Container, blank and method for forming container having bottom wall with opening

Abstract

A container includes a first end structure defining a first opening therein, the first end structure configured to receive a first cap positioned on the first end structure and extending across the first opening. The second end structure is positioned opposite the first end structure and defines a second opening extending through the second end structure. The container further includes: two opposing side walls coupled to the second end structure along a respective first set of fold lines; and two opposing end walls coupled to the second end structure along a respective second set of fold lines. At least one of the two opposing end walls extends obliquely relative to the second end structure and diverges outwardly from the second end structure. The container also includes a second lid positioned on the second end structure and extending across the second opening.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications This application is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT / US2022 / 036720, filed July 11, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 320,428, filed March 16, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 309,805, filed February 14, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 220,311, filed July 9, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technical field of the present disclosure relates generally to containers, and more particularly to containers having a bottom wall with an opening, and methods for forming the same. BACKGROUND

[0003] Containers come in many forms. Certain conventional containers, such as boxes, baskets, trays, and the like, typically have a closed bottom portion with four side faces. Some containers include a top portion or lid to close the container; while other containers have an open top. In some cases, the containers are formed first, and later filled with product, and then sealed with a film adhered across the top to close the container.

[0004] In some such cases, the containers are initially formed with an open top portion, so that they can be filled later. Typically, such containers are formed and stacked or nested with one another, and shipped to another location for filling and / or sealing. In some cases, the containers include a flanged portion around the top rim to which the sealing film is ultimately adhered. In some known containers that include these flanged portions, the flanges are not formed at the same time as the containers are initially formed. Rather, the formed containers with flat (no flange) side walls are stacked and shipped for filling; once filled, the flanges of the containers are folded outward to form a sealing surface during the sealing process.

[0005] Other conventional containers can form the flange during the initial formation of the container, but the flange is formed simply by folding the flange into place. That is, the flange is not set or glued into place.

[0006] These known containers can not be robust, and various portions of the flange are prone to disengaging from one another. Further, such containers can experience poor sealing because the flange is prone to disengaging, or require a more robust seal, which can be complex, time-consuming, and / or expensive to produce. Further, when the containers are nested, they can become stuck together, and present problems when the containers are separated for filling and / or sealing.

[0007] As part of an automated packaging process, containers can be separated by hand or by machine. Regardless of the method used to fill the containers, difficulties can arise when the containers are nested too tightly. When the flanges between each respective container are directly on top of one another, it can be difficult to separate the flanges and pull the containers apart by machine or by hand. If the flanges are sufficiently spaced apart, it is easier to reliably separate the containers.

[0008] Other containers can have side walls and / or end walls that flare outwardly or otherwise taper outwardly from the bottom wall of the container. One challenge with such containers is that they require a large footprint to be arranged in a side-by-side manner while providing visual access to the goods positioned within the container. SUMMARY

[0009] In one aspect, a container is provided. The container includes a first end structure defining a first opening therein, the first end structure configured to receive a first cover positioned on the first end structure and extending across the first opening. A second end structure is positioned opposite the first end structure and defines a second opening extending through the second end structure. The container further includes two opposing side walls coupled to the second end structure along a respective first set of fold lines, and two opposing end walls coupled to the second end structure along a respective second set of fold lines. At least one of the two opposing end walls extends obliquely relative to the second end structure and tapers outwardly from the second end structure. The container further includes a second cover positioned on the second end structure and extending across the second opening.

[0010] In another aspect, a blank for forming a container is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels coupled to the bottom panel along a respective first set of fold lines, and two opposing end panels coupled to the bottom panel along a respective second set of fold lines. The side panels and end panels are each sized such that, when folded along the respective fold lines and formed into the container, the two opposing side panels and the two opposing end panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and taper outwardly from the bottom panel to define a first end structure opposite the bottom panel. The first end structure defines a first opening and is configured to receive a first cover positioned on the first end structure and extending across the first opening. The bottom panel defines a second opening extending through the bottom panel therein, and a second cover is positioned on the bottom panel and extends across the second opening.

[0011] In yet another aspect, a method of forming a container from a blank is provided, where the blank includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, and two opposing end panels. The method includes rotating the end panels inwardly toward the bottom panel, where, upon rotation, the end panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and flare outwardly from the bottom panel. The method also includes rotating the side panels inwardly toward the bottom panel, where, upon rotation, the side panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and flare outwardly from the bottom panel. The method further includes forming a first end structure of the container opposite the bottom panel, the first end structure defining a first opening and being configured to receive a first lid positioned thereon and extending across the first opening, where the bottom panel defines a second opening therein extending through the bottom panel. The method also includes coupling a second lid to the bottom panel, the second lid positioned on the bottom panel extending across the second opening.

[0012] In other aspects, containers formed using such methods and blanks for forming such containers are also provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a top view of an example sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example container formed from Figure 1 the blank shown in

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an example container formed from Figure 2 the blank shown in

[0016] Figure 4 is a top view of another embodiment of a sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example container formed from Figure 4 the blank shown in

[0018] Figure 6 is a top view of another embodiment of a sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an example container formed from Figure 7 the blank shown in

[0021] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method of forming a container from a blank according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 10A is a top view of an example sheet blank for forming a container having de- nested components according to the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 10B is Figure 10A is a close-up view of region B of the sheet blank shown in

[0024] Figure 11 is Figure 10A is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in

[0025] Figure 12 is Figure 11 is another perspective view of the container shown in

[0026] Figure 13 is Figure 11 is another perspective view of the container shown in

[0027] Figure 14 is Figures 11-13 is a perspective view of a stack of multiple containers shown in

[0028] Figure 15 is a top view of another embodiment of a sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 16 is Figure 15 is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in

[0030] Figure 17 is Figure 16 is a side perspective view of a stack of multiple containers shown in

[0031] Figure 18 is a top view of another embodiment of a sheet blank for forming a container according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 19 is Figure 18 is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in

[0033] Figure 20 is Figure 19 is a side perspective view of a stack of multiple containers shown in

[0034] Figure 21 is a top view of an example sheet blank for forming a container having an opening in a bottom panel according to the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 22Ais a top view of an alternative sheet blank for forming a container having an opening in a bottom panel according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 22B is a perspective view of an example container formed from the blank shown in Figure 22A

[0037] Figure 23 is a perspective view of an example container formed from a blank substantially similar to the blank shown in Figure 21 and Figure 22A

[0038] Figure 24 is a schematic view showing an arrangement of a plurality of containers formed from a blank substantially similar to the blank shown in Figure 21 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following detailed description describes the disclosure in an illustrative manner, not a restrictive one. This description clearly enables one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure, several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and utilize it, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure.

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stackable container including a top flange. The container is constructed from a sheet blank using a machine and / or by hand. For example, the blank can be folded around a mandrel to form the container, or the container can be formed by hand and / or by another type of tray forming machine. Alternatively, a folding / gluing machine can be used to form the container. In one embodiment, the container is made from paperboard material. However, the container can also be made using any suitable material, and is therefore not limited to a particular type of material. In alternative embodiments, the container is made using cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, foamboard, corrugated paper, and / or any suitable material known to those of skill in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein.

[0041] ​​​In example embodiments, the container includes at least one indicium thereon, including but not limited to a marking that conveys a product, a manufacturer of the product, and / or a seller of the product. For example, the indicium can include printed text that indicates a name of the product and briefly describes the product, an identification and / or trademark that indicates a manufacturer and / or seller of the product, and / or a design and / or ornamentation that attracts attention. "Printing," "printed," and / or any other form of "print" as used herein can include, but is not limited to, inkjet printing, laser printing, screen printing, artistic micro-jetting, pen ink printing, painting, flexographic printing, flexographic printing, letterpress printing, rotogravure printing, dye transfer, and / or any suitable printing technique known to those of skill in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein. In another embodiment, the container is devoid of indicia, such as but not limited to a marking that conveys a product, a manufacturer of the product, and / or a seller of the product.

[0042] In some embodiments, the inner and / or outer surfaces of the blank and the resulting container are coated or sealed. Such coating or sealing can make the container water resistant or antimicrobial. In other embodiments, the sealing or coating can facilitate preserving the freshness of a product (e.g., produce product) held in the container. In any embodiment, such coating or sealing can be applied to any segment(s) of any surface(s) of the container.

[0043] In some embodiments, the container can include a means to de-nest the container when the container is in a stacked configuration. In some embodiments, the de-nesting assembly is located at the bottom corners. The de-nesting assembly can include a de-nesting tab that, when folded inward, prevents the container from jamming in a stacked configuration and provides a gap between the flanges of the stacked containers. In another embodiment, the de-nesting tab can be located at the top corners of the container along the lower surface of the container flange. When the containers are stacked, the lower edge of the de-nesting tab of one container rests on the top of the flange of the container below, thus providing spacing between the flanges. This spacing allows a person or machine to more easily grasp the flanges and helps to separate the containers.

[0044] In some embodiments, the container can include an opening defined in the bottom wall of the container. This opening can facilitate providing visual access into the container when the container is positioned in a bottom-up configuration (i.e., the top surface or flange of the container contacts a support surface). The opening can be covered with a transparent film to contain the items within the container without impeding the visual access. When the containers are arranged in a side-by-side manner for display, the containers can alternate between bottom-up and top-up orientations to provide a reduced overall footprint for the arrangement of containers relative to arranging the containers all in the same orientation, while still facilitating displaying each container regardless of its orientation.

[0045] Reference is now made to the drawings, and more particularly to Figure 1FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating an example embodiment of a sheet blank 100. A container 200 (see FIG. 2) is formed from the blank 100. The blank 100 has a first or inner surface 101 and an opposing second or outer surface 103. In addition, the blank 100 defines a leading edge 102 and an opposing trailing edge 104. In one embodiment, the blank 100 sequentially includes a first end panel 106, a bottom panel 108, and a second end panel 110 from the leading edge 102 to the trailing edge 104, which are coupled together along pre-formed, generally parallel fold lines 112 and 114, respectively. Figure 2

[0046] More specifically, the first end panel 106 extends from the leading edge 102 to the fold line 112, the bottom panel 108 extends from the fold line 112 to the fold line 114, and the second end panel 110 extends from the fold line 114 to the trailing edge 104. As further described herein, when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100, the fold line 112 defines a bottom edge of the first end panel 106 and a first end edge of the bottom panel 108, and the fold line 114 defines a second end edge of the bottom panel 108 and a bottom edge of the second end panel 110.

[0047] The first side panel 116 extends from a fold line at a first side edge 118 of the bottom panel 108 to a fold line 120, and the opposing second side panel 122 extends from a fold line at a second side edge 124 of the bottom panel 108 to a fold line 126. As further described herein, when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100, the fold line at the first side edge 118 defines a bottom edge of the first side panel 116 and a first side edge of the bottom panel 108, and the fold line at the second side edge 124 defines a second side edge of the bottom panel 108 and a bottom edge of the second side panel 122.

[0048] In the example embodiment, the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, and the second side panel 122 include a plurality of cutouts 128 defined therein. In the example embodiment, the cutouts 128 are leaf-shaped, and each of the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, and the second side panel 122 has six cutouts. Alternatively, the blank 100 can include any suitable number of cutouts 128 having any suitable shape and / or in any suitable location that enables the blank 100 and / or the container 200 to function as described herein. In still other embodiments, one or more of the panels 106, 110, 116, and 122 of the blank 100 can be free of cutouts 128.

[0049] ​The first end panel 106 has a height H1, the second end panel 110 has a height H2, the first side panel 116 has a height H3, and the second side panel 122 has a height H4. In example embodiments, the height H1 of the first end panel 106, the height H2 of the second end panel 110, the height H3 of the first side panel 116, and the height H4 of the second side panel 122 are substantially the same. Further, the bottom panel 108 has a length LI and a width Wl. In example embodiments, the length LI is greater than the width Wl, such that the bottom panel 108 is rectangular. In alternative embodiments, the width Wl is substantially equal to or greater than the length LI.

[0050] In example embodiments, the side edges 170 of the end panels 106, 110 and the end edges 172 of the side panels 116, 122 are generally linear and extend at respective angles relative to the bottom panel 108. In other words, in example embodiments, the side edges 170 of the end panels 106, 110 are not parallel to the side edges 118, 124 of the bottom panel 108, and the end edges 172 of the side panels 116, 122 are not parallel to the end edges of the bottom panel 108 (at the fold lines 112 and 114).

[0051] Accordingly, the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, and the second side panel 122 each have a generally trapezoidal shape, in which the panels 106, 110, 116, 122 flare outward as they extend away from the bottom panel 108. That is, the respective widths (not specifically shown) of the end panels 106, 110 adjacent the bottom panel 108 are less than the respective widths (not specifically shown) of the end panels 106, 110 opposite the bottom panel 108. Likewise, the respective lengths (not specifically shown) of the side panels 116, 122 adjacent the bottom panel 108 are less than the respective lengths (not specifically shown) of the side panels 116, 122 opposite the bottom panel 108.

[0052] Alternatively, the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, the second side panel 122, and / or the bottom panel 108 can have any suitable shape and / or any suitable dimensions that enable the blank 100 and / or the container 200 to function as described herein.

[0053] The inner side panels 130, also referred to as glue panels, extend from each side edge of each end panel 106, 110 at a respective fold line 132. As such, the blank 100 includes four inner side panels 130. Each inner side panel 130 has a respective free edge 178 opposite the respective fold line 132 from which the inner side panel 130 extends. In example embodiments, the free edge 178 includes a plurality of linear portions, such as four adjacent linear portions. In alternative embodiments, the free edge 178 can be partially or completely arcuate, or can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and / or the container 200 to function as described herein.

[0054] Additionally, a first end flange panel 134 extends from the first end panel 106, and a second end flange panel 138 extends from the second end panel 110. More particularly, the first end flange panel 134 extends from the front edge 102 to a fold line 136 at the top edge of the first end panel 106, and the second end flange panel 138 extends from a fold line 140 at the top edge of the second end panel 110 to the back edge 104.

[0055] The first end flange panel 134 and the second flange panel 138 include first and second end flange tabs 142, 144, respectively. The first end flange tabs 142 extend from respective fold lines 166 at each side edge of the first end flange panel 134, and the second end flange tabs 144 extend from respective fold lines 168 at each side edge of the second end flange panel 138. In example embodiments, each of the first and second end flange tabs 142, 144 has a generally arcuate free outer side edge 146 and a generally linear free inner side edge 148, respectively. As further described herein with respect to the container 200, the shape of the free outer side edge 146 generally defines the shape of the corner 218 of the formed top flange 214 of the container 200 when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100 (see FIG. 2). Thus, in various alternative embodiments, the first and second end flange tabs 142, 144 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and / or the container 200 to function as described herein. Figure 2

[0056] The first side flange panel 150 extends from the first side panel 116, and the second side flange panel 152 extends from the second side panel 122. More particularly, the first side flange panel 150 extends from the fold line 120 to a free edge 154 (also referred to as a first side edge of the blank 100), and the second side flange panel 152 extends from the fold line 126 to a free edge 156 (also referred to as a second side edge of the blank 100).

[0057] ​The first and second side flange panels 150, 152 include first and second side flange tabs 158, 160, respectively. The first side flange tabs 158 extend from each end edge of the first side flange panel 150, and the second side flange tabs 160 extend from each end edge of the second side flange panel 152. In example embodiments, each of the first and second side flange tabs 158, 160 has a generally arcuate free outer side edge 162 and a generally linear free inner side edge 164, respectively. As further described herein with respect to the container 200, when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100, the shape of the free outer side edges 162 generally defines the shape of the corners 218 of the formed top flange 214 of the container 200 (see FIG. 20). Thus, in various alternative embodiments, the first and second side flange tabs 158, 160 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and / or the container 200 to function as described herein. Figure 2 Accordingly, in various alternative embodiments, the first and second side flange tabs 158, 160 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and / or the container 200 to function as described herein.

[0058] In example embodiments, the first and second end flange tabs 142, 144 also each include a respective notch 184 defined between its inner side edge 148 and the side edge of the respective end flange panel 134, 138 from which the end flange tab 142, 144 extends. Likewise, the first and second side flange tabs 158, 160 also each include a respective notch 186 defined between its inner side edge 164 and the end edge of the respective side flange panel 150, 152 from which the side flange tab 158, 160 extends. As further described herein, these notches 184, 186 improve the formation of the container 200 formed from the blank 100 by reducing interference between adjacent end and side flange tabs 142, 144, 158, 160 when the blank 100 is folded into the container 200. Additionally, the notches 184, 186 can facilitate folding and / or joining or mating of the respective flange panels and / or flange tabs.

[0059] In example embodiments, the side flange tabs 158, 160 extend "deeper" or further inwardly toward the bottom panel 108 than the end flange tabs 142, 144. That is, the side flange tabs 158, 160 have a greater extension in the horizontal direction (with respect to the view of FIG. 19) than the extension of the end flange tabs 142, 144 in the vertical direction (with respect to the view of FIG. 18). Figure 1 Figure 1

[0060] ​​In an example embodiment, the fold lines 166, 168 of adjacent end flange tabs 142, 144 are generally aligned with the side edges 170 of end panels 106, 110. That is, each end flange tab 142, 144 can be folded obliquely relative to the end flange panels 134 / 138 from which it extends. Additionally, the fold lines 180, 182 of adjacent side flange tabs 158, 160 are generally perpendicular to fold lines 120, 126. That is, each side flange tab 158, 160 can be folded substantially perpendicularly relative to the side flange panels 150 / 152 from which it extends. In other embodiments, each fold line 166, 168, 180, 182 of each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 can have any orientation that allows the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0061] In some embodiments, portions of the flange tabs 142, 144, 158, 160 have a reduced thickness, such that when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100, the corner 218 of the flange 214 formed by the joined flange tabs (see...) Figure 2 It has improved de-nesting properties. The thickness of flange tabs 142, 144, 158, and 160 can be reduced by scribing, compressing, squeezing, etc., on one or more portions of the flange tabs 142, 144, 158, and 160.

[0062] Figure 2 It is made from blank 100 (shown in Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of an example container 200 formed in the middle. Container 200 includes a bottom wall 202, first and second opposing end walls 204, 206, and first and second opposing side walls 208, 210. Typically, the bottom wall 202 includes a bottom panel 108 of the blank 100, the first end wall 204 includes a first end panel 106, the second end wall 206 includes a second end panel 110, the first side wall 208 includes a first side panel 116 and two inner side panels 130 (extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110, respectively), and the second end wall 210 includes a second side panel 122 and two inner side panels 130 (extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110, respectively). The end walls 204, 206, side walls 208, 210, and bottom wall 202 define a cavity 212 of container 200 for receiving and holding a product (not shown).

[0063] In example embodiments, the first and second end walls 204, 206 and the first and second side walls 208, 210 extend obliquely away from the bottom wall 202 due to the trapezoidal shape of the panels 106, 110, 116, and 122. Specifically, in one embodiment, each end wall 204, 206 and each side wall 208, 210 forms an interior angle of more than about 90 degrees with respect to the bottom wall 202, respectively. That is, in example embodiments, the walls 204, 206, 208, 210 that have been formed from the container 200 are angled generally outwardly (i.e., away from the bottom wall 202 of the container 200). Thus, the resulting container 200 has a generally trapezoidal prism or truncated pyramid shape. However, in alternative embodiments, the end walls 204, 206 and side walls 208, 210 can form any angle with the bottom wall 202 that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0064] The container 200 also includes a flange 214 extending from the top of each of the first and second end walls 204, 206 and the first and second side walls 208, 210. In example embodiments, the flange 214 extends outwardly or away from the cavity 212 and is bounded by a free edge 216 that includes both straight and arcuate segments; specifically, the corners 218 of the flange 214 are generally arcuate. In example embodiments, the flange 214 is oriented parallel to the bottom wall 202. Due to the orientation of the walls of the container 200, the flange 214 is oriented obliquely to the first and second end walls 204, 206 and the first and second side walls 208, 210. Alternatively, the flange 214 can extend in any direction and have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0065] The container 200 is formed by folding the various panels and tabs of the blank 100 along the respective fold lines. Specifically, each inner side panel 130 is rotated about the fold line 132 toward the inner surface 101 of each end panel 106, 110 such that each inner side panel 130 is substantially perpendicular to the respective end panel 106, 110. The first and second end panels 106, 110 are rotated about the fold lines 112 and 114, respectively, toward the inner surface 101 of the bottom panel 108 to form the first and second end walls 204, 206, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second end panels 106, 110 are rotated to form an angle of more than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom panel 108. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second end panels 106, 110 can form any angle with the bottom panel 108 that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0066] The first side panel 116 is rotated about the fold line 118 towards the inner surface 101 of the base panel 108 and brought into face-to-face relationship with the outer surface 103 of two of the inner side panels 130. Likewise, the second side panel 122 is rotated about the fold line 124 towards the inner surface 101 of the base panel 108 and brought into face-to-face relationship with the outer surface 103 of the other two inner side panels 130. In one embodiment, the first and second side panels 116, 122 are rotated to form an angle of more than 90 degrees relative to the base panel 108. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second side panels 116, 122 are rotated and can form any angle with the base panel 108 such that the blank 100 and / or the container 200 is able to function as described herein.

[0067] In the example embodiment, adhesive, in particular hot melt adhesive, is applied to end portions of the inner surfaces 101 of the first and second side panels 116, 122. Accordingly, when these panels 116, 122 are rotated into face-to-face contact with the inner side panels 130, the end portions of the inner surfaces 101 of the panels 116, 122 are coupled and adhered to the outer surfaces 103 of the inner side panels 130, respectively. Thereby, the end walls 204, 206 and the side walls 208, 210 are formed.

[0068] In alternative embodiments, adhesive can be applied to the inner surfaces 101 of the inner side panels 130. In this case, the side panels 116, 122 can first be rotated into position and then the end panels 106, 110 can be rotated such that the inner side panels 130 are coupled and adhered to the outer surfaces 103 of the side panels 116, 122. In yet alternative embodiments, the inner side panels can instead extend from the side panels 116, 122; in this case, adhesive can be applied and the panels 106, 110, 116, 122 rotated in any suitable order to form the container 200.

[0069] Further, substantially simultaneously with the formation of the walls of the container 200 (e.g. within the same forming step), the side flange panels 150, 152 are rotated outwards (e.g. away from the base wall 202) about the fold lines 120, 126, respectively, until the side flange panels 150, 152 are parallel to the base wall 202. The side flange tabs 158, 160 move with the side flange panels 150, 152. That is, rotation of the side flange panels 150, 152 causes the side flange tabs 158, 160 to be simultaneously rotated into parallel orientation relative to the base wall 202.

[0070] In one example embodiment, the walls of the container 200 are formed substantially simultaneously with the rotation of the side flange panels 150, 152. Notably, however, the rotation of the side flange panels 150, 152 can occur before or during the folding of the end panels 106, 110 to form the side walls 204, 206. In particular, the folding of the side flange panels 150, 152 is such that the end flange tabs 142, 144 and the side flange tabs 158, 160 do not interfere at the corners of the partially formed container. Even more particularly, because the end flange tabs 142, 144 are "shorter" or "shallower" than the side flange tabs 158, 160 (e.g., the inner edges of the end flange tabs 142, 144 extend less than the inner edges of the side flange tabs 158, 160), the inner edges of the end flange tabs 142, 144 do not "catch" on the folded side flange tabs 158, 160 when the end panels 106, 110 are folded inward to form the side walls 204, 206.

[0071] In a separate step (e.g., after a predetermined amount of time, which can be a few milliseconds to a few seconds, has passed), the end flange panels 134, 138 are rotated outward (e.g., away from the bottom wall 202) about the fold lines 136, 140, respectively, until the end flange panels 134, 138 are parallel to the bottom wall 202. The end flange tabs 142, 144 move with the end flange panels 134, 138. That is, the rotation of the end flange panels 134, 138 causes the end flange tabs 142, 144 to simultaneously rotate into a parallel orientation relative to the bottom wall 202. Moreover, this rotation of the end flange panels 134, 138 couples the outer surfaces 103 of the end flange tabs 142, 144 in a face-to-face relationship against the inner surfaces 101 of the side flange tabs 158, 160 (which are already in their final position due to having been previously rotated).

[0072] Notably, in example embodiments, adhesive, such as hot melt adhesive, is applied to the inner surfaces 101 of the side flange tabs 158, 160 prior to the formation of the container 200 (e.g., simultaneously with the application of adhesive to the side panels 116, 122). Thus, when the end flange panels 134, 138 are rotated after the rotation of the side flange panels 150, 152, the outer surfaces 103 of the end flange tabs 142, 144 are coupled against and adhere to the inner surfaces 101 of the side flange tabs 158, 160.

[0073] Subsequently, the end flange panels 134, 138, the side flange panels 150, 152, the end flange tabs 142, 144, and the side flange tabs 158, 160 are appropriately oriented and fixed to form flange 214. Flange corners 218 are formed at the corresponding overlaps of the end flange tabs 142, 144 and the side flange tabs 158, 160. In the example embodiment, flange 214, also referred to as the “top flange,” is substantially flat or planar and is more robust than conventional flanges that are not glued or are not glued until the container is sealed. In at least some cases, where the end flange tabs 142, 144 and / or the side flange tabs 158, 160 are characterized by reduced thickness, the overall flange 214 is even more desirable to be planar, which in turn can improve the sealing properties and / or rigidity of the container 200.

[0074] Once formed, the containers 200 are nested or stacked (see...). Figure 3 The containers 200 shown are stacked (300) for their storage and / or transport. In some cases, these containers 200 are ultimately used to hold multiple objects. In some embodiments, a stack 300 of containers 200 is delivered to a filling location, where individual containers 200 are retrieved from the stack 300. As described herein, the flange corners 218 of the containers 200 (including embossed and / or reduced thickness end flange tabs 142, 144 and / or side flange tabs 158, 160) can improve the de-nesting characteristics of the containers 200.

[0075] The open, empty, and de-nested container 200 is then filled with product (e.g., agricultural product). A membrane 220 is placed across the top of the container 200 and sealed against the flange 214 to form a seal. The membrane 220 can be joined and adhered to the flange 214 using any suitable method or material (e.g., adhesive, heat seal, etc.).

[0076] As described elsewhere in this document, the flange 214 of container 200 offers structural advantages over flanges of similar containers. Specifically, applying adhesive to the side flange tabs 158, 160 during the initial formation of container 200 to attach the end flange tabs 142, 144 to the side flange tabs 158, 160 increases both the structural integrity and sealing capability of container 200. Conventional containers may have a top flange; however, as described above, such conventional containers are formed differently from container 200 (i.e., without a pre-formed flange, or without applying adhesive to connect the flange tabs during initial container formation), and therefore container 200 offers improvements over known conventional containers.

[0077] Applying adhesive to reinforce and strengthen the corners 218 of the flange 214 when coupling the end flange tabs 142, 144 to the side flange tabs 158, 160, thus enhances the structural rigidity of the container 200, thereby enhancing the container 200's ability to hold a larger weight of product and / or more effectively prevent liquid leakage. Such reinforcement can also reduce the risk of structural failure of the container 200 after filling and sealing. Additionally, such reinforcement facilitates improved sealing of the container 200. Moreover, the flange 214 can be significantly flatter than the flanges of conventional containers. Such a flange 214 enables easier, faster, simpler, and / or more cost-effective (e.g., using less sealing material) application of a sealing film to seal the container 200. These enhancements enable the container 200 to function more effectively than other conventional containers.

[0078] Figure 4 is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 400 for forming a container 500 (see Figure 5 ). The blank 400 is substantially similar to the blank 100 (shown in Figure 1 ), except as noted below. As such, like reference numerals are used to label components common to the blank 100 and the blank 400.

[0079] In one embodiment, the blank 400 includes a cutout 402 extending from the fold lines 112, 114, 118, 120, 124, 126, 136, 140 into each of the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, and the second side panel 122. In this embodiment, the cutout 402 has a generally rectangular shape adjacent to the fold lines 112, 114, 118, 120, 124, 126, 136, 140 and a generally semicircular shape at opposite ends. In an example embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 includes four cutouts 402, and each side panel includes five cutouts 402. In alternative embodiments, the blank 400 can include any suitable number of cutouts 402 in any suitable location having any suitable shape that enables the blank 400 and / or the container 500 to function as described herein.

[0080] In one embodiment, blank 400 also includes an inner side panel 430 that differs in overall shape from inner side panel 130 of blank 100. Inner side panel 430 of blank 400 has a free edge 178 opposite fold line 132, where free edge 178 includes a plurality of linear portions and curved portions. In particular, each free edge 178 includes a curved cutout 404 such that, when a container 500 is formed from blank 400, inner side panel 430 does not cover or otherwise interfere with cutouts 402 on side panels 116, 122. That is, curved cutout 404 of inner side panel 430 prevents inner side panel 430 from overlapping cutouts 402 in side panels 116, 122. In alternative embodiments, one or more of free edges 178 can have any suitable shape that enables blank 400 and / or container 500 to function as described herein.

[0081] Additionally, bottom panel 108 of blank 400 is smaller and more square than bottom panel 108 of blank 100. In the example embodiment, similar to blank 100, blank 400 includes end flange tabs 142, 144 and side flange tabs 158, 160. However, in blank 400, fold lines 166, 168, 180, 182 that delimit flange tabs are angled such that each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 can be folded perpendicular to its respective flange panel 134, 138, 150, 152. In other embodiments, fold lines 166, 168, 180, 182 can have any orientation that enables blank 400 and / or container 500 to function as described herein.

[0082] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example container 500 formed from blank 400 (shown in Figure 4 ). Container 500 is substantially similar to container 200 (shown in Figure 2 ) and is formed from blank 400 using a method similar to that used to form container 200 from blank 100. Container 500 can have different dimensions than container 200.

[0083] Figure 6 is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 600 for forming a container. Blank 600 is substantially similar to blank 100 (shown in Figure 1 ) except as noted below. As such, components common to blank 100 and blank 600 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0084] In one embodiment, blank 600 includes a cutout 602 extending along fold lines 112, 114, 118, 124, 120, 126, 136, and 140. Additionally, the fold line 604 between side panels 116, 122 and inner end panel 606 (further described herein) also has a cutout 602 extending therethrough. In the example embodiment, cutout 602 has a generally "stadium" shape. In alternative embodiments, blank 600 can include any suitable number of cutouts 602 having any suitable shape that enables blank 600 and / or any container formed therefrom to function as described herein.

[0085] In one embodiment, blank 600 also includes an inner end panel 606 extending first side panel 116 and second side panel 122 end edges along fold line 604, rather than an inner side panel 130 as in blank 100. As such, in the example embodiment, blank 600 includes four inner end panels 606. In the example embodiment, the overall shape of inner end panels 606 is different than inner side panel 130 of blank 100. In the example embodiment, inner end panels 606 have a free edge 608 opposite fold line 604, where free edge 608 includes a plurality of linear portions and / or curved portions. In alternative embodiments, one or more of free edge 608 can have any suitable shape that enables blank 600 and / or any container formed therefrom to function as described herein.

[0086] In the example embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 is formed with a notch 610 in its side edge. In the example embodiment, notch 610 accommodates cutout 602 in inner end panel 606 once container 700 is formed from blank 600. That is, upon formation, notch 610 prevents end panel 106, 110 from overlapping cutout 602 in inner end panel 606.

[0087] Additionally, blank 600 includes a notch 612 formed in side panels 116, 122 between the bottom edge of inner end panel 606 and fold line 118 / 124. Notch 612 can facilitate folding and / or joining or mating of the respective flange panel and / or flange tab.

[0088] In this example embodiment, the end flange tabs 142, 144 and side flange tabs 158, 160 of the blank 600 do not include notches 182 / 184 and have a different overall shape than the flange tabs in the blank 100. In the blank 600, each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 has a respective free edge 146 that includes a curved portion and a straight portion. Additionally, the fold lines 166, 168, 180, 182 that bound each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 are angled such that each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 can be folded oblique to its respective flange panel 134, 138, 150, 152.

[0089] A container formed from the blank 600 is formed in a manner similar to the container 200, with the inner end panel 606 of the blank 600 being folded in a manner similar to the inner side panel 130 of the blank 100, but coupled to the end panels 106, 110, rather than the side panels 116, 122.

[0090] Figure 7 is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 800 for forming a container.

[0091] In the example embodiment, similar to the blank 100, the blank 800 includes a first end panel 802, a second end panel 804, a first side panel 806, a second side panel 808, and a bottom panel 810. The first end panel 802, the second end panel 804, the first side panel 806, and the second side panel 808 each have a generally trapezoidal shape, and the bottom panel 810 has a generally rectangular shape with chamfered corners. Thus, in the example embodiment, the bottom panel 810 has eight edges. Similar to the blank 100, the blank 800 also includes a first end flange panel 812, a second end flange panel 814, a first side flange panel 816, and a second side flange panel 818, as well as a first end flange tab 820, a second end flange tab 822, a first side flange tab 824, and a second side flange tab 826.

[0092] In the example embodiment, the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 of the blank 800 have a different size and overall shape than the flange tabs of the blank 100. In particular, the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 each have a respective free end edge 828 that includes a plurality of straight and / or curved lines. In the example embodiment, the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 also each include a respective notch 830 on their respective inner side edge 832. The flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 800 and / or the container 900 to function as described herein.

[0093] In example embodiments, blank 800 further includes corner panels 834 extending from fold lines 836 at the chamfered or angled corners of bottom panel 810. Inner corner panels 838, also referred to as glue panels, extend from each side edge of each corner panel 834. As such, in example embodiments, blank 800 includes eight inner corner panels 838. Each inner corner panel 838 extends from the side edge of the corresponding corner panel 834 at a fold line 840 (only one fold line 840 is labeled for clarity). Figure 7

[0094] Corner panels 834 of blank 800 also each include a corner flange panel 842. Each corner flange panel 842 extends from a respective fold line 844 at the top of the corresponding corner panel 834 to a free edge 845. A corner flange tab 846 extends from each end edge of each corner flange panel 842. In example embodiments, corner flange tabs 846 are bounded by fold lines 848 and free edges 849, respectively. In example embodiments, corner flange tabs 846 also include a notch 850 defined in the inner side edge thereof. Fold lines 848 bounding each corner flange tab 846 are angled such that each corner flange tab 846 can be folded obliquely to its corresponding corner flange panel 842. In other embodiments, fold lines 848 can have any orientation that enables blank 800 and / or container 900 to function as described herein.

[0095] In example embodiments, similar to blank 100, first end panel 802, second end panel 804, first side panel 806, and second side panel 808 include a plurality of cutouts 852 defined therein. Specifically, first and second end panels 806, 808 each include three cutouts 852 located proximate to fold lines 854, 856, and first and second side panels 806, 808 each include four cutouts 852 located proximate to fold lines 858, 860. Alternatively, blank 800 can include any suitable number of cutouts 852 having any suitable shape and / or in any suitable location that enables blank 800 and / or container 900 to function as described herein.

[0096] In some embodiments, portions of flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, 846 have a reduced thickness such that, when a container 900 is formed from blank 800, the corners 918 (see FIG. 19) of the flange 914 formed by the coupled flange tabs have improved denesting characteristics. The thickness of flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, 846 can be reduced by scoring, compressing, extruding, or the like of one or more portions of the flange tabs. Figure 8 ​​

[0097] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an example octagonal container 900 formed from the blank 800 (shown in Figure 7 The container 900 includes a bottom wall 902, first and second opposing end walls 904, 906, first and second opposing side walls 908, 910, and four angled corner walls 920. Generally, the bottom wall 902 includes the bottom panel 810 of the blank 800, the first end wall 904 includes the first end panel 802 and two inner corner panels 838, the second end wall 906 includes the second end panel 804 and two inner corner panels 838, the first side wall 908 includes the first side panel 806 and two inner corner panels 838, the second end wall 910 includes the second side panel 808 and two inner corner panels 838, and each corner wall 920 includes one of the corner panels 834. The end walls 904, 906, side walls 908, 910, corner walls 920, and bottom wall 902 define a cavity 912 of the container 900 for receiving and holding product (not shown) therein. Like the container 200, the walls of the container 900 are oriented at an angle that exceeds 90 degrees relative to the bottom wall 902. In example embodiments, the bottom wall 902 of the container 900 has a generally rectangular shape with straight, chamfered corners. Thus, the bottom wall 902 of the container includes eight sides. Alternatively, the container 900 can have any suitable shape and / or size that enables the blank 800 and / or the container 900 to function as described herein.

[0098] The container 900 also includes a flange 914 extending from the top of the walls 904, 906, 908, 910, 920. In example embodiments, the flange 914 extends outwardly or away from the cavity 912 and is bounded by a free edge 916 that includes both straight and arcuate segments; specifically, the corners 918 of the flange 914 formed by the corner flange panels 842 are generally arcuate. In example embodiments, the flange 914 is oriented parallel to the bottom wall 902. Due to the orientation of the walls of the container 900, the flange 914 is oriented obliquely to the walls 904, 906, 908, 910, 920. Alternatively, the flange 914 can extend in any direction and have any suitable shape that enables the container 900 to function as described herein.

[0099] The container 900 is formed by folding the various panels and tabs of the blank 800 along the respective fold lines. Specifically, the corner panels 834 are rotated inward (toward the bottom panel 810) about the fold lines 836, and the inner corner panels 838 are rotated inward (toward the respective corner panels 834) about the fold lines 840. The first side panel 806 is rotated toward the inner surface of the bottom panel 810 about the fold line 858, and the second side panel 808 is rotated toward the inner surface of the bottom panel 810 about the fold line 860. Each of the first and second side panels 806, 808 are coupled to two respective inner corner panels 834 using an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, to form the side walls 908, 910. The first end panel 802 is rotated toward the inner surface of the bottom panel 810 about the fold line 854, and the second end panel 804 is rotated toward the inner surface of the bottom panel 810 about the fold line 856. Each of the first and second end panels 802, 804 are coupled to two respective inner corner panels 838 using an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, to form the end walls 904, 906. The first, second, first, and second side and end panels 806, 808, 802, 804 can be rotated about the fold lines 858, 860, 854, 856, respectively, and attached to the inner corner panels 838 in any order that enables the blank 800 and / or the container 900 to function as described herein.

[0100] Additionally, at substantially the same time as the walls of the container 900 are formed (e.g., within the same forming step), the end flange panels 812, 814 and side flange panels 816, 818 are rotated outward (e.g., away from the bottom wall 902) until the flange panels 812, 814, 816, 818 are parallel to the bottom wall 902. This rotation of the flange panels 812, 814, 816, 818 causes the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 to be simultaneously rotated into a parallel orientation relative to the bottom wall 202.

[0101] In a separate step (e.g., after a predetermined amount of time has passed, which can be a few milliseconds to a few seconds), the corner flange panels 842 are rotated outward about the fold lines 844 until the corner flange panels 842 are substantially parallel to the bottom panel 810. The rotation of the corner flange panels 842 causes the corner flange tabs 846 to be simultaneously rotated into a parallel orientation relative to the bottom wall 202. In addition, this rotation of the corner flange panels 842 also couples the corner flange tabs 846 together in overlapping relation with the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, which are already in their final position due to having been previously rotated.

[0102] Notably, in example embodiments, adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, is applied to the interior surfaces of the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 prior to forming the container 900. Thus, when the corner flange panel 842 is rotated after the end and side flange panels 812, 814, 816, 818, the exterior surfaces of the corner flange tabs 846 are coupled against and adhere to the interior surfaces of the corresponding end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826.

[0103] When formed using the methods described herein, the container 900 includes the same advantages as the container 200. In particular, the flange 914, also referred to as a "top flange," is substantially flat or planar and is more robust than conventional flanges that are not glued or are not glued until the container is sealed. In at least some cases, where any of the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, and / or 846 are characterized by a reduced thickness, the overall flange 914 can even more desirably be planar, which in turn can improve the sealing properties and / or rigidity of the container 900.

[0104] Once formed, the containers 900 are nested or stacked for their storage and / or transport. In some cases, these containers 900 are ultimately used to hold a variety of objects. In some embodiments, a stack of the containers 900 is delivered to a filling location, where individual containers 900 are retrieved from the stack. As described herein, the flange corners 918 of the containers 900, including the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, and / or 846 that are embossed and / or characterized by a reduced thickness, can improve the de-nesting properties of the containers 900.

[0105] The open, empty, and de-nested containers 900 are then filled with product (e.g., produce). A film (not shown) is placed across the top of the containers 900 and sealed against the flange 914 to form a seal. The film can be coupled and adhered to the flange 914 using any suitable method or material (e.g., adhesive, heat seal, etc.). As described elsewhere herein, the flange 914 of the container 900 provides structural advantages over the flanges of similar conventional containers. That is, the application of adhesive to the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 to couple the corner flange tabs 846 to the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 during the initial formation of the container 900 increases both the structural integrity and the sealing capabilities of the container 900. Conventional containers can have a top flange, but, as described above, such conventional containers are formed differently than the container 900 (i.e., do not include flange tabs that have been formed, or do not have adhesive applied to join the flange tabs during the initial container formation), and thus the container 900 provides improvements over known conventional containers.

[0106] Applying adhesive to the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 when coupling them to the corner flange tab 846 strengthens and reinforces the corners 918 of the flange 914, thus enhancing the structural rigidity of the container 900. For example, the container 900 can be able to hold a larger weight of product and / or more effectively prevent liquid leakage. Such reinforcement can also reduce the risk of structural failure of the container 900 after filling and sealing. Additionally, such reinforcement facilitates improved sealing of the container 900. Moreover, the flange 914 can be substantially flatter than the flanges of conventional containers. Such a flange 914 enables easier, faster, simpler, and / or more cost-effective (e.g., using less sealing material) application of a sealing film to seal the container 900. These enhancements enable the container 900 to function more effectively than other conventional containers.

[0107] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method 1000 of forming a container from a blank. In some embodiments, the blank includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, two opposing end panels, a respective end flange panel extending from a top edge of each end panel, a respective end flange tab extending from each side edge of each end flange panel, a respective side flange panel extending from a top end of each side panel, and a respective side flange tab extending from each end edge of each side flange panel. The method 1000 includes applying 1002 hot melt adhesive to an inner surface of the side flange tabs, rotating 1004 the end panels inward toward the bottom panel, and rotating 1006 the side panels inward toward the bottom panel. The method 1000 also includes rotating 1008 the side flange panels outward relative to the bottom panel into a parallel orientation, and after the rotating 1008, rotating 1010 the end flange panels relative to the bottom panel into a parallel orientation. The method 1000 also includes coupling 1012 the end flange tabs to the side flange tabs to form a container having a fully formed top flange.

[0108] In some embodiments, the blank also includes a respective inner side panel extending from each side edge of each end panel. In some such cases, the method 1000 also includes applying hot melt adhesive to a portion of an inner surface of the side panel, rotating the inner side panel inward, after the rotating the inner side panel, performing the rotating 1008, and coupling the side panel to the inner side panel.

[0109] The method 1000 can include additional, fewer, and / or alternative steps, including steps disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0110] Figure 10A is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 1100 for forming a container 1200 (see Figure 11 ). The blank 1100 is substantially similar to the blank 100 (shown in Figure 1The blank 1100 is otherwise the same as the blank 100, except as noted below. As such, components common to both the blank 100 and the blank 1100 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0111] In one embodiment, the blank 1100 includes cutouts 1102 defined within the first and second end panels 106, 110. In the example embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 includes four cutouts 1102. In alternative embodiments, cutouts can also be defined within the first and second side panels 116, 122. The blank 1100 can include any suitable number of cutouts 1102 in any suitable location to enable the blank 1100 and / or the container 1200 to function as described herein.

[0112] In the example embodiment, the blank 1100 includes inner side panels 1104 having a different overall shape than the inner side panels 130 of the blank 100. The inner side panels 1104 of the blank 1100 each include a free edge 178 opposite and substantially parallel to the fold line 132. The free edge 178 each extends along the length of the corresponding fold line 132 and each terminates laterally at the end edge 172 of the side panel 116, 122.

[0113] In addition, the bottom panel 108 of the blank 1100 is smaller and more square than the bottom panel 108 of the blank 1100. In the example embodiment, four de- nesting assemblies 1105 are included, one at each corner of the bottom panel 108. Alternative embodiments can include any suitable number of de-nesting assemblies 1105. For example, only one de-nesting assembly 1105 can be located at one corner of the bottom panel 108. The blank 1100 can include any number of de-nesting assemblies 1105 to enable the blank 1100 and / or the container 1200 to function as described herein.

[0114] Figure 10B Drawing Figure 10A An enlarged view of region B of the blank 1100 shown in FIG. 11 A. The de- nesting assembly 1105 includes a de-nesting tab 1106 and a de-nesting cutout 1118. The de-nesting tab 1106 includes a first triangular section 1108 defined in the inner side panel 1104, a second triangular section 1110 defined in the end panel 106, 110, a side fold line 1112, a center fold line 1122, a bottom fold line 1124, a first tear-drop shaped lobe 1116, and a second tear-drop shaped lobe 1117. The triangular sections 1108, 1110 are defined by the side fold line 1112, the center fold line 1122, and the bottom fold line 1124, the side fold line 1112 extending from a point 1114 along the fold line 132 (shown in FIG. 11 A) to a point 1116, the center fold line 1122 extending from a point 1118 along the fold line 132 (shown in FIG. 11 A) to a point 1120, and the bottom fold line 1124 extending from a point 1122 along the fold line 132 (shown in FIG. 11 A) to a point 1124. Figure 10AThe tear drop shaped flaps 1116, 1117 are adjacent to the triangular sections 1108, 1110 and extend into the de-nesting cut 1118. The bottom fold lines 1124 are located between the triangular sections 1108, 1110 and the tear drop shaped flaps 1116, 1117. The de-nesting cut 1118 is a blank space of the blank that is free of sheet material. The de-nesting cut 1118 is located at the corners of the bottom panel 108 and further extends at an angle across the corners of the side panels 116, 122.

[0115] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an example container 1200 (shown in Figure 10A ) formed from the blank 1100 (shown in Figure 11 ). The container 1200 is substantially similar to the container 200 (shown in Figure 2 ) and is formed from the blank 1100 using a method similar to that used to form the container 200 from the blank 100. The container 1200 can have different dimensions than the container 200 and also includes a de-nesting assembly 1105. In addition to the method described for forming the container 200 from the blank 100, additional steps are required to form the container 1200 from the blank 1100. When the panels 106, 110, 116, and 122 are folded upward to form the container 1200, the de-nesting tabs 1106 are folded along the fold lines 1112, 1122, 1124 into the cavity 1220 (as shown in Figure 12 ) of the container 1200 that has been formed. The de-nesting assembly 1105, and in particular each of the fold lines 1112, 1122, 1124 and the cut 1118, cooperate to allow the de-nesting tabs 1106 to bend inward toward the cavity 1220. The de-nesting cut 1118 also includes the arcuate edges 1120 providing clearance for the tear drop shaped flaps 1116, 1117 of the de-nesting tabs 1106 to bend inward toward the cavity 1220. Thus, the de-nesting tabs 1106 on the container 1200 that has been formed each extend at an acute angle into the cavity 1220 relative to the starting position.

[0116] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the container 1200 (shown in Figure 10A ) formed from the blank 1100 (shown in Figure 11is another perspective view of the container 1200 (shown in

[0117] The container 1200 also includes a flange 1222 extending from the top of each of the first and second end walls 1212, 1214 and the first and second side walls 1216, 1218. In the example embodiment, the flange 1222 extends outwardly or away from the cavity 1220.

[0118] Figure 13 is another perspective view of the container 1200 (shown in Figure 10A is another perspective view of the container 1200 (shown in Figure 11 is another perspective view of the container 1200 (shown in

[0119] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a stack 1300 of the plurality of containers 1200, wherein the containers are nested or stacked for storage and / or transport. The extended de-nesting tabs 1106 ensure that the containers 1200 do not jam together when nested into the stack 1300 and provide nearly equal spacing 1302 between the flanges 1222 of each container 1200. The spacing 1302 between the flanges 1222 allows a worker or machine to grab an individual container 1200 and prevents the containers from jamming into another container in the stack 1300.

[0120] Figure 15 is a top view of an alternative blank 1400 for forming a container 1500 (see Figure 16 is a top view of an alternative blank 1400 for forming a container 1500 (see Figure 1 is a top view of an alternative blank 1400 for forming a container 1500 (see Figure 10A is a top view of an alternative blank 1400 for forming a container 1500 (see

[0121] The blank 1400 includes a bottom panel 108, a first end panel 106, a second end panel 110, a first side panel 116, a second side panel 122, and an inner side panel 130 projecting outward from opposite sides of the first end panel 106 and the second end panel 110. In one embodiment, the blank 1400 includes cutouts 1402 defined within the first end panel 106 and the second end panel 110. In an example embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 includes four cutouts 1402. In an alternative embodiment, the cutouts may also be defined within the first side panel 116 and the second side panel 122. The blank 1400 may include any suitable number of cutouts 1402 in any suitable location and having any suitable shape, enabling the blank 1400 and / or the container 1500 to function as described herein.

[0122] Figure 15 Also shown is the denested lamina 1404 (in Figure 15 An enlarged view of the embodiment (alternately referred to as the "de-nesting assembly"). The blank 1400 includes four de-nesting tabs 1404 located at the upper or top corner of the side panels 116, 122 (i.e., adjacent flange panels 150), but other embodiments may include any suitable number of de-nesting tabs. The de-nesting tabs 1404 extend outward from the end edge 172 and along the fold line 120 of the first side flange panel 150. The de-nesting tabs 1404 include a curved edge 1406 along the first side flange tab 158 and a lower edge 1408 approximately perpendicular to the end edge 172.

[0123] Figure 16 It is made from blank 1400 (shown in Figure 15 A perspective view of an example container 1500 formed in the middle. Container 1500 is substantially similar to container 200 (shown in the middle). Figure 2 (in the middle) and container 1200 (shown in) Figure 11The container 1500 can have different dimensions than the container 200, and also includes a de-nesting tab 1404. The container 1500 includes a bottom wall (not shown), a first end wall 1502, a second end wall (not shown), a first side wall 1504, and a second side wall (not shown). The bottom wall (not shown) includes the bottom panel 108 of the blank 1400, the first end wall 1502 includes the first end panel 106, the second end wall (not shown) includes the second end panel 110, the first side wall 1504 includes the first side panel 116 and two inner side panels 130 (each extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110), and the second side wall (not shown) includes the second side panel 122 and two inner side panels 130 (each extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110). These walls form a cavity 1506. The container 1500 also includes a flange 1508 protruding from the top of each of the first end wall 1502, the second end wall (not shown), the first side wall 1504, and the second side wall (not shown).

[0124] The de-nesting tab 1404 is positioned adjacent to the flange 1508, and protrudes outwardly from the side wall 1504 beyond the end wall 1502, and is in the same plane as the side wall 1504. In an example embodiment, at least one de-nesting tab 1404 is provided at each corner of the container 1500 when assembled into the container 1500. The de-nesting tab 1404 extends within the profile of the flange 1508, and does not extend beyond the peripheral outer edge 1512 of the flange 1508. A gap 1510 is formed between the curved edge 1406 and the flange 1508.

[0125] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a stack 1600 of a plurality of containers 1500, showing the containers 1500 nested or stacked for their storage and / or transport. The lower edge 1408 of the de-nesting tab 1404 is in contact with the top surface of the flange 1508, and defines a space 1602 between each flange 1508. Force is transmitted through the lower edge 1408 of the de-nesting tab 1404 of one container 1500 to the flange 1508 of the container 1500 below. The space 1602 between each flange 1508 is generally equal, and is maintained by the de-nesting tab 1404.

[0126] The spaces 1602 prevent the flanges 1508 from directly contacting each other. In some cases, the flanges 1508 can have excess glue from the container 1500 forming process. Preventing contact of the flanges prevents the excess glue from causing the containers 1500 to stick together in a stacked configuration. In other cases, the spaces 1602 can prevent the containers 1500 from being compressed and becoming jammed together. Once the containers are compressed, additional friction can be created between the surfaces of the containers 1500, making it more difficult to separate the containers 1500. Further, the size of the spaces 1602 can be selected to provide sufficient clearance for a worker or machine to pull out individual containers 1500 from a stack 1600.

[0127] Figure 18 is a top view of an alternative blank 1700 for forming a container 1800 (see Figure 19 ).

[0128] In example embodiments, similar to the blank 800, the blank 1700 includes a first end panel 1702, a second end panel 1704, a first side panel 1706, a second side panel 1708, and a bottom panel 1710. The bottom panel 1710 has a generally rectangular shape with chamfered corners, with eight edges in example embodiments. The blank 1700 also includes a first end flange panel 1712, a second end flange panel 1714, a first side flange panel 1716, and a second side flange panel 1718.

[0129] The blank 1700 also includes a corner panel 1720 extending from a fold line 1722 of a chamfered corner of the bottom panel 1710. An inner corner panel 1724 extends from each side edge 1726 of each corner panel 1720. Each corner panel 1720 also includes a corner flange tab 1728 including a curved outer edge 1730, and further forms a notch 1732 in an inner side edge adjacent to the corner panel 1720. The corner flange tab 1728 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 1700 and / or the container 1800 to function as described herein. A fold line 1734 is defined between the inner corner panel and each of the first and second end panels 1702, 1704 and the first and second side panels 1706, 1708.

[0130] Each of the first and second end panels 1702, 1704 and the first and second side panels 1706, 1708 also includes a de-nesting tab 1736 on both sides of each respective panel 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. The de-nesting tabs 1736 are substantially similar to the de-nesting tabs 1404 (shown in FIG. 14A) and the de-nesting tabs 1504 (shown in FIG. 15A). Figure 15The blank 1700, as provided in FIG. 17, includes eight de-nesting tabs 1736, as opposed to the four de-nesting tabs 1404 included in the blank 800, as provided in FIG. 8. The de-nesting tabs 1736 are provided adjacent to the flange panels 1712, 1714, 1716, 1718. However, unlike the de-nesting tabs 1404 included in the blank 800, as provided in FIG. 8, the de-nesting tabs 1736 are not provided adjacent to the end panels 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. The de-nesting tabs 1736 are provided adjacent to the end panels 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. Figure 15 The blank 1700, as provided in FIG. 17, includes eight de-nesting tabs 1736, as opposed to the four de-nesting tabs 1404 included in the blank 800, as provided in FIG. 8. The de-nesting tabs 1736 are provided adjacent to the flange panels 1712, 1714, 1716, 1718. However, unlike the de-nesting tabs 1404 included in the blank 800, as provided in FIG. 8, the de-nesting tabs 1736 are not provided adjacent to the end panels 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. The de-nesting tabs 1736 are provided adjacent to the end panels 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708.

[0131] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an example eight-sided container 1800 formed from the blank 1700 (shown in Figure 18 FIG. 17). The container 1800 is substantially similar to the container 900 (shown in Figure 8 FIG. 8) and is formed from the blank 1700 using a method similar to the method used to form the container 900 from the blank 800. The container 1800 can have different dimensions than the container 900 and also includes the de-nesting tabs 1736. The container 1800 includes a bottom wall (not shown), first and second end walls 1802, 1804, first and second side walls 1806, 1808, and four corner walls 1810. The bottom wall (not shown) includes the bottom panel 1710. The first end wall 1802 includes the first end panel 1702 and two inner corner panels 1724. The second end wall 1804 includes the second end panel 1704 and two inner corner panels 1724. The first side wall 1806 includes the first side panel 1706 and two inner corner panels 1724. The second side wall 1808 includes the second side panel 1708 and two inner corner panels 1724. The end walls 1802, 1804, the side walls 1806, 1808, and the corner walls 1810 form a cavity 1812. The container 1800 also has a flange 1814 extending from the top of the walls 1802, 1804, 1806, 1808, 1810. The flange 1814 extends outward from the cavity 1812.

[0132] The container 1800 includes the de-nesting tabs 1736, which extend at an acute angle from each end of each of the walls 1802, 1804, 1806, 1808 in the plane of the respective wall 1802, 1804, 1806, 1808 relative to the corner walls 1810. The de-nesting tabs 1736 do not extend beyond the plane 1816 defined by the edge of the flange 1814.

[0133] Figure 20is a perspective view of a stack 1900 of multiple containers 1800, wherein the containers 1800 are nested or stacked for their storage and / or transport. The bottom edge 1740 of each de-nesting tab 1736 rests along the top surface of the flange 1814. This creates a spacing 1902 between each flange 1814 of each container 1800. The spacing 1920 between each container 1800 is generally equal and is defined by the height of the de-nesting tab 1736. The space 1902 provides sufficient clearance between the containers 1800 to allow a worker or machine to separate the containers 1800.

[0134] Figure 21 is a top view of an alternative sheet blank 2100 for forming a container. The blank 2100 is substantially similar to the blank 100 (shown in Figure 1 ), except as noted below. For example, unlike the blank 100 (shown in Figure 1 ), which includes flange panels 136, 138, 150, 152, the blank 2100 is "flangeless" in that it does not include flange panels. In other embodiments, the blank 2100 can include flange panels substantially similar to the flange panels 136, 138, 150, 152 (shown in Figure 1 ), for forming flanges, such as the flanges 2314 (shown in Figure 23 ) of the container 2300. Components common to the blank 100 and the blank 2100 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0135] In example embodiments, the blank 2100 includes the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, the second side panel 122, and the bottom panel 108. The blank 2100 also includes inner side panels 2102 having a different overall shape than the inner side panels 130 of the blank 100. The inner side panels 2102 of the blank 2100 each include a free edge 178 that opposes and extends at least partially generally obliquely to the fold line 132. The free edge 178 includes a first portion 2104 that extends obliquely from the end edge 172 of the respective side panel 116, 122 to an inflection point 2108. In this example, the first portion 2104 is oriented at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees relative to the end edge 172, but can be oriented at any oblique angle. A second portion 2106 of the free edge 178 extends from the inflection point 2108 to a curved corner 2109, which in other examples can be square or chamfered. A third portion 2111 of the free edge 178 extends inwardly from the curved corner 2109 to the corresponding end panel 106, 110. Additionally, in example embodiments, the end panels 106, 110 each define a protrusion 2112 that protrudes into the inner side panel 2102 and is configured to form a de-nesting tab similar to those previously described herein.

[0136] In example embodiments, the bottom panel 108 of the blank 2100 includes a rim 2114 that defines an opening 2116 extending through the bottom panel 108. In some embodiments, the blank 2100 is die cut to form the opening 2116 in the bottom panel 108. A transparent film 2118, which can be made of any suitable material such as at least translucent and preferably transparent plastic or fiber-based material, is attached to the blank 2100 and covers the opening 2116, also referred to herein as a "cover." In particular, adhesive can be applied on the inner surface 101 of the blank 2100 at the rim 2114 and around the perimeter of the bottom panel 108 (i.e., adjacent lines 112, 114, 118, and 124). The film 2118 is applied to the adhesive on the inner surface 101, on the rim 2114 to cover the bottom panel 108 and, in particular, the opening 2116 defined in the bottom panel 108. In other embodiments, the film 2118 can be attached by any other suitable means, including by using heat, pressure, or other bonding. Additionally or alternatively, a film (not shown) can be attached to the outer surface 103 of the blank 2100.

[0137] Figure 22Ais a top view of an alternative sheet blank 2200 for forming a container. The blank 2200 is substantially similar to the blanks 100, 1500, and 2100, except as noted below. In particular, the blank 2200 is substantially identical to the blank 1500, except that the blank 2200 includes a tab 2203 having a perforated edge 2205 and a film 2218 attached to the bottom panel 108 (similar to the film 2118 of the blank 2100). Components common to the blanks 100 and 2100 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0138] In example embodiments, the tab 2203 is coupled to the bottom panel 108 along the perforated edge 2205. In example embodiments, the perforated edge 2205 extends partially around the perimeter of the tab 2203, but in other embodiments, the tab 2203 can be coupled to the bottom wall 108 by one or more edges of the tab 2203 that are not perforated on one or more sides. In this example, one side of the tab 2203 is not perforated, and a fold line is formed along the edge of the unperforated side of the tab 2203. The film 2218 is attached to the inner surface 101 of the bottom panel 108 by an adhesive attachment 2207, and extends across the tab 2203. The film 2218 is substantially identical to the film 2118 described above with reference to the blank 2100. Figure 21 The film 2218 is substantially identical to the film 2118 described above with reference to the blank 2100.

[0139] In example embodiments, the tab 2203 is configured to be torn along the perforated edge to define an opening 2266 (shown in Figure 22B ), which extends through the bottom panel 108 and is covered by the film 2218 in substantially the same manner as the opening 2116 shown in Figure 21 . Thus, the perforated tab can be broken along its perforated portion, and folded back via a fold line formed along the edge of the tab on the unperforated side of the tab 2203 (as shown in Figure 22B ), to provide a viewing access through the film 2218 from the exterior of the container when the container formed from the blank 2200 is displayed. In addition, the tab 2203 provides reinforcement and support for the goods received in the container, such as when the container formed from the blank 2200 is being transported and / or generally prior to display.

[0140] While in this example embodiment, the tongue 2203 is formed as part of the bottom panel 108, as it is defined in the bottom panel 108 and attached to the bottom panel 108 by the perforated edge 2205, in other embodiments, the tongue 2203 can be attached to the bottom panel 108 on the inner surface 101 or the outer surface 103, and can extend across an opening (not shown) defined by the bottom panel 108. For example, but not by way of limitation, in one such embodiment, the bottom panel 108 defines an opening (not shown), and the tongue 2203 is attached to the outer surface 103 of the blank 2200 on the bottom panel 108, and is positioned below the bottom panel, and extends across the opening.

[0141] Figure 22B is a perspective view of an example container 2250 formed from the blank 2200 (shown in Figure 22A with the film 2218 removed.

[0142] The container 2250 includes a first side wall 2258, a first end wall 2254, a second side wall (not shown), and a second end wall (not shown). The container 2250 defines a flange 2264 that extends around the perimeter of the container 2250 at a top side 2263 of the container 2250. When positioned in a top-up orientation, the flange 2264 defines an upper vertical extent of the container 2250, and is referred to broadly herein as a “first end support structure.” In other embodiments, where the container does not include the flange 2264 (e.g., when formed from the blank 2100 shown in Figure 21 , instead, the first end support structure can be defined as a surface or portion of the container that is configured to contact a support structure when the container 2250 is oriented in a bottom-up orientation.

[0143] The container 2250 also includes a bottom wall 2252 that defines an opening (not shown) that is covered by a film (not shown). When positioned in a top-up orientation, the bottom wall 2252 defines a lower vertical extent of the container 2250, and is referred to broadly herein as a “second end support structure.” The flange 2264 defines an opening (not shown) that is accessible at the top side 2263 of the container 2250. The opening provides access to an interior cavity defined by the container 2250 (e.g., similar to the cavity 212 shown in Figure 2 . The container 2250 can receive therein any suitably sized goods, such as, but not limited to, food products such as produce. In example embodiments, the container 2250 also includes a de-nesting tab 1404 that is substantially identical to the de-nesting tab 1404 shown in Figure 16 .

[0144] In example embodiments, the tab wall 2253 is coupled to the container 2250 and is shown in an open configuration in which the tab wall 2253 is bent back along a fold line from the bottom wall 108. The tab wall 2253 corresponds to the tab 2203 shown in FIG. 21. Figure 22A In an initial assembly, the tab wall 2253 is in a closed configuration in which the tab wall 2253 is attached to the bottom wall 2252 around a perimeter of the bottom wall 2252. To transition the tab wall 2253 to the open configuration, such as when the container 2250 is arranged to be displayed in a bottom-up configuration, the tab wall 2253 can be torn along one or more of the perforated edges 2255 and bent back from the bottom wall 2252 along a fold line. In some embodiments, the tab wall 2253 is configured to be completely removed from the bottom wall 2252.

[0145] When in the open configuration, the bottom wall 108 defines an opening 2266 providing visual access to a cavity that is exposed when the tab wall 2253 is in the open configuration. In example embodiments, the tab wall 2253 is generally rectangular and defines an indentation 2265 that corresponds to a curved tab 2267 on the bottom wall 2208 to provide a user with a tear initiation area to initiate breaking of the perforations. In other embodiments, the tab wall 2253 can have any suitable shape.

[0146] Figure 23 is a perspective view of another example container 2300 formed from a blank substantially similar to the blank 2100 and / or the blank 2200 and positioned in a bottom-up orientation. The container 2300 is substantially similar to the container 2250 (shown in FIG. 22) except that the container 2300 does not include the tab wall 2253. Figure 22B

[0147] In example embodiments, the container 2300 includes a first side wall 2308, a first end wall 2304, a second side wall (not shown), and a second end wall (not shown). The container 2300 defines a flange 2314 that extends around a perimeter of the container 2300 at a top side 2313 of the container 2300. The container 2300 also includes a bottom wall 2302 that defines an opening 2316 with a film 2318 covering the opening 2316. The opening 2316 and the film 2318 on the bottom wall 2302 correspond to the opening 2116 and the film 2118 of the blank 2100. Unlike the container 2250, which includes the de-nesting tab 1414 (shown in FIG. 14), the container 2300 does not include a de-nesting tab. Figure 22A Figure 22B

[0148] ​​​The bottom wall 2302 is the surface on which the container 2300 rests in face-to-face contact when the container 2300 is placed on a generally planar surface with the top side up. The bottom wall 2302 is defined by a pair of end edges 2332 and a pair of side edges 2334. The end edges 2332 are formed at the intersection of the bottom wall 2302 and the end walls 2304. The side edges 2334 are formed at the intersection of the bottom wall 2302 and the side walls 2306. Additionally, the bottom wall 2302 includes an inner side edge 2334 and an inner end edge 2336 that define the opening 2316. As in the example embodiments, the bottom wall 2302 is generally rectangular, with the bottom wall 2302 having a total area defined by the length of the side edges 2330 multiplied by the length of the end edges 2332. Additionally, as in the example embodiments, the opening 2316 is generally rectangular, with the opening 2316 having an area defined by the length of the inner side edge 2334 multiplied by the length of the inner end edge 2336. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 2302 is sized such that the percentage of the total area of the bottom wall 2302 that is the area of the opening 2316 is greater than or equal to 10%, greater than or equal to 25%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 70%, and / or greater than or equal to 75%. In example embodiments, the percentage of the total area of the bottom wall 2302 that is the area of the opening 2316 is about 30%.

[0149] Figure 22B and Figure 23 The containers 2250, 2300 are each configured to be filled (e.g., with food items or any other suitable cargo), covered and / or sealed with a transparent cover or top seal 2409 (shown in Figure 24 at the top side 2213, 2313, and positioned to be displayed and / or stored in either of the top-side-up orientation shown in Figure 16 and Figure 22B or the bottom-side-up orientation shown in Figure 23 .

[0150] While the openings 2116, 2266, 2316 and the transparent films 2118, 2218, 2318 are described herein with respect to the blanks 2100, 2200 and the containers 2250, 2300, in alternative embodiments, any of the blanks 100, 400, 600, 800, 1100, 1400, and 1700 can include a bottom panel 106 having an opening and / or a tab configured to be adjusted to define an opening, where the opening is covered by a transparent film in substantially the same manner as described with respect to the blanks 2100, 2200 and the containers 2250, 2300 and / or 2402-2408 as shown and described with reference to Figures 21-24 .

[0151] Figure 24is a schematic view showing an arrangement 2400 of a plurality of containers 2401-2407. The containers 2401-2407 are identical to one another and are substantially similar to the container 2250 (shown in Figure 22B ) and the container 2300 (shown in Figure 23 ), and are formed from blanks substantially similar to the blank 2100 (shown in Figure 21 ) and the blank 2200 (shown in Figure 22A ).

[0152] In example embodiments, the containers 2401-2407 are filled with goods (not shown), such as a plurality of food products, and are arranged in a display rack that is visible to consumers of the goods. The containers 2401-2407 also include a transparent top seal 2409 that is attached to the flange 2414 (e.g., using an adhesive, or otherwise bonded via heat, pressure, a combination of heat and pressure, and / or other known bonding methods). When the containers 2401-2407 are in a top-up orientation, the transparent top seal 2409 provides a viewing access to the goods received within the containers 2401-2407. In one example, the containers 2401-2407 are filled with a predetermined amount of produce, and the top seal 2409 is attached to the flange 2414 after the goods are received in the corresponding container 2409.

[0153] In example embodiments, the arrangement 2400 of the containers 2401-2407 includes adjacent containers positioned on a support structure 2411 in opposite orientations. In example embodiments, the support structure 2411 is a table having a substantially planar top surface. A first container 2401 is positioned in a top-up orientation, a second container 2403 is positioned immediately adjacent to and between the first container 2401 and a third container 2405 and in a bottom-up orientation, the third container 2405 is positioned immediately adjacent to and between the second container 2403 and a fourth container 2407 and in a top-up orientation, and the fourth container 2407 is positioned immediately adjacent to the third container 2405 and in a bottom-up orientation. The flange 2414 of each container protrudes from each end wall 2404 and defines a lateral (i.e., from left to right in Figure 24 ) extent 2413, 2415 of the containers 2401-2407.

[0154] In example embodiments, the arrangement 2400 of containers 2401-2407 is configured such that the lateral extents of the containers 2401-2407 overlap, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the arrangement 2400, or in other words, providing the space area required for a certain number of containers to be displayed or stored. In particular, the end walls 2404 each flare outwardly from the bottom wall 2402 to the corresponding flange 2414. The flange 2414 of the first container 2401 has a lateral extent 2413 that is adjacent to and / or abutting the bottom wall 2402 of the second container 2403. Additionally, the flange 2414 of the second container 2401 has a lateral extent 2415 that is adjacent to and / or abutting the bottom wall 2402 of the first container 2401. Thus, adjacent containers overlap each other in a vertical manner by a distance that is generally indicated at D1, defined as the overlap distance between the lateral extents 2413, 2415 of the adjacent containers 2401, 2403. Similarly, for embodiments in which the containers do not have flanges 2414 (e.g., the containers formed from the blank 2100), as shown in FIG. 24B, the containers are arranged in an alternating arrangement of top-up and bottom-up orientations that allows the adjacent angled walls of each respective container to at least partially nest with its adjacent container. In this manner, the overall footprint of the arrangement is similarly reduced. Furthermore, since each of the containers 2401-2407 includes an opening 2316 and a transparent film 2318 (shown in FIG. 23B) on the bottom wall 2402, as well as a transparent top seal 2409 attached to the flange 2414, a consumer can view down into any of the containers 2401-2407, whether it is in a bottom-up or top-up orientation, while having visual access to the contents of the containers 2401-2407. Thus, the arrangement 2400 of containers 2401-2407 allows the containers 2401-2407 to be displayed in a staggered orientation while maintaining top-down visual access to the cavities of the containers and the contents (such as food products) received within the cavities. Figure 24 As shown in FIG. 24A, the containers are arranged in an alternating arrangement of top-up and bottom-up orientations that allows the adjacent angled walls of each respective container to at least partially nest with its adjacent container. In this manner, the overall footprint of the arrangement is similarly reduced. Furthermore, since each of the containers 2401-2407 includes an opening 2316 and a transparent film 2318 (shown in FIG. 23B) on the bottom wall 2402, as well as a transparent top seal 2409 attached to the flange 2414, a consumer can view down into any of the containers 2401-2407, whether it is in a bottom-up or top-up orientation, while having visual access to the contents of the containers 2401-2407. Thus, the arrangement 2400 of containers 2401-2407 allows the containers 2401-2407 to be displayed in a staggered orientation while maintaining top-down visual access to the cavities of the containers and the contents (such as food products) received within the cavities. Figure 23 As shown in FIG. 24A, the containers are arranged in an alternating arrangement of top-up and bottom-up orientations that allows the adjacent angled walls of each respective container to at least partially nest with its adjacent container. In this manner, the overall footprint of the arrangement is similarly reduced. Furthermore, since each of the containers 2401-2407 includes an opening 2316 and a transparent film 2318 (shown in FIG. 23B) on the bottom wall 2402, as well as a transparent top seal 2409 attached to the flange 2414, a consumer can view down into any of the containers 2401-2407, whether it is in a bottom-up or top-up orientation, while having visual access to the contents of the containers 2401-2407. Thus, the arrangement 2400 of containers 2401-2407 allows the containers 2401-2407 to be displayed in a staggered orientation while maintaining top-down visual access to the cavities of the containers and the contents (such as food products) received within the cavities.

[0155] As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," "generally," and "approximately" when used in connection with ranges of dimensions, concentrations, temperatures, or other physical or chemical properties or characteristics, are intended to cover variations that can exist in the upper and / or lower limits of the ranges, including, for example, variations due to rounding, measurement methods or other statistical variations.

[0156] In introducing elements of the disclosure or the embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," "containing," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there can be additional elements other than the listed elements. Use of the term "about" in conjunction with a quantity is intended to mean that the quantity is within a degree of error acceptable in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

[0157] The foregoing detailed description of the container and the blank used to make it has described example embodiments. The container and the blank are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the blank and / or the container can be used independently and separately from other components described herein.

[0158] While specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure can be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any of the features shown in the drawings can be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any of the features in any other drawing.

[0159] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and practicing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements in common with the limitations of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements with non-substantial differences from the limitations of the claims.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a first end structure defining a first opening therein, the first end structure configured to receive a first cover positioned thereon and extending across the first opening; a second end structure positioned opposite the first end structure and defining a second opening therein, the second opening extending through the second end structure, and the second end structure configured to receive a second cover positioned thereon and extending across the second opening; two opposing side walls coupled to the second end structure along a respective first set of fold lines, the two opposing side walls extending from the second end structure to the first end structure; two opposing end walls coupled to the second end structure along a respective second set of fold lines, wherein at least one of the two opposing end walls extends obliquely relative to the second end structure and flares outwardly from the second end structure.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein, the second end structure, the two opposing side walls, and the two opposing end walls collectively define a cavity therebetween, and wherein the first opening and the second opening each provide access to the cavity.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein, the first cover and the second cover are each transparent and facilitate providing visual access from an external perspective of the container to goods positioned within the cavity.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein, the container is positionable on a support structure in both a top-up orientation and a bottom-up orientation, wherein in the top-up orientation the second end structure is positioned in face-to-face contact with the support structure and the goods are visible through the first cover above the first opening from a perspective above the container, and wherein in the bottom-up orientation the first end structure is positioned in face-to-face contact with the support structure and the goods are visible through the second cover above the second opening from a perspective above the container.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein, the second end structure is a bottom wall of the container, the bottom wall including a rim defining the second opening therein, wherein the container further includes a perforated tongue coupled to the bottom wall, the perforated tongue being transformable between a first configuration in which the perforated tongue extends across the second opening and a second configuration in which the second cover is exposed to provide visual access into the cavity of the container from an external perspective of the container.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein, the bottom wall has an overall first area, and wherein the second opening has a second area, the bottom wall being sized such that the second area of the second opening is greater than or equal to 10% of the overall first area of the bottom wall.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein, the second cover is attached to the second end structure by an adhesive.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein, the two opposing side walls and the two opposing end walls each have a generally trapezoidal shape, and the end walls and the side walls each extend obliquely away from the second end structure.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein, The second end structure, the two opposing side walls, and the two opposing end walls collectively define a cavity of the container for receiving product therein, the cavity is further configured to receive a portion of an adjacent container therein to facilitate stacking the adjacent container within the container, and wherein the container further comprises a de-nesting assembly configured to engage the adjacent container when received within the cavity of the container such that a flange of the adjacent container is spaced apart from a flange of the container.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein, The de-nesting assembly includes a de-nesting tab and a de-nesting cutout, the de-nesting tab being folded into the cavity.

11. The container of claim 9, wherein, The de-nesting assembly includes a respective de-nesting tab coupled to an end edge of each side wall, the de-nesting tab extending outwardly from the end edge and coplanar with the respective side wall.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein, The container is positionable on a support structure in both a top-up orientation and a bottom-up orientation, wherein in the top-up orientation the second end structure is positioned in face-to-face contact with the support structure and an interior of the container is visible through the first cover above the first opening from a perspective above the container, and wherein in the bottom-up orientation the first end structure is positioned in face-to-face contact with the support structure and an interior of the container is visible through the second cover above the second opening from a perspective above the container, wherein the container is configured to be positioned in a first arrangement next to the support structure with an adjacent container having substantially similar size and shape to the container such that the container is positioned in the top-up orientation and the adjacent container is positioned in the bottom-up orientation, and wherein in the first arrangement the first end structure is positioned adjacent to a second end structure of the adjacent container and defines a first lateral extent of the container, the second end structure is positioned adjacent to a first end structure of the adjacent container, the first end structure of the adjacent container defining a second lateral extent of the adjacent container, and wherein the first lateral extent of the container overlaps the second lateral extent of the adjacent container.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein, In the first arrangement, one of the end walls and one of the side walls of the container overlap the second lateral extent of the adjacent container.

14. A blank for forming a container, comprising: a bottom panel; two opposing side panels coupled to the bottom panel along a respective first set of fold lines; two opposing end panels coupled to the bottom panel along a respective second set of fold lines, wherein the side panels and the end panels are each sized such that, when folded along the respective fold lines and formed into the container, the two opposing side panels and the two opposing end panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and flare outwardly from the bottom panel to define a first end structure opposite the bottom panel, the first end structure defining a first opening and being configured to receive a first cover positioned on the first end structure and extending across the first opening, wherein the bottom panel defines a second opening extending through the bottom panel therein; and wherein the bottom panel is configured to receive a second cover positioned on the bottom panel and extending across the second opening.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein, The first and second covers are each transparent and facilitate providing visual access from a perspective outside the container to goods positioned within the container.

16. The blank of claim 14, wherein, The bottom panel has an overall first area, and wherein the second opening has a second area, the bottom panel being sized such that the second area of the second opening is greater than or equal to 10% of the overall first area of the bottom panel.

17. The blank of claim 14, wherein, The second cover is positioned on the bottom panel via adhesive attachment to the bottom panel.

18. A method of forming a container from a blank, the blank including a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, and two opposing end panels, the method comprising: rotating the end panels inwardly toward the bottom panel, wherein upon rotation, the end panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and flare outwardly from the bottom panel; rotating the side panels inwardly toward the bottom panel, wherein upon rotation, the side panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and flare outwardly from the bottom panel; forming a first end structure of the container opposite the bottom panel, the first end structure defining a first opening and being configured to receive a first cover positioned thereon and extending across the first opening, wherein the bottom panel defines a second end structure including an opening formed therein extending through the bottom panel, wherein the second end structure is configured to receive a second cover coupled to the bottom panel and positioned thereon extending across the second opening.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The first and second covers are each transparent and facilitate providing visual access from a perspective outside the container to goods positioned within the container.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein, The bottom panel has an overall first area, and wherein the second opening has a second area, the bottom panel being sized such that the second area of the second opening is greater than or equal to 10% of the overall first area of the bottom panel. The second cover is positioned on the bottom panel via adhesive attachment to the bottom panel.

Images