Container With Reclosable Lid

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/635,160, filed on Apr. 17, 2024.

The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/635,160, filed on Apr. 17, 2024, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to containers for holding one or more articles. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a container with a reclosable lid for facilitating accessing at least one article in the interior of the container.

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a container for holding at least one article, the container comprising a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container and comprising a lower marginal portion, a central portion, and an upper marginal portion at least partially separably connected to the central portion at a line of weakening, the upper marginal portion curled toward the interior of the container and defining a free edge, a closed bottom engaged with the body, a barrier member positioned in the interior of the container, and a lid member positioned in the interior of the container proximate the free edge of the upper marginal portion of the body and comprising a central portion, a peripheral marginal portion at least partially attached to the upper marginal portion of the body, and a pull tab extending away from the peripheral marginal portion for facilitating at least partial separation of the upper marginal portion of the body from the central portion of the body.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a combination of blanks for forming a container for holding at least one article, the combination of blanks comprising a body blank for forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks, the body blank comprising a lower marginal portion, a central portion, and an upper marginal portion at least partially separably connected to the central portion at a line of weakening, the upper marginal portion defining a free edge and for being curled toward the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks, a bottom blank for at least partially forming a closed bottom engaged with the body of the container formed from the combination of blanks, a barrier blank for forming a barrier member positioned in the interior of the container formed from the combination of blanks, and a lid blank for forming a lid member positioned in the interior of the container proximate the free edge of the upper marginal portion of the body when the container is formed from the combination of blanks, the lid blank comprising a central portion, a peripheral marginal portion for being at least partially attached to the body upper marginal portion of the body blank, and a pull tab extending away from the peripheral marginal portion for facilitating at least partial separation of the upper marginal portion of the body blank from the central portion of the body blank when the container is formed from the combination of blanks.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a container for holding at least one article, the method comprising obtaining a body blank comprising a lower marginal portion, a central portion, and an upper marginal portion at least partially separably connected to the central portion at a line of weakening, the upper marginal portion defining a free edge, obtaining a bottom blank, obtaining a barrier blank, obtaining a lid blank comprising a central portion, a peripheral marginal portion at least partially attached to the body, and a pull tab extending away from the peripheral marginal portion, positioning the body blank forming a body extending at least partially around an interior of the container and curling the upper marginal portion of the body blank toward the interior of the container, engaging the bottom blank with the body of the container to at least partially forming a closed bottom of the container; and positioning the lid blank forming a lid member in the interior of the container proximate the free edge of the upper marginal portion of the body and at least partially attaching the peripheral marginal portion of the lid member to the upper marginal portion of the body.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

Containers according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes articles such as flowable products or materials, e.g., granular materials/materials with a relatively small particle size, such as flowable food products. In one embodiment, articles described herein can be flowable products such as, e.g., granulated sugar, powdered drink mix (e.g., iced tea mix, sport drink mix, instant coffee, etc.), spices or seasoning, cereal, granola, trail mix, candy, pasta, or any other food product such as powdered food or beverage products. In other embodiments, the flowable products could be nonfood productions (e.g., detergent, cat litter, etc.) without departing from the disclosure.

In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright containers. As described herein, containers can be formed from blanks by overlapping multiple panels, portions, and/or end flaps. Such panels, portions and/or end flaps may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

are plan views of a series of blanks used to form components that can assemble to form a container() according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, in some embodiments, the containercan be considered an assembly or system of a plurality of components.

Referring to, a plan view of an exterior surfaceof a body blankfor forming a bodyof the containeris illustrated. As described herein, the bodyis arranged to extend at least partially around an interior of the container.

As shown, the body blankcan have a longitudinal axis Land a lateral axis L. In some embodiments, the axes L, Lcan be transposed. In the illustrated embodiment, the body blankcan have a generally rectangular configuration with a pair of opposite lateral free edges,and a pair of opposite longitudinal free edges,extending from a respective endpoint of the free edgeto a respective endpoint of the free edge.

The body blankand bodyformed therefrom can also include a central portion, an upper marginal portion, and lower marginal portion. In some embodiments, the body blankand bodyformed therefrom can include one or more lines of weakening such as a longitudinal/circumferential lines of weakening, for facilitating at least partial separation of one portion of the bodyfrom a remainder thereof. For example, an upper portion of the bodycould be configured for at least partial separation from the remainder of the body, e.g., so as to facilitate access to an interior of the container.

In some embodiments, the body blankcan be comprised of one or more paperboard materials made predominantly from cellulose fibers or paper fibers. The material may be provided in the form of a continuous web or may be provided as individual sheets of material. The paperboard material may be a single ply or multi ply material and may be a laminate comprising one or more reinforcing, moisture resistant non-cellulosic layers of materials such as films and coatings, metal foil, etc. The paperboard material may be coated, printed, embossed, etc. and may comprise fillers, pigments, binders and other additives as known in the art. In some embodiments, the paperboard material can be devoid of polymeric and/or metallic materials.

Turning to, the exterior surfaceof a bottom blankfor at least partially forming a bottom memberto provide a closed bottom or closed endof the container() is illustrated.

As shown, the bottom blankcan the longitudinal axis Land the lateral axis L, a central portion, and a marginal portionextending to the peripheral edges of the bottom blank. In the illustrated embodiment, the marginal portioncan be at least partially foldably connected to the central portionat a generally rounded rectangular/elliptical fold line, though the blankcan be devoid of such fold line without departing from the disclosure.

In this regard, the bottom blankand the bottom memberformed therefrom can have a predominantly circular configuration, though it will be understood that the blankand bottom membercan have a different profile without departing from the disclosure. It will be understood that the bottom blank/bottom memberand associated features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

Turning to, the exterior surfaceof a barrier blankfor forming a barrier member() of the constructis illustrated. In some embodiments, the barrier blankand barrier memberformed therefrom can be formed from one or more materials that can include aluminum foil, silicon-coated paper, plastic film, or laminates thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the barrier blankcan include at least a layer of paperboard material laminated with a layer of foil. In some embodiments, the barrier blankand barrier memberformed therefrom can be formed of a paperboard material that is devoid of polymeric and/or metallic materials.

The barrier blankand the barrier memberformed therefrom can have the longitudinal axis Land the lateral axis L, and can include a central portionand a marginal portionextending to the peripheral edges of the barrier blank. In some embodiments, the marginal portionof the barrier blankcan be at least partially foldably connected to the central portionat one or more lines of weakening, e.g., fold lines. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the marginal portionof the blankand the central portionof the blankcan be formed upon formation of the barrier member.

It will be understood that the barrier blank/barrier memberand associated features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the barrier membercan be provided with a pull tab to facilitate removal from the container.

Turning to, the exterior surfaceof a lower lid blank(broadly, “first lid blank” or “second lid blank”) for at least partially forming a lower lid member(broadly, “first lid member” or “second lid member”) () of the containeris illustrated. In some embodiments, the lower lid membercan at least partially close the interiorof the containerat an intermediate upper portion thereof so as to form a reclosable top end() of the container. In some embodiments, the containercan be devoid of the lower lid member.

As shown, the lower lid blankand the lower lid memberformed therefrom can have the longitudinal axis Land the lateral axis L, and can include a central portionand a marginal portionextending to the peripheral edges of the lower lid blank. The blankcan have a generally circular configuration, though can have a different profile without departing from the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the marginal portionof the lower lid blankcan be at least partially foldably connected to the lower lid portionat a generally rounded rectangular/elliptical fold line. In other embodiments, one or more foldable connections between the marginal portionof the lower lid blankand the central portionof the lower lid blankcan be formed upon formation of the lower lid member, as described further herein.

It will be understood that the lower lid blank/lower lid memberand associated features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

Turning to, the exterior surfaceof an upper lid blank(broadly, “first lid blank” or “second lid blank”) for at least partially forming an upper lid member(broadly, “first lid member” or “second lid member”) () of the containeris illustrated. In some embodiments, the upper lid membercan at least partially close the interiorof the containerat an upper portion thereof so as to form a reclosable top end() of the container.

As shown, the upper lid blankand the upper lid memberformed therefrom can have the longitudinal axis Land the lateral axis L, and can include a central portionand a peripheral marginal portionextending to a generally circular peripheral free edgeof the peripheral marginal portionof the upper lid blank. In this regard, the upper lid blankand the upper lid memberformed therefrom can have a predominantly circular configuration, though it will be understood that the blankand lid membercan have a different profile without departing from the disclosure.

The free edgeof the blank, as shown, can be interrupted by a pull tabextending radially outwardly from the peripheral marginal portionof the blanksuch that points along the pull tabare radially spaced from the center of the central portiona greater distance than points along the free edge.

In some embodiments, the pull tabcan have an at least partially elongate configuration defined by generally oblique or straight free edges extending outwardly from the free edgeand intersecting a generally curved free edge. In some embodiments, the oblique or straight free edges of the pull tabcan intersect the free edgeat a curved transition.

As described further herein, the pull tabcan be connected to the peripheral marginal portionand central portionof the blankand upper lid memberformed therefrom such that the pull tabcan transmit one or more tensile forces, shear forces, compressive forces, etc., along the peripheral marginal portionand central portionwhile substantially avoiding tearing therealong or deformation thereof.

In some embodiments, the pull tabcan be a contiguous extension of the blankand upper lid memberformed therefrom, though it will be understood that one or more lines of weakening can be provided between the pull taband the peripheral marginal portion(and/or on one or more portions thereof), without departing from the disclosure.

It will be understood that the upper lid blank/upper lid memberand associated features can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

Turning to, formation of the containerfrom the blanks,,,,will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

The body blankcan be positioned to extend at least partially around an interiorof the container. In one embodiment, the body blankcan be at least partially bent, curved, folded, etc., into a generally circular cross-section, with portions of the body blankproximate the free edges,at least partially overlapped to form a seam arrangement, which can be maintained with a strip of adhesive tape or other closure feature. In some embodiments, the free edges,of the blankcan be brought into generally edge-to-edge contact.

In some embodiments, the overlapping/meeting portions of the body blankcan be joined, for example, with an adhesive such as glue, with an adhesive coated tape or substrate, and/or through another method of joining such as ultrasonic welding, RF welding, interfering locking arrangements, etc.

As described above, in some embodiments, the bodyof the containercan be formed into a different cross-sectional configuration, e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc., including rounded or curved corner variations thereof.

The closed bottomof the containercan be formed, according to the illustrated embodiment, by positioning the bottom blankin the interiorof the container, with the central portionof the bottom blankpositioned in generally perpendicular relation with bodyof the containerso as to form a bottom panelof the bottom memberof the container.

The marginal portionof the bottom blank/bottom membercan be bent or folded downwardly relative to the central portionof the blank/bottom memberand attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the interior surface of the container body. In some embodiments, the marginal portionof the bottom blank/bottom membercan be positioned at least partially received in a curled arrangement of the lower marginal portionof the body blank/bodyof the container.

Articles A can be inserted into the interiorof the containerupon formation of the bottomthereof, or the bottomcan be formed after articles A are positioned in the interiorof the containerin an inverted orientation, as described further below. As described herein, articles A can be flowable products or materials, e.g., granular materials/materials with a relatively small particle size, such as flowable food products, though the articles A can be other products without departing from the disclosure.

It will be understood that, in some embodiments, one or more top portions of the containercan be closed prior to formation of the closed bottomof the containersuch that the interiorof the containercan be filled with the containerin an inverted orientation, e.g., prior to formation of the closed bottom.

In some embodiments, following loading of articles A into the interiorof the container, the marginal portionof the barrier blankcan be folded or bent at least partially upwardly or downwardly relative to the central portionof the barrier blankto form the barrier member, with the marginal portionpositioned for attachment to one or more interior surfaces of the container body.

The barrier member, as shown, can be positioned in the interiorof the container at a selected depth below the upper edge of the bodyof the container. The barrier membercan thus be arranged in generally perpendicular relation with the body, with the marginal portionthereof attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the container body. In some embodiments, a portion of the barrier membercan be at least partially clamped or held between the interior surface of the container bodyand one or more rim or frame elements associated with a top portion of the container.

With continued reference to, the lower lid membercan be formed, in some embodiments, by folding or bending the marginal portionof the lower lid blankat least partially upwardly or downwardly relative to the central portionof the lower lid blankto form the lower lid member, with the marginal portionpositioned for attachment to one or more interior surfaces of the container body.

The lower lid member, as shown, can be positioned in the interiorof the containerat a selected depth below the upper edge of the bodyof the container. The lower lid membercan thus be arranged in generally perpendicular relation with the body, with the marginal portionthereof attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the container body.

Similarly, the peripheral marginal portionof the upper lid blankcan be at least partially upwardly folded or bent relative to the central portionof the upper lid blankto form the lower lid member, with the peripheral marginal portionpositioned for attachment to one or more interior surfaces of the container body.

The upper lid member, as shown, can be positioned in the interiorof the containerat a selected depth below the upper edge of the bodyof the container. The upper membercan thus be arranged in generally perpendicular relation with the body, with the peripheral marginal portionthereof attached, e.g., adhered with an adhesive such as glue, welded, or otherwise attached, to the container body.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the peripheral marginal portionof the upper lid membercan be attached to an interior surface of the bodyalong a portion thereof, e.g., around a portion of the peripheral marginal portionthat is coextensive with the free edge, and the remainder of the upper lid membercan be free from adhesive or welding attachment to the bodyof the containersuch that the upper lid memberis attached to the bodyin a hinged arrangement. For example, a portion of the upper lid membercan be configured to be adhered or welded to the body of the containerwhile the remainder thereof is generally free to be separated from and raised away from the container, as described further below. In this regard, the lid membercan be a reclosable lid/lid member.

In some embodiments, the upper lid membercan be arranged such that the central portionthereof is positioned proximate, e.g., at or near the edgeof the bodyof the container, the top marginal portionthereof having been curled toward the interiorof the containeras described above.

To that end, the pull tabof the upper lid membercan be positioned extending upwardly toward the marginal portionof the bodyof the container. In some embodiments, the pull tabcan be bend or folded backward so as to be positioned overlapping the marginal portionof the bodyand/or the central portionof the upper lid memberand exposed so as to be grasped by a user. In some embodiments, the pull tabof the upper lid membercan be arranged so as to be at least partially recessed behind the curled marginal portionof the bodyand positioned between the marginal portionand the central portionof the body.

It will be understood that the containercan be formed in a different manner without departing from the disclosure. For example, in embodiments in which the articles A are to be loaded into the interiorof the containerin an inverted arrangement, the bodyof the containercan be formed and one or more of the barrier member, the lower lid member, and the upper lid membercan be formed and attached to the bodybefore the containeris inverted and loaded with articles A, for example, at a loading or filling station. The bottom membercan then be formed and attached to the bodyof the containeras described above.

In the illustrated arrangement, a plurality of interior chambers can be formed in the interiorof the container. For example, a lower interior chambercan be formed between the bottom member, the barrier member, and a respective portion of the bodyof the containerfor receiving one or more of the articles A. In some embodiments, the barrier membercan form and/or maintain a hermetic seal of the lower interior chamberof the interiorof the containerthat can avoid disruption, for example, until the barrier memberis at least partially separated from the bodyof the container.