Containers with Reinforcing Features, Related Systems and Methods - Patent application

Abstract

A container for holding at least one item comprises a body having a front wall, a rear wall, and at least one side wall extending at least partially around the interior of the container, a lid repositionable between a closed position at least partially covering the body and an open position lifted at least partially away from the body, the lid including a lid panel at least partially forming a lid recess and a lid flange extending upwardly from the lid panel, a reinforcing member at least partially received in the lid recess, and a closed bottom including a bottom panel attached to a portion of the body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 427,237, filed November 22, 2022.

[0002] [Incorporated by reference] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 427,237, filed November 22, 2022, is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety.

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to containers for holding one or more items. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to containers having reinforcing features associated with one or more ends thereof. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a container for holding at least one item, the container comprising: a body including a front wall, a rear wall, and at least one side wall extending at least partially around an interior of the container; a lid repositionable between a closed position at least partially covering the body and an open position lifted at least partially away from the body, the lid including a lid panel at least partially forming a lid recess and a lid flange extending upwardly from the lid panel; and a closed bottom including a reinforcing member at least partially received in the lid recess and a bottom panel attached to a portion of the body.

[0005] According to another aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a body blank assembly for forming a container for holding at least one item, the body blank assembly including a body-forming portion for at least partially forming a body having a front wall, a rear wall, and at least one side wall extending at least partially around an interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks, the body blank having a closed position at least partially covering the body formed from the combination of blanks when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, and an open position at least partially lifted away from the body formed from the combination of blanks when the container is formed from the combination of blanks. a lid blank for at least partially forming a repositionable lid between two blanks, the lid blank including a central portion and a peripheral portion for at least partially forming a lid panel and a lid flange extending upwardly from the lid panel, the lid panel at least partially forming a lid recess when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks; a reinforcing blank for forming a reinforcing member at least partially received in the lid recess when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks; and a bottom blank for forming a bottom panel attached to a portion of the body formed from the body blank when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks.

[0006] According to another aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a container to hold at least one article, the method including: obtaining a body blank including a body-forming portion; obtaining a lid blank including a central portion and a peripheral portion; obtaining a reinforcing blank; obtaining a bottom blank; positioning the body-forming portion of the body blank to form a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container; positioning the bottom blank to form a bottom panel and attaching the bottom panel to the body to form a closed bottom of the container; positioning the central portion of the lid blank to form a lid panel and positioning the peripheral portion of the lid blank to form a lid flange extending upwardly from the lid panel, thereby forming a lid for the container, whereby a lid recess is at least partially formed between the lid panel and the lid flange, the lid being repositionable between a closed position at least partially covering the body and an open position lifted at least partially away from the body; and positioning the reinforcing blank in the lid recess to form a reinforcing member for the container.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate these advantages, as well as other benefits and advantages of various additional embodiments, by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings listed below.

[0008] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an outer surface of a body blank used to form a body of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a lid blank for forming a lid or top end of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outer surface of a bottom blank for forming the bottom of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an outer surface of a reinforcing blank for forming a reinforcing member of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an outer surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 6A-6C are sequential perspective views of the formation of a container from the blank of FIGS. 1-5 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 6A-6C are sequential perspective views of the formation of a container from the blank of FIGS. 1-5 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] 6A-6C are sequential perspective views of the formation of a container from the blank of FIGS. 1-5 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of FIGS. 1-5 with its lid in a closed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] 7B is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 7A with its lid in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference characters throughout the drawings.

[0011] Containers according to the present disclosure can accommodate items of many different shapes. For purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description describes items such as food. Such food items may be provided in individual or granular portions, such as snacks such as candy, gum, chocolate, granola, cereal, nuts, trail mix, raisins, dried fruit, etc. It will be understood that different types of food or different kinds of items, such as powdered food or powdered items, may be held in containers according to the present disclosure without departing from the present disclosure. It will also be understood that items other than food may be held in containers according to the present disclosure.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" refer to orientations determined relative to a fully assembled, upright container. As described herein, a container may be formed from a blank by overlapping multiple panels, sections, and / or end flaps. As used herein, such panels, sections, and / or end flaps may be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc., with consecutive or non-consecutive reference, without departing from this disclosure.

[0013] 1-5 are plan views of a series of blanks used to form components that are assembled to form container 105 (FIG. 7), according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, in some embodiments, container 105 can be considered an assembly or system of multiple components.

[0014] 1, there is shown a plan view of an outer surface 201 of a body blank 203 for forming a body 205 of a container 105. As described herein, the body 205 is positioned to extend at least partially around the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0015] As shown, body blank 203 may have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. In some embodiments, axes L1 and L2 may be transposed. In the illustrated embodiment, body blank 203 may have a generally rectangular configuration with a pair of opposing transverse free edges 207, 209 and a pair of opposing longitudinal free edges 211, 213 extending from respective ends of free edge 207 to respective ends of free edge 209.

[0016] The body blank 203 may also include a body-forming portion 215 defined along a central portion of the body blank 203, a first portion or top or lid-forming portion 217 defined at an upper peripheral / edge portion of the body blank 203, and a second portion or bottom-forming portion 219 defined at a lower peripheral / edge portion of the body blank 203.

[0017] As shown, the lid-forming portion 217 of the body blank 203 may be at least partially separably connected to the body-forming portion 215 and at least partially foldably connected to the body-forming portion 215 at a longitudinal line of weakness 221 which may include at least one break segment and at least one fold line segment.

[0018] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, as further described herein, the body blank 203 may include a plurality of transverse lines of weakness 223 that may facilitate the formation of curved corners when the body 205 is formed from the body blank 203.

[0019] The body blank 203 may also include one or more longitudinal lines of weakness 225 extending therealong. In the illustrated embodiment, the body blank 203 may include a plurality of longitudinal lines of weakness 225 extending across the lid-forming portion 217 and another plurality of longitudinal lines of weakness 225 extending along the body-forming portion 219. As described further herein, the lines of weakness 225 may facilitate formation of the body 205 from the body blank 203.

[0020] In some embodiments, the body blank 203 may be constructed from one or more paperboard materials made primarily from cellulose or paper fibers. The materials may be provided in the form of a continuous web or as individual sheets of material. The paperboard materials may be single-ply or multi-ply materials, including laminates that include one or more reinforcing, moisture-resistant, non-cellulose layers of materials, such as films and coatings, metal foils, etc. The paperboard materials may be coated, printed, embossed, etc., and may contain fillers, pigments, binders, and other additives known in the art. In some embodiments, the paperboard materials may lack polymeric and / or metallic materials.

[0021] 2, there is shown an outer surface 301 of a lid blank 303 for at least partially forming the lid 109 for the container 105. As shown, the lid blank 303 may have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2, and may include a central portion 307 and a peripheral portion 309 that extends to a peripheral edge of the lid blank 303.

[0022] In some embodiments, the peripheral portion 309 of the lid blank 303 may be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 307 at a generally rounded rectangular / oval fold line 310. In other embodiments, as described further herein, one or more foldable connections between the peripheral portion 309 of the lid blank 303 and the central portion 307 of the lid blank 303 may be formed during formation of the lid 109 of the container 105.

[0023] As also shown, the lid blank 303 may include a plurality of diagonal and / or curved lines of weakness 313 located along corner portions of the lid blank 303. As described further herein, the lines of weakness 313 may facilitate formation of the lid 109 / container 105.

[0024] It will be appreciated that the lid blank 303 may be formed from one or more materials the same as or similar to the materials forming the body blank 203 described above, such as a paperboard material.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, an outer surface 401 of a bottom blank 403 for at least partially forming the closed bottom or closed end 111 of the container 105 is shown.

[0026] As shown, the bottom blank 403 may have a configuration generally similar to that of the lid blank 303 described above, e.g., having a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2, a central portion 407, and a peripheral portion 409 extending to a peripheral edge of the bottom blank 403. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral portion 409 may be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 407 at a generally rounded rectangular / oval fold line 410, although the blank 403 may lack the fold line 410 without departing from this disclosure.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, an outer surface 501 of a reinforcing blank 503 for forming one or more reinforcing members 505 of a container 105 is shown.

[0028] As shown, the reinforcing blank 503 may have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. The blank may include a central portion 507 and a peripheral portion 509 that extends to a peripheral edge of the reinforcing blank 503. In some embodiments, the peripheral portion 509 of the reinforcing blank 503 may be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 507 at one or more lines of weakness, e.g., fold lines. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the peripheral portion 509 of the lid blank 503 and the central portion 507 of the blank 503 may be formed during formation of the reinforcing member(s) 505.

[0029] Also as shown, the reinforcing blank 503 may include a plurality of diagonal and / or curved lines of weakness disposed along its peripheral edge portion 509, although the blank 503 and the reinforcing member 505 formed therefrom may lack such features without departing from this disclosure.

[0030] The reinforcing blank 503 may be formed from a pulp fiber material. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing blank 503 and the reinforcing member(s) 505 formed therefrom may be free of plastic materials. In some embodiments, the reinforcing blank 503 / reinforcing member 505 may be formed from a material containing about 95% to about 100% pulp fiber, such as softwood pulp fiber, optionally virgin softwood pulp fiber. In some embodiments, the reinforcing blank 503 / reinforcing member 505 may be formed from a material containing about 98% to about 100% pulp fiber. An example of such a pulp fiber material developed for forming applications, such as formed trays and blisters, formed or embossed boxes, etc., is manufactured by Billerud Gruvon, Gums, Sweden, and sold as Billerud FibreForm™ contact formable paper. A similar formable paper material is sold by Mondi, Surrey, UK, as Advantage Formable.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 5, an outer surface 601 of a barrier blank 603 for forming a barrier member 605 of the structure 105 is shown.

[0032] The barrier blank 603 may have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2 and may include a central portion 607 and a peripheral portion 609 extending to a peripheral edge of the barrier blank 603. In some embodiments, the peripheral portion 609 of the barrier blank 603 may be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 607 at one or more lines of weakness, e.g., fold lines. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the peripheral portion 609 of the blank 603 and the central portion 607 of the blank 603 may be formed during formation of the barrier member 605.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the barrier blank 603 and the barrier member 605 formed therefrom may include a break feature including a pull tab 611 that extends at least partially into the access opening 612, the pull tab 611 being defined at least in part by a pair of diagonally spaced apart lines of weakness 613, 615. An end of the line of weakness 613 may intersect with a generally rounded, C-shaped line of weakness 617 positioned in the central portion 607 of the barrier blank 603. As also shown, an end of the line of weakness 615 may intersect with a generally rounded, rectangular line of weakness 619 positioned in the central portion 607 of the barrier blank 603.

[0034] Thus, the portion of central portion 607 between weakened line 613 and weakened line 615 and between weakened line 617 and weakened line 619 may be a peripheral break region 621 of barrier blank 603 and barrier member 605 formed therefrom, and the portion of central portion 607 bounded by weakened line 619 may be a central break region 623 of barrier blank 603 and barrier member 605 formed therefrom.

[0035] In this regard, one or more of the pull tab 611, the access opening 612, the lines of weakness 613, 615, 617, 619, and the break regions 621, 623 may be access or break features of the barrier blank 603 and the barrier member 605 formed therefrom, and further the container 105 formed therefrom, to facilitate access to an item A (FIG. 6B) in the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0036] In some embodiments, the barrier blank 603 and the barrier member 605 formed therefrom may be formed from one or more materials, which may include aluminum foil, silicone-coated paper, plastic film, or laminates thereof. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the barrier blank 603 may include at least one layer of paperboard material laminated with a layer of foil. In some embodiments, the barrier blank 603 and the barrier member 605 formed therefrom may be formed from a paperboard material that is devoid of polymeric and / or metallic materials.

[0037] One or more of the blanks 203, 303, 403, 503, 603, and one or more of their associated features may have different arrangements and / or configurations without departing from this disclosure. For example, as described further herein, the body blank 203 may be formed as the body 205 of the container 105 having a generally rounded rectangular or oval vertical cross-section, with each of the blanks 303, 403, 503, 603 having a corresponding cross-section that is at least partially received within the interior 107 of the container 105 / body 205. In some embodiments, the body 205 may be formed with different vertical cross-sectional configurations, and the blanks 303, 403, 503, 603 may have different configurations corresponding to such vertical cross-sectional configurations.

[0038] As described herein, blanks 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 may be further formed to provide components that are assembled to form container 105. In this regard, blanks 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 may be provided in combination to form a system in the form of container 105. In some embodiments, such combinations may exclude barrier blank 603, for example, in embodiments where it is desirable to form and provide a container lacking a barrier member, such as one formed from barrier blank 603.

[0039] 6A-6C, the formation of the container 105 from the blanks 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0040] The body blank 203 may be positioned to extend at least partially around the interior 107 of the container 105. In one embodiment, the body blank 203 may be at least partially bent, curved, folded, etc., e.g., at fold line 223, into a generally oval or rounded rectangular cross-section, with portions of the body blank 203 adjacent the free edges 207, 209 at least partially overlapping to form a seam configuration, which may be maintained using a strip of adhesive tape T. In some embodiments, the free edges 207, 209 of the blank 203 may be in generally edge-to-edge contact.

[0041] The overlapping / jointed portions of the body blank 203 may be joined using an adhesive such as glue, using an adhesive coated tape or substrate, and / or through other joining methods such as ultrasonic welding, RF welding, interference locking configurations, etc.

[0042] As shown, the body 205 of the container 105 may thus be formed such that respective portions of the body-forming portion 215 of the blank 203 form a front wall or front panel 227, a first side wall or first side panel 229, a second side wall or second side panel 231, and a rear wall or rear panel 233. Curved corners 235, 237, 239, 241 may be formed between panels 227 and 229, between panels 227 and 231, between panels 229 and 233, and between panels 231 and 233, respectively. In some embodiments, the blank 203 may include one or more lines of weakness to facilitate such formation of rounded or curved corners in the body 205.

[0043] As described above, in some embodiments, the body 205 of the container 105 may be formed in different cross-sectional configurations, such as circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc., including variations in rounded or curved corners thereof.

[0044] 6A-6C, the closed bottom 111 of the container 105, according to the illustrated embodiment, may be formed by positioning a bottom blank 403 in the interior 107 of the container 105, with a central portion 407 of the bottom blank 403 positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship with the panels 227, 229, 231, 233 to form the bottom panel 411 of the container 105. As shown, the bottom blank 403 may be positioned a vertical distance above the free longitudinal edge 213 of the blank 403 to form the concave bottom configuration of the container 105, as described further herein.

[0045] The peripheral portion 409 of the bottom blank 403 may be bent or folded downward, for example at fold line 410, relative to the central portion 407 of the blank 403 / bottom panel 411, and may be adhered, welded, or otherwise attached, for example with an adhesive such as glue, to the inner surface of one or more of the panels 227, 229, 231, 233 and to the corners 235, 237, 239, 241 of the body 205 of the container 105 in the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0046] Simultaneously or subsequently, the bottom-forming portion 219 of the blank 203 may be bent / curled or folded over the peripheral portion 409 of the bottom blank 403, for example at fold line 225, to form the bottom flange 113 of the container 105, extending downwardly from the bottom panel 411. In some embodiments, the bottom-forming portion 219 of the blank 203 may be crimped in such a configuration. The bottom flange 113 may define the bottom edge of the container 105.

[0047] In this regard, a bottom recess 117 may be formed at least partially between the bottom flange 113 of the container 105 and the bottom panel 411 of the container 105. The bottom recess 117 may be positioned and arranged to at least partially receive a reinforcing member of the container, as further described herein.

[0048] 6A-6C , a container 105 having a closed bottom 111, for example positioned with a bottom flange 113 extending downward, may be supported on a surface such as a conveyor and positioned below a filling station, where one or more items A may be placed and held in an interior 107 of the container 105. In some embodiments, the container 105 may be supported in a generally fixed position, and one or more filling devices may be brought into proximity with the container 105 to place items A into the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0049] After the interior 107 of the container 105 is filled with item A, the barrier blank 603 may be positioned in the interior 107 of the container 105 above the item A, with the central portion 607 of the barrier blank 603 positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship with the panels 227, 229, 231, 233. As shown, the barrier blank 603 may be positioned a vertical distance below the free longitudinal edge 211 of the blank 203 / body 205.

[0050] The peripheral portion 609 of the barrier blank 603 may be bent or folded upward relative to the central portion 607 of the barrier blank 603 and may be adhered, welded, or otherwise attached to the inner surfaces of one or more of the panels 227, 229, 231, 233 and the corners 235, 237, 239, 241 of the body 205 of the container 105 in the interior 107 of the container 105 using an adhesive, such as glue, for example, to form a barrier member 605, with access features / break features provided along the flat portions of the barrier member 605.

[0051] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the container 105 may be provided without a barrier member, if desired, and the steps of forming and positioning the barrier member 605 described above may be omitted.

[0052] Following the formation and positioning of the barrier member 605 (or following filling of the container 105 if it is desired to provide the container 105 without the barrier member 605), the lid blank 303 may be positioned in the interior 107 of the container 105 over the barrier member 605. As shown, the lid blank 303 may be positioned a vertical distance below the top edge 121 of the container 105 to form a concave top configuration of the container 105, as described further herein.

[0053] A central portion 307 of the lid blank 303 may be positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship with the panels 227 , 229 , 231 , 233 to form the lid panel 311 of the container 105 .

[0054] The peripheral portion 309 of the lid blank 303 may be bent or folded, for example, downwardly at fold lines 310, relative to the central portion 307 of the blank 303 / lid panel 311 and may be adhered, for example with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached to the inner surface of one or more of the panels 227, 229, 231, 233 and the corners 235, 237, 239, 241 of the body 205 of the container 105. It will be appreciated that the lines of weakness 313 may facilitate positioning of the peripheral portion 309 relative to the corners 235, 237, 239, 241.

[0055] Simultaneously or subsequently, the lid-forming portion 217 of the blank 203 may be bent / curled or folded, for example at fold line 225, over the peripheral portion 309 of the lid blank 303 to form a lid collar or lid flange 119 of the lid 109 of the container 105 that extends upwardly from the lid panel 311. In some embodiments, the lid-forming portion 217 of the blank 203 may be crimped in such a configuration. The lid flange 119 may define a top edge 121 of the lid 109 / container 105.

[0056] As shown, a lid recess or top recess 123 may be at least partially formed between the lid flange 119 of the container 105 and the lid panel 311 of the container 105. The lid recess 123 may be positioned and arranged to at least partially receive a reinforcing member 505 (broadly a "first reinforcing member") of the container 105, as further described herein.

[0057] 7A, the reinforcing blank 503 may be formed into a reinforcing member 505 by a suitable molding process, such as transfer molding or thermoforming (in-mold curing). In this regard, the reinforcing member 505 may be formed to have desired structural properties, such as density, resistance to bending, resistance to compression, resistance to breakage, etc. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 505 has a strength of about 0.2 kg / dm 3 ~approx. 1.5kg / dm 3 Within the range of approximately 0.2 kg / dm 3 ~About 1kg / dm 3 Within the range of approximately 0.4 kg / dm 3 ~about 0.8kg / dm 3 The material may be formed to have a density in the range of .

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing blank 503 may be subjected to a suitable forming process to produce a reinforcing member 505 having a generally flat central portion 507 that is recessed / stepped away from a generally flat intermediate flange or rim 509. The intermediate rim 509 may be recessed / stepped away from a generally flat outer flange or rim 511.

[0059] As shown, a first vertical wall 513 extends from the central portion 507 of the reinforcement member 505 to the intermediate rim 509, and a second vertical wall 515 extends from the intermediate rim 509 to the outer rim 511 along the lid flange 119.

[0060] It will be understood that the reinforcing blank 503 may be configured differently as the reinforcing member 505 without departing from this disclosure. For example, different configurations of walls and rims / flanges may be provided without departing from this disclosure. In some embodiments, one or more of the rims 509, 511 and walls 513, 515 may have an angled configuration, a curved configuration, an arched configuration, etc.

[0061] As explained above, to reinforce the top portion of the container 105 , a reinforcing blank 503 may be prepared, formed into a reinforcing member 505 , and inserted into the lid recess 123 of the container 105 .

[0062] In such a configuration, the reinforcing member 505 may be at least partially inserted into the top recess 123 such that the outer surface of the outer rim 511 contacts and covers the top edge 121 of the lid 109 / container 105 .

[0063] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 505 may be appropriately sized and configured to be press-fit into the top recess 123, e.g., such that compressive engagement of the reinforcing member 505 with the lid flange 119 and / or frictional engagement between contacting portions of the reinforcing member 505 and the lid flange 119 can maintain the position of the reinforcing member 505 in the top recess 123. In this regard, the reinforcing member 505 may be configured as a plug for being at least partially received in the top recess 123.

[0064] In some embodiments, the upper rim 511 of the reinforcing member 505 may be glued, welded, or otherwise attached to the lid flange 119 to couple the reinforcing member 505 to the remainder of the container 105.

[0065] In some embodiments, the central portion 507, intermediate rim 509, outer rim 511, vertical wall 513, and / or vertical wall 515 may engage respective portions of the lid 109 / closed top end of the container 105. For example, the lid 109 may be configured with one or more protruding features that mate or engage with the central portion 507 and / or intermediate rim 509, e.g., in a nesting and / or locking configuration.

[0066] In some embodiments, at least a central portion 507 of the reinforcing member 505 may have an at least partially curved configuration that matches a similarly curved configuration of the lid panel 311 .

[0067] 7B , in some embodiments, the reinforcing blank 503 may be formed as a reinforcing member 505 (broadly, a “second reinforcing member”) and at least partially inserted into the bottom recess 117 of the container 105 in a manner consistent with that described above with respect to the positioning of the reinforcing member 505 in the top recess 123 of the container 105. For example, at least the outer surface of the outer rim 511 may be positioned to contact and cover the bottom edge of the container 105, with one or more portions of the intermediate rim 509, the outer rim 511, the vertical wall 513, and / or the vertical wall 515 being at least partially received in the bottom recess 117 of the container 105 and extending along respective portions of the bottom flange 113.

[0068] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 505 may be appropriately sized and configured to be press-fit into the bottom recess 117. In some embodiments, the upper rim 511 of the reinforcing member 505 may be glued, welded, or otherwise attached to the bottom flange 113 to couple the reinforcing member 505 to the remainder of the container 105. In some embodiments, the central portion 507, intermediate rim 509, outer rim 511, vertical wall 513, and / or vertical wall 515 may engage respective portions of the closed bottom 111 of the container 105, for example, in a nesting and / or locking configuration. In some embodiments, at least the central portion 507 of the reinforcing member 505 may have an at least partially curved configuration that matches a similarly curved configuration of the bottom panel 411.

[0069] It will be appreciated that, optionally, the reinforcing member 505 may be provided to engage one of the top end / lid 109 of the container 105 and the bottom end 111 of the container 105, but not the other. The versatility to reinforce a desired end portion of the container 105, or both end portions of the container 105, is thus achieved by the modular construction of the components of the container 105.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 8, to access the interior 107 of the container 105, a user may separate the lid 109 from the body 205 of the container 105 along the break line segment of the weakened line 221 and hinge / foldably move the lid 109 about the fold line segment of the weakened line 221, allowing the lid 109 to be positioned in an open position in which the lid 109 is lifted away from the interior 107 of the container 105, and a closed position in which the lid 109 at least partially covers the body 205 and / or is at least partially received in the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0071] When the lid 109 is in the open position, a user can remove the barrier member 605 (if provided) to access the item A held therebelow. In one embodiment, a user can grasp and pull the pull tab 611 to separate the pull tab 611 from the remainder of the barrier member 605 at the lines of weakness 613, 615. The user can further pull the tab 611 to separate the break regions 621, 623 at the respective lines of weakness 617, 619 from the remainder of the barrier member 605, providing access to the contents of the container 105 therebelow.

[0072] Thus, the openable and reclosable container 105 is provided with reinforcement features via reinforcement members 505 engaged with one or both of the edges 109, 111 of the container 105. Such reinforcement of the edge(s) of the container 105 can provide a rigid structure that is resistant to crushing, distortion, or other undesirable deformation, for example, during stacking, loading, or associated with movement or storage.

[0073] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member(s) 505 can provide resistance to bulging of one or both of the respective lid panel 311 and bottom panel 411, for example, due to heavy or tightly packed items provided in the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0074] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member(s) 505 may at least partially obscure the textured surface (e.g., pleated, bunched, etc.) of the container 105, for example, resulting from the crimped / curled configuration of one or both of the top flange 119 and bottom flange 113 of the container 105 proximate the respective top edge 121 and bottom edge of the container 105.

[0075] It will be understood that the container 105 and / or one or more components thereof may have different configurations without departing from this disclosure.

[0076] Blanks according to the present disclosure can be formed, for example, from coated cardboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and / or exterior surfaces of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. Product, advertising, price codes, and other information or images can then be printed on the clay coating. The blank can then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated on one or both sides with, for example, a moisture barrier. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank can be constructed from cardboard having a thickness such that it is heavier and stiffer than regular paper. The blank can also be constructed from other materials, such as cardboard, stiffened paper, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the container to function at least generally as described above. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials on selected panels or panel sections.

[0077] In accordance with the above embodiments of the present disclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, though not necessarily straight, form of weakness that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, without intending to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like that create a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness, cuts made partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of cuts that extend partially and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, and various combinations of these features.

[0078] As an example, a tear line can include a slit partially cut into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced slits that either partially cut into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or completely through the material, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits that run completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart so that nicks (e.g., small pieces of material somewhat resembling bridges) are defined between them to connect the material across the tear line, usually temporarily. The nicks are broken along the tear line during tearing. Nicks typically occupy a relatively small percentage of the tear line; alternatively, nicks can be omitted from the tear line or broken along the tear line so that the tear line is a continuous score line. That is, it is within the scope of this disclosure for each spaced slit to be replaced with a continuous slit, a continuous score, or the like. For example, the score line can be a continuous slit or can be wider than the slit without departing from this disclosure, and the tear line can be a series of score lines that pass completely or partially through the material and are separated by nicks.

[0079] The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure container panels or sections in place.

[0080] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, variations, and the like may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Moreover, while the present disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and is susceptible to variations or modifications within the scope of the inventive concepts as described herein, variations or modifications equivalent to the above teachings, and / or variations or modifications within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other described and undescribed embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A container for holding at least one item, said container comprising: a body including a front wall, a rear wall, and at least one side wall extending at least partially around an interior of the container; a lid repositionable between a closed position at least partially covering the body and an open position lifted at least partially away from the body, the lid including a lid panel at least partially defining a lid recess and a lid flange extending upwardly from the lid panel; a reinforcing member at least partially received in the lid recess; a closed bottom including a bottom panel attached to a portion of the body; A container comprising:

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing member comprises pulp fibers.

3. The container of claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing member comprises molded pulp fibers.

4. The reinforcing member has a resistance of about 0.2 kg / dm ３ ~ approx. 1.5 kg / dm ３ 4. The container of claim 3, molded to have a density within the range of

5. 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the reinforcing member includes a central portion and at least one wall extending upwardly from the central portion along the lid flange.

6. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the at least one wall of the reinforcing member includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall, and the reinforcing member includes an intermediate flange extending from the first vertical wall to the second vertical wall.

7. 7. The container of claim 6, wherein an outer rim extends away from the second vertical wall to at least partially cover a top edge of the lid.

8. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the reinforcing member is a first reinforcing member at least partially received in the lid recess, a bottom recess of the container is at least partially formed between the bottom panel and a bottom flange extending away from the bottom panel, and the container further includes a second reinforcing member at least partially received in the bottom recess.

9. The container of claim 8 , wherein the second reinforcing member comprises molded pulp fibers.

10. 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the second reinforcing member includes a central portion and at least one wall extending downwardly from the central portion along the bottom flange.

11. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the lid flange is at least partially separable from the body at a line of weakness and at least foldably connected to the body.

12. 12. The container of claim 11, further comprising at least one barrier member attached to the body interior of the container.

13. 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the at least one barrier member includes a pull tab and at least one break area at least partially separable from the remainder of the at least one barrier member to facilitate access to an interior of the container.

14. 1. An assembly of blanks to form a container for holding at least one item, said assembly of blanks comprising: a body blank including a body-forming portion for at least partially forming a body having a front wall, a rear wall, and at least one side wall extending at least partially around an interior of the container formed from the combination of the blanks; a lid blank for at least partially forming a lid that is repositionable between a closed position at least partially covering the body formed from the combination of blanks when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, and an open position lifted at least partially away from the body formed from the combination of blanks when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, the lid blank including a central portion and a peripheral portion for at least partially forming a lid panel that at least partially forms a lid recess and a lid flange extending upwardly from the lid panel when the container is formed from the combination of blanks; a reinforcing blank for forming a reinforcing member at least partially received in the lid recess when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks; a bottom blank for forming a bottom panel attached to a portion of the body formed from the body blank when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks; A combination of blanks, including:

15. The blank combination of claim 14 , wherein the reinforcing blank comprises pulp fibers.

16. 16. The combination of blanks of claim 15, wherein the reinforcing blanks are formed when the container is formed from the combination of blanks.

17. The reinforcing member has a strength of about 0.2 kg / dm when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks. ３ ~ approx. 1.5 kg / dm ３ 17. The blank combination of claim 16, molded to have a density within the range of

18. 16. The combination of blanks of claim 15, wherein the reinforcing blank includes a central portion and a peripheral portion for forming at least one wall extending upwardly from the central portion along the lid flange when the container is formed from the combination of blanks.

19. 19. The blank combination of claim 18, wherein the reinforcing blank is a first reinforcing blank that is at least partially received in the lid recess when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, the bottom blank is for at least partially forming a bottom recess of the container formed from the combination of blanks between the bottom panel and a bottom flange extending away from the bottom panel when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, and the blank combination further includes a second reinforcing blank that is at least partially received in the bottom recess when the container is formed from the combination of blanks.

20. 20. The blank combination of claim 19, wherein the second reinforcing blank comprises pulp fibers.

21. 21. The combination of blanks of claim 20, wherein the second reinforcing blank includes a central portion and a peripheral portion for forming at least one wall extending downwardly from the central portion along the bottom flange of the container when the container is formed from the combination of blanks.

22. 20. The blank combination of claim 18, wherein the body blank includes a lid-forming portion for at least partially forming the lid flange when the container is formed from the blank combination, the lid-forming portion of the body blank being at least partially separable from the body-forming portion of the body blank at a line of weakness and at least foldably connected to the body-forming portion.

23. 23. The combination of blanks of claim 22, wherein the container further comprises at least one barrier blank attached to the body formed from the combination of blanks within the container formed from the combination of blanks.

24. 24. The combination of blanks of claim 23, wherein the at least one barrier blank includes a pull tab and at least one break area that is at least partially separable from the remainder of the at least one barrier blank to facilitate access to the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks.

25. 1. A method of forming a container for holding at least one item, the method comprising: obtaining a body blank including a body-forming portion; obtaining a lid blank including a central portion and a peripheral portion; Obtaining a reinforcing blank; Obtaining a bottom blank; positioning the body-forming portion of the body blank to form a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container; positioning the bottom blank to form a bottom panel and attaching the bottom panel to the body to form a closed bottom of the container; positioning the central portion of the lid blank to form a lid panel and positioning the peripheral portion of the lid blank to form a lid flange extending upwardly from the lid panel, thereby forming a lid for the container, whereby a lid recess is at least partially formed between the lid panel and the lid flange, and the lid is repositionable between a closed position at least partially covering the body and an open position lifted at least partially away from the body; positioning the reinforcing blank in the lid recess to form a reinforcing member for the container; A method comprising:

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the reinforcing blank comprises pulp fibers.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising shaping the reinforcing blank to form the reinforcing member.

28. The reinforcing member has a resistance of about 0.2 kg / dm ３ ~ approx. 1.5 kg / dm ３ 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the molded product has a density in the range of

29. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the reinforcing blank includes a central portion and at least one peripheral portion, and positioning the reinforcing blank to form a reinforcing member includes positioning the peripheral portion to form at least one wall extending upwardly from the central portion along the lid flange.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one wall of the reinforcing member includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall, and the reinforcing member includes an intermediate flange extending from the first vertical wall to the second vertical wall.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein an outer rim extends away from the second vertical wall to at least partially cover a top edge of the lid.

32. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the reinforcing member is a first reinforcing member at least partially received in the lid recess, the method including at least partially forming a bottom recess of the container between the bottom panel and a bottom flange extending away from the bottom panel, and the method further including at least partially positioning a second reinforcing member in the bottom recess.

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the second reinforcement member comprises molded pulp fibers.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the second reinforcing member includes a central portion and at least one wall extending downwardly from the central portion along the bottom flange.

35. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the lid flange is at least partially separable from the body at a line of weakness and at least foldably connected to the body.

36. 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising attaching at least one barrier member to the body within the container.

37. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one barrier member includes a pull tab and at least one break area at least partially separable from the remainder of the at least one barrier member to facilitate access to an interior of the container.

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