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

Abstract

The container includes a first end structure defining a first opening therein, the first end structure configured to receive a first cover, the first cover positioned over the first end structure and extending across the first opening. A second end structure is positioned opposite the first end structure and defines a second opening extending through the second end structure. The container further includes two opposing side walls connected to the second end structure along respective first set of fold lines and two opposing end walls connected to the second end structure along respective second set of fold lines. At least one of the two opposing end walls extends obliquely relative to the second end structure and tapers outward from the second end structure. The container further includes a second cover positioned over the second end structure and extending across the second opening.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] Containers come in a variety of forms. Certain conventional containers (e.g., boxes, punnets, trays, etc.) typically have an enclosed bottom portion with four sides. Some containers include a top portion or lid to close the container, while other containers are open at the top. In some cases, the container is formed, later filled with product, and then sealed with a film adhered across the top to close the container.

[0004] In some such cases, the containers are initially formed with open top portions so that they can be filled later. Often, such containers are formed, stacked or nested on top of one another, and shipped to another location for filling and / or sealing. In some cases, the containers include flanges around their upper edges, to which a sealing film is ultimately adhered. In some known containers that contain these flanges, the flanges are not formed at the same time the containers are initially formed. Rather, formed containers with flat (flangeless) sidewalls are stacked and shipped for filling. Once filled, the flanges of the containers are folded outward to form a sealing surface during the sealing process.

[0005] Other conventional containers may have flanges formed during the initial formation of the container, but the flanges are formed by simply folding the flanges into place, i.e., the flanges are not set or glued in place.

[0006] These known containers can be weak, and various portions of the flanges can be prone to releasing from one another. Furthermore, such containers can experience poor sealing due to the loose flanges, or can require more robust seals, which can be complicated, time-consuming, and / or expensive to produce. Furthermore, when the containers are nested, they can stick together, which can create problems when the containers are to be separated for filling and / or sealing.

[0007] The containers can be separated by hand or by machine as part of an automated packing process. Regardless of the method used to fill the containers, difficulties can arise when the containers are nested too tightly. When the flanges between each container are placed directly on top of each other, it can be difficult to separate the flanges and pull the containers apart, either by machine or manually. If the flanges are spaced far enough apart, it is easier to reliably separate the containers.

[0008] Other containers may have side and / or end walls that flare or otherwise tapered outward from the bottom wall of the container. One challenge with such containers is that they require a large footprint to be arranged in a side-by-side manner while providing visual access to the products positioned within the container. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0010] In another aspect, a blank for forming a container is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels connected to the bottom panel along respective first set of fold lines, and two opposing end panels connected to the bottom panel along respective second set of fold lines. The side panels and end panels are each sized so that when folded along their respective fold lines to form the container, the two opposing side panels and the two opposing end panels extend diagonally relative to the bottom panel, tapering outward from the bottom panel and defining a first end structure opposite the bottom panel. The first end structure defines a first opening and is configured to receive a first cover, the first cover being positioned over the first end structure and extending across the first opening. The bottom panel defines a second opening therein extending through the bottom panel, and the second cover being positioned over the bottom panel and extending across the second opening.

[0011] In yet another aspect, a method of forming a container from a blank is provided, the blank including a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, and two opposing end panels. The method includes rotating the end panels inwardly toward the bottom panel, such that when rotated, the end panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and taper outwardly from the bottom panel. The method further includes rotating the side panels inwardly toward the bottom panel, such that when rotated, the side panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and taper outwardly from the bottom panel. The method further includes forming a first end structure of the container opposite the bottom panel, the first end structure defining a first opening and configured to receive a first cover, the first cover positioned over the first end structure and extending across the first opening, and the bottom panel defining a second opening therein extending through the bottom panel. The method further includes coupling a second cover to the bottom panel, the second cover being positioned over the bottom panel so as to extend across the second opening.

[0012] In other aspects, containers formed using such methods, and blanks for forming such containers, are also provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of an exemplary blank of sheet material for forming a container according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a stack of multiple containers shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a top view of another embodiment of a blank of sheet material for forming a container according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a top view of another embodiment of a blank of sheet material for forming a container according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a top view of another embodiment of a blank of sheet material for forming a container according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1 is a flow diagram of a method of forming a container from a blank according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 1 is a top view of an exemplary blank of sheet material for forming a container with a de-nesting assembly according to the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of area B of the blank sheet of material shown in FIG. 10A, illustrating one of the de-nesting assemblies of the blank. [Figure 11] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an exemplary container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 10A. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the container shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the container shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a stack of multiple containers shown in FIGS. 11-13. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a top view of another embodiment of a blank of sheet material for forming a container according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a stack of multiple containers shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a top view of another embodiment of a blank of sheet material for forming a container according to the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of a stack of multiple containers shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 1 is a top view of an exemplary blank of sheet material for forming a container with an opening in the bottom panel according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 22A] 10 is a top view of an alternative blank of sheet material for forming a container with an opening in the bottom panel according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 22B] 22B is a perspective view of an exemplary container formed from the blank shown in FIG. 22A. [Figure 23] 22B is a perspective view of an exemplary container formed from a blank substantially similar to the blank shown in FIGS. 21 and 22A. FIG. [Figure 24] 22 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of multiple containers formed from blanks substantially similar to the blank shown in FIG. 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following detailed description illustrates the present disclosure by way of example, and not by way of limitation. This specification clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure, describing several embodiments, adaptations, variations, and alternatives and utilizing the present disclosure, including what is currently contemplated to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide stackable containers that include a top flange. The containers are constructed from blanks of sheet material using a machine and / or by hand. For example, the blanks can be folded around a mandrel to form the container, or the containers can be formed by hand and / or by another style tray forming machine. Alternatively, a folding / gluing machine can be used to form the container. In one embodiment, the containers are made from paperboard material. However, the containers can be made using any suitable material and are therefore not limited to a particular type of material. In alternative embodiments, the containers are made using cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, foam board, corrugated paper, and / or any suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the container includes at least one marking thereon, including, but not limited to, indicia identifying the product, its manufacturer, and / or its distributor. For example, the marking can include printed text identifying the product's name and briefly describing it, a logo and / or trademark identifying the manufacturer and / or distributor, and / or an attention-grabbing design and / or decoration. Any other forms of "printing," "printed," and / or "printing" as used herein can include, but are not limited to, inkjet printing, laser printing, screen printing, giclee, pen and ink, painting, offset lithography, flexography, relief printing, rotogravure printing, dye transfer, and / or any suitable printing technique known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein. In another embodiment, the container lacks marking (such as, but not limited to, indicia identifying the product, its manufacturer, and / or its distributor).

[0017] In some embodiments, the interior and / or exterior surfaces of the blank and the resulting container are coated or sealed. Such coating or sealing can make the container water-resistant or bacteria-resistant. In other embodiments, the seal or coating can help preserve the freshness of a product (e.g., a produce product) held within the container. In any embodiment, such coating or sealing can be applied to any section of any surface of the container.

[0018] In some embodiments, the containers can include a means for de-nesting the containers when they are in a stacked configuration. In some embodiments, the de-nesting assembly is located at a bottom corner. The de-nesting assembly can include a de-nesting tab that prevents the containers from sticking together in the stacked configuration when folded inward, providing a gap between the flanges of the stacked containers. In another embodiment, the de-nesting tab can be located at an upper corner of the container, along the lower surface of the container flange. When the containers are stacked, the lower edge of the de-nesting tab of one container rests on the flange of the container below, thus providing a gap between the flanges. This gap allows the flanges to be more easily grasped by a human or machine, aiding in the separation of the containers.

[0019] In some embodiments, the container can include an opening defined in the bottom wall of the container. The opening can facilitate providing visual access into the container when the container is positioned in a bottom-up configuration (i.e., with the top surface or flange of the container in contact with a support surface). The opening can be covered by a transparent film to confine items within the container without obstructing visual access. When the containers are arranged in a side-by-side manner for display, the containers can be arranged in alternating bottom-up and top-up orientations to provide a reduced overall footprint for the arrangement of the containers compared to arranging the containers all in the same orientation, while still facilitating display within each of the containers regardless of their orientation.

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank 100 of sheet material is depicted. A container 200 (see FIG. 2) is formed from blank 100. Blank 100 has a first, or interior, surface 101 and an opposing, second, or exterior, surface 103. Furthermore, blank 100 defines a leading edge 102 and an opposing trailing edge 104. In one embodiment, blank 100 includes, in series from leading edge 102 to trailing edge 104, a first end panel 106, a bottom panel 108, and a second end panel 110, which are joined together along preformed, generally parallel fold lines 112 and 114, respectively.

[0021] More specifically, first end panel 106 extends from front edge 102 to fold line 112, bottom panel 108 extends from fold line 112 to fold line 114, and second end panel 110 extends from fold line 114 to rear edge 104. As further described herein, when container 200 is formed from blank 100, fold line 112 defines a bottom edge of first end panel 106 and a first end edge of bottom panel 108, and fold line 114 defines a second end edge of bottom panel 108 and a bottom edge of second end panel 110.

[0022] The first side panel 116 extends from a fold line at a first side edge 118 of the bottom panel 108 to a fold line 120, and the opposing second side panel 122 extends from a fold line at a second side edge 124 of the bottom panel 108 to a fold line 126. As described further herein, when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100, the fold line at the first side edge 118 defines the bottom edge of the first side panel 116 and the first side edge of the bottom panel 108, and the fold line at the second side edge 124 defines the second side edge of the bottom panel 108 and the bottom edge of the second side panel 122.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, and the second side panel 122 include a plurality of cutouts 128 defined therein. In the exemplary embodiment, the cutouts 128 are leaf-shaped, with the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, and the second side panel 122 each having six cutouts. Alternatively, the blank 100 can include any suitable number of cutouts 128 in any suitable shape and / or in any suitable location that enables the blank 100 and / or the container 200 to function as described herein. In still other embodiments, one or more of the panels 106, 110, 116, and 122 of the blank 100 may not have a cutout 128.

[0024] The first end panel 106 has a height H1, the second end panel 110 has a height H2, the first side panel 116 has a height H3, and the second side panel 122 has a height H4. In the exemplary embodiment, the height H1 of the first end panel 106, the height H2 of the second end panel 110, the height H3 of the first side panel 116, and the height H4 of the second side panel 122 are substantially the same. Additionally, the bottom panel 108 has a length L1 and a width W1. In the exemplary embodiment, the length L1 is greater than the width W1, such that the bottom panel 108 is rectangular. In alternative embodiments, the width W1 is substantially equal to or greater than the length L1.

[0025] In the exemplary embodiment, the side edges 170 of the end panels 106, 110 and the end edges 172 of the side panels 116, 122 are generally linear and extend at respective angles relative to the bottom panel 108. In other words, in the exemplary embodiment, the side edges 170 of the end panels 106, 110 are not parallel to the side edges 118, 124 of the bottom panel 108, and the end edges 172 of the side panels 116, 122 are not parallel to the end edges (at fold lines 112 and 114) of the bottom panel 108.

[0026] Thus, the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, and the second side panel 122 each have a generally trapezoidal shape, with the panels 106, 110, 116, 122 tapering outward as they extend away from the bottom panel 108. That is, the width (not specifically shown) of each of the end panels 106, 110 adjacent the bottom panel 108 is less than the width (not specifically shown) of each of the end panels 106, 110 opposite the bottom panel 108. Similarly, the length (not specifically shown) of each of the side panels 116, 122 adjacent the bottom panel 108 is less than the length (not specifically shown) of each of the side panels 116, 122 opposite the bottom panel 108.

[0027] Alternatively, the first end panel 106, the second end panel 110, the first side panel 116, the second side panel 122, and / or the bottom panel 108 can have any suitable shape and / or any suitable dimensions that enable the blank 100 and / or the container 200 to function as described herein.

[0028] An interior side panel 130 (also referred to as a glue panel) extends from each side edge of each end panel 106, 110 at a respective fold line 132. As such, the blank 100 includes four interior side panels 130. Each interior side panel 130 has a respective free edge 178 opposite the respective fold line 132 from which the interior side panel 130 extends. In the exemplary embodiment, the free edge 178 includes multiple linear portions (e.g., four adjacent linear portions, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the free edge 178 can be partially or completely arcuate, or can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0029] Additionally, a first end flange panel 134 extends from first end panel 106, and a second end flange panel 138 extends from second end panel 110. More specifically, first end flange panel 134 extends from leading edge 102 to a fold line 136 at the top edge of first end panel 106, and second end flange panel 138 extends from a fold line 140 at the top edge of second end panel 110 to trailing edge 104.

[0030] The first and second flange panels 134, 138 include first and second end flange tabs 142, 144, respectively. The first and second end flange tabs 142 extend from respective fold lines 166 at respective side edges of the first end flange panel 134, and the second end flange tabs 144 extend from respective fold lines 168 at respective side edges of the second end flange panel 138. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second end flange tabs 142, 144 each have a generally arcuate free outer edge 146 and a generally linear free inner edge 148. As described further herein with respect to the container 200, the shape of the free outer edge 146 generally defines the shape of the corners 218 (see FIG. 2 ) of the formed top flange 214 of the container 200 when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100. Thus, in various alternative embodiments, the first end flange tab 142 and the second end flange tab 144 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0031] First side flange panel 150 extends from first side panel 116, and second side flange panel 152 extends from second side panel 122. More specifically, first side flange panel 150 extends from fold line 120 to a free edge 154 (also referred to as the first side edge of blank 100), and second side flange panel 152 extends from fold line 126 to a free edge 156 (also referred to as the second side edge of blank 100).

[0032] The first and second side flange panels 150, 152 include a first and second side flange tab 158, 160, respectively. The first side flange tab 158 extends from an end edge of each of the first side flange panels 150, and the second side flange tab 160 extends from an end edge of each of the second side flange panels 152. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second side flange tabs 158, 160 has a generally arcuate free outer edge 162 and a generally linear free inner edge 164, respectively. As described further herein with respect to the container 200, the shape of the free outer edge 162 generally defines the shape of the corner 218 (see FIG. 2 ) of the formed top flange 214 of the container 200 when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100. Thus, in various alternative embodiments, the first side flange tab 158 and the second side flange tab 160 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0033] Also in the exemplary embodiment, first end flange tab 142 and second end flange tab 144 each include a respective notch 184 defined between its inner edge 148 and the side edge of the respective end flange panel 134 / 138 from which end flange tab 142 / 144 extends. Similarly, first side flange tab 158 and second side flange tab 160 each include a respective notch 186 defined between its inner edge 164 and the end edge of the respective side flange panel 150 / 152 from which side flange tab 158 / 160 extends. These notches 184, 186 improve the formation of the container 200 formed from the blank 100 by reducing interference between adjacent end flange tabs 142 / 144 and side flange tabs 158 / 160 when the blank 100 is folded into the container 200, as described further herein. Additionally, the notches 184, 186 can facilitate the folding and / or joining or mating of the respective flange panels and / or flange tabs.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, the side flange tabs 158, 160 are "deeper" or extend further inward toward the bottom panel 108 than the end flange tabs 142, 144. That is, the side flange tabs 158, 160 may have more extension horizontally (with respect to the view of FIG. 1) than the end flange tabs 142, 144 extend vertically (with respect to the view of FIG. 1).

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, the fold lines 166, 168 adjacent the end flange tabs 142, 144 are generally aligned with the side edges 170 of the end panels 106, 110. That is, each end flange tab 142, 144 can be folded diagonally relative to the end flange panel 134 / 138 from which it extends. Additionally, the fold lines 180, 182 adjacent the side flange tabs 158, 160 are generally perpendicular to the fold lines 120, 126. That is, each side flange tab 158, 160 can be folded substantially perpendicular to the side flange panel 150 / 152 from which it extends. In other embodiments, the respective fold lines 166, 168, 180, 182 of the respective flange tabs 142, 144, 158, 160 can have any orientation that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0036] In some embodiments, portions of the flange tabs 142, 144, 158, 160 have a reduced thickness so that corners 218 of the flange 214 (see FIG. 2) formed from the connected flange tabs have improved de-nesting characteristics when the container 200 is formed from the blank 100. The thickness of the flange tabs 142, 144, 158, 160 can be reduced by scoring, compressing, crushing, or the like, of one or more portions of the flange tabs 142, 144, 158, 160.

[0037] 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary container 200 formed from blank 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Container 200 includes a bottom wall 202, first and second opposing end walls 204, 206, and first and second opposing side walls 208, 210. Generally, the bottom wall 202 comprises the bottom panel 108 of the blank 100, the first end wall 204 comprises the first end panel 106, the second end wall 206 comprises the second end panel 110, the first side wall 208 comprises the first side panel 116 and two interior side panels 130 (one extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110), and the second end wall 210 comprises the second side panel 122 and two interior side panels 130 (one extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110). The end walls 204, 206, side walls 208, 210, and bottom wall 202 define a cavity 212 of the container 200 for receiving and holding a product (not shown) therein.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, due to the trapezoidal shape of panels 106, 110, 116, and 122, first and second end walls 204, 206 and first and second side walls 208, 210 extend obliquely away from bottom wall 202. Specifically, in one embodiment, each end wall 204, 206 and each side wall 208, 210 each form an internal angle with bottom wall 202 that is greater than about 90 degrees. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, walls 204, 206, 208, 210 of the formed container 200 are generally angled outward (i.e., away from) bottom wall 202 of container 200. Thus, the resulting container 200 is generally in the shape of a trapezoidal prism or a truncated pyramid. However, in alternative embodiments, the end walls 204, 206 and side walls 208, 210 may form any angle with the bottom wall 202 that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0039] The container 200 also includes a flange 214 extending from the top of each of the first and second end walls 204, 206 and the first and second side walls 208, 210. In the exemplary embodiment, the flange 214 extends outward (or away from the cavity 212) and is bounded by a free edge 216, which includes both straight and arcuate segments; specifically, the corners 218 of the flange 214 are generally arcuate. In the exemplary embodiment, the flange 214 is oriented parallel to the bottom wall 202. Due to the orientation of the walls of the container 200, the flange 214 is oriented obliquely relative to the first and second end walls 204, 206 and the first and second side walls 208, 210. Alternatively, the flange 214 may extend in any direction and may have any suitable shape that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0040] The container 200 is formed by folding the various panels and tabs of the blank 100 along respective fold lines. Specifically, each interior side panel 130 is rotated about fold line 132 toward the interior surface 101 of the respective end panel 106, 110 so that each interior side panel 130 is substantially perpendicular to the respective end panel 106, 110. The first and second end panels 106, 110 are rotated about fold lines 112 and 114, respectively, toward the interior surface 101 of the bottom panel 108 to form first and second end walls 204, 206, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second end panels 106, 110 are rotated to form an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom panel 108. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second end panels 106, 110 may form any angle with the bottom panel 108 that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0041] The first side panel 116 is rotated about fold line 118 toward the interior surface 101 of the bottom panel 108 so as to face the exterior surfaces 103 of the two interior side panels 130. Similarly, the second side panel 122 is rotated about fold line 124 toward the interior surface 101 of the bottom panel 108 so as to face the exterior surfaces 103 of the other two interior side panels 130. In one embodiment, the first and second side panels 116, 122 are rotated to form an angle greater than 90 degrees with the bottom panel 108. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second side panels 116, 122 can be rotated to form any angle with the bottom panel 108 that enables the blank 100 and / or container 200 to function as described herein.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, adhesive (specifically, a hot melt adhesive) is applied to the end portions of the interior surfaces 101 of the first and second side panels 116, 122. Thus, when these panels 116, 122 are rotated into face-to-face contact with the interior side panel 130, the end portions of the interior surfaces 101 of the panels 116, 122 are respectively coupled and adhered to the exterior surface 103 of the interior side panel 130, thereby forming the end walls 204, 206 and the side walls 208, 210.

[0043] In alternative embodiments, adhesive can be applied to the interior surface 101 of the interior side panel 130. In such cases, the side panels 116, 122 can be rotated into position first, and the end panels 106, 110 can be rotated thereafter, such that the interior side panel 130 is coupled and adhered to the exterior surface 103 of the side panels 116, 122. In further alternative embodiments, the interior side panels can instead extend from the side panels 116, 122; in such cases, adhesive can be applied, and the panels 106, 110, 116, 122 can be rotated in any suitable order to form the container 200.

[0044] Additionally, substantially simultaneously with the formation of the walls of the container 200 (e.g., during the same forming step), the side flange panels 150, 152 are rotated outward (e.g., away from the bottom wall 202) about the fold lines 120, 126, respectively, until the side flange panels 150, 152 are parallel to the bottom wall 202. The side flange tabs 158, 160 are moved along with the side flange panels 150, 152. That is, the rotation of the side flange panels 150, 152 results in the simultaneous rotation of the side flange tabs 158, 160 to a parallel orientation relative to the bottom wall 202.

[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, the walls of the container 200 are formed substantially simultaneously with the rotation of the side flange panels 150, 152. However, the rotation of the side flange panels 150, 152 can occur prior to or during the folding of the end panels 106, 110 to form the side walls 204, 206. In particular, the side flange panels 150, 152 are folded to avoid interference between the end flange tabs 142, 144 and the side flange tabs 158, 160 at the corners of the partially formed container. Even more specifically, because the end flange tabs 142, 144 are "shorter" or "shallower" than the side flange tabs 158, 160 (e.g., their inner edges extend less than the inner edges of the side flange tabs 158, 160), the inner edges of the end flange tabs 142, 144 do not "catch" on the folded side flange tabs 158, 160 when the end panels 106, 110 are folded inward to form the side wall portions 204, 206.

[0046] In a separate step (e.g., after a predetermined amount of time, which may be from a few milliseconds to a few seconds), end flange panels 134, 138 are rotated outward (e.g., away from bottom wall 202) about fold lines 136, 140, respectively, until end flange panels 134, 138 are parallel to bottom wall 202. End flange tabs 142, 144 are moved along with end flange panels 134, 138. That is, the rotation of end flange panels 134, 138 results in the simultaneous rotation of end flange tabs 142, 144 to a parallel orientation relative to bottom wall 202. Moreover, this rotation of end flange panels 134, 138 couples outer surfaces 103 of end flange tabs 142, 144 into a face-to-face relationship with inner surfaces 101 of side flange tabs 158, 160 (which are already in their final positions because they were previously rotated).

[0047] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, an adhesive (e.g., a hot melt adhesive, etc.) is applied to the interior surfaces 101 of the side flange tabs 158, 160 prior to the formation of the container 200 (e.g., simultaneously with the application of adhesive to the side panels 116, 122). Thus, when the side flange panels 150, 152 are rotated followed by the rotation of the end flange panels 134, 138, the exterior surfaces 103 of the end flange tabs 142, 144 are coupled and adhered to the interior surfaces 101 of the side flange tabs 158, 160.

[0048] Thereafter, the end flange panels 134, 138, side flange panels 150, 152, end flange tabs 142, 144, and side flange tabs 158, 160 are appropriately oriented and secured to form the flange 214. A flange corner 218 is formed at the overlap of the corresponding end flange tabs 142, 144 and side flange tabs 158, 160. In exemplary embodiments, the flange 214 (also referred to as the "top flange") is substantially flat or planar and is stronger than conventional flanges that are not glued (or are not glued until the container is sealed). In at least some cases, if the end flange tabs 142, 144 and / or the side flange tabs 158, 160 are characterized by a reduced thickness, the overall flange 214 can be even more desirably planar, which can improve the sealing characteristics and / or rigidity of the container 200.

[0049] Once formed, the containers 200 are nested or stacked for storage and / or transportation (see stack 300 of containers 200 shown in FIG. 3). In some cases, these containers 200 are ultimately used to hold various objects. In some embodiments, the stack 300 of containers 200 is delivered to a filling location, where individual containers 200 are removed from the stack 300. As described herein, flange corners 218 of the containers 200 (including end flange tabs 142, 144 and / or side flange tabs 158, 160 that are embossed and / or feature a reduced thickness) can improve the de-nesting characteristics of the containers 200.

[0050] The open, empty, de-nested container 200 is then filled with product (e.g., produce). A film 220 is placed across the top of the container 200 and sealed against the flange 214 to form a seal. The film 220 can be coupled and adhered to the flange 214 using any suitable method or material (e.g., adhesive, heat sealing, etc.).

[0051] As explained elsewhere herein, the flange 214 of the container 200 provides a structural advantage over the flanges of similar containers. That is, applying an adhesive to the side flange tabs 158, 160 to connect the end flange tabs 142, 144 to the side flange tabs 158, 160 during the initial formation of the container 200 improves both the structural integrity and sealing capabilities of the container 200. While conventional containers may have top flanges, as explained above, such conventional containers are not formed in the same manner as the container 200 (i.e., do not include a formed flange or do not have adhesive applied to join the flange tabs during the initial container formation), and therefore, the container 200 provides an improvement over known conventional containers.

[0052] Applying adhesive when connecting the end flange tabs 142, 144 to the side flange tabs 158, 160 reinforces and strengthens the corners 218 of the flange 214, thus improving the structural rigidity of the container 200. For example, the container 200 may be able to hold a heavier weight of product and / or more effectively prevent liquid leakage. Such improvements may also reduce the risk of structural failure of the container 200 when filled and sealed. Additionally, such reinforcement promotes improved sealing of the container 200. Moreover, the flange 214 may be substantially flatter than flanges of conventional containers. Such a flange 214 allows for easier, faster, simpler, and / or more cost-effective (e.g., using less sealing material) application of a sealing film to the sealed container 200. These improvements allow the container 200 to function more effectively than other conventional containers.

[0053] Figure 4 is a top view of an alternative blank 400 of sheet material for forming a container 500 (see Figure 5). Blank 400 is substantially similar to blank 100 (shown in Figure 1), except as described below. As such, components common to blank 100 and blank 400 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0054] In one embodiment, the blank 400 includes cutouts 402 extending from the fold lines 112, 114, 118, 120, 124, 126, 136, 140 into each of the first end panel 106, second end panel 110, first side panel 116, and second side panel 122. In this embodiment, the cutouts 402 have a generally rectangular shape adjacent the fold lines 112, 114, 118, 120, 124, 126, 136, 140 and a generally semicircular shape at the opposite ends. In the exemplary embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 contains four cutouts 402 and each side panel contains five cutouts 402. In alternative embodiments, blank 400 may include any suitable number of cutouts 402 in any suitable location having any suitable shape that enables blank 400 and / or container 500 to function as described herein.

[0055] In one embodiment, the blank 400 also includes interior side panels 430 having a different overall shape than the interior side panels 130 of the blank 100. The interior side panels 430 of the blank 400 have free edges 178 opposite the fold lines 132, the free edges 178 including a plurality of linear and curved portions. Among other things, each free edge 178 includes a curved notch 404 to prevent the interior side edges 430 from covering or otherwise interfering with the cutouts 402 in the side panels 116, 122 when the container 500 is formed from the blank. That is, the curved notches 404 in the interior side panels 430 keep the interior side panels 430 from overlapping with the cutouts 402 in the side panels 116, 122. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the free edges 178 may have any suitable shape that enables the blank 400 and / or container 500 to function as described herein.

[0056] Additionally, the bottom panel 108 of blank 400 is smaller and more square-shaped than the bottom panel 108 of blank 100. In the exemplary embodiment, like blank 100, blank 400 includes end flange tabs 142, 144 and side flange tabs 158, 160. However, in blank 400, the fold lines 166, 168, 180, 182 that demarcate the flange tabs are angled so that each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 can be folded perpendicular to its respective flange panel 134, 138, 150, 152. In other embodiments, the fold lines 166, 168, 180, 182 can have any orientation that enables blank 400 and / or container 500 to function as described herein.

[0057] 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary container 500 formed from blank 400 (shown in FIG. 4). Container 500 is substantially similar to container 200 (shown in FIG. 2) and is formed from blank 400 using methods similar to forming container 200 from blank 100. Container 500 can have different dimensions than container 200.

[0058] 6 is a top view of an alternative blank 600 of sheet material for forming a container. Blank 600 is substantially similar to blank 100 (shown in FIG. 1), except as described below. As such, components common to blank 100 and blank 600 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0059] In one embodiment, blank 600 includes cutouts 602 extending along fold lines 112, 114, 118, 124, 120, 126, 136, and 140. Additionally, fold line 604 between side panels 116, 122 and interior end panel 606 (described further herein) also has cutouts 602 extending therethrough. In the exemplary embodiment, cutouts 602 have a general "stadium" shape. In alternative embodiments, blank 600 can include any suitable number of cutouts 602 having any suitable shape that enables blank 600 and / or any container formed therefrom to function as described herein.

[0060] In one embodiment, the blank 600 also includes interior end panels 606 that extend along fold lines 604 from the end edges of the first and second side panels 116, 122, rather than from the interior side panels 130 of the blank 100. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, the blank 600 includes four interior end panels 606. In the exemplary embodiment, the interior end panels 606 have a different overall shape than the interior side panels 130 of the blank 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the interior end panels 606 have free edges 608 opposite the fold lines 604, the free edges 608 including a plurality of linear and / or curved portions. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the free edges 608 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 600 and / or any container formed therefrom to function as described herein.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 has a notch 610 formed in its side edge. In the exemplary embodiment, when the container 700 is formed from the blank 600, the notch 610 accommodates the cutout 602 in the interior end panel 606 of the blank 600. That is, when formed, the notch 610 prevents the end panels 106, 110 from overlapping the cutout 602 in the interior end panel 606.

[0062] Additionally, the blank 600 includes notches 612 formed in the side panels 116, 122 between the bottom edge of the inner end panel 606 and the fold lines 118 / 124. The notches 612 can facilitate folding and / or joining or mating of the respective flange panels and / or flange tabs.

[0063] In this exemplary embodiment, the end flange tabs 142, 144 and side flange tabs 158, 160 of the blank 600 do not include notches 182 / 184 and are of a different general shape than the flange tabs in the blank 100. In the blank 600, each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 has a respective free edge 146, which includes a curved portion and a straight portion. Additionally, the fold lines 166, 168, 180, 182 that define each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 are angled to allow each flange tab 142, 144, 158, 160 to be folded diagonally relative to its respective flange panel 134, 138, 150, 152.

[0064] A container formed from blank 600 is formed in a manner similar to container 200, with inner end panel 606 of blank 600 folded in a manner similar to inner side panel 130 of blank 100, but connected to end panels 106, 110 instead of side panels 116, 122.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternative blank 800 of sheet material for forming a container.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, similar to blank 100, blank 800 includes a first end panel 802, a second end panel 804, a first side panel 806, a second side panel 808, and a bottom panel 810. First end panel 802, second end panel 804, first side panel 806, and second side panel 808 each have a generally trapezoidal shape, and bottom panel 810 has a generally rectangular shape with chamfered corners. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, bottom panel 810 has eight edges. Also, like blank 100, blank 800 includes a first end flange panel 812, a second end flange panel 814, a first side flange panel 816, and a second side flange panel 818, as well as a first end flange tab 820, a second end flange tab 822, a first side flange tab 824, and a second side flange tab 826.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment, flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 of blank 800 have a different size and overall shape than the flange tabs of blank 100. Notably, flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 each have a respective free end edge 828 that includes a plurality of straight and / or curved lines. In the exemplary embodiment, flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 also each include a respective notch 830 positioned on its respective inner edge 832. Flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 can have any suitable shape that enables blank 800 and / or container 900 to function as described herein.

[0068] Also, in the exemplary embodiment, blank 800 includes corner panels 834 extending from fold lines 836 at the chamfered or angled corners of bottom panel 810. Interior corner panels 838 (also referred to as glue panels) extend from each side edge of each corner panel 834. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, blank 800 includes eight interior corner panels 838. Each interior corner panel 838 extends from the side edge of its respective corner panel 834 at fold lines 840 (for clarity, only one fold line 840 is labeled in FIG. 7 ).

[0069] Additionally, the corner panels 834 of the blank 800 each include a corner flange panel 842. Each corner flange panel 842 extends from a respective fold line 844 to a free edge 845 at the top of the respective corner panel 834. A corner flange tab 846 extends from a respective end edge of each corner flange panel 842. In the exemplary embodiment, the corner flange tabs 846 are each bounded by a fold line 848 as well as a free edge 849. In the exemplary embodiment, the corner flange tabs 846 also include a notch 850 defined in their inner edges. The fold line 848 bounding each corner flange tab 846 is angled to allow each corner flange tab 846 to be folded diagonally relative to its respective corner flange panel 842. In other embodiments, the fold line 848 can have any orientation that enables the blank 800 and / or container 900 to function as described herein.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiment, similar to blank 100, first end panel 802, second end panel 804, first side panel 806, and second side panel 808 include a plurality of cutouts 852 defined therein. Specifically, first and second end panels 806, 808 each include three cutouts 852 positioned near fold lines 854, 856, and first and second side panels 806, 808 each include four cutouts 852 positioned near fold lines 858, 860. Alternatively, blank 800 can include any suitable number of cutouts 852 of any suitable shape and / or in any suitable location that enables blank 800 and / or container 900 to function as described herein.

[0071] In some embodiments, portions of the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, 846 have a reduced thickness so that corners 918 (see FIG. 8) of the flange 914 formed from the coupled flange tabs have improved de-nesting characteristics when the container 900 is formed from the blank 800. The thickness of the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, 846 can be reduced by scoring, compressing, crushing, and the like, of one or more portions of the flange tabs.

[0072] 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary octagonal container 900 formed from blank 800 (shown in FIG. 7). Container 900 includes a bottom wall 902, first and second opposing end walls 904, 906, first and second opposing side walls 908, 910, and four angled corner walls 920. Generally, the bottom wall 902 comprises the bottom panel 810 of the blank 800, the first end wall 904 comprises the first end panel 802 and two interior corner panels 838, the second end wall 906 comprises the second end panel 804 and two interior corner panels 838, the first side wall 908 comprises the first side panel 806 and two interior corner panels 838, and the second end wall 910 comprises the second side panel 808 and two interior corner panels 838, and each corner wall 920 comprises one of the corner panels 834. The end walls 904, 906, side walls 908, 910, corner walls 920, and bottom wall 902 define a cavity 912 of the container 900 for receiving and holding a product (not shown) therein. Like container 200, the walls of container 900 are oriented obliquely at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to bottom wall 902. In the exemplary embodiment, bottom wall 902 of container 900 has a generally rectangular shape with straight, chamfered corners. Thus, bottom wall 902 of container 900 includes eight sides. Alternatively, container 900 can have any suitable shape and / or dimensions that enable blank 800 and / or container 900 to function as described herein.

[0073] The container 900 also includes a flange 914 extending from the top of the walls 904, 906, 908, 910, and 920. In the exemplary embodiment, the flange 914 extends outward (or away from the cavity 912) and is bounded by a free edge 916, which includes both straight and arcuate segments; specifically, the corners 918 of the flange 914 formed by the corner flange panels 842 are generally arcuate. In the exemplary embodiment, the flange 914 is oriented parallel to the bottom wall 902. Due to the orientation of the walls of the container 900, the flange 914 is oriented at an angle relative to the walls 904, 906, 908, 910, and 920. Alternatively, the flange 914 can extend in any direction and have any suitable shape that enables the container 900 to function as described herein.

[0074] The container 900 is formed by folding the various panels and tabs of the blank 800 along respective fold lines. Specifically, the corner panel 834 is rotated inward (toward the bottom panel 810) about fold line 836, and the interior corner panel 838 is rotated inward (toward its respective corner panel 834) about fold line 840. The first side panel 806 is rotated toward the interior surface of the bottom panel 810 about approximately fold line 858, and the second side panel 808 is rotated toward the interior surface of the bottom panel 810 about fold line 860. Each of the first side panel 806 and the second side panel 808 is coupled to the two respective interior corner panels 834 using an adhesive (e.g., a hot melt adhesive, etc.) to form side walls 908, 910. The first end panel 802 is rotated toward the interior surface of the bottom panel 810 about fold line 854, and the second end panel 804 is rotated toward the interior surface of the bottom panel 810 about fold line 856. Each of the first end panel 802 and second end panel 804 is coupled to two respective interior corner panels 838 using an adhesive (e.g., a hot melt adhesive, etc.) to form end walls 904, 906. The first side panel 806, second side panel 808, first end panel 802, and second end panel 804 can be rotated about fold lines 858, 860, 854, 856, respectively, and attached to the interior corner panels 838 in any order that enables the blank 800 and / or container 900 to function as described herein.

[0075] Additionally, substantially simultaneously with the formation of the walls of the container 900 (e.g., during the same formation step), the end flange panels 812, 814 and side flange panels 816, 818 are rotated outward (e.g., away from the bottom wall 902) until the flange panels 812, 814, 816, 818 are parallel to the bottom wall 902. This rotation of the flange panels 812, 814, 816, 818 results in the simultaneous rotation of the flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 to a parallel orientation relative to the bottom wall 202.

[0076] In a separate step (e.g., after a predetermined amount of time, which may be from a few milliseconds to a few seconds), corner flange panel 842 is rotated outward about fold line 844 until corner flange panel 842 is substantially parallel to bottom panel 810. The rotation of corner flange panel 842 results in a simultaneous rotation of corner flange tab 846 to a parallel orientation relative to bottom wall 202. Moreover, this rotation of corner flange panel 842 connects corner flange tab 846 in an overlapping relationship with end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 (which are already in their final positions because they were previously rotated).

[0077] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, an adhesive (e.g., a hot melt adhesive, etc.) is applied to the interior surfaces of the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 prior to formation of the container 900. Thus, when the end and side flange panels 812, 814, 816, 818 are rotated followed by the corner flange panel 842, the exterior surfaces of the corner flange tabs 846 are coupled and adhered to the interior surfaces of the corresponding end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826.

[0078] When formed using the methods described herein, container 900 includes the same advantages as container 200. Specifically, flange 914 (also referred to as the "top flange") is substantially flat or planar and is more sturdy compared to conventional flanges that are not glued (or are not glued until the container is sealed). In at least some cases, if any flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, and / or 846 feature a reduced thickness, the overall flange 914 can be even more desirably planar, which can improve the sealing qualities and / or rigidity of container 900.

[0079] Once formed, the containers 900 are nested or stacked for storage and / or transportation. In some cases, these containers 900 are ultimately used to hold various objects. In some embodiments, a stack of containers 900 is delivered to a filling location, where individual containers 900 are removed from the stack. As described herein, flange corners 918 of the containers 900 (including flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826, and / or 846 that are embossed and / or feature reduced thickness) can improve the de-nesting characteristics of the containers 900.

[0080] The open, empty, de-nested container 900 is then filled with product (e.g., produce). A film (not shown) is placed across the top of the container 900 and sealed against the flange 914 to form a seal. The film can be connected and adhered to the flange 914 using any suitable method or material (e.g., adhesive, heat sealing, etc.). As described elsewhere herein, the flange 914 of the container 900 provides a structural advantage over the flanges of similar conventional containers. That is, applying adhesive to the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 to connect the corner flange tabs 846 to the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 during the initial formation of the container 900 improves both the structural integrity and sealing capabilities of the container 900. Conventional containers may have an upper flange, but as explained above, such conventional containers are not formed in the same manner as container 900 (i.e., do not include a formed flange or do not have adhesive applied to join the flange tabs during initial container formation), and therefore container 900 provides an improvement over known conventional containers.

[0081] Applying adhesive when connecting the end and side flange tabs 820, 822, 824, 826 to the corner flange tab 846 reinforces and strengthens the corners 918 of the flange 914, thus improving the structural rigidity of the container 900. For example, the container 900 may be able to hold a heavier weight of product and / or more effectively prevent liquid leakage. Such improvements may also reduce the risk of structural failure of the container 900 when filled and sealed. Additionally, such reinforcement promotes improved sealing of the container 900. Moreover, the flange 914 may be substantially flatter than flanges of conventional containers. Such a flange 914 allows for easier, faster, simpler, and / or more cost-effective (e.g., using less sealing material) application of a sealing film to the sealed container 900. These improvements allow the container 900 to function more effectively than other conventional containers.

[0082] 9 is a flow diagram of a method 1000 for forming a container from a blank. In some embodiments, the blank includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, two opposing end panels, respective end flange panels extending from a top edge of each end panel, respective end flange tabs extending from a respective side edge of each end flange panel, respective side flange panels extending from a top edge of each side panel, and respective side flange tabs extending from a respective end edge of each side flange panel. Method 1000 includes step 1002 of applying hot melt adhesive to an inner surface of the side flange tabs, step 1004 of rotating the end panels inward toward the bottom panel, and step 1006 of rotating the side panels inward toward the bottom panel. Method 1000 also includes step 1008 of rotating the side flange panels outwardly to a parallel orientation relative to the bottom panel, and step 1010 of rotating the end flange panels to a parallel orientation relative to the bottom panel after rotating step 1008. Method 1000 also includes step 1012 of connecting the end flange tabs to the side flange tabs to form a container having a fully formed top flange.

[0083] In some embodiments, the blank further includes respective interior side panels extending from respective side edges of the respective end panels. In some such cases, the method 1000 further includes applying a hot melt adhesive to a portion of the interior surface of the side panels, rotating the interior side panels inwardly, performing a rotating step 1008 after the step of rotating the interior side panels, and coupling the side panels to the interior side panels.

[0084] Method 1000 may include additional, fewer, and / or alternative steps, including steps disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0085] Figure 10A is a top view of an alternative blank 1100 of sheet material for forming a container 1200 (see Figure 11). Blank 1100 is substantially similar to blank 100 (shown in Figure 1), except as described below. As such, components common to blank 100 and blank 1100 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0086] In one embodiment, the blank 1100 includes cutouts 1102 defined in the first end panel 106 and the second end panel 110. In an exemplary embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 contains four cutouts 1102. In alternative embodiments, cutouts may be defined in the first side panel 116 and the second side panel 122. The blank 1100 may include any suitable number of cutouts 1102 in any suitable location having any suitable shape that enables the blank 1100 and / or container 1200 to function as described herein.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment, blank 1100 includes interior side panels 1104 that have a different overall shape than interior side panels 130 of blank 100. Interior side panels 1104 of blank 1100 each include a free edge 178 that is opposite and substantially parallel to fold lines 132. Free edges 178 each extend along the length of a respective fold line 132 and terminate transversely at end edges 172 of side panels 116, 122, respectively.

[0088] Additionally, the bottom panel 108 of the blank 1100 is smaller and more square-shaped than the bottom panel 108 of the blank 100. In the exemplary embodiment, four de-nesting assemblies 1105 are included, positioned at each corner of the bottom panel 108. Alternative embodiments may include any suitable number of de-nesting assemblies 1105. For example, only one de-nesting assembly 1105 may be positioned at one corner of the bottom panel 108. The blank 1100 may include any number of de-nesting assemblies 1105 that enables the blank 1100 and / or container 1200 to function as described herein.

[0089] Figure 10B depicts an enlarged view of region B of the blank 1100 shown in Figure 10A. The de-nesting assembly 1105 includes a de-nesting tab 1106 and a de-nesting cutout 1118. The de-nesting tab 1106 includes a first triangular section 1108 defined in the interior side panel 1104, a second triangular section 1110 defined in the end panels 106, 110, a side fold line 1112, a center fold line 1122, a bottom fold line 1124, a first teardrop-shaped lobe 1116, and a second teardrop-shaped lobe 1117. Triangular sections 1108, 1110 are defined by side fold lines 1112, a center fold line 1122, and a bottom fold line 1124, with side fold lines 1112 extending from a point 1114 along fold line 132 (shown in FIG. 10A ) and extending outward at an acute angle. Teardrop-shaped lobes 1116, 1117 are adjacent to triangular sections 1108, 1110 and extend into de-nesting cutouts 1118. Bottom fold line 1124 is positioned between triangular sections 1108, 1110 and teardrop-shaped lobes 1116, 1117. De-nesting cutouts 1118 are empty spaces in the blank where no sheet material is present. The de-nesting cutouts 1118 are located at the corners of the bottom panel 108 and extend further at an angle across the corners of the side panels 116, 122.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of exemplary container 1200 (shown in FIG. 11 ) formed from blank 1100 (shown in FIG. 10A ). Container 1200 is substantially similar to container 200 (shown in FIG. 2 ) and is formed from blank 1100 using a method similar to forming container 200 from blank 100. Container 1200 may have different dimensions than container 200 and further includes a de-nesting assembly 1105. In addition to the method described with respect to forming container 200 from blank 100, additional steps are required to form container 1200 from blank 1100. When panels 106, 110, 116, and 122 are folded upward to form container 1200, de-nesting tab 1106 is folded along fold lines 1112, 1122, 1124 into cavity 1220 (as shown in FIG. 12 ) of the formed container 1200. The de-nesting assembly 1105, particularly each of the fold lines 1112, 1122, 1124 and the cutout 1118, cooperate to allow the de-nesting tab 1106 to bend inward toward the cavity 1220. The de-nesting cutout 1118 further includes an arched edge 1120 that provides clearance for the teardrop-shaped lobes 1116, 1117 of the de-nesting tab 1106 to bend inward toward the cavity 1220. As a result, the de-nesting tabs 1106 on the formed container 1200 each extend into the cavity 1220 at an acute angle relative to their starting position.

[0091] 12 is another perspective view of container 1200 (shown in FIG. 11) formed from blank 1100 (shown in FIG. 10A). Container 1200 includes a bottom wall 1210, a first end wall 1212, a second end wall 1214, a first side wall 1216, and a second side wall 1218. The bottom wall 1210 comprises the bottom panel 108 of the blank 1100, the first end wall 1212 comprises the first end panel 106, the second end wall 1214 comprises the second end panel 110, the first side wall 1216 comprises the first side panel 116 and two interior side panels 1104 (one extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110), and the second side wall 1218 comprises the second side panel 122 and two interior side panels 1104 (one extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110). The walls form a cavity 1220.

[0092] The container 1200 also includes a flange 1222 extending from the top of each of the first and second end walls 1212, 1214 and the first and second side walls 1216, 1218. In the exemplary embodiment, the flange 1222 extends outward (or away from the cavity 1220).

[0093] FIG. 13 is another perspective view of container 1200 (shown in FIG. 11) formed from blank 1100 (shown in FIG. 10A).

[0094] 14 is a perspective view of a stack 1300 of multiple containers 1200, which are nested or stacked for storage and / or transport. The extended de-nesting tabs 1106 ensure that the containers 1200 do not stick together when nested in the stack 1300 and provide approximately equal spacing 1302 between the flanges 1222 of each container 1200. The spacing 1302 between the flanges 1222 allows an operator or machine to grasp an individual container 1200 and prevents the container from sticking to another container in the stack 1300.

[0095] Figure 15 is a top view of an alternative blank 1400 for forming a container 1500 (see Figure 16). Blank 1400 is substantially similar to blank 100 (shown in Figure 1) and blank 1100 (shown in Figure 10A), except as described below. As such, components common to blank 100, blank 1100, and blank 1400 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0096] The blank 1400 includes a bottom panel 108, a first end panel 106, a second end panel 110, a first side panel 116, a second side panel 122, and an interior side panel 130 projecting outwardly from opposite sides of the first end panel 106 and the second end panel 110. In one embodiment, the blank 1400 includes cutouts 1402 defined in the first end panel 106 and the second end panel 110. In the exemplary embodiment, each end panel 106, 110 contains four cutouts 1402. In alternative embodiments, cutouts may be defined in the first side panel 116 and the second side panel 122. The blank 1400 can include any suitable number of cutouts 1402 in any suitable location having any suitable shape that enables the blank 1400 and / or container 1500 to function as described herein.

[0097] FIG. 15 further depicts an enlarged view of the de-nesting tabs 1404 (alternatively referred to as "de-nesting assemblies" in the embodiment of FIG. 15). The blank 1400 includes four de-nesting tabs 1404 positioned on the upper or top corners of the side panels 116, 122 (i.e., adjacent flange panels 150), although other embodiments may include any suitable number of de-nesting tabs. The de-nesting tabs 1404 extend outward from the end edge 172 and along the fold line 120 of the first side flange panel 150. The de-nesting tabs 1404 include a curved edge 1406 along the first side flange tab 158 and a lower edge 1408 that is approximately perpendicular to the end edge 172.

[0098] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary container 1500 formed from blank 1400 (shown in Figure 15). Container 1500 is substantially similar to container 200 (shown in Figure 2) and container 1200 (shown in Figure 11) and is formed from blank 1400 using a method similar to forming container 200 from blank 100, except for differences described below. Container 1500 may have different dimensions than container 200 and further includes a de-nesting tab 1404. Container 1500 includes a bottom wall (not shown), a first end wall 1502, a second end wall (not shown), a first side wall 1504, and a second side wall (not shown). The bottom wall (not shown) includes the bottom panel 108 of the blank 1400, the first end wall 1502 includes the first end panel 106, the second end wall (not shown) includes the second end panel 110, the first side wall 1504 includes the first side panel 116 and two interior side panels 130 (one extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110), and the second side wall (not shown) includes the second side panel 122 and two interior side panels 130 (one extending from each of the first and second end panels 106, 110). The walls form a cavity 1506. The container 1500 further includes flanges 1508 that protrude from the tops of the first end wall portion 1502, the second end wall portion (not shown), the first side wall portion 1504, and the second side wall portion (not shown).

[0099] The de-nesting tabs 1404 are positioned adjacent the flange 1508 and project outward from the side wall 1504, beyond the end wall 1502, and in the same plane as the side wall 1504. In the exemplary embodiment, at least one de-nesting tab 1404 is provided at each corner of the container 1500 when assembled into the container 1500. The de-nesting tabs 1404 extend into the profile of the flange 1508 and do not extend beyond a peripheral outer edge 1512 of the flange 1508. A notch 1510 is formed between the curved edge 1406 and the flange 1508.

[0100] 17 is a perspective view of a stack 1600 of multiple containers 1500, showing the containers 1500 when nested or stacked for storage and / or transport. The lower edges 1408 of the de-nesting tabs 1404 contact the upper surfaces of the flanges 1508, and a space 1602 is defined between the respective flanges 1508. Force is translated through the lower edges 1408 of the de-nesting tabs 1404 of one container 1500 to the flange 1508 of the container 1500 below. The space 1602 is essentially equal between the respective flanges 1508 and is maintained by the de-nesting tabs 1404.

[0101] The spaces 1602 prevent the flanges 1508 from directly contacting each other. In some cases, the flanges 1508 may have excess glue from the process of forming the containers 1500. Preventing flange-to-flange contact prevents any excess glue from causing the containers 1500 to stick together in a stacked configuration. In other cases, the spaces 1602 can prevent the containers 1500 from compressing and sticking together. Once the containers are compressed, it can result in additional friction between the surfaces of the containers 1500, making it more difficult to separate the containers 1500. Additionally, the sizing of the spaces 1602 can be selected to provide sufficient clearance for an operator or machine to pull individual containers 1500 from the stack 1600.

[0102] FIG. 18 is a top view of an alternative blank 1700 for forming a container 1800 (see FIG. 19).

[0103] In the exemplary embodiment, similar to blank 800, blank 1700 includes a first end panel 1702, a second end panel 1704, a first side panel 1706, a second side panel 1708, and a bottom panel 1710. Bottom panel 1710 has a generally rectangular shape with chamfered corners, giving it eight edges in the exemplary embodiment. Blank 1700 also includes a first end flange panel 1712, a second end flange panel 1714, a first side flange panel 1716, and a second side flange panel 1718.

[0104] The blank 1700 also includes corner panels 1720 extending from fold lines 1722 at the chamfered corners of the bottom panel 1710. Interior corner panels 1724 extend from respective side edges 1726 of the respective corner panels 1720. Each corner panel 1720 further includes a corner flange tab 1728, which includes a curved outer edge 1730 and additionally forms a notch 1732 on an inner edge adjacent the corner panel 1720. The corner flange tabs 1728 can have any suitable shape that enables the blank 1700 and / or container 1800 to function as described herein. Fold lines 1734 are defined between the interior corner panels and each of the first and second end panels 1702, 1704 and the first and second side panels 1706, 1708.

[0105] Each of the first and second end panels 1702, 1704 and the first and second side panels 1706, 1708 further includes a de-nesting tab 1736 positioned on either side of the respective panel 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. The de-nesting tabs 1736 are substantially similar to the de-nesting tabs 1404 (shown in FIG. 15 ) in that they are provided adjacent the flange panels 1712, 1714, 1716, 1718. However, unlike the blank of FIG. 15 (which includes four de-nesting tabs 1404), in the exemplary embodiment, eight de-nesting tabs are included, although other embodiments may include any suitable number of de-nesting tabs. A de-nesting tab 1736 extends along the flange panels 1712, 1714, 1716, 1718, away from the respective panels 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708. A recess 1738 is defined along a bottom edge 1740 of the de-nesting tab 1736.

[0106] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary octagonal container 1800 formed from blank 1700 (shown in FIG. 18). Container 1800 is substantially similar to container 900 (shown in FIG. 8) and is formed from blank 1700 using a method similar to forming container 900 from blank 800. Container 1800 may have different dimensions than container 900 and further includes a de-nesting tab 1736. Container 1800 includes a bottom wall (not shown), first and second end walls 1802, 1804, first and second side walls 1806, 1808, and four corner walls 1810. The bottom wall (not shown) includes a bottom panel 1710. The first end wall 1802 includes a first end panel 1702 and two interior corner panels 1724. The second end wall 1804 includes a second end panel 1704 and two interior corner panels 1724. The first side wall 1806 includes a first side panel 1706 and two interior corner panels 1724. The second side wall 1808 includes a second side panel 1708 and two interior corner panels 1724. The end walls 1802, 1804, side walls 1806, 1808, and corner wall 1810 form a cavity 1812. The container 1800 also has a flange 1814 extending from the tops of the walls 1802, 1804, 1806, 1808, and 1810. The flange 1814 extends outward from the cavity 1812.

[0107] The container 1800 includes a de-nesting tab 1736 that extends from each end of a respective wall 1802, 1804, 1806, 1808 at an acute angle in the plane of the respective wall 1802, 1804, 1806, 1808 relative to the corner wall 1810. The de-nesting tab 1736 does not extend beyond the plane 1816 defined by the edge of the flange 1814.

[0108] 20 is a perspective view of a stack 1900 of multiple containers 1800, where the containers 1800 are nested or stacked for storage and / or transport. The bottom edge 1740 of each de-nesting tab 1736 rests along the top surface of the flange 1814. This creates a space 1902 between each flange 1814 of each container 1800. The space 1902 is essentially equal between each container 1800 and is defined by the height of the de-nesting tab 1736. The space 1902 provides sufficient clearance between the containers 1800 to allow the containers 1800 to be separated by an operator or machine.

[0109] FIG. 21 is a top view of an alternative blank 2100 of sheet material for forming a container. Blank 2100 is substantially similar to blank 100 (shown in FIG. 1), except as described below. For example, unlike blank 100, which includes flange panels 134, 138, 150, and 152 (shown in FIG. 1), blank 2100 is "non-flanged" in that it does not include flange panels. In other embodiments, blank 2100 can include flange panels substantially similar to flange panels 134, 138, 150, and 152 (shown in FIG. 1) to form flanges (such as, for example, flange 2314 of container 2300 (shown in FIG. 23)). Components common to blank 100 and blank 2100 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0110] In the exemplary embodiment, the blank 2100 includes a first end panel 106, a second end panel 110, a first side panel 116, a second side panel 122, and a bottom panel 108. The blank 2100 further includes an interior side panel 2102 having a different overall shape than the interior side panel 130 of the blank 100. The interior side panels 2102 of the blank 2100 each include a free edge 178 that faces the fold line 132 and extends (at least partially) generally obliquely relative to the fold line 132. The free edges 178 include a first portion 2104 that extends obliquely from the end edge 172 of the respective side panel 116, 122 to an inflection 2108. In this example, the first portion 2104 is oriented at an approximately 45-degree angle relative to the end edge 172, although it can be oriented at any oblique angle. A second portion 2106 of the free edge 178 extends from the inflection 2108 to a curved corner 2109, which may alternatively be squared or chamfered. A third portion 2111 of the free edge 178 extends inward from the curved corner 2109 to the corresponding end panel 106, 110. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, the end panels 106, 110 each define a protrusion 2112 that projects into the interior side panel 2102 and is configured to form a de-nesting tab similar to those previously described herein.

[0111] In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom panel 108 of the blank 2100 includes an edge 2114 that defines an opening 2116 extending through the bottom panel 108. In some embodiments, the blank 2100 is die-cut to form the opening 2116 in the bottom panel 108. A transparent film 2118 (which can be made from any suitable material, such as an at least translucent and preferably transparent plastic or fiber-based material) (also referred to herein as a “cover”) is attached to the blank 2100 and covers the opening 2116. In particular, adhesive can be applied on the interior surface 101 of the blank 2100 at the edge 2114 and around the perimeter of the bottom panel 108 (i.e., adjacent lines 112, 114, 118, and 124). A film 2118 is affixed to the adhesive on the edge 2114 over the interior surface 101 and covers the bottom panel 108, and in particular the opening 2116 defined in the bottom panel 108. In other embodiments, the film 2118 can be attached through any other suitable means (including the use of heat, pressure, or other bonding). Additionally or alternatively, a film (not shown) can be attached to the exterior surface 103 of the blank 2100.

[0112] 22A is a top view of an alternative blank 2200 of sheet material for forming a container. Blank 2200 is substantially similar to blanks 100, 1500, and 2100, except as described below. In particular, blank 2200 is substantially similar to blank 1500, except that it includes a flap 2203 having a perforated edge 2205 and a film 2218 (similar to film 2118 of blank 2100) attached to bottom panel 108. Components common to blank 100 and blank 2100 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0113] In the exemplary embodiment, the flap 2203 is connected to the bottom panel 108 along a perforated edge 2205. In the exemplary embodiment, the perforated edge 2205 extends partially around the perimeter of the flap 2203, although in other embodiments, the flap 2203 can be connected to the bottom wall 108 by one or more non-perforated edges on one or more sides of the flap 2203. In this example, one side of the flap 2203 is not perforated, and a fold line is formed along the edge of that one side of the non-perforated flap 2203. A film 2218 is attached to the interior surface 101 of the bottom panel 108 by an adhesive attachment 2207 and extends across the flap 2203. The film 2218 is substantially the same as the film 2118 described above with respect to FIG. 21 .

[0114] In the exemplary embodiment, flap 2203 is configured to tear along a perforated edge to define opening 2266 (shown in FIG. 22B ), which extends through bottom panel 108 in substantially the same manner as opening 2116 shown in FIG. 21 and is covered by film 2218. As a result, the perforated flap can be torn along its perforation and folded back via a fold line formed along the non-perforated flap edge on one side of flap 2203 (as shown in FIG. 22B ) to provide viewing access through film 2218 from outside of a container formed from blank 2200 when the container is displayed. Additionally, flap 2203 provides reinforcement and support for items received within a container formed from blank 2200, such as, for example, when the container is being shipped and / or generally prior to display.

[0115] In the exemplary embodiment, the flap 2203 is formed as part of the bottom panel 108 in that the flap 2203 is defined in the bottom panel 108 and attached to the bottom panel 108 by the perforated edge 2205, however, in other embodiments, the flap 2203 can be attached to the bottom panel 108 on either the interior surface 101 or the exterior surface 103 and can extend across an opening (not shown) defined by the bottom panel 108. For example, without limitation, in one such embodiment, the bottom panel 108 defines an opening (not shown) and the flap 2203 is attached to the exterior surface 103 of the blank 2200 above the bottom panel 108, is positioned below the bottom panel, and extends across the opening.

[0116] FIG. 22B is a perspective view of an exemplary container 2250 formed from blank 2200 (shown in FIG. 22A) with film 2218 removed.

[0117] Container 2250 includes a first sidewall 2258, a first end wall 2254, a second sidewall (not shown), and a second end wall (not shown). Container 2250 defines a flange 2264 that extends around the periphery of container 2250 at a top side 2263 of container 2250. Flange 2264 defines an upper vertical extension of container 2250 when positioned in a top-up orientation and is broadly referred to herein as a "first end support structure." In other embodiments, when the container does not include flange 2264 (e.g., when formed from blank 2100 shown in FIG. 21), the first end support structure can alternatively be defined as a surface or portion of the container that is configured to contact a support structure when container 2250 is oriented in a bottom-up orientation.

[0118] The container 2250 also includes a bottom wall 2252 that defines an opening (not shown), with a film (not shown) covering the opening. The bottom wall 2252 defines a lower vertical extension of the container 2250 when positioned in a top-up orientation and is generally referred to herein as a "second end support structure." A flange 2264 defines an accessible opening (not shown) in the top side 2263 of the container 2250. The opening provides access to an interior cavity defined by the container 2250 (e.g., similar to cavity 212 shown in FIG. 2). The container 2250 is capable of receiving any appropriately sized item therein, such as, for example, but not limited to, food products such as produce. In the exemplary embodiment, the container 2250 further includes a de-nesting tab 1404 substantially similar to the de-nesting tab 1404 shown in FIG. 16 .

[0119] In the exemplary embodiment, the flap wall 2253 is coupled to the container 2250 and is shown in an open configuration in which the flap wall 2253 is folded back from the bottom wall 108 along a fold line. The flap wall 2253 corresponds to the flap 2203 shown in FIG. 22A . When initially assembled, the flap wall 2253 is in a closed configuration in which the flap wall 2253 is attached to the bottom wall 2252 around its perimeter. To transition the flap wall 2253 to an open configuration, such as when the container 2250 is positioned for display in a bottom-up configuration, the flap wall 2253 can be torn along one or more of the perforated edges 2255 and folded back from the bottom wall 2252 along the fold line. In some embodiments, the flap wall 2253 is configured to be completely removed from the bottom wall 2252.

[0120] When in the open configuration, the bottom wall 108 defines an opening 2266 that provides visual access into the cavity that is exposed when the flap wall 2253 is in the open configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, the flap wall 2253 is generally rectangular and defines a notch 2265 that corresponds to the curved bump 2267 on the bottom wall 2208, providing a tear initiation area for a user to initiate breaking the perforations. In other embodiments, the flap wall 2253 can have any suitable shape.

[0121] 23 is a perspective view of another exemplary container 2300 formed from a blank substantially similar to blank 2100 and / or blank 2200, positioned in a bottom-up orientation. Container 2300 is substantially similar to container 2250 (shown in FIG. 22B), except that container 2300 does not include flap wall 2253.

[0122] In the exemplary embodiment, container 2300 includes a first side wall 2308, a first end wall 2304, a second side wall (not shown), and a second end wall (not shown). Container 2300 defines a flange 2314 that extends around the periphery of container 2300 at a top side 2313 of container 2300. Container 2300 also includes a bottom wall 2302 that defines an opening 2316, with a film 2318 covering opening 2316. Opening 2316 and film 2318 in bottom wall 2302 correspond to opening 2116 and film 2118 in blank 2100. Unlike container 2250, which includes de-nesting tab 1414 (shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B ), container 2300 does not include a de-nesting tab.

[0123] The bottom wall 2302 is the surface upon which the container 2300 rests in face-to-face contact when the container 2300 is seated in a top-up orientation on a generally planar surface. The bottom wall 2302 is defined by a pair of end edges 2332 and a pair of side edges 2334. The end edges 2332 are formed at the intersections of the bottom wall 2302 and the end walls 2304. The side edges 2334 are formed at the intersections of the bottom wall 2302 and the side walls 2306. Additionally, the bottom wall 2302 includes interior side edges 2334 and interior end edges 2336 that define the opening 2316. In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom wall 2302 is generally rectangular, such that the bottom wall 2302 has an overall area defined by the length of the side edges 2330 multiplied by the length of the end edges 2332. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, opening 2316 is generally rectangular, such that opening 2316 has an area defined by the length of interior side edge 2334 multiplied by the length of interior end edge 2336. In some embodiments, bottom wall 2302 is sized such that the area of ​​opening 2316 as a percentage of the overall area of ​​bottom wall 2302 is 10% or greater, 25% or greater, 50% or greater, 70% or greater, and / or 75% or greater. In the exemplary embodiment, the area of ​​opening 2316 as a percentage of the overall area of ​​bottom wall 2302 is approximately 30%.

[0124] The containers 2250, 2300 of Figures 22B and 23 are each configured to be filled (e.g., with food products or any other suitable item), covered and / or sealed at the top sides 2213, 2313 by a transparent covering or top seal 2409 (shown in Figure 24), and positioned for display and / or storage in either a top-up orientation as shown in Figures 16 and 22B or a bottom-up orientation as shown in Figure 23.

[0125] Although openings 2116, 2266, 2316 and transparent films 2118, 2218, 2318 have been described herein with respect to blanks 2100, 2200 and containers 2250, 2300, in alternative embodiments, any one of blanks 100, 400, 600, 800, 1100, 1400, and 1700 can include an opening and / or a bottom panel 106 having flaps configured to be adjusted to define an opening, wherein the opening is covered by a transparent film in substantially the same manner as described with respect to blanks 2100, 2200 and containers 2250, 2300 and / or 2402-2408 as shown and described with respect to Figures 21-24.

[0126] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement 2400 of multiple containers 2401-2407. Containers 2401-2407 are identical to one another, substantially similar to containers 2250 (shown in Figure 22B) and 2300 (shown in Figure 23), and formed from blanks substantially similar to blanks 2100 (shown in Figure 21) and 2200 (shown in Figure 22A).

[0127] In the exemplary embodiment, the containers 2401-2407 are filled with merchandise (not shown) (e.g., multiple food products, etc.) and placed in a display where the merchandise can be viewed by consumers. The containers 2401-2407 further include a transparent top seal 2409 that is attached (e.g., using an adhesive or otherwise bonded via heat, pressure, a combination of heat and pressure, and / or other known bonding methods) to a flange 2414. The transparent top seal 2409 provides access for viewing the merchandise received within the containers 2401-2407 when the containers 2401-2407 are in a top-up orientation. In one example, the containers 2401-2407 are filled with a predetermined amount of produce, and the top seal 2409 is attached to the flange 2414 after the merchandise is received within the corresponding container 2409.

[0128] In the exemplary embodiment, arrangement 2400 of containers 2401-2407 includes adjacent containers positioned in opposing orientations on support structure 2411. In the exemplary embodiment, support structure 2411 is a table having a generally planar top surface. First container 2401 is positioned in a top-up orientation, second container 2403 is positioned directly adjacent to and between first container 2401 and third container 2405 in a bottom-up orientation, third container 2405 is positioned directly adjacent to and between second container 2403 and fourth container 2407 in a top-up orientation, and fourth container 2407 is positioned directly adjacent to third container 2405 in a bottom-up orientation. A flange 2414 of each of the containers projects outwardly from each of the end walls 2404 and defines a lateral (ie, left to right in FIG. 24) extension 2413, 2415 of the containers 2401-2407.

[0129] In the exemplary embodiment, the arrangement 2400 of containers 2401-2407 is configured so that the lateral extensions of the containers 2401-2407 overlap, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the arrangement 2400, or in other words, reducing the area of ​​space required to provide a particular number of containers for display or storage. Notably, the end walls 2404 each taper outwardly from the bottom wall 2402 to a corresponding flange 2414. The flange 2414 of the first container 2401 has a lateral extension 2413 that is adjacent to and / or abuts the bottom wall 2402 of the second container 2403. Additionally, the flange 2414 of the second container 2401 has a lateral extension 2415 that is adjacent to and / or abuts the bottom wall 2402 of the first container 2401. Thus, adjacent containers overlap one another in a vertical manner by a distance (shown generally at D1) defined as the overlap distance between the lateral extensions 2413, 2415 of adjacent containers 2401, 2403. Similarly, with respect to other embodiments in which the containers do not have flanges 2414 (e.g., containers formed from blank 2100), alternating the containers in a top-up and bottom-up orientation allows the adjacent sloping wall of each container to at least partially nest with its adjacent container, as shown in FIG. 24 . In that way, the overall footprint of the arrangement is similarly reduced. Additionally, each of the containers 2401-2407 includes an opening 2316 and a transparent film 2318 (shown in FIG. 23) on the bottom wall 2402, and also includes a transparent top seal 2409 attached to the flange 2414, allowing a consumer to look downward into any one of the containers 2401-2407 while having visual access to the product inside the container 2401-2407, regardless of whether the container is in a bottom-up or top-up orientation.Thus, arrangement 2400 of containers 2401-2407 allows for staggered orientation of containers 2401-2407 for display while maintaining top-down visual access to the container cavities and to the items (e.g., food products) received within the cavities.

[0130] As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," "essentially," and "approximately," when used in connection with a range of dimensions, concentrations, temperatures, or other physical or chemical properties or characteristics, are meant to cover variations that may exist at the upper and / or lower limits of the range of the property or characteristic (including, for example, variations resulting from rounding, measurement methodology, or other statistical variations).

[0131] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that one or more of the element are present. The terms "comprising," "including," "containing," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present other than the listed elements. The use of specific orientation terms (e.g., "top," "bottom," "side," etc.) is for convenience of description and does not require any particular orientation of the items being described.

[0132] Exemplary embodiments of containers and blanks for making the same are described above in detail. The containers and blanks are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein; rather, components of the blanks and / or containers can be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein.

[0133] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only, and in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0134] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments (including the best mode) and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure (including making and using any device or system, and practicing any incorporated methods). The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 100 blank 101 Internal surface 102 leading edge 103 External Surface 104 Trailing edge 106 first end panel 108 bottom panel 110 second end panel 112 Bending line 114 Bending line 116 First Side Panel 118 first side edge 120 Folding line 122 Second Side Panel 124 second side edge 126 Bending Line 128 cutouts 130 Inner Side Panel 132 Bending line 134 first end flange panel 136 Bending line 138 Second End Flange Panel 140 Folding Line 142 first end flange tab 144 Second End Flange Tab 146 Free outer edge 148 Free inner edge 150 first side flange panel 152 Second side flange panel 154 Free edge 156 Free edge 158 First Side Flange Tab 160 Second Side Flange Tab 162 Free outer edge 164 Free inner edge 166 Bending Line 168 Bending Line 170 Side edge 172 End edge 178 Free edge 180 fold line 182 Bending line 184 notches 186 Notch 200 containers 202 Bottom wall 204 first end wall portion 206 Second end wall portion 208 first side wall 210 second end wall portion 212 Cavity 214 flange 216 Free edge 218 Corner 220 Film 300 stacks 400 blank 402 Cutout 404 Notch 430 Inner side edge 500 containers 600 blank 602 Cutout 604 Bending line 606 Interior End Panel 608 Free edge 610 notch 612 Notch 800 blank 802 first end panel 804 Second End Panel 806 First Side Panel 808 Second Side Panel 810 bottom panel 812 First End Flange Panel 814 Second End Flange Panel 816 First side flange panel 818 Second Side Flange Panel 820 First End Flange Tab 822 Second End Flange Tab 824 First Side Flange Tab 826 Second Side Flange Tab 828 Free end edge 830 notch 832 Inner edge 834 Corner Panel 836 Bending line 838 Interior Corner Panel 840 Bending line 842 Corner flange panel 844 Bending line 845 Free edge 846 Corner flange tab 848 Bending line 849 Free edge 850 notches 852 Cutout 854 Bending line 856 Bending line 858 Bending line 860 Bending line 900 containers 902 Bottom wall 904 first end wall portion 906 Second end wall 908 First side wall 910 second end wall portion 912 cavity 914 flange 916 Free edge 918 Corner 920 Corner wall 1100 Blank 1102 Cutout 1104 Inner side panel 1105 De-nesting assembly 1106 Unnesting Tab 1108 First Triangular Section 1110 Second Triangular Section 1112 Side fold line 1114 points 1116 First teardrop-shaped lobe 1117 Second teardrop-shaped lobe 1118 De-nesting Cutout 1120 Arched Edge 1122 Center fold line 1124 Bottom fold line 1200 containers 1210 Bottom wall 1212 first end wall portion 1214 Second end wall 1216 First side wall 1218 Second side wall 1220 cavity 1222 flange 1300 stacks 1302 Interval 1400 Blank 1402 Cutout 1404 Unnesting Tab 1406 curved edge 1408 Lower edge 1500 containers 1502 first end wall portion 1504 first side wall portion 1506 Cavity 1508 flange 1510 Notch 1512 Peripheral outer edge 1600 stacks 1602 Space 1700 Blank 1702 First End Panel 1704 Second End Panel 1706 First Side Panel 1708 Second Side Panel 1710 bottom panel 1712 First End Flange Panel 1714 Second End Flange Panel 1716 First side flange panel 1718 Second Side Flange Panel 1720 Corner Panel 1722 Bending line 1724 Interior Corner Panel 1726 Side edge 1728 Corner flange tab 1730 curved outer edge 1732 Notch 1734 Bending line 1736 Unnesting Tab 1738 recess 1740 bottom edge 1800 containers 1802 first end wall 1804 Second end wall 1806 First side wall 1808 Second side wall 1810 Corner wall 1812 cavity 1814 flange 1816 plane 1900 stacks 1902 Interval 2100 Blank 2102 Inner side panel 2104 First Part 2106 Second Part 2108 Inflection 2109 Curved corners 2111 Third Part 2112 Protrusion 2114 Edge 2116 Opening 2118 Transparent film 2200 Blank 2203 Flap 2205 Perforated Edge 2207 Adhesive attachment 2213 Upper side 2218 Transparent film 2250 Container 2252 Bottom wall 2253 Flap wall 2254 First end wall 2255 Perforated Edge 2258 First side wall 2263 Upper side 2264 flange 2265 Notch 2266 Opening 2267 Curved Bump 2300 containers 2302 Bottom wall 2304 First end wall 2306 Side wall 2308 First side wall 2313 Upper side 2314 flange 2316 Opening 2318 Film 2330 Side edge 2332 End edge 2334 Inner side edge 2336 Inner end edge 2400 placement 2401 First Container 2402 Bottom wall 2403 Second Container 2404 End wall 2405 Third Container 2407 Fourth Container 2409 Transparent Top Seal 2411 Support Structure 2413 Lateral extension 2414 flange 2415 Lateral extension D1 Distance H1 height H2 height H3 height H4 height L1 length W1 width

Claims

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

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

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

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

5. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the second end structure is a bottom wall of the container, the bottom wall including a rim that defines the second opening therein, and the container further includes a perforated flap coupled to the bottom wall, the perforated flap being transitionable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the perforated flap extends across the second opening, and in the second configuration, the second cover is exposed to provide visual access into a cavity of the container from a perspective outside the container.

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

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

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

9. 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the second end structure, the two opposing side walls, and the two opposing end walls collectively define a cavity of the container for receiving a product therein, the cavity being further configured to receive a portion of an adjacent container therein and facilitate stacking of the adjacent container within the container, and the container further includes a de-nesting assembly configured to engage the adjacent container when received in the cavity of the container, thereby spacing a flange of the adjacent container from the flange of the container.

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

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

12. the container is positionable on a support structure in both a top-up orientation and a bottom-up orientation, wherein in the top-up orientation, the second end structure is positioned in face-to-face contact with the support structure and the interior of the container is visible through the first cover over the first opening from a viewpoint above the container, and in the bottom-up orientation, the first end structure is positioned in face-to-face contact with the support structure and the interior of the container is visible through the second cover over the second opening from a viewpoint above the container; the container is configured to be positioned on the support structure in a first arrangement next to an adjacent container having a substantially similar size and shape to the container, such that the container is positioned in the top-up orientation and the adjacent container is positioned in the bottom-up orientation; 10. The container of claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, the first end structure is positioned adjacent to the second end structure of the adjacent container, defining a first lateral extension of the container, the second end structure is positioned adjacent to the first end structure of the adjacent container, the first end structure of the adjacent container defining a second lateral extension of the adjacent container, and the first lateral extension of the container is overlapped with the second lateral extension of the adjacent container.

13. 13. The container of claim 12, wherein in the first configuration, one of the end wall portions and one of the side wall portions of the container is overlapped with the second lateral extension of the adjacent container.

14. A blank for forming a container, said container comprising: a bottom panel; two opposing side panels connected to the bottom panel along respective first set of fold lines; two opposing end panels connected to the bottom panel along respective second set of fold lines, the side panels and end panels each sized such that when folded along their respective fold lines to form the container, the two opposing side panels and the two opposing end panels extend diagonally relative to the bottom panel, tapering outwardly from the bottom panel and defining a first end structure on opposite sides of the bottom panel, the first end structure defining a first opening and configured to receive a first cover, the first cover positioned over the first end structures and extending across the first opening; Including, the bottom panel defining a second opening therein extending through the bottom panel; The bottom panel is configured to receive a second cover, the second cover being positioned over the bottom panel and extending across the second opening in the blank.

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

16. 15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the bottom panel has an overall first area, the second opening has a second area, and the bottom panel is sized such that the second area of ​​the second opening as a percentage of the overall first area of ​​the bottom panel is 10% or greater.

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

18. 1. A method of forming a container from a blank, the blank including a bottom panel, two opposing side panels, and two opposing end panels, the method comprising: rotating the end panel inwardly toward the bottom panel, wherein when rotated, the end panel extends obliquely relative to the bottom panel and tapers outwardly from the bottom panel; rotating the side panels inwardly toward the bottom panel, wherein when rotated, the side panels extend obliquely relative to the bottom panel and taper outwardly from the bottom panel; forming a first end structure for the container opposite the bottom panel, the first end structure defining a first opening and configured to receive a first cover, the first cover positioned over the first end structure and extending across the first opening, the bottom panel defining a second end structure including an opening formed therein extending through the bottom panel, the second end structure configured to receive a second cover, the second cover coupled to the bottom panel and positioned over the bottom panel to extend across the second opening; A method comprising:

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

20. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the bottom panel has an overall first area, the second opening has a second area, and the bottom panel is sized such that the second area of ​​the second opening as a percentage of the overall first area of ​​the bottom panel is 10% or greater.

Images