Construct With Article Engagement Features

A construct for holding at least one article includes at least one panel positioned adjacent an interior of the construct, and attachment features for at least partially engaging one or more portions of the at least one article, the attachment features including at least one article engagement flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, the at least one article engagement flap for being positioned in a recessed portion of the at least one article.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/347,617, filed on Jun. 1, 2022, and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/893,531, filed on May 31, 2023, are hereby incorporated for all purposes as if set forth in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to constructs for holding one or more articles. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to constructs for holding one or more articles and which include article engagement features.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a construct for holding at least one article, the construct comprising at least one panel positioned adjacent an interior of the construct; and attachment features for at least partially engaging one or more portions of the at least one article, the attachment features comprising at least one article engagement flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, the at least one article engagement flap for being positioned in a recessed portion of the at least one article.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a construct for holding at least one article, the blank comprising at least one panel for being positioned adjacent an interior of the construct formed from the blank, and attachment features for at least partially engaging one or more portions of the at least one article when the construct is formed from the blank, the attachment features comprising at least one article engagement flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, the at least one article engagement flap for being positioned in a recessed portion of the at least one article when the construct is formed from the blank.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a construct for holding at least one article, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising at least one panel and attachment features comprising at least one article engagement flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, and positioning the at least one panel adjacent an interior of the construct such that the at least one article engagement flap is arranged for being positioned in a recessed portion of the at least one article.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package, the package comprising at least one article and a construct holding the at least one article, the construct comprising at least one panel positioned adjacent an interior of the construct, and attachment features at least partially engaging one or more portions of the at least one article, the attachment features comprising at least one article engagement flap foldably connected to the at least one panel, the at least one article engagement flap being positioned in a recessed portion of the at least one article.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Constructs according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes articles such as articles containing food products. Such food products can be e.g., portioned retail food products that can include one or more of cookies, crackers, cakes, pastries, candies, nuts, popcorn, trail mix, gum, etc. Food products described herein can also include, for example, granulized or powdered food products such as cocoa or hot/cold chocolate mix, teas, seasonings such as salt, pepper, herbs, spices, etc., drink mix or flavoring, dehydrated food particles (e.g., soups or mashes), etc. The articles can include an outer or otherwise associated packaging that can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, glass; aluminum and/or other metals; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; composite materials; and the like, or any combination thereof.

The articles described herein can include different types of food or beverage products, packaging thereof, and/or having different shapes, without departing from the disclosure. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright constructs. As described herein, constructs can be formed from blanks by overlapping multiple panels, portions, and/or end flaps. Such panels, portions and/or end flaps may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

Referring momentarily toFIG.2, example articles C that are suitable for use with the present disclosure can include at least one sidewall W, a recessed top portion T (FIG.8) at least partially defined by an upper rim R1, and a recessed bottom portion B (FIG.9) at least partially defined by a lower rim R2. It will be understood that the sidewall W, top portion T, and bottom portion B of the articles C can be formed by panels and flaps/end flaps, in overlapping or single arrangements. As also shown, the top portion T is at least partially separable from the at least one sidewall W to access an interior of the article for holding one or more food or beverage product as described above. In some embodiments, the articles C can be a composite-based container such as a Boardio® composite can available from Graphic Packaging International, LLC of Atlanta, GA.

FIG.1is a plan view of an exterior surface101of a blank, generally indicated at103, used to form a carton or construct105(FIG.2) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As described further herein, the blank103can include article engagement features for forming article engagement features of the construct105that are for engaging a portion of one or more articles C. In some embodiments, the article engaging features of the blank103/construct105are for at least partially locking or securing the article(s) C to the construct105. The construct105can be provided with one or more articles C to form a package110(FIG.2).

As shown, the blank103has a longitudinal axis L1and a lateral axis L2and includes a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior107of the construct105when the construct105is formed from the blank103. The panels can include a bottom panel or attachment panel121, a front panel123foldably connected to the attachment panel121at a lateral fold line125, and a back panel127foldably connected to the attachment panel121at a lateral fold line129. A top panel131can also be foldably connected to the front panel123at a lateral fold line133, and a glue flap or attachment flap135can be foldably connected to the back panel127at a lateral fold line137.

In the illustrated embodiment, article engagement features of the blank103/construct105can include a pair of article engagement flaps139,141foldably connected to the attachment panel121at respective curved fold lines143,145.

The article engagement flap139can include a base portion147foldably connected to the attachment panel121at the curved fold line143, and a distal portion149foldably connected to the base portion147at a longitudinal fold line151. Similarly, the article engagement flap141can include a base portion153foldably connected to the attachment panel121at the curved fold line145, and a distal portion155foldably connected to the base portion153at a longitudinal fold line157.

As described further herein, the article engagement flaps139,141are configured to at least partially engage one or more articles C when the construct105is formed from the blank103. In some embodiments, the article engagement flaps139,141are configured for being at least partially received/positioned in the recessed bottom portion B of the one or more articles C. In some embodiments, the article engagement flaps139,141can be configured for being at least partially received/positioned in the recessed top portion T of the one or more articles C.

With continued reference toFIG.1, the blank103and construct105formed therefrom can include access features for at least partially accessing one or more articles C in/attached to the construct105. In the illustrated embodiment, the access features can include a tear strip159separably connected to respective portions of the top panel131at a pair of lateral tear lines161,163extending along at least a portion of the top panel131.

With additional reference toFIGS.2and3, formation of the construct105and package110from the blank103according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure will be described.

As shown, the plurality of panels of the blank103can be positioned to extend at least partially around an interior107of the construct105within which at least one article C is at least partially received such that the top panel131and the attachment panel121are positioned in generally parallel spaced relation, and such that the front panel123and the back panel127are positioned in generally parallel relation, with the front panel123and the back panel127extending from the top panel131to the attachment panel121in general parallel relation thereto. In this regard, the attachment panel121is positioned adjacent the interior107of the construct105.

The attachment flap135can be folded at the fold line137into at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel131. In some embodiments, the attachment flap135can be attached to the top panel131via one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue. In some embodiments, the attachment flap135can be attached to the top panel131without the use of adhesives.

As shown in detail inFIG.3, the article engagement flap139can be activated by at least partially folding the base portion147thereof relative to the attachment panel121at the fold line143, and at least partially folding the distal portion149of the article engagement flap139relative to the base portion147of the article engagement flap139at the fold line151such that the article engagement flap139extends at least partially into the recessed bottom portion B of a respective article C. In such an arrangement, the base portion147of the article engagement flap139can obliquely extend from the attachment panel121to the distal portion149of the article engagement flap139.

As shown, the arrangement of the activated article engagement flap139can be such that one or more free edges of the article engagement flap139are positioned in engagement with an interior surface of the lower rim R2of the article C, and the base portion147of the article engagement flap139can be positioned such to maintain a bracing engagement of the distal portion149of the article engagement flap139with the lower rim R2.

Similarly, the article engagement flap141can be activated by at least partially folding the base portion153thereof relative to the attachment panel121at the fold line145, and at least partially folding the distal portion155of the article engagement flap141relative to the base portion153of the article engagement flap141at the fold line157to position the article engagement flap141extending into the recessed bottom portion B of a respective article C. In such an arrangement, the base portion153of the article engagement flap141can obliquely extend from the attachment panel121to the distal portion155of the article engagement flap141. Furthermore, the base portion153of the article engagement flap141can maintain a bracing engagement of the distal portion155thereof with an interior surface of the lower rim R2of the respective article C similarly to that described above with respect to the article engagement flap139.

After formation of the construct105and package110as described above, the one or more articles C can be accessed by at least separating the tear strip159from the top panel131at one or both of the tear lines161,163. Such at least partial removal of the tear strip159from engagement with a respective portion of the top panel131can at least partially bifurcate the top panel131into separated portions that can be moved away from the articles C to provide access to the interior107of the construct105and the articles C therein.

The article engagement flaps139,141can be separated from the respective articles C by removing the article engagement flaps139,141from the respective recessed bottom portions B thereof. Such removal of the article engagement flaps139,141from engagement with the respective articles C can involve a predetermined amount of applied force on the part of the customer/user so as to avoid inadvertent separation of articles C from the construct105/package110. In some embodiments, the article engagement flaps139,141can be provided with tamper evident features, e.g., tearable/deformable portions, audible or haptic feedback associated with disengagement of the flaps139,141from a respective article C, etc.

The foregoing construct105/package110formed from the blank103provides a secure packaging that is configured to at least partially attach/lock to the unique configuration of one or more articles C, e.g., a recessed end portion thereof.

Turning toFIG.4, a plan view of an exterior surface201of a blank203for forming a construct205(FIG.5) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank203and construct205formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blank103and construct105, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The construct205formed from the blank203can be provided with one or more articles C as a package210(FIG.5).

As shown, the blank203can be generally similar to the blank103described above, except that a product visibility opening265can be at least partially formed in respective portions of the front panel123and the top panel131so as to at least partially interrupt the fold line133. Furthermore, the blank203can be devoid of the attachment flap135and can include a first handle panel267foldably connected to the back panel127at the fold line137, and a second handle panel269foldably connected to the top panel131at a lateral fold line271.

With additional reference toFIGS.5and6, the blank203can be formed into the construct205and the package210in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the formation of the construct105and package110from the blank103, with the additional step of positioning the first handle panel267and the second handle panel269in at least partial face-to-face contact to provide a handle273. The handle273can be positioned generally upright relative to the remainder of the construct205/package210, as shown, though can be at least partially folded relative to the remainder of the construct205/package210via folding at the overlapped fold lines271,137.

In some embodiments, the handle panels267,269can be at least partially adhered to one another with an adhesive such as glue. In other embodiments, the construct205/package210can be devoid of or minimize the use of glue.

The construct205and package210provides advantages similar to those described above with respect to the construct105and package110, while additionally providing the handle273, for example, for ease of use/carrying of the construct205/package210by a customer/user. Furthermore, the presence of the opening265in respective portions of the front panel123and top panel131provides at least partial visibility into the interior207of the construct205for viewing the articles C, for example, for quality inspection, to view informational or symbolic graphics printed on the articles C, for product featuring/advertising, etc.

Turning toFIG.7, a plan view of an exterior surface301of a blank303for forming a construct305(FIG.8) according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank303and construct305formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks103,203and constructs105,205and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The construct305formed from the blank303can be provided with one or more articles C as a package310(FIG.8).

As shown, the blank303can be generally similar to the blanks103,203described above, with the attachment flap135foldably connected to the back panel127, with the opening265positioned in respective portions of the front panel123and the top panel131, and with an additional opening265positioned in respective portions of the back panel127and the attachment flap135so as to at least partially interrupt the fold line137.

With additional reference toFIGS.8and9, the blank303can be formed into the construct305and the package310in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the formation of the constructs105,205and packages110,210.

The construct305and package310provides advantages similar to those described above with respect to the constructs105,205and packages110,210, with the additional opening265provided in respective portions of the back panel127and the attachment flap135for enhanced visibility into the interior307of the construct305.

Turning toFIG.10, a plan view of an exterior surface401of a blank403for forming a construct according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank403and construct formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks103,203,303and constructs105,205,305and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The construct formed from the blank403can be provided with one or more articles C as a package410(FIG.11).

As shown inFIG.10, the blank403can have a bottom attachment panel421that is generally similar to the attachment panel121described above, e.g., having the article engagement flaps139,141foldably connected thereto, except that the attachment panel421additionally includes a plurality of corner portions or corner end flaps423foldably connected to a central portion425of the attachment panel421at respective curved fold lines427that intersect respective free edges of the attachment panel421. As described further herein, the corner end flaps423can be moveable relative to the central portion425of the attachment panel421.

The blank403additionally includes a front panel424foldably connected to the bottom attachment panel421at a lateral fold line429, a top panel431foldably connected to the front panel424at a lateral fold line433, a back panel435foldably connected to the top panel431at a lateral fold line437, and a second bottom panel or bottom reinforcement panel439foldably connected to the back panel435at a lateral fold line441.

As shown, the top panel431can include a central portion443, a first laterally outer marginal portion445foldably connected to the central portion443at a curved fold line447, and a second laterally outer marginal portion449foldably connected to the central portion443at a curved fold line451.

Furthermore, the bottom reinforcement panel439can include a central opening453at least partially defined by a generally continuous flap engagement edge455. The engagement edge455can be at least partially defined by a central portion456of the bottom reinforcement panel439to which a first end flap457is foldably connected at a curved fold line459and to which a second end flap461is foldably connected at a curved fold line463.

The plurality of panels of the blank403can also include a first top attachment panel465(broadly, “first top panel”) foldably connected to the laterally outer marginal portion445of the top panel431at a curved fold line467, and a second top attachment panel469(broadly, “first top panel”) foldably connected to the laterally outer marginal portion449of the top panel431at a curved fold line471.

The first top attachment panel465, as shown, can include a base portion473foldably connected to the laterally outer marginal portion445of the top panel431at the curved fold line467, and a distal portion475foldably connected to the base portion473at a longitudinal fold line477. The distal portion475of the top attachment panel465can include a pair of the corner end flaps423at a laterally outer portion thereof.

Similarly, the second top attachment flap469can include a base portion479foldably connected to the laterally outer marginal portion449of the top panel431at the curved fold line471, and a distal portion481foldably connected to the base portion479at a longitudinal fold line483, with the distal portion481having a pair of the corner end flaps423at a laterally outer portion thereof.

The plurality of panels of the blank403and the construct formed therefrom can also include a first divider panel or front divider panel485(broadly, “first central panel”) foldably connected to the front panel424at a longitudinal fold line487interrupting a respective pair of cuts489,491having one or more of straight, curved, and/or angled portions and separating respective portions of the front panel424from respective portions of the divider panel485.

Similarly, a second divider panel or back divider panel493(broadly, “second central panel”) can be foldably connected to the back panel435at a longitudinal fold line495that interrupts a pair of cuts497,499having one or more of straight, curved, and/or angled portions and separating respective portions of the back panel435from respective portions of the divider panel493.

In addition to the article engagement flaps139,141, attachment features of the blank403and construct formed therefrom can include one or more of the corner end flaps423, the top end panel431and associated features, the top attachment panel465and associated features, the top attachment panel469and associated features, and the bottom reinforcement panel439and associated features.

Moreover, divider features of the blank403and construct formed therefrom can include one or both of the divider panels485,493.

The construct405and package410formed from the blank403provides advantages similar to those described above with respect to the constructs105,205,305and packages110,210,310, with divider features of the construct/package formed from the blank403additionally providing at least partial separation between articles C in the interior thereof.

With additional reference toFIGS.11and12, the construct405can be formed from the blank403in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the constructs105,205,305, and can be provided with one or more of the articles C to form the package410.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of panels of the blank403can be folded and positioned such that the top panel431is positioned in spaced and generally parallel relation with the bottom panel421, the front panel424and the back panel435are positioned in spaced and generally parallel relation and extending from the top panel431to the bottom panel421, with the panels424,425arranged in generally perpendicular relation to the panels431,421. In such an arrangement, the plurality of panels of the blank403/construct405can extend at least partially around an interior407of the construct405. In this regard, the attachment panel421is positioned adjacent the interior407of the construct405.

One or both of the articles C can be positioned at least partially in the interior407of the construct405formed from the blank403, and the article engagement flaps139,141can be engaged with the bottom recessed portions B of the respective articles C in the manner described above.

Furthermore, the marginal portions445,449of the top panel431can be at least partially folded at the respective fold lines447,451to extend obliquely downwardly from the central portion443of the top panel431into the top recessed portion T of one of the articles C. The base portion473of the top attachment panel465can be at least partially folded at the fold line467to extend obliquely further into the recessed top portion T, and with the distal portion475of the top attachment panel465arranged in generally planar relation with a surface of the recessed top portion T. In such an arrangement, one or more free edges of the top attachment panel465can engage a respective interior surface of the upper rim R1of the article C, and one or both of the corner end flaps423can at least partially fold at the respective fold lines427to be positioned in an oblique or parallel arrangement with a respective corner portion of the upper rim R1.

Similarly, the marginal portion449of the top panel431can be at least partially folded at the fold line451to extend obliquely into the top recessed portion T of the other of the articles C, with the base portion479of the top attachment panel469at least partially folded at the fold line471to extend obliquely further into the recessed top portion T, and with the distal portion481of the top attachment panel469arranged in generally planar relation with a surface of the recessed top portion T. In such an arrangement, one or more free edges of the top attachment panel469can engage a respective interior surface of the upper rim R1of the respective article C, and one or both of the corner end flaps423can at least partially fold at the respective fold lines427to be positioned in an oblique or parallel arrangement with a respective corner portion of the respective upper rim R1.

Such edge-to-edge and/or surface-to-surface engagement of respective portions of the top attachment panels465,469and respective portions of the top portions T of the respective articles C can contribute toward maintaining a locked/attached and secure engagement of the construct and the articles C.

In some embodiments, the bottom reinforcement panel439can be folded at the fold line441and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the bottom attachment panel421. Optionally, the bottom reinforcement panel439can be positioned between the bottom attachment panel421and the panels424,523,485,493, or the bottom reinforcement panel439can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with an exterior surface of the bottom panel421. In some embodiments, the central opening453of the bottom reinforcement panel439can be at least partially aligned with the article engagement flaps139,141, e.g., such that the article engagement edge455of the bottom reinforcement panel439is at least partially aligned with the curved fold lines143,145and one or more free edges of the article engagement flaps139,141. Such positioning of the bottom reinforcement panel439can contribute toward maintaining a locked/attached and secure engagement of the construct and the articles C

In order to provide divider features between the plurality of articles C in the interior407of the construct405formed from the blank403, the divider panel485can be at least partially separated from the front panel424at the respective cuts489,491and at least partially folded at the fold line487into the interior407of the construct405between the articles C. Similarly, the divider panel493can be at least partially separated from the back panel435at the respective cuts497,499and at least partially folded at the fold line495into the interior407of the construct between the articles C. In such an arrangement, the divider panels485,493can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact. It will be understood that the blank403and construct405formed therefrom can have a different arrangement and/or configuration of divider features without departing from the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the blank403and construct405formed therefrom can include only one of the divider panels485,493.

Turning toFIG.13, a plan view of an exterior surface501of a blank503for forming a construct505(FIG.14) according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank503and construct formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks103,203,303,403and constructs105,205,305,405described above and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The construct505formed from the blank503can be provided with one or more articles C as a package510(FIG.14).

As shown inFIG.13, the blank503can have top attachment panels465,469generally similar to those described above. A first central panel521and a second central panel523can be foldably connected to the top attachment panels465,469at the respective curved fold lines467,471.

Each central panel521,523can include a respective upper portion529foldably connected to the respective top attachment panel465,469at the respective fold line467,471, and a respective lower potion531foldably connected to the respective upper portion529at a respective longitudinal fold line533. Each upper portion529, as shown, can be configured for at least partial reconfiguration via a plurality of curved fold lines535,537extending therealong. The lower portions531of the respective back panels521,523can be at least partially foldably connected at a respective lateral fold line524.

The blank503can also include a respective pair of bottom attachment panels541,543foldably connected to the respective lower portion531of the respective panels521,523at respective longitudinal fold lines545,547. The bottom attachment panels541,543can be generally similar to the top attachment panels465,469, except that a respective article engagement flap139,141is foldably connected to the respective bottom attachment panels541,543at the respective curved fold lines143,145.

In this regard, the article engagement features of the blank503and the construct505formed therefrom can include one or more of the article engagement flaps139,141and associated features, the top attachment panels465,469and associated features, and the bottom attachment panels541,543and associated features.

The construct505can be formed from the blank503in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the constructs105,205,305,405and can be provided with one or more of the articles C to form the package510.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of panels of the blank503can be folded and positioned such that the top attachment panels465,469are positioned in spaced and generally parallel relation with the bottom attachment panels541,543, with the panels521,523positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact and extending from the respective top attachment panels465,469to the respective bottom attachment panels541,543such that the plurality of panels of the blank503and construct505formed therefrom extend at least partially around an interior507of the construct505.

In the illustrated arrangement, one or both of the respective upper portions529of the back panels521,523can be at least partially reconfigured, e.g., by having one or more portions at least partially folded relative to a respective adjacent portion at a respective curved fold line535,537, to facilitate a contoured or otherwise curved profile along a portion thereof. In the aforementioned arrangement, the front, side, and rear portions of the respective articles C are generally unobstructed by portions of the construct505between the top attachment panels465,469and bottom attachment panels541,543, e.g., so as to enhance visibility for potential customers.

The top attachment panels465,469can engage the recessed top portions T of the respective articles C in the manner described above with respect to the construct305/package310, and the article engagement flaps139,141can engage the recessed bottom portions B of the respective articles C in the manner described above with respect to the constructs105,205,305,405and packages110,210,310,410. The construct505and package510formed from the blank503thus provides advantages similar to those described above with respect to the constructs105,205,305,405and packages110,210,310,410.

Turning toFIG.16, a plan view of an exterior surface601of a blank603for forming a construct605(FIG.17) according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank603and construct605formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks103,203,303,403,503and constructs105,205,305,405,505and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The construct605formed from the blank603can be provided with one or more articles C as a package610(FIG.17).

As shown inFIG.16, the blank603can have the general form of the bottom attachment panel421as described above.

With additional reference toFIGS.17and18, in order to form the construct605and package610from the blank603, the bottom attachment panel421can be engaged with one or both of the articles C in the manner described above. Such engagement of the attachment panel421with the articles C can, for example, attach both articles C to one another as well as provide a protective barrier along the bottom portion B of the articles C, for example, to minimize, inhibit, prevent, and/or otherwise avoid contact with dirt or debris or scratching/deformation of the articles C. In some embodiments, the construct605can provide a surface for additional display of product or packaging information, e.g., printed graphics.

It will be understood that, in some embodiments, the construct605can be engaged with the recessed top portions T of the respective articles C in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the engagement of the construct605with the recessed bottom portions B of the articles C.

The construct605and package610formed from the blank603provides advantages similar to those described above with respect to the constructs105,205,305,405,505and packages110,210,310,410,510. In some embodiments, the construct605formed from the blank603can be provided in conjunction with another construct or packaging.

Turning toFIG.19, a plan view of an exterior surface701of a blank703for forming a construct705(FIG.20) according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank703and construct705formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks103,203,303,403,503,603and constructs105,205,305,405,505,605and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The construct705formed from the blank703can be provided with one or more articles C as a package710.

As shown inFIG.19the blank703can include a bottom attachment panel121, a back panel723foldably connected to the bottom attachment panel121at a longitudinal fold line725, a front panel727foldably connected to the bottom attachment panel121at a longitudinal fold line729, a first side panel731foldably connected to the panel727at a lateral fold line733and having a plurality of reconfigurable portions735foldably connected to one another at respective lateral fold lines737, and a second side panel739foldably connected to the panel727at a lateral fold line741and having a plurality of reconfigurable portions743foldably connected to one another at respective lateral fold lines745.

The blank703and construct705formed therefrom can also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank703and construct705formed therefrom can include a first glue flap or first attachment flap747foldably connected to a respective portion735of the first side panel731at a lateral fold line749, and a second glue flap or second attachment flap751foldably connected to a respective portion743of the side panel739at a lateral fold line753.

Furthermore, a pair of attachment end flaps755,757can be foldably connected to the bottom attachment panel121at respective curved fold lines759,761. As shown, the attachment end flap755can include a base portion763foldably connected to the attachment panel121at the fold line759, and a distal portion765foldably connected to the base portion763at a lateral fold line767.

Similarly, the attachment end flap757can include a base portion769foldably connected to the attachment panel121at the fold line761, and a distal portion771foldably connected to the base portion769at a lateral fold line773.

In some embodiments, the bottom attachment panel121and one or both of the attachment end flaps755,757can be at least partially bisected by a line of weakening, for example, to facilitate folding of the blank703and/or the construct705formed therefrom into a collapsed or flattened configuration, e.g., for shipping, storage, etc.

With additional reference toFIGS.20and21, the blank703can be formed into the construct705/package710by positioning the articles C on the bottom attachment panel121, folding the panels723,727at the respective fold lines725,729to be generally upright to the attachment panel121, folding the side end flaps755,757at the respective fold lines759,761to be generally upright to the attachment panel121, and at least partially curving/reconfiguring the side panels731,739around the articles C so as to extend from the panel723to the panel727and such that the articles C are at least partially positioned in the interior707of the construct705.

Such reconfiguration of the side panels731,739can include relative folding of one or more reconfigurable portion735,743relative to a respective adjacent reconfigurable portion735,743at a respective fold line737,745. The attachment flaps747,751can be at least partially overlapped, e.g., in at least partial face-to-face contact, with respective portions of the panel723to maintain an erected configuration of the construct705.

The article engagement flaps139,141can be engaged with the respective articles C as described above to form a secure engagement of the construct705to the articles C.

Furthermore, the attachment end flap755can be at least partially folded at the fold line759such that the base portion763extends obliquely downwardly from the attachment panel121into the recessed bottom B of a respective article C, and the distal portion765can be at least partially folded at the fold line767into a generally planar arrangement with respect to the recessed bottom B.

Similarly, the attachment end flap757can be at least partially folded at the fold line761such that the base portion769extends obliquely downwardly from the attachment panel121into the recessed bottom B of a respective article C, and the distal portion771can be at least partially folded at the fold line773into a generally plana arrangement with respect to the recessed bottom B.

Such arrangement of the attachment end flaps755,757can be such that one or more free edges of the respective end flaps755,757are positioned in engagement with an interior surface of the lower rim R2of the respective article C, e.g., so as to maintain a bracing engagement therewith.

In this regard, the construct705/package710can provide advantages similar to those described above with respect to the constructs105,205,305,405,505,605and packages110,210,310,410,510,610.

Turning toFIG.22, a plan view of an exterior surface801of a blank803for forming a construct805(FIG.23) according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank803and construct805formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks103,203,303,403,503,603,703and constructs105,205,305,405,506,605,705, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The construct805formed from the blank803can be provided with one or more articles C as a package810(FIG.23).

As shown inFIG.22, the blank803can be generally similar to the blank703as described above, except that intermediate panels821,823are foldably connected to the respective side panels731,739at respective lateral fold line825,827, and panels521are foldably connected to the respective intermediate panels821,823at respective lateral fold lines829,831, with the top attachment panels465,469foldably connected to the respective panels521as described above. Furthermore, the blank803and the construct805formed therefrom can be devoid of the attachment end flaps755,757, though one or both of the attachment end flaps755,757could be provided without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference toFIGS.23and24, the blank803can be formed into the construct805and the package810as described above with respect to the formation of the construct705and package710from the blank703, except that the intermediate panels821,823can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective articles C prior to folding the panel723at the fold line825into at least partial face-to-face contact with the panels521,523, and with the central panels531folded at the respective fold lines829,831to extend between the articles C as described above with respect to the construct505and the package510.

The top attachment panels465,469can engage the recessed top portions T of the respective articles C in the manner described above with respect to the constructs305,505and packages310,510and the article engagement flaps139,141can engage the recessed bottom portions B of the respective articles C in the manner described above with respect to the constructs105,205,305,405,505,605,705and packages110,210,310,410,510,610,710. The construct805and package810formed from the blank803thus provides advantages similar to those described above with respect to the constructs105,205,305,405,505,605,705and packages110,210,310,410,510,610,710.

The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the trays, to function at least generally as described above. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the spaced apart slits to be replaced with a continuous slit, a continuous score, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure. Also, a tear line can be a series of cut scores passing completely, or partially, through the material, that are separated by nicks.

The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure tray panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.