Patent Publication Number: US-11383896-B2

Title: Cover for a container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/551,967, filed on Aug. 30, 2017. 
    
    
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/551,967, which was filed on Aug. 30, 2017, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a cover for at least partially overlying a container. In embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a cover that engages a container and has a handle for carrying the container together with the cover. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, a cover for a container comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the cover. The plurality of panels comprises a central panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the central panel, and at least one end panel foldably connected to the central panel. At least one of the at least one side panel and the at least one end panel comprises an opening configured to receive a portion of the container. The opening comprises an engagement edge for engaging the container. A handle is foldably connected to the central panel. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a blank for forming a cover for a container comprise a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of the cover formed from the blank. The plurality of panels comprises a central panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the central panel, and at least one end panel foldably connected to the central panel. At least one of the at least one side panel and the at least one end panel comprises an opening configured to receive a portion of the container. The opening comprises an engagement edge for engaging the container. At least one handle flap is foldably connected to the central panel. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of forming a cover for a container comprises obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels comprises a central panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the central panel, and at least one end panel foldably connected to the central panel, and at least one handle flap foldably connected to the central panel. At least one of the at least one side panel and the at least one end panel comprises an opening that comprises an engagement edge. The method further comprises folding the plurality of panels at least partially around an interior of the cover. The method further comprises engaging the cover with the container. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a package comprises a cover engaged with a container. The cover comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the cover. The plurality of panels comprises a central panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the central panel, and at least one end panel foldably connected to the central panel. At least one of the at least one side panel and the at least one end panel comprises an opening comprising an engagement edge for engaging the container. A handle is foldably connected to the central panel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations. 
       According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a cover according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a cover formed from the blank of  FIG. 1  according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 2  provided with a container. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a package including the cover engaged with the plate of  FIG. 4  according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a first sequential perspective view of the package of  FIG. 5  in use. 
         FIG. 7  is a second sequential perspective view of the package of  FIG. 5  in use. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a cover according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     A carrier or cover according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of numerous different shapes. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” and “back” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected covers or carriers. 
     As described herein, a carrier or cover may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, end flaps, and/or other portions. Such panels, end flaps, and/or other portions may be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  shows a plan view of an exterior side  101  of a blank  103  used to form a carrier or cover  105  ( FIG. 2 ) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the cover  105  is configured to at least partially overlie a container such as a container P positioned beneath the cover  105  such that the cover  105  provides an at least partial enclosure for the container  5 . The container P can have the form of, for example, a plate, a tray, a bowl, a box, a mat, or a cup, or any other construct for holding an article such as a food or beverage item. It will be understood that the container P can store a food or beverage item in an interior thereof and/or can support a food a beverage item on one or more surfaces thereof. The container P can be any suitable shape (e.g., oval, circular, square, rectangular, etc.) without departing from the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the cover  105  is configured to engage, e.g., grip, interengage, and/or interlock, one or more portions of the container P such that the container P can be lifted and/or carried by a user via the cover  105 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , a package  240  can be formed that includes the cover  105  coupled to the container P. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the blank  103  has a longitudinal axis L 1  and a lateral axis L 2 . The illustrated blank  103  includes a top or central panel  125 , a first side panel  127  foldably connected to the central panel  125  at a longitudinal fold line  129 , a first end panel  139  foldably connected to the central panel  125  at a lateral fold line  141 , a second side panel  135  foldably connected to the central panel  125  at a longitudinal fold line  137 , and a second end panel  131  foldably connected to the central panel  125  at a lateral fold line  133 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a first corner flap  143  and a third corner flap  145  are foldably connected to the first side panel  127  at respective oblique fold lines  147 ,  149 , a fourth corner flap  151  and a sixth corner flap  153  are foldably connected to the second end panel  131  at respective oblique fold lines  155 ,  157 , a seventh corner flap  159  and a fifth corner flap  161  are foldably connected to the second side panel  135  at respective oblique fold lines  163 ,  165 , and a second corner flap  167  and an eighth corner flap  169  are foldably connected to the first end panel  139  at respective oblique fold lines  171 ,  173 . As shown, each of the corner flaps  143 ,  145 ,  151 ,  153 ,  159 ,  161 ,  167 ,  169  are obliquely disposed with respect to a respective panel  127 ,  131 ,  135 ,  139 , e.g., each corner flap  143 ,  145 ,  151 ,  153 ,  159 ,  161 ,  167 ,  169  has an outer edge that is oblique relative to an outer edge of a respective panel  127 ,  131 ,  135 ,  139 , such that upon folding of the blank  103  into the cover  105  ( FIG. 2 ), the corner flaps  143 ,  145 ,  151 ,  153 ,  159 ,  161 ,  167 ,  169  form a first corner  175 , a second corner  177 , a third corner  179 , and a fourth corner  181  that each conform to corners and/or curved portions of the container P. 
     As also shown, attachment flaps  183 ,  185  are foldably connected to the respective corner flaps  167 ,  165  at respective oblique fold lines  187 ,  189  and attachment flaps  191 ,  193  are foldably connected to the respective corner flaps  169 ,  153  at respective oblique fold lines  195 ,  197 . Each respective attachment flap  183 ,  185 ,  191 ,  193 , as shown, is spaced apart from a respective adjacent corner flap  167 ,  151 ,  169 ,  153 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , each of the first side panel  127 , the second side panel  135 , the first end panel  139 , and the second end panel  131  each includes a respective first opening  199 , second opening  203 , third opening  205 , and fourth opening  201 , each having a generally elongate configuration with a respective major axis extending in parallel with the respective fold lines  129 ,  137 ,  141 ,  133 . Each opening  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205  includes a respective engagement edge  207 ,  209 ,  211 ,  213  formed along a lower portion thereof, e.g., along an edge closest to the outer edge of the respective panels  127 ,  131 ,  135 ,  139 . As shown, each engagement edge  207 ,  209 ,  211 ,  213  is a frictionally-enhanced surface including one or more surfaces that protrude into the respective openings  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205 . The engagement edges  207 ,  209 ,  211 ,  213  can have the form of a wave rule edge, as shown, comprising a series of pointed or rounded peaks joined by curved portions. In one embodiment, one or more of the engagement edges  207 ,  290 ,  211 ,  213  can have the form of a sawtooth edge or an otherwise textured edge to name a few. As described herein, upon formation of the cover  105  ( FIG. 2 ), each opening  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205  is configured to receive a portion of the container P ( FIG. 5 ) therethrough and engage the container P, e.g., via engagement edges  207 ,  209 ,  211 ,  213 , such that the cover  105  and the container P are interlocked. In one embodiment, each opening  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205  can also include respective enlarged ends  200 ,  202 ,  204 ,  206  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) for receiving portions of the container P therethrough and enhancing the interlocking engagement of the cover  105  and the container P. One or more of the enlarged ends  200 ,  202 ,  204 ,  206  can have a generally circular configuration, or can have a different configuration, such as ovoid, rectangular, or a different polygonal shape, without departing from the disclosure. 
     As shown, the central panel  125  includes handle features  215  for forming a handle  217  ( FIG. 7 ) of the cover  105 . The handle features  215  include a first handle flap  219  and a second handle flap  221  at least partially defined along respective tear lines  223 ,  225  and foldably connected to the central panel  125  at respective lateral fold lines  227 ,  229 . The tear lines  223   225  extend between endpoints of the respective fold lines  227 ,  229 , and can include one or more curved or angled portions. Each handle flap  219 ,  221 , as shown, includes a respective opening  231 ,  235 , for example, for receiving a portion of a user&#39;s hand or a tool or other structure. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , a film  237  (shown in phantom view) can be provided in at least partial face-to-face contact with the central panel  125  such that the film  237  at least partially overlaps the handle features  215  along an interior surface of the blank  103 . In this regard, the film  237  can be adhered to the central panel  125  of the blank  103  with one or more adhesives, such as glue. The film  237  can be comprised of a polymeric material, for example, cellophane or plastic, or another suitable material. As described herein, the film  237  can provide a viewing surface through a portion of the cover  105  and/or can seal the central panel  125  to maintain the freshness of items, e.g., food items, stored in or on the container P below the cover  105  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cover  105  can be formed from the blank  103  by folding the side panels  127 ,  135  and end panels  131 ,  139  downwardly at the respective fold lines  129 ,  133 ,  137 ,  141  in the direction of respective arrows A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4  relative to the central panel  125 . As shown, the central panel  125  forms an uppermost panel of the cover  105 . In one embodiment, the side panels  127 ,  135  and end panels  131 ,  139  could be folded upwardly relative to the central panel  125  such that the central panel  125  forms a lowermost panel of the cover  105  without departing from the disclosure. The attachment flaps  183 ,  185 ,  191 ,  193  can be overlapped, e.g., underlapped, in at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective corner flaps  143 ,  145 ,  159 ,  161  and secured thereto, for example, with an adhesive such as glue, to form the corners  175 ,  177 ,  179 ,  181  of the cover  105 . In such an arrangement, the cover  105  has a generally downwardly concave configuration and defines an interior cavity  239  ( FIG. 6 ) therein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the corners  175 ,  177 ,  179 ,  181  each have a generally oblique arrangement formed by the cooperation, e.g., intersection and/or abutting arrangement, of the respective corner panels  167  and  143 ,  145  and  151 ,  161  and  153 , and  159  and  169 . In particular, the first corner  175  is disposed between the first side panel  127  and the first end panel  139  and comprises the first corner flap  143  cooperating with the second corner flap  167 , the second corner  177  is disposed between the first side panel  127  and the second end panel  131  and comprises the third corner flap  145  cooperating with the fourth corner flap  151 , the third corner  179  is disposed between the second end panel  131  and the second side panel  135  and comprises the fifth corner flap  161  cooperating with the sixth corner flap  153 , and the fourth corner  181  is disposed between the second side panel  135  and the first end panel  139  and comprises the seventh corner flap  159  cooperating with the eighth corner flap  169 . As shown, each respective corner flap  143 ,  145 ,  161 ,  159  is obliquely disposed relative to a respective adjacent corner flap  167 ,  151 ,  153 .  169  such that the corners  175 ,  177 ,  179 ,  181  are conformed to portions of the container P as described above. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , following formation of the cover  105 , the cover  105  can be lowered onto or otherwise disposed on a suitable container, such as the container P, as shown. The container P can be at least partially disposed in the interior cavity  239  ( FIG. 6 ) of the cover  105  such that the openings  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205  are in registration with a rim or flange or edge E of the container P. As shown, the interengagement of the cover  105  and the container P is such that one or more portions of the rim or edge E of the container P is received through a respective opening  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205  and protrudes from the interior cavity  239  outwardly through the respective openings  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205 . The respective engagement edges  207 ,  209 ,  211 ,  214  of the openings  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205  frictionally engage the portions of the rim or edge E received in the openings  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205 . In one embodiment, the cover  105  and the container P can be positioned relative to one another such that one or more of the engagement edges  207 ,  209 ,  211 ,  214  are biased against a portion of the container P that extends thereby. Such engagement of the cover  105  and the container P may be accompanied by one or more physical indicia, for example, a vibratory sensation or audible click. In this regard, the cover  105  is engaged with and secured to the container P, e.g., through interlocking, such that the cover  105  and container P resist disengagement other than through user intervention, as described further herein. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 6 , the handle  217  can be formed by separating the first handle flap  219  and the second handle flap  221  from the central panel  125  along the respective tear lines  223 ,  225  and lifting upwardly and pivoting the handle flaps  221 ,  225  upwardly about the respective fold lines  227 ,  229 . The first handle flap  219  and the second handle flap  221  can be folded upwardly into proximity such that the respective handle openings  231 ,  235  are at least partially aligned for grasping the handle  217  by a user, tool, or other structure. In this regard, the handle  217  is foldably connected to the central panel  125  and can be used to engage and lift both the cover  105  and the container P such that the cover  105  acts to both cover a food item placed in the container and provide a carrying structure for the container P. Accordingly, the cover  105  and the container P can be provided together as a package  240  for covering and carrying one or more articles, for example, food or beverage items, supported on or in the container P. In this regard, a portion of the container P opposite the central panel  125  of the cover  105  forms a bottom of the package  240 . 
     Upon raising of the handle flaps  219 ,  221  as shown, respective windows  241 ,  243  into the interior cavity  239  of the cover  105  are exposed, with the film  237  in at least partial face-to-face relation with a plane defined by the windows  241 ,  243 . The film  237  can be transparent such that the interior cavity  239  and/or one or more portions of the underlying container P and/or articles such as food or beverage items stored therein are visible through the windows  241 ,  243 . The film  237  can also maintain one or more conditions of an environment within the interior cavity  239  and/or the container P, for example, temperature, moisture content, aroma, and/or flavor. For example, the film  237  can provide an at least partial fluid barrier to minimize, inhibit, and/or prevent the passage of fluid such as air and/or vapor through the windows  241 ,  243  in the central panel  125 . The film  237  may also provide a physical barrier to the instrusion of pests such as insects into the interior cavity  239  of the cover  105  and/or to prevent inadvertent passage of materials such as food or beverage items, for example, due to spillage, from the interior cavity  239  of the cover  205  to an exterior of the cover  105  and/or to an external environment. An at least partial seal surrounding the interior cavity  239  and formed by the substantially continuous surfaces of the container P, the panels  127 ,  131 ,  135 ,  139 , and the film  237  can contribute to such maintenance of the environment within the interior cavity  239 . In one embodiment, the cover  105  can be devoid of the film  237 . In another embodiment, the windows  241 ,  243  could be omitted and the handle  217  and central panel  125  could be configured such that the central panel  125  is free from openings or windows when the handle  217  is activated, without departing from the disclosure. 
     When disengagement of the cover  105  from the container P is desired, the portions of the rim or edge E of the container P that protrude through the openings  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205  can be withdrawn into the interior cavity  239  of the cover  105 , for example, through manipulation, e.g., bending, shifting, or flexion, of one or more portions of the container P and/or the panels  127 ,  131 ,  135 ,  139  of the cover  105 . Such disengagement of the cover  105  from the container P can include lifting portions of the container P away from one or more of the engagement portions  207 ,  209 ,  211 ,  214 . In one embodiment, the side panels  127 ,  135  and/or end panels  131 ,  139  can be flexed outwardly to allow the cover  105  to be separated from and lifted away from the container P, for example, to access one or more food or beverage items disposed thereon or therein. 
     In this regard, the cover  105  is provided for a container, such as container P, so that the cover  105  at least partially overlies, e.g., covers, the container and additionally provides a handle or other carrying feature by which both the cover  105  and the container can be lifted and/or carried. Such properties of the cover  105  can obviate the need for container accessories such as a polymeric cover for the container and/or a polymeric bag within which the container P can be carried. Eliminating the need for such accessories allows the cover  105  to be selected from desired materials (e.g., paperboard) so that savings can be achieved with respect to materials from which container accessories are formed, for example, polymeric materials such as plastic. Further, a paperboard cover  105  can be viewed as more environmentally-friendly in that the paperboard used for the cover can be more easily recycled than polymeric materials. However, it will be understood that the aforementioned accessories can be provided with the cover  105 /package  240  without departing from the disclosure. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 8 , a blank for forming a cover according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is generally designated  303 . The blank  303  includes one or more features that are similar to features of the blank  103  ( FIG. 1 ) according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numbers. The blank  303  can include the attachment flaps  183 ,  185 ,  193 ,  191  foldably connected to the respective corner panels  143 ,  145 ,  161 ,  159  at the respective oblique fold lines  187 ,  189 ,  197 ,  195 . As shown, the blank  303  includes openings  399 ,  401 ,  403 ,  405  in the respective panels  131 ,  135 ,  139 ,  137  that are similar to the openings  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205  of the first exemplary embodiment. The openings  399 ,  401 ,  403 ,  405  include the respective engagement edges  207 ,  209 ,  211 ,  213 , but include differently-configured end portions than the openings  199 ,  201 ,  203 ,  205 . For example, the openings  399 ,  401 ,  403 ,  405  can include ends  500 ,  502 ,  404 ,  406  that are curved so as to at least partially taper. One or more of the openings  399 ,  401 ,  403 ,  405  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure, for example, to accommodate a container of a desired size or shape therethrough. The blank  303  can form a cover and a package similar to the cover  105  ( FIG. 2 ) and the package  240  ( FIG. 5 ) of the first exemplary embodiment, and that include the openings  399 ,  401 ,  403 ,  405 . It will be understood that the blank  303  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. 
     In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the cover to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections. 
     As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure. 
     In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line. 
     The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carrier embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place. 
     The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.