Abstract:
A snack food container having a square base, side walls substantially consisting of four right triangular panels and two isosceles triangular panels, and a flat, two dimensional end seal. The container is opened by use of a tear feature just below the end seal. The container is of paperboard construction and is resealable by virtue of a score line on each side of the container located below the end seal in combination with a horizontal cut through the container located below one score line. After opening, the container can be resealed by folding the container over the score lines towards the horizontal cut. An edge of the container is then secured in the horizontal cut.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/446,094 filed Jul. 29, 2014, entitled “Snack Food Container,” the technical disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a snack container with a three dimensional base and a two dimensional top. Specifically, the invention relates to, in a preferred embodiment, an interior-lined paperboard container filled with a snack food product that is sealed with a flat, two dimensional, seal at the top of the container yet has a square, three dimensional base, such as a square base. Such container is suitable for display on, for example, wire display racks in a convenience store setting. It is also shaped such that it fits into a standard car cup holder and is easy to hold. The container opens by use of a tear strip or tear feature slightly below the top of the container that removes the container top and allows for easy access to the snack food contained therein and a natural reclose functionality due to the container geometry. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Snack foods (such as potato or tortilla chips or crisps, nuts, popcorn, and other bite-sized savory snacks) are typically packaged in flexible bags called pillow bags. Pillow bags are suitable for display on wire racks, as they can be easily attached to the rack by a clip on the top seal of the pillow bag or by inserting a wire display rod through a hole in the top seal. This attribute can also allow for vending in vending machines that use wire hangers. Because pillow bags are flexible, however, they are not conducive to protecting the product once the bag is opened and the gas pressure inside the pillow bag is released. Pillow bags are also not shaped for use with certain convenience accessories such as a cup holder in an automobile or a cup holder in a seat at an entertainment venue (ballpark, movie theater, etc.). Pillow bags also do not naturally reclose once they are opened. A pillow bag typically requires some type of external clip to close the bag such that the product does not fall out of the bag if the bag falls on its side. 
         [0006]    Another container typically used for snacks is a paperboard rectangular container such as traditionally used for Cracker Jack® and other similar products. These rectangular paperboard containers have the benefit of protecting the product even after the container has been opened. The container also allows for package to mouth consumption of the product contained therein. However, such paperboard rectangular containers cannot be displayed in the same manner as a pillow bag, because such containers do not have a flat or two dimensional top seal nor do they typically have a hole through the top through which a display rod can be inserted to hang the package for retail display. The rectangular boxes, depending on the dimensions, are also not typically suitable for use with cup holders. The paperboard rectangular container further typically requires a folding or manipulation of the top to reseal the container. 
         [0007]    Another container used in the snack industry is the cylindrical container with a top cap seal, such as is used for the Lay&#39;s Stax® chip product. As with the rectangular paperboard container, the cylindrical container, typically made either of a plastic material or paperboard material, readily protects the product even after the cylinder has been opened at the top. The cylindrical container is suitable for use with cup holders and works well with one-hand use. However, the cylindrical container cannot typically be displayed on the wire racks used for pillow bag display, since the cylindrical container has neither a two dimensional top seal nor a hole through which a display rod can be inserted. Also, the cylindrical container requires a manual application of a top cap in order to reseal the container. 
         [0008]    A need exists, therefore, for a snack container, for use with savory or sweet food products, that can be displayed on a wire display rack in a retail setting or hung in a vending machine, just like a pillow bag and yet that comprises the rigidity of a paperboard or plastic container for protecting the product. Further, such container should be suitable for use with cup holders and fit ergonomically into the human hand for one-hand use once opened and package to mouth consumption of the product contained therein. Further, the container should be designed to naturally reclose without the need for folding or the application of an external clip or top cap. Such container should be capable of carrying graphics on the exterior and have interior barrier properties sufficient to protect the snack product and promote shelf stability. 
         [0009]    Further, a need exists for such container to incorporate a reclose feature. Such reclose feature should secure the contents of the container after opening. Ideally, such reclose feature should be integral to the container and simple to deploy. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In a preferred embodiment, the invention uses a paperboard construction lined on the interior of the container with a barrier material, typically a combination of a low density polyethylene base layer with aluminum foil or some other metalized layer, thus promoting shelf stability of the product contained therein. The container comprises a relatively square base that transitions through a geometric design utilizing folds and creases to a flat two dimensional top seal. The term “fold” or “folds” used herein means a bend in the material of greater than 89 degrees. The term “crease” or “creases” used herein means a bend in the material of less than 90 degrees. 
         [0011]    This transition from a three dimensional base to a two dimensional top is accomplished by two opposed folds running vertically along opposite edges of the container from opposite corners of the square base to opposite edges of the top seal. Disposed between these two folds are two “V” shaped creases which start at opposite corners of the square base and terminate at a point below the top seal at each of the previously mentioned folds. This gives rise to a container that has side walls shaped of four right triangles divided by two isosceles triangles all below the point where the “V” shaped creases intersect with the folds below the top seal. 
         [0012]    Further, in a preferred embodiment, a horizontal tear feature is constructed just below the top seal in order to open the container and remove the top seal. Once this happens, the container can be squeezed from the folds, opening the mouth of the container and allowing for access to the snack product contained therein and direct package to mouth consumption. Because of the geometry of the construction, the container substantially recloses once the pressure on the folds ceases. 
         [0013]    In a preferred embodiment the container is of such dimensions that it easily fits in a cup holder and ergonomically fits well within the human hand for one hand use. The use of an end seal at the top allows for the retail display of the container in a similar fashion to that used for pillow bags in both retail settings and vending machines. Specifically, in one embodiment a hole or opening is fashioned in the center of the top seal such that the container can be hung off a rod on a wire display by pushing the rod through the hole. The flat end seal also allows the container to be hung on displays using clips. 
         [0014]    A further embodiment of the container incorporates an integral reclose feature that is simple to deploy. The reclose feature utilized two diagonal score lines located below the end seal, one score line on each side of the container. After the container is opened, it can be resealed by folding the container over the score lines towards a cut through the container located on the front of the container. An edge of the container is then inserted in this cut, thereby sealing the container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a depiction of a paperboard blank used for the constructions of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D  depict one embodiment of the preferred invention after construction; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A and 3B  depict one embodiment of the preferred invention with the top seal removed; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a depiction of a paperboard blank used for the construction of an embodiment of the present invention which incorporates a reclose feature; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D  depict an embodiment of the present invention which incorporates a reclose feature after construction; and 
           [0021]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict the reclose functionality of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]      FIG. 1  depicts a paperboard blank used to construct one embodiment of the container. The blank  102  is initially flat and has a front side (depicted in  FIG. 1 ) and a back side (not shown). In construction the front side of a side flap  104  is mated with the back side of the blank  102  along the left side  106  of the blank  102 . Further, a left top section  108  and a right top section  110  are mated together. This results in a partially constructed container having the two dimensional top feature with flat end seals consisting of the top portions  108 ,  110 . In one embodiment a hole or opening  112  is made in the top left section  408  and a corresponding hole or opening  114  is made in the top right section  110 . When the two top sections  108 ,  110  are mated, the holes  112 ,  114  align, thereby giving the product the functionality of having a hole or opening at the top of the container through which a wire rod can be inserted for retail display or vending. 
         [0023]    Also shown in  FIG. 1  are two “V” shaped creases  166 . As used in this detailed description and in the claims of this application, the term “fold” or “folds” means a bend in the blank  102  material of greater than 89 degrees. Further, the term “crease” or “creases” used herein means a bend in the blank  102  material of less than 90 degrees. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment of the invention a barrier layer, such as a film consisting of MG bleached kraft, low density polyethylene, aluminum foil, and Surlyn 1652 sealant, is attached to the paperboard blank  102  on the back side of the blank  102  such that when the side flap  104  is sealed to the left side  106 , the partially constructed container then has a barrier layer on the interior of the partially constructed container. The paperboard is, in a preferred embodiment, .014, .015, .016, .018, or .020 caliper paperboard and is SBS, SUS, CCNB, CRB, or some combination thereof. The front of the paperboard includes a graphical treatment that includes, but is not limited to: UV (high gloss) coating, matte coating, registered matte or gloss coating, embossing, and/or debossing. Additionally, specialty inks can be used such as thermochromic and/or phosphorescent inks. 
         [0025]    A partially constructed container, as described above, is loaded with a product through the base of the partially constructed container. Such product includes, but is not limited to, bite size savory or sweet snack foods, such as: chips or crisps, nuts, popcorn, hard candy, extruded snacks, puff snacks, fried snacks, baked snacks, fruit pieces, soft candy pieces, chocolate, pretzels, cereals, and mixtures thereof. Once loaded, the construction is completed by fashioning a relatively square base using four bottom or base flaps  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 . 
         [0026]    Returning to a description of the blank  102 , in a preferred embodiment, the distance  124  from the top of the blank  102  to the bottom of the shorter bottom flaps  116 ,  120  is about 10 inches. The distance  126  from the top of the blank  102  to the top of the bottom flaps  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122  is about 8 inches. The distance  128  from the top of the top sections  108 ,  110  to the bottom of the top sections  108 ,  110  is about 0.5 inches. The length  130  and width  132  of the side flap  104  is approximately 7.134 inches and 0.5 inches, respectively. The width  134  of the blank  102  less the side flap  104  is approximately 8 inches. The maximum width  136  of the slightly tapered bottom or base flaps  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122  is approximately 2 inches, thereby resulting in a square base upon final construction of the container of about 2 inches by 2 inches. The distance  138  from the top of the blank  104  to the top of the “V” shaped creases  166  is between 1 inch and 1.75 inches, and in a preferred embodiment is about 1.5 inches. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D , a fully constructed container is depicted.  FIG. 2A  is a front view of the container.  FIG. 2B  is a top perspective view of the front, right side of the container.  FIG. 2C  is a bottom perspective view of the front right side of the container.  FIG. 2D  is a view of the right side of the container. 
         [0028]    When fully constructed the container, in a preferred embodiment consists of a square base  250  and a two-dimensional flat top seal  252 . The left side of the container is defined by a left fold  256 . The right side of the container is defined by a right fold  254 . Thus, the right fold  254  starts at the right corner  258  of the square base  250  and runs to the top right point  260  of the end seal  252 . Likewise, the left fold  256  starts at the left corner  262  of the base and runs upward to the top left edge  264  of the top seal  252 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 2A  shows a front view of the container and depicts a “V” shaped crease  266  that starts at the front corner  268  of the square base claim  250  and runs to a point  270  in the horizontal plane that is below the top seal  252  and intersects with the right and left folds  254 ,  256 . An identical geometry as that of the front of the container, depicted in  FIG. 2A  and described above, is repeated on the back side of the container. Namely, a second “V” shaped crease starts at the rear corner of said base and terminates at the right and left folds  254 ,  256  at points in the same horizontal plane as the top of the first “V” shaped crease  266  depicted on the front of the container in  FIG. 2A . 
         [0030]    The container thus has two side walls which are in planar contact with each other above the horizontal crease  272  that defines the bottom of the end seal  252 . Also depicted in the end seal  252  is a hole or opening  274 . The geometry of the two folds  254 ,  256  and the two “V” shaped creases  266  provides a container (below the termination points  270  of the top of the “V” shaped creases  266 ) defined by four right triangle shaped side walls  276  and two isosceles triangle shaped side walls  278 . 
         [0031]    The embodiment of the container depicted in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D  has a horizontal tear feature  280  along at least one side wall and, in a preferred embodiment, through both side walls, located below the top seal  252  and above the termination points  270  of the top of the “V” shaped creases  266 . This tear feature  280  can be a perforation pattern cut partially through the container material, an embedded rip cord in the container, or other modes of separating portions of paperboard known in the art. 
         [0032]    The exact dimensions of the formed container can vary from embodiment to embodiment. For example, in a preferred embodiment the dimension of the square base  250  is less than 3 inches by 3 inches. In a more preferred embodiment the dimensions of the square base  250  is about 2 inches by 2 inches. In a preferred embodiment the length of the two folds  254 ,  256  is less than 10 inches long each and greater than 6 inches long each. In a more preferred embodiment the length of the two folds,  254 ,  256  is less than 9 inches long each and greater than 7 inches long each. In a preferred embodiment the vertical distance from the top corners  260 ,  264  of the top seal  252  to the top  270  of the “V” shaped crease  266  is between 1 inch and 2 inches. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict the container after the application of the tear feature such that the top has been removed, allowing access to the product found inside.  FIG. 3A  shows a container that is fully opened at the top, thereby allowing for direct package to mouth consumption of the product. The configuration of the container shown in  FIG. 3A  occurs when the consumer squeezes the package along the folds  354 , thereby opening what becomes the top of the container  382  once the top portion above the tear feature has been removed. Due to the geometric design of the container, when the consumer releases pressure on the folds  354  the container returns to a substantially closed position at the top  382  as depicted in  FIG. 3B . This results in the container being predisposed to a substantially closed position when not being squeezed open by a consumer&#39;s hand. 
         [0034]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , one method for constructing an embodiment of the container involves first cutting a paperboard blank having a graphics layer on one side and a barrier layer on the other side. Such cutting results in a flat blank having a side flap  104  along one edge and four base flaps  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 . The blank  102  is then folded and creased such that there is a fold  105  lengthwise down the middle of the blank and creases  166  that form two “V” shaped creases on either side of the middle fold  105 . The two lengthwise edges  106 ,  107  of the blank  102  are affixed together by use of the side flap  104 . A top section  108 ,  110  of the blank  102  is affixed together thus forming an end seal and resulting in a partially constructed container with an opening in its base. 
         [0035]    Once the container is partially constructed it is then filled through the opening in the base with a snack product. Finally, a square base is formed using the four base flaps  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 . 
         [0036]    The method can include the step of scoring a tear feature  180  near the top of the blank  102 . Further, openings can be cut in two locations  112 ,  114  near the top of the blank  102  such that the openings  112 ,  114  align upon formation of the end seal, thus forming a single opening through the end seal through which a rod can be inserted for displaying the container in a hanging configuration. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  depicts a paperboard blank used to construct another embodiment of the container having a reclose feature. The blank  402  is initially flat and has a front side (depicted in  FIG. 4 ) and a back side (not shown). In construction the front side of a side flap  404  is mated with the back side of the blank  402  along the left side  406  of the blank  402 . Further, a left top section  408  and a right top section  410  are mated together. This results in a partially constructed container having the two dimensional top feature with flat end seals consisting of the top portions  408 ,  410 . In one embodiment a hole or opening  412  is made in the top left section  408  and a corresponding hole or opening  414  is made in the top right section  410 . When the two top sections  408 ,  410  are mated, the holes  412 ,  414  align, thereby giving the product the functionality of having a hole or opening at the top of the container through which a wire rod can be inserted for retail display or vending. 
         [0038]    Also shown in  FIG. 4  are two “V” shaped creases  466 . As used in this detailed description and in the claims of this application, the term “fold” or “folds” means a bend in the blank  402  material of greater than 89 degrees. Further, the term “crease” or “creases” used herein means a bend in the blank  402  material of less than 90 degrees. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment of the invention a barrier layer, such as a film consisting of MG bleached kraft, low density polyethylene, aluminum foil, and Surlyn 1652 sealant, is attached to the paperboard blank  402  on the back side of the blank  402  such that when the side flap  404  is sealed to the left side  406 , the partially constructed container then has a barrier layer on the interior of the partially constructed container. Alternatively, a liner can be inserted into the container after it is partially formed. The paperboard is, in a preferred embodiment, .014, .015, .016, .018, or .020 caliper paperboard and is SBS, SUS, CCNB, CBR, or some combination thereof. The front of the paperboard includes a graphical treatment that includes, but is not limited to: UV (high gloss) coating, matte coating, registered matte or gloss coating, embossing, and/or debossing. Additionally, specialty inks can be used such as thermochromic and/or phosphorescent inks. 
         [0040]    A partially constructed container, as described above, is loaded with a product through the base of the partially constructed container. Such product includes, but is not limited to, bite size savory or sweet snack foods, such as: chips or crisps, nuts, popcorn, hard candy, extruded snacks, puff snacks, fried snacks, baked snacks, fruit pieces, soft candy pieces, chocolate, pretzels, cereals, and mixtures thereof. Once loaded, the construction is completed by fashioning a relatively square base using four bottom or base flaps  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  422 . 
         [0041]    Returning to a description of the blank  402 , in a preferred embodiment, the distance  424  from the top of the blank  402  to the bottom of the shorter bottom flaps  416 ,  420  is about 9.5 inches. The distance  425  from the top of the blank  402  to the bottom of the longer bottom flaps  418 ,  422  is about 10.125 inches. The distance  426  from the top of the blank  402  to the top of the bottom flaps  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  422  is about 8.25 inches. The distance  428  from the top of the top sections  408 ,  410  to the bottom of the top sections  408 ,  410  is about 1.0 inches. A tear feature,  480  such as intermittent cuts through the paperboard but not the underlying liner material, defines the bottom of the top sections  408 ,  410 . The length  430  and width  432  of the side flap  404  is approximately 8.0 inches and 1.0 inches, respectively. The width  434  of the blank  402  less the side flap  404  is approximately 8 inches. The maximum width  436  of the slightly tapered bottom or base flaps  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  422  is approximately 2.0 inches, thereby resulting in a square base upon final construction of the container of about 2.0 inches by 2.0 inches. The distance  438  from the top of the blank  402  to the top of the “V” shaped creases  466  is between 1.5 inch and 4.0 inches, and in a preferred embodiment is about 3.0 inches. 
         [0042]    Also shown is score line  494  extending diagonally from a tear feature  480  to the top of a “V” shaped crease  466 . The score line  496  continues on the flap  404  as well. A horizontal cut  490  is located below a score line  494  and within a “V” shaped crease  466 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  shows an optional score line  492  above the cut  490 , said score line  492  in a semicircular pattern. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D , a fully constructed container with a reclose feature is depicted.  FIG. 5A  is a front view of the container.  FIG. 5B  is a top perspective view of the front, right side of the container.  FIG. 5C  is a bottom perspective view of the front right side of the container.  FIG. 5D  is a view of the right side of the container. 
         [0044]    When fully constructed the container, in a preferred embodiment, consists of a square base  550  and a two-dimensional flat top seal  552 . The left side of the container is defined by a left fold  556 . The right side of the container is defined by a right fold  554 . Thus, the right fold  554  starts at the right corner  558  of the square base  550  and extends to the top right point  560  of the end seal  552 . Likewise, the left fold  556  starts at the left corner  562  of the base and extends upward to the top left edge  564  of the top seal  552 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 5A  shows a front view of the container and depicts a “V” shaped crease  566  that starts at the front corner  568  of the square base  550  and runs to a point  570  in the horizontal plane that is below the top seal  552  and intersects with the right and left folds  554 ,  556 . An identical geometry as that of the front of the container, depicted in  FIG. 5A  and described above, is repeated on the back side of the container. Namely, a second “V” shaped crease starts at the rear corner of said base and terminates at the right and left folds  554 ,  556  at points in the same horizontal plane as the top of the first “V” shaped crease  566  depicted on the front of the container in  FIG. 5A . However, in a preferred embodiment, the horizontal cut  590  and accompanying semi-circular cut only appear on the front of the container. 
         [0046]    The container thus has two side walls which are in planar contact with each other above the tear feature  580  that defines the bottom of the end seal  552 . Also depicted in the end seal  552  is a hole or opening  574 . The geometry of the two folds  554 ,  556  and the two “V” shaped creases  566  provides a container (below the termination points  570  of the top of the “V” shaped creases  566 ) defined by four right triangle shaped side walls  576  and two isosceles triangle shaped side walls  578 . 
         [0047]    The embodiment of the container depicted in  FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D  has a horizontal tear feature  580  along at least one side wall and, in a preferred embodiment, through both side walls, located below the top seal  552  and above the termination points  570  of the top of the “V” shaped creases  566 . This tear feature  580  can be a perforation pattern cut partially through the container material, an embedded rip cord in the container, or other modes of separating portions of paperboard known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the tear feature provides for a clean tear and removal of both the paperboard material of the top seal  552  as well as any liner material sandwiched between the paperboard materials. 
         [0048]    Also shown is a horizontal cut  590  through the paperboard material (but not through the liner material). This cut  590  is located below a front score line  594  and within a “V” shape crease  566 . There is an optional score line  592  in a semi-circular pattern shown above the cut  590 . Again, in a preferred embodiment the cut  590  is only available on one side of the container, whether that be a front or back side. In an alternative embodiment, the cut  590  is a diagonal cut rather than a horizontal cut. 
         [0049]    As noted previously, shown is a flat portion defined by the top edge of the container and extending to a horizontal tear feature  580  located above the termination points  570  of the “V” shaped creases  566 , wherein below the termination points  570  of the top of the “V” shaped creases  566  the folds  554 ,  556  and “V” shaped creases  566  define four right-triangle shaped side walls  576  and two isosceles triangle shaped side walls  578 , wherein further above the termination points  570  of the top of the “V” shaped creases  566  the container consists of two side walls which are in planar contact with each other above the horizontal tear feature  580 , thus forming a top seal and forming a front surface and a back surface, both of said surfaces located above the termination points  570  of the “V” shaped creases  566 . 
         [0050]    Also shown is a front score line  594  along the front surface running from a first fold  556  to a second fold  554 . Not shown (except partially in  FIG. 5D ) is an identical back score line  595  along the back surface running from the first fold  556  to the second fold  554 , wherein the intersectional positions of the front score line  594  at the first fold  554  and the second fold  556  corresponds to the intersectional positions of the back score line  595  at the first fold  556  and the second fold  554 , wherein further said vertical location of the intersectional position of each score line  594  at the first fold  556  is different from the vertical position of each score line  594  at the second fold  554 . Consequently, while the front score line  594  is illustrated as a diagonal starting at the top  570  of a “V”  566  on the first fold  556  and terminating higher up on the container at the intersection of the tear feature  580  and the second fold  554 , the inverse is also contemplated such that the diagonal front score line  594  starts at the higher position on the first fold  556  (at the tear feature  580 ) and terminates at a lower position  570  on the second fold  554 . Thus it can be said that the intersectional position of the score lines  594  along one of the first  556  or second  554  folds is at the intersection of a termination point  570  of the “V” shaped creases and said fold, and that the intersectional position of the score lines  594 ,  595  along one of the first  556  or second  554  folds is at the intersection of the horizontal tear feature  580  and said fold  554 ,  556 . 
         [0051]    Stated differently, shown is a front score line  594  along the front surface starting from the first fold  556  or the second fold  554  at a point below the tear feature  580  and ending at the tear feature  580 . A back score line  595  (shown partially in  FIGS. 5D ) runs along the back surface starting from the first fold  556  or the second fold  554  at a point below the tear feature  580  and ending at the tear feature  580 , wherein the intersectional position of the front score line  594  at the first fold  556  or the second fold  554  corresponds to the intersectional position of the back score line  595  at the first fold  556  or the second fold  554 , wherein further the intersectional position of each score lines  594 ,  595  at the tear feature  580  is the same. Consequently, the intersectional position of the score lines  594 ,  595  along one of the horizontal tear feature  580  is the intersection of the tear feature  580  and a first  556  or second fold  554 . Likewise, the intersectional position of the score lines  594 ,  595  along one of the first  556  or second  554  folds is at the intersection of a termination point  570  of the “V” shaped creases and said fold  554 ,  556 . In short, the front and back score lines  594 ,  595  line up when the container is folded as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , but the score lines  594 ,  595  can be oriented differently than depicted in  FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D . 
         [0052]    The exact dimensions of the formed container can vary from embodiment to embodiment. For example, in a preferred embodiment the dimension of the square base  550  is less than 3 inches by 3 inches. In a more preferred embodiment the dimensions of the square base  550  is about 2 inches by 2 inches. In a preferred embodiment the length of the two folds  554 ,  556  is less than 10 inches long each and greater than 6 inches long each. In a more preferred embodiment the length of the two folds,  554 ,  556  is less than 9 inches long each and greater than 7 inches long each, and most preferably about 8.25 inches long. In a preferred embodiment the vertical distance from the top corners  560 ,  564  of the top seal  552  to the top  570  of the “V” shaped crease  566  is between 1.5 inch and 4.0 inches, and preferably about 3 inches. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict the container after the application of the tear feature such that the top has been removed, allowing access to the product found inside. The orientation of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  are the same as shown in  FIG. 5B . Thus elements  658 ,  666 ,  668 ,  670  and  678  correspond to elements  558 ,  566 ,  568 ,  570  and  578 , respectively. 
         [0054]      FIG. 6A  shows a container wherein the remaining portion  682  of the container above the score line  694  is folded downward along the score line  694  toward the cut  690 . The semi-circular score line  692  facilities opening the cut  690 .  FIG. 6B  shows the conclusion of this motion as a corner of the remaining portion  682  is inserted into the horizontal cut  690 , thereby sealing or reclosing the container. The container can be easily reopened by reversing the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
         [0055]    The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It should be understood, for example, that the materials used in construction, the methods used to construct the container, and the products that fill the container may vary and are not limited by the specific disclosure stated herein.