One-piece container with internal support structure

A one-piece blank and preassembly for constructing a container having an internal support structure includes a bottom panel, a wall panel or combination panel, and an auxiliary panel connected to the wall panel or combination panel. The auxiliary panel and the wall or combination panel are configured so that portions of the auxiliary panel automatically change state from co-planar to three-dimensional upon manipulation of the wall panel or combination panel to form the container.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Retail-ready containers having internal support structure for supporting similar retail-ready containers thereupon are known in the art.

Such known containers may be erected from a preassembly including a primary blank and one or more supplementary blanks adhered to the primary blank. The preassembly may be erected so that the primary blank forms the walls and bottom of the container, and so that the supplementary blanks form supports within the walls and bottom of the container. Alternatively, the supplementary blanks may be separate or separable from the primary blank. In such an embodiment, the preassembly may be erected so that the primary blank forms the walls and bottom of the container, and the supplementary blanks may be separately formed into supports and then loosely disposed within the walls and bottom of the container.

The use of supplementary blanks to form the supports may create at least three problems. First, special equipment may be required to manufacture a preassembly including supplementary blanks adhered to a primary blank.

Second, in embodiments wherein the supplementary blanks are adhered to the primary blank, the supplementary blanks must be precisely aligned with the primary blank during manufacture of the preassembly. Failure to precisely align the supplementary blanks with the primary blank during manufacture of the preassembly may yield a preassembly that cannot readily be erected to form a container having the desired configuration. For example, misaligned blanks could cause either the main body of the container or the internal supports to be distorted when the container is erected, such that the container, the supports, or both are unattractive or suffer from impaired functionality.

Third, in embodiments wherein the supplementary blanks are separate or separable from the primary blank, a user would need to erect the primary blank to form the container, separately erect the supplementary blanks to form the supports, and then insert the separately erected supports into the container. In such an embodiment, the supports typically would be loosely disposed within the container so that the supports could collapse while supporting an additional container thereupon. Such collapse could result in breakage of product disposed within the containers, as well as damage to the containers or a retail display including the containers.

The present disclosure is directed to a retail-ready container including internal supports that may be erected from a preassembly including only a single blank. Notwithstanding, such a preassembly could include supplementary blanks directed to functions other than providing internal support for another container thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

References to orientation, for example, top, bottom, front, rear, center, side, left, right, and the like, as may be used herein should be construed in a relative, rather than absolute, sense unless context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments shown and described herein are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Features disclosed in connection with a given embodiment may be used in connection with any other embodiment to the greatest extent possible.

FIGS. 1-7show a first embodiment of an illustrative one-piece, planar blank100, a one-piece preassembly102made from the blank100, and a container104erected from the preassembly102according to the present disclosure.

The blank100may be made of corrugated paperboard, card stock, or another suitable material. The blank100includes a bottom panel A, first and second (or left and right) combination panels B, C, first and second (or front and rear) wall panels D, E, and first and second (or left and right) auxiliary panels F, G. Solid lines between adjacent panels as shown in the drawings indicate separation of the adjacent panels from each other. Such separation may be effected, for example, by lancing, shearing, die cutting, or other means that may or may not yield a kerf. Dashed lines as shown in the drawings indicate fold lines that may or may not be scored. Scoring, where provided, may be effected by perforating or creasing the blank100.

The first combination panel B is connected to the bottom panel A along a first fold line110. The first fold line110and other fold lines described herein may be scored, for example, as discussed above. The first auxiliary panel F is connected to the first auxiliary B along a second fold line112parallel to the first fold line110.

The first combination panel B includes a first (or rear) portion B1, a second (or center) portion B2, and a third (or front) portion B3. The center portion B2is connected to the bottom panel A along the first fold line110. The rear portion B1is connected to the center portion B2along a third fold line114perpendicular to the first fold line110. The front portion B3is connected to the center portion B2along a fourth fold line116parallel to the third fold line114.

The first auxiliary panel F includes a first (or rear) portion F1, a second (or rear center) portion F2, a third (or front center) portion F3, and a fourth (or front) portion F4. The rear portion F1of the first auxiliary panel F is connected to the rear portion B1of the first combination panel B along the second fold line112. Similarly, the front portion F4of the first auxiliary panel F is connected to the front portion B3of the first combination panel B along the second fold line112.

The rear portion F1of the first auxiliary panel F is connected to the rear center portion F2of the first auxiliary panel F along a fifth fold line118parallel to the third fold line114. The rear center portion F2is connected to the front center portion F3along a sixth fold line120parallel to the third fold line114. The front center portion F3is connected to the front portion F4along a seventh fold line122parallel to the third fold line114. The sixth fold line120may be (but need not be) located midway between the fifth fold line118and the seventh fold line122.

The first wall panel D includes a first portion D1and a second portion D2. The first portion D1is connected to the bottom panel A along an eighth fold line124. The second portion D2is connected to the first portion D1along a ninth fold line126parallel to the eighth fold line124and along an optional first auxiliary fold line128parallel to the ninth fold line. Where provided, the second auxiliary fold line128facilitates the folding of the second portion D2with respect to the first portion D1when the preassembly102is formed into the container104.

The second combination panel C is connected to the bottom panel A along a tenth fold line130. The second auxiliary panel G is connected to the second combination panel C along an eleventh fold line132.

The second combination panel C includes a first (or rear) portion C1, a second (or center) portion C2, and a third (or front) portion C3. The rear portion C1is connected to the center portion C2along a twelfth fold line134perpendicular to the tenth fold line130. The front portion C3is connected to the center portion C2along a thirteenth fold line136parallel to the twelfth fold line134.

The second auxiliary panel G includes a first (or rear) portion G1, a second (or rear center) portion G2, a third (or front center) portion G3, and a fourth (or front) portion G4. The rear portion G1of the second auxiliary panel G is connected to the rear portion G1of the second combination panel C along the eleventh fold line132. Similarly, the front portion G4of the second auxiliary panel G is connected to the front portion C3of the second combination panel C along the eleventh fold line132.

The rear portion G1of the second auxiliary panel G is connected to the rear center portion G2of the first auxiliary panel G along a fourteenth fold line138parallel to the twelfth fold line134. The rear center portion G2is connected to the front center portion G3along a fifteenth fold line140parallel to the twelfth fold line134. The front center portion G3is connected to the front portion G4along a sixteenth fold line142parallel to the twelfth fold line134. The fifteenth fold line140may be (but need not be) located midway between the fourteenth fold line138and the sixteenth fold line142.

The second wall panel E includes a first portion E1and a second portion E2. The first portion E1is connected to the bottom panel A along a seventeenth fold line144. The second portion E2is connected to the first portion E1along an eighteenth fold line146parallel to the seventeenth fold line144and along an optional second auxiliary fold line148parallel to the eighteenth fold line. Where provided, the second auxiliary fold line148facilitates the folding of the second portion E2with respect to the first portion E1when the preassembly102is formed into the container104.

As best shown inFIG. 1A, the fifth fold line118is offset from the third fold line114by a first predetermined distance S1so that the fifth fold line118is directed through the first portion B1of the first combination panel B. As best shown inFIG. 1B, the seventh fold line122is offset from the fourth fold line116by a second predetermined distance S2so that the seventh fold line122is directed through the third portion B3of the first combination panel B. The significance of the offsets shown inFIGS. 1A and 1Bwill be discussed further below.

Similarly, the fourteenth fold line138is offset from the twelfth fold line134by the first predetermined distance S1or another predetermined distance so that the twelfth fold line134is directed through the first portion C1of the second combination panel C, and the sixteenth fold line142is offset from the thirteenth fold line136by the second predetermined distance S2or another predetermined distance so that the sixteenth fold line142is directed through the third portion C3of the second combination panel C.

As best shown inFIG. 1C, the third fold line114may be (but need not be) offset from the seventeenth fold line144by a third predetermined distance S3so that the third fold line114is directed through the bottom panel A. Such an offset may preclude interference between the first portion B1of the first combination panel B and the second wall panel E when the preassembly102formed from the blank100is erected into the container104, as will be discussed further below.

As best shown inFIG. 1D, the fourth fold line116may be (but need not be) offset from the eighth fold line124by a fourth predetermined distance S4so that the fourth fold line116is directed through the bottom panel A. Such an offset may preclude interference between the third portion B3of the first combination panel B and the first wall panel D when the preassembly102formed from the blank100is erected into the container104, as will be discussed further below.

Similarly, and for similar reasons, the twelfth fold line134may be (but need not be) offset from the seventeenth fold line144by the third predetermined distance S3or another predetermined distance so that the twelfth fold line134is directed through the bottom panel A, and the thirteenth fold line136may be (but need not be) offset from the eighth fold line124by the fourth predetermined distance S4or another predetermined distance so that the thirteenth fold line136is directed through the bottom panel A.

The blank100defines first and second spaced-apart slots150,152extending through the bottom panel A adjacent and parallel to the seventeenth fold line144. The blank100also defines third and fourth spaced-apart slots154,156extending through the bottom panel A adjacent and parallel to the eight fold line124. The blank100further defines first and second tabs158,160extending in a rearward direction from the rear edge of the second portion E2of the second wall panel E. The blank100also defines third and fourth tabs162,164extending in a forward direction from the front edge of the second portion D2of the first panel D. Each of the slots150,152,154,156has a length corresponding to and at least marginally greater than a length of the respective tab158,160,162,164, and a width corresponding to and at least marginally greater than a thickness of the respective tab158,160,162,164(which may be the same as the thickness of the blank100generally), so that each of the tabs158,160,162,164may be securely received within the corresponding slot150,152,154,156when the blank100is erected into the container104, as discussed further below.

With reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the preassembly102may be formed from the blank100as follows. Optionally, adhesive, for example, hot or cold glue, double sided tape, or the like, may be applied to one or both of the rear portion B1of the first combination panel B and the rear portion F1of the first auxiliary panel F. Also, adhesive optionally may be applied to one or both of the front portion B3of the first combination panel B and the front portion F4of the first auxiliary panel F. The first auxiliary panel F may be folded along the second fold line112against the first combination panel B. In embodiments using adhesive, the adhesive adheres the rear portion B1of the first combination panel B to the rear portion F1of the first auxiliary panel F, and the adhesive adheres the front portion B3of the first combination panel B to the front portion F4of the first auxiliary panel F.

Similarly, adhesive optionally may be applied to one or both of the rear portion C1of the second combination panel C and the rear portion G1of the second auxiliary panel G, and/or to one or both of the front portion C3of the second combination panel C and the front portion G4of the second auxiliary panel G. The second auxiliary panel G may be folded along the eleventh fold line132against the second combination panel C. In embodiments using adhesive, the adhesive adheres the rear portion C1of the second combination panel C to the rear portion G1of the second auxiliary panel G, and the adhesive adheres the front portion B3of the second combination panel C to the front portion G4of the second auxiliary panel G.

As best shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the front portions B3, F4of the first side panel B and the first auxiliary panel F cooperate to define a first tang T1, and rear portions B1, F1of the first side panel B and the first auxiliary panel F of the preassembly102cooperate to define a second tang T2. Similarly, the front portions C3, G4of the first side panel C and the second auxiliary panel G cooperate to define a third tang T3, and the rear portions C1, G1of the second side panel C and the second auxiliary panel G cooperate to define a fourth tang T4.

With reference toFIGS. 5-7, the preassembly102may be erected into the container104as follows. The first combination panel B may be folded about the first fold line110to a position perpendicular to the bottom panel A.

Also, the rear portion B1of the first wall panel B may be folded about the third fold line114to a position perpendicular to the center portion B2of the first wall panel, and the front portion B3of the first wall panel B may be folded about the fourth fold line116to a position perpendicular to the center portion B2of the first wall panel. Based on the relative locations of the third, fourth, fifth, and seventh fold lines114,116,118,122, the foregoing folding of the rear and front portions of the first wall panel B shortens the distance between the fifth and seventh fold lines118,122, thereby creating a compressive force on the rear center and front center portions F2, F3of the first auxiliary panel F. This compressive force acts through the plane of the rear center and front center portions F2, F3of the first auxiliary panel F and causes the rear center and front center portions F2, F3of the first auxiliary panel F to buckle with respect to each other. The sixth fold line120connecting the rear center and front center portions F2, F3functions as a line of relative weakness compared to the rest of the rear center and front center portions F2, F3. As such, folding the rear portion B1of the first wall panel B about the third fold line114and folding the front portion B3of the first wall panel B about the fourth fold line116automatically causes the rear center portion F2of the first auxiliary panel F to fold with respect to the front center portion F3of the first auxiliary panel about the sixth fold line120.

Consequently, the rear center portion F2and the front center portion F3of the first auxiliary panel F change state from co-planar with each other to three-dimensional with respect to each other, thereby creating a first space166defined by the rear center portion F2of the first auxiliary panel F, the front center portion F3of the first auxiliary panel F, and the center portion B2of the first wall panel B. The extent to which the rear center portion F2and the front center portion F3of the first auxiliary panel F change state from co-planar with each other to three-dimensional with respect to each other is a function of the magnitude of the third and fourth predetermined distances S3, S4, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. The greater the magnitude of the third and fourth predetermined distances S3, S4, the further the rear center portion F2and the front center portion F3of the first auxiliary panel F change state from co-planar with each other to three-dimensional with respect to each other, and the larger the first space166becomes, when the preassembly102is manipulated as discussed above. Also, the greater the magnitude of the third and fourth predetermined distances S3, S4, the further the sixth fold line138is displaced toward the tenth fold line130when the preassembly102is manipulated as discussed above.

The second combination panel C may be manipulated in an analogous manner to achieve an analogous effect. Consequently, the rear center portion G2and the front center portion G3of the second auxiliary panel G change state from co-planar with each other to three-dimensional with respect to each other, thereby creating a second space168defined by the rear center portion G2of the second auxiliary panel G, the front center portion G3of the second auxiliary panel G, and the center portion C2of the second wall panel C.

The first portion D1of the first wall panel D may be folded about the eighth fold line124to a position perpendicular to the bottom panel A. The second portion D2of the first wall panel D may be folded about the ninth fold line126(and about the optional first auxiliary fold line128, if provided), to a position parallel to the first portion D1of the first wall panel D, thereby encompassing the first tang T1and the third tang T3. The third and fourth tabs162,164extending from the second portion D2of the first wall panel D may be engaged, respectively, with the third and fourth slots154,156defined by the bottom panel A, thereby securing the free end of the second portion D2of the third wall panel D to the bottom panel A.

Similarly, the first portion E1of the second wall panel E may be folded about the seventeenth fold line144to a position perpendicular to the bottom panel A. The second portion E2of the fourth wall panel E may be folded about the eighteenth fold line146(and the optional second auxiliary fold line148, if provided) to a position parallel to the first portion E1of the fourth wall panel E, thereby encompassing the second tang T2and the fourth tang T4. The first and second tabs158,160extending from the outer edge of the outer portion E2of the second wall panel E may be engaged, respectively, with the first and second slots150,152defined by the bottom panel A, thereby securing the second portion E2of the second wall panel E to the bottom panel A.

With the container104so erected, the rear center and front center portions F2, F3of the first auxiliary panel F and the rear center and front center portions G2, G3of the second auxiliary panel G define first and second V-shaped internal support structures V1, V2capable of supporting another container104thereupon. The first and second internal support structures V1, V2may cooperate with the first, second, third, and fourth wall panels B, C, D, E of the container104to support the another container104. The free edges of the rear center and front center portions F2, F3of the first auxiliary panel F and the rear center and front center portions G2, G3of the second auxiliary panel G may receive a vertical load from the another container104thereupon and transfer the load to the bottom panel A of the container104.

FIGS. 8-14show a second embodiment of an illustrative one-piece, planar blank200, a one-piece preassembly202made from the blank200, and a container204erected from the preassembly202according to the present disclosure.

The blank200may be made of corrugated paperboard, card stock, or another suitable material. The blank200includes a bottom panel AA, a combination panel BB, an auxiliary panel CC, and a (front) wall panel DD. Solid lines between adjacent panels as shown in the drawings indicate separation of the adjacent panels from each other. Such separation may be effected, for example, by lancing, shearing, die cutting, or other means that may or may not yield a kerf. Dashed lines as shown in the drawings indicate fold lines that may or may not be scored. Scoring, where provided, may be effected by perforating or creasing the blank200.

The combination panel BB is connected to the bottom panel AA along a first fold line210. The auxiliary panel CC is connected to the combination panel BB along a second fold line212parallel to the first fold line210.

The combination panel BB includes a first (or left wall) portion BB1, a second (or rear wall) portion BB2, a third (or right wall) portion BB3, a fourth (or left return) portion BB4, a fifth (or right return) portion BB5, a sixth (or left bottom) portion BB6, and a seventh (or right bottom) portion BB7. The rear wall portion BB2is connected to the bottom panel AA along the first fold line210. The left wall portion BB1is connected to the rear wall portion BB2along a third fold line214perpendicular to the first fold line210. The right wall portion BB3is connected to the rear wall portion BB2along a fourth fold line216parallel to the third fold line214. The left return portion BB4is connected to the left wall portion BB1along a tenth fold line230parallel to the third fold line214. The right return portion BB5is connected to the right wall portion BB3along an eleventh fold line232parallel to the fourth fold line216. The left bottom portion BB6is connected to the left wall portion BB1along a twelfth fold line234parallel to the first fold line210. The right bottom portion BB7is connected to the right wall portion BB4along the twelfth fold line234.

The auxiliary panel CC includes a first (or left wall) portion CC1, a second (or left rear) portion CC2, a third (or right rear) portion CC3, a fourth (or right wall) portion CC4, a fifth (or left return) portion CC5, and a sixth (or right return) portion CC6. The left wall portion CC1of the auxiliary panel CC is connected to the left wall portion BB1of the combination panel BB along the second fold line212. The right wall portion CC3of the auxiliary panel CC is connected to the right wall portion BB3of the combination panel BB along the second fold line212.

The left wall portion CC1of the auxiliary panel CC is connected to the left rear portion CC2thereof along a fifth fold line218perpendicular to the second fold line212. The left rear portion CC2of the auxiliary panel CC is connected to the right rear portion CC3thereof along a sixth fold line220parallel to the fifth fold line218. The right rear portion CC3of the auxiliary panel CC is connected to the right wall portion CC4thereof by a seventh fold line222parallel to the fifth fold line218. The sixth fold line220may be located midway between the fifth and seventh fold lines218,222. The left return portion CC5of the auxiliary panel CC is connected to the left wall portion CC1thereof by a thirteenth fold line236parallel to the fifth fold line218. The right return portion CC6of the auxiliary panel CC is connected to the right wall portion CC3thereof by a fourteenth fold line238parallel to the fifth fold line218.

As best shown inFIG. 8A, the fifth fold line218is offset from the third fold line214by a first predetermined distance SS1. The fifth fold line218may be located outboard of the center section BB2of the combination panel BB so that the fifth fold line is directed through the left wall section BB1. As best shown inFIG. 8B, the seventh fold line222is offset from the fourth fold line216by a second predetermined distance SS2that may be, but need not be, the same as the first predetermined distance SS1. The seventh fold line222may be located outboard of the center portion BB2of the combination panel BB so that the seventh fold line is directed through the right wall portion BB3. The significance of the offsets shown inFIGS. 8A and 8Bwill be discussed further below.

As best shown inFIG. 8C, the tenth fold line230is offset from the thirteenth fold line236by a third predetermine distance SS3. The tenth fold line230may be located outboard of the left wall portion CC1of the auxiliary panel so that the tenth fold line is directed through the left return portion CC5. Such an offset may facilitate the folding of the left return portion BB4of the combination panel BB with respect to the left wall portion BB1of the combination panel and the folding of the left return portion CC5the auxiliary panel CC with respect to the left wall portion CC1of the auxiliary panel when the preassembly202formed from the blank200is erected into the container204, as will be discussed further below. The eleventh fold line232may be similarly offset from the fourteenth fold line238so that the eleventh fold line is directed through the right return portion CC6, with a similar effect.

As best shown inFIG. 8D, the fourteenth fold line234may be offset from the first fold line210by a fourth predetermined distance SS4. The fourteenth fold line234may be located outboard of the bottom panel AA so that the fourteenth fold line is directed through the center return portion BB2of the combination panel BB. Such an offset may preclude interference between the left bottom portion BB6and the right bottom portion BB7of the combination panel BB with respect to the bottom panel AA when the preassembly202formed from the blank200is erected into the container204, as will be discussed further below.

The front wall panel DD includes a first portion DD1and a second portion DD2. The first portion DD1is connected to the bottom panel AA along an eighth fold line224parallel to the first fold line210. The second portion DD2is connected to the first portion DD1along a ninth fold line226parallel to the eighth fold line224and along an optional auxiliary fold line228parallel to the eighth fold line. Where provided, the auxiliary fold line228facilitates the folding of the second portion DD2with respect to the first portion DD1when the preassembly202is formed into the container204, as discussed further below.

The left bottom portion BB6of the combination panel BB defines a first notch240inset from the left free edge thereof. Similarly, the right bottom portion BB7defines a second notch242inset from the right free edge thereof. The blank200also defines first and second spaced-apart tabs244,246extending in a forward direction from the forward edge of the second portion DD2of the front wall panel DD. Each of the notches240,242has a length corresponding to and at least marginally greater than a length of the respective tab244,246, and a width corresponding to a thickness of the respective tab244,246(which may be the same as the thickness of the blank200generally) so that each of the tabs244,246may be securely received within the corresponding notch240,242when the blank200is erected into the container204, as discussed further below.

Optionally, the blank200may define openings248in each of the left and right wall portions BB1, BB3of the combination panel BB and the left and right wall portions CC1, CC4of the auxiliary panel CC. Where provided, the openings248are located so that the openings248in the left wall portions BB1, CC1become superimposed with each other and so that the openings248in the right wall portions BB3, CC4become superimposed with each other when the blank200is manipulated to form the preassembly202.

With reference toFIGS. 10 and 11, the preassembly202may be formed from the blank200as follows. Adhesive, for example, hot or cold glue, double sided tape, or the like, optionally may be applied to one or both of the left wall portion BB1of the combination panel BB and the left wall portion CC1of the auxiliary panel CC, and also optionally to one or both of the right wall portion BB3of the combination panel B and the right wall portion CC4of the auxiliary panel CC. The auxiliary panel CC may be folded along the second fold line212against the combination panel BB. In embodiments using adhesive, the adhesive adheres the left wall portion BB1of the combination panel BB to the left wall portion CC1of the auxiliary panel CC, and/or the adhesive adheres the right wall portion BB3of the combination panel BB to the right wall portion CC4of the auxiliary panel CC.

As best shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the left return portions BB4, CC5of the combination panel BB and the auxiliary panel CC of the preassembly202cooperate to define a first tang TT1, and the right return portions BB5, CC6of the combination panel BB and the auxiliary panel CC cooperate to define a second tang TT2.

With reference toFIGS. 12-14, the preassembly202may be erected into the container204as follows. The center panel BB2of the combination panel BB may be folded about the first fold line210to a position perpendicular to the bottom panel AA. Also, the left bottom panel BB6of the combination panel BB may be folded about the fourteenth fold line234to a position perpendicular to the left wall panel BB1of the combination panel BB, and the right bottom panel BB7of the combination panel BB may be folded about the fourteenth fold line234to a position perpendicular to the right wall panel BB3of the combination panel BB.

With continued reference toFIGS. 12-14, the left wall portion BB1of the combination panel BB may be folded about the third fold line214to a position perpendicular to the center portion BB2of the combination panel. Consequently, the left bottom portion BB6of the combination panel BB may be placed atop and parallel to the bottom panel AA. Also, the right wall portion BB3of the combination panel BB may be folded about the fourth fold line216to a position perpendicular to the center portion BB2of the combination panel. Consequently, the right bottom portion BB7of the combination panel BB may be placed atop and parallel to the bottom panel AA. The offset shown inFIG. 8D, if provided, may facilitate such placement of the left and right bottom portions BB6, BB7atop the bottom panel AA.

Based on the relative locations of the third, fourth, fifth, and seventh fold lines214,216,218,222, the foregoing folding of the left and right wall portions BB1, BB3of the combination panel BB shortens the distance between the fifth and seventh fold lines218,222, thereby creating a compressive force on the left center and right center portions CC2, CC3of the auxiliary panel CC. This compressive force acts through the plane of the left center and right center portions CC2, CC3of the auxiliary panel CC and causes the left center and rear center portions CC2, CC3of the auxiliary panel CC to buckle with respect to each other. The sixth fold line220connecting the left center and rear center portions CC2, CC3functions as a line of relative weakness compared to the rest of the left center and right center portions CC2, CC3. As such, folding the left wall portion BB1of the combination panel BB about the third fold line214and folding the right wall portion BB3of the combination panel BB about the fourth fold line216automatically causes the left center portion CC2of the auxiliary panel CC to fold with respect to the right center portion CC3of the auxiliary panel about the sixth fold line220, so that the left center portion CC2and the right center portion CC3change state from co-planar with each other to three-dimensional with respect to each other, thereby creating a space250defined by the left and right center portions CC2, CC3of the auxiliary panel CC and the center portion BB2of the combination panel BB.

The extent to which the left and right center portions CC2, CC3of the auxiliary panel CC change state from co-planar with each other to three-dimensional with respect to each other is a function of the magnitude of the first and second predetermined distances SS1, SS2, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. The greater the magnitude of the first and second predetermined distances SS1, SS2, the further the left and right center portions CC2, CC3of the auxiliary panel CC change state from co-planar with each other to three-dimensional with respect to each other, and the larger the space250becomes, when the preassembly202is manipulated as discussed above. Also, the greater the magnitude of the first and second predetermined distances SS1, SS2, the further the sixth fold line220is displaced toward the eighth fold line224when the preassembly202is manipulated as discussed above.

The first portion DD1of the front wall panel DD may be folded about the eighth fold line224to a position perpendicular to the bottom panel AA. The second portion DD2of the front wall panel DD may be folded about the ninth fold line226(and about the optional auxiliary fold line228, if provided), to a position parallel to the second portion DD2of the front wall panel DD, thereby encompassing the first tang TT1and the second tang TT2. The first and second tabs244,246extending from the front wall panel DD may be engaged, respectively, with the first and second slots240,242defined by the bottom panel AA, thereby securing the front wall panel DD to the bottom panel AA.

With the container204so erected, the left center and right center portions CC2, CC3of the auxiliary panel CC define a V-shaped internal support structure VV1capable of supporting a portion of another container204thereupon. The support structure VV1may cooperate with the left wall portions BB1, CC1, right wall portions BB3, CC4, left return portions BB4, CC5, and right return portions BB5, CC6, respectively, of the combination and auxiliary panels BB, CC of the container204to support the another container204. The free edges of the left rear and right rear portions CC2, CC3of the auxiliary panel CC may receive a vertical load from the another container204thereupon and transfer the load to the bottom panel AA of the container204.

In embodiments including them, the openings248may function as hand holds for the container204.

FIGS. 15-21show a third embodiment of an illustrative one-piece, planar blank300, a one-piece preassembly302made from the blank300, and a container304erected from the preassembly302according to the present disclosure.

The blank300may be made of corrugated paperboard, card stock, or another suitable material. The blank300includes a bottom panel AAA, a combination panel BBB, an auxiliary panel CCC, and a front wall panel DDD. Solid lines between adjacent panels as shown in the drawings indicate separation of the adjacent panels from each other. Such separation may be effected, for example, by lancing, shearing, die cutting, or other means that may or may not yield a kerf. Dashed lines as shown in the drawings indicate scoring. Such scoring may be effected by perforating or creasing the blank300.

The combination panel BBB is connected to the bottom panel AAA along a first fold line310. The auxiliary panel CCC is connected to the combination panel BBB along a second fold line312parallel to the first fold line310.

The combination panel BBB includes a left return portion BBB1, a left wall portion BBB2, a rear wall portion BBB3, a right wall portion BBB4, a right return portion BBB5, a left bottom portion BBB6, and a right bottom portion BBB7. The rear wall portion BBB3is connected to the bottom panel AAA by a first fold line310. The left return portion BBB1is connected to the left wall portion BBB2by a third fold line314perpendicular to the second fold line312. The left wall portion BBB2is connected to the rear wall portion BBB3by a fourth fold line316parallel to the third fold line314. The rear wall portion BBB3is connected to the right wall portion BBB4by a fifth fold line318parallel to the third fold line314. The right wall portion BBB4is connected to the right return portion BBB5by a sixth fold line320parallel to the third fold line314. The left bottom portion BBB6is connected to the left wall portion BBB2by a thirteenth fold line334parallel to the first fold line310. The right bottom portion BBB7is connected to the right wall portion BBB4by the thirteenth fold line334.

The auxiliary panel CCC includes a left return portion CCC1, a left front portion CCC2, a left rear portion CCC3, a center portion CCC4, a right rear portion CCC5, a right front portion CCC6, and a right return portion CCC7. The left return portion CCC1of the auxiliary panel CCC is connected to the left return portion BBB1of the combination panel BBB by the second fold line312. The center portion CCC4of the auxiliary panel CCC is connected to the center portion BBB3of the combination panel BBB by the second fold line312. The right return portion CCC7of the auxiliary panel CCC is connected to the right return portion BBB5of the combination panel BBB by the second fold line312.

The left return portion CCC1of the auxiliary panel CC is connected to the left front portion CCC2thereof by a seventh fold line322parallel to the third fold line316. The left front portion CCC2of the auxiliary panel CCC is connected to the left rear portion CCC3thereof by an eighth fold line324parallel to the seventh fold line322. The left rear portion CCC3of the auxiliary panel CCC is connected to the center portion CCC4thereof by a ninth fold line326parallel to the seventh fold line322. The center portion CCC4of the auxiliary panel CCC is connected to the right rear portion CCC5thereof by a tenth fold line328parallel to the seventh fold line322. The right rear portion CCC5of the auxiliary panel CCC is connected to the right front portion CCC6thereof by an eleventh fold line330parallel to the seventh fold line322. The right front portion CCC6of the auxiliary panel CCC is connected to the right return portion CCC7thereof by a twelfth fold line332parallel to the seventh fold line322.

As best shown inFIG. 15A, the seventh fold line322may be offset from the third fold line314by a first predetermined distance SSS1, as will be discussed further below. The seventh fold line322may be located outboard of the left wall portion BBB2of the combination panel BBB so that the seventh fold line322is directed through the left return portion BBB1of the combination panel. The twelfth fold line332may be similarly offset from the sixth fold line320by the first predetermined distance SSS1or another suitable predetermined distance so that the twelfth fold line332is directed through the right return portion BBB5of the combination panel BBB.

As best shown inFIG. 15B, the ninth fold line326may be offset from the fourth fold line316by a second predetermined distance SSS2, as will be discussed further below. The ninth fold line326may be located outboard of the left wall portion BBB2of the combination panel BBB so that the seventh fold line322is directed through the center portion BBB3of the combination panel. The tenth fold line328may be similarly offset from the fifth fold line318by the second predetermined distance SSS2or another suitable predetermined distance so that the twelfth fold line332is directed through the center portion BBB3of the combination panel BBB.

As best shown inFIG. 15C, the thirteenth fold line334is offset from the first fold line310by a third predetermined distance SSS3, as will be discussed further below. The thirteenth fold line334may be located inboard of the bottom panel AAA so that the thirteenth fold line334is directed through the rear wall portion BBB3of the combination panel BBB. Such an offset may preclude interference between the left bottom portion BBB6and the right bottom portion BBB7of the combination panel BBB with respect to the bottom panel AAA when the preassembly302formed from the blank300is erected into the container304, as will be discussed further below.

The front wall panel DDD includes a first portion DDD1and a second portion DDD2. The first portion DDD1is connected to the bottom panel AAA by a fourteenth fold line336parallel to the first fold line310. The second portion DDD2is connected to the first portion DDD1by a fifteenth fold line338parallel to the first fold line310and by an optional first auxiliary fold line340parallel to the fifteenth fold line338. Where provided, the first auxiliary fold line340facilitates the folding of the second portion DDD2with respect to the first portion DDD1when the preassembly302is formed into the container304.

The left bottom panel BBB6defines a first notch342inset from the left free edge thereof. Similarly, the right bottom panel BBB7defines a second notch344inset from the right free edge thereof. The blank300also defines first and second spaced-apart tabs346,348extending in a forward direction from the forward edge of the second portion DDD2of the front wall panel DDD. Each of the notches342,344has a length corresponding to and at least marginally greater than a length of the respective tab346,348, and a width corresponding to a thickness of the respective tab346,348(which may be the same as the thickness of the blank300generally) so that each of the tabs346,348may be securely received within the corresponding notch342,344when the blank300is erected into the container304, as discussed further below.

Optionally, the blank300may define openings350in each of the left and right wall portions BBB2, BBB4of the combination panel BBB.

With reference toFIGS. 17 and 18, the preassembly302may be formed from the blank300as follows. Adhesive, for example, hot or cold glue, double sided tape, or the like, optionally may be applied to one or both of the left return portion BBB1of the combination panel BB and the left return portion CCC1of the auxiliary panel CCC, optionally to one or both of the rear wall portion BBB3of the combination panel BBB and the rear wall portion CCC4of the auxiliary panel CCC, and optionally to one or both of the right return portion BBB5of the combination panel BBB and the right return portion CCC7of the auxiliary panel CCC. The auxiliary panel CCC may be folded along the second fold line312against the combination panel BBB. In embodiments using adhesive between the left return portion BBB1of the combination panel BBB and the left return portion CCC1of the auxiliary panel CCC, such adhesive adheres the left return portion BBB1of the combination panel BBB to the left return portion CCC1of the auxiliary panel CCC. In embodiments using adhesive between the rear wall portion BBB3of the combination panel BBB and the rear wall portion CCC4of the auxiliary panel CCC, such adhesive adheres the rear wall portion BBB3of the combination panel BBB to the rear wall portion CCC4of the auxiliary panel CCC. In embodiments using adhesive between the right return portion BBB5of the combination panel BBB and the right return portion CCC7of the auxiliary panel CCC, such adhesive adheres the right return portion BBB5of the combination panel BBB to the right return portion CCC7of the auxiliary panel CCC.

As best shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, the left return portions BBB1, CCC1of the combination panel BBB and the auxiliary panel CCC of the preassembly302cooperate to define a first tang TTT1, and the right return portions BBB5, CCC7of the combination panel BBB and the auxiliary panel CCC cooperate to define a second tang TTT2.

With reference toFIGS. 19-21, the preassembly302may be erected into the container304as follows. The center panel BBB3of the combination panel BBB may be folded about the first fold line310to a position perpendicular to the bottom panel AAA. Also, the left bottom panel BBB6of the combination panel BBB may be folded about the thirteenth fold line334to a position perpendicular to the left wall panel BBB2of the combination panel BBB, and the right bottom panel BBB7of the combination panel BBB may be folded about the thirteenth fold line334to a position perpendicular to the right wall panel BBB4of the combination panel BBB.

With continued reference toFIGS. 19-21, the left wall portion BBB2of the combination panel BBB may be folded about the fourth fold line316to a position perpendicular to the center portion BBB3of the combination panel. Consequently, the left bottom portion BBB6of the combination panel BBB may be placed atop and parallel to the bottom panel AAA. Also, the right wall portion BBB4of the combination panel BBB may be folded about the fifth fold line318to a position perpendicular to the center portion BBB3of the combination panel. Consequently, the right bottom portion BBB7of the combination panel BBB may be placed atop and parallel to the bottom panel AAA. The offset shown in15C, if provided, may facilitate such placement of the left and right bottom portions of the combination panel BBB atop the bottom panel AAA.

Also, the left return portion BBB1of the combination panel BBB may be folded about the third fold line314to a position perpendicular to the left wall portion BBB2of the combination panel, and the right return portion BBB5of the combination panel BBB may be folded about the sixth fold line320to a position perpendicular to the right wall portion BBB3of the combination panel.

Based on the relative locations of the third, fourth seventh, and ninth fold lines314,316,322,326, the foregoing folding of the left return portion BBB1of the bottom panel BBB and the foregoing folding of the left wall portions BBB2of the combination panel BB shortens the distance between the seventh and ninth fold lines322,326, thereby creating a compressive force on the left front and left rear portions CCC2, CCC3of the auxiliary panel CCC. This compressive force acts through the plane of the left front and left rear portions CCC2, CCC3of the auxiliary panel CCC and causes the left front and left rear portions CCC2, CCC3of the auxiliary panel CCC to buckle. The eighth fold line324connecting the left front and left rear portions CCC2, CCC3functions as a line of relative weakness compared to the rest of the left front and left rear portions CCC2, CCC3. As such, folding the left return portion BBB1of the combination panel BBB about the third fold line314and folding the left wall portion BBB2of the combination panel BB about the fourth fold line316automatically causes the left front portion CCC2of the auxiliary panel CCC to fold with respect to the left rear portion CCC3of the auxiliary panel about the eighth fold line324, so that the left front portion CCC3and the left rear portion CCC3change state from co-planar with each other to three-dimensional with respect to each other, thereby defining a first space352defined by the left front and left rear portions CCC2, CCC3of the auxiliary panel CCC and the left wall portion BBB2of the combination panel BBB.

The extent to which the left front and left rear portions CCC2, CCC3of the auxiliary panel CCC change state from co-planar with each other to three-dimensional with respect to each other is a function of the magnitude of the first and second predetermined distances SSS1, SSS2, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. The greater the magnitude of the first and second predetermined distances SSS1, SSS2, the further the left front and left rear portions CCC2, CCC3of the auxiliary panel CCC change state from co-planar with each other to three-dimensional with respect to each other, and the larger the first space352becomes, when the preassembly302is manipulated as discussed above. Also, the greater the magnitude of the first and second predetermined distances SSS1, SSS2, the further the eighth fold line324is displaced away from the left wall panel BBB2of the combination panel BBB when the preassembly302is manipulated as discussed above.

The relative locations of the fifth, sixth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth fold lines318,320,328,330,332lead to a similar effect with respect to the right front and right rear portions CCC5, CCC6of the auxiliary panel CCC and the right wall portion BBB4of the combination panel when the right wall portion and the right return portion BBB4, BBB5are folded as discussed above. Such folding yields a second space354similar to the first space352.

The inner portion DDD1of the front wall panel DD may be folded about the fourteenth fold line336to a position perpendicular to the bottom panel AAA. The outer portion DDD2of the front wall panel DDD may be folded about the fifteenth fold line338(and about the optional auxiliary fold line340, if provided), to a position parallel to the inner portion DDD2of the front wall panel DDD, thereby encompassing the first tang TTT land the second tang TTT2. The first and second tabs346,348extending from the front wall panel DDD may be engaged, respectively, with the first and second slots342,344defined by the bottom panel AAA, thereby securing the front wall panel DDD to the bottom panel AAA.

With the container304so erected, the left front and left rear portions CCC2, CCC3of the auxiliary panel CCC define a first V-shaped internal support structure VVV1capable of supporting a portion of another container304thereupon. Similarly, right rear and right front portions CCC5, CCC6of the auxiliary panel CCC define a second V-shaped internal support structure VVV2capable of supporting a portion of another container304thereupon. The free edges of the left front, left rear, right rear, and right front portions CCC2, CCC3, CCC5, CCC6of the auxiliary panel CCC may receive a vertical load from the another container204thereupon and transfer the load to the bottom panel AAA of the container304.

In embodiments including them, the openings350may function as hand holds for the container304.