Container with barrier material

Abstract

A container for holding at least one item comprises a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container, a reclosable lid engaging the body, the reclosable lid being repositionable between an open position in which the reclosable lid is moved away from the interior of the container and a closed position in which the reclosable lid at least partially covers the interior of the container, a closure bottom engaging the body, and a barrier member disposed within the container, the barrier member including a central portion at least partially detachably connected to a peripheral portion attached to the body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 440,559, filed January 23, 2023.

[0002] (Incorporated by reference) The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 440,559, filed January 23, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety herein. [Background technology]

[0003] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to a container for holding one or more items. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a container having at least one barrier member. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a container for holding at least one item, the container comprising: a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container; a reclosable lid engaging the body, the reclosable lid being repositionable between an open position in which the reclosable lid is moved away from the interior of the container and a closed position in which the reclosable lid at least partially covers the interior of the container; a closure bottom engaging the body; and a barrier member disposed on the interior of the container, the barrier member including a central portion at least partially detachably connected to a peripheral portion attached to the body.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a combination of blanks for forming a container for holding at least one item, the combination comprising: a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks; a lid blank for forming a reclosable lid that engages with the body when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, the lid blank being repositionable between an open position in which the reclosable lid is moved away from the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks and a closed position in which the reclosable lid at least partially covers the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks; a bottom blank for forming a closed bottom that engages with the body of the container formed from the combination of blanks; and a barrier blank for positioning in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks, the barrier blank including a central portion at least partially detachably connected to a peripheral portion that is attached to the body of the container formed from the combination of blanks.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a container for holding at least one item, the method comprising: obtaining a body blank; obtaining a lid blank; obtaining a bottom blank; obtaining a barrier blank including a central portion at least partially detachably connected to a peripheral portion; forming the body of the container from the body blank such that the body extends at least partially around an interior of the container; forming the reclosable lid from the lid blank such that the reclosable lid engages the body, repositionable between an open position in which the reclosable lid is moved away from the interior of the container and a closed position in which the reclosable lid at least partially covers the interior of the container; forming the closed bottom from the bottom blank such that the closed bottom engages the body of the container; and attaching the peripheral portion of the barrier blank to the body of the container to form a barrier member.

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

[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 within 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 exterior surface of a body blank used to form a body of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a plan view of the exterior 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. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a bottom blank for forming the bottom of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a plan view of the inner surface of the barrier blank of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 1A-1D are sequential perspective views of the formation of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 5B] 1A-1D are sequential perspective views of the formation of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 5C] 1A-1D are sequential perspective views of the formation of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] 1-4C are perspective views illustrating access to the interior of a container formed from the blank of FIGS. 1-4B according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1-4C are perspective views illustrating access to the interior of a container formed from the blank of FIGS. 1-4B according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outer surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an inner surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outer surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an inner surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outer surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an inner surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0011] Containers according to the present disclosure can accommodate items of many different shapes. For purposes of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description will describe items such as food. Such food items can 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 types of items, such as powdered foods or powdered items, can be accommodated in containers according to the present disclosure without departing from the present disclosure. It will also be understood that items other than food can be accommodated in containers according to the present disclosure.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" refer to directions determined with respect to a fully upright container. As described herein, a container can be formed from a blank by overlapping multiple panels, sections, and / or end flaps. Such panels, sections, and / or end flaps may be referred to herein by terms that relate to one another with consecutive or non-consecutive reference, such as, for example, "first," "second," "third," etc., without departing from this disclosure.

[0013] 1-4B are plan views of a series of blanks used to form components that are combined to form a container 105 (FIG. 5C) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, in some embodiments, the container 105 can be considered an assembly or system of multiple components.

[0014] 1, there is shown a plan view of an exterior 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 an interior 107 of the container 105.

[0015] As shown, the body blank 203 can have a longitudinal axis LI and a transverse axis L2. In some embodiments, the axes LI and L2 can be reversed. In the embodiment shown, the body blank 203 can 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 endpoints of the free edge 207 to respective endpoints of the 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 or top or lid-forming portion 217 defined at an upper peripheral / upper periphery portion of the body blank 203, and a second or bottom-end forming portion 219 defined at a lower peripheral / lower periphery portion of the body blank 203.

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

[0018] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1 , 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, as described further herein.

[0019] The body blank 203 may also include one or more longitudinal lines of weakness 225 extending along the body blank 203. 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 forming the body 205 from the body blank 203.

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

[0021] 2, there is shown an exterior surface 301 of a lid blank 303 for at least partially forming the reclosable lid 109 of the container 105. As shown, the lid blank 303 can have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2 and can 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 can be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 307 at a generally rounded rectangular / oval fold line 310. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections can be formed between the peripheral portion 309 of the lid blank 303 and the central portion 307 of the lid blank 303 during formation of the lid 109 for the container 105, as described further herein.

[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 forming the lid 109 / container 105.

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

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

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

[0027] Referring to Figure 4A, there is shown an outer surface 501 of a barrier blank 503 for forming a barrier member 505 of the structure 105. Further referring to Figure 4B, there is shown an inner surface 502 of the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed from the barrier blank 503.

[0028] The barrier blank 503 can have a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2 and can include a central portion 507 and a peripheral portion 509 that extends to a peripheral edge of the barrier blank 503. In some embodiments, the peripheral portion 509 of the barrier blank 503 can 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 blank 503 and the central portion 507 of the blank 503 can be formed during formation of the barrier member 505.

[0029] 4A , peripheral portion 509 of blank 503 may be at least partially separable from blank 503 and central portion 507 of barrier member 505 formed therefrom at curved lines of weakness 511 (broadly, “first lines of weakness”) and diagonal lines of weakness 513. As shown, lines of weakness 511 may include horizontal line portions 511 a, curved line portions 511 b, and vertical line portions 511 c, with each line portion of line of weakness 511 intersecting with a respective adjacent line portion of line of weakness 511. In some embodiments, access feature 515 may be at least partially defined within central portion 507 by lines of weakness 511. In some embodiments, access feature 515 may be at least partially defined between lines of weakness 511 and 513.

[0030] 4B , blank 503 and peripheral portion 509 of barrier member 505 formed therefrom may be at least partially defined by lines of weakness 517 (broadly, “second lines of weakness”) including first generally transverse line portion 517a, first curved upper line portion 517b, first generally longitudinal line portion 517c, second upper curved line portion 517d, second upper generally longitudinal line portion 517e, second upper curved line portion 517f, second generally transverse line portion 517g, intermediate curved line portion 517h, first lower curved line portion 517i, lower longitudinal line portion 517j, and second lower curved line portion 517k. Each line portion of line of weakness 517 may intersect with a respective adjacent line portion of line of weakness 517, although it will be understood that line of weakness 517 may include one or more discontinuities without departing from this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, each line segment of the line of weakness 517 can intersect with a respective adjacent line segment of the line of weakness 517 .

[0031] In this regard, the outer surface 501 of the blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed therefrom can have a different arrangement of lines of weakness than the inner surface 502 of the blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed therefrom. Such an arrangement can be achieved, for example, by precision die cutting or other creasing / cutting / weakening process, with the lines of weakness 511, 513 formed along the outer surface 501 of the blank 503 partially, but not completely, through the thickness of the blank 503 / barrier member 505, and the line of weakness 517 formed along the inner surface 502 of the blank 503 partially, but not completely, through the thickness of the blank 503 / barrier member 505.

[0032] In this regard, one or both of the lines of weakness 511, 513 may be at least partially spaced apart from the inner surface 502 of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505, and the line of weakness 517 may be at least partially spaced apart from the outer surface 501 of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505.

[0033] In some embodiments, the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed from the barrier blank 503 can be formed from one or more materials, which can include aluminum foil, silicone-coated paper, plastic film, or laminates thereof. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the barrier blank 503 can include a layer of paperboard material laminated with at least a layer of foil. In some embodiments, the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed from the barrier blank 503 can be formed from a paperboard material that is free of polymeric and / or metallic materials.

[0034] One or more of the blanks 203, 303, 403, 503 and one or more features associated therewith can have different arrangements and / or configurations without departing from this disclosure. For example, as described further herein, the body blank 203 can form 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 having a corresponding cross-section to be at least partially received within the interior 107 of the container 105 / body 205. In some embodiments, the body 205 can be formed in different vertical cross-sectional configurations, and the blanks 303, 403, 503 can have different configurations corresponding to such vertical cross-sectional configurations.

[0035] As described herein, the blanks 203, 303, 403, 503 can be further formed to provide components that are assembled to form the container 105. In this regard, the blanks 203, 303, 403, 503 can be provided in combination to form a system in the form of the container 105.

[0036] 5A-5C, forming the container 105 from the blanks 203, 303, 403, 503 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] The body blank 203 can be positioned to extend at least partially around the interior 107 of the container 105. In one embodiment, the body blank 203 can be at least partially bent, curved, or folded, for example, at fold line 223, into a generally oval or rounded rectangular cross-section, and portions of the body blank 203 adjacent the free edges 207, 209 can be at least partially overlapped to form a seam arrangement, which can be maintained with a strip of adhesive tape T. In some embodiments, the free edges 207, 209 of the blank 203 can be in generally edge-to-edge contact.

[0038] The overlapping / contacting portions of the body blank 203 may be joined, for example, with an adhesive such as glue, with adhesive tape or an adhesive substrate, and / or by another joining method such as ultrasonic welding, RF welding, an interference locking arrangement, etc.

[0039] As shown, the body 205 of the container 105 can be formed such that respective portions of the body-forming portion 215 of the blank 203 form a front wall or panel 223, a first side wall or panel 225, a second side wall or panel 227, and a rear wall or panel 229. Respective curved corners 231, 233, 235, 237 can be formed between respective panels 223, 225, between respective panels 223, 227, between respective panels 225, 229, and between respective panels 227, 229. In some embodiments, the blank 203 can include one or more lines of weakness to facilitate such formation of rounded or curved corners of the body 205.

[0040] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the body 205 of the container 105 can be formed in different cross-sectional shapes, including, for example, circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc., and variations thereof with rounded or curved corners.

[0041] 5A-5C, according to the illustrated embodiment, the closed bottom 111 of the container 105 can be formed by placing a bottom blank 403 in the interior 107 of the container 105, with a central portion 407 of the bottom blank 403 disposed in a generally perpendicular relationship to the panels 223, 225, 227, and 229 to form the bottom panel 411 of the container 105. As shown, the bottom blank 403 can be positioned a predetermined vertical distance above the free longitudinal edge 213 of the blank 203.

[0042] The peripheral portion 409 of the bottom blank 403 may be folded downwardly, for example at fold line 410, relative to the central portion 407 of the blank 403 / bottom panel 411 and may be bonded, for example with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached to the inner surface of one or more panels 223, 225, 227, 229 and corners 231, 233, 235, 237 of the body 205 of the container 105 to engage the body 205 of the container 105.

[0043] Simultaneously or subsequently, the bottom-forming portion 219 of the blank 203 can be bent / wrapped or folded, for example at fold line 225, over the peripheral portion 409 of the bottom blank 403 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 can be crimped in such a configuration. The bottom flange 113 can define the bottom edge 115 of the container 105.

[0044] 5A-5C, a container 105 having a closed bottom 111 can be positioned beneath a filling station, for example, where the downwardly extending bottom flange 111 is supported on a surface such as a conveyor, and where one or more items A can be placed and held within the interior 107 of the container 105. In some embodiments, the container 105 is supported in a substantially stationary position, and one or more filling devices can be brought into proximity with the container 105 to place items A within the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0045] After the interior 107 of the container 105 is filled with the item A, the barrier blank 603 may be positioned above the item A in the interior 107 of the container 105, with the central portion 507 of the barrier blank 503 positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship to the panels 223, 225, 227, 229. As shown, the barrier blank 503 may be positioned a predetermined vertical distance below the free longitudinal edge 211 of the blank 203 / body 205.

[0046] In some embodiments, the barrier blank 503 can be inserted into the interior 107 of the container 105, formed into a barrier member 505, and / or attached to the body 205 of the container 105 via contact with a plunger or other movable tool to position the blank 503 / member 505.

[0047] In this regard, at least a portion of the peripheral portion 509 of the blank 503 / member 505 can be bent, i.e., folded, upward relative to the central portion 507 of the barrier blank 503 and adhered, for example with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached to one or more inner surfaces of the panels 223, 225, 227, 229 and corners 231, 233, 235, 237 of the body 205 of the container 105 to form the barrier member 505.

[0048] Following formation and positioning of the barrier member 505, the lid blank 303 may be positioned in the interior 107 of the container 105 above the barrier member 505. As shown, the lid blank 303 may be positioned a predetermined vertical distance below the free longitudinal edge 211.

[0049] The central portion 307 of the lid blank 303 may be positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship to the panels 223 , 225 , 227 , 229 to form the lid panel 311 of the container 105 .

[0050] The peripheral portion 309 of the lid blank 303 may be bent or folded downward relative to the central portion 307 of the blank 303 / lid panel 311, for example at fold lines 310, and may be adhered, for example with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached to the inner surface of one or more panels 223, 225, 227, 229 and corners 231, 233, 235, 237 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 231, 233, 235, 237.

[0051] Simultaneously or subsequently, the lid-forming portion 217 of the blank 203 can be bent / wrapped 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 engages the body 205. In some embodiments, the lid-forming portion 217 of the blank 203 can be crimped in such a configuration. The lid flange 119 can define a top edge 121 of the lid 109 / container 105.

[0052] 6 and 7, to access the interior 107 of the container 105, a user can separate the lid 109 from the body 205 of the container 105 along the tear line portion of the weakened line 221 and hinge / fold the lid 109 around the fold line portion of the weakened line 221, allowing the lid 109 to be positioned in an open position in which the lid 109 is moved away from the interior 107 of the container 105, and a closed position in which the lid 109 is at least partially overlying and / or at least partially received within the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0053] When the lid 109 is in the open position, a user can remove the barrier member 505 to access an item A held therebelow. In one embodiment, a user can press on the barrier member 505 at the access feature 515 to facilitate at least partial separation of the central portion 507 from the peripheral portion 509 of the barrier member 505 at the line of weakness 511 and the line segments 517e, 517f, 517g of the line of weakness 517 below it. Movement of the access feature 515 can be facilitated at least in part by the line of weakness 513. In this regard, in some embodiments, the access feature 515 can be considered to be foldably connected to the central portion 507 of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 at the line of weakness 513.

[0054] Once the central portion 507 of the barrier member 505 described above has been at least partially separated, a barrier opening 519 can be at least partially exposed, through which a user can insert one or more of their fingers into the interior 107 of the container 105 below the barrier member 505 to engage the inner surface 502 of the barrier member 505 and pull the central portion 507 upward to separate it from the remainder of the peripheral portion 509 along the respective lines of weakness 517. Thus, one or more items A in the interior 107 of the container 105 can be accessed through the barrier opening 519.

[0055] The configuration of the barrier member 505 and the lines of weakness formed therealong provide a relatively large opening to the lower portion of the interior 107 of the container 105 when the central portion 507 of the barrier member 505 is separated from the peripheral portion 509. Furthermore, the profile of the peripheral portion 509 of the barrier member 505 is minimized to substantially correspond to those portions attached to the body 205 of the container 105.

[0056] It will be appreciated that the reclosable lid 109 can be selectively repositioned from an open position to a closed position to reclose the container 105 .

[0057] 8A and 8B, there is shown an outer surface 501A and an inner surface 502A, respectively, of a barrier blank 503A for forming a barrier member according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] The barrier blank 503A and the barrier member formed therefrom may have a configuration generally similar to that described above with respect to the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed therefrom, and the same or similar reference numbers are used to indicate the same or similar features.

[0059] As shown, the outer surface 501A of the barrier blank 503A and the barrier member formed therefrom may be free of the lines of weakness 511, 513 and instead include an access feature in the form of a pull tab 515A extending or protruding from a peripheral portion 509 of the blank 503A and the barrier member formed therefrom. As shown, the line of weakness 517 formed on the inner surface 502A of the barrier blank 503A and the barrier member formed therefrom may have a generally square or rectangular configuration, with an end point terminating near the pull tab 515A.

[0060] In this regard, a container can be formed that includes a barrier member formed from blank 503A in place of the barrier member 505 described above. The central portion 507 of the barrier member formed from blank 503A can be separated from its peripheral portions 509 by pulling pull tab 515A, providing similar functionality and advantages as those described above with respect to barrier member 505.

[0061] 9A and 9B, there are shown an outer surface 501B and an inner surface 502B, respectively, of a barrier blank 503B for forming a barrier member according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] The barrier blank 503B and the barrier member formed therefrom may have a configuration generally similar to that described above with respect to the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed therefrom, and the same or similar reference numbers are used to indicate the same or similar features.

[0063] As shown, the outer surface 501B of the barrier blank 503B and the barrier member formed therefrom may be free of lines of weakness 511, but may include lines of weakness 513 to form access features 515B. As shown, the lines of weakness 517 formed on the inner surface 502B of the barrier blank 503B and the barrier member formed therefrom may be generally similar to those described above with respect to the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505, except that line segments 517d, 517e, 517f, 517g, and 517h are instead generally lateral mirror images of line segments 517c, 517b, and 517a.

[0064] In this regard, a container can be formed that includes a barrier member formed from blank 503B in place of barrier member 505 described above. A central portion 507 of the barrier member formed from blank 503B can be separated from its peripheral portions 509 by pressing access feature 515B. In some embodiments, central portion 507 of the barrier member formed from blank 503B can be pressed downward into interior 107 of container 105 to provide access to item A below central portion 507. Thus, a barrier member formed from blank 503B can provide similar functionality and advantages as those described above with respect to barrier member 505.

[0065] 10A and 10B, there are shown an outer surface 501C and an inner surface 502C, respectively, of a barrier blank 503C for forming a barrier member according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] The barrier blank 503B and the barrier member formed therefrom may have a configuration generally similar to that described above with respect to the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed therefrom, and the same or similar reference numbers are used to indicate the same or similar features.

[0067] As shown, the lines of weakness 511 on the outer surface 511C of the barrier blank 503C and the barrier member formed therefrom can have the general shape of a pair of diagonal line segments intersecting a generally curved line segment, as can respective portions of the lines of weakness 513. In this regard, the access feature 515C can be at least partially defined by the lines of weakness 511. In some embodiments, the access feature 515C can be at least partially defined between the lines of weakness 511 and 513.

[0068] As shown, the lines of weakness 517 formed on the inner surface 502C of the barrier blank 503C and the barrier member formed therefrom may have a generally square or rectangular shape and may intersect respective line portions of the lines of weakness 511. In this regard, the lines of weakness 511 may extend from the outer surface 501C to the inner surface 501C of the barrier blank 503C and the barrier member formed therefrom.

[0069] In this regard, a container can be formed that includes a barrier member formed from blank 503C in place of the above-described barrier member 505. Accordingly, the barrier member formed from blank 503C can provide similar functionality and advantages as those described above with respect to barrier member 505.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the container 105 and / or one or more components thereof may have different configurations without departing from this disclosure.

[0071] Blanks according to the present disclosure can be formed, for example, from coated cardboard and similar materials. For example, the blank can be clay coated on the inside and / or outside. 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 the 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 thickened paperboard so as to be heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blank can also be constructed from corrugated cardboard, rigid paper, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the container to at least generally function as described above. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel portions.

[0072] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, the fold line is not necessarily straight, but can be any substantially linear 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 creasing knife or the like, that create a collapsed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness, cuts that extend partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, and various combinations of these features.

[0073] As an example, a tear line can include a slit extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced slits extending partially 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 extending completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart, resulting in nicks (e.g., small, somewhat bridge-like sections of material) forming between the adjacent slits, typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are severed during tearing along the tear line. Nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line; alternatively, nicks can be omitted from or torn at the tear line, resulting in a continuous tear 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 tear line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than the slit without departing from this disclosure. A tear line may also be a series of cut scores that run completely or partially through the material, separated by nicks.

[0074] The term "glue" is intended to encompass any type of adhesive commonly used to secure container panels or sections in place.

[0075] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, alterations, and the like can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. Moreover, while the present disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be changed or modified in accordance with the above teachings, within the scope of the inventive concept presented herein, and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, specific features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A container for holding at least one item, comprising: a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container; a reclosable lid engaging the body, the reclosable lid being repositionable between an open position in which the reclosable lid is moved away from the interior of the container and a closed position in which the reclosable lid at least partially covers the interior of the container; a closure bottom engaging the body; a barrier member disposed within the interior of the container, the barrier member including a central portion at least partially detachably connected to a peripheral portion attached to the body; A container comprising:

2. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the central portion of the barrier member is at least partially separable from the peripheral portion of the barrier member to expose a barrier opening for accessing at least one item in the interior of the container.

3. 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the barrier member includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the central portion of the barrier member is at least partially separable from the peripheral portions of the barrier member at a first line of weakness at least partially defined in the outer surface of the barrier member and a second line of weakness at least partially defined in the inner surface of the barrier member.

4. 4. The container of claim 3, wherein the first line of weakness is at least partially spaced from the inner surface of the barrier member and the second line of weakness is at least partially spaced from the outer surface of the barrier member.

5. 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the second lines of weakness include a first generally horizontal line portion, a first curved upper line portion, a first generally vertical line portion, a second upper curved line portion, a second upper generally vertical line portion, a second upper curved line portion, a second generally horizontal line portion, a middle curved line portion, a first lower curved line portion, a lower vertical line portion, and a second lower curved line portion.

6. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein each line segment of the second line of weakness intersects with a respective adjacent line segment of the second line of weakness.

7. 7. The container of claim 6, wherein the first lines of weakness include a horizontal line portion, a curved line portion, and a vertical line portion.

8. 8. The container of claim 7, wherein each line segment of the second line of weakness intersects with a respective adjacent line segment of the second line of weakness.

9. The container of claim 3 , wherein the barrier member includes an access feature for facilitating at least partial separation of the central portion from the peripheral portion of the barrier member.

10. The container of claim 9 , wherein the access feature is defined at least in part by the first line of weakness.

11. The container of claim 10 , wherein the access feature is foldably connected to the central portion of the barrier member.

12. The container of claim 9 , wherein the access feature protrudes from the peripheral portion of the barrier member.

13. 1. An assembly of blanks to form a container for holding at least one item, comprising: a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container formed from the combination of the blanks; a lid blank for forming a reclosable lid that engages with the body when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks, the lid blank being repositionable between an open position in which the reclosable lid is moved away from the interior of the container formed from the combination of the blanks, and a closed position in which the reclosable lid at least partially covers the interior of the container formed from the combination of the blanks; a bottom blank for forming a closed bottom that engages the body of the container formed from the combination of the blanks; a barrier blank disposed within the interior of the container formed from the combination of the blanks, the barrier blank including a central portion at least partially detachably connected to a peripheral portion attached to the body of the container formed from the combination of the blanks; A combination that includes:

14. 14. The combination of claim 13, wherein the central portion of the barrier blank is at least partially separable from the peripheral portion of the barrier blank to expose a barrier opening for accessing at least one item in the interior of the container formed from the combination of the blanks.

15. 15. The combination of claim 14, wherein the barrier blank includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the central portion of the barrier blank is at least partially separable from the peripheral portion of the barrier blank at a first line of weakness at least partially defined on the outer surface of the barrier blank and a second line of weakness at least partially defined on the inner surface of the barrier blank.

16. 16. The combination of claim 15, wherein the first line of weakness is at least partially spaced from the inner surface of the barrier blank and the second line of weakness is at least partially spaced from the outer surface of the barrier blank.

17. 17. The combination of claim 16, wherein the second line of weakness includes a first generally horizontal line portion, a first curved upper line portion, a first generally vertical line portion, a second upper curved line portion, a second upper generally vertical line portion, a second upper curved line portion, a second generally horizontal line portion, a middle curved line portion, a first lower curved line portion, a lower vertical line portion, and a second lower curved line portion.

18. 18. The combination of claim 17, wherein each line segment of the second line of weakness intersects with a respective adjacent line segment of the second line of weakness.

19. 20. The combination of claim 18, wherein the first line of weakness includes a horizontal line portion, a curved line portion, and a vertical line portion.

20. 20. The combination of claim 19, wherein each line segment of the second line of weakness intersects with a respective adjacent line segment of the second line of weakness.

21. 16. The combination of claim 15, wherein the barrier blank includes an access feature for facilitating at least partial separation of the central portion from the peripheral portion when the container is formed from the combination of the blanks.

22. The combination of claim 21 , wherein the access feature is at least partially defined by the first line of weakness.

23. 23. The combination of claim 22, wherein the access feature is foldably connected to the central portion of the barrier blank.

24. 22. The combination of claim 21, wherein the access feature protrudes from the peripheral portion of the barrier blank.

25. 1. A method of forming a container for holding at least one item, comprising: Obtaining a body blank; Obtaining a lid blank; Obtaining a bottom blank; obtaining a barrier blank including a central portion at least partially detachably connected to a peripheral portion; forming a body of the container from the body blank such that the body extends at least partially around an interior of the container; forming a reclosable lid from the lid blank such that the reclosable lid engages the body and is repositionable between an open position in which the reclosable lid is moved away from the interior of the container and a closed position in which the reclosable lid at least partially covers the interior of the container; forming a closed bottom portion from the bottom blank such that the closed bottom portion engages the body of the container; attaching the peripheral portion of the barrier blank to the body of the container to form a barrier member; A method for providing the above.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the central portion of the barrier member is at least partially separable from the peripheral portion of the barrier member to expose a barrier opening for accessing at least one item in the interior of the container.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the barrier member includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the central portion of the barrier member is at least partially separable from the peripheral portion of the barrier member at a first line of weakness at least partially defined in the outer surface of the barrier member and a second line of weakness at least partially defined in the inner surface of the barrier member.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first line of weakness is at least partially spaced from the inner surface of the barrier member and the second line of weakness is at least partially spaced from the outer surface of the barrier member.

29. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the second line of weakness comprises a first generally horizontal line portion, a first curved upper line portion, a first generally vertical line portion, a second upper curved line portion, a second upper generally vertical line portion, a second upper curved line portion, a second generally horizontal line portion, a middle curved line portion, a first lower curved line portion, a lower vertical line portion, and a second lower curved line portion.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein each line segment of the second line of weakness intersects with a respective adjacent line segment of the second line of weakness.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the first line of weakness includes a horizontal line portion, a curved line portion, and a vertical line portion.

32. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein each line segment of the second line of weakness intersects with a respective adjacent line segment of the second line of weakness.

33. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the barrier member includes an access feature to facilitate at least partial separation of the central portion from the peripheral portion of the barrier member.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the access feature is defined at least in part by the first line of weakness.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the access feature is foldably connected to the central portion of the barrier member.

36. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the access feature protrudes from the peripheral portion of the barrier member.

Images