Container

A container that can be constructed from a blank is disclosed. The container can include four side walls and can be divided into multiple cells. The size or shape of the cell(s) can be substantially similar or can be varied. For instance, the cell(s) can be varied to correspond to the size or shape of a particular article of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a container that can be used to hold or transport matter (e.g., objects such as articles of manufacture).

B. Description of Related Art

Containers that include internal dividers are known. These containers can have reduced stability and strength. This can lead to damage of any articles of manufacture that are included in the containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes deficiencies in the art by providing containers that can be used to hold or transport matter. Non-limiting examples of matter include things that have mass and occupy space (e.g., objects such as articles of manufacture).

In one non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a container comprising: a first, second, third, and fourth side wall panel, wherein the first and third side wall panels are in opposed relationship, and wherein the second and fourth side wall panels are in opposed relationship, the side wall panels defining an interior space of the container; a first second, third, and fourth bottom panel, wherein the first bottom panel is coupled to the first side wall panel, the second bottom panel is coupled to the second side wall panel, the third bottom panel is coupled to the third side wall panel, and the fourth bottom panel is coupled to the fourth side wall panel, and wherein each bottom panel comprises: (a) a divider portion that extends into the interior of the container and is configured to form a cell wall that defines a cell; and (b) a bottom portion. In another non-limiting embodiment, the first, second and fourth bottom panels comprise a bottom portion and a divider portion, while the third bottom panel comprises only a bottom portion. In certain aspects, the divider portions can all have the same or different aspect ratios. For instance, the divider portions of the second and fourth bottom panels can have different aspect ratios or the same aspect ratios when compared to one another. Similarly, the divider portions of the first and third bottom panels can have the same or different aspect ratios when compared to one another or when compared to the second and for bottom panels. In one embodiment, the second and fourth bottom panels have different aspect ratios when compared to one another. The first and third bottom panels can have similar aspect ratios when compared to one another. The container can include a first fold line that defines a boundary between each side wall panel and each bottom panel, and a second fold line that defines a boundary between the divider portion and the bottom portion of each bottom panel. The distance between the first fold line and second fold line of the second bottom panel can be the same, less than, or greater than the distance between the first fold line and second fold line of the fourth bottom panel. In certain aspects, the distance between the first fold line and the second fold line of the first bottom panel is substantially similar to the distance between the first fold line and the second fold line of the third bottom panel.

The interior space of the container can comprise or be divided into 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or more cells. In certain embodiments, the container can be divided into 4 or 6 cells. In a 4 cell container, the cells can be further divided into two sets of two. In a six cell container, the cells can be further divided into two sets of three. The first set of cells can have the same or different shape when compared to one another. The second set of cells can also have the same or different shape when compared to one another. In certain aspects, the first set of cells can have a smaller, the same, or larger interior space in comparison to the cells in the second set. A non-limiting way to measure the interior space of a cell is by volume. By way of example only, the first set of cells can have the same shape when compared to one another and can have a smaller interior space in comparison to the second set of cells which can also have the same shape when compared to one another.

The container can be folded in such a way that each divider portion can be capable of being folded in such a way that the interior space of the container is either not divided or else it is divided into 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or more cells. The bottom portions of the second and fourth bottom panels can be adapted to form the outside surface of the bottom of the container. The first and third bottom panels can further comprise elongated openings that are configured to accept the divider portions of the second and fourth bottom panels. In certain embodiments, the divider portions of the second and fourth bottom panels can further comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more sub-panels.

The container can further include a first, second, third, and fourth top panel. The first top panel can be coupled to the first side wall panel, the second top panel can be coupled to the second side wall panel, the third top panel can be coupled to the third side wall panel, and the fourth top panel can be coupled to the fourth side wall panel. The top panels can be adapted to fold in such a way so as to enclose the top portion of the container. Alternatively, a lid that is separate from the container blank can be used to enclose the top portion of the container. The first and third side wall panels can further include apertures that form handles. The second and fourth side wall panels can further comprise apertures that form handles. Handles can be used to assist the user to pick of the box.

The container can have a multitude of shapes. In one embodiment, the container has a rectangular shape. However, other shapes such as, but not limited to, a square, a hexagonal, and an octagonal shape are contemplated. The container can also be made from multiple blanks of material or a single blank of material. In certain aspects, a single blank of material is used, and the container can be made by scoring and/or cutting the blank.

In another non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a container comprising: a first, second, third, and fourth side wall panel, wherein the first and third side wall panels are in opposed relationship, and wherein the second and fourth side wall panels are in opposed relationship, the side wall panels defining an interior space of the container; a first second, third, and fourth bottom panel, wherein the first bottom panel is coupled to the first side wall panel, the second bottom panel is coupled to the second side wall panel, the third bottom panel is coupled to the third side wall panel, and the fourth bottom panel is coupled to the fourth side wall panel, and wherein each bottom panel comprises: (a) a divider portion that extends into the interior of the container and is capable of being folded in such a way that the interior space of the container is either not divided or else it is divided into multiple cells (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or more); and (b) a bottom portion. In another non-limiting embodiment, the first, second and fourth bottom panels comprise a bottom portion and a divider portion, while the third bottom panel comprises only a bottom portion.

Also disclosed is a single blank of material for constructing a container. The blank can be made of any material that can be used to form a container. Non-limiting examples include cardboard, corrugated paper, plastics, metals, fibers, clothes, etc. The blank can include a first, second, third, and fourth side wall panel, wherein the first and third side wall panels are in opposed relationship, and wherein the second and fourth side wall panels are in opposed relationship, the side wall panels being configured to define an interior space when the container is formed; a glue joint coupled to the first side wall panel (as indicated above, the glue joint can also be coupled to the fourth side wall panel; a first second, third, and fourth bottom panel, wherein the first bottom panel is coupled to the first side wall panel, the second bottom panel is coupled to the second side wall panel, the third bottom panel is coupled to the third side wall panel, and the fourth bottom panel is coupled to the fourth side wall panel, and wherein each bottom panel comprises: (a) a divider portion that is configured to extend into the interior of the container when the container is formed; and (b) a bottom portion, wherein the divider portions of the first and third bottom panels have the same aspect ratio and the divider portions of the second and fourth bottom panels have different aspect ratios. In another non-limiting embodiment, the first, second and fourth bottom panels comprise a bottom portion and a divider portion, while the third bottom panel comprises only a bottom portion. As indicated above, the divider portions can all have the same or different aspect ratios. For instance, the divider portions of the second and fourth bottom panels can have different aspect ratios or the same aspect ratios when compared to one another. Similarly, the divider portions of the first and third bottom panels can have the same or different aspect ratios when compared to one another or when compared to the second and for bottom panels. In one embodiment, the second and fourth bottom panels have different aspect ratios when compared to one another, and the first and third bottom panels have similar aspect ratios when compared to one another. In certain aspects, the blank has a rectangular shape. However, other shapes such as, but not limited to, a square, a hexagonal, and an octagonal shape are contemplated. The blank can be cut from a material by using a stamping machine. For instance, a single piece of material can be used to prepare multiple blanks by placing the material in a stamp machine (e.g., assembly line manufacture). This can be advantageous for speed of production and/or to minimize waste material (e.g., material that is not part of the blank). Additionally, the design of the blank allows for the use of a stamping machine while preserving the symmetrical or asymmetrical fold patterns.

In yet another embodiment, there is disclosed a container comprising: a first, second, third, and fourth side wall panel, wherein the first and third side wall panels are in opposed relationship, and wherein the second and fourth side wall panels are in opposed relationship, the side wall panels defining an interior space of the container; a first second, third, and fourth bottom panel, wherein the first bottom panel is coupled to the first side wall panel, the second bottom panel is coupled to the second side wall panel, the third bottom panel is coupled to the third side wall panel, and the fourth bottom panel is coupled to the fourth side wall panel, wherein a first fold line defines a boundary between each side wall panel and each bottom panel, and wherein each bottom panel comprises: (a) a divider portion that extends into the interior of the container and is configured to form a cell wall that defines a cell; and (b) a bottom portion, wherein a second fold line defines a boundary between the divider portion and the bottom portion of each bottom panel, and wherein the distance between the first fold line and the second fold line of the second bottom panel is greater than the distance between the first fold line and second fold line of the fourth bottom panel. In another non-limiting embodiment, the first, second and fourth bottom panels comprise a bottom portion and a divider portion, while the third bottom panel comprises only a bottom portion. As noted above, the distance between the first fold line and the second fold line of the first bottom panel can be substantially similar to the distance between the first fold line and the second fold line of the third bottom panel.

In still another embodiment, a container of the present invention can include a first, second, third, and fourth side wall panel, wherein the first and third side wall panels are in opposed relationship, and wherein the second and fourth side wall panels are in opposed relationship, the side wall panels defining an interior space of the container; a first second, third, and fourth bottom panel, wherein the first bottom panel is coupled to the first side wall panel, the second bottom panel is coupled to the second side wall panel, the third bottom panel is coupled to the third side wall panel, and the fourth bottom panel is coupled to the fourth side wall panel, and wherein each bottom panel comprises: (a) a divider portion that extends into the interior of the container and is capable of forming a cell wall defining a cell and/or a portion of the bottom of the container; and (b) a bottom portion. In another non-limiting embodiment, the first, second and fourth bottom panels comprise a bottom portion and a divider portion, while the third bottom panel comprises only a bottom portion. As discussed above, the interior space of the container can either not be divided or else it is divided into multiple cells.

Methods for using the container of the present invention are also contemplated. Non-limiting methods include methods for shipping, storing, or displaying articles of manufacture (e.g., consumer products). Also contemplated is a method for reducing the damage of an article of manufacture during shipping or storage comprising placing the article of manufacture in a container of the present invention, wherein the likelihood of damage to the article during storage or shipping is reduced when compared to a container that is known in the prior art.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method or container of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, containers of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

The use of the term “or” in the claims and specification includes “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.”

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The containers of the present invention provide several non-limiting benefits over prior art container. For instance, the containers have increased production speed and minimized waste material during construction. Additionally, the containers have an increased ability to protect items during the shipping and storage.

In certain non-limiting aspects, a container of the present invention can be made from a one-piece blank. The container can include asymmetrical fold patterns that can provide stability or strength to the container. In certain aspects, the asymmetrical folds can be created by varying the aspect ratios of divider portions and bottom portions of the containers. In other non-limiting aspects, a portion of the interior space of the container can be divided into multiple cell(s) as needed. The size and shape of the cell(s) can be substantially similar or can be varied. For instance, the cell(s) can be varied to correspond to the size or shape of a particular article of manufacture. In some aspects, the interior space of the container can be divided into multiple cells that have different sizes or shapes to accommodate different sizes or shapes of articles of manufacture. This can allow a user to store or ship articles of manufacture of different sizes or shapes in one container. These and other aspects of the present invention are described throughout this specification.

FIG. 1shows a blank5that can be used to construct a container of the present invention. The blank5includes four top panels10a,10b,10c, and10d, which can be configured to form a top portion of the constructed container. The blank5also includes four side panels20a,20b,20c, and20d, and four bottom panels30a,30b,30c, and30d. A glue joint15is coupled to side panel20a. When the blank5is constructed into a container, the glue joint15can be used to connect itself to side panel20d, thereby defining an interior space of the container, where side panels20aand20care in opposed relationship, and side panels20band20dare in opposed relationship. In a non-limiting embodiment, the connection can be made by using an adhesive. However, the connection can be made in other ways (e.g., mechanical devices such as a staple, a screw, a nail, a clamp, etc.). In other embodiments, glue joint15can be coupled to side panel20dand can be configured to connect side panel20dto side panel20a.

Fold lines12define boundaries between each top panel10a,10b,10c, and10dand each corresponding side panel20a,20b,20c, and20d. Fold lines14define boundaries between the glue joint15and side panel20aand between side panels20a,20b,20c, and20d. Fold lines16define boundaries between each side panel20a,20b,20c, and20dand each corresponding bottom panel30a,30b,30c, and30d.

Each bottom panel30a,30b,30c, and30dcomprises a bottom portion32a,32b,32c, and32dand a divider portion34a,34b,34c, and34d. Bottom portions32band32dcan be configured to form the outside bottom surface of the formed container, while bottom portions32aand32ccan be configured to form at least part of the inside bottom surface of the formed container. In other embodiments, bottom portions32aand32ccan be configured to form the outside bottom surface of the formed container, while bottom portions32band32dcan be configured to form at least part of the inside bottom surface of the formed container. Bottom panels30aand30ceach comprise an elongated opening36that can be configured to accept at least part of divider portions34band34dwhen the container is formed. The elongated openings36extend from fold lines16into at least part of bottom portions34aand34c. In other non-limiting aspects, the size and length of the elongated openings36can be varied as desired (e.g., they can extend into the bottom portion only or the entire length of the bottom panel).

Fold lines18define boundaries between each bottom portion32a,32b,32c, and32dand each corresponding divider portion34a,34b,34c, and34d. The distance between fold line16and fold line18of bottom panel30ais substantially similar to the distance between fold line16and fold line18of bottom panel30c. The distance between fold line16and fold line18of bottom panel30bis greater than the distance between fold line16and fold line18of bottom panel30d. In other non-limiting embodiments, the distance between fold line16and fold line18of bottom panel30acan be different (e.g., greater or smaller) when compared to the distance between fold line16and fold line18of bottom panel30c, and the distance between fold line16and fold line18of bottom panel30bcan be substantially similar to the distance between fold line16and fold line18of bottom panel30d. Divider portions34aand34chave substantially similar aspect ratios, and divider portions34band34dhave different aspect ratios. In other non-limiting embodiments, divider portions34aand34ccan have different aspect ratios. Similarly, divider portions34band34dcan have the same aspect ratios. Divider portions34a,34b,34c, and34dcan be configured to extend into the interior of the formed container. Each divider portion34a,34b,34c, and34dincludes cut lines38that allow a user to reconfigure the interior space of the formed container. For example, the cut lines38can be separated or cut along the indicated line38. This allows the interior space of the formed container to include 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 individual cells by folding selected parts of the divider portions34a,34b,34c, and34ddownward to the bottom surface of the formed container. Divider portions34band34dalso include elongated slits40which can facilitate the positioning of divider portions34band34dwith respect to divider portions34aand34cwhen the container is constructed.

In certain non-limiting aspects, containers of the present invention can be constructed from corrugated paperboard (e.g., cardboard). Materials other than corrugated paperboard can also be used (e.g., plastics, metals, composite materials, etc.).

FIGS. 2-11provide a non-limiting embodiment of a container50of the present invention. For instance,FIG. 2illustrates a top perspective view of a container50that can be constructed with the blank5illustrated inFIG. 1. The container50has a rectangular shape. In other non-limiting embodiments, the container50can have other shapes (e.g., square). Top panels10band10dhave similar aspect ratios and are folded to enclose the interior space of the container50. In other non-limiting embodiments, top panels10band10dcan have different aspect ratios.

FIG. 3illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container inFIG. 2. Bottom portions32band32dform the outside bottom surface of the container50. Bottom portions32band32dhave different aspect ratios. In other non-limiting embodiments, bottom portions32band32dcan have similar aspect ratios.

FIG. 4is a top perspective view of the container shown inFIG. 2in an open position (e.g., top panels10a,10b,10c, and10d, are not folded downward to enclose the interior space of the container). Glue joint15is connected to side panel20d, thereby defining an interior space of the container50, where side panels20aand20care in opposed relationship, and side panels20band20dare in opposed relationship. Divider panels34a,34b,34c, and34dform cell walls that define two sets of three cells60aand60b(i.e., six cells in total). In this embodiment, cells60ahave a similar shape to one another and have a greater interior space when compared to cells60b. Cells60bhave a similar shape to one another and have less interior space when compared to cells60a. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the different shapes of the two sets of cells60a,60bcan be created by varying the aspect ratios of bottom portions32band32dor divider panels34band34d. For instance, in this non-limiting embodiment, the aspect ratio of divider panel34bis different than the aspect ratio of divider panel34din that divider panels34band34dhave the same length, but divider panel34dhas a greater height than divider panel34b.

FIG. 5is a bottom perspective view of the container50shown inFIG. 4. Bottom portions32band32dform the outside bottom surface of the container50and have different aspect ratios. In this non-limiting embodiment, the aspect ratio of bottom portion32bis different than the aspect ratio of bottom portion32din that bottom portions32band32dhave the same length, but bottom portion32bhas a greater width than bottom portion32d. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the aspect ratios of bottom portions32band32dcan be varied by length or width as desired.

FIG. 6is a front view of the container50shown inFIG. 4. The bottom portions32band32dform the outside bottom surface of the container50and have different aspect ratios in that bottom portion32bhas a greater width than bottom portion32d.FIG. 7is a side view of the container50shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 8is a top view of the container50shown inFIG. 4. Cells60ahave a similar shape to one another and have a greater interior space when compared to cells60b. Cells60bhave a similar shape to one another and have less interior space when compared to cells60a. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the different shapes of the two sets of cells60a,60bcan be created by varying the aspect ratios of bottom portions32band32dor divider panels34band34d. For instance, the aspect ratio of bottom portion32bis different than the aspect ratio of bottom portion32din that bottom portions32band32dhave the same length, but bottom portion32bhas a greater width than bottom portion32d.FIG. 9, which is a bottom view of the container50shown inFIG. 4, is also illustrative of the different aspect ratios of bottom portions32band32d.

FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view taken along line6-6of the container50shown inFIG. 4. Glue joint15is connected to side panel20d. Bottom portions32band32d(32dnot shown) form the outside bottom surface of the formed container50. Bottom portions32aand32cform part of the inside bottom surface of the container50. The aspect ratio of divider portion34dis different than the aspect ratio of divider panel34bin that divider portions34band34dhave the same width, but divider portion34dhas a greater height than divider portion34b. Also, divider portions34aand34chave similar aspect ratios in that they have the same width (not shown) and height.

FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view taken along line7-7of the container shown inFIG. 4. Bottom portions32band32dform the outside bottom surface of the formed container50. The aspect ratio of divider portion34dis different than the aspect ratio of divider panel34bin that divider portions34band34dhave the same width (not shown), but divider portion34dhas a greater height than divider portion34b. The elongated slits40(not shown) on divider portions34band34dcan be configured to communicate with the elongated opening36of bottom panel30c.

FIGS. 12-14provide a non-limiting illustration of assembling the container50illustrated inFIG. 4. InFIG. 12, glue joint15is connected to side panel20d, thereby defining an interior space of the container50, where side panels20aand20care in opposed relationship, and side panels20band20dare in opposed relationship. InFIG. 13, bottom portions32aand32care folded along fold lines16towards the interior space of the container50. Divider portions34aand34care folded along fold lines18and extend into the interior space of the container50. Bottom portions32aand32cform at least part of the inside bottom surface of the container50. InFIG. 14, divider portions34band34dare folded along fold lines18and extend into the interior space of the container50. The elongated slits40on divider portions34band34dcommunicate with the elongated openings36of bottom panels30aand30c. Bottom portions32band32dform the outside bottom surface of the container50.

FIG. 15shows a blank15that can be used to construct a second embodiment of a container according to this disclosure. This embodiment is constructed in accordance with the same general principles as the embodiment described inFIGS. 1-14. The embodiment constructed from blank15has four cells instead of six cells as shown in the previous embodiment described inFIGS. 1-14.

The blank15includes four top panels110a,110b,110c, and110d, which can be configured to form a top portion of the constructed container. The blank15also includes four side panels120a,120b,120c, and120d, and four bottom panels130a,130b,130c, and130d. A glue joint115is coupled to side panel120a. When the blank15is constructed into a container, the glue joint115can be used to connect itself to side panel120d, thereby defining an interior space of the container, where side panels120aand120care in opposed relationship, and side panels120band120dare in opposed relationship. In a non-limiting embodiment, the connection can be made by using an adhesive. However, the connection can be made in other ways (e.g., mechanical devices such as a staple, a screw, a nail, a clamp, etc.). In other embodiments, glue joint115can be coupled to side panel120dand can be configured to connect side panel120dto side panel120a

Fold lines112define boundaries between each top panel110a,110b,110c, and110dand each corresponding side panel120a,120b,120c, and120d. Fold lines114define boundaries between the glue joint115and side panel120aand between side panels120a,120b,120c, and120d. Fold lines116define boundaries between each side panel120a,120b,120c, and120dand each corresponding bottom panel130a,130b,130c, and130d.

Each bottom panel130a,130b, and130dcomprises a bottom portion132a,132b, and132d. Bottom panel130ccomprises bottom portions132cand133c. Bottom panels130a,130b, and130dalso comprise a divider portion34a,34b, and34d. Bottom panels130aand130ceach comprise an elongated opening136that can be configured to accept at least part of divider portions134band134dwhen the container is formed.

Fold lines118define boundaries between each bottom portion132a,132b, and132dand each corresponding divider portion134a,134b, and134d. The distance between fold line116and fold line118of bottom panel130bis substantially similar to the distance between fold line116and fold line118of bottom panel130d. The distance between fold line116and118in bottom panels130band130dis slightly less than the distance between fold line116and118in bottom panel130a. In other non-limiting embodiments, the distance between fold line116and fold line118of bottom panel130acan be different (e.g., equal to or less than) when compared to the distance between fold line116and fold line118of bottom panels130band130d. Divider portions134band134dhave substantially similar aspect ratios. In other non-limiting embodiments, divider portions134band134dcan have different aspect ratios. Divider portions134a,134b, and134dcan be configured to extend into the interior of the formed container. Each divider portion134a,134b, and134dincludes cut lines138that allow a user to reconfigure the interior space of the formed container. For example, the cut lines38can be separated or cut along the indicated line38. This allows the interior space of the formed container to include 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 individual cells by folding selected parts of the divider portions134a,134b, and134ddownward to the bottom surface of the formed container. Divider portions134band134dalso include elongated slits140which can facilitate the positioning of divider portions134band134dwith respect to divider portion134awhen the container is constructed.

FIGS. 16-21provide a non-limiting embodiment of a container150constructed from the blank115shown inFIG. 15.FIG. 16represents a top perspective view of container150in an open position (e.g., top panels110a,110b,110c, and110d, are not folded downward to enclose the interior space of the container). Glue joint115is connected to side panel120d, thereby defining an interior space of container150, where side panels120aand120bare in opposed relationship, and side panels120band120dare in opposed relationship. Divider panels134a,134b, and134dform cell walls that define two sets of two cells160aand160b(i.e., four cells in total). A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the different shapes of the two sets of cells160aand160bcan be created by varying the aspect ratios of bottom portions132band132dor divider panels134band134d.

FIG. 17is a bottom perspective view of the container150shown inFIG. 16. Bottom portions132band132dform the outside bottom surface of the container150and have equivalent aspect ratios. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the aspect ratios of bottom portions132band132dcan be varied by length or width as desired.

FIG. 18is a front view of the container150shown inFIG. 16. The bottom portions132band132dform the outside bottom surface of the container150.FIG. 19is a side view of the container150shown inFIG. 16.

FIG. 20is a top view of the container150shown inFIG. 16. Cells160bhave a similar shape to one another and have a greater interior space when compared to cells160a. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the different shapes of the two sets of cells60a,60bcan be created by varying the aspect ratios of bottom portions32band32dor divider panels34band34d.FIG. 21, which is a bottom view of the container150shown inFIG. 16, is also illustrative of the equivalent aspect ratios of bottom portions132band132d.

All of the container and/or methods disclosed and claimed in this specification can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the container and methods of this invention have been described in terms of certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the containers and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention.