Patent Publication Number: US-11643245-B2

Title: Convenient solid product dispensing package

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This United States Non-Provisional patent application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/086,161, titled “Convenient Solid Product Dispensing Package,” filed Oct. 30, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/928,299, titled “Convenient Solid Product Dispensing Package,” filed Oct. 30, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Many vehicles have circular cup holders for drinks to be conveniently held. Similarly, movie theaters, sports arenas and the like have seats with adjacent cup holders to hold drinks. Candy or other small piece of food (e.g. popcorn), however, are typically sold in flexible paper or plastic bags which are difficult to seal or store in a moving vehicle or to keep on one&#39;s person while watching a movie or sports game. Once the packages are opened, the candy or food pieces are often spilled onto the seats and can become sticky, or otherwise soil the seat and areas nearby. 
     Present candy and food packages are generally rectangular, and major food and candy manufacturers employ high-speed seal-end form fill and seal packaging machines to produce the packages at many units per minute. The rectangular packages also generally lack a secure closing means to prevent spillage and are of a size and configuration such that there is normally no convenient way to securely store them in a cup holder. 
     Round candy and food packaging is made generally from plastic or metal materials. To the extent round packaging is made from paperboard, the packaging may lack structural integrity and require assembly by hand or with a very expensive custom-designed, and neither is a cost effective option as far as manufacturing companies are concerned because the custom-designed machines are generally not commonly owned by product packaging and distribution centers, to assemble and fill the round packaging. 
     Applicant&#39;s previous hexagonal boxes, e.g. U.S. patent publication nos. 2005-0067476A1, 2006-0124709A1, were not efficient in forming the bottom of the box. In previous boxes the bottom end included one hexagonally-shaped bottom end with three small tabs foldably connected thereto. Closure of the box was achieved in a multi-step process by folding the hexagonal bottom end over internally-folded portions of the box and then folding each tab upward to adhesively connect to corresponding sidewalls of the box. Previous disclosures also presented integrity concerns because the only means to secure the bottom of the box was the small tabs connected to the sidewalls. This complicated folding process required that the previous hexagonal boxes be folded and assembled by hand. They were not machinable because the existing seal-end form and fill machines could not line up the body of the box, and then line up the flaps and then fold and glue all of the tabs that were spaced around the perimeter for the box. It was simply too complicated. And if the previous hexagonal boxes were not lined up properly when being formed, the end result would be crooked and defective boxes. 
     Accordingly, one important objective is to provide a structurally-sound dispensing package with a one-step, automatic bottom closure which may be conveniently stored in a cup holder, utilizing the same high-speed form, fill and seal packaging machine used to form rectangular cardboard or paperboard packaging. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention satisfies this need. In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to my blank used to form a hexagonal shaped box. The blank has a front sidewall, a back sidewall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a second sidewall bottom flap extension, a third sidewall, a fourth sidewall, a fourth sidewall bottom flap extension, an inner sidewall, an inner sidewall flap, a top panel, a bottom panel and a slide. 
     The front sidewall is foldably connected to the back sidewall and the back sidewall can include a back sidewall adhesive area. 
     The first sidewall is foldably connected to the back sidewall. The first sidewall can have a first sidewall top flap and a first sidewall bottom flap foldably connected to the first sidewall. 
     The second sidewall is foldably connected to the first sidewall opposite the back sidewall. The second sidewall can have a second sidewall top flap and a second sidewall bottom flap foldably connected to the second sidewall. 
     The second sidewall bottom flap extension is foldably connected to the second sidewall bottom flap opposite the side second sidewall. 
     The third sidewall is foldably connected to the front sidewall opposite the second sidewall. The third sidewall can have a third sidewall top panel foldably connected to the third sidewall. 
     The fourth sidewall is foldably connected to the third sidewall opposite the front sidewall. The fourth sidewall can have a fourth sidewall top flap and a fourth sidewall bottom flap foldably connected to the fourth sidewall. 
     The fourth sidewall bottom flap extension is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall bottom flap opposite the fourth sidewall. 
     The inner sidewall is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall opposite the third sidewall. The inner sidewall can have inner sidewall stops and an inner bottom support panel foldably connected to the inner sidewall. 
     The inner sidewall flap is foldably connected to the inner sidewall opposite the fourth sidewall. An outer surface of the inner sidewall flap can include an inner sidewall adhesive area. 
     The top panel is foldably connected to the front sidewall and includes an aperture for dispensing food product there through. 
     The bottom panel is foldably connected to the front sidewall opposite the top panel. 
     The slide is foldably connected to the front sidewall opposite the back sidewall. The slide can include angled stop portions and slide stops adjacent the angled stop portions. 
     Optionally, the first sidewall top flap has a first slit and the fourth sidewall top flap has a second slit. 
     Optionally, the top panel has a top panel first flap and a top panel second flap configured for insertion into the first slit and the second slit, respectively. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to my method of folding the blank. The method comprises the steps of: 
     a) folding the fourth sidewall and the first sidewall at substantially ninety degrees towards the front sidewall; 
     b) folding the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall; 
     c) folding the inner sidewall over the front sidewall and folding the inner sidewall flap at substantially ninety degrees; 
     d) folding the back sidewall such that the back sidewall adhesive area contacts the inner sidewall such that the back sidewall and inner sidewall are adhesively connected: 
     e) folding the bottom panel substantially at ninety degrees toward an interior of the partially formed hexagonal box; 
     f) folding first sidewall bottom flap and the third sidewall bottom flap on top of the bottom panel; 
     g) folding the second sidewall bottom flap and the fourth sidewall bottom flap such that fourth sidewall bottom flap extension overlaps and is glued to at least a portion of the third sidewall bottom flap and the second sidewall bottom flap extension overlaps and is glued to at least a portion of the first sidewall bottom flap; 
     h) folding the inner bottom support panel onto the folded bottom panel such that a portion of the inner bottom support panel is glued to the bottom panel; 
     i) folding the first sidewall top flap, a second sidewall top flap, third sidewall top flap, and fourth sidewall top flap substantially ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box; and 
     j) folding the slide substantially ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box and folding the top panel substantially ninety degrees and above the slide, such that the top panel is glued to the first sidewall top flap and overlapping second sidewall top flap, and fourth sidewall top flap and overlapping third sidewall top flap, respectively. 
     Optionally, after h) and before step i) candy or small food pieces are placed into the box. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a solid product dispensing package or box illustrating the principles of the box, mounted in one of the drink holders in a vehicle; 
         FIG.  2    is a flat pattern view of a cardboard or paperboard blank of the first embodiment which can be folded to form the hexagonal container or box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the first embodiment showing a first assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the first embodiment showing a second assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the first embodiment showing a third assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the partially-assembled hexagonal box of the first embodiment flattened for storage until filling and complete assembly of the box; 
         FIG.  7    shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the first embodiment showing a fourth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  8    shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the first embodiment showing a fifth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the first embodiment showing a sixth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of candy or other small pieces of food loaded into the bottom of the partially assembled box showing a seventh assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a bottom of the partially assembled hexagonal box, showing a final assembly step; 
         FIG.  12    shows the bottom of the assembled box; 
         FIG.  13    shows a perspective view of the assembled box in an upright position; 
         FIG.  14    is a flat pattern view of the cardboard or paperboard blank of a second embodiment which can be folded to form the hexagonal container or box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  15    shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the second embodiment showing a fourth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  16    shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the second embodiment showing a fifth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the second embodiment showing a sixth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of popcorn other small pieces of food or candy loaded into the bottom of the partially assembled box and showing a seventh assembly step toward forming the second embodiment of the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the assembled box dispensing popcorn or other small pieces of food or candy; 
         FIG.  20    is a flat pattern view of the cardboard or paperboard blank of a third embodiment which can be folded to form the hexagonal container or box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  21    shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the third embodiment showing a fourth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  22    shows a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the third embodiment showing a fifth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  23    is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the third embodiment showing a sixth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of popcorn other small pieces of food or candy loaded into the bottom of the partially assembled box and showing a seventh assembly step toward forming the third embodiment of the hexagonal box with slide opening; and 
         FIG.  25    is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the third embodiment showing an eighth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  26    is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the third embodiment showing a ninth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; 
         FIG.  27    is a perspective view of the cardboard blank of the third embodiment showing a tenth assembly step toward forming the hexagonal box with slide opening; and 
         FIG.  28    is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the assembled box dispensing popcorn or other small pieces of food or candy. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As used herein, the following terms and variations thereof have the meanings given below, unless a different meaning is clearly intended by the context in which such term is used. 
     The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless their usage in context indicates otherwise. 
     As used in this disclosure, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers ingredients or steps. 
     All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any system, any device or part of a device disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intended use. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding features throughout the several views. Further, described herein are certain non-limiting embodiments of my invention. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a first embodiment of an assembled hexagonally-shaped product dispensing package or box  100  installed in a cup holder of a conventional automobile. As shown in  FIG.  13   , the hexagonal container or box  100  has a product-dispensing aperture  124  preferably in the top end  114  of the hexagonal container or box  100 . A slide  120  integrally formed from the box material and placed under a top panel  160  may be selectively moved to open or close the aperture  124 . The slide  120  is foldably connected to an actuating sidewall  126  and a back sidewall  128  is foldably connected to the actuating sidewall  126  opposite the slide  120 . A buck sidewall  128  is adhesively connected to an inner sidewall  142 , permitting the actuation sidewall  126  to move independent of the back sidewall  128  and facilitate movement of the slide  120  to open or close the aperture  124 . The inner sidewall  142  includes inner sidewall stops  143  ( FIG.  1   ) and the slide  120  includes slide stops  123  configured such that when the slide  120  is moved to an open position, interaction between the inner sidewall stops  143  and slide stops  123  prevent the slide  120  from dislodging from the box  100 . The actuation sidewall  126  may also serve as a handle for removing the box  100  from a vehicle drink holding receptacle, and for passing the box to others, for example. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a die cut paper or cardboard blank  101  that may be used to form the box  100  ( FIG.  13   ). The cardboard blank  101  has a top end  114  and a bottom end  116  and is scored for folding such that the box  100  is a hexagonal shape. Major portions of the cardboard blank  101  include a front sidewall  136 , back sidewall  128 , inner sidewall  142 , first sidewall  132 , second sidewall  134 , third sidewall  138 , fourth sidewall  140 , top panel  160 , bottom panel  170  and  120  slide. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  2   , the actuation sidewall  126  is foldably connected to the back sidewall  128 , and the slide  120  is foldably connected to the actuation sidewall  126  opposite the back sidewall  128 . The back sidewall  128  includes a back sidewall adhesive area  148 . The slide  120  includes angled stop portions  122  adjacent the top end  114  of the slide  120 , and the slide stops  123  are adjacent the angled stop portions  122 . The first sidewall  132  is foldably connected to the back sidewall  128 , and the second sidewall  134  is foldably connected to the first sidewall  132  opposite the back sidewall  128 . The first sidewall  132  includes a first sidewall top flap  150  foldably connected to the top end  114  of the first sidewall  132 , and the first sidewall bottom flap  165  is foldably connected to the bottom end  116  of the first sidewall  132 . The second sidewall  134  includes a second sidewall top flap  152  foldably connected to the top end  114  of the second sidewall  134 , and the second sidewall bottom flap  168  foldably connected to the bottom  116  of the second sidewall  134 . The second sidewall bottom flap extension  169  is foldably connected to the second sidewall bottom flap  168  opposite the second sidewall  134 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  2   , the front sidewall  136  is foldably connected to the second sidewall  134  opposite the first sidewall  132 . The front sidewall  136  includes a top panel  160  foldably connected to the top end  114  of the top panel  160 . The front sidewall  136  also includes a bottom panel  170  foldably connected to the bottom end  116  of the front sidewall  136 . The top panel  160  includes an aperture  124  preferably location adjacent the front sidewall  136 , and a top panel first flap  162  and top panel second flap  164  foldably connected to the top panel  160  adjacent the bottom end  116  of the top panel  160 . The third sidewall  138  is foldably connected to the front panel  136  opposite the second sidewall  134 . The third sidewall  138  includes a third sidewall top flap  156  foldably connected to the top end  114  of the third sidewall  138 , and a third sidewall flap  166  foldably connected to the bottom end  116  of the third sidewall  138 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  2   , the fourth sidewall  140  is foldably connected to the third sidewall  138  opposite the front panel  136 , and the inner sidewall  142  is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall  140  opposite the third sidewall  138 . The fourth sidewall  140  includes a fourth sidewall top flap  154  foldably connected to the top end  114  of the fourth sidewall  140 , and a fourth sidewall bottom flap  172  foldably connected to the bottom end  116  of the fourth sidewall  140 . A fourth sidewall bottom flap extension  174  is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall bottom flap  172 , opposite the fourth sidewall  140 . The inner sidewall  142  includes inner sidewall stops  143  on the top end  114  of the inner sidewall  142 , and an inner bottom support panel  130  is foldably connected to the bottom end  116  of the inner sidewall  142 . Lastly, the inner sidewall flap  144  is foldably connected to the inner sidewall  142  opposite the fourth sidewall  140 . The outer surface of the inner sidewall flap  144  includes an inner sidewall adhesive area  146  ( FIG.  3   ). 
     Now referring to  FIG.  3   , a first assembly step of forming the hexagonal box  100  ( FIG.  13   ) may be folding the fourth sidewall  140  and first sidewall  132  at substantially ninety degrees towards the front sidewall  136  as shown by the arrows in  FIG.  3   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , the third sidewall  138 , the fourth sidewall  140  and inner sidewall  142  are folded over the front sidewall  136  (not shown), and the inner sidewall flap  144  (not shown) is folded at substantially ninety degrees. As shown by the arrow in  FIG.  4   , a next assembly step may be folding the back sidewall  128  such that the back sidewall adhesive area  148  contacts the inner sidewall  142 , adhesively connected the back sidewall  128  to the inner sidewall  142 . In this configuration, the inner sidewall adhesive area  146  (not shown) contacts the first sidewall  132  (now shown) such that the inner sidewall flap  144  adhesively connects to the first sidewall  132 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , the back sidewall  128  is adhesively connected to the inner sidewall  142  (not shown) and actuation sidewall  126 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates the hexagonal box  100  ( FIG.  13   ) in a partially assembled and flattened configuration, preferred for storage after assembly but prior to being filled. 
     As shown by the arrows in  FIG.  7   , a next assembly step may be folding the first sidewall top flap  150 , a second sidewall top flap  152 , fourth sidewall flap  154 , and third sidewall top flap  156  substantially ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box  100  ( FIG.  13   ). As seen in  FIGS.  8 - 9   , the second sidewall top flap  152  is preferably folded over the first sidewall top flap  150 , and the third sidewall top flap  156  is preferably folded over the fourth sidewall top flap  154 . As shown by the arrows in  FIG.  8   , a next assembly step may be folding the slide  120  substantially ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box  100  ( FIG.  13   ), folding the top panel  160  substantially ninety degrees over the slide  120 , folding the top panel first flap  162  substantially ninety degrees to adhesively connect to the second sidewall  134  (not shown), and folding the top panel second flap  164  substantially ninety degrees to adhesively connect to the third sidewall  138 .  FIG.  9    illustrates completion of the assembly step. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates the filling process, placing the partially formed hexagonal box  100  ( FIG.  13   ) with the bottom end  116  upright such that candy or small food pieces may  176  be placed into the box  100  through the opened bottom end  116 . As shown by the arrows in  FIG.  10   , the next assembly steps may include folding the first sidewall bottom flap  165 , second sidewall bottom flap  168 , third sidewall bottom flap  166 , fourth sidewall bottom flap  172 , and inner bottom support panel  130  substantially at ninety degrees toward the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box  100 . 
       FIG.  11    shows the inner bottom support panel  130  adjacent the first sidewall bottom flap  165 , second sidewall bottom flap  168 , second sidewall bottom flap extension  169 , third sidewall bottom flap  166 , fourth sidewall bottom flap  172  and fourth sidewall bottom flap extension  174 . In this configuration, the third sidewall bottom flap  166  is preferably folded over a portion of the fourth sidewall bottom flap extension  174 , and the first sidewall bottom flap  165  is preferably folded over a portion of the second sidewall bottom flap  168 . As shown by the arrows in  FIG.  11   , a final assembly step may be a one-step, automatic closure achieved by folding the bottom panel  170  substantially ninety degrees and adhesively connected to the inner bottom support panel  130 , first sidewall bottom flap  165 , second sidewall bottom flap  168 , second sidewall bottom flap extension  169 , third sidewall bottom flap  166 , fourth sidewall bottom flap  172  and fourth sidewall bottom flap extension  174 . As seen in  FIG.  12   , structural integrity is achieved because the bottom panel  170  adhesively connects to extensions of the first sidewall  132  (the first sidewall bottom flap  165 ), second sidewall  134  (not shown) (the second sidewall bottom flap  168  and second sidewall bottom flap extension  169 ), third sidewall  138  (the third side wall bottom flap  166 ), fourth sidewall  140  (the fourth sidewall bottom flap  172  and fourth sidewall bottom flap extension  174 ), and inner sidewall  142  (not shown) (the inner bottom support panel  130 ). 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a second embodiment of a die cut paper or cardboard blank  201  used to form the box  200  ( FIG.  19   ). The second embodiment is designed for manual (as opposed to automated utilizing machines) closing of the box  200 . The cardboard blank  201  has a top end  214  and a bottom end  216  and is scored for folding such that the box  200  is a hexagonal shape. Major portions of the cardboard blank  201  include a front sidewall  236 , back sidewall  228 , inner sidewall  242 , first sidewall  232 , second sidewall  234 , third sidewall  238 , fourth sidewall  240 , top panel  260 , bottom panel  270  and slide  220 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  14   , an actuation sidewall  226  is foldably connected to the back sidewall  228 , and the slide  220  is foldably connected to the actuation sidewall  226  opposite the back sidewall  228 . The back sidewall  228  includes a back sidewall adhesive area  248 . The slide  220  includes angled stop portions  222  adjacent the top end  214  of the slide  220 , and slide stops  223  adjacent the angled stop portions  222 . The first sidewall  232  is foldably connected to the back sidewall  228 , and the second sidewall  234  is foldably connected to the first sidewall  232  opposite the back sidewall  228 . The first sidewall  232  includes a first sidewall top flap  250  foldably connected to the top end  214  of the first sidewall  232 , and the first sidewall top flap  250  includes a first slit  235  adjacent the first sidewall  232 . The first sidewall  232  also includes a first sidewall bottom flap  265  foldably connected to the bottom end  216  of the first sidewall  232 . The second sidewall  234  includes a second sidewall top flap  252  foldably connected to the top end  214  of the second sidewall  234 . The second sidewall  234  also includes a second sidewall bottom flap  268  foldably connected to the bottom end  216  of the second sidewall  234 , and a second sidewall bottom flap extension  269  foldably connected to the second sidewall bottom flap  268  opposite the second sidewall  234 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  14   , the front sidewall  236  is foldably connected to the second sidewall  234  opposite the first sidewall  232 . The top panel  260  is foldably connected to the top end  214  of the front sidewall  236  and includes an aperture  224  located preferably adjacent the top end  216  of the front sidewall  236 , and a foldably connected top panel first flap  262  and top panel second flap  264  adjacent the top end  214 , and on opposite sides, of the top panel  260 . The front sidewall  236  also includes a bottom panel  270  foldably connected to bottom end  216  of the front sidewall  236 . The third sidewall  238  is foldably connected to the front panel  236  opposite second sidewall  234 , and includes a third sidewall top flap  256  foldably connected to the top end  214  of the third sidewall  238 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  14   , the fourth sidewall  240  is foldably connected to the third sidewall  238  opposite the front panel  236 , and the inner sidewall  242  is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall  240  opposite the third sidewall  238 . The fourth sidewall  240  includes a fourth sidewall top flap  245  foldably connected to the top end  214  of the fourth sidewall  240 , and the fourth sidewall top flap  254  includes a second slit  239  adjacent the fourth sidewall  240 . The fourth sidewall  240  also includes a fourth sidewall bottom flap  272  foldably connected to the bottom end  116  of the fourth sidewall  240 , and a fourth sidewall bottom flap extension  274  is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall bottom flap  272  opposite the fourth sidewall  240 . The inner sidewall  242  includes inner sidewall stops  243  on the top end  214  of the inner sidewall  242 , and an inner bottom support panel  230  foldably connected to the bottom end  216  of the inner sidewall  242 . Lastly, the inner sidewall flap  244  is foldably connected to the inner sidewall  242  opposite the fourth sidewall  240 . The outer surface of inner sidewall flap  244  includes an inner sidewall adhesive area  246  (similar to  FIG.  3   ). 
     Similar to assembly of the first embodiment of the hexagonal box  100 , a first assembly step of forming the second embodiment of the hexagonal box  200  may be folding the fourth sidewall  240  and first sidewall  232  at substantially ninety degrees towards the front sidewall  236 . (See  FIG.  3   ). A second assembly step may be folding the third sidewall  238 , fourth sidewall  240 , the inner sidewall  242  over the front sidewall  236 , and folding the inner sidewall flap  244  at substantially ninety degrees. (See  FIG.  4   ). A third assembly step may be folding the back sidewall  228  such that the back sidewall adhesive area  248  contacts the inner sidewall  242  such that the back sidewall  228  and inner sidewall  242  are adhesively connected. (See  FIG.  5   ). In this configuration, the inner sidewall adhesive area  246  contacts the first sidewall  232  such that the inner sidewall flap  244  adhesively connects to the first sidewall  232 , and the back sidewall  228  is adhesively connected to the inner sidewall  242 . (See  FIG.  5   ). 
     As shown by the arrows in  FIG.  15   , a next assembly step may be folding the first sidewall top flap  250 , a second sidewall top flap  252 , third sidewall top flap  256 , and fourth sidewall top flap  254  substantially ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box  200  ( FIG.  19   ). As shown by the arrows in  FIG.  16   , a next assembly step may be folding the slide  220  substantially ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box  200  and folding the top panel  260  substantially ninety degrees and above the slide  120 . In this configuration, the top panel first flap  262  and top panel second flap  264  are folded at substantially ninety degrees and insert within the first slit  235  and second slit  239 , respectively.  FIG.  17    illustrates completion of the assembly step. 
       FIG.  18    illustrates the filling process, placing the partially formed hexagonal box  200  ( FIG.  19   ) with the bottom end  216  upright such that popcorn or small food pieces of food  276  may be placed into the box  200  through the opened bottom end  116 . As shown by the arrows in  FIG.  18   , the next assembly steps may include folding the first sidewall bottom flap  265 , second sidewall bottom flap  268 , third sidewall bottom flap  266 , fourth sidewall bottom flap  272 , and inner bottom support panel  230  substantially at ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box  200 . Similar to the first embodiment of the hexagonal box  100 , a final assembly step may be a one-step, automatic closure achieved by the folding bottom support panel  270  substantially ninety degrees and adhesively connecting to the inner bottom support panel  230 , first sidewall bottom flap  265 , second sidewall bottom flap  268 , second sidewall bottom flap extension  269 , third sidewall bottom flap  266 , fourth sidewall bottom flap  272  and fourth sidewall bottom flap extension  274 . 
       FIG.  19    shows the assembled hexagonal box  200 . The slide  220  is laterally moved away from the top panel  260  to open the aperture  224  and dispense popcorn or other small pieces of food  276 . 
     Optionally, the bottom end  216  of the second embodiment can be glued and closed first, following the steps outlined above. This allows the second embodiment to be filled through the open top end  214  (as opposed to the open bottom end  216  shown in the FIGS.). Once the second embodiment is filled through the open top end  214 , the open top end  214  can then be closed and sealed as discussed above. 
       FIG.  20    illustrates a third embodiment of a die cut paper or cardboard blank  301  used to form the box  300  ( FIG.  27   ). The cardboard blank  301  has a top end  314  and a bottom end  316  and is scored for folding such that the box  300  is a hexagonal shape. Major portions of the cardboard blank  301  include a front sidewall  326 , back sidewall  328 , inner sidewall  342 , first sidewall  332 , second sidewall  334 , third sidewall  338 , fourth sidewall  340 , top panel  360 , bottom panel  370  and slide  320 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  20   , an actuation sidewall  326  is foldably connected to the back sidewall  328 , and the slide  320  is foldably connected to the actuation sidewall  326  opposite the back sidewall  328 . The back sidewall  328  includes a back sidewall adhesive area  348 . The slide  320  includes angled stop portions  322  adjacent the top end  314  of the slide  320 , and slide stops  323  adjacent the angled stop portions  322 . The first sidewall  332  is foldably connected to the back sidewall  328 , and the second sidewall  334  is foldably connected to the first sidewall  332  opposite the back sidewall  328 . The first sidewall  332  includes a first sidewall top flap  350  foldably connected to the top end  314  of the first sidewall  332 . The first sidewall  332  also includes a first sidewall bottom flap  365  foldably connected to the bottom end  316  of the first sidewall  332 . The second sidewall  334  includes a second sidewall top flap  352  foldably connected to the top end  314  of the second sidewall  334 . The second sidewall  334  also includes a second sidewall bottom flap  368  foldably connected to the bottom end  316  of the second sidewall  334 , and a second sidewall bottom flap extension  369  foldably connected to the second sidewall bottom flap  368  opposite the second sidewall  334 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  20   , the front sidewall  336  is foldably connected to the second sidewall  334  opposite the first sidewall  332 . The top panel  360  is foldably connected to the top end  314  of the front sidewall  336  and includes an aperture  324  located preferably adjacent the top end  316  of the front sidewall  336 . The front sidewall  336  also includes a bottom panel  370  foldably connected to bottom end  316  of the front sidewall  336 . The third sidewall  338  is foldably connected to the front sidewall  336  opposite second sidewall  334 , and includes a third sidewall top flap  356  foldably connected to the top end  314  of the third sidewall  338 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  20   , the fourth sidewall  340  is foldably connected to the third sidewall  338  opposite the front panel  336 , and the inner sidewall  342  is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall  340  opposite the third sidewall  338 . The fourth sidewall  340  includes a fourth sidewall top flap  354  foldably connected to the top end  314  of the fourth sidewall  340 . The fourth sidewall  340  also includes a fourth sidewall bottom flap  372  foldably connected to the bottom end  316  of the fourth sidewall  340 , and a fourth sidewall bottom flap extension  374  is foldably connected to the fourth sidewall bottom flap  372  opposite the fourth sidewall  340 . The inner sidewall  342  includes inner sidewall stops  343  on the top end  314  of the inner sidewall  342 , and an inner bottom support panel  330  foldably connected to the bottom end  316  of the inner sidewall  342 . Lastly, the inner sidewall flap  344  is foldably connected to the inner sidewall  342  opposite the fourth sidewall  340 . The outer surface of inner sidewall flap  344  includes an inner sidewall adhesive area  346  (similar to  FIG.  3   ). 
     Similar to assembly of the first embodiment of the hexagonal box  100 , a first assembly step of forming the third embodiment of the hexagonal box  300  may be folding the fourth sidewall  340  and the first sidewall  332  at substantially ninety degrees towards the front sidewall  336 . (See  FIG.  3   ). A second assembly step may be folding the third sidewall  338  and the fourth sidewall  340 , and then folding the inner sidewall  342  over the front sidewall  336 , and then folding the inner sidewall flap  344  at substantially ninety degrees. (See  FIG.  4   ). A third assembly step may be folding the back sidewall  328  such that the back sidewall adhesive area  348  contacts the inner sidewall  342  such that the back sidewall  328  and inner sidewall  342  are adhesively connected. (See  FIG.  5   ). In this configuration, the inner sidewall adhesive area  346  contacts the first sidewall  332  such that the inner sidewall flap  344  adhesively connects to the first sidewall  332 , and the back sidewall  328  is adhesively connected to the inner sidewall  342 . (See  FIG.  5   ). 
     As shown by the arrows in  FIGS.  21  and  22   , the next assembly steps may include first folding the hexagonal shaped bottom panel  370  substantially at ninety degrees toward the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box  300 , then the folding first sidewall bottom flap  365  and the third sidewall bottom flap  366  on top of the bottom panel  370 , then folding the second sidewall bottom flap  368  and the fourth sidewall bottom flap  372  such that fourth sidewall bottom flap extension  374  overlaps at least a portion of the third sidewall bottom flap  366  and the second sidewall bottom flap extension  369  overlaps at least a portion of the first sidewall bottom flap  365 . The fourth sidewall bottom flap extension  374  is then glued to the third sidewall bottom flap  366  and the second sidewall bottom flap extension  369  is glued to the first sidewall bottom flap  365  using adhesive areas  377 . 
     The hexagonal shape of the bottom panel  370  is important for several reasons. First, due to the positioning of panel  370  within the partially formed box  300  once panel  370  has been folded, panel  370  provides support from the inside of the box  300  to keep the box  300  in its hexagonal form. This is important because the structural support that panel  370  provides allows the packaging machine to pick up the partially formed box  300  in order to complete the form and fill process. Second, panel  370  also forms the base upon which tabs  365 ,  366  are glued to. This makes the box  300  very efficient from the standpoint of the form and fill machine. And third, panel  370  allows all of the sidewalls, flaps and tabs of the box  300  to be properly aligned due to the hexagonal shape of the  370 .  FIG.  22    shows this alignment, wherein panel  370  is inside the partially formed box  300  and. 
       FIG.  23    shows the folding of the inner bottom support panel  330  onto the folded bottom panel  370 . Inner bottom support panel  330  is then glued to bottom panel  370  using adhesive area  371 , achieving structural integrity. 
       FIG.  24    illustrates the filling process, wherein the partially formed box  300  is oriented up-right, such that the bottom  316  of the partially formed box  300  is formed and sealed, and the top end  314  is up-right and open and configured for top loading. The top loading feature is important because the partially formed box  300  is already properly oriented in the form and fill machine for loading. If the box  300  required to be loaded from the bottom, the form and fill machine would have to change the orientation of the box  300  to fill it. This change in orientation is not efficient, or even practical, in the real world of mass-manufacturing. 
     In the filling process illustrated in  FIG.  24   , dispensing products, including but not limited to, candies, pharmaceutical products, or small food pieces may  376  be placed into the box  300  through the opened top end  314 . Thus, boxes  100 ,  200  and  300  are not limited to use in the food industry, but can be used in any industry that requires a box to dispense a plurality of small items (dispensing products). 
     As shown by the arrows in  FIGS.  24 - 26   , a next assembly step may be folding the first sidewall top flap  350  and the fourth sidewall top flap  354  substantially ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box  300 . As shown by the arrows in  FIGS.  25  and  26   , a next assembly step may be folding the slide  320  substantially ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box  300 . Then, the second sidewall top flap  352  and the third sidewall top flap  356  are both folded substantially ninety degrees towards the interior of the partially formed hexagonal box  300 . Flaps  352  and  356  function as a holding guide for slide  320 . And finally, the top panel  360  is folded substantially ninety degrees such that edges  361  of top panel  360  are glued to adhesive areas  363  on the first sidewall top flap  350  and fourth sidewall top flap  354 . 
     The folding of top flaps  350 ,  354 ,  352 , and  356  are important because they align the open top end  314  of the box  300  with the formed hexagonal bottom  316 . The top end  314  must be properly aligned so that top panel  360  is properly aligned and glued. As shown in the figures, slide  320  has a pull tab  321  for easy gripping by a user&#39;s finger. Pull tab  321  allows the user to pull and push slide  320  out of and into the box  300 . The folding of top flaps  350 ,  354 ,  352 , and  356  ensure that pull tab  321  is properly aligned to effect proper movement of slide  320 . 
     This top flap folding configuration also provides the structural support necessary for the top dispensing mechanism (slide  320  and opening  324 ) to properly function. Slide  320  is positioned such that flaps  350  and  354  are below slide  320 , and flaps  352  and  356  are above slide  320 . Flaps  350  and  354  function as a base for supporting slide  320  and holding slide  320  up and against opening  324 . Flaps  352  and  356  function as a holding guide for slide  320  to keep slide  320  straight when it gets slid in and out of the box  300 . Without flaps  352  and  356 , slide  320  would be able to move sideways and out of alignment with opening  324 . 
       FIG.  27    illustrates completion of the assembly step, wherein top panel  360  and opening  324  are properly aligned with slide  320 . 
       FIG.  28    illustrates use of the assembled hexagonal box  300 . The slide  220  is laterally moved away from the top panel  360  to open the aperture  324  and dispense popcorn or other dispensing products  376 . 
     The box  100 ,  200 ,  300  of the present invention has the following advantages: 
     All three embodiments  100 ,  200 ,  300  have seal-ends, which is a notable advantage over Applicants prior applications: U.S. patent publication nos. 2005-0067476A1, 2006-0124709A1. Applicant&#39;s prior applications are not seal-end boxes, and seal-end boxes are necessary for use with standard seal-end form and fill machines used by most food and mass-manufacturers. Moreover, Applicant&#39;s prior applications truly were not feasible for use in the mass-production food industry. The configuration of the prior designs did not permit them to be used in standard seal-end form and fill machines. The prior design could not be held open in the hexagonal shape and glued and filled. It simply didn&#39;t work from a mass-production standpoint. 
     Notable differences between Applicant&#39;s prior applications and the embodiments of the present invention include removal of a plurality of glue tabs from the top and bottom panels in the blank designs in Applicant&#39;s prior applications to achieve the seal-end design of the embodiments of the present invention. The presence of the glue tabs in the prior applications required the mass-production machines to perform movements they are not designed to perform. And most food manufacturers are not going to modify the very expensive machines they already have to accommodate use of a new box. As such, it was necessary to modify the design of the hexagonal box so that it could be used with standard form and fill machines without any modification. 
     Other changes in design include removal of extra top panels and changes in the shape and configuration of the bottom flaps. Both of these changes contribute to the commercialability of the embodiments of the present invention. 
     The foregoing descriptions have been presented only for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the forms disclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
     Although a very narrow claim in presented herein, it should be recognized the scope of this invention is much broader than presented by the claim. It is intended that broader claims will be submitted in an application that claims the benefit of priority from the application. 
     Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the single claim below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.