Container with barrier member

Abstract

A container for holding at least one item, the container comprising: a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container, a reclosable lid engaged with the body, a closure bottom engaged with the body, and a barrier member, the barrier member formed by a laminated structure defining an outer surface and an inner surface of the barrier member and positioned within the container, the barrier member having a central portion at least partially detachably connected to a peripheral portion at a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness, the first line of weakness extending from the outer surface of the barrier member to a first depth and the second line of weakness extending from the inner surface of the barrier member to a second depth, the first depth being different from the second depth, and the peripheral portion attached to the body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 443,100, filed February 3, 2023.

[0002] [Incorporated by reference] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 443,100, filed February 3, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety. [Background technology]

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

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a container for holding at least one item, the container comprising: a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container; a reclosable lid engaged with the body, the reclosable lid being repositionable between an open position in which the reclosable lid is moved away from the interior of the container and a closed position in which the reclosable lid at least partially covers the interior of the container; a closure bottom engaged with the body; and a barrier member formed of a laminated structure defining an outer surface and an inner surface of the barrier member and positioned within the container, the barrier member having a central portion at least partially detachably connected to a peripheral portion at first and second lines of weakness, the first line of weakness extending from the outer surface of the barrier member to a first depth and the second line of weakness extending from the inner surface of the barrier member to a second depth, the first depth being different from the second depth, and the peripheral portion attached to the body.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a combination of blanks for forming a container for holding at least one item, the combination of blanks including: a body blank for forming a body that extends at least partially around an interior of a container formed from the combination of blanks; a lid blank for forming a reclosable lid that is engaged with the body when a container is formed from the combination of blanks so as to be repositionable between an open position in which the lid is moved away from the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks and a closed position in which the lid at least partially covers the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks; and a lid blank for forming a reclosable lid that is engaged with the body of the container formed from the combination of blanks so as to be repositionable between an open position in which the lid is moved away from the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks and a closed position in which the lid at least partially covers the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks. a bottom blank for forming a closed bottom; and the barrier blank formed in a laminated structure defining outer and inner surfaces of the barrier blank and intended to be positioned within a container formed from the combination of the blanks, the barrier blank having a central portion at least partially detachably connected to a peripheral portion at a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness, the first line of weakness extending from the outer surface of the barrier blank to a first depth and the second line of weakness extending from the inner surface of the barrier blank to a second depth, the first depth being different from the second depth, and the peripheral portion being intended to be attached to the body of the container formed from the combination of the blanks.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a container for holding at least one item, the method including the steps of obtaining a body blank, obtaining a lid blank, obtaining a bottom blank, and obtaining a barrier blank, the barrier blank formed from a laminated structure defining an outer surface and an inner surface, the barrier blank having a central portion at least partially separably connected to a peripheral portion with a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness, the first line of weakness extending from the outer surface of the barrier blank to a first depth, and the second line of weakness extending from the inner surface of the barrier blank to a second depth, The first depth is different from the second depth, and the method includes forming a container body from a body blank to extend at least partially around the interior of the container; forming a reclosable lid from a lid blank to engage with the body, the reclosable lid being repositionable between an open position in which it is moved away from the interior of the container and a closed position in which it at least partially covers the interior of the container; forming a closed bottom from a bottom blank to engage with the container body; and forming a barrier member by attaching a peripheral portion of a barrier blank to the container body.

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

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

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a body blank used to form a body of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the exterior surface of a lid blank for forming a lid or top end of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a bottom blank for forming the bottom of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a barrier blank for forming a barrier member of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a plan view of the inner surface of the barrier blank of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the barrier blank of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5] 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the formation of a line of weakness on the barrier blank of FIG. 4A. [Figure 6A] 1A-1D are sequential perspective views of the formation of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1A-1D are sequential perspective views of the formation of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] 1A-1D are sequential perspective views of the formation of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 4D is a perspective view showing access to the interior of a container formed from the blank of FIGS. 1-4C according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

[0013] 1-4C are plan views of a series of blanks used to form components that are assembled to form a container 105 (FIG. 6C) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, in some embodiments, the container 105 can be considered a collection or system of multiple components.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0023] Also as shown, the lid blank 303 may include a plurality of diagonal and / or curved lines of weakness 313 located along the corners of the lid blank 303. The lines of weakness 313 may facilitate forming of the lid 109 / container 105 as described further herein.

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

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

[0026] As shown, the bottom blank 403 can have a configuration generally similar to that of the lid blank 303 described above, e.g., having a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2, a central portion 407, and a peripheral portion 409 that extends to the periphery of the bottom blank 403. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral portion 409 can be at least partially foldably connected to the central portion 407 at a generally rounded rectangular / oval fold line 410, although the bottom blank 403 need not have a fold line 410 without departing from this disclosure.

[0027] Referring to Figure 4A, there is shown an outer surface 501 of a barrier blank 503 for forming a barrier member 505. Figure 4B is a plan view of the barrier blank 503 and the inner surface 502 of the barrier member 505 formed therefrom. With further reference to Figure 4C, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of the barrier blank 503.

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

[0029] 4A , the peripheral portion 509 of the barrier blank 503 may be at least partially separable from the central portion 507 of the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed from the central portion 507 at an upper at least partially curved line of weakness 511 a and an upper diagonal line of weakness 513 a. As shown, the line of weakness 511 a may include a lateral segment 515 a, a curved segment 517 a, and a longitudinal segment 519 a. In some embodiments, an access feature 521 may be defined in the central portion 507 between the lines of weakness 511 a and 513 a to facilitate separation of the central portion 507 from the peripheral portion 509.

[0030] The peripheral portion 509 of the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed from the peripheral portion 509 may be at least partially defined by a line of weakness 523a (broadly the "first line of weakness") that includes a first curved segment 525a that intersects with and extends away from an end point of the line of weakness 513a, a generally transverse segment 527a that intersects with and extends away from segment 525a, a curved segment 529a that intersects with and extends away from segment 527a, and a generally transverse segment 531a that intersects with and extends away from segment 529a, segment 531a also intersecting with an end point of the line of weakness 513a.

[0031] 4B , in the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 502 of the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed from the inner surface 502 may have an arrangement of lines of weakness that is generally a mirror image of that described above for the barrier member 505 formed from the outer surface 501 of the barrier blank 503. Corresponding components are designated by corresponding reference numerals with a different suffix "a" or "b," with the "a" component corresponding to the barrier member 505 formed from the outer surface 501 of the barrier blank 503 and the "b" component corresponding to the barrier member 505 formed from the inner surface 502 of the barrier blank 503. In one embodiment, the barrier member 505 formed from the inner surface 502 of the barrier blank 503 may lack a line of weakness that corresponds to the line of weakness 513 a in the barrier member 505 formed from the outer surface 513 of the barrier blank 503.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, and with further reference to FIG. 4C , the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed from the barrier blank 503 may be formed from a laminated structure 507 including multiple layers that form the outer surface 501 and inner surface 502 of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 formed from the barrier blank 503 and are generally aligned with vertically adjacent layers overlapping and / or in at least partial face-to-face contact with each other.

[0033] As shown, the laminate structure 507 may include a first polymer layer 533, a second polymer layer 535 overlapping and / or in at least partial face-to-face contact with the first polymer layer 533, a third polymer layer 537 overlapping and / or in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second polymer layer 535, and a composite layer 539 overlapping and / or in at least partial face-to-face contact with the third polymer layer 537.

[0034] In some embodiments, polymer layers 533, 535, 537, and 539 comprise polyethylene, although one or more of polymer layers 533, 535, 537, and 539 can have a different composition without departing from this disclosure. In some embodiments, polymer layer 537 can be, for example, high density polyethylene (HDPE), which has a density greater than the density of the material forming polymer layers 533 and 535.

[0035] In some embodiments, the composite layer 539 may include a paper or paperboard product such as kraft paper, parchment, clay coated paperboard, solid bleached (SBB) paperboard, solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard, kraft lined paperboard, cardboard, or another suitable material that may be degradable, compostable, and / or repulpable.

[0036] The polymer layers 533, 535, 537, and 539 can be laminated or otherwise combined to form the laminated structure 507, for example, by applying pressure, at least partially heating one or more of the layers, welding, sealing, and / or bonding with an adhesive such as glue.

[0037] In some embodiments, polymer layer 533 can have a thickness D1 of about 0.07 mm, polymer layer 535 can have a thickness D2 of about 0.05 mm, polymer layer 537 can have a thickness D3 of about 0.03 mm, and composite layer 539 can have a thickness D4 of about 0.4 mm, although one or more of polymer layers 533, 535, 537, and 539 can have different thicknesses without departing from this disclosure. In such embodiments, laminate structure 507 can have a total thickness D5 of about 0.55 mm.

[0038] 5, an exemplary process for forming the lines of weakness 511a, 511b, 513a, 523a, and 523b (broadly, "second lines of weakness") is shown. In one embodiment, the lines of weakness 511a, 513a, 523a, and 523b may be at least partially formed by a cutting tool, such as a die-cutting tool or other precision cutting instrument. As shown, a first cutting tool T2 may be provided to cut into the outer surface 501 of the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed from the outer surface 501, and a second cutting tool T2 may be provided to cut into the inner surface 502 of the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed from the inner surface 502.

[0039] Cutting tools T1 and T2 may be formed with a generally tapered configuration that converges at a cutting point or cutting tip. In this regard, cutting tools T1 and T2 may be at least partially constructed from a hardened material suitable for cutting, such as a metal and / or a composite material. In some embodiments, cutting tools T1 and T2 may each be defined by cutting edges disposed at an angle of approximately 42°, although it will be understood that one or both of cutting tools T1 and T2 may be sized and / or disposed differently without departing from this disclosure.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, each cutting tool T1 and T2 may be movably supported at a distance spaced from the respective surfaces 501 and 502 of the barrier blank 503 and the barrier member 505 formed from the barrier blank 503, e.g., may be movable toward or away from the blank 503 / barrier member 505 via an actuator coupled to each cutting tool T1 and T2 and movable upon receiving one or more electrical signals from a controller C. Such controller C may include a processor configured to execute one or more instructions stored on a non-transitory storage medium and may be configured for operator input and / or manual control. In this regard, controller C may be, or form part of, a software program running on a computer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), another processor-implemented controller, or other control function. In the illustrated embodiment, each cutting tool T1 and T2 is in electrical communication with a respective controller C, although it will be understood that a single controller or controller network may be in electrical communication with both cutting tools T1 and T2.

[0041] It will be understood that the lines of weakness described herein may, in some embodiments, be caused by relative movement between the barrier blank 503 and the cutting tools T1 and T2, such that the barrier blank 503 can move relative to the cutting tools T1 and T2. For example, in other embodiments, the cutting tools T1 and T2 may be edges of cutting knives supported in and projecting from a frame within the die-cutting assembly. In some embodiments, the cutting tools T1 and T2 may be edges of cutting knives supported in different frames and projecting from the frame. In such embodiments, at least partial cutting of the barrier blank 503 may be achieved by, for example, actuating a die tool under the control of the controller C to bring the barrier blank 503 into contact with the cutting tools T1 and T2. In still other embodiments, cutting may be performed using tools known to use knives or knife edges, i.e., the cutting tools T1 and T2 may be electromagnetic beams, such as lasers. Accordingly, the cutting operations described herein are shown schematically.

[0042] Cutting tool T1 can be actuated and moved towards the outer surface 501 of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505, or vice versa, to extend through the composite layer 539, the third polymer layer 537, and partially through the second polymer layer 535 to a depth D6 (broadly, a "first depth") measured from the outer surface 501 to form lines of weakness 511a, 513a, and 523a. Cutting tool T2 can be actuated as shown and moved towards the inner surface 502 of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505, or vice versa, to extend through the first polymer layer 533 and partially through the second polymer layer 535 to a depth D7 (broadly, a "second depth") measured from the inner surface 502 to form lines of weakness 511b and 523b.

[0043] In this regard, the depth D6 can be made such that D3 + D4 < D6 < D2 + D3 + D4, and the depth D7 can be made such that D1 < D7 < D1 + D2. In some embodiments, D6 can be about 0.46 mm and D7 can be about 0.1 mm, but one or both of D6 and D7 can be different without departing from the present disclosure.

[0044] Therefore, the cutting tool T1 can be inserted from the outer surface 501 of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 to a depth D6 so as to partially penetrate but not completely penetrate the second polymer layer 535, or vice versa, and the cutting tool T2 can be inserted from the inner surface 502 of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 to a depth D7 so as to partially penetrate but not completely penetrate the second polymer layer 535, or vice versa.

[0045] Therefore, the weakened lines 511a, 513a and 523a can be formed by the cutting tool T1, the weakened lines 511b and 523b can be formed by the cutting tool T2, and the weakened lines 511a, 513a and 523a are separated from the weakened lines 511b and 523b by a thickness D8 of a portion of the second polymer layer 535, where D8 = D5 - (D6 + D7).

[0046] The foregoing arrangement of the weakened lines allows a portion of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 to remain intact, for example, such that none of the weakened lines 511a, \511b, 513a, 523a and 523b penetrate and extend therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, such a portion of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 can be a portion of the second polymer layer 535, which can advantageously maintain the barrier properties of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 proximate to the weakened lines 511a, 511b, 513a, 523a and 523b.

[0047] One or more of blanks 203, 303, 403, and 503, and one or more of their associated features, can have different arrangements and / or configurations without departing from this disclosure. For example, as described further herein, body blank 203 can be formed into body 205 of container 105 having a generally rounded rectangular or oval vertical cross-section, and blanks 303, 403, and 503 each have a corresponding cross-section for at least partial receipt within interior 107 of container 105 / body 205. In some embodiments, body 205 can be formed with different vertical cross-sectional configurations, and blanks 303, 403, and 503 can have different configurations corresponding to such vertical cross-sectional configurations.

[0048] As described herein, blanks 203, 303, 403, and 503 may be further formed to provide components that are assembled to form container 105. In this regard, blanks 203, 303, 403, and 503 may be provided in combination to form a system in the form of container 105.

[0049] 6A-6C, the formation of container 105 from blanks 203, 303, 403, and 503 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] The body blank 203 can be positioned to extend at least partially around the interior 107 of the container 105. In one embodiment, the body blank 203 can be at least partially bent, curved, folded, etc., at fold line 223, for example, into a generally oval or rounded rectangular cross-section, and the portions of the body blank 203 adjacent the free edges 207 and 209 can be at least partially overlapped to form a seam arrangement that can be maintained with strips of adhesive tape. In some embodiments, the free edges 207 and 209 of the blank 203 can be generally in edge-to-edge contact.

[0051] The overlapping / contacting portions of the body blank 203 may be joined, for example, with an adhesive such as glue, with an adhesive coated tape or substrate, and / or by another joining method such as welding, an interference locking arrangement, etc.

[0052] As shown, the body 205 of the container 105 can be formed in this manner, with respective portions of the body-forming portion 215 of the body blank 203 forming a front wall or panel 223, a first side wall or panel 225, a second side wall or panel 227, and a rear wall or panel 229. Respective curved corners 231, 233, 235, and 237 can be formed between respective panels 223, 225, respective panels 223, 227, respective panels 225, 229, and respective panels 227, 229.

[0053] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the body 205 of the container 105 can be formed in different cross-sectional configurations, such as circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc., including variations with rounded or curved corners thereof.

[0054] 6A-6C, the closed bottom 111 of the container 105, according to the illustrated embodiment, can be formed by positioning a bottom blank 403 within the interior 107 of the container 105, with a central portion 407 of the bottom blank 403 positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship with the panels 223, 225, 227, and 229 to form the bottom panel 411 of the container 105. As shown, the bottom blank 403 can be positioned a vertical distance above the free longitudinal edge 213 of the body blank 203.

[0055] The peripheral portion 409 of the bottom blank 403 can be bent or folded downward, e.g., at fold line 410, relative to the central portion 407 of the bottom blank 403 / bottom panel 411, and adhered, welded, or otherwise attached, e.g., with an adhesive such as glue, to the inner surface of one or more of the panels 223, 225, 227, and 229 and corners 231, 233, 235, and 237 of the body 205 of the container 105, thereby engaging the closed bottom 111 with the body 205 of the container 105.

[0056] Simultaneously or subsequently, the bottom-forming portion 219 of the body blank 203 can be bent / curled or folded, for example, at fold line 225, over the peripheral portion 409 of the bottom blank 403 to form the bottom flange 113 of the container 105 extending downwardly from the bottom panel 411. In some embodiments, the bottom-forming portion 219 of the body blank 203 can be crimped in such an arrangement. The bottom flange 113 can define the bottom edge 115 of the container 105.

[0057] 6A-6C, a container 105 having a closed bottom 111 can be positioned with a bottom flange 113 extending downwardly and supported on a surface such as a conveyor, for example, to be positioned beneath a filling station where one or more items A can be placed and held in the interior 107 of the container 105. In some embodiments, the container 105 can be supported in a generally stationary position, and one or more filling devices can approach the container 105 to place the items in the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0058] After filling the interior 107 of the container 105 with items, the barrier blank 503 can be positioned over the items in the interior 107 of the container 105, with the central portion 507 of the barrier blank 503 positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship with the panels 223, 225, 227, and 229. As shown, the barrier blank 503 can be positioned a vertical distance below the free longitudinal edge 211 of the body blank 203 / body 205.

[0059] In some embodiments, the barrier blank 503 can be inserted into the interior 107 of the container 105, formed into a barrier member 505, and / or attached to the body 205 of the container 105 via contact with a plunger or other movable tool to position the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505.

[0060] In this regard, at least a portion of the peripheral portion 509 of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 may be bent or folded downward relative to the central portion 507 of the barrier blank 503 and may be adhered, welded, or otherwise attached, for example with an adhesive such as glue, to the inner surface of one or more of the panels 223, 225, 227, and 229 and corners 231, 233, 235, and 237 of the body 205 of the container 105 to form the barrier member 505.

[0061] Following formation and positioning of the barrier member 505, the lid blank 303 may be positioned over the barrier member 505 in the interior 107 of the container 105. As shown, the lid blank 303 may be positioned a vertical distance below the free longitudinal edge 211.

[0062] A central portion 307 of the lid blank 303 can be positioned in a generally perpendicular relationship with the panels 223 , 225 , 227 and 229 to form the lid panel 311 of the container 105 .

[0063] The peripheral portion 309 of the lid blank 303 may be bent or folded downward, for example at fold lines 310, relative to the central portion 307 of the lid blank 303 / lid panel 311, and may be adhered, for example with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached to the interior surface of one or more of the panels 223, 225, 227, and 229 and corners 231, 233, 235, and 237 of the body 205 of the container 105. It will be appreciated that the lines of weakness 313 may facilitate positioning of the peripheral portion 309 relative to the corners 231, 233, 235, and 237.

[0064] Simultaneously or subsequently, the lid-forming portion 217 of the body blank 203 can be bent / curled or folded, for example at fold line 225, over the peripheral portion 309 of the lid blank 303 to form a lid collar or lid flange 119 of the lid 109 of the container 105. In some embodiments, the lid-forming portion 217 of the body blank 203 can be crimped in such an arrangement. The lid flange 119 can define a top edge 121 of the lid 109 / container 105.

[0065] In some embodiments, the aforementioned assembly of the components of the container 105 can proceed in a different order. For example, in some embodiments, the lid 109 of the container 105 can be assembled, and the barrier member 505 can be formed and positioned in the interior 107 of the container 105 and attached to the body 205 of the container 105 before forming the closed bottom 111 of the container 105. In such embodiments, the container 105 with the formed lid 109 and barrier member 505 can be positioned in an inverted orientation under a filling station such that Item A can be placed in the interior 107 of the container 105 above the barrier member 505. The closed bottom 111 of the container 105 can then be formed in the manner described above to provide a filled container 105 in an inverted orientation, which can be reoriented as desired.

[0066] 7, to access the interior 107 of the container 105, a user can separate the lid 109 from the body 205 of the container 105 along the tear line segment of the line of weakness 221 and hinge / foldably move the lid 109 about the fold line segment of the line of weakness 221 to place the lid 109 in an open position where the lid 109 is moved away from the interior 107 of the container 105, and in a closed position where the lid 109 at least partially covers and / or is at least partially received within the interior 107 of the container 105. It will be appreciated that the lid 109 can be again positioned in the closed position by reversing the steps described above such that the lid 109 has a reclosable configuration.

[0067] When the lid 109 is in the open position, a user can remove the barrier member 505 to access an item A held beneath the barrier member 505. In one embodiment, a user can press downward on the barrier member 505 at the access feature 521 to at least partially separate the central portion 507 from the peripheral portion 509 of the barrier member 505 at the lines of weakness 511 a, 511 b, 513 a, 523 a, 523 b. Movement of the access feature 521 can be facilitated at least in part by the lines of weakness 513 a, which foldably connect the access feature 521 to a portion of the central portion 507 of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505.

[0068] Once the central portion 507 of the barrier member 505 described above has been at least partially separated, a user can insert one or more fingers into the interior 107 of the container 105 below the barrier member 505 to engage the inner surface 502 of the barrier member 505 and pull the central portion 507 of the barrier member 505 upward to separate the central portion 507 from the remainder of the peripheral portion 509 along respective segments of the weakened lines 523a and 523b.

[0069] In this regard, when a user pushes and / or pulls the barrier member 505, one or both of the lines of weakness 523a and 523b may propagate further along the second polymer layer 535, allowing separation of the central portion 507 from the peripheral portion 509 of the barrier member 505 and exposing a barrier opening within the interior 107 of the container 105 for accessing one or more items A within the interior 107 of the container 105.

[0070] Due to the configuration of the barrier member 505 and the lines of weakness formed along the cuts made by the respective cuts made by tools T1 and T2 along opposing surfaces of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505, a portion of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505, e.g., a portion of the second polymer layer 535, remains until manually broken by a user. In this regard, the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 may provide superior barrier properties to maintain one or more conditions of item A within the interior 107 of the container 105, e.g., to maintain freshness, maintain its sealing, maintain a moisture barrier, avoid contact with debris from the environment, prevent access by pests, etc., compared to barrier members having lines of weakness that penetrate completely through such a structure. This arrangement of weakened lines in the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 can also provide excellent tear resistance against accidental forces, such as forces not intentionally applied by a user during opening, during attachment of the barrier blank 503 / barrier member 505 to the interior 107 of the container 105, during storage and / or transport, during pressure changes, etc.

[0071] It will be understood that the container 105 and / or one or more components of the container 105 can have different configurations without departing from this disclosure. For example, it will be understood that one or more of the blanks and members described herein can be shaped, dimensioned, or otherwise configured to engage with such container structures. Such container structures can include, to name a few, Boardio® available from Graphic Packaging International, LLC of Atlanta, Georgia, Sealio® available from Graphic Packaging International, LLC of Atlanta, Georgia, and Cekacan® available from Graphic Packaging International, LLC of Atlanta, Georgia.

[0072] Blanks according to the present disclosure can be formed, for example, from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the blank can be coated on the inside and / or outside with a clay coating. Product, advertising, price codes, and other information or images can then be printed on top of the clay coating. The blank can then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated, for example, with a moisture barrier layer on one or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank can be constructed of paperboard having a thickness such that it is heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, rigid paper, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the container to function at least generally as described above. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0073] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, the fold lines are not necessarily straight, but can be any substantially straight form of weakness that facilitates folding along the fold lines. More specifically, without intending to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that create a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness, cuts that extend partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, and various combinations of these features.

[0074] As an example, a tear line can include a slit extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced slits extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or completely through the material, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits extending completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart so that a notch (e.g., a small, somewhat bridge-like piece of material) is defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The notch is broken during tearing along the tear line. The notch is typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line; alternatively, the notch can be omitted from the tear line or torn at the tear line so that the tear line is a continuous line of cut. That is, it is within the scope of this disclosure for each spaced slit to be replaced with a continuous slit, a continuous score, etc. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than a slit without departing from this disclosure, and the tear line may be a series of cut scores that run completely or partially through the material, separated by nicks.

[0075] The term "glue" is intended to encompass any type of adhesive commonly used to secure container panels or container portions in place.

[0076] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, and alterations may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. In addition, while the present disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and changes or modifications can be made in accordance with the above teachings and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein. Furthermore, some features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A container for holding at least one item, comprising: a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container; a reclosable lid engaged with the body, the reclosable lid being repositionable between an open position in which the reclosable lid is moved away from the interior of the container and a closed position in which the reclosable lid at least partially covers the interior of the container; a closed bottom engaged with the body; a barrier member formed by a laminated structure defining an outer surface and an inner surface of the barrier member and positioned within the interior of the container, the barrier member having a central portion detachably connected at least partially to a peripheral portion at a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness, the first line of weakness extending from the outer surface of the barrier member to a first depth and the second line of weakness extending from the inner surface of the barrier member to a second depth, the first depth being different from the second depth, the peripheral portion attached to the body; A container comprising:

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

3. 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the laminate structure comprises a composite layer and at least one polymer layer.

4. 4. The container of claim 3, wherein the at least one polymer layer is one of a plurality of polymer layers.

5. 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the polymer layer comprises high density polyethylene (HDPE).

6. 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the polymer layer is a third polymer layer in at least partial face-to-face contact with the composite layer, and the laminate structure includes a second polymer layer in at least partial face-to-face contact with the third polymer layer and a first polymer layer in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second polymer layer.

7. 7. The container of claim 6, wherein the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer each comprise polyethylene, and the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer each have a density lower than a density of the third polymer layer.

8. 7. The container of claim 6, wherein the first depth of the first line of weakness extends through the composite layer and partially through the third polymer layer.

9. 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the second depth of the second line of weakness extends through the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer and partially through the third polymer layer.

10. 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the third polymer layer does not have a line of weakness at a depth greater than the first depth from the outer surface of the barrier member and greater than the second depth from the inner surface of the barrier member.

11. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the first depth is approximately 0.46 mm.

12. 12. The container of claim 11, wherein the second depth is about 0.1 mm.

13. 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the central portion of the barrier member has a thickness of about 0.55 mm.

14. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the barrier member includes an access feature for facilitating at least partial separation of the central portion from the peripheral portion of the barrier member.

15. 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the access feature is foldably connected to a portion of the central portion of the barrier member.

16. 1. An assembly of blanks for forming a container for holding at least one item, comprising: a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container formed from the combination of said blanks; a lid blank for forming a reclosable lid that is engaged with the body when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, the reclosable lid being repositionable between an open position in which it moves away from the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks and a closed position in which it at least partially covers the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks; a bottom blank for forming a closed bottom that engages with the body of the container formed from the combination of the blanks; a barrier blank formed by a laminate structure defining outer and inner surfaces of the barrier blank, the barrier blank being for positioning within the interior of the container formed from an assembly of the blanks, the barrier blank having a central portion detachably connected at least partially to a peripheral portion at a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness, the first line of weakness extending from the outer surface of the barrier blank to a first depth and the second line of weakness extending from the inner surface of the barrier blank to a second depth, the first depth being different from the second depth, the peripheral portion being for attachment to the body of the container formed from the assembly of the blanks; A blank combination comprising:

17. 17. The blank combination of claim 16, wherein the central portion of the barrier blank is at least partially separable from the peripheral portion of the barrier blank to expose a barrier opening for accessing at least one article in the interior of the container formed from the blank combination.

18. 20. The blank combination of claim 17, wherein the laminate structure includes a composite layer and at least one polymer layer.

19. 20. The blank combination of claim 18, wherein the at least one polymer layer is one polymer layer of a plurality of polymer layers.

20. 20. The blank combination of claim 19, wherein the polymer layer comprises high density polyethylene (HDPE).

21. 21. The blank combination of claim 20, wherein the polymer layer is a third polymer layer in at least partial face-to-face contact with the composite layer, and the laminate structure includes a second polymer layer in at least partial face-to-face contact with the third polymer layer and a first polymer layer in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second polymer layer.

22. 22. The blank combination of claim 21, wherein the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer each comprise polyethylene, and wherein the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer each have a density less than a density of the third polymer layer.

23. 22. The blank combination of claim 21, wherein the first depth of the first line of weakness extends through the composite layer and partially through the third polymer layer.

24. 24. The blank combination of claim 23, wherein the second depth of the second line of weakness extends through the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer and partially through the third polymer layer.

25. 25. The blank combination of claim 24, wherein the third polymer layer does not have a line of weakness at a depth greater than the first depth from the outer surface of the barrier blank and greater than the second depth from the inner surface of the barrier blank.

26. 26. The blank combination of claim 25, wherein said first depth is approximately 0.46 mm.

27. 27. The blank combination of claim 26, wherein the second depth is about 0.1 mm.

28. 28. The blank combination of claim 27, wherein the central portion of the barrier blank has a thickness of about 0.55 mm.

29. 30. The blank combination of claim 28, wherein the barrier blank includes an access feature for facilitating at least partial separation of the central portion from the peripheral portion of the barrier blank.

30. 30. The blank combination of claim 29, wherein the access feature is foldably connected to a portion of the central portion of the barrier blank.

31. 1. A method of forming a container for holding at least one item, comprising: obtaining a body blank; obtaining a lid blank; obtaining a bottom blank; obtaining a barrier blank, the barrier blank formed by a laminated structure defining an outer surface and an inner surface, the barrier blank having a central portion at least partially separably connected to a peripheral portion at a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness, the first line of weakness extending from the outer surface of the barrier blank to a first depth, and the second line of weakness extending from the inner surface of the barrier blank to a second depth, the first depth being different from the second depth; forming a body of the container from the body blank such that the body extends at least partially around an interior of the container; forming a reclosable lid from the lid blank such that the reclosable lid engages the body, the reclosable lid being repositionable between an open position in which the reclosable lid is moved away from the interior of the container and a closed position in which the reclosable lid at least partially covers the interior of the container; forming a closed bottom from the bottom blank such that the closed bottom engages the body of the container; attaching the peripheral portion of the barrier blank to the body of the container to form a barrier member; A method comprising:

32. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the central portion of the barrier blank is at least partially separable from the peripheral portion of the barrier blank to expose a barrier opening for accessing at least one item in the interior of the container.

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the laminate structure comprises a composite layer and at least one polymer layer.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one polymer layer is one polymer layer of a plurality of polymer layers.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the polymer layer comprises high density polyethylene (HDPE).

36. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the polymer layer is a third polymer layer in at least partial face-to-face contact with the composite layer, and the laminate structure comprises a second polymer layer in at least partial face-to-face contact with the third polymer layer and a first polymer layer in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second polymer layer.

37. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer each comprise polyethylene, and wherein the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer each have a density less than a density of the third polymer layer.

38. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the first depth of the first line of weakness extends through the composite layer and partially through the third polymer layer.

39. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the second depth of the second line of weakness extends through the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer and partially through the third polymer layer.

40. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the third polymer layer does not have a line of weakness at a depth greater than the first depth from the outer surface of the barrier member and greater than the second depth from the inner surface of the barrier member.

41. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the first depth is about 0.46 mm.

42. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the second depth is about 0.1 mm.

43. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the central portion of the barrier member has a thickness of about 0.55 mm.

44. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the barrier member includes an access feature for facilitating at least partial separation of the central portion from the peripheral portion of the barrier member.

45. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the access feature is foldably connected to a portion of the central portion of the barrier member.

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