Abstract:
A dispensing container for selectively holding and dispensing products has a resiliently deformable main panel with a centrally disposed pivot emboss extending longitudinally there along. One end of the pivot emboss terminates at a pivot panel located on the main panel. The container includes a spout panel positioned distally from the pivot panel with spout panel being at least partially selectively opened by deformation of the main panel along the pivot emboss. Deformation of the main panel may be imparted by inward squeezing motion to the sides of the container, which in turn causes the main panel to outwardly deform along the pivot emboss, resulting in opening of the spout.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to a container, and in particular to a dispensing container that includes an integrated spout to facilitate selective opening. 
         [0002]    Containers are known for use with a wide array of consumer products, including dry goods, liquids, and medicines. A common approach to sealing such containers is by use of a screw cap structure. Another known approach to sealing such structures without the use of a screw cap is by way of a gable top carton, such as has been commonly used for liquid dairy product cartons. 
         [0003]    Screw top containers may be difficult for some individuals to open, such as those with reduced hand strength. Screw top containers also typically utilize a plastic cap system that is not environmentally friendly. Gable top cartons may also be difficult for some individuals to open, particularly when the carton is being opened for the first time. Moreover, the gable top construction creates a less efficient packing volume structure, which in turn impacts the storage, shipping, and stocking of products contained therein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention provides a container for various types of products that is easily opened and which may be formed from a single blank sheet of packaging material that is subsequently folded into the container shape to include an integrated opening or spout. The integrated spout of the container facilitates easy opening while providing a uniformly shaped product container. 
         [0005]    According to an aspect of the present invention, a dispensing container for selectively holding and dispensing products comprises a resiliently deformable main panel having a centrally disposed pivot emboss extending longitudinally there along. The main panel also includes a pivot panel with one end of the pivot emboss terminating at the pivot panel. The container also includes a spout panel positioned distally from the pivot panel with the spout panel being at least partially selectively opened by deformation of the main panel along the pivot emboss. The pivot panel may be defined by a pair of pivot panel embosses extending from the pivot emboss and the container may include six sides, with the main panel defining one of the six sides and each said side being orthogonal to four adjacent sides. 
         [0006]    In particular embodiments the container includes a pair of side panels and the main panel is substantially planar when the dispensing container is closed. The main panel is connected with and positioned between the side panels with the side panels extending substantially orthogonally relative to the main panel and longitudinally relative to the pivot emboss. The spout panel is at least partially opened by inward deformation of the side panels imparting deformation to the main panel along the pivot emboss. In such embodiments the main panel may be formed as a vertically oriented front panel and the side panels comprise a left side panel and a right side panel. 
         [0007]    The container may also include one or more trigger panels adjacent the spout panel, with the trigger panel being defined by a plurality of trigger embosses on the main panel. Inward deformation of the trigger panels thereby imparts deformation to the main panel along the pivot emboss to open tie spout panel. In this embodiment the spout panel may be substantially planar with the main panel when the container is closed with inward deformation of a trigger panel causing the spout panel to outwardly extend relative to the main panel. 
         [0008]    A closing side of the container may be adjacent and orthogonal to the main panel with the spout panel connected to the main panel. In a variation of this embodiment the spout panel may include a main flap and a tuck flap with the closing side including a locking tab flap and the main flap being substantially planar with the main panel when the container is closed. The tuck flap is received by the locking tab flap when the container is closed and is displaced from the locking tab flap by deformation of the main panel along the pivot emboss. The main flap may be orthogonal to the main panel when the container is closed whereby the main flap defines at least a portion of the closing side. The closing side may alternatively include a closure panel with the tuck flap being retained by the closure panel when the container is closed. 
         [0009]    In other embodiments the container may include a pair of side panels and a resiliently deformable back panel, with the back panel including a centrally disposed second pivot emboss extending longitudinally along the back panel. The back panel may also include a second pivot panel with one end of the second pivot emboss terminating at the second pivot panel. The spout panel in such an embodiment may include a main flap and a tuck flap with the main flap being connected to the main panel and the tuck flap retained on the back panel when the container is closed. The tuck flap being displaced from the back panel by deformation of the back panel along the second pivot emboss. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of the present invention, a dispensing container for selectively holding and dispensing products comprises a resiliently deformable main panel having a centrally disposed pivot emboss extending longitudinally along the main panel with the main panel being substantially planar and vertically oriented when the dispensing container is closed. The container further includes a pair of side panels connected to and extending substantially orthogonally from the main panel and longitudinally relative to the pivot emboss. A top side is adjacent and orthogonal to the main panel and side panels. A spout panel of the container is at least partially selectively opened by inward deformation of the side panels imparting deformation to the main panel along the pivot emboss. The main panel may include a pivot panel with one end of the pivot emboss terminating at the pivot panel. 
         [0011]    In particular embodiments such container, the spout panel includes a main flap and a tuck flap and the top side includes a locking tab flap. The main flap being substantially planar with the main panel when the container is closed and the tuck flap being received by the locking tab flap when the container is closed, and with the tuck flap being displaced from the locking tab flap by deformation of the main panel along the pivot emboss. 
         [0012]    The container may further include at least two trigger panels adjacent the spout panel formed by a plurality of trigger embosses, with inward deformation of the trigger panels causing the spout panel to fully open. The spout panel may also include a main flap and a tuck flap with the main flap being orthogonal to the main panel when the container is closed whereby the main flap defines at least a portion of the top side. The top side may include a closure panel with the tuck flap being retained by the closure panel when the container is closed. 
         [0013]    The spout panel may include a main flap and a tuck flap, with the tuck flap being retained on a back panel of the container when closed and the tuck flap being displaced from the main panel by inward deformation of the side panels. 
         [0014]    The present invention provides a uniformly shaped container with integrated spouts that are easily opened, such as by squeezing the sides of the container to cause the spout to open and/or inwardly pressing on one or more trigger panels to cause the spout to open or fully open. The container may be formed from a single blank sheet of packaging-material that is subsequently folded into the container shape to include the integrated opening or spout. The container may be used with dry goods, such as cereals, coffee and other food products, as well as powdered soaps and medicines. The container may also be used to hold and dispense liquid products, such as milk. 
         [0015]    These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of this invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a front left side perspective view of a container in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a front right side perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1  shown with the seal removed for clarity; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a front right side perspective view of the container of  FIG. 2  shown with the spout initially opening; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a front right side perspective view of the container of  FIG. 2  shown with the spout opened further relative to  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a front right side perspective view of the container of  FIG. 2  shown with the spout fully opened; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a stamped blank used to form the container of  FIGS. 1-5 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a front right side perspective view of an alternatively sized container in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a front left side perspective view of an alternative container in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a front left side perspective view of the container of  FIG. 8  shown with the spout initially opening; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a front left side perspective view of the container of  FIG. 8  shown with the spout fully opened; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 10  shown tipped for dispensing product contained within the container; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of a stamped blank used to form the container of  FIGS. 8-11 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a front right side perspective view of another alternative container in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a front right side perspective view of the container of  FIG. 13  shown with the seal removed and the spout fully opened; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of a stamped blank used to form the container of  FIGS. 13-14 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a back left side perspective view of another alternative container in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a back left side perspective view of the container of  FIG. 16  shown with the spout fully opened; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a top plan view of a stamped blank used to form the container of  FIGS. 16-17 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a side perspective view of an alternative container in accordance with the present invention shown with the spout fully opened; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view of a stamped blank forming the main panel of the container of  FIG. 19 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the numbered elements in the following written description correspond to like-numbered elements in the figures. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 1-5  illustrate an assembled container  30  in accordance with the present invention, with container  30  including an integrated spout  32  that is shown in various positions between being fully closed ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), to initially opening ( FIG. 3 ), opened further ( FIG. 4 ), and finally fully opened ( FIG. 5 ). Container  30  includes a front or main panel  34 , which in the illustrated embodiment is a vertically oriented panel having a longitudinally extending pivot emboss  36  with pivot emboss  36  extending along spout  32 . Also included on main panel  34  is an inversion panel or pivot panel  38  formed by a pair of panel embosses  40   a ,  40   b  extending outwardly and downwardly from one end of pivot emboss  36  to respective corners of main panel  34 . Main panel  34  also includes multiple trigger panels  42  formed by trigger embosses  44 . 
         [0038]    As described more fully below, opening of spout  32  is initiated by inward deformation of the side panels  46 ,  48  of container  30 , which causes main panel  34  to outwardly deform along pivot emboss  36  to both release spout  32  from top side  50  ( FIG. 3 ) and straighten spout  32  ( FIG. 4 ). Thereafter, inward deformation of trigger panels  42  causes spout  32  to fully extend into a fully open position ( FIG. 5 ). Thus, container  30  provides a structure having a conveniently opening integrated spout  32  for containing and dispensing various products. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  illustrates a stamped blank  52  that is subsequently folded into container  30  of  FIGS. 1-5  and held in position by adhesive and various tuck panels. Blank  52  is conventionally formed by a stamping process in which blank  52  is cut out from a larger piece of material and the various emboss lines are created. For ease of understanding, blank  52  of  FIG. 6  illustrates the various emboss lines as dashes and the cutouts or cuts as solid lines. The embossing on blank is used to both establish the edge fold lines demarking the panels and flaps of container  30 , but also to create the various pivot lines which act as hinges for biasing and defining the opening of spout  32 . As shown, blank  52  is a unitary piece of material that may be formed from flexible materials such as a coated paper material, such as a waxed material, plastics, or the like. 
         [0040]    Spout or spout panel  32  of container  30  includes a main flap  56  and a tuck flap  58 , with tuck flap  58  being defined by spout fold emboss  60  that is intersected by pivot emboss  36  that extends along spout panel  32 . When container  30  is closed ( FIG. 2 ), main flap  56  is substantially planar with main panel  34 , and tuck flap  58  is positioned orthogonal to main panel  34  by being folded along spout fold emboss  60  such that it is planar to top side  50  and retained by locking tab flap  62  within locking tab cutout  64 . 
         [0041]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , main panel  34  includes multiple trigger panels  42   a - 42   d  defined by trigger embosses  44   a - 44   f . As shown, trigger panel  42   a  is defined by trigger embosses  44   a  and  44   b , and edge fold emboss  88   c . Trigger panel  42   b  is defined by trigger embosses  44   b  and  44   c , as well as by segment  36   a  of pivot emboss  36 . Trigger panel  42   c  is defined by trigger embosses  44   d  and  44   e , as well as by pivot emboss segment  36   a . Finally, trigger panel  42   d  is defined by trigger embosses  44   e  and  44   f , as well as by edge fold emboss  88   e.    
         [0042]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , container  30  includes various panels and flaps in addition to those previously noted. Container  30  includes a top side or closing side  50 , which is formed by several flaps or panels including locking tab flap  62 , a top closure panel  66 , and a dust flap  70 . As understood from  FIG. 6 , locking tab flap  62  includes locking tab cutout  64 , and top closure panel  66  includes a top tuck panel  68  defined by top tuck emboss  72 .  FIG. 6  also illustrates spout cutout  74 , which forms an opening or gap between tuck flap  58  and top closure panel  66 . 
         [0043]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , container  30  further includes a bottom side  76 , which is formed from a pair of dust flaps  78   a ,  78   b  and a bottom closure panel  80 , with bottom closure panel  80  including a bottom tuck panel  82 . Also included are a rear panel  84  and a glue flap  86 .  FIG. 6  Further illustrates various edge fold embosses  88   a - 88   i.    
         [0044]    Container  30  is formed from blank  52  by folding blank  52  along the various edge fold embosses  88   a - 88   i , with glue flap  86  being adhered to the inside of left side panel  46 . Bottom side  76  is formed by conventional overlapping engagement of dust flaps  78   a ,  78   b , which are in turn covered by bottom closure panel  80  with bottom tuck panel  82  then inserted behind the interior side of rear panel  84 . Top side  50  is formed by overlapping locking tab flap  62  above dust flap  70 , and in turn overlapping top closure panel  66  over locking tab flap  76  and inserting top tuck panel  68  behind the interior side of rear panel  84 . Additional adhesives may be used, including at bottom side  76  and top side  50 , depending upon the intended product to be contained within container  30 . For example, adhesives may be used to produce a sealed container  30  such that container  30  may hold liquids or fine dry goods, such as powders. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , container  30  may include a tamper resistant seal, such as seal  90  shown in the illustrated embodiment. Seal  90  may be constructed of MYLAR or other such flexible foil or film product, and is intended to be placed on by the manufacturer after container  30  has been filled. Seal  90  includes a tab  92  and two rows of perforations  94   a ,  94   b  enabling seal  90  to be opened along perforations  94   a ,  94   b  by pulling of tab  92 . Tab  92  may also include mastic to selectively fix tab  92  to main panel  34  such that seal  90  is able to more securely retain liquid products within container  30 . 
         [0046]    From the fully closed position of  FIG. 2 , container  30  is opened by first inwardly depressing or deforming left side  46  and right side  48  toward each other in a squeezing manner, with the inward squeezing force being applied to sides  46 ,  48  proximate top side  50 . This squeezing force causes main panel  34  to outwardly deform along pivot emboss  36 , which in turn causes pivot emboss  36  to straighten along its entire length such that tuck flap  58  is both displaced from locking tab flap  62  ( FIG. 3 ) and aligned with main flap  56  to straighten spout panel  32  ( FIG. 4 ). Next, inward deformation applied to trigger panels  42 , such as by depressing with a single finger at the intersection of trigger embosses  42   b  and  42   c , causes spout panel  32  to be outwardly tilted or extended relative to main panel  34  into the fully opened position of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0047]    Alternative arrangements of container  30  may be constructed in accordance with the present invention. For example, alternatively sized containers may be constructed such as container  30   a  of  FIG. 7 , with container  30   a  being of substantially similar construction to container  30  but having differing overall width, height, and length sizes. An alternative container may also be formed wherein the main panel is formed on the top side. Still further, an alternative container may include trigger panels and/or pivot panels that are not triangular in shape. Such alternative trigger panels may, for example, be formed by curved trigger embosses. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8-11 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as container  130  that may be used with various products, including liquid products such as milk, with container  130  incorporating features of container  30  of  FIGS. 1-6 . As understood from  FIG. 12 , container  130  is formed as a stamped blank  152  that is subsequently folded into container  130  of  FIGS. 8-11  and held in position by adhesive and various tuck panels, with the stamping process forming various cuts and embosses on blank. For ease of understanding, blank  152  of  FIG. 12  illustrates the various emboss lines as dashes and the cutouts or cuts as solid lines. 
         [0049]    Container  130  includes a front or main panel  134  having a longitudinally extending pivot emboss  136 , and a pivot panel or inversion panel  138  defined by panel embosses  140   a ,  140   b  extending downwardly and outwardly from one end of pivot emboss  136  to respective corners of main panel  134 . Spout or spout panel  132  is connected to main panel  134  and pivots relative thereto via edge fold emboss  188   a , with pivot emboss  136  extending along spout panel  132 . Spout panel  132  includes a main flap  156  and a tuck flap  158 , with tuck flap  158  being able to pivot relative to main flap  156  along spout fold emboss  160 . Spout panel  132  further includes a pair of guide flaps  161   a ,  161   b  on either side of spout panel  132 , with guide flaps  167   a ,  167   b  configured to being folded inward of main flap  156  along guide flap embosses  163   a  and  163   b , respectively. 
         [0050]    Top side or closure side  150  of container  130  is formed by closure panel  166  and spout panel  132 , with main flap  156  being orthogonal to main panel  134  when container  130  is in the closed position of  FIG. 8 . Closure panel  166  includes a retention tab  165  and a pair of guide tabs  167   a ,  167   b  on either side of opening  169  formed in closure panel  166 . Closure panel  166  further includes three top pivot panels  171   a ,  171   b ,  171   c  formed by top pivot embosses  173   a ,  173   b ,  173   c ,  173   d  and top edge fold emboss  188   b . When blank  152  is configured into container  130 , retention tab  165  and guide tabs  167   a ,  167   b  are folded to be generally orthogonal to top pivot panels  171   a ,  171   b ,  171   c  by being folded inward along fold embosses  175   a ,  175   b ,  175   c , respectively. 
         [0051]    Container  130  also includes a left side panel  146 , a rear panel  184 , and a right side panel  148  ( FIG. 12 ). As shown in  FIG. 12 , blank  152  for container  130  further includes a pair of connecting tabs  177   a ,  177   b , and a pair of bottom closure panels  180   a ,  180   b , each of which includes a bottom tuck panel  182   a ,  182   b , respectively. Blank  152  for container  130  further includes a glue flap  186  and various edge fold embosses  188   a - 188   j ; along which the panels and flaps are folded to construct container  130 . 
         [0052]    Assembly of container  130  from blank  152  involves adhering glue flap  186  to the interior side of right side flap  148 . Bottom side  176  is then formed by overlapping the two bottom closure panels  180   a ,  180   b , with the bottom tuck panel  182   b  of panel  180   b  being inserted behind the interior side of rear panel  184  and the bottom tuck panel  182   b  of panel  180   b  behind the interior side of left panel  146 . Closure panel  166  is overlaid connecting tabs  177   a ,  177   b , with connecting tab  177   a  adhered to the interior side of top pivot panel  171   a  and connecting tab  177   b  adhered to the interior side of top pivot panel  171   c . Guide tabs  167   a ,  167   b  and retention tab  165  are folded inwardly of container  130  such that they each extend generally orthogonally relative to top pivot panels  171 . In the fully closed position of  FIG. 8 , tuck flap  158  is folded along spout fold emboss  160  to be directed inwardly of container  130  and generally orthogonal relative to main flap  156 . Guide flaps  161   a ,  161   b  are also folded inwardly such that they fit within opening  169  when spout panel  132  is in the closed position of  FIG. 8 . 
         [0053]    Container  130  is selectively opened by inward squeezing deformation of left side panel  146  and right side panel  148  proximate top side  150  and adjacent to edge fold emboss  188   a . Inward squeezing deformation causes main panel  134  to outwardly deform along pivot emboss  136 , thus causing pivot emboss  136  to straighten along its entire length which in turn causes tuck flap  158  to be initially displaced from contact with retention tab  165  ( FIG. 9 ), and upon further squeezing to align tuck flap  158  with main flap  156  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ) to straighten spout panel  132 . When fully extended as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , spout panel  132  forms a convenient spout from which to dispense products contained within container  130  when container  130  is tilted, as shown in  FIG. 11 . A seal (not shown), such as that used with container  30  may optionally be employed with container  130  to keep spout panel  132  closed prior to opening by a user. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13-15 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as container  230 , with container  230  incorporating features of containers  30  and  130 . As understood from  FIG. 15 , container  230  is formed as a stamped blank  252  that is subsequently folded into container  230  of  FIGS. 13 and 14  and held in position by adhesive and various tuck panels, with the stamping process forming various cuts and embosses on blank  252 . For ease of understanding, blank  252  of  FIG. 15  illustrates the various emboss lines as dashes and the cutouts or cuts as solid lines. 
         [0055]    Container  230  includes a main panel  234  having a longitudinally extending pivot emboss  236 . Main panel  234  further includes a pivot panel or inversion panel  238  formed by panel embosses  240   a ,  240   b  extending downwardly and outwardly from one end of pivot emboss  236  to respective lower corners of main panel  234 . Main panel  234  also includes a spout or spout panel  232 , with the opposite end of pivot emboss  236  terminating at main panel  234 . Spout panel  232  is formed entirely on main panel  234  such that in the closed position of  FIG. 13  spout panel. 232  and main panel  234  are substantially planar. 
         [0056]    Main panel  234  further includes a central trigger panel  242   a  defined by trigger embosses  244   b ,  244   d ,  244   e ,  244   f  and  244   g . A pair of secondary trigger panels  242   b ,  242   c  are positioned on either side of central trigger panel  242   a  as a result of the construction and placement of central trigger panel  242   a . Secondary trigger panel  242   b  being defined by trigger embosses  244   a  and  244   d , as well as edge fold emboss  288   d . Secondary trigger panel  242   c  being defined by trigger embosses  244   c  and  244   g , as well as edge fold emboss  288   e . The bottom edge of spout panel  232  is thus defined by the trigger emboss segments  244   a ,  244   b , and  244   c , which comprise a single emboss  244 . 
         [0057]    As understood from  FIG. 15 , container  230  also includes a top side or closure side  250  that is formed by dust flaps  270   a ,  270   b , as well as top closure panel  266  having top tuck panel  268 . Bottom side  276  is formed by a pair of dust flaps  278   a ,  278   b , as well as bottom closure panel  280  having bottom tuck panel  282 . Container  230  further includes a rear panel  284 , a glue flap  286 , and edge fold embosses  288   a - 288   j . Assembly of blank  252  into container  230  involves adhering glue panel  286  to the inside of left side panel  246 . Bottom side  276  is assembled by first overlapping dust panels  278   a ,  278   b  with bottom closure panel  280  then being folded over dust panels  278   a ,  278   b  and bottom tuck panel  282  then being inserted behind the interior side of rear panel  284 . Top side  250  is assembled by first overlapping dust flaps  270   a ,  270   b , with top closure panel  266  then being folded over dust flaps  270   a ,  270   b  and top tuck panel  268  then being inserted behind the interior side of rear panel  284 . 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , container  230  may be provided with a seal  290  that is substantially similar to seal  90  of container  30 . To open spout  232  of container  230  inward deformation of trigger panel  242   a  is applied, such as by pressing thereon with a finger, which in turn causes main panel  234  to inwardly deform along pivot emboss  236  and causes spout  232  to pivot into the open position illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16-18 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as container  330  that may be used for products such as soaps, bens, and coffee, with container  330  incorporating features of containers  30 ,  130  and  230 . As understood from  FIG. 18 , container  330  is formed as a stamped blank  352  that is subsequently folded into container  330  of  FIGS. 16 and 17  and held in position by adhesive and various tuck panels, with the stamping process forming various cuts and embosses on blank  352 . For ease of understanding, blank  352  of  FIG. 18  illustrates the various emboss lines as dashes and the cutouts or cuts as solid lines. 
         [0060]    Container  330  includes a front or main panel  334  having a longitudinally extending pivot emboss  336 . Main panel  334  further includes a pivot panel or inversion panel  338  formed by panel embosses  340   a ,  340   b  extending downwardly and outwardly from one end of pivot emboss  336  to respective lower corners of main panel  334 . Spout or spout panel  332  is connected to main panel  334  at edge fold emboss  388   a , with pivot emboss  336  extending along spout panel  332 . Spout panel  332  includes a main flap  356  and a tuck flap  358  that fold relative to each other at spout fold emboss  360 . Spout panel  332  further includes a pair of guide flaps  361   a ,  361   b  on either side of main flap  356 , as well as edge fold embosses  388   a - 388   g  ( FIG. 18 ). 
         [0061]    Rear or back panel  384  of container  330  also includes a longitudinally extending back pivot emboss  385  and a back pivot panel or inversion panel  387  formed by back panel embosses  389   a ,  389   b  extending downwardly and outwardly from one end of back pivot emboss  385  to respective lower corners of back panel  384 . A lock slit  383  is included on rear panel  384  for receiving tuck flap  358 . Container  330  also includes a glue flap  386 , left side panel  346 , right side panel  348 , and a bottom side  376 . Bottom side  376  comprises a pair of dust flaps  378   a ,  378   b , a bottom closure panel  380  and a tuck panel  382 . 
         [0062]    Container  330  is assembled by adhering glue flap  386  to the inside of right side panel  348 . Bottom side  376  is assembled by first overlapping dust flaps  378   a ,  378   b  with bottom closure panel  380  then being folded over dust flaps  378   a ,  378   b  and bottom tuck panel  382  then being inserted behind the interior side of main panel  334 . Spout panel  332  is folded over with guide flaps  361   a ,  361   b  inserted into the interior of container  330  and tuck flap  358  retained within lock slit  383 . As such, spout panel  332  forms the top side  350  of container  330 , with main flap  356  being substantially orthogonal to main panel  334  when in the closed position of  FIG. 16 . 
         [0063]    Container  330  is selectively opened from the closed position of  FIG. 16  by inward squeezing deformation of left side panel  346  and right side panel  348  proximate top side  384  and proximate back panel  384 . This inward squeezing deformation initially causes back panel  384  to outwardly deform along back pivot emboss  385 , which in turn causes tuck flap  358  to be released from lock slit  383 . Continued inward squeezing of left side panel  346  and right side panel  348  further causes main panel  334  to outwardly deform along pivot emboss  336 , which in turn causes tuck flap  358  and main flap  356  to align such that spout panel  332  is aligned with main panel  334  in the fully opened position of  FIG. 17 . When fully extended as shown in  FIG. 17  spout panel  332  forms a convenient spout from which to dispense products contained within container  330  when container  330  is tilted. A seal (not shown), such as that used with container  30  may optionally be employed with container  330 . 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as container  430 , with container  430  incorporating features present in containers  30 ,  130 ,  230  and  330 . In the illustrated embodiment container  430  represents a conventional 12 ounce beverage container and includes a top side  450  and a bottom side  476  affixed to a cylindrical wall portion  451  that is generally “C” shaped in cross section and to which main panel  434  is affixed. 
         [0065]    As understood from  FIG. 20 , main panel  434  is formed as a stamped blank  452  and includes a top edge seal portion  453 , a bottom edge seal portion  455  and side edge seal portions  457 ,  459 . Main panel  434  is affixed to wall portion  451 , such as by use of an adhesive applied to the back of main panel  434  along the various edge seal portions  453 ,  455 ,  457 ,  459 . For ease of understanding, blank  452  of  FIG. 20  illustrates the various emboss lines as dashes and the cutouts or cuts as solid lines that are created during the stamping process. 
         [0066]    Main panel  434  includes a longitudinally extending pivot emboss  436 , as well as a pivot panel or inversion panel  438  formed by panel embosses  440   a ,  440   b  extending downwardly and outwardly from one end of the pivot emboss  436  toward respective lower corners of main panel  434 . Spout or spout panel  432  is formed entirely on main panel  434  such that when spout panel  432  is in the closed position (not shown) spout panel  432  and main panel  434  are substantially planar. 
         [0067]    Main panel further includes four trigger panels  442   a ,  442   b ,  442   c , and  442   d . Trigger panel  442   a  is defined by trigger emboss  444   a ,  444   e , and  444   f . Trigger panel  442   b  is defined by trigger embosses  444   b ,  444   f , and  444   g , as well as a portion  436   a  of pivot emboss  436 . Trigger panel  442   c  is defined by trigger embosses  444   c ,  444   i , and  444   h , and portion  436   a  of pivot emboss  436 . Trigger panel  442   d  is defined by trigger embosses  444   d ,  444   j , and  444   i . Accordingly, bottom edge of spout panel  432  is defined by emboss segments  444   a ,  444   b , and  444   c  of emboss  444 . 
         [0068]    Spout panel  432  is opened by pushing inward, such as by a finger, on trigger panels  442   b  and  442   c , which in turn causes main panel  434  to inwardly deform along pivot emboss  436  and causes spout  432  to pivot into the open position illustrated in  FIG. 19 . A removable seal (not shown), such as a MYLAR seal applied with mastic, may be applied to container  430  over spout panel  432  to prevent unintended opening of spout panel  432 . Although disclosed in connection with a 12 ounce beverage container, main panel  434  may be employed with other cylindrical containers, such as coffee cups. Still further, a blank (not shown) may be formed having a main panel similar to that of container  430 , but which blank may be itself formed into a cylindrical container. 
         [0069]    Various alternatives may be employed in the construction of containers within the scope of the present invention. For example, non-linear pivot panel and/or trigger embosses may be used, as well as non-triangular inversion panels. As noted, conventional adhesives for use in packaging products may be employed to construct sealed containers for use with liquids and/or powders. Containers of differing sizes and shapes that those illustrated may also be formed in accordance with the present invention, with such containers being useful for numerous types of products. 
         [0070]    Containers  30 ,  130 ,  230 ,  330 , and  430  provide uniformly shaped containers with integrated spouts that are easily opened, such as by squeezing the sides of the container to cause the spout to open and/or inwardly pressing on one or more trigger panels to cause the spout to open or fully open. The containers may be formed from a single blank sheet of packaging material that is subsequently folded into the container shape to include the integrated opening or spout. 
         [0071]    Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.