Container for food products

Abstract

A container for food products, such as snack foods, is provided. The container includes a container body that may be formed of a composite laminate structure that includes one or more layers of a paper-based material cardboard. The container body has a non-circular shape and has a horizontal cross-section with corner portions each having a constant radius along their length and side portions that have a large radius along their length such that the side portions and the corner portions transition between each other continuously.

Description

2189 / 436134CONTAINER FOR FOOD PRODUCTS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 19 / 178,165 filed April 14, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The subject disclosure is related to paper-based containers that store perishable food products, such as snack food products. The described containers are typically formed from materials that are recyclable; yet provide suitable barrier properties to oxygen and moisture while also providing resistance to bulging, which may occur when the food product is packaged at a relatively low altitude (e.g., sea level), and then transported to or through locations having a higher altitude (e.g., by traveling over mountains etc. having an elevation ranging from about 1 ,000 to about 15,000 feet).BACKGROUND

[0003] To address the issue of bulging that may result from a pressure differential between the sealed interior of the container and the exterior, paper-based containers are typically formed with a cylindrical or triangular-shaped cross section. These shapes are desired since, for example, the circular cross-section of a cylinder evenly distributes stress around its circumference; thus minimizing stress concentrations at any particular point. To date it has not been known to provide a paper-based container having a cross-sectional shape other than cylindrical or triangular that is suitable for storing perishable food products, is made from recyclable materials, and is strong enough for changes in differential pressure across the container, such as the reasonable worst case differential pressure due to the elevation, temperature, and humidity extremes that can be found in the United States.SUMMARY

[0004] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

[0005] A representative embodiment of the described container is provided. This embodiment includes a paper-based container for storing perishable food products. The container includes a container body formed into an elongate enclosure between an open top end and a bottom end to define an interior and an exterior with the container body including a plurality of layers that are fixed together. The container body extends between the open top and bottom end with a consistent horizontal2189 / 436134cross-section. The container body includes a seam that extends between the open top end and the bottom end to fix elongate portions of the plurality of layers together along a longitudinal axis. A bottom closure is hermetically sealed to the container body at or adjacent the bottom end of the container body.

[0006] In some embodiments, the container body comprises a constant horizontal cross-section along its length. The horizontal cross-section includes (a) opposite first and third side walls each having a large radius curvature and are not parallel to each other; (b) opposite second and fourth side walls each having a large radius curvature and are not parallel to each other, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth side walls extend between respective first and second ends; and (c) a first corner disposed between the first and second side walls, a second corner disposed between the second and third walls, a third corner disposed between the third and fourth side walls, and a fourth corner disposed between the fourth side wall and the first side wall.

[0007] A radius extends from a geometric center of the horizontal cross-section of the container to each of the first, second, third, and fourth side walls such that each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides have a changing radius along its length extending from a minimum at each of the respective first and second ends to a maximum at a center of each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides.

[0008] The container body may also have the following features separately or in any combination with each other. One or more containers may be stackable or nestable with each other. Adjacent containers may be stackable or nestable such that the bottom of one container may be nestable within a top of an adjacent container or the bottom of one container may be stackable over a top of an adjacent container. Each of the first and third side walls may have the same geometry. Each of the second and fourth side walls may have the same geometry. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth side walls may have the same geometry. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth comers may extend between respective first and second corner ends. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth comers have a constant radius about a respective focus point, wherein each respective focus point is defined by the intersection of a line passing through the respective first corner end and the second corner end of each corner. A first line that extends through the first side wall, the third side wall, and the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section establishes a mirror plane on opposite sides of the first line. A second line that2189 / 436134extends through the second side wall, the fourth side wall, and the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section establishes a mirror plane on opposite sides of the second line. The bottom closure may be fixed to the container body in an area adjacent to, near, or at the bottom end of the container body. The bottom closure may extend across and close the bottom portion of the container body by a hermetic seal. The bottom closure may include a base substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section with a peripheral portion sealed to one of the interior, the exterior, or both of the container body at or adjacent the bottom end of the container body. A sealing membrane may be secured to an interior portion of the container body adjacent the top end of the container body. The sealing membrane may have a base substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section with a peripheral portion sealed to the interior the container body adjacent the top of the container body. The base of the sealing membrane defines an interior surface and an exterior surface, with the exterior surface being provided with a pull tab for selective removal of all or a portion of the sealing membrane from the container body. A top closure may be removably attached to the top end of the container body. The top closure may have a base that is substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section and a periphery with a first portion of the periphery abutting the periphery of the interior of the top end of the container body. The base of the top closure may define and interior and an exterior. The interior of the top closure may be spaced from and opposed to the exterior of the sealing membrane. The top closure may be removably attached to the top end of the container body and may have a base that may be substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section with a periphery that may have a first portion that abuts the periphery of the interior of the container body and a second portion that may abut the peripheral portion of the sealing membrane. A horizontal perforation pattern may be applied about a perimeter of the container body adjacent the top end to removably secure the top closure to the container body. The perforation pattern may include one or more lands. The perforation pattern may include a plurality of lands with one of the lands configured to retain a portion of the top closure to the container body while other portions of the top closure are separated from the container body to permit access to the interior of the container body. The perforation pattern may include a land located at the seam and may extend a portion of or the entire lateral length of the seam.2189 / 436134

[0009] The invention extends to methods, systems, kits of parts and apparatus substantially as described herein and / or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0010] The invention extends to any novel aspects or features described and / or illustrated herein. In addition, apparatus aspects may be applied to method aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some, and / or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some, and / or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

[0011] It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and / or supplied and / or used independently.

[0012] Advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description that have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the disclosed subject matter is capable of other and different embodiments, and its details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is perspective view of one embodiment of a container for storing and holding a food product and having a hinged top closure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is perspective view of another embodiment of a container for storing and holding a food product and having a removable top closure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bottom portion of the container, with the thickness of the composite material forming the container body and the bottom closure not drawn to scale.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bottom portion of the container, with the thickness of the composite material forming the container body and the bottom closure not drawn to scale.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a top portion of the container after the sealing membrane has been hermetically sealed to the interior of the container body and with the top closure inserted into the container body.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a top portion of the container after a top portion of the container body has been rolled over a portion of the wall of the top closure.2189 / 436134

[0019] FIG. 7 is horizontal cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 or 2, with the thickness of the composite material forming the container body not drawn to scale.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the sealing membrane prior to insertion and sealing with the container body.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the top closure prior to insertion into the formed container body.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Turning now to FIGs. 1-9, a container 10 for a food product is provided. The container 10 may be used for the storage of any type of food product, although in some instances, it may be particularly suitable for perishable food products, such as potato chips. In some embodiments, the container 10 does not have a cylindrical, obround, elliptical, oval, or triangular horizontal cross section. Rather, the container 10 may have a generally rectangular or square cross section with rounded corners. In some embodiments, as best seen in Figs. 1, 2, and 7, the depicted container 10 has a generally square cross section but with rounded corners and large radius sides (not straight sides).

[0023] The container 10 includes a vertically oriented container body 12 with a top end 14, a bottom end 18 that is closed by a bottom closure 22, a side wall 24 that forms a wall of the container, and a top closure 16. In this regard, it is to be understood that reference to vertical and horizontal are relative and may be better understood when it is considered that the bottom edge 20 of the container 10 rests on a substantially horizonal surface.

[0024] The length (height, when vertically disposed) of the container 10, as defined by the distance from the bottom end 18 of the container body to the top end of the top closure 16 may be any distance suitable to meet consumer preferences such as but not limited to about 5 cm to about 40 cm.

[0025] The wall 24 defines a partial enclosure having an interior 26 and an exterior 28, each of which extends from the bottom end 18 to the top end 14 of the container 10 along a longitudinal axis. The bottom end 18 may terminate at a bottom edge 20 of the container 10, as may be seen in Figs. 1, 3, and 4. The top end 14 may extend beyond a wall of the top closure 16, as best seen in Fig. 5 and in some embodiments, the top end 14 of the wall 24 of the container 10 may be curled inwardly and over the wall of the top closure 16, as best seen in Fig. 6.2189 / 436134

[0026] The wall 24 of the container 10 may be formed from a composite laminate, general details of which are described below. The wall 24 may be formed with a vertical seam 30. The wall 24 may be formed via an extrusion process, a linear draw or convolute process. As seen in Fig. 1, in one embodiment, the wall 24 is formed such that a portion of the composite laminate forming the container 10 overlaps another portion of the composite laminate to create a vertical seam 30. The lateral length or dimension of the vertical seam 30 may be defined by the edge of the inner overlapped portion of the layers 32 and the edge of the outer overlapping portion of the composite laminate 34 forming the container body 10. The outer overlapping portion of the composite laminate defining one lateral end 34 of the vertical seam 30 may be skivved to provide a substantially flat or smooth visual appearance. Referring to Fig. 1 , it can be seen that the edge of the overlapped (inner) portion 32 of the composite laminate forming the container and the edge of the overlapping (outer) portion 34 of the composite laminate forming the container extends from the bottom end 18 of the container to the top end 14 of the container body 12 and over the top closure 16.

[0027] As shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, a sealing membrane 36 may be hermetically sealed to an interior surface 26 of the container body 10 adjacent the open top 15 of the container and adjacent a body portion 500 of the top closure 16, as best seen in Fig. 6. Details of the sealing membrane 36 are discussed below. Adjacent to the sealing membrane 36, a top closure 16 may be provided for removal and reattachment to the container body 12 before and after the sealing membrane 36 is removed.

[0028] The bottom 18 of the container body 12 may be closed or hermetically sealed by a bottom closure 22, which may be a laminate composite that may have a paperboard portion. While the bottom closure 22 may include the same laminate materials and / or may have the same laminate construction as the container body 12, in some embodiments, the bottom closure 22 is formed from different laminate materials and / or with a different laminate structure. In one instance, the laminate structure of the bottom closure 22 may have an polymeric inner layer with one or more paperboard layers outboard from the polymeric layer (with the polymeric inner layer facing the inner volume of the container body).

[0029] The container body 12 and thus, the wall 24 may be an elongate composite laminate that may include multiple layers that extend along the length the2189 / 436134laminate. In some embodiments, the composite laminate may include, in the following order, an outer print layer, one or more paperboard layers, one or more inner barrier layers, and an inner layer that forms at least a portion of the interior surface of the container, all or a portion of which may include a sealant layer.

[0030] Any of the paper-based layers may include a fiber-based and / or pulpable material, such as cardboard, paperboard, litho paper, and combinations thereof. Paper-based layers may comprise a single layer or multiple layers joined by one or more adhesive or tie layers. In some embodiments, each, or all of the paper-based layers of the container may have a total area weight within a range of about 200-600 g / m2.

[0031] An adhesive or a tie layer may be disposed between each layer to adhere the various layers. The tie layer may be applied to one or more paper layers (or any layer discussed herein) using any adhesive tie laminating method known in the art (e.g., wet bond, solvent, solventless) and / or may be applied via thin-gauge extrusion or any other known means. The tie layer may comprise an adhesive, sealant, or any other material that ties, adheres, or affixes one layer to another. The adhesives may be permanent, pressure sensitive, peelable, or otherwise. Exemplary non-limiting suitable materials forming the tie layer may include polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene (e.g., linear low-density polyethylene (LLD PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), medium-density polyethylene), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, a modified polyethylene resin containing vinyl acetate, acrylate and / or methacrylate monomers and / or an ethylene based copolymer having grafted functional groups, metallocene catalyzed polyolefins, ethylene-methyl acrylate (EMA), and / or copolymers, coextrusions, and blends thereof.

[0032] The inner barrier layer may act as a barrier to oxygen, moisture, and / or oil. In an embodiment, the inner barrier layer may include at least one layer that includes a metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil) and / or a metallized film (e.g., metallized polyethylene, metallized polypropylene). For example, the inner barrier layer may include a metal portion (e.g., an aluminized coating or film) disposed on a film portion (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), oriented polypropylene, and / or homopolymer / copolymer variations and combinations thereof). In an embodiment, the inner barrier layer may be selected from metalized polyethylene terephthalate2189 / 436134(MPET) film, metalized polyethylene, metalized polypropylene, aluminum oxide (AIOx) coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, aluminum foil, metalized polybutylene terephthalate (MPBT) film, or mixtures thereof.

[0033] The inner sealant layer may be a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene (PE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other polymeric material that is suitable for contact with food. In some embodiments, the inner layer may be a composite of various layers with various materials including, but not limited to a paper-based layer, a tie layer, a barrier layer, and an inner sealant.

[0034] Turning now to FIG. 7, the geometry of the wall 24 of the container body 12 is provided. In this embodiment, the container body 12 may have a generally square shaped horizontal cross section with rounded corners and large radius — not straight or parallel sides. The nominal length of each side (which would be measured from a first side to second opposite side to provide an approximation of the length of the third and fourth sides that are generally perpendicular to the first and second sides) may range from about 1 to about 20 cm.

[0035] Each side wall 100, 110, 120, 130 may be formed with the same geometry along its length, regardless of the length of each side wall. Each side wall may extend from a first end to an opposite second end. Accordingly, the first side wall 100 extends from a first end 102 to an opposite second end 104 of the first side wall 100. The second side wall 110 extends from a first end 112 to an opposite second end 114 of the second side wall 110. The third side wall 120 extends from a first end 122 to an opposite second end 124 of the third side wall 120. The fourth side wall 130 extends from a first end 132 to an opposite second end 134 of the fourth side wall 130.

[0036] As noted above, each of the side walls are not straight but rather are formed with a large radius. The radius is sufficiently large so that visually each side wall may appear to be straight. In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth side wall radii 108, 118, 128, and 138, respectively, are the same, although it is contemplated that one or more (generally two if the container body is shaped as a rectangle) may differ from the others. Advantageously, it has been found that by providing each side wall with a large radius curvature, the container may slightly deform (the side walls may move slightly outwardly away from the center of the container) when subjected to an internal pressure that is greater than an external pressure, which will prevent or minimize the risk that the membrane seal will peal off.2189 / 436134In addition, it is believed that by providing large radius sidewalls, the resulting container will exhibit greater sideload strength. As a result, the laminate structure forming the container body 12 may be formed with lighter material weight materials and may provide more manageable seal peel strength for the sealing membrane 36.

[0037] To this end, it will be appreciated that the value of the large radius 108, 118 128, 138 of each side wall 100, 110, 120130 may depend on the nominal length (the length of the side wall if it was straight, i.e., as measured by the distance between two opposing side walls) of each side wall. With that in mind, the large radius may range from about 235 mm to about 265 mm.

[0038] Disposed between each of the first, second, third, and fourth side walls 100, 110, 120, 130 is a rounded corner 140, 148, 156, 164, respectively.Accordingly, a first corner 140 is provided between the first side wall 100 and the second side wall 110 and the first corner 140 extends from a first end 142 to a second end 144 through a constant radius 146. The first end 142 of the first corner 140 is adjacent the second end 104 of the first side wall 100. The second end 144 of the first corner 140 is adjacent the first end 112 of the second side wall 110. A second corner 148 is provided between the second side wall 110 and the third side wall 120 and the second corner 148 extends from a first end 150 to a second end 152 through a constant radius 154. The first end 150 of the second corner 148 is adjacent the second end 114 of the second side wall. The second end 152 of the second corner 148 is adjacent the first end 122 of the third side wall 120. A third corner 156 is provided between the third side wall 120 and the fourth side wall 130 and the third corner 156 extends from a first end 158 to a second end 160 through a constant radius 162. The first end 158 of the third corner 156 is adjacent the second end 124 of the third side wall 120. The second end 160 of the third corner 156 is adjacent the first end 132 of the fourth side wall 130. A fourth corner 164 is provided between the fourth side wall 130 and the first side wall 100 and the fourth corner 164 extends from a first end 166 to a second end 168 through a constant radius 170. The first end 166 of the fourth corner 164 is adjacent the second end 134 of the fourth side wall 130. The second end 168 of the fourth corner 164 is adjacent the first end 102 of the first side wall 100.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the various adjacent ends of walls and comers are connected to each other in a continuous manner, with the curves between the various adjacent walls and comers (at the neighboring ends) being continuous. As2189 / 436134depicted in FIG. 7, the second end 104 of the first side wall 100 transitions to the first end 142 of the first corner 140. The second end 144 of the first corner 140 transitions to the first end 112 of the second side wall 110. The second end 114 of the second side wall 110 transitions to the first end 150 of the second corner 148. The second end 152 of the second corner 148 transitions to the first end 122 of the third side wall 120. The second end 124 of the third side wall 120 transitions to the first end 158 of the third corner 156. The second end 160 of the third corner 156 transitions to the first end 132 of the fourth side wall 130. The second end 134 of the fourth side wall 130 transitions to the first end 166 of the fourth corner 164. The second end 168 of the fourth corner 164 transitions to the first end 102 of the first side wall 100.

[0040] The center 106 of the first side wall 100, the center 126 of the opposite third side wall 120, and the central point 200 of the interior of the container body 12 define a first mirror line (and plane) 202 that extends through the first 100 and third side walls 120 and establishes a mirror plane between the portions of the side walls on opposite sides of the first line (plane) 202. Likewise, the center 116 of the second side wall 110, the center 136 of the opposite fourth side wall 130, and the central point 200 of the interior of the container body 12 define a second mirror line (and plane) 204 that extends through the second 110 and fourth side walls 130 and establishes a mirror plane between the portions of the side walls on opposite sides of the second line (plane) 204.

[0041] In addition, a first focus point 210 is created at the intersection of a line 212 extending from the first end 142 of the first corner 140 toward the second mirror line 204 and a line 214 extending from the second end 144 of the first corner 140 toward the first mirror line 202. A second focus point 216 is created at the intersection of a line 218 extending from the first end 150 of the second corner 148 toward the first mirror line 202 and a line 220 extending from the second end 152 of the second corner 148 toward the second mirror line 204. A third focus point 222 is created at the intersection of a line 224 extending from the first end 158 of the third corner 156 toward the second mirror line 204 and a line 226 extending from the second end 160 of the third corner 156 toward the first mirror line 202. A fourth focus point 228 is created at the intersection of a line 230 extending from the first end 132 of the fourth corner 130 toward the first mirror line 202 and a line 232 extending from the second end 134 of the fourth corner 130 toward the first mirror line 204.2189 / 436134

[0042] With these focus points in mind, the first, second, third, and fourth comers 140, 148, 156, 164 may be formed with a constant radius 146, 154, 162, 170 about their respective focus points 210, 216, 222, 228 (i.e., the first corner has a constant radius formed about the first focus point, the second corner has a constant radius formed about the second focus point, the third corner has a constant radius formed about the third focus point, the fourth corner has a constant radius formed about the fourth focus point). Typically, the constant radius for each of the first, second, third, and fourth comers 140, 148, 156, 164 will be the same. It will be appreciated that the length of the constant radius may depend in part on the overall size of the container, but it is contemplated that the constant radius will be in a range from about 5 mm to about 40 mm or about 10 mm to about 30 mm.SEALING MEMBRANE

[0043] Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8, the sealing membrane 36 may comprise one or more layers of barrier materials and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be provided as an outermost layer so that the outer peripheral portion 308 of the sealing membrane 36 may be hermetically sealed to an interior 26 of the container body 12. The barrier materials may provide oxygen and / or moisture barrier properties. In some instances, the one or more barrier materials may include an aluminized coating disposed on a carrier layer comprising polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate in homopolymer or copolymer variation or combinations thereof. When the sealing membrane 36 is sealed to the container body 12 (generally in a hermetic manner), the sealing membrane 36 will define a base 300 with an exterior 302 and an interior 304 and a wall 306 having a peripheral portion 308 that is adhered to the interior 26 of the container body 12.

[0044] The sealing membrane 36 may be shaped to facilitate removal (partial or complete) from the container body, e.g., it may be shaped with an integral pull tab 314 to aid in removal of the sealing membrane 36 from the container body 12. In this regard it has been found that by forming the pull tab 314 with radiused corners 316 at the juncture of the pull tab 314 and the base 300 of the sealing membrane 36 , the pulling force may be more evenly distributed and may prevent tearing of the pull tab 314 during the opening process. In this regard, the radius may be in the range of about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0045] In addition, the pull tab 314 may be strategically located on an outer periphery 308 of the sealing membrane 36 such that it is offset from the center and2189 / 436134located either between the ends of a corner or adjacent one end of a corner of the sealing membrane. As best seen in Fig. 8, in this embodiment, the pull tab 36 is located between one end of a corner and line through the geometric center 400 (central point of sealing membrane) of the sealing membrane 36 and the center 326, 336, 346, 356 of one side 320, 330, 340, 350. Providing the pull tab 36 at either of these locations allows the applied pull force to be more directly applied to the seal resulting in easier and more effective seal peel initiation. As such, the need to add additional material to sealing membrane 36 and / or the container body 12 to provide sidewall strength or to add additional seal strength is minimized or unnecessary.

[0046] Turning now to FIG. 8, the geometry of the sealing membrane 36 is described. In this embodiment and, as noted above, the sealing membrane 36 has a generally square shaped cross section with rounded comers and large radius — not straight or parallel sides. Additionally, the sealing membrane 36 has a shape that mimics the horizontal cross section of the container body 12. The nominal length of each side (which would be measured from a first side to second opposite side and provides an approximation of the length of the third and fourth sides that are generally perpendicular to the first and second sides) may range from about 1 to about 20 cm and will be slightly larger than the nominal length of each side of the container body so that the peripheral edge of the sealing membrane may be folded and hermetically sealed to the interior portion of the container body.

[0047] Each side 320, 330, 340, 350 of the sealing membrane 36 is formed with the same geometry along its length, regardless of the length of each side. Each side extends from a first end to an opposite second end. Accordingly, the first side 320 extends from a first end 322 of the first side 320 to an opposite second end 324 of the first side 320. The second side 330 extends from a first end 332 of the second side 330 to an opposite second end 334 of the second side 330. The third side 340 extends from a first end 342 of the third side 340 to an opposite second end 344 of the third side 340. The fourth side 350 extends from a first end 352 of the fourth side 350 to an opposite second end 354 of the fourth side 350.

[0048] As noted above, each of the sides are not straight but rather are formed with a large radius so that visually each side may appear to be straight.Advantageously, it has been found that by providing each side with a large radius curvature and when the container slightly deforms (the side walls may move slightly outwardly away from the center of the container) when subjected to an internal2189 / 436134pressure that is greater than an external pressure, the risk that the membrane seal will peel off is prevented or minimized.

[0049] To this end, it will be appreciated that the value of the large radius sides may depend on the nominal length (the length of the side if it was straight, i.e., as measured by the distance between two opposing sides) of each side. With that in mind, the large radius may range from about 245 mm to about 265 mm and will be slightly larger than the large radius of each of the side walls of the container body, so that the outer periphery of the sealing membrane may be hermetically sealed to an interior surface of the container body.

[0050] Disposed between each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides 320, 330, 340, 340 is a rounded corner 360, 368, 376, 384, respectively. Accordingly, a first corner 360 is provided between the first side 320 and the second side 330 and the first corner 360 extends from a first end 362 to a second end 364 through a constant radius 366. The first end 362 of the first corner 360 is adjacent the second end 324 of the first side 320. The second end 364 of the first corner 360 is adjacent the first end 332 of the second side 330. A second corner 368 is provided between the second side 330 and the third side 340 and the second corner 368 extends from a first end 370 to a second end 372 through a constant radius 374. The first end 370 of the second corner 368 is adjacent the second end 334 of the second side 330. The second end 372 of the second corner 368 is adjacent the first end 342 of the third side 340. A third corner 376 is provided between the third side 340 and the fourth side 350 and the third corner 376 extends from a first end 378 to a second end 380 through a constant radius 382. The first end 378 of the third corner 376 is adjacent the second end 344 of the third side 340. The second end 380 of the third corner 376 is adjacent the first end 352 of the fourth side 350. A fourth corner 384 is provided between the fourth side 350 and the first side 320 and the fourth corner 384 extends from a first end 386 to a second end 388 through a constant radius 390. The first end 386 of the fourth corner 384 is adjacent the second end 354 of the fourth side 350. The second end 388 of the fourth corner 384 is adjacent the first end 322 of the first side 320.

[0051] It will be appreciated that the various adjacent side ends and corner ends are connected to each other in a continuous manner, with the curves between the various adjacent sides and comers (at the neighboring ends) being continuous. As depicted in FIG. 8, the second end 334 of the first side 320 transitions to the first end2189 / 436134362 of the first corner 360. The second end 364 of the first corner 360 transitions to the first end 332 of the second side 330. The second end 334 of the second side 330 transitions to the first end 370 of the second corner 368. The second end 372 of the second corner 368 transitions to the first end 342 of the third side 340. The second end 344 of the third side 340 transitions to the first end 378 of the third corner 376. The second end 388 of the fourth corner 384 transitions to the first end 352 of the fourth side 350. The second end 354 of the fourth side 350 transitions to the first end 386 of the fourth corner 384. The second end 388 of the fourth corner 384 transitions to the first end 322 of the first side 320.

[0052] The center 326 of the first side 320, the center 346 of the opposite third side 340, and the central point 400 of the sealing membrane 36 define a first mirror line (and plane) 402 that extends through the first 320 and third sides 340 and establishes a mirror plane between the sides on opposite sides of the first mirror line (plane) 402. Likewise, the center 336 of the second side 330, the center 356 of the opposite fourth side 350 , and the central point 400 of the sealing membrane 36 define a second mirror line (and plane) 404 that extends through the second 330 and fourth sides 350 and establishes a mirror plane between the portions of the side on opposite sides of the second line (plane) 404.

[0053] In addition, a first focus point 410 is created at the intersection of a line 412 extending from the first end 362 of the first corner 360 toward the second mirror line 404 and a line 418 extending from the second end 364 of the first corner 360 toward the first mirror line 402. A second focus point 416 is created at the intersection of a line 418 extending from the first end 370 of the second corner 368 toward the first mirror line 402 and a line 420 extending from the second end 372 of the second corner 368 toward the second mirror line 404. A third focus point 422 is created at the intersection of a line 424 extending from the first end 378 of the third corner 376 toward the second mirror line 404 and a line 426 extending from the second end 380 of the third corner 376 toward the first mirror line 402. A fourth focus point 428 is created at the intersection of a line 430 extending from the first end 386 of the fourth corner 384 toward the first mirror line 402 and a line 432 extending from the second end 388 of the fourth corner 384 toward the first mirror line 402.

[0054] With these focus points in mind, the first, second, third, and fourth comers 360, 368, 376, 384 may be formed with a constant radius 366, 374, 382, 390, respectively about their respective focus points ( / .e., the first corner has a constant2189 / 436134radius formed about the first focus point, the second corner has a constant radius formed about the second focus point, the third corner has a constant radius formed about the third focus point, the fourth corner has a constant radius formed about the fourth focus point). Typically, the constant radius for each of the first, second, third, and fourth corners will be the same. It will be appreciated that the length of the constant radius may depend in part on the overall size of the container, but it is contemplated that the constant radius will be in a range from about 5 mm to about 40 mm or about 10 mm to about 30 mm and will be slightly larger than the constant radius of the respective corners of the container body so that the peripheral edge of the sealing membrane may be hermetically sealed to the interior of the container body.

[0055] Referring to Figs. 1 , 2, and 5, it will be appreciated that after the container body is formed, the sealing membrane 36 will be inserted into the interior of the container body 12 such that a peripheral portion (the area between the inner periphery 310 and the outer periphery 308) of each side and corner of the sealing membrane is folded to lie in the same plane as an adjacent side wall and corner, respectively, of the container body 12. In this regard and referring to Fig. 8, it will be seen that an inner periphery 310 is depicted to represent where the sealing membrane 36 may be folded when inserted into the container body 12. As such, it will be appreciated that the area between inner periphery 310 and the outer periphery 308 will define, when the sealing membrane 36 is inserted into the container body, the wall 306 of the sealing membrane 36.

[0056] Thereafter, the wall 306 (in particular, the portion of each side and each corner) of the sealing membrane 36 may be hermetically sealed to the respective adjacent side wall and corner, respectively, of the container body 12. To this end and, as depicted in Figs. 5 and 6, only some part of the portion of each side of the sealing membrane that is substantially parallel to the respective side wall of the container body may be sealed to the interior surface the container body 12.Alternatively, the entire portion may be sealed to the interior surface of the container body 12. When the container is open ( / .e., after the top closure has been moved from a closed position to an open position), the top edge of each side of the sealing membrane 36 is adjacent an open top end 14 of the container body 12. As such, the pull tab 314 will be readily accessible to the consumer.TOP CLOSURE2189 / 436134

[0057] Referring now to Figs. 1 , 2, 5, 6, and 9, the top closure 16 will be described. The top closure 16 is typically formed as a laminate with one or more paper-based layers that is coated and may optionally be provided with a print layer on the outer surface of the top closure. The paper-based layer may include a fiberbased and / or pulpable material, such as cardboard, paperboard, litho paper, and combinations thereof, in the same manner as described for the container body.Paper-based layers may comprise a single layer or multiple layers joined by one or more adhesive or tie layers. In some embodiments, each, or all of the paper-based layers of the container may have a total area weight within a range of about 100-500 g / m2.

[0058] The coating may be provided on the inner surface of the top closure 16 and may be any suitable coating such as but not limited to polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene (e.g., linear low-density polyethylene (LLD PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), medium-density polyethylene), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, a modified polyethylene resin containing vinyl acetate, acrylate and / or methacrylate monomers and / or an ethylene based copolymer having grafted functional groups, metallocene catalyzed polyolefins, ethylene-methyl acrylate (EMA), and / or copolymers, coextrusions, and blends thereof.

[0059] The top closure 16 has a shape that mimics the shape of the container body 12 so that when the top closure 16 is inserted into the formed container body 12, upstanding (when the bottom of the container is placed on a substantially horizontal surface) side walls and comers will be created and will be in snug contact with respective adjacent side walls and comers of the container body 12. The top closure 16 has a body 500 with an outer surface 502 and inner surface 504. The inner surface 504 of the body 500 of the top closure 16 is adjacent to, opposite from, and spaced from the top surface (exterior) of the sealing membrane 36, as depicted in Figs. 5 and 6. When the top closure 16 is inserted into the container body 12, the top closure 16 will have a peripheral portion 508, 510 that defines an upstanding wall that abuts the interior (i.e. , abuts the walls and comers) of the container body 12.

[0060] Referring more particularly to Fig. 9, a top plan view of the top closure 16 is shown prior to insertion into the container body 12. In this embodiment and, as noted above, the top closure 16 has a generally square shaped cross section with2189 / 436134rounded corners and large radius — not straight or parallel sides. As such, the top closure 16 has an outer periphery 508 defined by each of the sides and the four corners. As shown in Fig. 9, an inner periphery 510 is depicted to represent where the top closure 16 may be folded when inserted into the container body 12. As such, it will be appreciated that the area between inner periphery 510 and the outer periphery 508 will define, when the top closure is inserted into the container body 12, the upstanding wall 506 ( / .e., the side walls and corners) of the top closure 16 , as can be appreciated from Figs. 5 and 6.

[0061] The nominal length of each side (which would be measured from a first side to second opposite side, provides an approximation of the length of the third and fourth sides that are generally perpendicular to the first and second sides) may range from about 1 to about 20 cm and will be slightly larger than the nominal length of each side of the container body 12 so that the peripheral edge of the top closure 16 may be folded to create upstanding (when the bottom of the container is placed on a substantially horizontal surface) side walls and comers that will snugly abut adjacent respective side walls and corners of the container body 12.

[0062] Each side 520, 530, 540550 of the top closure 16 is formed with the same geometry along its length, regardless of the length of each side. Each side extends from a first end to an opposite second end. Accordingly, the first side 520 extends from a first end 522 of the first side 520 to an opposite second end 524 of the first side 520. The second side 530 extends from a first end 532 of the second side 530 to an opposite second end 534 of the second side 530. The third side 540 extends from a first end 542 of the third side 540 to an opposite second end 544 of the third side 540. The fourth side 550 extends from a first end 552 of the fourth side 550 to an opposite second end 554 of the fourth side 550.

[0063] As noted above, each of the sides 520, 530, 540, 550 are not straight but rather are formed with a large radius 528, 538, 548, 558 so that visually each side may appear to be straight so that they conform to the respective side walls of the container body. To this end, it will be appreciated that the value of the large radius may depend on the nominal length (the length of the side if it was straight, i.e., as measured by the distance between two opposing sides) of each side. With that in mind, the large radius may range from about 250 mm to about 270 mm and will be slightly larger than the large radius 108, 118, 128, 138 of each of the side walls 100, 110, 120, 130 of the container body 12, so that the peripheral edge 508, 510 of the2189 / 436134top closure 16 may be folded to create an upstanding wall 506 (when the bottom of the container is placed on a substantially horizontal surface) (i.e., side walls and corners) that will snugly abut adjacent respective side walls and corners of the container body 12.

[0064] Disposed between each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides 520, 530, 540, is a rounded corner 560, 568, 576, 584, respectively. Accordingly, a first corner 560 is provided between the first side 520 and the second side 530 and the first corner 560 extends from a first end 562 to a second end 564 through a continuous radius 566. The first end 562 of the first corner 560 is adjacent the second end 524 of the first side 520. The second end 564 of the first corner 560 is adjacent the first end 532 of the second side 530. A second corner 568 is provided between the second side 530 and the third side 540 and the second corner 568 extends from a first end 570 to a second end 572 through a continuous radius 574. The first end 570 of the second corner 568 is adjacent the second end 534 of the second side 530. The second end 572 of the second corner 568 is adjacent the first end 542 of the third side 540. A third corner 576 is provided between the third side 540 and the fourth side 550 and the third corner 576 extends from a first end 578 to a second end 580 through a continuous radius 582. The first end 578 of the third corner 576 is adjacent the second end 544 of the third side 540. The second end 580 of the third corner 576 is adjacent the first end 552 of the fourth side 550. A fourth corner 584 is provided between the fourth side 550 and the first side 520 and the fourth corner 584 extends from a first end 586 to a second end 588 through a continuous radius 590. The first end 586 of the fourth corner 584 is adjacent the second end 554 of the fourth side 550. The second end 588 of the fourth corner 584 is adjacent the first end 522 of the first side 520.

[0065] It will be appreciated that the various adjacent sides 520, 530, 540, 550 and comers 560, 568, 576, 584, respectively are connected to each other in a continuous manner, with the curves between the various adjacent sides and comers (at the neighboring ends) being continuous. As depicted in FIG. 9, the second end 524 of the first side 520 transitions to the first end 562 of the first corner 560. The second end 564 of the first corner 560 transitions to the first end 532 of the second side 530. The second end 534 of the second side 530 transitions to the first end 570 of the second corner 568. The second end 572 of the second corner 568 transitions to the first end 542 of the third side 540. The second end 544 of the third side 5402189 / 436134transitions to the first end 578 of the third corner 576. The second end 580 of the third corner 576 transitions to the first end 552 of the fourth side 550. The second end 554 of the fourth side 550 transitions to the first end 586 of the fourth corner 584. The second end 588 of the fourth corner 584 transitions to the first end 522 of the first side 520.

[0066] The center 526 of the first side 520, the center 546 of the opposite third side 540, and the central point 600 of the top closure 36 define a first mirror line (and plane) 602 that extends through the first 520 and third 540 sides and establishes a mirror plane between the sides on opposite sides of the first mirror line (plane) 602. Likewise, the center 536 of the second side 530, the center 556 of the opposite fourth side 550, and the central point 600 of the sealing membrane 36 define a second mirror line (and plane) 604 that extends through the second 530 and fourth 550 sides and establishes a mirror plane between the portions of the side on opposite sides of the second mirror line (plane) 604.

[0067] In addition, a first focus point 610 is created at the intersection of a line 612 extending from the first end 562 of the first corner 560 toward the second mirror line 604 and a line 614 extending from the second end 564 of the first corner 560 toward the first mirror line 602. A second focus point 616 is created at the intersection of a line 618 extending from the first end 570 of the second corner 568 toward the first mirror line 602 and a line 620 extending from the second end 572 of the second corner 568 toward the second mirror line 604. A third focus point 622 is created at the intersection of a line 624 extending from the first end 578 of the third corner 576 toward the second mirror line 604 and a line 626 extending from the second end 580 of the third corner 576 toward the first mirror line 602. A fourth focus point 628 is created at the intersection of a line 630 extending from the first end 586 of the fourth corner 584 toward the first mirror line 602 and a line 632 extending from the second end 588 of the fourth corner 584 toward the first mirror line 602.

[0068] With these focus points in mind, the first, second, third, and fourth comers 560, 568, 576, 584 may be formed with a constant radius 566, 574, 582, 590 about their respective focus points 610, 616, 622, 628 ( / .e., the first corner is formed about the first focus point, the second corner is formed about the second focus point, the third corner is formed about the third focus point, the fourth corner is formed about the fourth focus point). Typically, the constant radius for each of the first, second, third, and fourth comers will be the same. It will be appreciated that the length of the2189 / 436134constant radius may depend in part on the overall size of the container, but it is contemplated that the constant radius will be in a range from about 5 mm to about 40 mm or about 15 mm to about 35 mm and will be slightly larger than the constant radius of the respective corners of the container body so a peripheral portion of the top closure may be folded to create an upstanding wall 506 (when the bottom of the container is placed on a substantially horizontal surface), i.e., side walls and comers that will snugly abut adjacent respective side walls and comers of the container body 12.

[0069] Turning now to Fig. 5, it shows the top closure 16 after it has been inserted into the interior of the container body 12 after the container body 12 has been formed and the sealing membrane 36 has been sealed to the interior of the container body 12. In this regard, after the container body 12 has been formed and the sealing membrane 36 is hermetically sealed to the interior of the container body 12, the top closure 16 is inserted into the container body 12 as the upstanding wall 506 (side walls and comers) of the top closure 16 are formed (or shortly after the side walls and comers of the top closure are formed). Because the overall cross sectional area of the top closure 16 is larger than horizontal cross sectional area of the container body 12, the top closure 16 will be force fit to the interior of the container body 12. Additionally or alternatively, the top closure 16 and may be tacked in place to the container body 12.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the top edge of the side walls and comers 512 of the top closure 16 are vertically inward from the top edge of the side walls and comers, respectively of the container body 12. In other words, the top edge of each side wall of the container body 12 extends beyond the top edge of each side wall of the top closure and the top edge of each corner of the container body 12 extends beyond the top edge of each corner of the top closure 16. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 6, the top edges of each side wall and corner of the container body 12 may be folded over, i.e., curled over, the respective top edges of each side wall and corner of the top closure 16.

[0071] Before, during, or after the insertion of the top closure 16, a perforation pattern 650 is applied to the perimeter of the container body 12 at its top end 14. The perforation pattern 650 provides cut portions 652, where the container body is completely cut through (i.e., the laminate structure is entirely cut from the outermost layer to the innermost layer). The perforation pattern 650 also provides land portions2189 / 436134654 where the container body 12 is not cut. The land portions 654 act to securely retain the top closure 16 in a sealed position and to provide an indication to the consumer that the container has not been previously opened. It is contemplated that one or more lands 654 may be provided on each side wall and / or one or more lands 654 may be provided at each corner and / or one or more side walls and / or comers may be free of lands 654 while one of more other side walls and / or other comers may include one or more lands 654. In other words, the location, number, and extent (length) of the lands 654 may be such that the consumer / user is able to grab the top closure and separate it (or at least a portion, when a hinge is provided) from the other portion of the container 10.

[0072] Turning back to Fig. 1 , one example of a hinged top closure 16 is shown. In this example, the hinge 656 is located generally at about the center 106, 116, 126, 136 of a side wall 100, 110, 120, 130 of the container body 12. It is also contemplated to locate the hinge at or near a corner 140, 148, 156, 164 of the container body 12. In this regard, it is thought the curved radius of the corner may help in retaining the top closure 16 to the container body 12.

[0073] The length of the hinge 656 may depend on its location, i.e., whether the hinge is located at a corner, a side wall, or a transition between a corner and side wall. When the hinge 656 is located on a side wall 100, 110, 120, 130, the length of the hinge 656 will, of course depend on the nominal length of the sides of the container body and top closure 16, but in general the width or extent of the land 654 forming the hinge 656 may be in the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm. At the same time, one or more or of each of the remaining side walls may have at least one land having a width significantly smaller than the width defining the hinge, e.g., less than 1 mm or in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.8 mm. As such, when the user / consumer grabs any two sides not including the side with the hinge, and applies a force in a direction to move the top closure away from the container body, the sealing membrane may be exposed. However, because the top closure 16 is hingedly attached to the container body 12, the top closure 16 may be moved from an open position as shown in Fig. 1 to a closed position as shown in Fig. 6.

[0074] In another embodiment, the hinge 656 may be located in an area where the laminate structure forming the container body overlaps, i.e., at the vertical seam 30. Typically, this will be at or near the middle or center of a side wall of the container body. Providing the hinge 656 at this location may be advantageous since2189 / 436134the overlap of the laminate structure provides, at that portion of the overlap, a thicker cross section as compared to other portions of the side wall of the container body. Thus, the thicker cross section may provide additional structure and strength to the hinge.

[0075] In addition, it may be appreciated that providing the perforation pattern 650 requires precision and control to achieve the desired perforation depth as it is not desired to have too deep or too shallow of a perforation. Too deep of a cut may separate the top layer of the top closure making it non-functional. Too shallow of a cut may result in a top closure that is difficult to separate from the container body. As such, a generally consistent laminate material thickness may be beneficial to achieving the desired tightly controlled perforation cut depth. However, at the area of laminate overlap, i.e. , the vertical seam 30, it may be difficult to control the thickness and thus, it may be desirable to locate the hinge 656 in this area to minimize issues with effecting the perforation pattern 650.

[0076] Turning now to Fig. 2, a top closure 16 that does not include a hinge is shown. In this example, the perforation pattern 650 provides cut portions 652, where the container body 12 is completely cut through (i.e., the laminate structure is entirely cut from the outermost layer to the innermost layer). The perforation pattern 650 also provides land portions 654 where the container body 12 is not cut. The land portions 654 act to securely retain the top closure 16 in a sealed position and to provide an indication to the consumer that the container 10 has not been previously opened. At the same time, the location, number, and extent (length) of the lands is such that the consumer / user is able to grab the top closure 16 and separate it (or at least a portion, when a hinge is provided) from the other portion of the container. In the exemplary non-limiting container 10 shown in Fig. 2, a single land is provided on each side of the container body 12.BOTTOM CLOSURE

[0077] The container includes a bottom closure 22 hermetically sealed to the container body 12. The bottom closure 22 may be formed of any suitable material and in some embodiments may be formed from the same laminate materials and may have the same construction as the laminate structure forming the container body 12. Alternatively, the bottom closure 22 may be formed of a laminate material that includes a paper-based material layer, a tie layer, a barrier layer, and a sealant2189 / 436134layer. Each of the paper-based material, tie layer, barrier layer, and sealant layer may include one or more of the respective materials described above.

[0078] The bottom closure 22 includes a base 700 with an interior-facing 702 and an exterior-facing 704 side(also referred to as the upper surface and the lower surface of the bottom closure, respectively) from which a wall 706 extends. In general, as seen in Figs. 4 and 5, the wall 706 of the bottom closure 22 extends toward the bottom edge 20 of the container body 12 and is connected to the wall 24 ( / .e., the side walls and comers) of the container body 12. The bottom closure wall 24 is generally oriented perpendicular to the base 700 of the bottom closure 22 and is generally parallel to the wall 24 of the container body 12.

[0079] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the base 700 of the bottom closure 22 may be recessed from the bottom edge 20 of the container body 12 such that the interiorfacing and exterior-facing sides of the bottom closure 22 are spaced a distance away from the bottom edge 20 of the container body 12. It is noted that, while the interiorfacing and exterior-facing sides of the bottom closure 22 are depicted as being recessed, it is contemplated that the exterior-facing side 704 of the bottom closure 22 may be level with or protrude below the bottom edge 20 of container body 12.

[0080] Fig. 3 shows the bottom closure 22 sealed to the container body 12 in which the bottom closure 22 is hermetically sealed to the container body 12 in a wrap-around type construction. In other words, the wall 706 (the side walls and corners) of the bottom closure 22 extend from the exterior-facing side 704 of the bottom closure 22 and wrap around the bottom edge 20 of the container body 12. In this type of construction, the sides of the bottom closure abutting the interior portions of the container body may be hermetically sealed to the interior portions of the container body 12. It is also contemplated that the wall 706 ( / .e., the side walls and corners) of the bottom closure 22 abutting the exterior of the container body 12 may be hermetically sealed to the exterior portions of the container body 12. Alternatively, the wall 706 ( / .e., the side walls and corners) of the bottom closure 22 may be sealed to both the interior and exterior portions of the container body 12.

[0081] Fig. 4 shows the bottom closure 22 sealed to the container body 12 in which the bottom closure 22 is hermetically sealed to the container body 12 in a plug style manner. In this embodiment, the wall 706 (side walls and comers) of the bottom closure 22 extends from the base 700 of the bottom closure 22 and is hermetically sealed to the interior portions of the container body 12.2189 / 436134STACKING AND / OR NESTING

[0082] It is contemplated that the described container may be nestable or vertically stackable with an identical adjacent container. For example, the bottom of one container may may nest within the top of an adjacent container or stack on top of an adjacent container. In these embodiments, the cross-section of the container body will not have a constant horizontal cross section along its longitudinal length, i.e., from the top to the bottom of the container body. Rather, in one embodiment, the horizontal cross section will vary from the top of the container body to the bottom of the container body. Typically, in this embodiment, the horizontal cross section at or near the bottom of the container body is sized to be smaller than the horizontal cross section at or near the top of the container body such that the bottom of one container will nest within the top closure. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the top closure has upstanding walls, the interior portion of which will be defined by the rolled over portion of the container body as described above and shown in FIG. 6. Thus, if the bottom of the container is sized to have a smaller cross section, it may then nest within the partial cavity defined by the upper surface and side walls of the top closure.

[0083] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the horizontal cross section at or near the bottom of the container body is sized to be larger than the horizontal cross section at or near the top of the container body such that the bottom of one container will overlay (stack upon) the top closure. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the top closure has upstanding walls, such that the inner portion of the bottom of the container will be positioned exterior of the outer portion of the side walls of the top closure.

[0084] In yet another alternative, the bottom closure may be configured in a manner such that it extends below the bottom end of the container body and flares outwardly on each side so that the bottom closure overlays the top closure.

[0085] Although embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to several elements, any element described in the embodiments described herein are exemplary and can be omitted, substituted, added, combined, or rearranged as applicable to form new embodiments. A skilled person, upon reading the present specification, would recognize that such additional embodiments are effectively disclosed herein. For example, where this disclosure describes characteristics, structure, size, shape, arrangement, or composition for an element or2189 / 436134process for making or using an element or combination of elements, the characteristics, structure, size, shape, arrangement, or composition can also be incorporated into any other element or combination of elements, or process for making or using an element or combination of elements described herein to provide additional embodiments.

[0086] Additionally, where an embodiment is described herein as comprising some element or group of elements, additional embodiments can consist essentially of or consist of the element or group of elements. Also, although the open-ended term "comprises" is generally used herein, additional embodiments can be formed by substituting the terms "consisting essentially of” or "consisting of."

[0087] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the abovedescribed elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0088] In general, a container for storing food products is described. The container has a container body formed into an elongate partial enclosure to define an interior and an exterior. The container body includes a plurality of layers and has a consistent horizontal cross-section between a top end and a bottom end along a longitudinal axis. A seam extends between the top end and the bottom end and fixes elongate portions of the plurality of layers together and a bottom closure is fixed to the container body at or adjacent the bottom end of the container body.

[0089] The horizontal cross-section includes (i) opposite first and third side walls that have a large radius curvature and are not parallel to each other; (ii) opposite second and fourth side walls that have a large radius curvature and are not parallel to each other, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth side walls extend between respective first and second ends; (iii) a radius extending from a geometric center of a horizontal cross-section of the container to each of the first, second, third,2189 / 436134and fourth side walls, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides have a changing radius along its length extending from a minimum at each of the respective first and second ends to a maximum at a center of each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides; and (iv) a first corner disposed between the first and second side walls, a second corner disposed between the second and third walls, a third corner disposed between the third and fourth side walls, and a fourth corner disposed between the fourth side wall and the first side wall. The transitions between each of the comers and the side walls are continuous.

[0090] Aspects of the invention are also set out in the following set of numbered clauses in which is described:1. A container for storing food products that includes:a container body formed into an elongate partial enclosure to define an interior and an exterior, the container body including a plurality of layers and having a consistent horizontal cross-section between a top end and a bottom end along a longitudinal axis;the container body includes a seam that extends between the top end and the bottom end and fixes elongate portions of the plurality of layers together;a bottom closure fixed to the container body at or adjacent the bottom end of the container body;wherein the horizontal cross-section includes;opposite first and third side walls that have a large radius curvature and are not parallel to each other;opposite second and fourth side walls that have a large radius curvature and are not parallel to each other, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth side walls extend between respective first and second ends;a radius extending from a geometric center of a horizontal cross-section of the container to each of the first, second, third, and fourth side walls, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides have a changing radius along its length extending from a minimum at each of the respective first and second ends to a maximum at a center of each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides;a first corner disposed between the first and second side walls, a second corner disposed between the second and third walls, a third corner disposed between the third and fourth side walls, and a fourth corner disposed between the fourth side wall and the first side wall; and2189 / 436134wherein transitions between each of the comers and the side walls are continuous.2. The container of clause 1 , wherein each of the first and third side walls have the same geometry.3. The container of clause 1 or 2, wherein each of the second and fourth side walls have the same geometry.4. The container of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth comers extend between respective first and second corner ends. 5. The container of clause 4 wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth comers have a constant radius about a respective focus point, wherein each respective focus point is defined by the intersection of a line passing through the respective first corner end and the second corner end.6. The container of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein a first line that extends through the first side wall, the third side wall, and the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section establishes a mirror plane on opposite sides of the first line.7. The container of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein a second line that extends through the second side wall, the fourth side wall, and the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section establishes a mirror plane on opposite sides of the second line.8. The container of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the bottom closure includes a base substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section with a peripheral portion sealed to one of the interior or exterior of the container body at or adjacent the bottom of the container body.9. The container of any one of clauses 1 to 8 further including a sealing membrane secured to an interior portion of the container body adjacent the top end of the container body.10. The container of clause 9 wherein the sealing membrane includes a sealing membrane base substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section with a2189 / 436134peripheral portion sealed to the interior the container body adjacent the top of the container body.11. The container of clause 10 wherein the sealing membrane base defines an interior surface and an exterior surface, with the exterior surface being provided with a pull tab for selective removal of all or a portion of the sealing membrane from the container body.12. The container of any one of clauses 1 to 11 further including a top closure removably attached to the top end of the container body.13. The container of clause 12 wherein the top closure has a base substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section and a periphery with a first portion that abuts the periphery of the interior of the container body.14. The container of any one of clauses 10 to 13 further including a top closure removably attached to the top end of the container body, wherein the top closure has a base substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section and a periphery with a first portion that abuts the periphery of the interior of the container body and a second portion that abuts the peripheral portion of the sealing membrane.15. The container of any one of clauses 1 to 14 further including a horizontal perforation pattern applied about a perimeter of the container body adjacent the top end.16. The container of clause 15 wherein the perforation pattern includes a land located at the seam.17. The container of any one of clauses 1 to 16 wherein the bottom end of one container is nestable within or stackable on the top of an adjacent container.

Claims

2189 / 436134Claims:

1. A container for storing food products that includes:a container body formed into an elongate partial enclosure to define an interior and an exterior, the container body including a plurality of layers and having a consistent horizontal cross-section between a top end and a bottom end along a longitudinal axis;the container body includes a seam that extends between the top end and the bottom end and fixes elongate portions of the plurality of layers together;a bottom closure fixed to the container body at or adjacent the bottom end of the container body;wherein the horizontal cross-section includes;opposite first and third side walls that have a large radius curvature and are not parallel to each other;opposite second and fourth side walls that have a large radius curvature and are not parallel to each other, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth side walls extend between respective first and second ends;a radius extending from a geometric center of a horizontal crosssection of the container to each of the first, second, third, and fourth side walls, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides have a changing radius along its length extending from a minimum at each of the respective first and second ends to a maximum at a center of each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides;a first corner disposed between the first and second side walls, a second corner disposed between the second and third walls, a third corner disposed between the third and fourth side walls, and a fourth corner disposed between the fourth side wall and the first side wall; andwherein transitions between each of the comers and the side walls are continuous.

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein each of the first and third side walls have the same geometry.

3. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the second and fourth side walls have the same geometry.2189 / 4361344. The container of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the second and fourth side walls have the same geometry.

5. The container of claim 4 wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth corners have a constant radius about a respective focus point, wherein each respective focus point is defined by the intersection of a line passing through the respective first corner end and the second corner end.

6. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a first line that extends through the first side wall, the third side wall, and the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section establishes a mirror plane on opposite sides of the first line.

7. The container of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a second line that extends through the second side wall, the fourth side wall, and the geometric center of the horizontal cross-section establishes a mirror plane on opposite sides of the second line.

8. The container of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bottom closure includes a base substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section with a peripheral portion sealed to one of the interior or exterior of the container body at or adjacent the bottom of the container body.

9. The container of any one of claims 1 to 8 further including a sealing membrane secured to an interior portion of the container body adjacent the top end of the container body.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein the sealing membrane includes a sealing membrane base substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section and a peripheral portion sealed to the interior the container body adjacent the top of the container body.

11. The container of claim 10 wherein the sealing membrane base defines an interior surface and an exterior surface, with the exterior surface being provided with a pull tab for selective removal of all or a portion of the sealing membrane from the container body.2189 / 43613412. The container of any one of claims 1 to 11 further includes a top closure removably attached to the top end of the container body.

13. The container of claim 12 wherein the top closure has a base substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section and a periphery with a first portion that abuts the periphery of the interior of the container body.

14. The container of any one of claims 10 to 13 further including a top closure removably attached to the top end of the container body, wherein the top closure has a base substantially parallel to the horizontal cross section and a periphery with a first portion that abuts the periphery of the interior of the container body and a second portion that abuts the peripheral portion of the sealing membrane.

15. The container of any one of claims 1 to 14 further including a horizontal perforation pattern applied about a perimeter of the container body adjacent the top end.

16. The container of claim 15 wherein the perforation pattern includes a land located at the seam.

17. The container of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the bottom end of one container is nestable within or stackable on the top of an adjacent container.

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