Patent Publication Number: US-11643243-B2

Title: Method for forming reinforced polygonal containers from blanks

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/725,822, filed Oct. 5, 2017, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/339,009, filed Dec. 28, 2011, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,815,586, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/436,712, filed May 6, 2009, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,223, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/256,051, filed Oct. 22, 2008, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,820,618. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/436,712 claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/107,614, filed Oct. 22, 2008, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/051,302, filed May 7, 2008, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/256,051 claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/051,302. All of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention relates generally to a blank and a reinforced polygonal container formed from the blank and more particularly, to a machine for forming the reinforced polygonal container from the blank. 
     Containers are frequently utilized to store and aid in transporting products. These containers can be square, hexagonal, or octagonal. The shape of the container can provide additional strength to the container. For example, octagonal-shaped containers provide greater resistance to bulge over conventional rectangular, square or even hexagonal-shaped containers. An octagonal-shaped container may also provide increased stacking strength. 
     In at least some known cases, a blank of sheet material is used to form a container for transporting a product. More specifically, these known containers are formed by a machine that folds a plurality of panels along fold lines and secures these panels with an adhesive. Such containers may have certain strength requirements for transporting products. These strength requirements may include a stacking strength requirement such that the containers can be stacked on one another during transport without collapsing. To meet these strength requirements, at least some known containers include reinforced corners or side walls for providing additional strength including stacking strength. In at least some known embodiments, additional panels may be placed in a face-to-face relationship with another corner panel or side wall. However, it is difficult to form a container from a single sheet of material that includes multiple reinforcing panels along the corner and side walls. Accordingly, a need exists for a multi-sided reinforced container, also known as a mitered tray and/or a Meta Tray 8™ (Meta Tray 8 is a trademark of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation located in Chicago, Ill.), formed from a single blank that can be easily formed at high-speeds. Further, a need exists for a machine that can form a reinforced polygonal container from a blank of sheet material at a high-speed. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a method of forming a polygonal container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel having opposing side edges and opposing end edges, two opposing side panels each extending from one of the side edges of the bottom panel, two opposing end panels each extending from one of the end edges of the bottom panel, and a reinforcing panel assembly including a plurality of reinforcing panels separated by a plurality of fold lines. The reinforcing panel assembly extends from a first side edge of a first side panel of the two side panels. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly about a first fold line of the plurality of fold lines toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, wherein an exterior surface of the blank faces downward within the hopper station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding the plurality of reinforcing panels about the plurality of fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station to the plunger station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to one of the end panels to form the container. 
     In another aspect, a machine for forming a polygonal container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel having opposing side edges and opposing end edges, two opposing side panels each extending from one of the side edges of the bottom panel, two opposing end panels each extending from one of the end edges of the bottom panel, and a reinforcing panel assembly including a plurality of reinforcing panels separated by a plurality of fold lines. The reinforcing panel assembly extends from a first side edge of a first side panel of the two side panels. The machine includes a hopper station configured to rotate the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly about a first fold line of the plurality of fold lines toward the first side panel. An exterior surface of the blank is facing downward within the hopper station. The machine further includes a corner post forming station configured to form a partially formed container from the blank by folding the plurality of reinforcing panels about the plurality of fold lines. The partially formed container includes a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab formed from the reinforcing panel assembly. The machine includes a plunger station configured to rotate the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel and to couple the reinforcing end tab to one of the end panels to transform the partially formed container into the container. 
     In yet another aspect, a machine for forming a polygonal container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel having opposing side edges and opposing end edges, two opposing side panels each extending from one of the side edges of the bottom panel, two opposing end panels each extending from one of the end edges of the bottom panel, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side edge of a first side panel of the two side panels. The reinforcing panel assembly includes a corner panel extending from the first side edge of the first side panel, a first reinforcing end panel extending from a side edge of the corner panel, a second reinforcing end panel extending from a side edge of the first reinforcing end panel, an inner reinforcing corner panel extending from a side edge of the second reinforcing end panel, and an inner side panel extending from a side edge of the inner reinforcing corner panel. The machine includes a hopper configured to support the blank substantially horizontally with an exterior surface of the blank facing downward, a feed mechanism configured to pull the blank downward from the hopper to remove the blank from the hopper, at least one hopper plow configured to fold the reinforcing panel assembly with respect to the first side panel, and a transport system configured to transport the blank from the feed mechanism through a corner post forming station to a plunger. The corner post forming station includes a first upper rail, a first lower rail, a second lower rail, a stop plate, a second upper rail, and a third lower rail. The first upper rail is configured to rotate an interior surface of the inner reinforcing panel into face-to-face contact with an interior surface of the outer reinforcing panel by contacting an exterior surface of at least one of the inner reinforcing panel and the inner side panel. The first lower rail is configured to maintain a position of the outer reinforcing panel with respect to the first side panel by contacting an interior surface of the outer reinforcing panel while the blank is transported through the corner post forming station. The second lower rail is configured to maintain the position of the outer reinforcing panel with respect to the first side panel by contacting an exterior surface of the outer reinforcing panel while the blank is transported through the corner post forming station. The stop plate is positioned adjacent to the first upper rail. The upper rail is configured to rotate the inner side panel toward the stop plate, and the stop plate configured to apply a force to an interior surface of the inner side panel to rotate the inner side panel toward the exterior surface of the inner reinforcing panel. The second upper rail is configured to rotate the first reinforcing end panel and the second reinforcing end panel toward an exterior surface of the reinforcing corner panel by contacting an exterior surface of the first reinforcing end panel, wherein the first reinforcing end panel and the second reinforcing end panel are in face-to-face contact. The third lower rail is configured to maintain a position of the corner panel and the reinforcing corner panel with respect the first side panel by contacting an exterior surface of the corner panel while the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, wherein the corner panel and the reinforcing corner panel in face-to-face contact. A partially formed container is formed by the first and second upper rails and the first, second, and third lower rails, and the partially formed container includes a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab. The machine further includes a plurality of plunger plows configured to rotate the side panels and the end panels toward an interior surface of the bottom panel to form side walls and end walls of the container and to secure the reinforcing end tab to one of the end panels. The plurality of plows at least partially defines a plunger opening. The machine includes a plunger having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the container and being vertically movable through the plunger opening. The plunger is configured to contact an interior surface of the bottom panel and to push the partially formed container downward through the plunger opening and past the plurality of plunger plows to transform the partially formed container into the container. 
     In another aspect, a method of forming a polygonal container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel having opposing side edges and opposing end edges, two opposing side panels each extending from one of the side edges of the bottom panel, two opposing end panels each extending from one of the end edges of the bottom panel, and a reinforcing panel assembly including a plurality of reinforcing panels separated by a plurality of fold lines, the reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side edge of a first side panel of the two side panels. The method includes forming a corner wall by folding a first pair of the plurality of reinforcing panels inwardly towards the respective side panel and into face-to-face contact with a second pair of the plurality of reinforcing panels, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel such that an interior surface of at least one reinforcing panel of the plurality of reinforcing panels is in contact with an interior surface of the first side panel, and coupling at least one other reinforcing panel of the plurality of reinforcing panels to one of the end panels to form the container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a first alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a second alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a third alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a container that is partially formed from the blank shown in  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  10    is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  12    is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a fifth alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a sixth alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  16    is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for constructing a container according to a seventh alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  18    is a side view of a machine for forming a container from a blank. 
         FIG.  19    is a top view of the machine shown in  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view of a hopper station of the machine shown in  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  21    is a perspective view of the hopper station shown in  FIG.  20    with a blank therein. 
         FIG.  22    is a perspective view of the hopper station shown in  FIG.  20    while the blank is being transferred to a forming station of the machine shown in  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  23    is a perspective view of the hopper station and the forming station of the machine shown in  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of the hopper station and the forming station of the machine shown in  FIG.  18    with a blank in the hopper station. 
         FIG.  25    is a perspective view of the hopper station and the forming station of the machine shown in  FIG.  18    with a blank in the forming station. 
         FIG.  26    is a perspective view of the hopper station and the forming station of the machine shown in  FIG.  18    with a blank in the forming station. 
         FIG.  27    is a perspective view of the forming station and the hopper station of the machine shown in  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  28    is a side view of a corner post forming station of the forming station shown in  FIGS.  23 - 27   . 
         FIG.  29    is a side view of a corner post forming station of the forming station shown in  FIGS.  23 - 28   . 
         FIG.  30    is a perspective view of a plunger station of the forming station shown in  FIGS.  23 - 29   . 
         FIG.  31    is a perspective view of the plunger station shown in  FIG.  30    having a partially formed container therein. 
         FIG.  32    is a perspective view of the plunger station shown in  FIGS.  30  and  31   . 
         FIG.  33    is a perspective view of the plunger station shown in  FIGS.  30 - 32   . 
         FIG.  34    is a perspective view of the plunger station shown in  FIGS.  30 - 33   . 
         FIG.  35    is a perspective view of the plunger station shown in  FIGS.  30 - 34   . 
         FIG.  36    is a perspective view of the plunger station shown in  FIGS.  30 - 35    having a partially formed container therein. 
         FIG.  37    is a perspective view of a container being formed at the plunger station shown in  FIGS.  30 - 36   . 
         FIG.  38    is a perspective view of a container being formed at the plunger station shown in  FIGS.  30 - 37   . 
         FIGS.  39 A,  39 B, and  39 C  are schematic views of a blank being formed into a partially formed container using the machine shown in  FIGS.  18 - 38   . 
         FIG.  40    is a perspective view of a corner post forming station that may be used with the machine shown in  FIGS.  18 - 38   . 
         FIGS.  41 A and  41 B  are schematic views of a blank being formed into partially formed container using the machine shown in  FIGS.  18 - 38   . 
         FIGS.  42 A,  42 B, and  42 C  are a flowchart of a method for forming a container that may be used with the machine shown in  FIGS.  18 - 38   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and use of the disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure. 
     The present invention provides a stackable, reinforced container formed from a single sheet of material, and a method and machine for constructing the container. The container is sometimes referred to as a reinforced mitered tray or a reinforced eight-sided tray. The container may be constructed from a blank of sheet material using a machine. In one embodiment, the container is fabricated from a cardboard material. The container, however, may be fabricated using any suitable material, and therefore is not limited to a specific type of material. In alternative embodiments, the container is fabricated using cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, paperboard, foamboard, corrugated paper, and/or any suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided. 
     In an example embodiment, the container includes at least one marking thereon including, without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product. For example, the marking may include printed text that indicates a product&#39;s name and briefly describes the product, logos and/or trademarks that indicate a manufacturer and/or seller of the product, and/or designs and/or ornamentation that attract attention. “Printing,” “printed,” and/or any other form of “print” as used herein may include, but is not limited to including, ink jet printing, laser printing, screen printing, giclée, pen and ink, painting, offset lithography, flexography, relief print, rotogravure, dye transfer, and/or any suitable printing technique known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided. In another embodiment, the container is void of markings, such as, without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product. 
     In one aspect, a machine for forming a polygonal container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels each extending from a side edge of the bottom panel, two opposing end panels each extending from an end edge of the bottom panel, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side edge of a first side panel of the two side panels. The machine includes a hopper station, a forming station, an ejection station, and a transport system through the hopper station, the forming station, and the ejection station. The forming station includes a corner post forming station and a plunger station for forming the blank into the container. 
     In another aspect, the reinforcing panel assembly of the blank includes a corner panel extending from the first side edge of the first side panel, a first reinforcing end panel extending from a side edge of the corner panel, a second reinforcing end panel extending from a side edge of the first reinforcing end panel, an inner reinforcing corner panel extending from a side edge of the second reinforcing end panel, and an inner side panel extending from a side edge of the inner reinforcing corner panel. The corner post forming station of the machine includes a plurality of rails configured to fold the corner panel, the first reinforcing end panel, the second reinforcing end panel, the inner reinforcing corner panel, and the inner side panel into overlying relationships to form a partially formed container. 
     In still another aspect, the plunger station of the machine includes a plunger and a plurality of plows configured to form side walls and end walls of the container by using the plunger to push a partially formed container through the plurality of plows to form the container. 
     Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to  FIG.  1   , which is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a blank  10  of sheet material. A container  150  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) is formed from blank  10 . Blank  10  has a first or interior surface  12  and an opposing second or exterior surface  14 . Further, blank  10  defines a leading edge  16  and an opposing trailing edge  18 . In one embodiment, blank  10  includes, in series from leading edge  16  to trailing edge  18 , a front panel  20 , a bottom panel  22 , and a rear panel  24 , coupled together along preformed, generally parallel, fold lines  26  and  28 , respectively. Front panel  20  and rear panel  24  are also considered to be end panels. The container formed from blank  10  may be referred to as an open-top reinforced mitered tray. 
     More specifically, front panel  20  extends from leading edge  16  to fold line  26 , bottom panel  22  extends from front panel  20  along fold line  26 , rear panel  24  extends from bottom panel  22  along fold line  28  to trailing edge  18 . Fold lines  26  and/or  28 , as well as other fold lines and/or hinge lines described herein, may include any suitable line of weakening and/or line of separation known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided. Front and rear panels  20  and  24  may be considered to be end panels. When container  150  is formed from blank  10 , fold line  26  defines a bottom edge of front panel  20  and a front edge, or first end edge, of bottom panel  22 , and fold line  28  defines a rear edge, or second end edge, of bottom panel  22  and a bottom edge of rear panel  24 . As used through this description, front edges and rear edges are also considered to be end edges. 
     Front panel  20  and rear panel  24  are substantially congruent and have a rectangular shape. Bottom panel  22  has an octagonal shape. More specifically, front panel  20  and rear panel  24  have a width W 1 . Bottom panel  22  has a width W 2 , which is longer that width W 1 . Alternatively, width W 1  is substantially equal to or longer than width W 2 . Further, in the exemplary embodiment, front and rear panels  20  and  24  have a first height H 1 , and bottom panel  22  has a first depth D 1  that is larger than first height H 1 . In an alternative embodiment, height H 1  is substantially equal to or larger than depth D 1 . In the exemplary embodiment, front panel  20 , rear panel  24 , and/or bottom panel  22  are equally dimensioned, however, front panel  20 , rear panel  24 , and/or bottom panel  22  may be other than equally dimensioned. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, bottom panel  22  may be considered to be substantially rectangular in shape with four cut-off corners or angled edges  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36  formed by cut lines. As such, the cut-off corner edges of otherwise rectangular bottom panel  22  define an octagonal shape of bottom panel  22 . Moreover, each angled corner edge  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36  has a length Li, and angled edges  30  and  34  and angled edges  32  and  36  are substantially parallel. Alternatively, bottom panel  22  has any suitable shape that enables container  150  to function as described herein. For example, bottom panel  22  may be in the shape of a rectangle having corners that are truncated by a segmented edge such that bottom panel  22  has more than eight sides. In another example, bottom panel  22  may be in the shape of a rectangle having corners that are truncated by an arcuate edge such that bottom panel  22  has four substantially straight sides and four arcuate sides. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, front panel  20  includes two free side edges  38  and  40 , and rear panel  24  includes two free side edges  42  and  44 . Side edges  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44  are substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, side edges  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and/or  44  are other than substantially parallel. In the exemplary embodiment, each side edge  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44  is connected to a respective angled edge  30 ,  32 ,  34 , or  36 . Each side edge  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44  may be directly connected to a respective angled edge  30 ,  32 ,  34 , or  36  or, as shown in  FIG.  1   , may be slightly offset from a respective angled edge  30 ,  32 ,  34 , or  36  to facilitate forming container  150  from blank  10  by allowing clearance for a thickness of a panel that is directly or indirectly attached to front panel  20  or rear panel  24 . Side edges  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44  and angled edges  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36  partially define a respective cutout  46 ,  48 ,  50 , or  52 . More specifically, side edge  38  and angled edge  30  partially define cutout  46 , side edge  42  and angled edge  32  partially define cutout  50 , side edge  44  and angled edge  34  partially define cutout  52 , and side edge  40  and angled edge  36  partially define cutout  48 . 
     A first side panel  54  extends from bottom panel  22  along a fold line  56  to a free edge  58 , and a second side panel  60  extends from bottom panel  22  along a fold line  62  to a free edge  64 . Fold line  56  defines a bottom edge of first side panel  54  and a side edge of bottom panel  22 , and fold line  62  defines a bottom edge of second side panel  60  and a side edge of bottom panel  22 . First and second side panels  54  and  60  are each generally rectangularly shaped. Side panels  54  and  60  each have a depth D 2  that is shorter than depth D 1  such that side panels  54  and  60  are narrower than bottom panel  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, side panels  54  and  60  each have a height H 2  such that height H 2  is substantially equal to height H 1 . Alternatively, height H 2  is other than equal to height H 1 . In the exemplary embodiment, fold line  56  extends between ends of angled corner edges  30  and  32 , and fold line  62  extends between ends of angled corner edges  34  and  36 . Further, in the exemplary embodiment, an oval shaped cutout  66  is defined within first and second side panels  54  and  60 . In an alternative embodiment, cutout  66  may be of any shape and/or defined within any suitable panel, such as front panel  20  and/or rear panel  24 . Alternatively, blank  10  does not include cutout  66 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, a reinforcing panel  68  extends from side edges of each side panel  54  and  60 . Reinforcing panel  68  is also referred to herein as a reinforcing panel assembly that includes a plurality of panels as described in more detail herein. Each side edge is defined by a respective fold line  70 ,  72 ,  74 , or  76 . Fold lines  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and  76  are substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, fold lines  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and/or  76  are other than substantially parallel. In the exemplary embodiment, each reinforcing panel  68  includes a free bottom edge  78 . Each free bottom edge  78  at least partially defines cutouts  46 ,  48 ,  50 , and  52 . As such, one side edge  38 ,  40 ,  42 , or  44 , a respective angled edge  30 ,  36 ,  32 , or  34 , and a bottom edge  78  of an adjacent reinforcing panel  68  defines cutouts  46 ,  48 ,  50 , and  52 . Further, each reinforcing panel  68  is substantially similar and includes an outer reinforcing panel  80 , an inner reinforcing panel  82 , and an inner side panel  84  connected along substantially parallel fold lines  86  and  88 . Fold line  86  defines a side edge of outer reinforcing panel  80  and a side edge of inner reinforcing panel  82 , and fold line  88  defines a side edge of inner reinforcing panel  82  and a side edge of inner side panel  84 . Moreover, outer reinforcing panel  80  includes a corner panel  90  and a first reinforcing end panel  92 , and inner reinforcing panel  82  includes an inner reinforcing corner panel  94  and a second reinforcing end panel  96 . 
     More specifically, outer reinforcing panel  80  extends along each of fold lines  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and  76 . Further, inner reinforcing panel  82  extends from each outer reinforcing panel  80  along fold line  86 , and inner side panel  84  extends from each inner reinforcing panel  82  along fold line  88  to a free edge  98 . A notch  100  is formed along fold line  86  between inner reinforcing walls  82  and outer reinforcing walls  80 . Inner reinforcing walls  82  and outer reinforcing walls  80  are substantially rectangular in shape. More specifically, inner reinforcing walls  82  have a width W 3 , and outer reinforcing walls  80  have a width W 4 , which is substantially equal to width W 3 . Further, in the exemplary embodiment, inner and outer reinforcing walls have a height H 3  that is substantially similar to height H 1  of front panel  20  and rear panel  24 . In an alternative embodiment, height H 2  is other than equal to height H 3 . 
     Each outer reinforcing panel  80  includes a fold line  102  that bisects each outer reinforcing panel  80  into corner panel  90  and first reinforcing end panel  92 . Fold line  102  defines an edge of corner panel  90  and a side edge of first reinforcing end panel  92 , and fold line  86  defines a side edge of first reinforcing end panel  92 . In the exemplary embodiment, corner panel  90  and first reinforcing end panel  92  are substantially rectangular. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, each inner reinforcing panel  82  includes a fold line  104  that bisects each inner reinforcing panel  82  into inner reinforcing corner panel  94  and second reinforcing end panel  96 . Fold line  104  defines an edge of inner reinforcing corner panel  94  and a side edge of second reinforcing end panel  96 , fold line  88  defines a side edge of inner reinforcing corner panel  94 , and fold line  86  defines a side edge of second reinforcing end panel  96 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, inner reinforcing corner panel  94  and second reinforcing end panel  96  are substantially rectangular. Further, corner panel  90  and inner reinforcing corner panel  94  are substantially congruent, and first and second reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  are substantially congruent. 
     Each corner panel  90  and each inner reinforcing corner panel  94  have a width W 5  that is substantially equal to length Li. In addition, each first reinforcing end panel  92  and second reinforcing end panel  96  have a width W 6  that is approximately equal to width W 5 . In an alternative embodiment, width W 6  is other than equal to width W 5 . Further, in the exemplary embodiment, each inner side panel  84  has a depth D 3  that is equal to approximately half of the depth D 2  of first and second top panels  302  and  304 , such that a cutout  106  extending inward from free edge  98  is substantially aligned with at least a portion of cutout  66 . In an alternative embodiment, depth D 3  is other than equal to approximately half the depth D 2 . Alternatively, blank  10  does not include cutout  106 . 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view of container  150  that is formed from blank  10  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). Although container  150  is shown as being formed without a product to be contained therein, container  150  may also be formed having a product therein. Further, container  150  may include any suitable number of products of any suitable shape. 
     To construct container  150  from blank  10 , at least one product is positioned on interior surface  12  of bottom panel  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, bottom panel  22  is sized to correspond to product(s) contained within container  150 . Each inner side panel  84  and respective inner reinforcing panel  82  are folded about fold line  86  such that inner reinforcing panel  82  and outer reinforcing panel  80  are in an at least partially overlying relationship, and such that inner side panel  84  is in an at least partially overlying relationship with at least a portion of first or second side panel  54  or  60 . More specifically, blank  10  is folded along fold line  86  such that corner panel  90  and inner reinforcing corner panel  94  are substantially aligned in an at least partially overlying relationship, first and second reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  are substantially aligned in an at least partially overlying relationship, and inner side panel  84  and at least a portion of first or second side panel  54  or  60  are substantially aligned in an at least partially overlying relationship. In the exemplary embodiment, inner side panel  84 , a respective side panel  54  or  60 , reinforcing end panels  92  and  96 , and/or corner panel  90  and inner reinforcing corner panel  94  are secured in the above-described relationships. For example, inner side panel  84 , a respective side panel  54  or  60 , reinforcing end panels  92  and  96 , and/or corner panel  90  and inner reinforcing corner panel  94  are held against the product to be contained by a force on exterior surface  14  as container  150  continues to be erected. In another example, inner side panel  84  may be adhered to a respective side panel  54  or  60 , reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  may be adhered together, and/or corner panels  90  and  94  may be adhered together. 
     Reinforcing walls  80  and  82  are rotated about fold lines  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and  76  and fold lines  88 . Further, reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  are rotated about fold lines  102  and  104  toward corner panels  90  and  94  before or after reinforcing walls  80  and  82  are rotated about fold lines  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and  76  and fold lines  88 . In the exemplary embodiment, reinforcing walls  80  and  82  and reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  are rotated such that reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  are substantially perpendicular to side panels  54  and  60 . First and second side panels  54  and  60  are then rotated about fold lines  56  and  62 , respectively, toward interior surface  12 . 
     Front panel  20  is rotated about fold line  26  toward interior surface  12 , and rear panel  24  is rotated about fold line  28  toward interior surface  12 . More specifically, front panel  20  and rear panel  24  are rotated to be substantially perpendicular to bottom panel  22 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . Interior surface  12  of front panel  20  is secured to exterior surface  14  of two adjacent first reinforcing end panels  92 , and interior surface  12  of rear panel  24  is secured to exterior surface  14  of two adjacent first reinforcing end panels  92 . In the exemplary embodiment, front panel  20  and rear panel  24  are adhered to respective first reinforcing end panels  92 . Alternatively, front panel  20  and rear panel  24  are otherwise attached to respective first reinforcing end panels  92  using, for example, fasteners, a bonding material, and/or any suitable method for attached the panels. 
     When container  150  is formed, interior surface  12  of front and rear panels  20  and  24  is adjacent the side walls of the product. Further, height H 1  of front and rear panels  20  and  24  is sized to correspond to a height of the products within container  150  such that height H 1  is substantially equal to or greater than the height of the products. Bottom panel  22  forms a bottom wall  152  of container  150 , front panel  20  and a pair of reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  forms a front wall  154  of container  150 , and rear panel  24  and a pair of reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  forms a rear wall  156  of container  150 . Front wall  154  and rear wall  156  are also referred to as end walls of container  150 . Side panel  54  and two inner side panels  84  form a first side wall  158 , and side panel  60  and two inner side panels  84  form a second side wall  160 . Each pair of corner panels  90  and  94  forms first corner wall  162 , second corner wall  164 , third corner wall  166 , and fourth corner wall  168 . Bottom wall  152 , front wall  154 , rear wall  156 , first side wall  158 , second side wall  160 , and corner walls  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and  168  define a cavity  170  of container  150 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, first corner wall  162  is oriented at an oblique angle α 1  to front wall  154  and an oblique angle α 2  to side wall  158 . Similarly, second corner wall  164  is oriented at an oblique angle β 1  to front wall  154  and an oblique angle β 2  to side wall  160 . Similarly, third corner wall  166  is oriented at an oblique angle γ 1  to rear wall  156  and an oblique angle γ 2  to side wall  160 , and fourth corner wall  168  is oriented at an oblique angle δ 1  to rear wall  156  and an oblique angle δ 2  to side wall  158 . In the exemplary embodiment, angles α 1 , α 2 , β 1 , β 2 , γ 1 , γ 2 , δ 1 , and δ 2  are substantially equal, however, angles α 1 , α 2 , β 1 , β 2 , γ 1 , γ 2 , δ 1 , and/or δ 2  can be other than equal depending of the products positioned within container  150 . In one embodiment, angles α 1 , α 2 , β 1 , β 2 , γ 1 , γ 2 , δ 1 , and δ 2  are between about 120° and about 150°. In the exemplary embodiment, angles α 1 , α 2 , β 1 , β 2 , γ 1 , γ 2 , δ 1 , and δ 2  are equal to about 135°. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, bottom edges  78  of reinforcing panels  68  are substantially aligned with fold lines  26 ,  28 ,  56 , and  62  and angled edges  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36 . Container  150  has a configuration referred to herein as an “open configuration.” 
     The above-described method to construct container  150  from blank  10  may be performed using a machine, as described in more detail below. The machine performs the above-described method to continuously form container  150  from blank  10  as blank  10  is moved though the machine. In one embodiment, the machine includes at least one plow or finger to at least partially rotate at least one of panels  84 ,  94 ,  54 ,  60 ,  20 , and  24  and/or further form container  150  using a mandrel to complete rotating these panels. 
       FIG.  3    is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a blank  200  of sheet material. Blank  200  is essentially similar to blank  10  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, blank  200  includes outer reinforcing corner panels  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and  208 . Further, blank  200  includes fold lines  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216  rather than free side edges  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  extends from front panel  20  along fold line  210  to a free edge  218 . Fold line  210  and free edge  218  define side edges of first outer reinforcing corner panel  202 , and fold line  210  defines a side edge of front panel  20 . First outer reinforcing corner panel  202  is substantially rectangular shaped having a top edge  220  and a bottom edge  222 . Bottom edge  222 , angled edge  30 , and bottom edge  78  define a removable cutout  224 . Further, first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  has substantially height H 1  such that front panel  20  and first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  have a substantially equal height. As such, top edge  220  is substantially collinear with leading edge  16 , which defines a top edge of front panel  20 , and bottom edge  222  is substantially collinear with fold line  26 . Further, first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  has a width W 7 . Width W 7  is substantially equal to length Li. Alternatively, width W 7  is less than length Li. In the exemplary embodiment, first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  has substantially constant width W 7  from top edge  220  to bottom edge  222  such that first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  does not include cutoff corners and/or tapered top and/or bottom edges. 
     Similarly, second outer reinforcing corner panel  204  extends from front panel  20  along fold line  212  to a free edge  226 , third outer reinforcing corner panel  206  extends from rear panel  24  along fold line  214  to a free edge  228 , and fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  extends from rear panel  24  along fold line  216  to a free edge  230 . In the exemplary embodiment, second outer reinforcing corner panel  204 , third outer reinforcing corner panel  206 , and fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  are each substantially rectangular and have substantially height H 1  extending between respective top edges  220  and bottom edges  222  such that front panel  20 , rear panel  24 , and outer reinforcing corner panels  204 ,  206 , and  208  have an equal height. As such, top edge  220  of second outer reinforcing corner panel  204  is substantially collinear with leading edge  16 , bottom edge  222  of second outer reinforcing corner panel  204  is substantially collinear with fold line  26 , top edge  220  of third outer reinforcing corner panel  206  is substantially collinear with trailing edge  18 , bottom edge  222  of third outer reinforcing corner panel  206  is substantially collinear with fold line  28 , top edge  220  of fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  is substantially collinear with trailing edge  18 , and bottom edge  222  of fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  is substantially collinear with fold line  28 . Further, bottom edge  222  of second outer reinforcing corner panel  204 , angled edge  36 , and bottom edge  78  define a removable cutout  232 , bottom edge  222  of third outer reinforcing corner panel  206 , angled edge  32 , and bottom edge  78  define a removable cutout  234 , and bottom edge  222  of fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208 , angled edge  34 , and bottom edge  78  define a removable cutout  236 . 
     Further, second outer reinforcing corner panel  204 , third outer reinforcing corner panel  206 , and fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  have width W 7 . Alternatively, outer reinforcing corner panels  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and/or  208  may have any suitable dimensions that enable blank  10  to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, outer reinforcing corner panels  204 ,  206 , and  208  have substantially constant width W 7  from top edges  220  to bottom edges  222  such that corner panels  204 ,  206 , and  208  do not include cutoff corners and/or tapered top and/or bottom edges. Further, second, third, and fourth outer reinforcing corner panels  204 ,  206 , and  208  are substantially congruent to first corner panel  202 . Alternatively, corner panels  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and/or  208  are other than congruent to each other. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, fold line  210  is generally aligned with an intersection of angled corner edge  30  of bottom panel  22  and fold line  26 , fold line  212  is substantially aligned with an intersection of angled corner edge  36  of bottom panel  22  and fold line  26 , fold line  214  is substantially aligned with an intersection of angled corner edge  32  of bottom panel  22  and fold line  28 , and fold line  216  is substantially aligned with an intersection of angled corner edge  34  of bottom panel  22  and fold line  28 . Further, fold lines  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216  are substantially parallel. Moreover, free edges  218 ,  226 ,  228 , and  230  are substantially parallel with fold lines  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216 . Alternatively, free edges  218 ,  226 ,  228 , and/or  230  and/or fold lines  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and/or  216  are other than parallel. In the exemplary embodiment, each free edge  218 ,  226 ,  228 , and  230  is adjacent to and substantially parallel with a bottom edge  78 . 
       FIG.  4    is a perspective view of container  250  that is formed from blank  200  (shown in  FIG.  3   ). Container  250  is essentially similar to container  150  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. Although container  250  is shown as being formed without a product to be contained therein, container  250  may also be formed having a product therein. Further, container  250  may include any suitable number of products of any suitable shape. 
     To construct container  250  from blank  200  a method that is substantially similar to the method for forming container  150  from blank  10  is used. However, to construct container  250 , first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  is rotated about fold line  210  toward interior surface  12  and secured to exterior surface  14  of corner panel  90  extending from fold line  70  of first side panel  54 . More specifically, first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  is rotated such that first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  is oriented at oblique angle α 1  to front wall  154 . Similarly, second outer reinforcing corner panel  204  is rotated about fold line  212  toward interior surface  12  and secured to exterior surface  14  of corner panel  90  extending from fold line  74  of second side panel  60 . More specifically, second outer reinforcing corner panel  204  is rotated such that second outer reinforcing corner panel  204  is oriented at oblique angle β 1  to front wall  154 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, free edge  218  of first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  is substantially aligned with fold line  70 , and free edge  226  of second outer reinforcing corner panel  204  is substantially aligned with fold line  74 . Alternatively, first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  and/or second outer reinforcing corner panel  204  only partially overlap corner panels  90  such that free edges  218  and/or  226  are offset from fold lines  70  and/or  74 , respectively. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, bottom edge  222  of first outer reinforcing corner panel  202  is substantially aligned with angled edge  30  of bottom panel  22 , and bottom edge  222  of second outer reinforcing corner panel  204  is substantially aligned with angled edge  36  of bottom panel  22 . First outer reinforcing corner panel  202  forms a first corner wall  252  with a pair of corner panels  90  and  94 , and second outer reinforcing corner panel  204  forms a second corner wall  254  with a pair of corner panels  90  and  94 . 
     Third outer reinforcing corner panel  206  is rotated about fold line  214  toward interior surface  12  and secured to exterior surface  14  of corner panel  90  extending from fold line  72  of first side panel  54 . More specifically, third outer reinforcing corner panel  206  is rotated such that third outer reinforcing corner panel  206  is oriented at oblique angle γ 1  to rear wall  156 . Similarly, fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  is rotated about fold line  216  toward interior surface  12  and secured to exterior surface  14  of first reinforcing panel  90  extending from fold line  76  of second side panel  60 . More specifically, fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  is rotated such that fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  is oriented at oblique angle δ 1  to rear wall  156 . In the exemplary embodiment, free edge  228  of third outer reinforcing corner panel  206  is substantially aligned with fold line  72  of first side panel  54 , and free edge  230  of fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  is substantially aligned with fold line  76  of second side panel  60 . Alternatively, third outer reinforcing corner panel  206  and/or fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  only partially overlap corner panels  90  such that free edges  228  and/or  230  are offset from fold lines  72  and/or  76 , respectively. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, bottom edge  222  of third outer reinforcing corner panel  206  is substantially aligned with angled edge  32  of bottom panel  22 , and bottom edge  222  of fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  is substantially aligned with angled edge  34  of bottom panel  22 . Third outer reinforcing corner panel  206  forms a third corner wall  256  with a pair of corner panels  90  and  94 , and fourth outer reinforcing corner panel  208  forms a fourth corner wall  258  with a pair of corner panels  90  and  94 . Corner walls  252 ,  254 ,  256 , and  258  each include three layers of panels, and corner walls  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and  168  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) each include two layers of panels. 
       FIG.  5    is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a blank  300  of sheet material. Blank  300  is essentially similar to blank  10  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, blank  300  includes top panels  302  and  304 . Further, blank  300  includes fold lines  306  and  308  as top edges of front panel  20  and rear panel  24 , respectively, rather than leading edge  16  and trailing edge  18  defining top edges of front panel  20  and rear panel  24 , respectively. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, blank  300  includes, in series from leading edge  16  to trailing edge  18 , a first top panel  302 , front panel  20 , bottom panel  22 , rear panel  24 , and a second top panel  304  coupled together along preformed, generally parallel, fold lines  306 ,  26 ,  28 , and  308 , respectively. More specifically, first top panel  302  extends between leading edge  16  and fold line  306 , and second top panel  304  extends from rear panel  24  along fold line  308  to trailing edge  18 . When a container  350  (shown in  FIG.  6   ) is formed from blank  300 , fold line  306  defines a front edge of top panel  302  and a top edge of front panel  20 , and fold line  308  defines a top edge of rear panel  24  and a rear edge of top panel  304 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, first top panel  302  and second top panel  304  are substantially congruent and have a trapezoidal shape. More specifically, first top panel  302  includes an angled edge  310  extending from an intersection  312  of fold line  306  and free edge  38  toward bottom edge  78  and an angled edge  314  extending from an intersection  316  of fold line  306  and free edge  40  toward bottom edge  78 . Similarly, second top panel  304  includes an angled edge  318  extending from an intersection  320  of fold line  308  and free edge  42  toward bottom edge  78  and an angled edge  322  extending from an intersection  324  of fold line  308  and free edge  44  toward bottom edge  78 . Angled edge  310 , free edge  38 , angled edge  30 , and bottom edge  78  define cutout  46 ; angled edge  318 , free edge  42 , angled edge  32 , and bottom edge  78  define cutout  50 ; angled edge  322 , free edge  44 , angled edge  34 , and bottom edge  78  define cutout  52 ; and angled edge  314 , free edge  40 , angled edge  36 , and bottom edge  78  define cutout  48 . 
     In addition, first and second top panels  302  and  304  have a depth D 4  that is smaller than half of depth D 1 . In an alternative embodiment, depth D 4  is substantially equal to or larger than half of depth D 1 . In the exemplary embodiment, front panel  20  and rear panel  24  and/or bottom panel  22  and top panels  302  and  304  are equally dimensioned, however, front panel  20  and rear panel  24  and/or bottom panel  22  and top panels  302  and  304  may be other than equally dimensioned. Further, first and second top panels  302  and  304  each have a pair of opposing closure flaps  326  that extend from a first side fold line  328  and a second side fold line  330  of each of first and second top panels  302  and  304 . Moreover, first top panel  302  is separated from adjacent reinforcing panels  68  by a first side edge  332  and a second side edge  334 . Similarly, second top panel  304  is separated from adjacent reinforcing panels  68  by first side edge  332  and second side edge  334 . 
       FIG.  6    is a perspective view of container  350  that is formed from blank  300  (shown in  FIG.  5   ). Container  350  is essentially similar to container  150  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. Although container  350  is shown as being formed without a product to be contained therein, container  350  may also be formed having a product therein. Further, container  350  may include any suitable number of products of any suitable shape. To construct container  350  from blank  300  a method that is substantially similar to the method for forming container  150  from blank  10  is used. By forming a top wall  352  of container  350 , container  350  is considered to be in a “closed configuration” rather than the open configuration of containers  150  and  250 . 
     To close container  350  and form top wall  352 , first top panel  302  is rotated about fold line  306  toward cavity  170  such that first top panel  302  is substantially perpendicular to front panel  20  and substantially parallel to bottom panel  22 . Further, second top panel  304  is rotated about fold line  308  toward cavity  170  such that second top panel  304  is substantially perpendicular to rear panel  24  and substantially parallel to bottom panel  22 . Closure flaps  326  are then rotated toward exterior surface  14  of first and second side panels  54  and  60  and are secured thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, interior surface  12  of each closure flap  326  is adhered to exterior surface  14  of side panels  54  or  60 . First and second top panels  302  and  304  form top wall  352  of container  350 . 
       FIG.  7    is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a blank  400  of sheet material. Blank  400  is essentially similar to blank  200  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) and blank  300  (shown in  FIG.  5   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, blank  400  is similar to blank  300  and includes outer reinforcing corner panels  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and  208 , as shown and described with respect to  FIG.  3   . Further, blank  400  includes fold lines  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216  rather than free side edges  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44  (shown in  FIG.  5   ), as shown and described with respect to  FIG.  3   . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, in addition to cutouts  224 ,  232 ,  234 , and  236 , blank  400  includes cutouts  402 ,  404 ,  406 , and  408 . More specifically, angled edge  310 , top edge  220 , and bottom edge  78  define a first cutout  402 ; angled edge  314 , top edge  220 , and bottom edge  78  define a second cutout  404 ; angled edge  318 , top edge  220 , and bottom edge  78  define a third cutout  406 ; and angled edge  322 , top edge  220 , and bottom edge  78  define a fourth cutout  408 . 
       FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a container  450  that is partially formed from blank  400  (shown in  FIG.  7   ).  FIG.  9    is a perspective view of container  450  formed from blank  400 . Container  450  is essentially similar to container  250  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) and container  350  (shown in  FIG.  6   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. Although container  450  is shown as being formed without a product to be contained therein, container  450  may also be formed having a product therein. Further, container  450  may include any suitable number of products of any suitable shape. To construct container  450  from blank  400  a method that is substantially similar to the method for forming container  250  from blank  200  is used. To close container  450 , top wall  352  is formed using the method used to construct container  350  from blank  300 . 
       FIG.  10    is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a blank  500  of sheet material. Blank  500  is essentially similar to blank  10  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, blank  500  includes top panels  502  and  504 . Further, blank  500  includes fold lines  506  and  508  as top edges of side panels  54  and  60 , respectively, rather than free edge  58  and free edge  64  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) defining top edges of side panels  54  and  60 , respectively. Moreover, blank  500  does not include cutouts  66  and  106  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), however, it will be understood that blank  500  may include cutouts  66  and/or  106 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, blank  500  includes, in series from free edge  58  to free edge  64 , a first top panel  502 , side panel  54 , bottom panel  22 , side panel  60 , and a second top panel  504  coupled together along preformed, generally parallel, fold lines  506 ,  56 ,  62 , and  508 , respectively. More specifically, first top panel  502  extends between free edge  58  and fold line  506 , and second top panel  504  extends from side panel  60  along fold line  508  to free edge  64 . When a container  550  (shown in  FIG.  11   ) is formed from blank  500 , fold line  506  defines a side edge of top panel  502  and a top edge of side panel  54 , and fold line  508  defines a side edge of top panel  504  and a top edge of side panel  60 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, first top panel  502  and second top panel  504  are substantially congruent and have a trapezoidal shape with a cutout portion  510  defined along free edges  58  and  64 , respectively. Cutout portion  510  has any suitable configuration that enables blank  500  and/or container  550  to function as described herein. In one embodiment, cutout portion  510  is configured to enable access to cavity  170  (shown in  FIG.  11   ) of container  550 . Alternatively, top panel  502  and/or  504  does not include cutout portion  510 . In the exemplary embodiment, first top panel  502  includes an angled edge  512  extending outwardly from an intersection  514  of fold line  506  and fold line  70  and an angled edge  516  extending outwardly from an intersection  518  of fold line  506  and fold line  72 . Similarly, second top panel  504  includes an angled edge  520  extending outwardly from an intersection  522  of fold line  508  and fold line  74  and an angled edge  524  extending outwardly from an intersection  526  of fold line  508  and fold line  76 . Angled edges  512 ,  516 ,  520 , and  524  are configured similarly to angled edges  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36 , respectively. 
     In addition, first and second top panels  502  and  504  have a width W 8  that is smaller than half of width W 2 . More specifically, top panels  502  and  504  each have width W 8  such that each top panel  502  and  504  forms a top shoulder  552  and  554  (shown in  FIG.  11   ), respectively, when container  550  is formed from blank  500 . In an alternative embodiment, width W 8  is substantially equal to or larger than half of width W 2 . Alternatively, width W 8  is sized to form a partial top wall. In the exemplary embodiment, top panels  502  and  504  are equally dimensioned, however, top panels  502  and  504  may be other than equally dimensioned. Further, first and second top panels  502  and  504  each have a pair of opposing closure flaps  528  that extend from a front fold line  530  and a rear fold line  532  of each of first and second top panels  502  and  504 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, fold line  506  and fold line  508  each include a tab  534  defined therein. More specifically, a cut line  536  divides each fold line  506  and  508  to form tab  534 . Further, a slot  538  defined in each top panel  502  and  504  defines a top  540  of each tab  534 . Alternatively, fold line  506  and/or fold line  508  does not include tab  534  and/or top panel  502  and/or top panel  504  does not include slot  538 . Moreover, it will be understood that tab  534  and/or slot  538  may be included in any of the embodiments described herein. For example, tab  534  may extend from free edge  58  and/or free edge  64  in any embodiment including such free edges. Further, tab  534  may extend from leading edge  16 , trailing edge  18 , fold line  306 , and/or fold line  308  of the embodiments described herein. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, fold line  56  and fold line  62  each include a cutout  542  defined therein. More specifically, a cut line  544  divides each fold line  56  and  62  and defines cutout  542 . Cutout  542  may have any suitable configuration that enables blank  500  and/or container  550  to function as described herein. In one embodiment, cutout  542  is sized to receive tab  534  for stacking containers  550  and/or to provide venting for cavity  170 . Alternatively, fold line  56  and/or fold line  62  does not include cutout  542 . Moreover, it will be understood that cutout  542  may be included in any of the embodiments described herein. For example, cutout  542  may be defined in fold lines  26 ,  28 ,  56  and/or  62  of the embodiments described herein. 
     Further, in the exemplary embodiment, each inner side panel  84  includes a notch  546  defined in a lower free corner  548  thereof. More specifically, notch  546  is defined at corner  548  defined by free edge  98  and bottom edge  78  on each inner side panel  84 . Notch  546  is configured to correspond to a portion of cutout  542  such that cutout  542  is not obstructed by inner side panels  84  when container  550  is formed. In an alternatively embodiment, notch  546  may have any suitable configuration that enables blank  500  and/or container  550  to function as described herein. Alternatively, at least one inner side panel  84  does not include notch  546 . Moreover, it will be understood that notch  546  may be included in any of the embodiments described herein on any suitable panel. 
       FIG.  11    is a perspective view of container  550  that is formed from blank  500  (shown in  FIG.  10   ). Container  550  is essentially similar to container  150  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. Although container  550  is shown as being formed without a product to be contained therein, container  550  may also be formed having a product therein. Further, container  550  may include any suitable number of products of any suitable shape. To construct container  550  from blank  500  a method that is substantially similar to the method for forming container  150  from blank  10  is used. By forming top shoulders  552  and  554  of container  550 , container  550  is considered to be in the closed configuration rather than the open configuration of containers  150 . 
     To close container  550  and form top shoulders  552  and  554 , first top panel  502  is rotated about fold line  506  toward cavity  170  such that first top panel  502  is substantially perpendicular to first side wall  158  and substantially parallel to bottom wall  152 . Further, second top panel  504  is rotated about fold line  508  toward cavity  170  such that second top panel  504  is substantially perpendicular to second side wall  160  and substantially parallel to bottom wall  152 . Closure flaps  528  are then rotated toward exterior surface  14  of front panel  20  and rear panel  24  and are secured thereto to form portions of front wall  154  and rear wall  156 , respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, interior surface  12  of each closure flap  528  is adhered to exterior surface  14  of front panel  20  or rear panel  24 . First and second top panels  502  and  504  form top shoulders  552  and  554  of container  550 . 
       FIG.  12    is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a blank  600  of sheet material. Blank  600  is essentially similar to blank  200  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) and blank  500  (shown in  FIG.  10   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, blank  600  is similar to blank  500  and includes outer reinforcing corner panels  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and  208 , as shown and described with respect to  FIG.  3   . Further, blank  600  includes fold lines  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216  rather than free side edges  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44  (shown in  FIG.  10   ), as shown and described with respect to  FIG.  3   . 
       FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a container  650  that is partially formed from blank  600  (shown in  FIG.  12   ). Container  650  is essentially similar to container  250  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) and container  550  (shown in  FIG.  11   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. Although container  650  is shown as being formed without a product to be contained therein, container  650  may also be formed having a product therein. Further, container  650  may include any suitable number of products of any suitable shape. To construct container  650  from blank  600  a method that is substantially similar to the method for forming container  250  from blank  200  is used. To close container  650 , top shoulders  552  and  554  are formed using the method used to construct container  550  from blank  500 . 
       FIG.  14    is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a blank  700  of sheet material for forming a container  750  (shown in  FIG.  15   ). Blank  700  is essentially similar to blank  10  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, blank  700  includes reinforcing panels  702  that each include a support panel  704 . Moreover, blank  700  does not include cutouts  66  and  106 , however, it will be understood that blank  700  may include cutouts  66  and/or  106  on side panels  54  and/or  60 , front panel  20 , and/or rear panel  24 . Further, in an alternative embodiment, blank  700  includes top panels  302  and  304 , as shown as described with respect to  FIG.  5   , and/or top panels  502  and  504 , as shown and described with respect to  FIG.  10   . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, blank  700  includes a reinforcing panel  702  that extends from each side edge of side panels  54  and  60 . Reinforcing panel  702  is also referred to herein as a reinforcing panel assembly that includes a plurality of panels as described in more detail herein. More specifically, a reinforcing panel  702  extends from each of fold lines  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and  76 . Further, each reinforcing panel  702  includes free bottom edge  78 . Each free bottom edge  78  at least partially defines cutouts  46 ,  48 ,  50 , and  52 . Moreover, each reinforcing panel  702  is substantially similar and includes, in series from a fold line  70 ,  72 ,  74 , or  76  to free edge  98 , outer reinforcing panel  80 , inner reinforcing panel  82 , inner side panel  84 , and support panel  704 , connected along substantially parallel fold lines  86 ,  88 , and  706 . Fold line  706  defines a side edge of inner side panel  84  and a side edge of support panel  704 , and free edge  98  defines a side edge of support panel  704 . 
     Outer reinforcing panel  80  includes corner panel  90  and first reinforcing end panel  92 , and inner reinforcing panel  82  includes inner reinforcing corner panel  94  and second reinforcing end panel  96 . More specifically, support panel  704  extends between free edge  98  and fold line  706 , inner side panel  84  extends from support panel  704  along fold line  706 , inner reinforcing corner panel  94  extends from inner side panel  84  along fold line  88 , second reinforcing end panel  96  extends from inner reinforcing corner panel  94  along fold line  104 , first reinforcing end panel  92  extends from second reinforcing end panel  96  along fold line  86 , and corner panel  90  extends from first reinforcing end panel  92  along fold line  102  to a respective fold line  70 ,  72 ,  74 , or  76 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, each support panel  704  is substantially rectangularly shaped, although it will be understood that support panel  704  may have any suitable shape and/or configuration that enables blank  700  and/or container  750  to function as described in herein. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, support panel  704  has a width W 9  that is substantially constant from a top edge  708  of reinforcing panel  702  to bottom edge  78 . Alternatively, width W 9  may be other than constant between top edge  708  and bottom edge  78 . In the exemplary embodiment, width W 9  is less than half of width W 2  of bottom panel  22 . Alternatively, width W 9  is equal to or greater than width W 2  such that support walls  752  and  754  (shown in  FIG.  15   ) formed from support panels  704  divide container  750  and provide support to container  750 . In the exemplary embodiment, each support panel  704  includes the same width W 9 . In an alternative embodiment, at least one support panel  704  includes a width that is different than width W 9  of other support panels  704 . 
       FIG.  15    is a perspective view of container  750  that is formed from blank  700  (shown in  FIG.  14   ). Container  750  is essentially similar to container  150  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. Although container  750  is shown as being formed without a product to be contained therein, container  750  may also be formed having a product therein. Further, container  750  may include any suitable number of products of any suitable shape. To construct container  750  from blank  700  a method that is substantially similar to the method for forming container  150  from blank  10  is used except support walls  752  and  754  are formed. In the exemplary embodiment, container  750  has an open configuration, however, it will be understood that container  750  may include a top wall and be in a closed configuration. 
     To construct container  750  from blank  700 , each inner side panel  84  and respective inner reinforcing panel  82  are folded about fold line  86  such that inner reinforcing panel  82  and outer reinforcing panel  80  are in an at least partially overlying relationship, and such that inner side panel  84  is in an at least partially overlying relationship with at least a portion of first or second side panel  54  or  60 . More specifically, blank  700  is folded along fold line  86  such that corner panel  90  and inner reinforcing corner panel  94  are substantially aligned in an at least partially overlying relationship, first and second reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  are substantially aligned in an at least partially overlying relationship, and inner side panel  84  and at least a portion of first or second side panel  54  or  60  are substantially aligned in an at least partially overlying relationship. As blank  700  is being folded about fold line  86 , support panels  704  are folded about fold lines  706  such that exterior surface  14  of support panel  704  is rotated towards exterior surface  14  of inner side panel  84 . Alternatively, support panels  704  are rotated about fold lines  706  before or after blank  700  is folded about fold line  86 . In the exemplary embodiment, after blank  700  is folded about fold lines  86  and  706 , one support panel  704  is aligned in at least partially overlying relationship within another support panel  704  such that interior surfaces  12  of support panels  704  are adjacent to each other. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, inner side panel  84 , a respective side panel  54  or  60 , reinforcing end panels  92  and  96 , corner panels  90  and  94  and/or support panels  704  are secured in the above-described relationships. For example, inner side panel  84 , a respective side panel  54  or  60 , reinforcing end panels  92  and  96 , corner panels  90  and  94  and/or support panels  704  are held against the product to be contained by a force on exterior surface  14  as container  750  continues to be erected. In another example, inner side panel  84  may be adhered to a respective side panel  54  or  60 , reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  may be adhered together, corner panels  90  and  94  may be adhered together, and/or support panels  704  may be adhered together. Reinforcing walls  80  and  82 , reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  are rotated about fold lines  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  88 ,  102 , and/or  104  as described with respect to container  150 . Further, the remainder of container  750  is constructed similarly to container  150 . 
     When container  150  is formed, support panels  704  form a first support wall  752  and a second support wall  754  extending into cavity  170 . More specifically, first support wall  752  extends from first side wall  158 , and second support wall  754  extends from second side wall  160 . In the exemplary embodiment, support panels  704  forming each support wall  752  and  754  are in contact with each other along a height H 4  of each support wall  752  and  754 . Alternatively, a gap may be defined between support panels  704  forming support wall  752  and/or  754  along at least a portion of height H 4 . Further, in the exemplary embodiment, support wall  752  is separated from support wall  754  by a distance di. Alternatively, support walls  752  and  754  are in contact along at least a portion of an inner edge  756  of each support wall  752  and  754 . In an alternative embodiment, at least a portion of support wall  752  overlaps support wall  754 . 
       FIG.  16    is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a blank  800  of sheet material. Blank  800  is essentially similar to blank  200  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) and blank  700  (shown in  FIG.  14   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. More specifically, blank  800  is similar to blank  700  and includes outer reinforcing corner panels  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and  208 , as shown and described with respect to  FIG.  3   . Further, blank  700  includes fold lines  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216  rather than free side edges  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44  (shown in  FIG.  14   ), as shown and described with respect to  FIG.  3   . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, blank  800  does not include cutouts  66  and  106  (shown in  FIG.  3   ), however, it will be understood that blank  800  may include cutouts  66  and/or  106  on side panels  54  and/or  60 , front panel  20 , and/or rear panel  24 . Further, in an alternative embodiment, blank  800  includes top panels  302  and  304 , as shown as described with respect to  FIG.  5   , and/or top panels  502  and  504 , as shown and described with respect to  FIG.  10   . 
       FIG.  17    is a perspective view of a container  850  that is partially formed from blank  800  (shown in  FIG.  16   ). Container  850  is essentially similar to container  250  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) and container  750  (shown in  FIG.  15   ) and, as such, similar components are labeled with similar references. Although container  850  is shown as being formed without a product to be contained therein, container  850  may also be formed having a product therein. Further, container  850  may include any suitable number of products of any suitable shape. To construct container  850  from blank  800  a method that is substantially similar to the methods for forming container  250  and container  750  are used. 
       FIG.  18    is a side view of a machine  900  for forming a container from a blank.  FIG.  19    is a top view of machine  900 . Blank  10  and container  150  are illustrated as being formed using machine  900 ; however, it will be understood that any of the above-described blanks can be formed into a respective container using machine  900 . As used herein, the terms “downward,” “down,” and variations thereof refer to a direction from a top  902  of machine  900  toward a surface or floor  904  on which machine  900  is supported, and the terms “upward,” “up,” and variations thereof refer to a direction from floor  904  on which machine  900  is supported toward top  902  of machine  900 . Further, as used herein, “operational control communication” refers to a link, such as a conductor, a wire, and/or a data link, between two or more components of machine  900  that enables signals, electric currents, and/or commands to be communicated between the two or more components. The link is configured to enable one component to control an operation of another component of machine  900  using the communicated signals, electric currents, and/or commands. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, machine  900  includes a hopper station  906 , a forming station  908 , and an ejection station  910 . More specifically, hopper station  906 , forming station  908 , and ejection station  910  are connected by a transport system  912 , such as any suitable conveyor(s) and/or motorize device(s) configured to move blank  10  and/or container  150  through machine  900 . In the exemplary embodiment, hopper station  906  is configured to store a stack  914  of blanks  10  in a horizontal orientation. More specifically, blanks  10  are stored with interior surface  12  facing upward and exterior surface  14  facing downward. 
     Forming station  908  is generally aligned with a bottom  916  of hopper station  906  and includes any suitable number and/or configuration of components, such as plows, arms, actuators, and/or other devices for forming container  150  from blank  10 . In the exemplary embodiment, components of forming station  908  are in communication with a control system  918 . Control system  918  is configured to control and/or monitor components of forming station  908  to form container  150  from blank  10 . In the exemplary embodiment, control system  918  includes computer-readable instructions for performing the methods described herein. In one embodiment, an operator can select which blank  10 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 , and/or  800  is being manipulated by machine  900  using control system  918  and control system  918  performs the corresponding method using the components of forming station  908 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, control system  918  is shown as being centralized within machine  900 , however control system  918  may be a distributed system throughout machine  900 , within a building housing machine  900 , and/or at a remote control center. Control system  918  includes a processor  920  configured to perform the methods and/or steps described herein. Further, many of the other components described herein include a processor. As used herein, the term “processor” is not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that a processor and/or control system can also include memory, input channels, and/or output channels. 
     In the embodiments described herein, memory may include, without limitation, a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM), and a computer-readable non-volatile medium, such as flash memory. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), and/or a digital versatile disc (DVD) may also be used. Also, in the embodiments described herein, input channels may include, without limitation, sensors and/or computer peripherals associated with an operator interface, such as a mouse and a keyboard. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, output channels may include, without limitation, a control device, an operator interface monitor, and/or a display. 
     Processors described herein process information transmitted from a plurality of electrical and electronic devices that may include, without limitation, sensors, actuators, compressors, control systems, and/or monitoring devices. Such processors may be physically located in, for example, a control system, a sensor, a monitoring device, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a PLC cabinet, and/or a distributed control system (DCS) cabinet. RAM and storage devices store and transfer information and instructions to be executed by the processor(s). RAM and storage devices can also be used to store and provide temporary variables, static (i.e., non-changing) information and instructions, or other intermediate information to the processors during execution of instructions by the processor(s). Instructions that are executed may include, without limitation, flow control system control commands. The execution of sequences of instructions is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software instructions. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, ejection station  910  is configured to eject container  150  from forming station  908 . More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, ejection station  910  includes an exit conveyor  922  that is oriented on an incline from an exit  924  of forming station  908  to an end  926  of exit conveyor  922 . Alternatively, exit conveyor  922  is at any suitable orientation that enables machine  900  to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, exit conveyor  922  is part of transport system  912 . 
     During operation of machine  900  to form container  150  from blank  10 , stack  914  of blanks  10  is placed within hopper station  906 . Transport system  912  removes one blank  10  from stack  914  and transfers blank  10  to forming station  908 . Transport system  912  transfers blank  10  through the components of forming station  908 . The components of forming station  908  perform the method for forming container  150  from blank  10 , as described in more detail above. Within forming station  908 , blank  10  is folded into a partially formed container  928 . Partially formed container  928  is formed into container  150  within forming station  908 , and a subsequent blank  10  is transferred from hopper station  906  into forming station  908 . As such, containers  150  are formed continuously by machine  900 . After container  150  is formed in forming station  908 , transport system  912  transfers container  150  to ejection station  910  for ejection from machine  900 . 
       FIGS.  20 - 38    show perspective views of machine  900 . Arrow A shows a direction of movement of blank  10  and/or container  150  through machine  900 . Further, the head of arrow A indicates a “downstream” or “forward” direction and the tail of arrow A indicates an “upstream” or “backward” direction.  FIG.  20    shows a perspective view of hopper station  906 . The term “front” as used herein with respect to movement through machine  900  refers the downstream end of blank  10 , and the term “rear” as used herein with respect to movement through machine  900  refers the upstream end of blank  10 .  FIG.  21    shows a perspective view of hopper station  906  having a blank  10  therein.  FIG.  22    shows a perspective view of hopper station  906  while blank  10  is being transferred to forming station  908 . 
       FIG.  23    shows a perspective view of hopper station  906  and forming station  908 .  FIG.  24    shows a perspective view of hopper station  906  and forming station  908  with a blank  10  in hopper station  906 .  FIG.  25    shows a perspective view of hopper station  906  and forming station  908  with blank  10  in forming station  908 .  FIG.  26    shows a perspective view of hopper station  906  and forming station  908  with blank  10  in forming station  908 .  FIG.  27    shows a perspective view of forming station  908  looking back into hopper station  906 . 
       FIGS.  28  and  29    show side views of a corner post forming station  930  of forming station  908 .  FIG.  30    show a perspective view of a plunger station  932  of forming station  908 .  FIG.  31    shows a perspective view of plunger station  932  having partially formed container  928  therein.  FIGS.  32 - 35    show perspective views of plunger station  930 .  FIG.  36    shows a perspective view of plunger station  930  having partially formed container  928  therein.  FIGS.  37  and  38    show perspective views of container  150  being formed at plunger station  932 . 
       FIGS.  39 A,  39 B, and  39 C  show schematic views of blank  10  being formed into partially formed container  928 .  FIG.  40    shows a perspective view of corner post forming station  930 .  FIGS.  41 A and  41 B  show schematic views of blank  10  being formed into partially formed container  928 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  18 - 38   , machine  900  is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis  934  that extends from a rear end  936  of machine  900  to a front end  938  of machine  900 . As a blank  10  is formed using machine  900 , blank  10  moves along longitudinal axis  934  from rear end  936  to front end  938 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  20 - 27   , hopper station  906  includes a hopper  940 , a feed mechanism  942 , stationary plows  944 , and moving plows  946 . Hopper  940  is configured to support stack  914  of blanks  10  above feed mechanism  942  such that exterior surfaces  14  of blanks  10  are facing downward and interior surfaces  12  of blanks  10  are facing upward. Blanks  10  within hopper  940  are in an unformed, substantially planar state. Hopper  940  is further configured to maintain end panels  20  and  24  on the same plane as bottom panel  22  while at least partially rotating reinforcing panels  68  about fold lines  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and  76  toward respective side panels  54  and  60 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, hopper  940  includes members that are configured to inhibit downward movement of reinforcing panels  68  as blank  10  is pulled downward, until blank  10  is at a predetermined vertical position within hopper station  906 . More specifically, the members apply a restraining force to exterior surface  14  of reinforcing panels  68  as blank  10  is pulled downward. When blank  10  is at the predetermined vertical position, the members no longer contact reinforcing panels  68  and reinforcing panels  68  to apply the restraining force, and reinforcing panels  68  are pulled downward with blank  10 . As such, as blank  10  is pulled downward, the members rotate interior surface  12  of reinforcing panels  68  toward interior surface  12  of side panels  54  and  60 . The members also support stack  914  of blanks  10  within hopper  940 . In an alternative embodiment, hopper  940  does not fold reinforcing panels  68  as blank  10  is pulled downward. 
     Feed mechanism  942  includes suction cups  948 , support bars  950 , a vertical actuator  952 , and a horizontal actuator  954 . Suction cups  948  and support bars  950  are supported on vertical actuator  952 , and vertical actuator  952  is supported on horizontal actuator  954 . Suction cups  948  are in flow communication with a pump for creating a vacuum in suction cups  948  when the pump is activated. In one embodiment, control system  918  is configured to activate the pump. As an alternative to suction cups  948  and the pump, feed mechanism  942  includes any suitable device(s) for attaching to blank  10  in hopper  940 . In the exemplary embodiment, support bars  950  are aligned substantially perpendicularly to longitudinal axis  934 , however support bars  950  may have any configuration and/or orientation that enable machine  900  to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, support bars  950  are configured to support bottom panel  22  as bottom panel  22  is pulled downward through hopper station  906  and as blank  10  is moved forward by feed mechanism  942 . 
     Vertical actuator  952  is pneumatically, hydraulically, and/or otherwise driven vertically through hopper station  906 . More specifically, vertical actuator  952  moves between a first position adjacent hopper  940  and a second position adjacent forming station  908 . The first position is also referred to as a top position, and the second position as a bottom position. Control system  918  is in operational control communication with vertical actuator  952  to activate vertical actuator  952  for movement between the top position and the bottom position. In the exemplary embodiment, horizontal actuator  954  is positioned within a bottom end  916  of hopper station  906  and is configured to move between a first position, also referred to as a rear position, and a second position, also referred as a front position. More specifically, control system  918  is in operational control communication with horizontal actuator  954  to control movement of horizontal actuator  954  between the rear position and the front position. Vertical actuator  952  and horizontal actuator  954  are also considered to be components of transport system  912 . 
     Hopper station  906  further includes stationary plows  944  and moving plows  946  that are each configured to fold reinforcing panels  68  relative to side panels  54  and/or  60  and retain reinforcing panels  68  in position as blank  10  is transferred to forming station  908 . More specifically, a pair of stationary plows  944  is positioned adjacent forming station  908  and a pair of moving plows  946  is positioned upstream from stationary plows  944 . Stationary plows  944  are positioned substantially symmetrically about longitudinal axis  934 , and moving plows  946  are positioned substantially symmetrically about longitudinal axis  934 . Stationary plows  944  are positioned at a front  958  of hopper station  906  and extend into forming station  908 , and moving plows  946  are positioned at a rear  960  of hopper station  906 . In the exemplary embodiment, stationary plows  944  extend from hopper station  906  to a beginning end  962  of a first set of rails  964  within corner post forming station  930  of forming station  908 . 
     Each stationary plow  944  includes an upper surface  966 , an inner angled surface  968 , and a rear angled surface  970 . Upper surface  966  is horizontally oriented and substantially parallel to exterior surface  14  of bottom panel  22 . Upper surface  966  is configured to contact exterior surface  14  of reinforcing panels  68  at front  958  of hopper station  906  and rotate front reinforcing panels  68  toward a respective side panel  54  or  60 . Inner angled surfaces  968  are configured to contact exterior surface  14  of front reinforcing panels  68  as front reinforcing panels  68  slide off of upper surface  966 . Inner angled surfaces  968  extend into forming station  908  and are further configured to maintain reinforcing panels  68  at a first oblique angle to the respective side panel  54  or  60 . More specifically, inner angled surfaces  968  maintain front reinforcing panels  68  at the first oblique angle to the respective side panel  54  or  60 , and maintain rear reinforcing panels  68  at the first oblique angle to a respective side panel  54  or  60  as blank  10  is moved forward into forming station  908 . In one embodiment, the first oblique angle is between about 120° and about 150°. In the exemplary embodiment, the first oblique angle is about 135°. Rear angled surfaces  970  are configured to contact rear reinforcing panels  68  and to direct rear reinforcing panels  68  onto inner angled surface  968  as blank  10  is moved forward through hopper station  906 . 
     Each moving plow  946  includes an upper surface  972 , an angled inner surface  974 , and a vertical inner surface  976 . Upper surface  972  is horizontally oriented and substantially parallel to exterior surface  14  of bottom panel  22 . Upper surface  972  is configured to contact exterior surface  14  of reinforcing panels  68  at rear  960  of hopper station  906  and rotate rear reinforcing panels  68  toward a respective side panel  54  or  60 . Angled inner surfaces  974  are configured to contact exterior surface  14  of rear reinforcing panels  68  as rear reinforcing panels  68  slide off of upper surface  972 . Angled inner surfaces  974  are further configured to maintain rear reinforcing panels  68  at the first oblique angle to the respective side panel  54  or  60 . More specifically, angled inner surfaces  974  maintain rear reinforcing panels  68  at the first oblique angle to the respective side panel  54  or  60  as blank  10  is moved forward into forming station  908 . 
     Moving plows  946  are configured to move toward stationary plows  944  during operation of machine  900  to maintain a position of rear reinforcing panels  68 . More specifically, each moving plow  946  is coupled to a horizontally oriented actuator rod  978  the moves a respective moving plow from a first position, also referred to as a rear position, to a second position, also referred to as a front position. Control system  918  is in operational control communication with actuator rod  978  for controlling the movement of moving plows  946  between the first position and the second position. 
     Machine  900  further includes a pair of outer support plates  980  that extend from rear end  960  of hopper station  906  through corner post forming station  920  to a front end  982  of plunger station  932 . Outer support plates  980  are substantially symmetrical about longitudinal axis  934  and are configured to support end panels  20  and/or  24  as blank  10  is transported from hopper  906  through forming station  908 . At least one roller  984  is positioned substantially on longitudinal axis  934 . Roller  984 , and/or other suitable conveying device, is positioned between hopper station  906  and forming station  908  to draw blank  10  into forming station  908 . In the exemplary embodiment, roller  984  contacts interior surface  12  of blank  10  such that, when roller  984  is rotated, roller  984  forces blank  10  from hopper station  906  into forming station  908 . Control system  918  is in operational control communication with roller  984  for control thereof. Roller  984  is also considered to be a component of transport system  908 . At a rear end  986  of forming station  908 , a pair of center support plates  988  are positioned proximate roller  984  and are substantially symmetrically positioned with respect to longitudinal axis  934 . Center plates  988  extend through corner post forming station  908  to support bottom panel  22  as blank  10  is conveyed through corner post forming station  908 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  27 - 29   , forming station  908  includes corner post forming station  930  and plunger station  932 . Corner post forming station  930  includes a pair of first rail sets  964 , a pair of stop plates  990 , a pair of second rail sets  992 , a pair of a series of rollers  994 , a first adhesive applicator  996 , and a second adhesive applicator  998 . Although two rail sets  964  and  992  are described herein, it should be understood that machine  900  may include any suitable number of rails, include one rail, and/or any suitable configuration of rails and/or plates that enable corner post forming station  930  to function as described herein. 
     Each set of first rail set  964  includes an upper rail  1000  and a lower rail  1002  positioned on one side of longitudinal axis  934 . First rail sets  964  are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to longitudinal axis  934 . Each second rail set  992  includes an upper rail  1004  and a lower rail  1006  positioned on one side of longitudinal axis  934 . Second rail sets  992  are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to longitudinal axis  934  forward of first rail sets  964 . Stop plates  990  are positioned within first rail sets  964  such that one stop plate  990  is adjacent each first rail set  964 . Stop plates  990  are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to longitudinal axis  934 . The pair of series of rollers  994  is positioned within second rail sets  992  such that one series of rollers  994  is positioned substantially symmetrically about longitudinal axis  934  the other series of rollers  994 . First adhesive applicator  996  is positioned within first rail sets  964  near a rear end  986  of forming station  908 . Second adhesive applicator  998  is positioned within second rail sets  992  at a front end  1008  of corner post forming station  930 . 
     Each first rail set  964  extends generally parallel to longitudinal axis  934  and/or to other first rail set  964 . First rail set  964  is configured to fold inner reinforcing panels  82  toward outer reinforcing panels  80  and to fold inner side panels  84  about fold lines  88 . More specifically, upper rail  1000  is configured to engage exterior surface  14  of inner reinforcing panels  82 , and lower rail  1002  is configured to engage interior surface  12  of outer reinforcing panel  80  as blank  10  is transported into corner post forming station  930 . In the exemplary embodiment, upper rail  1000  contacts inner reinforcing panel  82  adjacent fold line  88  to apply a force near fold line  88  as blank  10  is transported through first rail set  964 . As such, upper rail  1000  is configured to rotate inner reinforcing panel  82  about fold line  86  and inner side panel  84  about fold line  88  to fold exterior surface  14  of inner reinforcing panel  82  toward exterior surface  14  of inner side panel  84 . In the exemplary embodiment, upper rail  1000  is an assembly of rails, however, upper rail  1000  may include any number, dimensions, and/or configuration of rails that enables first rail sets  964  to function as described herein. 
     Referring further to  FIGS.  39 A-C , upper rail  1000  is contoured to include an upwardly sloping region  1010 , an apex  1012 , and a downwardly sloping region  1014 . Upwardly sloping region  1010  and downwardly sloping region  1014  are angled inward toward longitudinal axis  934  to facilitate folding inner reinforcing panels  82  and inner side panels  84  inwardly toward longitudinal axis  934 . Upwardly sloping region  1010  engages reinforcing panel  68  at a front edge thereof and rotates reinforcing panel  68  toward longitudinal axis  934  about fold lines  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and/or  76 . As blank  10  moves past upper rail  1000 , upper rail  1000  is positioned adjacent fold line  88  by the upward slope, and reinforcing panel  68  is rotated inward by the inward angle. Apex  1012  is configured to contact fold line  88  to apply the force thereto. Downwardly sloping region  1014  forces fold line  88  downwardly to rotate inner reinforcing panel  82  about fold line  86  and to rotate inner side panel  84  about fold line  88 . At a front end  1016  of downwardly sloping region  1014 , interior surface  12  of inner reinforcing panel  82  is forced into contact with interior surface  12  of outer reinforcing panel  80  by the downward slope of upper rail  1000 . Front end  1016  of downwardly sloping region is also the front end of upper rail  1000 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  27 - 29    and  FIGS.  39 A-C , in the exemplary embodiment, lower rail  1002  contacts outer reinforcing panel  80  adjacent fold line  86  to apply a force near fold line  86  as blank  10  is transported through first rail set  964 . As such, lower rail  1002  is configured to rotate inner reinforcing panel  82  about fold line  86  and to maintain a position of outer reinforcing panel  80  with respect to side panel  54  or  60  at the first oblique angle. Accordingly, lower rail  1002  folds interior surface  12  of inner reinforcing panel  82  toward interior surface  12  of outer reinforcing panel  80 . In the exemplary embodiment, lower rail  1002  is an assembly of rails, however, lower rail  1002  may include any number, dimensions, and/or configuration of rails that enables first rail sets  964  to function as described herein. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, lower rail  1002  includes a first rail  1018  and a second rail  1020  in series along longitudinal axis  934 . First rail  1018  engages interior surface  12  of outer reinforcing panel  80  and is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis  934 . First rail  1018  extends from rear end  986  of forming station  908  to about apex  1012  of upper rail  1000 . Second rail  1020  is positioned a distance from a front end  1022  of first rail  1018  and extends into second rail set  992 , becoming lower rail  1006  of second rail set  992 . Second rail  1020  engages exterior surface  14  of outer reinforcing panel  80  and, more particularly, corner panel  90 , to maintain the first oblique angle between corner panel  90  and a respective side panel  54  or  60  as blank  10  is transported through corner post forming station  930 . 
     Stop plates  990  are substantially vertically oriented and extend from a rear end  1024  of corner post forming station  930  to front end  1016  of upper rail  1004 . Stop plate  990  is configured to contact interior surface  12  of inner side panel  84  when upper rail  1000  rotates reinforcing panel  68  inward toward longitudinal axis  934 . When stop plate  990  engages inner side panel  84 , stop plate  990  applies a force to interior surface  12  of inner side panel  84  to facilitate rotating inner side panel  84  about fold line  88  toward inner reinforcing panel  82 . At front ends  1026  of stop plates  990 , inner side panels  84  are allowed to continue rotating toward side panels  54  and/or  60  to enable contact of interior surface  12  of inner side panel  84  with interior surface  12  of a respective side panel  54  or  60 , as described in more detail below. As such, side walls  158  and  160  are formed after blank  10  passes through first rail sets  964 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  27  and  28   , first adhesive applicator  996  is configured to apply an adhesive, such as glue, to side panels  54  and  60  as blank  10  is transported through corner post forming station  930 . Activation of first adhesive applicator  996  is controlled by control system  918 . In the exemplary embodiment, first adhesive applicator  996  is positioned proximate rear ends  1028  of stop plates  990 , within first rail sets  964 . Further, first adhesive applicator  996  includes a pair of glue nozzles  1030  positioned substantially symmetrically about longitudinal axis  934 . Alternatively, first adhesive applicator  996  includes any suitable device(s) for applying glue and/or any other suitable adhesive material to side panels  54  and  60 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  29 - 31  and  40   , in the exemplary embodiment, each second rail set  992  extends generally parallel to longitudinal axis  934  and/or to other second rail set  992 . Second rail set  992  is configured to fold first and second reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  toward corner panels  90  and  94  about fold lines  102  and  104 . More specifically, upper rail  1004  is configured to engage exterior surface  14  of first reinforcing end panel  92 , and lower rail  1006  is configured to engage exterior surface  14  of corner panel  90  as blank  10  is transported into second rail sets  992 . In the exemplary embodiment, upper rail  1004  contacts first reinforcing end panel  92  to apply a force to first and second reinforcing end panels  92  and  96 . As such, upper rail  1004  is configured to rotate reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  about fold lines  102  and  104  such that exterior surface  14  of second reinforcing end panel  96  is rotated toward exterior surface  14  of reinforcing corner panel  94 . Upper rail  1004  is configured to rotate reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  to be a second oblique angle to corner panels  90  and  94 . In one embodiment, the second oblique angle is between about 120° and about 150°. In the exemplary embodiment, the second oblique angle is about 135°. In the exemplary embodiment, upper rail  1004  is a single rail, however, upper rail  1004  may include any number, dimensions, and/or configuration of rails that enables second rail sets  992  to function as described herein. 
     Referring further to  FIGS.  40 ,  41 A, and  41 B , lower rails  1006  are extensions of second lower rails  1020  of first rail sets  964 . Lower rail  1006  is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis  934 . Lower rail  1006  is configured to contact corner panel  90  to apply a force to exterior surface  14  of corner panel  90  as blank  10  is transported through second rail set  992 . As such, lower rail  1006  is configured to maintain a position of corner panel  90  with respect to side panel  54  or  60  at the first oblique angle. In the exemplary embodiment, lower rail  1006  is a single rail, however, lower rail  1006  may include any number, dimensions, and/or configuration of rails that enables second rail sets  992  to function as described herein. 
     Upper rail  1004  is contoured to include an inwardly angled region  1032  and a linear region  1034 . Angled region  1032  extends from a front end  1036  lower rail  1006  to front end  1008  of corner post forming station  930 . Angled region  1032  is angled inward toward longitudinal axis  934  to facilitate folding reinforcing end panels  92  and  96 . Linear region  1034  extends from a front end  1038  of inwardly angled portion  1032  to a front end  1040  of upper rail  1004 . Linear region  1034  is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis  934 . Inwardly angled region  1032  and linear region  1034  are configured to form corner walls  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and  168  and end reinforcing tabs  172  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) by folding reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  with respect to corner panels  90  and  94  such that reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  are at the second oblique angle with respect to corner panels  90  and  94 . End reinforcing tabs  172  each include a first reinforcing end panel  92  and a second reinforcing end panel  96 . Exterior surface  14  of first reinforcing panel  92  is an exterior surface of end reinforcing tab  172 . In the exemplary embodiment, lower rail  1006  engages exterior surface  14  of outer reinforcing panel  80 , then upper rail  1004  engages exterior surface  14  of first reinforcing end panel  92  after reinforcing panel  68  passes lower rail  1006 . 
     Each series of rollers  994  is position adjacent a respective second rail set and includes angled rollers  1042  and vertical rollers  1044 . Control system  918  is in operational control communication with angled rollers  1042  and vertical rollers  1044  for control thereof. Angled rollers  1042  and vertical rollers  1044  are also considered to be a component of transport system  912 . In one embodiment, roller  984  and series of rollers  994  are spaced apart along longitudinal axis  934  such that series of rollers  994  contacts a forward end of blank  10  before a rear end of blank  10  passes roller  984 . As such, roller  984  and series of rollers  994  function in concert to transport blank  10  through corner post forming station  930 . In the exemplary embodiment, angled rollers  1042  and vertical rollers  1044  alternate along longitudinal axis  934  of machine  900  for at least a portion of series of rollers  994  such that each angled roller  1042  is adjacent at least one vertical roller  1044 . 
     Each vertical roller  1044  is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis  934  and is configured to contact side walls  158  and  160  and bottom panel  22  and blank  10  is transported through corner post forming station  930 . In one embodiment, vertical rollers  1044  are configured to press inner side panels  84  to side panels  54  and/or  60  to secure inner side panels  84  to a respective side panel  54  or  60 . Each angled roller  1042  is at a predetermined angle to vertical rollers  1044  to maintain the first oblique angle between corner panels  90  and  94  and a respective side panel  54  or  60  as blank  10  is transported through second rail sets  992 . More specifically, angled rollers  1042  are configured to contact exterior surface  14  of reinforcing corner panels  94 . Together, angled rollers  1042  and lower rail  1006  press interior surface  12  of reinforcing corner panel  94  into contact with interior surface  12  of corner panel  90 . 
     After passing though second rail sets  992 , blank  10  is formed into partially formed container  928 . Partially formed container  928  includes side walls  158  and  160 , corner walls  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and  168 , and end reinforcing tabs  172 . End walls  154  and  156  are unformed in the partially formed state. 
     Second adhesive applicator  998  is configured to apply an adhesive, such as glue, to first reinforcing end panels  92  as blank  10  is transported through corner post forming station  930 . When blank  200 ,  400 ,  600 , and/or  800  is formed using machine  900 , second adhesive applicator  998  applies adhesive to interior surface  12  of outer reinforcing corner panels  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and/or  208  and/or exterior surface  14  of corner panels  90 . Activation of second adhesive applicator  998  is controlled by control system  918 . In the exemplary embodiment, second adhesive applicator  998  is positioned proximate front ends  1040  of upper rails  1004 , outward from upper rail  1004 . Further, second adhesive applicator  998  includes a pair of glue nozzles  1046  positioned substantially symmetrically about longitudinal axis  934 . Alternatively, second adhesive applicator  998  includes any suitable device(s) for applying glue and/or any other suitable adhesive material to first reinforcing end panels  92 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  30  and  31   , a pusher arm  1048  is positioned between corner post forming station  930  and plunger station  932 . In the exemplary embodiment, pusher arm  1048  includes a pair of vertically-oriented bars  1050  and a horizontal actuator  1052 . Horizontal actuator  1052  is configured to move bars  1050  between a first position, also referred to as rear position, and a second position, also referred to as a forward position. Control system  918  is in operational control communication with pusher arm  1048  to control horizontal actuator  1052 . Bars  1050  are configured to engage a rear edge of partially formed container  928  as partially formed container  928  is ejected from corner post forming station  930 . When bars  1050  engage the rear edge, pusher arm  1048  transfers partially formed container  928  from corner post forming station  930  into plunger station  932 . Pusher arm  1048  is a component of transport system  912 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  30 - 38   , in the exemplary embodiment, plunger station  932  includes a plunger  1054 , two pairs of side panel plows  1056 , a pair of end panel plow assemblies  1058 , a plurality of corner pushers  1060 , and a pair of guide rails  1062 . Side panel plows  1056  and end panel plow assemblies  1058  define a plunger opening  1064  that extends between top ends of side panel plows  1056  and end panel plow assemblies  1058  and exit conveyor  922 . More specifically, plunger  1054  has a shape that corresponds to a cross sectional shape of container  150 . In the exemplary embodiment, plunger  1054  corresponds to end walls  154  and  156  and side walls  158  and  160  of container  150 . Plunger  1054  is open at corner walls  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and  168 . Alternatively, plunger  1054  may also include walls at corner walls  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and/or  168 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, plunger  1054  includes at least four upright plates  1066  and  1068  coupled to a vertical actuator  1070 . More specifically, end wall upright plates  1066  extend substantially parallel to longitudinal axis  934  and are oriented substantially vertically, and side wall upright plates  1068  are substantially perpendicular to end wall upright plates  1066  and longitudinal axis  934  and are oriented substantially vertically. Upright plates  1066  and  1068  are configured to prevent over-rotation of end panels  20  and  24  and side panels  54  and  60  into cavity  170  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) of container  150 . Vertical actuator  1070  is configured to move plunger  1054  between a first position, also referred to as a top position, and a second position, also referred to as a bottom position. Control system  918  is in operational control communication with vertical actuator  1070  for controlling movement of plunger  1054  between the first position and the second position. 
     Plunger station  932  includes a rear pair  1072  of side panel plows  1056  and a front pair  1074  of side panel plows  1056 . Each side panel plow  1056  is stationary with respect to machine  900  and is configured to rotate a side panel  54  or  60  toward bottom panel  22 . More specifically, front pair  1074  is configured to fold a front side panel  54  or  60 , and rear pair  1072  is configured to fold a rear side panel  54  or  60 . Each side panel plow  1056  includes an angled outer surface  1076 , a top surface  1078 , an angled inner surface  1080 , and a vertical plate  1082 . As used with respect to side panel plows  1056  and end panel plows  1084 , the term “inner” refers to a direction toward plunger opening  1064 , and the term “outer” refers to a direction away from plunger opening  1064 . In the exemplary embodiment, top surface  1078  is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis  934  and extends between angled outer surface  1076  and angled inner surface  1080 . Vertical plate  1082  extends into plunger opening  1064  to at least partially define plunger opening  1064 . For front pair  1074  of side panel plows  1056 , angled outer surface  1076  is at an upstream end  1086  of front pair  1074 , and angled inner surface  1080  and vertical plate  1082  are at a downstream end  1088  of front pair  1074 . For rear pair  1072  of side panel plows  1056 , angled outer surface  1076  is at a downstream end  1090  of rear pair  1072 , and angled inner surface  1080  and vertical plate  1082  are at an upstream end  1092  of rear pair  1072 . 
     Each end panel plow assembly  1058  includes a frame  1094  having an end panel plow  1084 , a pair of glue plates  1096 , and a pair of glue rollers  1098  coupled thereto. Frame  1094  is configured to rotate inward toward plunger opening  1064  and outward away from plunger opening  1064 . As such, frame  1094  moves between a first position, also referred to as an outer position, and a second position, also referred to as an inner position. Control system  918  is in operational control communication with each end panel plow assembly  1084  for control of frame  1094  between the first position and the second position. In the exemplary embodiment, a sensor determines when partially formed container  928  is positioned over plunger opening  1064 . End plow assemblies  1058  are moved to the second position when the sensor determines partially formed blank  928  is positioned over and/or within plunger opening  1064 . End panel plow  1084  is positioned between glue plates  1096  such that a vertical inner wall  1100  of end panel plow  1084  is located between glue plates  1096 . Although only one end panel plow  1084  is described as being coupled to each frame  1094 , it should be understood that any suitable number of end panel plows  1084  may be coupled to end panel plow assembly  1058 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, each end panel plow  1058  includes a substantially horizontal upper surface  1102 , an angled inner surface  1104 , and a substantially vertical inner wall  1100 . Angled inner surfaces  1104  are configured to rotate end panels  20  and/or  24  inward toward plunger opening  1064  and/or plunger  1054 . Vertical inner walls  1100  at least partially define plunger opening  1064 . Glue plates  1096  are each substantially vertically aligned and co-planar with vertical inner wall  1100 . As such, glue plates  1096  also at least partially define plunger opening  1064 . At a top end  1106  of each glue plate  1096 , a glue roller  1098  is coupled to frame  1094 . Glue roller  1098  and a respective glue plate  1096  press an end panel  20  or  24  into contact with adjacent reinforcing end tabs  172 . 
     A corner pusher  1060  is positioned between a glue plate  1096  and an adjacent side wall plow vertical plate  1082 . Each corner pusher  1060  is coupled to a horizontal actuator  1108  that moves a corner pusher  1060  between a first position, also referred to as an outer position, and a second position, also referred to as an inner position. As such, horizontal actuator  1108  moves corner pusher  1060  toward and away from plunger opening  1064 . Control system  918  is in operational control communication with each horizontal actuator  1108  for controlling corner pushers  1060 . In the exemplary embodiment, a sensor determines when partially formed container  928  is positioned over plunger opening  1064 , and corner pushers  1060  are moved to the second position when the sensor determines partially formed container  928  is positioned over and/or within plunger opening  1064 . 
     Each guide rail  1062  extends from front end  1008  of corner post forming station  930  to front end  982  of plunger station  932 . Guide rails  1062  are substantially parallel to longitudinal axis  934 . Guide rails  1062  are at a top end  1110  of plunger opening  1064  and adjacent to a respective end panel plow assembly  1058 . Guide rails  1062  are configured to maintain the positions of reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  and corner panels  90  and  94  as partially formed container  928  is positioned over plunger opening  1064  and pushed downward into plunger opening  1064 . More specifically, reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  and corner panels  90  and  94  are maintained at the first oblique angle and at the second oblique angle by guide rails  1062 . 
     Exit conveyor  922  extends through a bottom  1112  of plunger station  932  to receive containers  150  from forming station  908 . More specifically, exit conveyor  922  continuously runs while machine  900  is being operated to form containers  150 . Alternatively, exit conveyor  922  is operated intermittently when a container  150  is positioned within bottom  1112  of plunger station  932 . In the exemplary embodiment, container  150  is secured within plunger opening  1064  by end panel plow assemblies  1058  and/or corner pushers  1060  over exit conveyor  922 . As such, when end panel plow assemblies  1058  are rotated to outer position and/or corner pushers  1060  are moved to outer positioned, container  150  is released from plunger opening  1064  onto exit conveyor  922 . Control system  918  is in operational control communication with exit conveyor  922  for control thereof. When blank  300  and/or  400  is formed using machine, top panels  302  and  304  remain unfolded with respect to a respective end panel  20  or  24 , and container  350  and/or  450  is ejected from machine  900  in the open configuration. Similarly, when blank  500 ,  600  is formed using machine, top panels  502  and  504  remain unfolded with respect to a respective side panel  54  or  60 , and container  550  and/or  650  is ejected from machine  900  in the open configuration. 
       FIGS.  42 A,  42 B, and  42 C  are a flowchart of a method  1200  for forming a container  150  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) from blank  10  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) that may be used with machine  900  (shown in  FIGS.  18 - 41   ). It should be understood that method  1200  may be used to form any suitable container, such as containers  250 ,  350 ,  450 ,  550 ,  650 ,  750 , and/or  850  (shown in  FIGS.  4 ,  6 ,  8 ,  9 ,  11 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17   ), using machine  900 . Method  1200  is performed by control system  918  (shown in  FIGS.  18  and  19   ) sending commands and/or instructions to components of machine  900 . Processor  920  (shown in  FIG.  18   ) within control system  918  is programmed with code segments configured to perform method  1200 . Alternatively, method  1200  is encoded on a computer-readable medium that is readable by control system  918 . In such an embodiment, control system  918  and/or processor  920  is configured to read computer-readable medium for performing method  1200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  18 - 42   , method  1200  includes stacking  1202  blanks  10  in hopper  940  with exterior surfaces  14  of blanks  10  facing downward and interior surfaces  12  facing upward. Exterior surface  14  of bottom panel  22  of a first blank  10  is grasped  1204  with suction cups  948  of the feed mechanism  942 . First blank  10  is pulled  1206  downward from hopper  940  through hopper station  906  using vertical actuator rods  952  to move feed mechanism  942  from the upper positioned to the lower position. The support members of hopper  940  begin folding  1208  reinforcing panels  68  towards side panels  54  and/or  60  by applying the restraining force to exterior surface  14  of reinforcing panels  68 . Reinforcing panels  68  are folded  1208  with respect to side panels  54  and/or  60  to be at the first oblique angle using stationary plows  944  and moving plows  946 . Moving plows  946  are stationary at the rear position as blank  10  is pulled past moving plows  946 . 
     First blank  10  is transported  1210  forward into forming station  908  using feed mechanism  942 . More specifically, horizontal actuators  954  move feed mechanism  942  in a substantially horizontal direction from the rear position to the forward position with suction cups  948  attached to bottom panel  22 . Moving plows  946  follow the motion of blank  10  and/or feed mechanism  942  to retain the position of rear reinforcing panels  68 . As blank  10  is transported  1210  forward, rear reinforcing panels  68  are transferred from moving plows  946  to stationary plows  944  to retain the position of reinforcing panels  68 . Further, first rail sets  964  engage  1212  the forward reinforcing panels  68  as blank  10  is transported  1210  forward. Blank  10  is transported  1214  through first rail sets  964  of forming station  908  using roller  984  that is in contact with bottom panel  22 . End panels  20  and  24  are supported by outer support plates  980 , and bottom panel  22  is supported by center support plates  988 . 
     As blank  10  is transported  1210  into forming station  908 , adhesive is applied  1216  to interior surface  12  of side panels  54  and  60  using first adhesive applicator  996 . By rotating reinforcing panels  68  prior to applying  1216  adhesive and securing inner side walls  84  to a respective side panel  54  or  60  using the adhesive, a fast-setting hot glue may be used to form container  150 . More specifically, the hot glue may not allow movement between an inner side panel  84  and a respective side panel  54  or  60  after inner side panel  84  contacts the hot glue. As such, at least corner panels  90  are positioned at a predetermined angle, such as the first oblique angle, to side panels  54  and/or  60  before inner side panels  84  contact the hot glue. Further, interior surface  12  of inner reinforcing panel  82  is rotated into face-to-face contact with interior surface  12  of outer reinforcing panel  80  before inner side panel  84  contacts interior surface of side panel  54  or  60 . Alternatively, a slower setting, cold glue may be used to secure inner side panels  84  or side panels  54  and/or  60 . The cold glue enables inner side panels  84  to be moved with respect to a respective side panel  54  or  60  after inner side panel  84  contacts the cold glue. 
     First rail sets  964  fold  1218  interior surface  12  of inner reinforcing panels  82  toward interior surface  12  of a respective outer reinforcing panel  80  and folds  1218  exterior surface  14  of inner side panels  84  toward exterior surface  14  of a respective inner reinforcing panel  82 . More specifically, lower rail  1002  contacts interior surface  12  of outer reinforcing panels  80  to retain the angle of outer reinforcing panels  80  with respect to side panels  54  and/or  60 . Upper rail  1000  contacts exterior surface  14  of inner side panels  84 . Upper rail  1000  is contoured to fold interior surface  14  of inner side panel  84  into contact with stop plate  990  and to fold interior surface  12  of inner reinforcing panel  82  into contact with interior surface  12  of outer reinforcing panel  80 . 
     As blank  10  is transported past stop plates  990 , inner side panels  84  are allowed  1220  to rotate toward side panels  54  and/or  60 . As such, inner side panels  84  are adhered to side panels  54  and  60 . As blank  10  is transported from first rail sets  964  into second rail sets  992 , vertical rollers  1044  press inner side panels  84  into contact with adhesive and side panels  54  and/or  60 . Second rail sets  992  form  1222  inner and outer reinforcing panels  80  and  82  into reinforcing end tabs  172  and corner walls  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and  168 . Upper rail  1004  rotates first and second reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  toward reinforcing corner panel  94 . Vertical rollers  1044  contact inner side panels  84  and/or bottom panel  22 , and angled rollers  1042  contact exterior surface  14  of reinforcing corner panel  94  to transport blank  10  through second rail sets  992 . More specifically, angled rollers  1042  retain reinforcing corner panels  94  in position with respect to side panels  54  and/or  60 . Adhesive is applied  1224  to exterior surface  14  of first reinforcing end panels  92  using second adhesive applicator  998 . Partially formed container  928  is formed from blank  10  at front end  1040  of second rail sets  992 . 
     Partially formed container  928  is transferred  1226  to plunger station  932  using pusher arms  1048  to push partially formed container  928  forward. More specifically, horizontal actuator  1052  moves bars  1050  from the rear position to the front position. As partially formed container  928  is transferred  1226 , guide rails  1062  retain  1228  the positions of corner panels  90  and  94  and reinforcing end panels  92  and  96  with respect to side panels  54  and/or  60 . Pusher arms  1048  position  1230  bottom panel  22  over plunger opening  1064 . Plunger  1054  moves  1232  downward from the upper position toward the lower position to contact interior surface  12  of bottom panel  22  using vertical actuator  1070 . Plunger  1054  pushes  1234  bottom panel  22  into and through plunger opening  1064 . 
     End panel plow assemblies  1058  rotate inwardly toward plunger opening  1064  to fold end panels  20  and  24  to be perpendicular to bottom panel  22  as bottom panel  22  is forced downward. More specifically, end panel plows  1084  contact exterior surface  14  of end panels  20  and  24  for rotating end panels  20  and  24  about fold lines  28  and  28 , respectively. Further, glue rollers  1098  and/or glue plates  1096  press  1236  interior surface  14  of end panels  20  and  24  into contact with adhesive on reinforcing end tabs  172  as partially formed container  928  is moved downward. Glue rollers  1098  and glue plates  1096  apply  1236  a force to end panels  20  and/or  24  adjacent to reinforcing end tabs  172  as plunger  1054  forces bottom panel  22  downward and as end panel plow assemblies  1058  rotate inwardly. End panels  20  and  24  are forced into contact with the adhesive on reinforcing end tabs  172  by glue roller  1098 , glue plates  1096 , and plunger  1054 . Side panel plows  1056  fold side panels  54  and  60  and associated reinforcing end tabs  172  and corner walls  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and/or  168  to be perpendicular to bottom panel  22  as bottom panel  22  is forced downward. Interior surface  12  of end panels  20  and  24  and exterior surface  14  of inner side panels  84  are positioned adjacent to plunger plates  1066  and  1068 , respectively. 
     Corner pushers  1060  are actuated  1238  to contact corner walls  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and  168  when bottom panel  22  reaches bottom  1112  of plunger opening  1064 . More specifically, when machine  900  forms a container from blank  200 ,  400 ,  600 , or  800 , corner pushers  1060  move toward each outer reinforcing corner panel  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and  208  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) and apply a force to exterior surface  14  thereof. The applied force secures outer reinforcing corner panels  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and  208  to respective corner panels  92 , which has adhesive applied thereto by second adhesive applicator  998 . In the exemplary embodiment, adhesive is applied to interior surface  12  of at least one outer reinforcing corner panel  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and/or  208  and/or exterior surface  14  of corner panel  90 . Corner pusher  1060  is controlled to rotate interior surface  12  of outer reinforcing corner panel  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and/or  208  toward exterior surface  14  of corner panel  90  and to press outer reinforcing panel  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and/or  208  into contact with corner panel  90  to secure outer reinforcing panel  202 ,  204 ,  206 , and/or  208  to a respective corner panel  90  using the adhesive. 
     Container  150  is then formed  1240  from blank  10 . At any suitable time during forming  1240  of container from blank  10 , a second blank  10  may be pulled  1206  from hopper  940  to form a second container  150 . As such, method  1200  may be performed to continuously form containers  150  using machine  900 . After container  150  is formed  1240 , end panel plow assemblies  1058  and/or corner pushers  1060  secure container  150  within plunger opening  1064 . Plunger  1054  retracts  1242  upwardly out of cavity  170  of container  150  to the upper position, end panel plow assemblies  1058  rotate  1242  outward to the outer position, and/or corner pushers  1060  move  1242  to the outer position. As such, container  150  is released from plunger opening  1064  to fall downward to exit conveyor  922 . Exit conveyor  922  transports  1244  container  150  from plunger opening  1064  and/or forming station  908 . More specifically, exit conveyor  922  extends from ejection station  910  into bottom  1112  of plunger station  932  for receiving container  150  from plunger  1054  and transferring container  150  from forming station  908  to ejection station  910 . When machine  900  forms a container having top panels, the container is ejected from machine  900  without the top panels rotated into position such that the container is configured to have a product placed therein. 
     The above-described blanks and containers provide a reinforcing polygonal container. More specifically, the embodiments described herein provide an octagonal container having reinforced corner walls, side walls, and end walls for storing and/or transporting a product therein. Further, the embodiments described herein provide a polygonal container having a top wall. More specifically, the top wall may be formed from top panels emanating from the side walls of the container or the end walls of the container. The top wall may be a full top wall covering substantially the entire cavity of the container or may be a partial top wall, such as top shoulders, that allows access to the cavity of the container when the top wall is formed. Moreover, the embodiments described herein include an outer reinforcing panel to provide further support to the containers. Embodiments not including the outer reinforcing panel may be preferable when printing is to be applied to the exterior of the container. Additionally, the blanks and containers described herein may include a support wall for additional support of the container when, for example, the containers are stacked. The support wall may also act as a partition or divider for the cavity of the container. 
     The machine described herein facilitates forming containers from the above-described blanks. More specifically, the machine more quickly and easily forms the containers, as compared to a person manually forming the containers from the blanks. As such, the machine facilitates producing many containers in a shorter time period, as compared to manual construction of the containers. Further, the above-described machine facilitates automating the method for forming a container from a blank such that cost and time for producing a container is reduced as compared to manually forming the containers. 
     Exemplary embodiments of a machine for forming a container from a blank are described above in detail. The machine is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the machine may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. For example, the machine may also be used in combination with other types of blanks, and is not limited to practice with only the blanks for forming a polygonal container, as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other container forming applications. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.