Patent Publication Number: US-6338864-B1

Title: Canister with adhered paper layers for a particulate-type product

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/328,917, now abandoned, entitled “Canister For A Particulate-Type Product” filed on Jun. 9, 1999, assigned to the same assignee, and incorporated by reference thereto. In addition, this application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/346,189, entitled “Double Cut Seal Membrane For A Canister Containing A Particulate-Type Product; to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/346,443, entitled “Perforated Air-Tight Seal Membrane For A Canister Containing A Particulate-Type Product”; and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/346,440, entitled “Canister With Venting Holes For Containing A Particulate Type Product”, all filed on even date herewith, assigned to the same assignee, and incorporated by reference thereto. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a canister for containing a particulate-type product. More particularly, it relates to a canister having at least two paper-based layers adhered to one another for storing a particulate-type product, such as a ready-to-eat cereal. 
     An extremely popular form of packaging for dry, particulate-type products sold to consumers is a paper carton. The paper carton normally is rectangular-shaped, constructed of one or more layers of paper (such as label stock or paperboard having printing on an outer surface) and may or may not include an additional plastic liner. A wide variety of different products are packaged in this form, ranging from consumable items such as cereals and baking goods, to non-consumable items such as laundry detergents and de-icing salt pellets. Paper cartons present a number of advantages for manufacturers, retailers and consumers. For example, paper cartons are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and provide a number of flat surfaces onto which product or promotional information can be displayed. Due to the rectangular, parallel-piped shape, the cartons are relatively rigid and readily stackable. Thus, the manufacturer can ship a large number of stacked cartons without experiencing product damage. Further, a retailer can maximize shelf space while fully displaying the product. Consumers likewise find the stackability characteristic desirable for home storage. Finally, paper cartons are typically sized in accordance with consumer preferences such that a desired amount or volume of product is provided with each individual carton. 
     Certain types of products are amenable to storage within a paper carton alone. Generally speaking, however, a paper carton cannot, in and of itself, adequately maintain product integrity. For example, a paper carton likely will not prevent aroma, moisture, contaminants, small insects, etc. from passing through to the contained product. Thus, packaging for most particulate-type products requires an additional container or liner disposed within the paper carton. This is especially true for consumable/food products. A widely accepted technique for maintaining product integrity is to place the product into an inner container or bag that in turn is stored in the carton (commonly referred to as “bag in a box”). The bag is typically made of a plastic or glassine material and is sealed about the product. In this sealed form, the bag maintains product freshness and provides protection against insect infestation, whereas the outer paper carton provides packaging strength and display. Alternatively, a double packaging machine (DPM) technique may be employed to form a plastic or glassine liner within a paper carton. Regardless of the exact manufacturing process, the resulting packaging configuration includes a box with an inner liner. The box is a single layer paperboard or label stock material that provides structural integrity, whereas the inner liner serves as a barrier material. 
     The box with an inner liner packaging approach is universally employed. In fact, from a manufacturer&#39;s standpoint, box with an inner liner packaging satisfies a number of important criteria including low cost, stackability, and large, flat surfaces for displaying product and promotional information. Importantly, the resulting package must also be inherently rigid to withstand forces encountered during shipping. Unfortunately, however, consumers may encounter several potential drawbacks. These possible disadvantages are perhaps best illustrated by reference to a ready-to-eat cereal product, although it should be understood that a wide variety of other products are similarly packaged. 
     Most ready-to-eat cereal products are sold to consumers in the box with an inner liner packaging format. To consume the cereal, the user must first open the paper carton. In this regard, a top portion of the carton typically forms at least two flaps folded on top of one another. The flaps are initially at least partially adhered to one another with an adhesive. By pulling or otherwise tearing one flap away from the other, a consumer can then access the inner bag. An all too common problem is that the selected adhesive creates too strong a bond between the flaps, making flap separation exceedingly difficult. In fact, consumers may become frustrated with the separation process and resort to partially or completely tearing both flaps away from the carton. 
     Once the carton has been opened, the consumer must then open the inner bag. Once again, this may be a cumbersome procedure. More particularly, an elongated seal is typically formed and extends along a top portion of the bag. This seal is broken (or “opened”) by pulling apart opposite sides of the bag. In some instances, the so-formed seal is too rigid for simple opening. Even further, a person with reduced dexterity and strength, such as a child or elderly individual, may have difficulty in breaking an even relatively light seal. As a result, attempts at opening the inner bag or liner often result in an undesirable tear along a side of the bag, causing unacceptable product displacement from the bag, or an uneven opening. Additionally, the person may resort to using a knife or scissors, possibly resulting in bodily harm to the user. 
     Once the carton and bag or liner has been opened, the consumer is then ready to pour the contents from the package. Due to the flexible nature of the inner bag, the actual opening through which the product flows is unpredictable. That is to say, the opening formed in the bag is not uniform or fixed. As a result, a larger than expected volume of product may unexpectedly pour from the container. Alternatively, where the inner bag has not been properly opened, product flow may be unacceptably slow. Further, an inherent bias or bend typically causes the flaps to extend upwardly relative to a top of the carton. Thus, the flaps will impede a user from visually confirming acceptable product volume and flow. Additionally, the inner bag typically is not secured to the carton. During a subsequent pouring operation, then, the entire bag may undesirably release from the carton. A final concern relates to the ease with which a user can handle the carton during the pouring operation. To this end, the carton is typically configured to form an elongated, rectangular cylinder having four rigid, ninety-degree corners. This rigid construction can render grasping of the package difficult, especially for a user with limited hand dexterity, such as a child or elderly individual. 
     A further consumer concern relating to box with an inner liner packaging stems from attempts to reclose the package for subsequent storage of remaining product. Again with reference to widely employed ready-to-eat cereal packaging, following dispensing of a portion of the cereal from the package, the user is then required to roll or fold the top portion of the bag or liner over onto itself so as to “close” the bag. It is not uncommon for a user to simply forget to perform this operation. Alternatively, even where an attempt is made, the bag cannot be resealed and thus remains at least partially open. Similarly, the bag may subsequently unroll. Individual cereal pieces may be undesirably released from the bag and/or contaminants can enter into the bag. Regardless, the reclosure feature normally associated with the carton normally does not provide an effective barrier to unexpected product displacement and/or contamination due to removal, poor design, misuse, lack of use, etc. These concerns are exacerbated when attempting to store a previously-opened package on its side or when the package is accidentally dropped. In either case, because neither the carton nor the bag provides a complete closure, unanticipated release of cereal from the container may occur. 
     Viewed as a whole, concerns relating to standard box with an inner liner packaging present numerous opportunities for consumer dissatisfaction. Essentially, consumer preferences for improvements to particulate-type product packaging can be separated into four categories. Consumers prefer that the package be easy to open, easily and satisfactorily reclosed, facilitate consistent and easy pouring and is acceptable for “clean” use by a child or others with limited dexterity. Obviously, consumers further prefer that product costs be as low as possible, and that certain other beneficial attributes associated with the existing box with inner liner packaging continue to be implemented. These existing properties include package strength, product damage protection, use of high volume commercially available materials, visual display of product and promotional material, recycleability, stackability, and moisture, aroma, contaminant and insect protection. 
     Certain other packaging schemes are available that address, at least in part, several of the above-listed consumer preferences. Unfortunately, however, these packaging techniques entail other drawbacks, thereby limiting their usefulness. For example, rigid plastic containers having removable, sealable lids are available. The greatly increased costs associated with this packaging configuration prohibit its implementation on a mass production basis. Similarly, it may be possible to provide the inner bag with a “zip-lock” sealing feature. While this technique may alleviate several of the reclosure issues previously described, the zip-lock design is expensive and often times does not provide a complete seal. Finally, other packaging techniques, such as elimination of the paper box, do not provide a package having requisite strength. As a point of reference, individual packages are typically shipped in palletized corrugated shipping containers stacked four high with packages. As many a five pallets may be stacked on top of one another. Further, handling of an individual pallet may require a side-to-side force being applied to individual packages. Thus, for any new packaging approach to be viable, sufficient package strength must be provided to limit product damage during shipment. 
     Consumers continue to express a high demand for particulate-type products sold in a paper cartons. However, various problems associated with use of standard packaging, and in particular box with an inner liner packages, may diminish purchasing enthusiasm. Alternative packaging efforts may satisfy some consumer concerns, but fail to meet other expectations on a cost effective basis. Therefore, a need exists for a particulate-type product canister configured to address consumer preferences while providing sufficient structural strength. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention provides a canister for a particulate-type product. The canister includes opposing face panels, opposing side panels, a top closure and a bottom closure. The opposing side panels are connected to the opposing face panels to define an upper opening and a lower opening. Further, at least one of the opposing face panels or the opposing side panels includes a first paper-based layer, a second paper-based layer and an adhesive. The first and second layers each have an inner surface and an outer surface. The adhesive bonds the inner surface of the first layer to the outer surface of the second layer. The top closure connects the opposing face panels and the opposing side panels so as to encompass the upper opening. The bottom closure connects the opposing face panels and the opposing side panels so as to encompass the lower opening. With the above configuration in mind, the opposing face panels and the opposing side panels combine to define an internal storage region for containing a particulate-type product. In one preferred embodiment, the canister is configured to maintain a food product such as a ready-to-cat cereal. During use, the bonded first and second paper-based layers combine to provide structural integrity for the canister, at a relatively low cost. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a packaged good article comprising a canister and a particulate-type product. The canister includes opposing face panels, opposing side panels, a top closure and a bottom closure. The opposing side panels are connected to the opposing face panels to define an upper opening and lower opening. At least one of the opposing face panels or the opposing side panels includes a first paper-based layer, a second paper-based layer and an adhesive. The first and second layers each include an inner surface and an outer surface. The adhesive bonds the inner surface of the first layer to the outer surface of the second layer. The top closure connects the opposing face panels and the opposing side panels so as to encompass the upper opening. The bottom closure connects the opposing face panels and the opposing side panels so as to encompass the lower opening. The opposing face panels and the opposing side panels combine to define an internal storage region. The particulate-type product is disposed within the internal storage region. In one preferred embodiment, the particulate-type product is a dry, ready-to-eat cereal. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a canister for containing a particulate-type product. The method includes providing a first paper-based layer having an inner surface and an outer surface. A second paper-based layer having an inner surface and an outer surface is also provided. The inner surface of the first layer is bonded to the outer surface of the second layer. The so-bonded first and second layers are formed into a tubular body having an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening of the tubular body is encompassed with a top closure. Similarly, the lower opening of the tubular body is encompassed with a bottom closure. The resulting canister forms an internal storage region for containing a particulate-type product. In one preferred embodiment, the resulting canister is configured to maintain a dry, ready-to-eat cereal food product. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a canister in accordance with the present invention, with a portion cut away; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the canister of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative canister in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a paper-based layer coated with an adhesive forming part of a canister in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a paper-based layer coated with an adhesive forming part of an alternative canister in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 6A is a top view of a paper-based layer including a premium forming part of an alternative canister in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the layer of FIG. 6A partially coated with an adhesive; 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a panel forming part of a canister in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view depicting assembly of a portion of a canister in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a canister in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 10 is a side view of a canister in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     One preferred embodiment of a canister  10  is shown in FIG.  1 . The canister  10  includes opposing face panels  12  (one of which is shown in FIG.  1 ), opposing side panels  14  (one of which is shown in FIG.  1 ), a bottom panel or closure  16  (shown partially in FIG. 1) and a top panel or closure  18 . As described in greater detail below, the opposing face panels  12  and the opposing side panels  14  are connected to one another. The bottom panel  16  is connected to the opposing face panels  12  and the opposing side panels  14  at a lower portion thereof. Similarly, the top panel  18  is connected to the opposing face panels  12  and the opposing side panels  14  at an upper portion thereof. This configuration provides for an internal storage region  20  (shown partially in FIG.  1 ), within which a particulate-type product  22  is disposed, and an outer surface  24  onto which product or promotional information can be displayed. Notably, directional terminology such as “bottom,” “top,” “upper” and “lower” is used for purposes of illustration and with reference to a desired upright orientation of the canister  10  as shown in FIG.  1 . However, the canister  10  can be positioned in other orientations such that the directional terminology is in no way limiting. 
     In one preferred embodiment, each of the opposing face panels  12  and the opposing side panels  14  is comprised of at least two paper-based layers. A preferred construction of one of the opposing face panels  12  is shown in FIG. 2, it being understood that an other of the opposing panels  12 , as well as the opposing side panels  14  (FIG.  1 ), are preferably similarly constructed. The panel  12  includes a first layer  30 , a second layer  32  and an adhesive  34 . The first panel  30  defines an outer surface  36  and an inner surface  38 . In one preferred embodiment, and as a point of reference, the outer surface  36  of the first layer  30  corresponds with the outer surface  24  of the canister  10  shown in FIG.  1 . The second layer  32  similarly defines an outer surface  40  and an inner surface  42 . In one preferred embodiment, and as a point of reference, the inner surface  42  corresponds with an innermost surface of the canister  10  (i.e., defining the internal storage region  20  in FIG.  1 ). Returning to FIG. 2, the adhesive  34  bonds the inner surface  38  of the first layer to the outer surface  40  of the second layer  32 . 
     The first layer  30  is a paper-based material. In one preferred embodiment, the first layer  30  is label stock paper material being 12 point or less in thickness. Label stock material is readily available and is highly amenable to printing on the outer surface  36 . Printing onto label stock paper material is well known in the art and may include product information, promotional statements, etc. To minimize overall costs, the label stock paper is preferably formed from recycled paper. Alternatively, the first layer  30  can have other thicknesses and can be paperboard. 
     The second layer  32  is similarly a paper-based material. In one preferred embodiment, the second layer  32  is paperboard, having a thickness greater than  12  point. More preferably, the second layer  32  is a 42-pound linerboard. This type of material is readily available, typically akin to virgin paper. Alternatively, the second layer  32  can have other thicknesses and weights, and can be recycled label stock. 
     By preferably providing two different thicknesses for the first layer  30  and the second layer  32 , overall costs of the resulting panel  12  are minimized. In other words, use of a single, thick layer of non-recycled paper inherently increases costs. It should be noted, however, that the first layer  30  and the second layer  32  can alternatively be identical in thickness and composition. 
     The adhesive  34  is preferably a cold adhesive. For example, the adhesive  34  can be polyvinyl-alcohol, polyvinyl-acetate, casine, starch, etc. Even further, the cold adhesive can be various blends or combinations of acceptable cold adhesive material and/or other materials such as activators. Alternatively, the adhesive  34  can be a hot-melt adhesive, such as a polyethylene-based material with tackafiers and wax, a polypropylene-based material with tackifiers and wax, a polyester-based material with tackifiers and wax, etc. Even further, the hot-melt adhesive can be various co-polymers, blends or a combination of acceptable materials and/or other materials such as activators. Notably, cold adhesives are generally less expensive than hot-melt adhesives and typically require a reduced volume to achieve an appropriate bond. Further, cold adhesives generally do not produce an adverse “adhesive-like” odor that might otherwise adversely affect quality of the product  22  (FIG. 1) contained within the canister  10  (FIG.  1 ). 
     While the panel  12  has been described as preferably including two layers, additional layers can be incorporated. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the panel  12  can include a third layer  44  affixed to the inner surface  42  of the second layer  32 . The third layer  44  can be paper-based and can include additional materials such as a plastic. 
     Construction of the panel  12  begins with the application of the adhesive  34  to either the inner surface  38  of the first layer  30  or the outer surface  40  of the second layer  32 . As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the inner surface  38  of the first layer  30  is coated with the adhesive  34 . The first layer  30  can be pre-cut to a desired size. Alternatively, the first layer  30  can be provided as a continuous sheet that, following affixing of the second layer  32  (FIG.  2 ), is subsequently cut to a desired size. Regardless, in one preferred embodiment, the inner surface  38  of the first layer  30  is entirely coated with the adhesive  34 . For example, a continuous roller can be used to apply the adhesive  34  across an entire available area of the inner surface  38 . Alternatively, the adhesive  34  can be sprayed onto the inner surface  38 . Even further, the first layer  30  may be constructed to include the adhesive  34  and a liner (not shown) protecting the adhesive  34 . The liner is removed to expose the adhesive  34 . Other adhesive application techniques known in the art can also be employed. 
     By entirely coating the inner surface  38  with the adhesive  34 , a complete, thorough bond with the second layer  32  (FIG. 2) is assured. Alternatively, however, it may be desirable to only partially coat or pattern coat the inner surface  38  with the adhesive  34 . An example of one pattern-type application of the adhesive  34  is shown in FIG. 5 as an adhesive pattern  50 . The adhesive pattern  50  is depicted as assuming a grid-like configuration. Alternatively, other patterns can be utilized. The pattern application can be achieved via a wide variety of known techniques. For example, a release coating or liner can be first printed onto the inner surface  38 . A subsequent, flood coating of the adhesive  34  onto the inner surface  38  will not adhere to the printed release coating or the printed release coating can be removed from the inner surface  38 , resulting in the desired pattern. Alternatively, where a roller is used to apply the adhesive  34 , the roller may be engraved to apply a desired pattern. Even further, the inner surface  38  can be flood coated with the adhesive  34 , and then portions of the adhesive  34  removed or otherwise scraped off of the inner surface  38  to generate the adhesive pattern  50 . Other adhesive pattern application techniques known in the art can also be employed. 
     A pattern or partially applied adhesive provides for a number of advantages. For example, because the overall amount of adhesive employed is reduced, costs are minimized. Additionally, any odor-related issues inherent to the selected adhesive are similarly minimized. Along these same lines, because many applicable adhesives are water-based, a reduction in the amount of adhesive applied results in a similar reduction in moisture and therefore opportunity for moisture related distortion of the paper-based layers  30 ,  32  (FIG.  2 ). Finally, use of a pattern adhesive enhances recycleability of the resulting panel  12 . That is to say, because the relevant surfaces of the first and second layers  30 ,  32  (FIG. 2) are less than fully covered with the adhesive  34 , subsequent separation and related adhesive removal occurs more easily. In one preferred embodiment, to achieve improved recycleability, the adhesive  34  covers less than 90 percent of the available surface area. 
     In addition to enhancing recycleability and minimizing manufacturing costs, a pattern-applied adhesive can be employed to facilitate removal of a portion of the panel  12  by a consumer. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the outer surface  36  of the first layer  30  can be formed to include a premium  60 . The premium  60  is defined by a perforation  62  and can be a coupon, promotional item, etc., preferably including indicia  64 . As shown in FIG. 6B, the adhesive  34  is applied to the inner surface  38  of the first layer  30  such that the adhesive  34  does not encompass the premium  60 . As a point of reference, the first layer  30  has been turned over in FIG. 6B (relative to  6 A) so as to show the inner surface  38 . Thus, the premium  60  is properly depicted at a right portion of the first layer  30  in FIG. 6A, and at a left portion in FIG.  6 B. Due to an absence of the adhesive  34 , the premium  60  of the first layer  30  will not adhere to the second layer  32  (FIG.  2 ). By eliminating the adhesive  34  from that area of the first layer  30  opposite the premium  60 , a user (not shown) can easily remove the premium  60  from the first layer  30  via the perforations  62 . 
     While the adhesive  34  has been described as preferably being applied to the inner surface  38  of the first layer  30 , the adhesive  34  can instead, or in addition, be applied to the outer surface  40  (FIG. 2) of the second layer  32 . That is to say, each of the above-described coating techniques (either full or partial coverage) apply equally as well to coating of the outer surface  40  of the second layer  32 . 
     Following application of the adhesive  34  to the inner surface  38  of the first layer  30  and/or the outer surface  40  of the second layer  32 , the first layer  30  and the second layer  32  are bonded to one another as shown in FIG.  7 . In one preferred embodiment, each of the first layer  30  and the second layer  32  can be manufactured to define generally a paper fiber direction. As is known in the art, during manufacture of paper (label stock or paperboard), related processing imparts a longitudinal pulling force or stretch in a “machine direction” to align the fibers generally in one direction. Notably, however, not all fibers will follow the machine direction, and will instead be randomly orientated and/or intertwined. Because the first and second layers  30 ,  32  are preferably formed from different types of paper (and therefore are not identical), the random fibers from the respective layers will not align with one another upon final assembly. The resulting combination will have a strength (or ring crush strength) greater than a ring crush strength of a single layer of paper having a thickness equal to the first and second layers  30 ,  32 . 
     Following attachment of the first layer  30  to the second layer  32 , the opposing face panels  12  and the opposing side panels  14  are formed, for example as depicted in FIG.  8 . In one preferred embodiment, the first layer  30  and the second layer  32  are elongated and wrapped about a mandrel  70 . Opposing edges of the first layer  30  and the second layer  32  are connected to form a seal  72 . The seal  72  can be a butt seal as shown, but alternatively can be an overlap seal, fin seal, etc. As shown in FIG. 8, in this sealed configuration, the first layer  30  and the second layer  32  combine to define and integrally form the opposing face panels  12  and the opposing side panels  14 . Notably, with this mandrel fabrication technique, corners  74  formed by the opposing face panels  12  and opposing side panels  14  are preferably rounded or arcuate, but can instead be angular. Alternatively, the opposing face panels  12  and the opposing side panels  14  can be independently formed and subsequently connected, preferably sealed, to one another. As few as one of the opposing face panels  12  or the opposing side panels  14  need include the first layer  30  and the second layer  32  bonded by the adhesive  34 , although in the preferred embodiment, all of the panels  12 ,  14  are so-constructed. 
     Regardless of the exact manufacturing technique, the remainder of the canister  10  is then constructed as shown in FIG.  9 . In one preferred embodiment, the opposing face panels  12  and the opposing side panels  14  combine to define a tubular body  80  having an upper opening  82  (shown partially in FIG. 9) and a lower opening  84  (shown partially in FIG.  9 ). The top panel or closure  18  is then connected to the tubular body  80  so as to encompass the upper opening  82 . Alternatively, the upper opening  82  can simply be sealed closed. The particulate-type product  22  is then placed within the internal storage region  20  (FIG. 1) defined by the tubular body  80 . Finally, the bottom panel or closure  16  is connected to the tubular body  80  so as to encompass the lower opening  84 . Alternatively, the lower opening  84  can simply be sealed closed. While construction of the canister  10  has been described as preferable including placement of the top panel  18  and then the bottom panel  16 , this order can be reversed. 
     Upon final assembly, the canister  10  is relatively rigid, able to withstand both longitudinal and transverse forces as shown in FIG.  10 . That is to say, by forming at least one of the opposing face panels  12  or the opposing side panels  14  with at least two paper-based layers bonded by an adhesive, the resulting canister  10  has sufficient strength to withstand forces normally encountered during shipping and handling. For example, as previously described, the canister  10  will normally be shipped in pallet or cube form. That is to say, individual canisters are packed into a corrugated shipping container or cube that is secured to a pallet. Within each individual cube, it is possible that three additional canisters will be stacked on top of the canister  10  (relative to the upright orientation shown in FIG.  10 ). Additionally, as many as five so-configured pallets will be stacked on top of one another. As a result, it is possible that the canister  10  will experience a longitudinal force (designated by the arrows A in FIG. 10) in the range of approximately 50-2000 pounds. Similarly, in some instances, individual pallets may be handled by a clamp-type fork truck. This device engages and retains individual pallets by imparting a side or transverse force across the cube. Thus, the canister  10  may experience a side-to-side force (designated by the arrows B in FIG. 10) in the range of approximately 50-2000 pounds. With the above shipping-related constraints in mind, the canister  10  of the present invention is configured to maintain its integrity when placed under a longitudinal compressive force of approximately 50-2000 pounds and a transverse or side-to-side compressive force of approximately 50-2000 pounds. In fact, the canister  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment has a shown a longitudinal strength of at least two times the longitudinal strength associated with currently available box with an inner liner packages. Further, the canister  10  can be formed to include rounded corners  74  (FIG.  8 ), yet still provide sufficient side-to-side strength. 
     By providing the canister  10  with requisite packaging strength, the canister  10  can be used to maintain a wide variety of particulate-type products. For example, the particulate-type product  22  (FIG. 1) can be a food product, and in particular a dry food product. One specific category of available food products is cereal-based products (e.g., formed from wheat, oats, rice, etc). These include ready-to-eat cereals such as puffs, flakes, shreds and combinations thereof. Further, the ready-to-eat cereal product can include other ingredients such as dried fruits, nuts, dried marshmallows, sugar coatings, etc. Alternatively, other particulate-type dried food products can be contained within the canister  10  such as, for example, popcorn (popped or unpopped), dried pasta (e.g., spaghetti noodles), rice, beans, pretzels, potato chips, sugar, dried milk, flour, etc. Even further, other consumable items such as birdseed can be used as the particulate-type product  22 . Yet even further, non-consumable particulate-type products can be stored including fertilizer pellets, dry laundry detergent, dry dishwashing detergent, plant or vegetable seeds, de-icing salt pellets, etc. 
     The canister of the present invention provides a marked improvement over previous designs. Pointedly, the canister provides for enhanced package strength via incorporation of at least two paper-based layers bonded to one another with an adhesive. These components are readily available and can be assembled on a highly cost-effective basis. Further, where the adhesive is preferably partially or pattern applied, further cost savings arc achieved, while at the same time enhancing recycleability, removal of premiums, etc. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the canister has been depicted as being generally rectangular in shape. Alternatively, other shapes are equally acceptable. Also, the canister can contain items in addition to the particulate-type product described. For example, a separate coupon or premium can be placed within the canister along with the particulate-type product. Further, while the layers comprising at least a portion of the canister have been described as being paper-based, other materials, such as foil or plastic, can instead be used.