side and the second side is 81.7 mm.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the angle defined between the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section and the rays formed by the first and second ends of each of the first and second sides is 86.8 degrees.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the first body layer extends between opposing first and second edges, and the second body layer extends between opposing first and second edges, wherein the first edge of the first body layer extends outward beyond the first edge of the second body layer, and wherein the second edge of the second body layer extends outward beyond the second edge of the first body layer. The spiral seam is formed such that the first edge of the first main body layer overlaps with the second edge of the second main body layer, thereby forming the adjacent portion of the composite body.

13. Containers for storing stacked food, including: A composite body, wherein an elongated shell is formed between an open top and a bottom, the composite body comprising multiple layers fixed together; The composite body extends with a consistent cross-section between the top and bottom ends of the opening; The composite body includes a helical joint extending between the top and bottom ends of the opening, the helical joint securing the elongated portions of the plurality of layers together. A closed bottom is fixed to the bottom end of the composite body, and the closed bottom includes a cardboard portion extending to the bottom end of the composite body. The composite body includes an inner liner, a first body layer, a second body layer, and an outer layer. A first adhesive is provided to adhere the inner liner to the first body layer, and a second adhesive is provided to adhere the second body layer to the outer layer. The inner lining layer comprises either PE or PET; The first body layer and the second body layer comprise cardboard; The composite body includes a horizontal cross-section that is constant along its length, wherein the horizontal cross-section includes opposing first and second ends and opposing first and second sides, wherein each of the first and second ends is arc-shaped, and each of the first and second sides is arc-shaped. The first side portion and the second side portion each extend between a first end and a second end, and the first end portion and the second end portion each extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the first side portion extends from the first end of the second end portion and the second end of the first end portion, and the second side portion extends from the second end of the second end portion and the first end of the first end portion. The first end has a constant radius around a first focus, and the second end has a constant radius around a second focus, wherein both the first focus and the second focus are located on a line extending through the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section of the container. Each of the first side portion and the second side portion has a radius that varies along its length, the varying radius extending from a minimum at each of its first and second ends to a maximum at its center. The transitions between adjacent ends and sides are continuous. Each transition between the first end and the second end and the first side portion includes a position 27 mm from the nearest first or second focal point and a position 33.1 mm from the geometric center, wherein the first end and the second end have a constant radius of 27 mm. The angle defined between the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section and the rays formed by the first and second ends of each of the first and second sides is 86.8 degrees.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein a line extending through the first focus and the second focus and the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section is established in a plane mirrored on opposite sides of the line.

15. The container according to claim 13, wherein the first focal point and the second focal point are both 10.5 mm away from the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section, and the horizontal cross-section has a length of 75 mm and a width of 56.8 mm.

16. The container of claim 13, wherein the container further comprises a second line extending through the geometric center and perpendicular to the first line, wherein the second line is established on a plane mirrored on opposite sides of the second line, wherein the second line passes through the center of each of the first side and the second side.

17. The container of claim 13, wherein the distance between the center of each of the first side portions and the second side portions and the geometric center is 28.4 mm, and the radius of curvature at the center of each of the first side portions and the second side portions is 81.7 mm.

18. The container of claim 13, wherein the first body layer extends between opposing first and second edges, and the second body layer extends between opposing first and second edges, wherein the first edge of the first body layer extends outward beyond the first edge of the second body layer, and wherein the second edge of the second body layer extends outward beyond the second edge of the first body layer. The spiral seam is formed such that the first edge of the first main body layer overlaps with the second edge of the second main body layer, thereby forming an adjacent portion of the composite body.

19. Containers for storing stacked food, including: A composite body, wherein an elongated shell is formed between an open top and a bottom, the composite body comprising multiple layers fixed together; The composite body extends with a consistent cross-section between the top and bottom ends of the opening; The composite body includes a helical joint extending between the top and bottom ends of the opening, the helical joint securing the elongated portions of the plurality of layers together. A closed bottom is fixed to the bottom end of the composite body, and the closed bottom includes a cardboard portion extending to the bottom end of the composite body. The composite body includes an inner liner, a first body layer, a second body layer, and an outer layer. A first adhesive is provided to adhere the inner liner to the first body layer, and a second adhesive is provided to adhere the second body layer to the outer layer. The inner lining layer comprises either PE or PET; The first body layer and the second body layer comprise cardboard; The composite body includes a horizontal cross-section that is constant along its length, wherein the horizontal cross-section includes opposing first and second ends and opposing first and second sides, wherein each of the first and second ends is arc-shaped, and each of the first and second sides is arc-shaped. The first side portion and the second side portion each extend between a first end and a second end, and the first end portion and the second end portion each extend between a first end and a second end, wherein the first side portion extends from the first end of the second end portion and the second end of the first end portion, and the second side portion extends from the second end of the second end portion and the first end of the first end portion. The first end has a constant radius around a first focus, and the second end has a constant radius around a second focus, wherein both the first focus and the second focus are located on a line extending through the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section of the container. Each of the first and second side portions has a radius that varies along its length, the varying radius extending from a minimum at each of its first and second ends to a maximum at its center, wherein the maximum radius is 81.7 mm. The transitions between adjacent ends and sides are continuous. Each transition between the first end and the second end and the first side portion includes a position 27 mm from the nearest first or second focal point and a position 33.1 mm from the geometric center, wherein the first end and the second end have a constant radius of 27 mm. The angle defined between the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section and the rays formed by the first and second ends of each of the first and second sides is 86.8 degrees.

20. The container of claim 19, wherein the first body layer extends between opposing first and second edges, and the second body layer extends between opposing first and second edges, wherein the first edge of the first body layer extends outward beyond the first edge of the second body layer, and wherein the second edge of the second body layer extends outward beyond the second edge of the first body layer. The spiral seam is formed such that the first edge of the first main body layer overlaps with the second edge of the second main body layer, thereby forming an adjacent portion of the composite body.

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