Patent Publication Number: US-2023136192-A1

Title: Vented container for housing a scented product and related methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/684,211, filed Dec. 14, 2019, which claims the benefit of PCT International Application No. US2018/32663, filed on May 15, 2018, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/510,655, filed on May 24, 2017. The disclose is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumers often face confusion and frustration when trying to purchase scented products (e.g., scented trash bags) that are available in a wide variety of fragrances. For example, without testing the scented products, the consumer cannot know whether the consumer will like the fragrance of the scented product. Some efforts to remedy the above problem include scratch and sniff regions included on the packaging of scented products. However, the scratch and sniff regions often to not accurately reflect the fragrance of the scented products. As a result, consumers can become frustrated (e.g., disappointed) when they do not receive the scented product they expected from the scratch and sniff regions. 
     Additionally, scratch and sniff regions are typically relatively costly to produce. Furthermore, scratch and sniff regions typically have a very limited amount of available fragrance (e.g., a limited number of uses hat provide an accurate scent). Accordingly, consumers are often left wondering what the scented product smells like because the scratch and sniff region has expired (e.g., been used up). 
     Accordingly, there are a number of considerations to be made in scented products and the ability to provide consumers an accurate test of a scented product&#39;s fragrance. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a vented container for housing a scented product. The vented container can allow a potential consumer to selectively experience a scent of the product prior to purchasing or opening the container. In one or more embodiments, the container may include a bottom wall, a top wall, and a plurality of side walls extending upward from the bottom wall. The bottom wall, top wall, and the plurality of side walls defining one or more cavities of the container. The container may further include a scented product disposed within one or more cavities within the container. The container may further include a plurality of selectively openable vents extending through one or more of the walls of the container to the one or more cavities. The vents are configured to at least partially open when a force is applied to one or more of the walls of the container. 
     Further embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of making a container for housing a scented product. The method may include forming a first plurality of vents in a sheet of material, forming a second plurality of vents in the sheet of material, and folding the sheet of material to form a container such that vents of the first plurality of vents extend through a first wall of the container and vent of the second plurality of vents extend through an opposing wall of the container 
     Additional features and advantages of will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to describe the manner in which the above recited and other advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the present disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the present disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of a container for housing a scented product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of a container housing a scented product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 B  shows a cross-sectional side view of the container of  FIG.  1    with a vent of the container in an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 C  shows a cross-sectional side view of the container of  FIG.  1    with a vent of the container in an open position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a top wall of a container with a vent extending there through according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a top wall of a container with a vent extending there through according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 C  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a top wall of a container with a vent extending there through according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 D  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a top wall of a container with a vent extending there through according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 E  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a top wall of a container with a vent extending there through according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a cross-sectional side view of a container having a first vent extending through a top wall of the container and a second vent extending through a bottom wall of the container according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional side view of the container of  FIG.  4 A  with the first vent and the second vent in open positions; 
         FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of a container for housing a scented product according to another embodiment of the present of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 H  show perspective views of containers for housing scented products according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  7    shows flow diagram of a method of making a container for housing a scented product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One or more embodiments of the present disclosure include a container (e.g., a carton or packaging) for housing a scented product (e.g., scented trash bags) that allows users (e.g., consumers) to accurately test (e.g., try out) an actual fragrance of the scented product disposed within the container without opening the container. For example, the container allows users to test out a fragrance of the scented product while at a store prior to purchasing the scented product. 
     In some embodiments, the container includes one or more selectively openable and closable vents extending through one or more walls of the container. For example, the container may include the one or more vents extending through a first wall of the container. Furthermore, applying a force to the container may open the one or more of vents. For instance, a user can open the one or more vents by squeezing the container. Moreover, by squeezing the container, the user may cause a puff of fragrance to pass through the one or more vents allowing the user to test (e.g., sniff) the fragrance of the scent product. 
     In one or more embodiments, the container includes a first selectively openable and closable vent extending through a first wall of the container and a second selectively openable and closable vent extending through an opposing wall of the container. Furthermore, similar to the one or more vents mentioned above, applying a force to the container may open both the first vent and the second vent. In particular, a user can open the both the first and the second vents by squeezing the container. Moreover, by opening both the first and the second vents, air may be permitted to enter the container through the second vent, pass over the scented product, and escape the container through the first vent. As a result, when a user sniffs the container, the user may experience a more potent amount of the fragrance of the scented product allowing to user to more accurately test the fragrance of the scented product. 
     Because the container allows a user to test the fragrance of the scented product, the container of the present disclosure is advantageous over conventional containers for housing scented products (e.g., scratch and sniff containers). For instance, unlike conventional scratch and sniff containers, which often do not accurately reflect the actual fragrance of the scented product inside of the container, the selectively openable and closable vent(s) of the container enables a user to accurately test the fragrance of the scented product prior to purchasing the scented product. Thus, the selectively openable and closable vent(s) of the container enable a user to find a scented product to the user&#39;s liking. 
     Furthermore, as will be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, by enabling a user to accurately find a fragrance to the user&#39;s liking (e.g., helping the user discover something that the user likes about the product), the selectively openable and closable vent(s) of the present disclosure will help encourage users to purchase the scented product, thus leading to additional sales and revenue. Moreover, by allowing a user to test fragrances of scented products, the container of the present disclosure is more likely to entice (e.g., persuade, encourage, etc.) a user to handle (e.g., interact with) the container (e.g., pick up the container off of a shelf at a store) and test the fragrance. Additionally, increased interaction with a product increases a likelihood that the user will purchase the product. 
     In comparison to conventional containers, which are costly to produce and which provide a relatively limited amount of available fragrance (i.e., a limited number of uses), the container of the present disclosure reduces cost by not having scratch and sniff regions and provides more available fragrance to test. Specifically, because a user is smelling the actual scented product instead of a scratch and sniff region, the available fragrance of the container of the present disclosure lasts longer than conventional containers and provides a more accurate sample of the actual fragrance of the scented product. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, a parameter that is substantially met may be at least about 90% met, at least about 95% met, or even at least about 99% met. 
     As used herein, any relational terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third,” “interior,” “exterior,” “top,” “bottom,” “upward,” etc. are for clarity and convenience in understanding the present disclosure and accompanying drawings and does not connote or depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, the relational terms may refer an orientation of a container for housing a scented material while disposed on a planar horizontal surface (e.g., a store shelf). 
       FIG.  1    shows a container  100  (e.g., carton or box) for housing a scented product. The container  100  is illustrated with a portion removed to better shown internal elements of the container  100 . The container  100  may include a bottom wall  102 , a top wall  104 , a plurality of lateral sidewalls  106 ,  108 , a plurality of longitudinal sidewalls  110 ,  112 , a first plurality of vents  114 , a second plurality of vents  116 , and a perforated opening  117 . The plurality of lateral sidewalls  106 ,  108  may be disposed on lateral sides of the bottom wall  102  and the top wall  104 , and the plurality of longitudinal sidewalls  110 ,  112  may be disposed on longitudinal sides of the bottom wall  102  and the top wall  104 . Furthermore, the plurality of longitudinal sidewalls  110 ,  112  and the plurality of lateral sidewalls  106 ,  108  may extend upward from the bottom wall  102  and may, in conjunction with the bottom wall  102  defined a cavity  118  within the container  100 . For example, the plurality of longitudinal sidewalls  106 ,  108  and the plurality of lateral sidewalls  110 ,  112  may extend between the bottom wall  102  and the top wall  104 . Additionally, in one or more embodiments, a scented product (e.g., trash bags) ( FIG.  2 A ) may be disposed within the cavity  118  of the container  100 . Furthermore, the container  100  may include a perforated opening  117  extending through the top wall  104  of the container and that may be opened to allow a user to remove the scented product and/or portions of the scented product from the container  100 . 
     The first plurality of vents  114  (e.g., slits, holes, apertures, indentions, etc.) may extend through one or more walls. For example,  FIG.  1    illustrates an embodiment in which the first plurality of vents  114  extend through the top wall  104 . In some embodiments, the first plurality of vents  114  may extend completely (e.g., entirely) through the wall in which they are formed (e.g., from an exterior surface  120  to an interior surface). In other embodiments, the first plurality of vents  114  may extend only partially through the wall in which they are formed. In such embodiments, the first plurality of vents  114  may extend at least substantially the wall in which they are formed. 
     The second plurality of vents  116  may extend through a wall opposite the wall in which the first plurality of vents  114  extend. For example,  FIG.  1    illustrates the second plurality of vents  116  extending through the bottom wall  102 . In some embodiments, the second plurality of vents  116  may extend completely (e.g., entirely) through the wall in which they are formed (e.g., from an exterior surface to an interior surface). In other embodiments, the second plurality of vents  116  may extend only partially through the wall in which they are formed. In such embodiments, the second plurality of vents  116  may extend at least substantially through the wall in which they are formed. 
     In one or more embodiments, the first plurality of vents  114  may be disposed proximate to longitudinal ends of the container  100 . For example, the first plurality of vents  114  may extend through the top wall  104  at a region and/or regions of the top wall  104  proximate the longitudinal ends of the container  100 . In other embodiments, the first plurality of vents  114  may be disposed proximate to a center region of the container  100 . For instance, the first plurality of vents  114  may extend through the top wall  104  at a region of the top wall  104  proximate the center of the container  100 . Similarly, the second plurality of vents  116  may be disposed proximate to the longitudinal ends of the container  100  in the same manners described above. In any event, in one or more embodiments, the vents are positioned to be at a point of maximum deflection of the container when a force is applied. For example, the container can be configured such that when squeezed, the middle of a wall of the container defects more than the sides or edges. The vents can be positioned at the point of maximum deflection of the container to help ensure that the vents open when the proper force is applied to the container. 
     Furthermore, although the first and second plurality of vents  114 ,  116  are illustrated in  FIG.  1    as extending in a longitudinal direction (e.g., in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container  100 ), the disclosure is not so limited, and the vents of the first and second plurality of vents  114 ,  116  may extend in any direction. 
     To facilitate explanation of the present disclosure, the first plurality of vents  114  and second plurality of vents  116  may be referred to herein collectively as “the plurality of vents  114 ,  116 ”. In some embodiments, each vent of the plurality of vents  114 ,  116  may be selectively openable and closable to permit a user to test (e.g., sniff) a fragrance of the scented product within the container. In particular, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the plurality of vents  114 ,  116  may be selectively opened by applying force to the container (e.g., the longitudinal  110 ,  112  and/or lateral sidewalls  106 ,  108 ). The plurality of vents  114 ,  116  may be selectively closed by removing the force from the sidewalls (e.g., releasing the container). As a non-limiting example, during use, the plurality of vents  114 ,  116  may open when a user (i.e., a consumer) squeezes the container  100 , and the plurality of vents may close when the user releases the container  100 . Operation of the plurality of vents  114 ,  116  is described in greater detail below in regard to  FIGS.  2 A- 4 B . In alternative embodiments, each vent of the plurality of vents  114 ,  116  may include an aperture extending through a wall of the container  100 . For example, the plurality of vents  114 ,  116  may be permanently open. In further embodiments, each vent of the plurality of vents  114 ,  116  may include an aperture extending through a wall of the container  100  and a porous and/or breathable material disposed within the aperture such that fluids (e.g., air) can pass through the aperture and through the porous and/or breathable material. In some instances, the porous and/or breathable material can include materials having micro perforations such as TYVEK and/or GORTEX. 
     In one or more embodiments, the scented product may include one or more of scented trash bags, wraps, grocery bags, sacks, packaging materials, feminine hygiene products, baby diapers, adult incontinence products, or other products. Furthermore, the product may be scented with odor control components, such as, one or more of volatile fragrance materials (i.e., fragrance materials capable of being transported to the olfactory system) and deodorizing agents (e.g., deodorizing compositions with a deodorizing effect on offensive odors such as that associated with activated nitrogen compound, activated sulfur compounds, etc.). As used herein the term “fragrance” refers to any mixture or composition comprising one or more perfume raw materials with or without one or more carrier solvents configured to emit a pleasant odor. Moreover, as used herein the term “perfume” refers to a compound utilized for its appealing odor. Compounds may have a pleasing odor without being used as a perfume in the context of this disclosure. Furthermore, the scent of the perfume may be designed to indicate a functional benefit such as freshness or cleanliness. For example, in some embodiments, the scent may smell similar to bleach, antiseptic, and/or flavors. 
     In one or more instances, the container  100  may include (e.g., be made of) one or more of containerboard, folding boxboard, solid bleached board, solid unbleached board, white lined chipboard, binder&#39;s board, corrugated fiberboard, or other materials. In additional embodiments, the container may include one or more polymers such as Polyester (PES), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), High impact polystyrene (HIPS), and Polyamides (PA). 
     Furthermore, although the container  100  is described in regard to  FIG.  1    as having a general rectangular shape, the disclosure is not so limited. Rather, the container  100  may have any shape defining at least one cavity therein. For example, the container  100  may have a spherical shape, a canister/cylinder shape, a bottle shape, or any other shape. 
       FIG.  2 A  shows a cross-sectional longitudinal side view of a container  200  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, the plane defined by  FIG.  2 A  is parallel to a longitudinal sidewall of the container  200 . Additionally, elements of  FIG.  2 A  (e.g., thicknesses of the walls of the container  200 ) may be exaggerated for clarity. Similar to the container  100  of  FIG.  1   , the container  200  includes a top wall  204 , a bottom wall  202 , lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208 , longitudinal sidewalls ( FIG.  1   ), a scented product  222  disposed within a cavity  218  of the container  200 , and a vent  214  extending through the top wall  204  of the container  200 . The container  200  is illustrated with only one vent  214  for clarity and to facilitate explanation of the operation of the vent  214 . However, it is understood that the container  200  may contain a plurality of vents. 
     The vent  214  is illustrated in a closed position (i.e., as closed) in  FIG.  2 A . When closed, the vent  214  (and the surrounding container  200 ) may at least substantially prevent air from escaping the container  200  and/or entering the container  200 . For example, when closed, the vent  214  may at least substantially prevent airflow through the vent  214 . As a result, the vent  214  may at least substantially prevent a fragrance (e.g., fragrance particles) of the scented product  222  from escaping the container  200 . By preventing air and/or fragrance particles from leaving the container  200  and airflow entering into the container when closed, the vent  214  may assist in maintaining a fragrance of the scented product  222  (i.e., may prevent fragrance loss). 
     In some embodiments, the vent  214  can have a general triangle shape. Specifically, the vent  214  may define a general triangular prism shape with a side (e.g., a planar side) of the triangular prism shape being coplanar with an exterior surface  220  of the top wall  204  and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape opposite the side (e.g., a point of a cross-sectional triangle of the triangular prism) intersecting a plane defined by the interior surface  224  of the top wall. Described differently, the vent  214  may include a V-shaped channel in the top wall  204 . For instance, the channel may extend into the top wall  204  from the exterior surface  220 , and a bottom (i.e., a point) of the channel may intersect the plane defined by the interior surface  224  of the top wall  204 . Described yet another way, the vent  214  may be defined by two opposing wedge ends formed in the top wall. Narrow ends (e.g., the thin ends) of the two opposing wedge ends may contact each other when the vent is closed. The vent&#39;s shape is described in further detail below in regard to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E . 
       FIG.  2 B  shows a cross-sectional side view of the container  200  of  FIG.  2 A  with the vent  214  in an open position. In operation, as noted above, the vent  214  of the container  200  can be opened by applying force (represented by arrow  215 ) to one or more of the lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208  and longitudinal sidewalls ( FIG.  1   ) of the container  200 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  2 B , the vent  214  of the container  200  can be opened when force  215  is applied to the lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208  of the container  200 . Specifically, when force  215  is applied to the lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208  of the container  200 , the lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208  may flex (e.g., bend, bow, etc.), which causes the top wall  204  to also flex, which, in turn, causes the vent  214  to at least partially open. For example, due to the lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208  flexing, the top wall  204  may bow outward (i.e., away from a center of the container), which causes the vent  214  to at least partially open. For instance, due to the top wall  204  flexing, the portions of the top wall  204  (e.g., the opposing wedge ends) defining the vent  214  may at least partially separate causing the vent  214  to open. 
     In alternative embodiments, the vent  214  of the container  200  can be opened by applying force  215  to one or more of the top wall  204  and a bottom wall  202  of the container  200 . In further embodiments, the vent  214  may also be at least partially opened due to increased pressure within the cavity  218  of the container  200  caused by the force  215  applied to the lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208  of the container  200 . For instance, when the force  215  is applied to the lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208  of the container  200  (i.e., a user squeezes the container), the lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208  may bow toward a center of the container  200  (i.e., inward) causing a pressure (e.g., an air pressure) within the cavity  218  of the container  200  to increase and may, in turn, cause the vent  214  to at least partially open to permit airflow through the vent  214  (i.e., to relieve the pressure within the cavity  218 ). 
     In some embodiments, the shape of the vent  214  may increase a likelihood that the vent will open when force  215  is applied to the container  200  (i.e., when the container  200  is squeezed). As discussed above, the vent  214  may be closed when narrow ends of opposing wedge ends contact each other. As a result, to open the vent  214 , only the narrow ends of the opposing wedge ends need to be separated. For instance, less contacting surfaces need to be separated in order to open the vent  214  of the present disclosure in comparison to, for example, two opposing square ends (i.e., ends having parallel end surfaces), which would have the entire end surfaces contacting each other when closed. As noted above, the shape of the vent  214  is described in further detail in regard to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 F . 
     When the vent  214  is open (i.e., in an open position), the vent may permit air from within the container  200  to escape through the vent. For example, when the vent  214  is open, air from within the container  200  may pass through the vent  214 . Furthermore, because a user squeezes the container to cause the vent  214  to open, increased pressure within the container  200  may cause at least some air to pass through the vent  214  (e.g., a puff of air through the vent  214 ). Moreover, the air escaping from the container  200  may include fragrance particles (e.g., may be scented) from the scented product  222 . As a result, because the air is scented, a fragrance of the scented product  222  may be tested (e.g., smelled) by a user (e.g., a consumer). For instance, when the vent is open, the user may smell the scented product  222  disposed within the container  200 . 
     By allowing a user to test the fragrance of the scented product  222 , the container  200  of the present disclosure is advantageous over conventional containers of scented products. For example, unlike conventional containers that allow a user to test a fragrance (e.g., scratch and sniff containers), which often do not accurately reflect the actual fragrance of the scented product inside of the container, the container  200  of the present disclosure enables a user to accurately test (e.g., tryout) the fragrance of the scented product  222  prior to purchasing the scented product  222 . Furthermore, by enabling a user to accurately test the fragrance of the scented product  222 , the container  200  of the present disclosure enables a user to experiment with different scented products to discover (e.g., find) a scented product to the user&#39;s liking. 
     Additionally, because the vent  214  of the container  200  of the present disclosure can be selectively opened and closed by a user, the container  200  provides additional advantages over conventional containers. Specifically, because the vent  214  does not open until a force is applied to the sidewalls (e.g., longitudinal and/or lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208 ) of the container  200 , the vent  214  may remain closed (e.g., at least substantially sealed) while the container  200  is not being manipulated, for example, while the container  200  is stationary on shelf of a store. In one or more embodiments, the vents are sized and configured to resist opening when subjected to forces typically associated with handling of a container (stocking, shipping, etc.). Along related lines, the container  200  protects the scented product  222  from airflow that may be caused by users (e.g., consumers) passing down aisles of a store. As a result of the foregoing, the container  200 , even when housing the scented product  222 , will not fill an aisle with the fragrance of the scented product  222  and alienate users (e.g., consumers) who do not want scented products  222 . 
     Likewise, because the vent  214  will only open when manipulated by a user (e.g., squeezed by a user), the container  200  may maintain a fragrance of the scented product  222  in comparison to containers that have permanent apertures and/or permanently opened vents. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the vents are sized and configured to open when a force (e.g., a user squeezes the container) is applied that is greater than the forces typically associated with handling of a container (e.g., stocking or shipping). Thus, the vents of the container reduce fragrance lost by (i.e., a fragrance loss of) outer portions of the scented product  222 . Moreover, because the vent  214  is selectively openable, the container  200  permits a user to selectively test different scented products within different containers. 
     Referring still to  FIG.  2 B , in one or more embodiments, a number of vents  214  (e.g., a number of vents included in the first and second pluralities of vents  114 ,  116  ( FIG.  1   )) may be controlled in order to allow for a sufficient fragrance release (e.g., enough fragrance so that a typical user can smell the fragrance) but avoiding noticeable fragrance loss to the scented product  222 . For example, in some embodiments, the first and second pluralities of vents  114 ,  116  ( FIG.  1   ) may each include two, three, five, ten, or more vents. 
     As noted above, in some embodiments, the vent  214  may not extend completely through the top wall  204  of the container  200 . In such embodiments, a portion of the top wall  204  remaining at the vent  214  (i.e., the amount of the top wall  204  through which the vent  214  does not extend) may be sufficiently thin such that when a user squeezes the container  200 , the portion breaks such that the vent  214  becomes selectively openable and closable. By forming the vent  214  such that the vent  214  does not extend completely through the top wall  204  of the container  200  originally, the vent  214  may further prevent fragrance loss during, for example, shipping and shelf time prior to first being tested by a user. The foregoing may result in yet less fragrance loss in comparison to conventional containers. 
     In one or more embodiments, how the vent  214  of the container  200  opens is dependent on where the force  215  is applied to the container  200  (e.g., where the container  200  is squeezed by the user). For example,  FIG.  2 C  shows a cross-sectional view of the container  200  of  FIG.  2 B  with the vent  214  open according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG.  2 C , in some instances, in response to a force  215  being applied to sidewalls (e.g., the lateral sidewalls  206 ,  208  and/or longitudinal sidewalls ( FIG.  1   )), the top wall  204  of the container  200  may bow inward instead of outward, which also causes the vent  214  to at least partially open. For example, in some cases, the closer to the top wall  204  the force  215  is applied on the sidewalls, the more likely the top wall  204  is to bow inward instead of outward. Furthermore, as noted above, in some instances, the force  215  may be applied to the top wall  204 , and as a result, the top wall  204  may bow inward and may cause the vent  214  to at least partially open. Specifically, due to the top wall  204  bowing (i.e., flexing), the portions of the top wall  204  (e.g., the opposing wedge ends) defining the vent  214  may at least partially separate causing the vent  214  to open. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 2 C  together, in additional embodiments, each vent of the plurality of vents  114 ,  116  may include a one-way vent (e.g., a one-way valve). In other words, each vent of the plurality of vents  114 ,  116  may generally allow fluids (e.g., air) to flow through the vent  114  in only one direction. In such embodiments, the first plurality of vents  114  may allow air to flow out of the container  200 , and the second plurality of vents  116  may allow air to flow into the container  200 , as will be discussed in greater detail in regard to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 E  illustrate various types of vents of a container  300  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example,  FIG.  3 A  illustrates a vent  314   a  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The vent  314   a  may include two opposing wedge ends with narrow ends of the opposing wedge ends contacting each other. The narrow ends (e.g., the points) of the opposing wedge ends, when the vent  314   a  is in a closed position, may intersect a central plane of the top wall  304 , and the central plane may extend between the exterior surface  320  of the top wall  304  and the interior surface  324  of the top wall  304  and may be parallel to the exterior surface  320  and interior surface  324  of the top wall  304 . Put another way, the vent  314   a  may have an at least general hourglass shaped cross-section. 
     The vent  314   a  illustrated in  FIG.  3 A  may facilitate the vent  314   a  opening both ways (e.g., bowing inward and outward, as describe above in regard to  FIGS.  2 B and  2 C ) with equal amounts of force  215  ( FIG.  2 B ). For example, the vent  314   a  may be as likely to open inward as the vent  314   a  is to open outward. As a result, the vent  314   a  may maximize a likelihood that the vent  314   a  will open when a force  215  ( FIG.  2 B ) is applied to the sidewalls of the container  300  regardless of where the force  215  ( FIG.  2 B ) is applied on the sidewalls. 
       FIG.  3 B  illustrates a vent  314   b  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The vent  314   b  may be similar to the vent  214  described in regard to FIG.  2 A. For example, the vent  314   b  can include (e.g., have) a general triangle shape and may define a triangular prism shape with a side of the triangular prism shape being coplanar with an interior surface  324  of the top wall  304  and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape opposite the side intersecting a plane defined by an exterior surface  320  of the top wall  304 . Put another way, the vent  314   b  can include a V-shaped channel in the top wall  304 , where the channel extends into the top wall  304  from the interior surface  324 , and where a bottom (i.e., a point) of the channel intersects the plane defined by the exterior surface  320  of the top wall  304 . 
     In some embodiments, the vent  314   b  illustrated in  FIG.  3 B  may be utilized to make the vent  314   b  less visible from an exterior of the container  300 . Specifically, the vent  314   b  may include the same functionality as the vent  214  described above in regard to  FIG.  2 A  but may, in some instances, be more aesthetically pleasing because the vent  314   b  may be less noticeable from an exterior of the container  300 . 
       FIG.  3 C  illustrates a vent  314   c  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The vent  314   c  may include two opposing curved surfaces  326   a ,  326   b  with the peaks of the two opposing curved surfaces  326   a ,  326   b  contacting each other when the vent  314   c  is closed. Furthermore, the peaks of the two opposing curved surfaces  326   a ,  326   b , when in a closed position, may intersect the central plane of the top wall  304 . Moreover, the vent  314   c  may maximize a likelihood that the vent  314   c  will reseal after being opened. Specifically, because the vent  314   c  is defined by two opposing curved surfaces  326   a ,  326   b , the vent  314   c  may include more viable surfaces with which to seal than the narrow ends of wedges. 
       FIG.  3 D  illustrates a vent  314   d  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the vent  314   d  may be defined by two sets of opposing wedges  332 ,  334  defining an at least generally rectangular shaped prism void extending through the top wall in a direction parallel to the exterior surface  320  of the top wall  304 . Each set of the opposing wedges  332 ,  334  includes two opposing wedges with narrow ends of the two opposing wedges contacting each other. The narrow ends of a first set of the opposing wedges  332  may intersect a plane defined by the interior surface  324  of the top wall  304 , and the narrow ends of a second set of the opposing wedges  334  may intersect a plane defined by the exterior surface  320  of the top wall  304 . Furthermore, the vent  314   d  increases a likelihood that the vent  314   d  will reseal after being open. Specifically, because the vent  314   d  includes two sets of opposing wedges  332 ,  334 , the vent  314   d  includes two sets of narrow ends, and therefore, includes more surfaces with which the vent  314   d  can reseal. For example, the vent  314   d  includes double the surface area for resealing in comparison to the vent  214  described in regard to  FIG.  2 A , and therefore, is more likely to reseal after being opened. 
       FIG.  3 E  illustrates a vent  314   e  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the vent  314   e  is be defined by a square end  336  and a wedge end  338 . Furthermore, when in a closed position, a narrow end of the wedge end  338  contacts the square end  336  of the vent  314   e . Moreover, the vent  314   e  includes an increased amount of available surface area for resealing (i.e., the entire end surface of the square end  336  in comparison to a mere narrow end of a wedge end) while having a same amount of actual contacting surface areas (i.e., the narrow end of the wedge end  338  contacting the square end  336 ) as the vent  214  described in regard to  FIG.  2 A . As result, the vent  314   e  increases a likelihood of resealing while maintaining a likelihood that the vent  314   e  will open. 
     As noted above in regard to  FIG.  1   , in some embodiments, the container  100  can include a first plurality of vents  114  extending through a first wall of the container  100  and a second plurality of vents  116  extending through an opposing wall of the container  100 . For example,  FIG.  4 A  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a container  400  having a first vent  414   a  extending through a top wall  404  of a container  400  and a second vent  414   b  extending through a bottom wall  402  of the container  400  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the first vent  414   a  is similar to the vent  214  described above in regard to  FIG.  2 A . For example, the first vent  414   a  includes a general triangular prism shape with a side of the triangular prism shape being coplanar with an exterior surface  420  of the top wall  404  and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape opposite the side intersecting a plane defined by the interior surface  424  of the top wall  404 . Put another way, the first vent  414  can include a V-shaped channel in the top wall  404 , where the channel extends into the top wall  404  from the exterior surface  420 , and where a bottom (i.e., a point) of the channel intersects the plane defined by the interior surface  424  of the top wall  404 . In additional embodiments, the first vent  414   a  may include any of the types of vents described above in regard to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E . 
     Additionally, the second vent  414   b  is also similar to the vent  214  described above in regard to  FIG.  2 A . For example, the second vent  414   b  includes a general triangular prism shape with a side of the triangular prism shape being coplanar with an exterior surface  420  of the bottom wall  402  and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape opposite the side intersecting the plane defined by the interior surface  424  of the bottom wall  402 . Put another way, the second vent  414   b  can include a V-shaped channel in the bottom wall  402 , where the channel extends into the bottom wall  402  from the exterior surface  420 , and where a bottom (i.e., a point) of the channel intersects the plane defined by the interior surface  424  of the bottom wall  402 . In additional embodiments, the second vent  414   b  may include any of the types of vents described above in regard to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E . 
     In one or more embodiments, the first vent  414   a  and the second vent  414   b  may include the same types of vents (e.g., the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  4 A ). In additional embodiments, the first vent  414   a  may include a first type of vent (e.g., the type of vent illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ) and the second vent  414   b  may include a second different type of vent (e.g., the type of vent illustrated in  FIG.  3 A ). 
       FIG.  4 B  shows a cross-sectional side view of the container  400  of  FIG.  4 A  with the first vent  414   a  and the second vent  414   b  in open positions. Similar to the vent  214  described above in regard to  FIG.  2 B , the first vent  414   a  and the second vent  414   b  can be opened by applying force  415  to one or more of the lateral sidewalls  406 ,  408  and longitudinal sidewalls of the container  400 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 B , the first vent  414   a  and the second vent  414   b  of the container  400  can be opened when force  415  is applied to the lateral sidewalls  406 ,  408  of the container  400 . Specifically, when force  415  is applied to the lateral sidewalls  406 ,  408  of the container  400 , the lateral sidewalls  406 ,  408  may flex (e.g., bend, bow, etc.), which causes the top wall  404  and the bottom wall  402  to also flex (e.g., bow outward), which, in turn, causes the first vent  414   a  and the second vent  414   b  to at least partially open. For instance, due to the top wall  404  flexing, the portions of the top wall  404  defining the first vent  414   a  may at least partially separate causing the first vent  414   a  to open. Similarly, due to the bottom wall  402  flexing, the portions of the bottom wall  402  defining the second vent  414   b  may at least partially separate causing the second vent  414   b  to open. As a non-limiting example, in use, the first vent  414   a  and the second vent  414   b  may open when a user squeezes the container  400 , as described above. 
     When the first vent  414   a  and the second vent  414   b  of the container  400  are open, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 B , the first vent  414   a  and the second vent  414   b  may permit air to enter into the container  400  via one of the vents (e.g., the second vent  414   b ), pass over the scented product  422 , and exit the container  400  through the other vent (e.g., the first vent  414   a ). Specifically, in use, when a user squeezes the container  400  to open the first and second vents  414   a ,  414   b  and sniffs the container  400  proximate to the first vent  414   a , the act of sniffing may cause air to pass through the container  400  (i.e., through the first and second vents  414   a ,  414   b ), pass over the scented product  422 , pick up fragrance particles from the scented product  422 , and enter the user&#39;s olfactory system such that the user can smell the scented product  422 . 
     In addition to allowing air to flow over the scented product  422  and permitting a user to smell the scented product  422 , placing the first vent  414   a  (or first plurality of vents) in the top wall  404  and the second vent  414   b  (or second plurality of vents) in the bottom wall  402  may minimize fragrance loss in comparison to placing the first and second vents  414   a ,  414   b  in a sidewall of the container  400 . For example, the bottom wall  402  of the container  400  will typically be in contact with a store shelf or another container (e.g., another carton of trash bags), and thus, the second vent  414   b  in the bottom wall  402  will be shielded from most airflow, which can cause fragrance loss, while in contact with the store shelf and/or another container. Furthermore, the top wall  404  of the container  400  will typically be in contact with another container or, at least, will typically not directly face an aisle where users walk past causing airflow, and thus, will typically not be exposed to coincidental airflow caused by users. As a result, the top wall  404  of the container  400  also avoids most airflow except when being handled by a user. 
     In view of the foregoing, because the placement of the first vent  414   a  and the second vent  414   b  helps to minimize exposure to airflow, the container  400  of the present disclosure may minimize fragrance loss of the scented product  422 . Specifically, because an exposure of the first vent  414   a  and the second vent  414   b  is minimized, airflow into and out of the container  400  is minimized, and because airflow into and out of the container  400  is minimized, the fragrance (i.e., fragrance particles) of the scented product  422  remains within the container  400 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a container  500  for housing a scented product according to another embodiment present disclosure. Similar to the container  100  described above in regard to  FIG.  1   , the container  500  includes a bottom wall  502 , a top wall  504 , a plurality of lateral sidewalls  506 ,  508 , a plurality of longitudinal sidewalls  510 ,  512 , a first plurality of vents  514 , and a perforated opening  517 . Additionally, similar to the container  100  of  FIG.  1   , the first plurality of vents  514  may extend through the top wall  504  of the container  500 . In addition to the first plurality of vents  514 , the container  500  includes one or more designated regions  530  (e.g., thumbprints) indicating to a user where to apply force  215  ( FIG.  2 B ) to (e.g., squeeze) the container  500  in order to test (e.g., smell) the fragrance of the scented product  222  ( FIG.  2 A ). Moreover, in some embodiments, the container  500  may include a second plurality of vents  116  ( FIG.  1   ) extending through the bottom wall  502  of the container  500 . 
     As illustrated, in some instances, the first plurality of vents  514  may be oriented relative to one another in a pattern. For example, the first plurality of vents  514  may be oriented in a pattern representing a fragrance of the scented product  222  ( FIG.  2 A ) disposed within a cavity  118  ( FIG.  1   ) of the container  500 . Specifically, the first plurality of vents  514  may be oriented in a shape of one or more of a cloud, a flower, a Hawaiian aloha, a sunburst, a fruit, a vegetable, a plant, a leaf, or any other shape representing a fragrance. Furthermore, the first plurality of vents  514  may include any of the types of vents described above in regard to  FIGS.  2 A- 3 E . 
     As noted above, the container  500  may also include one or more designated regions  530  indicating to the user where to apply force  215  ( FIG.  2 B ) to (e.g., squeeze) the container  500 . In some embodiments, the one or more designated regions  530  may include one or more thumbprints associated with text (e.g., messaging) reciting, for example, “squeeze here,” “press here,” “squeeze here for a burst of freshness,” etc. In one or more embodiments, the one or more designated regions  530  may be disposed (e.g., located) on one or more of the lateral sidewalls  506 ,  508  and longitudinal sidewalls  510 ,  512  of the container  500 . In additional embodiments, the one or more designated regions  530  may be disposed on the top wall  504  proximate to (e.g., next to or adjacent to) the first plurality of vents  514 . 
     As mentioned briefly above, in one or more embodiments, the container may include a second plurality of vents extending through the bottom wall  502  of the container. Similar to the first plurality of vents  514 , the second plurality of vents may be oriented in a pattern representing a fragrance. Furthermore, in such embodiments, one or more of the designated regions  530  may be disposed on the bottom wall  502  proximate to the second plurality of vents. Moreover, the second plurality of vents  116  ( FIG.  1   ) may include any of the vents described in regard to  FIGS.  2 A- 3 E . 
     Although the first plurality of vents and the second plurality of vents are described herein as being selectively openable and closable, the disclosure is not so limited. For example, in some embodiments, the vents can include holes that are constantly (e.g., permanently) open (referred to hereinafter as “open vents”). For instance, the first plurality of vents and the second plurality of vents may not be closable and may merely include voids of material in the walls of the container. Specifically,  FIGS.  6 A- 6 E  show open vents (e.g., first and second pluralities of vents) according to additional embodiments of the present of the present disclosure. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  6 A , a first and second pluralities of open vents  614   a ,  616   a  may have general circular shapes and may extend completely through the top wall  604  of the container  600 . As another example, as shown in  FIG.  6 B , the first plurality of open vents  614   b  (and the second plurality of open vents ( FIG.  6 A )) may have general circular shapes and may be oriented relative to one another in a pattern (e.g., a cloud, a flower, a Hawaiian aloha, a sunburst, a fruit, a vegetable, a plant, a leaf, or any other shape representing a fragrance). As another non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG.  6 C , the first plurality of open vents  614   c  (and the second plurality of open vents ( FIG.  6 A )) may have general X-shapes and may extend through one or more wall of the plurality of lateral sidewalls  606 ,  608  and the plurality of longitudinal sidewalls  610 ,  612 . As a further example, as shown in  FIG.  6 D , the first plurality of open vents  614   d  (and the second plurality of open vents ( FIG.  6 A )) may have general slit shapes and may extend through one or more wall of the plurality of lateral sidewalls  606 ,  608  and the plurality of longitudinal sidewalls  610 ,  612 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  6 D , in one or more embodiments the open vents  614   d  can be formed in a portion of the container that forms the opening to the container.  FIG.  6 E  illustrates another embodiment in which the open vents  614   e  align with or are formed over the perforations  617   a . One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that such a configuration can help reduce the noticeability of the vents. Furthermore, while  FIG.  6 E  illustrates vents in the perforations  617   a  that form the opening to the container, in alternative embodiments the vents can be formed in other or additional perforations such as those intersecting walls or forming corners or edges of the container.  FIG.  6 F  illustrates another embodiment in which the vents  614   f  (e.g., selectively openable and closable and/or open vents) extend through a sidewall (e.g., a longitudinal sidewall) of the container  600 .  FIGS.  6 G and  6 H  illustrate another embodiment including one-way valves  622   a ,  622   b  extending through sidewalls of the container  600 . As shown, in some embodiments, the one-way valves  622   a ,  622   b  may include aperture extending through a sidewall of the container  600  and a porous and/or breathable material disposed over the aperture. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 6    together, although the container is described herein as having vents and/or valves extending through a wall of the container, the disclosure is not so limited. For example, in some embodiments, the container may include a vent extending through a wall of the container and an external valve disposed over the vent on an exterior and/or interior of the container. In some instances, the container may include a one-way valve (e.g., a “coffee” valve) disposed over the vent of the container. Furthermore, as noted above, the one-way valve may generally allow fluids (e.g., air) to flow through the valve in only one direction. In such embodiments, the container may include at least one one-way valve to permit fluids to escape the container and at least one one-way valve to permit fluids to enter into the container. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure include methods of making a container for housing a scented product. For example,  FIG.  7    shows a flow diagram of a method  700  of making a container for housing a scented product. Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  7    together, the method  700  may include forming a vent  114  in a sheet of material. For example, the method  700  may include forming a first plurality of vents  114  in the sheet of material, represented as act  710 . Furthermore, the method  700  may include forming a second plurality vents in the sheet of material, represented as act  720 . In more of more embodiments, forming a first plurality of vents  114  and the second plurality of vents  116  may include forming a first plurality of selectively openable and closable vents  114  and a second plurality of selectively openable and closable vents  116  in a sheet of material. 
     Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, forming the first plurality of vents  114  and the second plurality of vents  116  in the sheet of material may include punching and/or cutting the first plurality of vents  114  and the second plurality of vents  116  in the sheet of material. Additionally, forming the first plurality of vents  114  and the second plurality of vents  116  may include forming each vent of the first plurality of vents  114  and the second plurality of vents  116  to include an at least general triangular prism shape. Moreover, forming the first plurality of vents  114  may include forming each vent such that a side of the triangular prism shape of each vent is coplanar with an exterior surface of the top wall and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape of each vent, opposite the side, intersects a plane defined by an interior surface of the top wall  104 . Likewise, forming the second plurality of vents  116  may include forming each vent such that a side of the triangular prism shape of each vent is coplanar with a plane defined by an exterior surface of the bottom wall  102  and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape of each vent, opposite the side, intersects an interior surface of the bottom wall  102 . 
     In alternative embodiments, forming the first plurality of vents  114  may include forming each vent such that a side of the triangular prism shape of each vent is coplanar with a plane defined by an interior surface of the top wall  104  and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape of each vent, opposite the side, intersects an exterior surface of the top wall  104 . Furthermore, forming the second plurality of vents  116  may include forming each vent such that a side of the triangular prism shape of each vent is coplanar with a plane defined by an interior surface of the bottom wall  102  and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape of each vent, opposite the side, intersects an exterior surface of the bottom wall  102 . 
     Additionally, the method  700  may include folding the sheet of material such that the first vent extends through a top wall of a container and the second vent extends through a bottom wall of the container, represented as act  730 . For example, the method  700  may include folding the sheet of material to form the container such that the first plurality of vents extends through a top wall of the container and the second plurality of vents extend through a bottom wall of the container. The sheet of material may include any of the materials described above in regard to  FIG.  1   . One will appreciate in view of the disclosure herein that the method  700  described in relation to  FIG.  7    can be modified to omit or expanded acts, or vary the order of the various acts as desired. 
     The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thus, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.