Patent Publication Number: US-11377253-B2

Title: Packages having octagonal autobottoms and blanks therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/940,577, filed Nov. 26, 2019, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to packages, e.g., having autobottoms that form when the package is formed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Existing packages are limited in shape complexity while still allowing autobottoms as the geometric complexity forbids simple autobottom formation as in a square package, for example. 
     Such conventional methods and systems have generally been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. However, there is still a need in the art for packages having octagonal autobottoms and blanks therefor. The present disclosure provides a solution for this need. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a package can include an octagonal side body formed of at least eight body panels and an autobottom connected to the octagonal side body and formed of a plurality of bottom panels extending from a respective body panel of the plurality of the at least eight body panels. The autobottom can connect all of the at least eight body panels together in an octagonal shape when the plurality of bottom panels are interacting with each other. 
     The autobottom can be configured to fully enclose a bottom opening of the package, for example. Any other suitable amount of closure is contemplated herein. The autobottom can fit entirely within the octagonal shape such that no portion of the autobottom extends laterally outside of the at least eight body panels when the plurality of bottom panels are interacting with each other. 
     In certain embodiments, the at least eight body panels are not the same width such that the octagonal side body forms an irregular octagon for the octagonal shape. In certain embodiments, at least eight of the at least eight body panels can be the same width such that the octagonal side body forms a regular octagon for the octagonal shape. 
     The package can further comprise a top configured to at least partially enclose a top opening that is defined by the at least eight body panels and is opposite relative to the bottom opening. The top can be foldably connected to a body panel of the at least eight body panels to fold relative to the body panels to selectively cover the top opening. 
     One or more body panels of the at least eight body panels can include a latching portion configured to receive a latch connected to the top to latch the top to the one or more body panels. Each latching portion can be foldably connected to the respective body panel of the one or more body panels. A pair of latching portions can be configured to receive a latch tab in a space defined between the pair of latching portions. 
     In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a blank can be configured to form any embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure. For example, a blank for a package can include at least eight body panels connected by a respective body fold line between each body panel and configured to form an octagonal shape, and a plurality of bottom panels, a respective bottom panel of the plurality of bottom panels foldably connected to a respective body panel of the at least eight body panels. The plurality of bottom panels can be configured to form an autobottom that at least partially forms a bottom of the package. The autobottom can connect all of the at least eight body panels together in an octagonal shape when the plurality of bottom panels are interacting with each other. In certain embodiments, the autobottom can be configured to automatically form the bottom when the body panels are moved to be in the octagonal shape. 
     In certain embodiments, the body panels can each have a rectangular shape. The plurality of bottom panels can include a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth bottom panel, each extending from a respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth body panel of the at least eight body panels. 
     The octagonal shape can be an irregular symmetric octagon. The first bottom panel can include an irregular, double peak shape, for example. The second bottom panel can include straight sides that form the octagonal shape to align with each body panel, for example. The third bottom panel can be an irregular shape with straight sides extending from the third body panel at an angle. The fourth bottom panel can be a triangle shape. The fifth bottom panel can have an irregular partial octagonal shape. The sixth bottom panel can have an irregular, double peak shape. The seventh bottom panel can have an irregular shape with straight sides extending from the seventh body panel at an angle similar to the third bottom panel. The eighth bottom panel can be a triangle shape similar to the fourth bottom panel. 
     In certain embodiments, the first, second, fourth, sixth, and eighth bottom panels have glue disposed thereon. The first body panel can have glue disposed thereon and the blank can further include a ninth body panel foldably connected to the eighth body panel and not having a bottom panel connected thereto. The ninth body panel can be configured to be attached to the first body panel. 
     In certain embodiments, the octagonal shape can be a regular octagon. The first bottom panel can include an irregular, double peak shape. The second bottom panel can include straight sides that at least partially form the octagonal shape to align with each body panel. The third bottom panel can be an irregular shape with straight sides extending from the third body panel at an angle. The fourth bottom panel can be a triangle shape. The fifth bottom panel can have an irregular partial octagonal shape. The sixth bottom panel has an irregular, double peak shape. The seventh bottom panel can be an irregular shape with straight sides extending from the seventh body panel at an angle similar to the third bottom panel and a spring tab foldably connected to the seventh bottom panel. The eighth bottom panel can be a triangle shape similar to the fourth bottom panel, for example. Any other suitable panel shapes to form an octagonal autobottom for a regular or irregular octagonal shape are contemplated herein. 
     The first, second, fourth, sixth, and eighth bottom panels can have glue disposed thereon. In certain embodiments, the blank can include an attachment tab foldably connected to the first body panel and configured to connect to the eighth body panel. 
     These and other features of the embodiments of the subject disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that those skilled in the art to which the subject disclosure appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the subject disclosure without undue experimentation, embodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, shown having a top in an open state; 
         FIG. 1B  is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , showing an assembled octagonal autobottom of the package; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of an embodiment of a blank configured to form the embodiment of a package of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, shown having a top in an open state; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , shown having a top in a closed state; 
         FIG. 3C  is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , showing an assembled octagonal autobottom of the package; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of an embodiment of a blank configured to form the embodiment of a package of  FIGS. 3A-3C ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a package in accordance with this disclosure, shown not having a top disposed thereon; 
         FIG. 5B  is a top perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , shown having a separate octagonal top disposed thereon to enclose the package; 
         FIG. 5C  is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , showing an assembled octagonal autobottom of the package; 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of an embodiment of a blank configured to form the embodiment of a package of  FIGS. 5A-5C ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-6  shown together. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an illustrative view of an embodiment of a package in accordance with the disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1   s  designated generally by reference character  100 . Other embodiments and/or aspects of this disclosure are shown in  FIGS. 1B-7 . Certain embodiments described herein can be used as easy-to-assembly packaging for any suitable purpose (e.g., retail, shipping, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 , a package  100  can include an octagonal side body  101  formed of at least eight body panels  101   a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h  and an autobottom  105  connected to the octagonal side body  101 . The autobottom  105  can be formed of a plurality of bottom panels  107   a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h  extending from a respective body panel  101   a - h  of the plurality of the at least eight body panels. The autobottom  105  can connect all of the at least eight body panels  101   a - h  together in an octagonal shape when the plurality of bottom panels  107   a - h  are interacting with each other. The plurality of body panels  101   a - i  can be defined by one or more body fold lines  109 . 
     The autobottom  105  can be configured to fully enclose a bottom opening (not shown) of the package  100 , for example. Any other suitable amount of closure (e.g., partial enclosure) is contemplated herein. The autobottom  105  can fit entirely within the octagonal shape such that no portion of the autobottom  105  extends laterally outside of the at least eight body panels  101   a - i  when the plurality of bottom panels  107   a - h  are interacting with each other. 
     In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the at least eight body panels  101   a - h  are not the same width such that the octagonal side body  101  forms an irregular octagon for the octagonal shape. Other embodiments of packages  300 ,  500  are shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C and 5A-5C . In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C and 5A-5C , at least eight body panels  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  of the at least eight body panels  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  can be the same width such that the octagonal side body  101  forms a regular octagon (an octagon of equal length sides) for the octagonal shape. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-7 , the package  100 ,  300 ,  500  can further comprise a top  111 ,  311 ,  511  configured to at least partially enclose a top opening (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 1A, 3A, and 5A ) that is defined by the at least eight body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  and is opposite relative to the bottom opening. As shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A and 3A , the top  111 ,  311  can be foldably connected to a body panel (e.g., panels  101   f ,  301   f  as shown) of the at least eight body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h  to fold relative to the body panels  101   f ,  301   f  to selectively cover the top opening. 
     As shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A and 3A , one or more body panels  101   c ,  101   e ,  101   g ,  101   i ,  301   a ,  301   c ,  301   e ,  301   g  of the at least eight body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h  can include a latching portion  113 ,  313  configured to receive a latch  115 ,  315  connected to the top  111 ,  311  to latch the top  111 ,  311  to the one or more body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h  (e.g., to selectively enclose the package  100 ,  300 . Each latching portion  113 ,  313  can be foldably connected to the respective body panel  101   c ,  101   e ,  101   g ,  101   i ,  301   a ,  301   c ,  301   e ,  301   g  of the one or more body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h . As shown, in certain embodiments, the latching portions  113 ,  313  can be disposed on alternating body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h . A pair of latching portions  113 ,  313  can be configured to receive a latch tab  115 ,  315  in a space defined between the pair of latching portions  113 ,  313  (e.g., and interact with the latching portions  113 ,  313  to retain the top  111 ,  311  in the closed position). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A-6 , in certain embodiments, the top  511  can be a separate item that is removable. For example, the top  511  can be placed over the body panels  501   a - h  to enclose the package  500 , e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
     Embodiments of a package can be formed from a blank. A blank can be made from any suitable material (e.g., paper, paperboard, plasticboard, corrugated board, etc.). 
     In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, referring to  FIGS. 2, 4, and 6  a blank  200 ,  400 ,  600  can be configured to form any suitable embodiment of a package (e.g.,  100 ,  300 ,  500 ) in accordance with this disclosure. For example, a blank  200 ,  400 ,  600  for a package can include at least eight body panels  101   a - i ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  connected by a respective body fold line  109 ,  309 ,  509  between each body panel  101   a - h ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  and configured to form an octagonal shape. The blank  200 ,  400 ,  600  can include a plurality of bottom panels  107   a - h ,  307   a - h ,  507   a - h . A respective bottom panel  107   a - h ,  307   a - h ,  507   a - h  of the plurality of bottom panels  107   a - h ,  307   a - h ,  507   a - h  can be foldably connected to a respective body panel  101   a - h ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  of the at least eight body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h . The plurality of bottom panels  107   a - h ,  307   a - h ,  507   a - h  can be configured to form an autobottom  105 ,  305 ,  505  (e.g., as described above) that at least partially forms a bottom of the package  100 ,  300 ,  500 . The autobottom  105 ,  305 ,  505  can connect all of the at least eight body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  together in an octagonal shape when the plurality of bottom panels  107   a - h ,  307   a - h ,  507   a - h  are interacting with each other (e.g., mechanically connected, glued, or otherwise interacting). In certain embodiments, the autobottom  105 ,  305 ,  505  can be configured to automatically form the bottom when the body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  are moved to be in the octagonal shape (e.g., after an initial assembly of the blank  200 ,  400 ,  600 ). 
     In certain embodiments, the body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  can each have a rectangular shape, e.g., as shown. The plurality of bottom panels  107   a - h ,  307   a - h ,  507   a - h  can include a first bottom panel  107   a ,  307   a ,  507   a , a second bottom panel  107   b ,  307   b ,  507   b , a third bottom panel  107   c ,  307   c ,  507   c , a fourth bottom panel  107   d ,  307   d ,  507   d , fifth bottom panel  107   e ,  307   e ,  507   e , sixth bottom panel  107   f ,  307   f ,  507   f , a seventh bottom panel  107   g ,  307   g ,  507   g , and eighth bottom panel  107   h ,  307   h ,  507   h . Each bottom panel  107   a - h ,  307   a - h ,  507   a - h  can extend from a respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth body panel  101   a - h ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  of the at least eight body panels  101   a - h ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h , e.g., as shown. Each bottom panel  107   a - h ,  307   a - h ,  507   a - h  can be connected to each body panel  101   a - h ,  301   a - h ,  501   a - h  at a fold line  117 ,  317 ,  517 . 
     In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 , the octagonal shape can be an irregular symmetric octagon (e.g., having sides with different widths). The first bottom panel  107   a  can include an irregular, double peak shape, e.g., as shown. The second bottom panel  107   b  can include straight sides that form the octagonal shape to align with each body panel  101   a - h , when assembled, for example. In certain embodiments, the first bottom panel  107   a  and the second bottom panel  107   b  can be connected at a first line  119  (e.g., a foldable line such as a perforated line). The first bottom panel  107   a  can include a second fold line  121 . 
     The third bottom panel  107   c  can be an irregular shape with straight sides extending from the third body panel  101   c  at an angle. The third bottom panel  107   c  can include a third line  123  running across the panel  107   c  (e.g., a foldable line such as a perforated line). 
     The fourth bottom panel  107   d  can be a triangle shape, for example. The fifth bottom panel  107   e  can have an irregular partial octagonal shape as shown. In certain embodiments, the fifth bottom panel  107   e  can include a fourth line  125  (e.g., a foldable line such as a perforated line) running across the fifth bottom panel  107   e  as shown. The fifth bottom panel  107   e  can also include a fifth fold line  127  and a sixth fold line  129 . 
     The sixth bottom panel  107   f  can have an irregular, double peak shape. The fifth bottom panel  107   e  and the sixth bottom panel  107   f  can be connected at a seventh line  131  (e.g., a foldable line such as a perforated line). 
     The seventh bottom panel  107   g  can have an irregular shape with straight sides extending from the seventh body panel  101   g  at an angle, e.g., similar to the third bottom panel  107   c  for example. The eighth bottom panel  107   h  can be a triangle shape similar to the fourth bottom panel  107   d , for example. 
     In certain embodiments, the first, second, fourth, sixth, and eighth bottom panels  107   a, b, d, f, h  can have glue disposed thereon. Glue is shown has hatching in  FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 . The first body panel  101   a  can have glue disposed thereon and the blank  200  can further include a ninth body panel  101   i  foldably connected to the eighth body panel  101   h . The ninth body panel  101   i  may not having a bottom panel connected thereto. The ninth body panel  101   i  can be configured to be attached to the first body panel  101   a , e.g., via glue on the first body panel  101   a.    
     In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 3A-6 , the octagonal shape can be a regular octagon. The bottom panels  307   a - h ,  507   a - h  can be generally similar to the body panels  107   a - h  as described above. For example, the first bottom panel  307   a ,  507   a  can include an irregular, double peak shape. The second bottom panel  307   b ,  507   b  can include straight sides that at least partially form the octagonal shape to align with each body panel. The third bottom panel  307   c ,  507   d  can be an irregular shape with straight sides extending from the third body panel  301   c ,  501   c  at an angle. The fourth bottom panel  307   d ,  507   d  can be a triangle shape. The fifth bottom panel  307   e ,  507   e  can have an irregular partial octagonal shape. The sixth bottom panel  307   f ,  507   f  can have an irregular, double peak shape. 
     The seventh bottom panel  307   g ,  507   g  can be an irregular shape with straight sides extending from the seventh body panel  301   g ,  501   g  at an angle similar to the third bottom panel  307   c ,  507   c . The seventh bottom panel  307   g ,  507   g  can include a spring tab  333 ,  533  foldably connected to the seventh bottom panel  307   g ,  507   g , e.g., as shown. The spring tab  333 ,  533  can fold up into the body panels to allow another tab to slide in and lock. 
     The eighth bottom panel  307   h ,  507   h  can be a triangle shape similar to the fourth bottom panel  307   d ,  507   d , for example. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the first, second, fourth, sixth, and eighth bottom panels can have glue disposed thereon. 
     In certain embodiments, the blank  400 ,  600  can include an attachment tab  335 ,  535  foldably connected to the first body panel  301   a ,  501   a  and configured to connect to the eighth body panel  301   h ,  501   h  (e.g., using glue to adhere the eighth body panel  301   h ,  501   h  over the attachment tab  335 ,  535 . The attachment tab  335 ,  535  can include glue disposed thereon, e.g., as shown. 
     The blank  200 ,  400 ,  600  can include any other suitable panels for any other suitable function (e.g., locking portions, a top, locking tabs as described above). For example, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 6 , a blank  600  can include one or more upper foldover reinforcing tabs for attaching to an inner surface of the body panels. The blanks  200 ,  400 ,  600  can be assembled as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure without undue experimentation. For example, the first bottom panels  107   a ,  307   b ,  507   b  and the sixth bottom panels  107   f ,  307   f ,  507   f  can be folded up and glued to an inner surface of the first body panels  101   a ,  301   a ,  501   a  and the sixth body panels  101   f ,  301   f ,  501   f , respectively. One or more of the remaining panels can be interfered together and/or glued together in a manner that forms the autobottom as shown (e.g., in  FIGS. 1B, 3C, and 5C ). 
     While certain panel shapes are shown in the Figs., any other suitable panel shapes to form an octagonal autobottom for a regular or irregular octagonal shape are contemplated herein. In view of this disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the art appreciates how to make blanks for and assemble packages having an octagonal shape with an autobottom. Any suitable adhesive can be applied to any suitable panel disclosed herein for any suitable purpose. Any suitable foldable line types are contemplated herein (e.g., perforated, creased, etc.). While, the Figs. include a legend indicating the line types of the embodiments of the Figs, any other suitable line types for the lines shown in the drawings are contemplated herein. 
     Embodiments provide a package that is easy to set up and maintain the shape. Embodiments include a unique, fully functional octagonal autobottom. Certain embodiments of this disclosure are shown in  FIG. 7  next to each other. 
     While embodiments have been described and shown above, any suitable panels and/or other design for a blank to form a twisted package is contemplated herein. Any suitable material for use (e.g., paper, cardboard, plastic board, etc.) is contemplated herein. 
     Those having ordinary skill in the art understand that any numerical values disclosed herein can be exact values or can be values within a range. Further, any terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “approximately”, “around”) used in this disclosure can mean the stated value within a range. For example, in certain embodiments, the range can be within (plus or minus) 20%, or within 10%, or within 5%, or within 2%, or within any other suitable percentage or number as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art (e.g., for known tolerance limits or error ranges). 
     The articles “a”, “an”, and “the” as used herein and in the appended claims are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. 
     The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” 
     Any suitable combination(s) of any disclosed embodiments and/or any suitable portion(s) thereof are contemplated herein as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. 
     The embodiments of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for improvement in the art to which they pertain. While the subject disclosure includes reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure.