A structure having an article engagement mechanism

Abstract

A structure for holding at least one article includes at least one panel positioned adjacent to the interior of the structure and an attachment mechanism for at least partially engaging one or more portions of the at least one article. The attachment mechanism includes at least one article engagement flap that is foldably connected to the at least one panel, and the at least one article engagement flap is for positioning in a recess of the at least one article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - References to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 347,617, filed on June 1, 2022.

[0002] [Incorporation by Reference] The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 347,617, filed on June 1, 2022, and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 893,531, filed on May 31, 2023, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a structure for holding one or more articles. In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to a structure for holding one or more articles, the structure including an article engagement mechanism.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, this disclosure is generally directed to a structure for holding at least one article, the structure including at least one panel positioned adjacent to the interior of the structure and an attachment mechanism for at least partially engaging one or more portions of at least one article. The attachment mechanism includes at least one article - engaging flap that is foldably connected to at least one panel, and the at least one article - engaging flap is for positioning in a recess of at least one article.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a structure for holding at least one article, the blank including at least one panel positioned adjacent to the interior of the structure formed from the blank, and an attachment mechanism for at least partially engaging one or more portions of the at least one article when the structure is formed from the blank, the attachment mechanism including at least one article engagement flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, the at least one article engagement flap being for positioning in a recess of the at least one article when the structure is formed from the blank.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a structure for holding at least one article, the method including obtaining a blank including at least one panel and an attachment mechanism including at least one article engagement flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, and disposing the at least one panel adjacent to the interior of the structure such that the at least one article engagement flap is positioned in a recess of the at least one article.

[0007] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a package, the package including at least one article and a structure for holding the at least one article, the structure including at least one panel positioned adjacent to the interior of the structure and an attachment mechanism for at least partially engaging one or more portions of the at least one article, the attachment mechanism including at least one article engagement flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, the at least one article engagement flap being positioned in a recess of the at least one article.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will understand the above advantages and various additional advantages and benefits of the additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the following drawings.

[0009] According to common practice, the various mechanisms in the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of the various mechanisms and elements in the drawings can be enlarged or reduced to more clearly show the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Corresponding members are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The structures according to the present disclosure can accommodate a number of articles of different shapes. By way of example and not limitation of the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description describes articles such as articles containing food. Such food can be, for example, individually packaged retail food including one or more of cookies, crackers, cakes, pastries, candies, nuts, popcorn, trail mix, gum, etc. The food described herein can also include, for example, seasonings such as cocoa or hot / cold chocolate mix, tea, salt, pepper, herbs, spices, granular or powdered food such as drink mix or flavor, dried food particles (e.g., soup or mash). The article can include an outer or other associated packaging that can be manufactured from a material suitable for the composition for packaging a particular food or beverage item, the material including, but not limited to, glass, aluminum and / or other metals, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon, composite materials, or any combination thereof.

[0013] The articles described herein can include different types of food or beverage products, their packaging, and / or those having different shapes without departing from the present disclosure. As used herein, the terms "downward", "bottom", "upward", and "top" refer to directions determined with respect to a completely upright structure. As described herein, a structure can be formed from a blank by overlapping a plurality of panels, portions, and / or end flaps. Such panels, portions, and / or end flaps can be designated herein with terms related to each other, such as "first", "second", "third", etc., in consecutive or non-consecutive references without departing from the present disclosure.

[0014] Referring briefly to FIG. 2, an exemplary article C suitable for use in the present disclosure can include at least one sidewall W, a concave top T (FIG. 8) at least partially defined by an upper rim R1, and a concave bottom B (FIG. 9) at least partially defined by a lower rim R2. It will be understood that the sidewall W, top T, and bottom B of article C can be formed by panels and flaps / end flaps in overlapping or single configurations. Also as shown, the top T can be at least partially separable from at least one sidewall W to provide access to the interior of the article for holding one or more food or beverage products as described above. In some embodiments, article C can be a composite material-based container such as a Boardio® composite can available from Graphic Packaging International, LLC of Atlanta, Georgia.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the outer surface 101 of a blank generally designated 103 for forming a carton or structure 105 (FIG. 2) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As further described herein, the blank 103 can include an article engagement mechanism for forming an article engagement mechanism of the structure 105 for engaging a portion of one or more articles C. In some embodiments, the article engagement mechanism of the blank 103 / structure 105 is for at least partially locking or securing the article C to the structure 105. The structure 105 can comprise one or more articles C for forming a package 110 (FIG. 2).

[0016] As shown, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2 and includes a plurality of panels that at least partially extend around the interior 107 of the structure 105 when the structure 105 is formed from the blank 103. The panels can include a bottom or attachment panel 121, a front panel 123 foldably connected to the attachment panel 121 along a transverse fold line 125, and a rear panel 127 foldably connected to the attachment panel 121 along a transverse fold line 129. A top panel 131 can also be foldably connected to the front panel 123 along a transverse fold line 133, and a glue flap or attachment flap 135 can be foldably connected to the rear panel 127 along a transverse fold line 137.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the article engagement mechanism of the blank 103 / structure 105 can include a pair of article engagement flaps 139, 141 foldably connected to the attachment panel 121 along respective curved fold lines 143, 145.

[0018] The article engagement flap 139 can include a base 147 that is foldably connected to the attachment panel 121 by a curved fold line 143, and a distal portion 149 that is foldably connected to the base 147 by a longitudinal fold line 151. Similarly, the article engagement flap 141 can include a base 153 that is foldably connected to the attachment panel 121 by a curved fold line 145, and a distal portion 155 that is foldably connected to the base 153 by a longitudinal fold line 157.

[0019] As further described herein, the article engagement flaps 139, 141 are configured to at least partially engage one or more articles C when the structure 105 is formed from the blank 103. In some embodiments, the article engagement flaps 139, 141 are configured to be at least partially received / positioned in the concave bottom B of one or more articles C. In some embodiments, the article engagement flaps 139, 141 can be configured to be at least partially received / positioned in the concave top T of one or more articles C.

[0020] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the blank 103 and the structure 105 formed therefrom can include an access mechanism for at least partially accessing one or more articles C attached within / to the structure 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the access mechanism can include an unsealing strip 159 that is separably connected to respective portions of the top panel 131 at a pair of lateral tear lines 161, 163 that extend along at least a portion of the top panel 131.

[0021] With additional reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the formation of the structure 105 and the package 110 from the blank 103 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0022] As shown, the top panel 131 and the attachment panel 121 are positioned at generally parallel intervals, the front panel 123 and the rear panel 127 are positioned in a generally parallel relationship, and at least one article C is at least partially received therein such that the front panel 123 and the rear panel 127 extend in a generally parallel relationship from the top panel 131 to the attachment panel 121. A plurality of panels of the blank 103 can be arranged so as to at least partially extend around the interior 107 of the structure 105. In this regard, the attachment panel 121 is disposed adjacent to the interior 107 of the structure 105.

[0023] The attachment flap 135 can be folded along the fold line 137 to be at least partially in face-to-face contact with the top panel 131. In some embodiments, the attachment flap 135 can be attached to the top panel 131 via one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue. In some embodiments, the attachment flap 135 can be attached to the top panel 131 without using an adhesive.

[0024] As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the article engagement flap 139 can be actuated by folding the base 147 of the article engagement flap 139 at least partially relative to the attachment panel 121 along the fold line 143 and folding the distal portion 149 of the article engagement flap 139 at least partially relative to the base 147 of the article engagement flap 139 along the fold line 151 such that the article engagement flap 139 extends at least partially into the concave bottom B of each respective article C. In such a configuration, the base 147 of the article engagement flap 139 can extend diagonally from the attachment panel 121 to the distal portion 149 of the article engagement flap 139.

[0025] As shown, the arrangement of the actuated article-engaging flap 139 is positioned such that one or more free edges of the article-engaging flap 139 engage the inner surface of the lower rim R2 of the article C, and the base 147 of the article-engaging flap 139 can be positioned to maintain a crosswise engagement between the distal portion 149 of the article-engaging flap 139 and the lower rim R2.

[0026] Similarly, the article-engaging flap 141 can be actuated by folding the base 153 from the article-engaging flap 141 at the fold line 145 at least partially with respect to the attachment panel 121, and folding the distal portion 155 of the article-engaging flap 141 at the fold line 157 at least partially with respect to the base 153 of the article-engaging flap 141 to position the article-engaging flap 141 extending into the concave bottom B of each article C. In such an arrangement, the base 153 of the article-engaging flap 141 can extend obliquely from the attachment panel 121 to the distal portion of the article-engaging flap 141. Further, the base 153 of the article-engaging flap 141 can maintain a crosswise engagement between the inner surface of the lower rim R2 of each article C and the distal portion 155 of the article-engaging flap, similar to that described above for the article-engaging flap 139.

[0027] After forming the structure 105 and the package 110 as described above, access to one or more articles C can be achieved by at least separating the unsealing strip 159 from the top panel 131 at one or both of the tear lines 161, 163. Such at least partial removal of the unsealing strip 159 from its engagement with each part of the top panel 131 can branch the top panel 131 into at least partially separated portions that can be moved away from the article C to provide access to the interior 107 of the structure 105 and the articles C therein.

[0028] The article engaging flaps 139, 141 can be separated from their respective articles C by removing the article engaging flaps 139, 141 from their respective concave bottoms B. Removal of the article engaging flaps 139, 141 from such engagement with their respective articles C can require a predetermined amount of force on the customer / user side so as to avoid inadvertent separation of the article C from the structure 105 / package 110. In some embodiments, the article engaging flaps 139, 141 can comprise an opening indication mechanism, such as a tearable / deformable portion, an audible or tactile feedback associated with the detachment of the flaps 139, 141 from their respective articles C, and the like.

[0029] The aforementioned structure 105 / package 110 formed from the blank 103 provides a secure package configured to at least partially attach / fix to the unique configuration of one or more articles C, such as at its recessed ends.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, a plan view of the outer surface 201 of a blank 203 for forming a structure 205 (FIG. 5) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 203 and the structure 205 formed therefrom can have one or more mechanisms that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103 and the structure 105, and the same or similar mechanisms are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The structure 205 formed from the blank 203 can comprise one or more articles C as a package 210 (FIG. 5).

[0031] As shown, the blank 203 can generally be similar to the blank 103 described above, except that a product viewing opening 265 can be at least partially formed in respective portions of the front panel 123 and the top panel 131 so as to at least partially interrupt the fold line 133. Further, the blank 203 can lack the attachment flap 135 and can include a first handle panel 267 foldably connected to the rear panel 127 at a fold line 137 and a second handle panel 269 foldably connected to the top panel 131 at a lateral fold line 271.

[0032] Referring further to FIGS. 5 and 6, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the formation of the structure 105 and the package 110 from the blank 103, the blank 203 can be formed into the structure 205 and the package 210, but with an additional step of positioning the first handle panel 267 and the second handle panel 269 in at least partial face-to-face contact to provide the handle 273. The handle 273 can be positioned generally upright with respect to the remainder of the structure 205 / package 210 as shown, but can be at least partially folded with respect to the remainder of the structure 205 / package 210 via a fold at the overlapping fold lines 271, 137.

[0033] In some embodiments, the handle panels 267, 269 can be at least partially adhered to each other with an adhesive such as glue. In other embodiments, the structure 205 / package 210 can be formed without using glue or with minimal use of glue.

[0034] The structure 205 and the package 210 provide advantages similar to those described above with respect to the structure 105 and the package 110, while further providing the handle 273 to facilitate, for example, the use / carrying of the structure 205 / package 210 by a customer / user. Additionally, the presence of the opening 265 in each of the front panel 123 and the top panel 131 provides at least partial visibility into the interior 207 of the structure 205 for viewing the article C, for example, for quality inspection, for viewing information or symbolic graphics printed on the article C, for product characterization / advertising, etc.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, a plan view of the outer surface 301 of the blank 303 for forming the structure 305 (FIG. 8) according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 303 and the structure 305 formed therefrom can have one or more mechanisms the same as or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks 103, 203 and the structures 105, 205, and the same or similar mechanisms are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals. The structure 305 formed from the blank 303 can include one or more articles C as the package 310 (FIG. 8).

[0036] As shown, the blank 303 can generally be similar to the blanks 103, 203 described above, with the attachment flap 135 being foldably connected to the back panel 127, the opening 265 being positioned at respective portions of the front panel 123 and the top panel 131, and the additional opening 265 being positioned at respective portions of the back panel 127 and the attachment flap 135 so as to at least partially interrupt the fold line 137.

[0037] Referring further to FIGS. 8 and 9, the blank 303 can be formed into the structure 305 and the package 310 in the same manner as described above with respect to the formation of the structures 105, 205 and the packages 110, 210.

[0038] The structure 305 and the package 310 provide the same advantages as described above with respect to the structures 105, 205 and the packages 110, 210, and the additional opening 265 is provided at respective portions of the back panel 127 and the attachment flap 135 to enhance visibility into the interior 307 of the structure 305.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 10, a plan view of the outer surface 401 of a blank 403 for forming a structure according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 403 and the structure formed therefrom can have one or more mechanisms that are the same as or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks 103, 203, 303 and the structures 105, 205, 305, and the same or similar mechanisms are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals. The structure formed from the blank 403 can comprise one or more articles C as a package 410 (FIG. 11).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 10, the blank 403 can have a bottom attachment panel 421 generally similar to the above-described attachment panel 121 to which the article engagement flaps 139, 141 are foldably connected thereto, for example, the article engagement flaps 139, 141 are foldably connected thereto. However, the attachment panel 421 further includes a plurality of corner portions or corner end flaps 423 that are foldably connected to the central portion 425 of the attachment panel 421 at respective curved fold lines 427 that intersect the respective free edges of the attachment panel 421. As further described herein, the corner end flaps 423 are movable relative to the central portion 425 of the attachment panel 421.

[0041] The blank 403 further includes a front panel 424 foldably connected to the bottom attachment panel 421 at a lateral fold line 429, a top panel 431 foldably connected to the front panel 424 at a lateral fold line 433, a rear panel 435 foldably connected to the top panel 431 at a lateral fold line 437, and a second bottom panel or bottom reinforcement panel 439 foldably connected to the rear panel 435 at a lateral fold line 441.

[0042] As shown, the top panel 431 can include a central portion 443, a first laterally outer edge portion 445 bendably connected to the central portion 443 at a curved fold line 447, and a second laterally outer edge portion 449 bendably connected to the central portion 443 at a curved fold line 451.

[0043] Furthermore, the bottom reinforcement panel 439 can include a central opening 453 at least partially defined by a generally continuous flap engagement edge 455. The engagement edge 455 can be at least partially defined by a central portion 456 of the bottom reinforcement panel 439 to which a first end flap 457 is bendably connected at a curved fold line 459 and a second end flap 461 is bendably connected at a curved fold line 463.

[0044] The plurality of panels of the blank 403 can also include a first top attachment panel 465 (broadly, the "first top panel") bendably connected to the laterally outer edge portion 445 of the top panel 431 at a curved fold line 467, and a second top attachment panel 469 (broadly, the "first top panel") bendably connected to the laterally outer edge portion 449 of the top panel 431 at a curved fold line 471.

[0045] As shown, the first top attachment panel 465 can include a base 473 bendably connected to the laterally outer edge portion 445 of the top panel 431 at a curved fold line 467, and a distal portion 475 bendably connected to the base 473 at a longitudinal fold line 477. The distal portion 475 of the top attachment panel 465 can include a pair of corner end flaps 423 at its laterally outer portion.

[0046] Similarly, the second top attachment flap 469 can include a base 479 that is foldably connected to the laterally outer edge 449 of the top panel 431 at a curved fold line 471, and a distal portion 481 that is foldably connected to the base 479 at a longitudinal fold line 483. The distal portion 481 has a pair of corner end flaps 423 at its laterally outer portion.

[0047] The plurality of panels of the blank 403 and the structures formed therefrom can also include a first partition panel or front partition panel 485 (broadly, a "first central panel") that is foldably connected to the front panel 424 at a longitudinal fold line 487 that interrupts each of a pair of cut lines 489, 491 having one or more of straight, curved, and / or curved portions, and separates each portion of the front panel 424 from each portion of the partition panel 485.

[0048] Similarly, a second partition panel or rear partition panel 493 (broadly, a "second central panel") can be foldably connected to the rear panel 435 at a longitudinal fold line 495 that interrupts a pair of cut lines 497, 499 having one or more of straight, curved, and / or curved portions, and separates each portion of the rear panel 435 from each portion of the partition panel 493.

[0049] In addition to the article engagement flaps 139, 141, the attachment mechanism of the blank 403 and the structures formed therefrom can include one or more of the corner end flaps 423, the top end panel 431 and associated mechanisms, the top attachment panel 465 and associated mechanisms, the top attachment panel 469 and associated mechanisms, and the bottom reinforcement panel 439 and associated mechanisms.

[0050] Furthermore, the partition structure of the blank 403 and the structures formed therefrom can include one or both of the partition panels 485, 493.

[0051] The structure 405 and the package 410 formed from the blank 403 provide advantages similar to those described above with respect to the structures 105, 205, 305 and the packages 110, 210, 310, and the partition structure of the structure / package formed from the blank 403 further provides at least partial separation between the articles C therein.

[0052] Referring further to FIGS. 11 and 12, the structure 405 can be formed from the blank 403 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the structures 105, 205, 305 and can include one or more of the articles C to form the package 410.

[0053] According to some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of panels of the blank 403 can be folded and positioned such that the top panel 431 is positioned in a generally parallel relationship spaced from the bottom panel 421, the front panel 424 and the rear panel 435 are positioned in a generally parallel relationship spaced from each other, and extend from the top panel 431 to the bottom panel 421, and the panels 424, 425 are arranged in a generally perpendicular relationship to the panels 431, 421. In such an arrangement, the plurality of panels of the blank 403 / structure 405 can extend at least partially around the interior 407 of the structure 405. In this regard, the attachment panel 421 is positioned adjacent to the interior 407 of the structure 405.

[0054] One or both of the articles C are at least partially positioned within the interior 407 of the structure 405 formed from the blank 403, and the article engagement flaps 139, 141 can engage the concave bottoms B of their respective articles C in the manner described above.

[0055] Furthermore, the edges 445, 449 of the top panel 431 can be at least partially bent at the respective fold lines 447, 451 so as to extend obliquely downward from the central portion 443 of the top panel 431 into one of the concave tops T of the article C. The base 473 of the top attachment panel 465 can be at least partially bent at the fold line 467 to extend further obliquely into the concave top T, and the distal portion 475 of the top attachment panel 465 is arranged in a generally planar relationship with the surface of the concave top T. In such an arrangement, one or more free edges of the top attachment panel 465 can engage the respective inner surfaces of the upper rim R1 of the article C, and one or both of the corner end flaps 423 can be at least partially bent at the respective fold lines 427 and positioned in an oblique or parallel arrangement with respect to the respective corner portions of the upper rim R1.

[0056] Similarly, the edge 449 of the top panel 431 can be at least partially bent at the fold line 451 to extend obliquely into the other concave top T of the article C, the base 479 of the top attachment panel 469 can be at least partially bent at the fold line 471 to extend further obliquely into the concave top T, and the distal portion 481 of the top attachment panel 469 is arranged in a generally planar relationship with the surface of the concave top T. In such an arrangement, one or more free edges of the top attachment panel 469 can engage the respective inner surfaces of the upper rim R1 of the respective article C, and one or both of the corner end flaps 423 can be at least partially bent at the respective fold lines 427 and positioned in an oblique or parallel arrangement with respect to the respective corners of the respective upper rim R1.

[0057] Such edge-to-edge and / or surface-to-surface engagement between the respective portions of the top attachment panels 465, 469 and the respective portions of the top T of the respective article C can contribute to maintaining the fixation / attachment and secure engagement between the structure and the article C.

[0058] In some embodiments, the bottom reinforcement panel 439 can be bent at the fold line 441 and positioned to at least partially face - contact the bottom attachment panel 421. Optionally, the bottom reinforcement panel 439 can be positioned between the bottom attachment panel 421 and the panels 424, 435, 485, 493, or the bottom reinforcement panel 439 can be positioned to at least partially face - contact the outer surface of the bottom panel 421. In some embodiments, for example, the central opening 453 of the bottom reinforcement panel 439 can be at least partially aligned with the article - engaging flaps 139, 141 such that the article - engaging edge 455 of the bottom reinforcement panel 439 is at least partially aligned with one or more free edges of the curved fold lines 143, 145 and the article - engaging flaps 139, 141. Such positioning of the bottom reinforcement panel 439 can contribute to maintaining the fixation / attachment and secure engagement of the structure and the article C.

[0059] To provide a partition structure among a plurality of articles C within the interior 407 of the structure 405 formed from the blank 403, the partition panel 485 can be at least partially separated from the front panel 424 at respective cut - lines 489, 491 and can be at least partially bent within the interior 407 of the structure 405 between the articles C at the fold line 487. Similarly, the partition panel 493 can be at least partially separated from the rear panel 435 at respective cut - lines 497, 499 and can be at least partially bent within the interior 407 of the structure between the articles C at the fold line 495. In such an arrangement, the partition panels 485, 493 can be positioned to at least partially face - contact each other. It will be understood that the blank 403 and the structure 405 formed therefrom can have different arrangements and / or configurations of the partition structure without departing from the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the blank 403 and the structure 405 formed therefrom can include only one of the partition panels 485, 493.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 13, a plan view of the outer surface 501 of the blank 503 for forming a structure 505 (FIG. 14) according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 503 and the structure formed therefrom can have one or more mechanisms that are the same as or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks 103, 203, 303, 403 and the structures 105, 205, 305, 405, and the same or similar mechanisms are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals. The structure 505 formed from the blank 503 can include one or more articles C as a package 510 (FIG. 14).

[0061] As shown in FIG. 13, the blank 503 can have top attachment panels 465, 469 that are generally similar to those described above. The first central panel 521 and the second central panel 523 can be foldably connected to the top attachment panels 465, 469 at their respective curved fold lines 467, 471.

[0062] Each central panel 521, 523 can include respective upper portions 529 that are foldably connected to their respective top attachment panels 465, 469 at their respective fold lines 467, 471, and respective lower portions 531 that are foldably connected to their respective upper portions 529 at their respective longitudinal fold lines 533. As shown, each upper portion 529 can be configured to at least partially reconfigure via a plurality of curved fold lines 535, 537 extending therealong. The lower portions 531 of each central panel 521, 523 can be foldably connected at least partially at their respective lateral fold lines 524.

[0063] The blank 503 can also include a respective pair of bottom attachment panels 541, 543 that are foldably connected to respective lower portions 531 of respective panels 521, 523 at respective longitudinal fold lines 545, 547. Except for the points where respective article engagement flaps 139, 141 are foldably connected to respective bottom attachment panels 541, 543 at respective curved fold lines 143, 145, the bottom attachment panels 541, 543 can generally be similar to the top attachment panels 465, 469.

[0064] In this regard, the article engagement mechanism of the blank 503 and the structure 505 formed therefrom can include one or more of the article engagement flaps 139, 141 and associated mechanisms, the top attachment panels 465, 469 and associated mechanisms, and the bottom attachment panels 541, 543 and associated mechanisms.

[0065] The structure 505 can be formed from the blank 503 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the structures 105, 205, 305, 405 and can include one or more articles C for forming the package 510.

[0066] According to some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of panels of the blank 503 can be folded and positioned such that the top attachment panels 465, 469 are spaced from the bottom attachment panels 541, 543 and are generally positioned parallel, and the panels 521, 523 are positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact and extend from respective top attachment panels 465, 469 to respective bottom attachment panels 541, 543 such that the plurality of panels of the blank 503 and the structure 505 formed therefrom at least partially extend around the interior 507 of the structure 505.

[0067] In the illustrated arrangement, one or both of the upper portions 529 of each of the central panels 521, 523 can be at least partially reconfigured, for example, by having one or more portions that are at least partially bent with respect to respective adjacent portions in each of the respective curved fold lines 535, 537, which can facilitate tracing a contour, or other curved outer shape, along that portion. In the foregoing arrangement, the front, side, and back of each article C are generally not blocked by portions of the structure 505 between the top attachment panels 465, 469 and the bottom attachment panels 541, 543, for example, to enhance the visibility to potential customers.

[0068] The top attachment panels 465, 469 can engage the concave tops T of the respective articles C in the manner described above with respect to the structure 305 / package 310, and the article engagement flaps 139, 141 can engage the concave bottoms B of the respective articles C in the manner described above with respect to the structures 105, 205, 305, 405 and packages 110, 210, 310, 410. The structure 505 and package 510 formed from the blank 503 thus provide advantages similar to those described above with respect to the structures 105, 205, 305, 405 and packages 110, 210, 310, 410.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 16, a plan view of the outer surface 601 of a blank 603 for forming a structure 605 (FIG. 17) according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 603 and the structure 605 formed therefrom can have one or more mechanisms that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks 103, 203, 303, 403, 503 and the structures 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, and the same or similar mechanisms are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals. The structure 605 formed from the blank 603 can comprise one or more articles C as a package 610 (FIG. 17).

[0070] As shown in FIG. 16, the blank 603 can have the general form of the bottom attachment panel 421 as described above.

[0071] Referring further to FIGS. 17 and 18, to form the structure 605 and the package 610 from the blank 603, the bottom attachment panel 421 can engage with one or both of the articles C in the manner described above. Such engagement of the attachment panel 421 with the article C not only provides a protective barrier along the bottom B of the article C, but also can attach both articles C to each other, for example, minimizing, suppressing, preventing, and / or avoiding contact with dirt or debris or scratching / deformation of the article C. In some embodiments, the structure 605 can provide a surface for additional display of product or package information, such as printed graphics.

[0072] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the structure 605 can engage with the concave top T of each article C in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the engagement of the structure 605 with the concave bottom B of the article C.

[0073] The structure 605 and the package 610 formed from the blank 603 provide the same advantages as those described above with respect to the structures 105, 205, 305, 405, 505 and the packages 110, 210, 310, 410, 510. In some embodiments, the structure 605 formed from the blank 603 can be provided together with another structure or package.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 19, a plan view of the outer surface 701 of a blank 703 for forming a structure 705 (FIG. 20) according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 703 and the structure 705 formed therefrom can have one or more mechanisms identical or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 and the structures 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, and the same or similar mechanisms are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals. The structure 705 formed from the blank 703 can comprise one or more articles C as a package 710.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 19, the blank 703 can include a bottom attachment panel 121, a rear panel 723 foldably connected to the bottom attachment panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 725, a front panel 727 foldably connected to the bottom attachment panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 729, a first side panel 731 having a plurality of reconfigurable portions 735 foldably connected to the panel 727 at a lateral fold line 733 and foldably connected to each other at respective lateral fold lines 737, and a second side panel 739 having a plurality of reconfigurable portions 743 foldably connected to the panel 727 at a lateral fold line 741 and foldably connected to each other at respective lateral fold lines 745.

[0076] The blank 703 and the structure 705 formed therefrom can also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 703 and the structure 705 formed therefrom can include a first pasting flap or first attachment flap 747 foldably connected to respective portions 735 of the first side panel 731 at a lateral fold line 749, and a second pasting flap or second attachment flap 751 foldably connected to respective portions 743 of the side panel 739 at a lateral fold line 753.

[0077] Further, a pair of attachment end flaps 755, 757 can be foldably connected to the bottom attachment panel 121 at respective curved fold lines 759, 761. As shown, the attachment end flap 755 can include a base 763 foldably connected to the attachment panel 121 at the fold line 759, and a distal portion 765 foldably connected to the base 763 at a lateral fold line 767.

[0078] Similarly, the attachment end flap 757 can include a base 769 that is foldably connected to the attachment panel 121 at the fold line 761, and a distal portion 771 that is foldably connected to the base 769 at the lateral fold line 773.

[0079] In some embodiments, one or both of the bottom attachment panel 121 and the attachment end flaps 755, 757 can be at least partially bisected by a weakening line to facilitate folding the blank 703 and / or the structure 705 formed therefrom into a folded or flattened configuration, for example, for transportation, storage, etc.

[0080] With further reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the blank 703 can be formed into the structure 705 / package 710 by positioning the article C on the bottom attachment panel 121 such that the article C is at least partially positioned within the interior 707 of the structure 705, folding the panels 723, 727 to be generally upright with respect to the attachment panel 121 at their respective fold lines 725, 729, folding the side end flaps 755, 757 to be generally upright with respect to the attachment panel 121 at their respective fold lines 759, 761, and at least partially curving / reconfiguring the side panels 731, 739 around the article C so as to extend from the panel 723 to the panel 727.

[0081] Such reconfiguration of the side panels 731, 739 can include relative folding of one or more reconfigurable portions 735, 743 with respect to their respective adjacent reconfigurable portions 735, 743 at their respective fold lines 737, 745. The attachment flaps 747, 751 can be at least partially, for example, at least partially in face-to-face contact and overlapped with respective portions of the panel 723 to maintain the upright configuration of the structure 705.

[0082] The article engagement flaps 139, 141 can engage with the respective articles C as described above to form a secure engagement of the structure 705 with the articles C.

[0083] Furthermore, the attachment end flap 755 can be at least partially bent at the fold line 759 such that the base 763 extends obliquely downward from the attachment panel 121 to the concave bottom B of the respective article C, and the distal portion 765 can be at least partially bent at the fold line 767 into an arrangement generally planar with respect to the concave bottom B.

[0084] Similarly, the attachment end flap 757 can be at least partially bent at the fold line 761 such that the base 769 extends obliquely downward from the attachment panel 121 to the concave bottom B of the respective article C, and the distal portion 771 can be at least partially bent at the fold line 773 into an arrangement generally planar with respect to the concave bottom B.

[0085] Such an arrangement of the attachment end flaps 755, 757 can position one or more free edges of the respective end flaps 755, 757 to engage the inner surface of the lower rim R2 of the respective article C, for example, to maintain an interlaced engagement therewith.

[0086] In this regard, the structure 705 / package 710 can provide advantages similar to those described above with respect to the structures 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605 and packages 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 22, a plan view of the outer surface 801 of a blank 803 for forming a structure 805 (FIG. 23) according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The blank 803 and the structure 805 formed therefrom can have one or more mechanisms identical or similar to those described above with respect to blanks 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703 and structures 105, 205, 305, 405, 506, 605, 705, and the same or similar mechanisms are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The structure 805 formed from the blank 803 can comprise one or more articles C as a package 810 (FIG. 23).

[0088] As shown in FIG. 22, the intermediate panels 821, 823 are foldably connected to the respective side panels 731, 739 at their respective lateral fold lines 825, 827, the panels 521, 523 are foldably connected to the respective intermediate panels 821, 823 at their respective lateral fold lines 829, 831, and the top attachment panels 465, 469 are foldably connected to the respective panels 521, 523 as described above, except that the blank 803 can generally be similar to the blank 703 described above. Further, the blank 803 and the structure 805 formed therefrom can lack the attachment end flaps 755, 757, but can include one or both of the attachment end flaps 755, 757 without departing from the present disclosure.

[0089] Referring further to FIGS. 23 and 24, the intermediate panels 821, 823 can be positioned to at least partially face-to-face contact with the respective articles C before folding the panel 723 to at least partially face-to-face contact with the panels 521, 523 at the fold line 725, and the central panel 531 can be folded at the respective fold lines 829, 831 to extend between the articles C as described above with respect to the structure 505 and the package 510, except that the blank 803 can be formed into the structure 805 and the package 810 as described above with respect to the formation of the structure 705 and the package 710 from the blank 703.

[0090] The top attachment panels 465, 469 can engage with the concave tops T of their respective articles C, as described above with respect to structures 305, 505 and packages 310, 510, and the article engagement flaps 139, 141 can engage with the concave bottoms B of their respective articles C in the manner described above with respect to structures 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705 and packages 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710. Accordingly, the structure 805 and package 810 formed from the blank 803 provide advantages similar to those described above with respect to structures 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705 and packages 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710.

[0091] The blank according to the present disclosure can be formed from, for example, coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the inside and / or outside of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating can then be printed with products, advertisements, price codes, and other information or images. The blank can then be coated with varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated on one or both sides of the blank with, for example, a moisture barrier layer. According to the above-described embodiments, the blank can be composed of paperboard having a thickness that is heavier and more rigid than normal paper. Also, the blank can be composed of other materials such as any other material having properties suitable to be a corrugated board, cardboard, or tray so as to function at least generally as described above. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials in selected panels or panel portions.

[0092] According to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, the fold line can be in any substantially straight but not necessarily straight form of weakening that facilitates folding along it. Although not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, more specifically, a score line such as a line formed by a blunt scoring knife that generates a crushed portion in the material along a desired weakening line, a cut that partially extends into the material along a desired weakening line, and / or a series of cuts that partially and / or completely penetrate the material along a desired weakening line, and various combinations of these mechanisms, the fold line includes.

[0093] As an example, a tear line can include a slit that partially extends into the material along a desired weakening line, and / or a series of spaced slits that partially and / or completely penetrate and extend into the material along a desired weakening line, or various combinations of these mechanisms. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits that extend completely through the material, with nicks (e.g., small portions like small bridges of the material) defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The adjacent slits are slightly spaced so that the nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively, the nicks can be omitted or torn from the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that each of the spaced slits can be replaced by a continuous slit, a continuous notch, etc. For example, the cut line can be a continuous slit or wider than the slit without departing from the present disclosure. Also, the tear line can be a series of scored lines that pass completely or partially through the material separated by nicks.

[0094] The term "adhesive" is intended to encompass any type of adhesive commonly used to secure the tray panel in place.

[0095] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additional, modifications, changes, etc. can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All matters included in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be construed as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Further, the present disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, changes, and environments, and within the scope of the inventive concept shown herein, corresponding to the above teachings and / or within the scope of the skills or knowledge of the related art, it is possible to make changes or modifications. Further, the specific mechanisms and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively exchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A structure for holding at least one item, comprising: at least one panel positioned adjacent an interior of the structure; an attachment mechanism for at least partially engaging one or more portions of the at least one article; The attachment mechanism comprises at least one article engaging flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, the at least one article engaging flap being for positioning in a recess in the at least one article.

2. 10. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one article engaging flap comprises a base foldably connected to a distal portion, the base extending diagonally away from the at least one panel.

3. 3. The structure of claim 2, wherein the base of the at least one article engaging flap is foldably connected to the at least one panel.

4. 4. The structure of claim 3, wherein the at least one article is a first article of a plurality of articles held by the structure, the at least one article engaging flap is a first article engaging flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, and the attachment mechanism further comprises a second article engaging flap foldably connected to the at least one panel for positioning in a recess of another article of the plurality of articles.

5. The structure of claim 2 , wherein the at least one panel is at least one bottom mounting panel.

6. The structure of claim 5 , wherein the structure further comprises at least one top panel.

7. 7. The structure of claim 6, wherein the structure further comprises a front panel and a back panel, each extending from the at least one top panel to the at least one bottom mounting panel.

8. 8. The structure of claim 7, wherein the structure further comprises at least one central panel extending from the at least one bottom mounting panel to the at least one top panel.

9. 7. The structure of claim 6, wherein the structure further comprises at least one central panel extending from the at least one bottom mounting panel to the at least one top panel.

10. 10. The structure of claim 9, wherein said at least one top panel is at least one top mounting panel for being at least partially received in a recess of said at least one article.

11. 10. The structure of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism further comprises at least one top attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one top panel for at least partially receiving in a recess of the at least one article.

12. the structure further comprises a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel extending from the front panel to the back panel; the structure further comprises at least one top panel and at least one central panel extending from the at least one top panel to the at least one bottom mounting panel; 6. The structure of claim 5, wherein said at least one top panel is at least one top mounting panel for being at least partially received in a recess of said at least one article.

13. A blank for forming a structure for holding at least one item, comprising: at least one panel for positioning adjacent an interior of the structure formed from the blank; an attachment mechanism for at least partially engaging one or more portions of the at least one article when the structure is formed from the blank; The attachment mechanism includes at least one article engaging flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, the at least one article engaging flap being intended to be positioned in a recess of the at least one article when the structure is formed from the blank.

14. 14. The blank of claim 13, wherein the at least one article engaging flap comprises a base foldably connected to a distal portion, the base being for extending diagonally away from the at least one panel when the structure is formed from the blank.

15. 15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the base of the at least one article-engaging flap is foldably connected to the at least one panel.

16. 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the at least one article is a first article of a plurality of articles to be held by the structure formed from the blank, the at least one article engaging flap is a first article engaging flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, and the attachment mechanism further comprises a second article engaging flap foldably connected to the at least one panel for positioning in a recess of another article of the plurality of articles when the structure is formed from the blank.

17. The blank of claim 14 , wherein the at least one panel is at least one bottom attachment panel.

18. 20. The blank of claim 17, wherein the blank further comprises at least one top panel.

19. the blank further comprises a front panel and a back panel, each extending from the at least one top panel to the at least one bottom mounting panel; 20. The blank of claim 18, wherein the blank further comprises at least one central panel extending from the at least one bottom mounting panel to the at least one top panel.

20. 20. The blank of claim 18, wherein the blank further comprises at least one central panel extending from the at least one bottom mounting panel to the at least one top panel.

21. 21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one top panel is at least one top attachment panel for being at least partially received in a recess of the at least one article when the structure is formed from the blank.

22. 21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the attachment mechanism further comprises at least one top attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one top panel for at least partially receiving in a recess of the at least one article when the structure is formed from the blank.

23. the blank further comprising a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel extending from the front panel to the back panel when the structure is formed from the blank; the blank further comprises the at least one top panel and at least one center panel extending from the at least one top panel to the at least one bottom mounting panel; 18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the at least one top panel is at least one top attachment panel for being at least partially received in a recess of the at least one article when the structure is formed from the blank.

24. 1. A method of forming a structure for holding at least one item, comprising: obtaining a blank, the blank comprising at least one panel and an attachment mechanism comprising at least one article engaging flap foldably connected to the at least one panel; and positioning the at least one panel adjacent an interior of the structure such that the at least one article engaging flap is disposed in a recess of the at least one article.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one article engaging flap comprises a base foldably connected to a distal portion, the method further comprising positioning the base to extend diagonally away from the at least one panel.

26. the base of the at least one article-engaging flap is foldably connected to the at least one panel; 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one article is a first article of a plurality of articles to be held by the structure, the at least one article engaging flap is a first article engaging flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, and the attachment mechanism further comprises a second article engaging flap foldably connected to the at least one panel and for positioning in a recess of another article of the plurality of articles.

27. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one panel is at least one bottom mounting panel.

28. 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the blank further comprises at least one top panel.

29. the blank further comprises a front panel and a back panel extending from the at least one top panel to the at least one bottom mounting panel; 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the blank further comprises at least one central panel extending from the at least one bottom mounting panel to the at least one top panel.

30. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the blank further comprises at least one central panel extending from the at least one bottom mounting panel to the at least one top panel.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one top panel is at least one top mounting panel, the method further comprising positioning the at least one top mounting panel to be at least partially received in a recess of the at least one article.

32. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the attachment mechanism further comprises at least one top attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one top panel, the method further comprising positioning the at least one top attachment panel to be at least partially received in a recess of the at least one article.

33. the blank further comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and at least one side panel extending from the front panel to the rear panel; the blank further comprises at least one top panel and at least one center panel extending from the at least one top panel to the at least one bottom mounting panel; 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one top panel is at least one top mounting panel, the method further comprising positioning the at least one top mounting panel to be at least partially received in a recess in the at least one article.

34. A package comprising at least one item and the structure of claim 1 that holds said at least one item.

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