Abstract:
A container apparatus is disclosed that can utilize a “buffer zone” between a highly moveable lid and a substantially stationary body. A collection of score lines substantially surrounding a plate can mediate between the mobile lid and stationary body. Flaps and accompanying side score lines can act collectively with the plate to facilitate the opening and closing of the lid. Opening and closing the lid can involve the folding of the various score lines in the buffer to various degrees.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This continuation-in-part utility patent application claims priority to and incorporates by reference the following patent applications in their entirety: (1) the provisional patent application titled “PRODUCT CONTAINER CUP WITH A FOLD-DOWN HINGED LID” (Ser. No. 61/161,112) that was filed on Mar. 18, 2009; (2) the utility patent application titled “CONTAINER APPARATUS WITH A BODY, PLATE, AND LID” (Ser. No. 12/725,061) that was filed on Mar. 16, 2010; (3) the provisional patent application titled “CONTAINER APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME” (Ser. No. 61/416,292) that was filed on Nov. 22, 2010; (4) the continuation-in-part utility patent application titled “CONTAINER APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME” (Ser. No. 13/080,912) that was filed on Apr. 6, 2011; (5) the provisional patent application titled “CONTAINER APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME” (Ser. No. 61/577,084) filed on Dec. 18, 2011; and (6) the provisional patent application titled “CONTAINER APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USING AND MANUFACTURING THE SAME” (Ser. No. 61/664,130) filed on Jun. 25, 2012. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to containers. More specifically, the invention is a container apparatus (the “container”), a method for using containers, and a method of manufacturing containers. 
         [0003]    Examples of containers include cups for hot beverages (such as coffee, hot chocolate, tea, etc.), cups for non-heated beverages (such as milk, juice, water, soda, etc.), containers for food products (such as ice cream, soup, yogurt, solid foods, etc.), and containers for non-food or beverage products (such as office suppliers, medical devices, etc.). 
         [0004]    Containers are an important part of the modern economy. Many products cannot be stored, transported, sold, and/or used without first being secured in some type of container. Some types of products, such as many types of food products and virtually all beverage products, require some type of container for the product to be handled or consumed. In many contexts, the container is an integral part of how users “experience” the contents of the container. For example, in drinking a beverage, a human being often positions the beverage by positioning the cup that contains the beverage. Containers can also contribute to environmental waste after their utility has ended. 
         [0005]    Different types of products require different types of containers and different types of containers can have different purposes. Containers can be used to (1) protect the contained product; (2) protect users in utilizing the product; (3) facilitate the ability of users to experience the product; (4) shape the way users experience a product; (5) impact the ways in which users view the product; and (6) combinations of (1)-(5) above. In the context of a coffee cup, the container serves to prevent the inadvertent disbursement of the coffee and in doing so prevents hot coffee from being spilled on the user. 
         [0006]    In meeting the needs of users, it is important to consider the feedback loops between the contents of the container and the container itself. The attributes of a product will often impact the attributes of the container used to house the product, and vice versa. For example, a container for a beverage product will typically need to be watertight while a container used for storing office supplies need not be watertight or even fully enclosable. Similarly, a container suitable for use in the context of sterilized medical supplies will have different attributes than a container used to store spare change or golf tees. Even relatively similar types of products can involve different types of containers. For example, at a quick service food restaurant, different types of cups are used to hold juice, milk, coffee, and soda because of the different attributes that pertain to those products. Different beverages have different attributes, and those different attributes can merit containers possessing different attributes. 
         [0007]    Consumers have increasing expectations with regards to the usability and convenience of the containers that they interact with. Different containers can also have different anticipated users possessing different skill levels and even different physical capabilities. The proper usage of a container can vary widely depending on whether or not the anticipated user of the container is a consumer. For example, a beverage container used in restaurants will need to be suitable for use by individual consumers, a wide cross section of the population that includes persons with disabilities as well as individuals of below average physical and mental capabilities. In contrast, a container used by locksmiths or mechanics to store their tools can utilize far more complex designs and operating procedures. 
         [0008]    The intended lifespan of a container can be a significant variable in the selection and design of a container. Many containers are disposed of after a single use. For example, a cup of ice cream sold in a grocery store or drug store is intended to be thrown away after the contents are consumed by a consumer. In contrast, a thermos can be emptied and filled over a lifetime of years or even decades. 
         [0009]    Disposable containers can raise substantial environmental issues if the containers, or even just portions of the container, are not biodegradable. Many such containers end up as litter that is both an eyesore and damaging to the environment. For example, the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” (which is also often referred to as the “Pacific Trash Vortex”) is made up of high concentrations of plastics and other debris trapped by the currents of the North Pacific Gyre. Whether or not the size of the Pacific Trash Vortex is currently as large as the state of Texas, there is no disputing the fact that the area is large and that the damage to that area is significant. Moreover, there are four other large places in the world&#39;s oceans where winds trap floating debris. Plastic lids for a paper cups and plastic water bottles exist far longer as waste than they do as useful consumer articles. A consumer typically enjoys a cup of coffee in a sitting lasting between 20 and 30 minutes. That lid can require years, decades, or even centuries to fully decompose. 
         [0010]    Billions of plastic bottles end in U.S. landfills each year. If those bottles are laid end-to-end, there are enough plastic bottles disposed of each year to circle the equator hundreds of times over or to reach the moon and back multiple times. As the population in developed countries grows and as less economically advanced nations grow economically, the environmental impact of disposable containers will only increase. 
         [0011]    Old habits die hard, and it is difficult to change the technical, business, and consumer expectations with regards to disposable containers. The business constraints on the manufacture of disposable containers such as paper cups are quite restrictive. The incremental cost per container must be minimized to the extreme while minimizing waste and satisfying quality requirements. The focus is on shaving costs, not in the making of fundamental design changes. The high volume and low margin aspects of container manufacture are coupled with expensive tooling and other startup costs. Potentially innovative designs are often too expensive to effectively manufacture. In many instances, innovative designs are literally impossible to manufacture on a mass-production basis. The aggregate incentives and constraints on manufacturers is a strong disincentive for product innovation. The underlying economics of such disposable containers coupled with manufacturing limitations affirmatively teach away from innovative container designs. Preconceived notions relating to disposable cups produced with paperboard further serve to stifle innovation by teaching away from potential advances. 
         [0012]    Consumer expectations also impede innovative changes to disposable containers. There are thousands of coffee shops and other retail outlets in the U.S. who collectively sell millions of coffee servings each year with paper or Styrofoam cups that utilize conventional plastics lids. It would be desirable for better containers to be used in conjunction with contained products. However, most purchasing decisions are based primarily on the product, not the container. This basic and simple truth has unfortunate ramifications because consumer demand not only fails to encourage innovation, but can also affirmatively impede substantial innovations in container design. It is no accident that the conventional paper cup has changed very little over the course of recent decades. Consumers are used to the way things are, and in many instances, consumers are oblivious to container-related attributes and their implications. 
         [0013]    The combined impact of design limitations, manufacturing constraints, and the economic reality of razor thin margins serve to lock in the status quo when it comes to the design of disposable containers. Many aspects of the various container configurations described below are counter-intuitive to those in the business of designing and making containers. 
         [0014]    In solving the problem of the plastic lid on disposable containers, a method of manufacture relating to paperboard-related products has been invented. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The invention relates generally to containers. More specifically, the invention is a container apparatus (the “container”), a method for using a container, and a method of manufacturing the container. 
         [0016]    The container can be implemented in a wide variety of different embodiments for use with a wide variety of different contents in a wide variety of different operational contexts. Examples of containers include cups for hot and not-hot beverages (coffee, milk, juice, water, soda, etc.), containers for food products (ice cream, soup, yogurt, solid foods, etc.), and containers for non-food or beverage products (office suppliers, medical devices, etc.). Different embodiments can be adapted to contain different types of products and user experiences. Different embodiments can utilize a wide range of different materials. Some embodiments of the container can be reusable while others are designed to be disposable. Many disposable embodiments of the container will include paperboard as one of the materials. 
         [0017]    The container includes a body and an attached lid. In many embodiments of the container, the body and lid are intended to be permanently attached to each other. In other embodiments, the lid can be configured in such a manner as to be removable. 
         [0018]    Many embodiments of the container are intended to allow for users to open and/or close the container as opposed to merely access the contents of the container while the container is in a closed state. Different embodiments of the container can have different operating states or positions. 
         [0019]    Many embodiments of the container can include a plate located between the body and the lid can be used to facilitate the opening and/or closing of the lid. Some embodiments of the container will have one hinge while other embodiments of the container will have two hinges to facilitate the opening and closing of the lid. 
         [0020]    Despite the design and manufacturing preconceptions in the prior art, the containers described herein can be manufactured through the use of machine tools that are available in the prior art. No significant changes are required “beneath the table” of the various prior art machine tools, with some reconfigurations being made to tools above the table. The techniques that can be used to mass produce the container can be utilized to manufacture other articles, and are particularly useful in the context of manufacturing paperboard-related products. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    It is not possible to visually illustrate all of the different variations of containers and container attributes. The following drawings do however illustrate different examples of various embodiments of the apparatus and various innovative attributes that can be incorporated into containers: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1   a  is a diagram illustrating an example of rear plan view of an open container that includes a plate. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1   b  is a diagram illustrating an example of a rear plan view of an open container that does not include a plate. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1   c  is a diagram illustrating an example of a rear plan view of a rectangular container that includes a plate. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1   d  is a diagram illustrating an example of an exploded view of different surfaces and score lines that can be incorporated into the container. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1   e  is a diagram illustrating an example of an exploded view of a plate, a set of flaps, and various foldable score lines. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2   a  is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevated rear view of a container in a fully closed state. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2   b  is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevated rear perspective view of a container in a fully closed state except for an open tab passageway. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2   c  is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevated rear view of a container in a partially open and partially closed state. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2   d  is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevated rear view of a container in a fully open state. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3   a  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for opening a container. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3   b  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for closing a container. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4   a  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a container. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4   b  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a container. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5   a  is a diagram illustrating an example of a top blank used in the process illustrated by  FIG. 4   a.    
           [0036]      FIG. 5   b  is a diagram illustrating an example of a bottom blank used in the processes illustrated by  FIG. 4   a  and  FIG. 4   b.    
           [0037]      FIG. 5   c  is a diagram illustrating an example of a lid blank used in the process illustrated by  FIG. 4   b.    
           [0038]      FIG. 5   d  is a diagram illustrating an example of a sidewall blank used in the process illustrated by  FIG. 4   b.    
           [0039]      FIG. 6   a  is diagram illustrating an example of a plan view of the bottom portion of container with the internal cavity illustrated with dotted lines. 
           [0040]      FIG. 6   b  is a geometric diagram illustrating an example of a relatively large rim arc with respect to the body hinge. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6   c  is a geometric diagram illustrating an example of a relatively small rim arc with respect to the body hinge. 
           [0042]      FIG. 6   d  is a diagram illustrating an example of a plate that has flaps. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6   e  is a diagram illustrating an example of a plate that has skid locks. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6   f  is a diagram illustrating an example of a plate with a hinge break. 
           [0045]      FIG. 6   g  is a diagram illustrating an example of a top plan view of a lid with chevrons. 
           [0046]      FIG. 6   h  is a diagram illustrating an example of a top plan view of a lid with a lid stiffener score line. 
           [0047]      FIG. 6   i  is a diagram illustrating an example of a top plan view of a lid with a hinge break. 
           [0048]      FIG. 6   j  is a diagram illustrating an example of a top plan view of a lid with flaps but no plate. 
           [0049]      FIG. 6   k  is a diagram illustrating a top view of a plate and flap configuration that forms a substantially continuous circular arc. 
           [0050]      FIG. 7   a  is a geometric diagram illustrating an example of a substantially circular primary score line comprised of a substantially circular inner groove and a substantially circular body hinge. 
           [0051]      FIG. 7   b  is a geometric diagram illustrating an example of a substantially circular primary score line comprised of a substantially circular inner groove and a substantially straight body hinge. 
           [0052]      FIG. 7   c  is a bottom plan view diagram illustrating an example of a container with the primary score line illustrated in  FIG. 7   a.    
           [0053]      FIG. 7   d  is a bottom plan view illustrating an example of a container with the primary score line illustrated in  FIG. 7   b.    
           [0054]      FIG. 7   e  is a diagram illustrating an example of a top plan view of a lid. 
           [0055]      FIG. 7   f  is a diagram illustrating an example of a rear plan view of a body of a container in a cylindrical shape. 
           [0056]      FIG. 7   g  is a diagram illustrating an example of a rear plan view of a body of a container in a substantially elliptical shape. 
           [0057]      FIG. 8   a  is a diagram illustrating an example of a side plan view of a container in a fully open position. 
           [0058]      FIG. 8   b  is a diagram illustrating an example of side plan view of a container being moved from a fully open position. 
           [0059]      FIG. 8   c  is a diagram illustrating an example of a side plan view of a container in a fully closed position 
           [0060]      FIG. 8   d  is a diagram illustrating an example of portion of a body that includes a rim and an inner groove 
           [0061]      FIG. 8   e  is a diagram illustrating an example of an inner groove angle. 
           [0062]      FIG. 8   f  is a diagram illustrating an example of a front plan view of a container in a fully closed position. 
           [0063]      FIG. 8   g  is a diagram illustrating an example of a tab moving from a closed position to an open position. 
           [0064]      FIG. 9   a  is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of how skid locks can facilitate the stacking of containers in a fully closed position. 
           [0065]      FIG. 9   b  is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of stack of containers in fully open positions. 
           [0066]      FIG. 9   c  is a diagram illustrating an example of a side plan view of a stack of containers in fully open positions. 
           [0067]      FIG. 10   a  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a container. 
           [0068]      FIG. 10   b  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a container. 
           [0069]      FIG. 10   c  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a container. 
           [0070]      FIG. 10   d  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a container. 
           [0071]      FIG. 10   e  is a diagram illustrating an example of a bottom portion of a sidewall blank being wrapped around a bottom. 
           [0072]      FIG. 10   f  is a diagram illustrating an example of curled bottom blank skirt. 
           [0073]      FIG. 10   g  is a diagram illustrating an example of a finished, knurled, and squared bottom. 
           [0074]      FIG. 10   h  is a diagram illustrating an example of a machine tool that can be used to perform many of the processes identified in  FIG. 10   d.    
           [0075]      FIG. 11   a  is diagram illustrating an example of a sidewall blank that includes two groupings of dimples. 
           [0076]      FIG. 11   b  is a diagram illustrating an example of a container with a body wall substantially covered in dimples. 
           [0077]      FIG. 11   c  is cross section diagram of a body wall with dimples protruding outward from the container. 
           [0078]      FIG. 11   d  is a cross section diagram of a body wall with dimples protruding inward towards the cavity of the container. 
           [0079]      FIG. 11   e  is a cross section diagram of a body wall with dimples protruding both inwards towards the cavity of the container and outward towards the external environment of the container. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0080]    The invention relates generally to containers. More specifically, the invention is a container apparatus (the “container”), a method for using containers, and a method for manufacturing containers. 
       I. OVERVIEW OF DIFFERENT CONTAINER EMBODIMENTS 
       [0081]      FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c  illustrate examples of back plan views of different containers  20 . In  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c  a lid  28  is shown as attached to a body  22  of the container  20  even while the container  20  is in a fully open operating state. 
         [0082]    The container  20  can be implemented in a wide variety of different shapes and operating configurations. Different embodiments of the container  20  can involve a wide variety of different components comprised of a wide variety of different materials. Different embodiments of the container  20  are suited for different types of contents. 
       A. Non-Aseptic Cup 
       [0083]      FIG. 1   a  is a diagram illustrating an example of rear plan view of an open container  20  that includes a plate  24 . The container  20  in  FIG. 1   a  is intended for use as a non-aseptic container for beverages such as coffee, water, soda, and other similar beverages. The container  20  includes a body  22 , a lid  28 , and a plate  24  between the lid  28  and the body  22 . The plate  24 , along with the body hinge  56  and plate hinge  26  serve to facilitate the transition of the container  20  from a fully open operating state to a fully closed operating state. A non-aseptic cup container  20  can be implemented in both disposable and non-disposable embodiments. A disposable embodiment of the container  20  in  FIG. 1   a  can be comprised primarily of paperboard. Score lines, cuts, rolls, and other attributes can be implemented into the container  20 . Adhesives and coatings of non-paperboard materials can also be used to reinforce the structure of the container  20 . In many embodiments, such materials are applied exclusively to the exterior surfaces of the container  20  so that the beverage in the container  20  does not come into contact with those materials. As illustrated in  FIG. 1   a , the container  20  also includes two flaps  54 , one on each side of the plate  24 . Non-aseptic embodiments of the container  20  that are curved or are even substantially cylindrical in shape (such as a cup) may benefit from having curved side score lines  55  between the plate  24  and flaps  54 , and a curved body hinge  56 . 
         [0084]    The non-aseptic container  20  illustrated in  FIG. 1   a  can be implemented in both disposable and non-disposable embodiments. Whether or not a particular embodiment is disposable will be primarily impacted by the material composition of the container  20 . Different embodiments of the container  20  can include many elements not illustrated in  FIG. 1   a  that are discussed below and illustrated in subsequent figures. 
       B. Aseptic Cup 
       [0085]      FIG. 1   b  is a diagram illustrating an example of a rear plan view of an open container  20  that does not include a plate  24 . 
         [0086]    The container  20  can be implemented to function as an aseptic container  20  for beverage products. Common examples of beverages requiring aseptic containers  20  are milk and juice. Many disposable aseptic containers in the prior art as well as the aseptic container  20  of  FIG. 1   b  are configured to be filled before it is aseptically sealed. Thus, the container  20  of  FIG. 1   b  is not necessarily intended to be opened and closed repeatedly as the container  20  of  FIG. 1   a  is configured to function. As a result, the container  20  of  FIG. 1   b  need not include a plate  24  or a plate hinge  26 . The other noticeable difference between  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 1   b  is that  FIG. 1   b  discloses a flange  59  to aseptically seal the contents of the container  20 . In some embodiments, the flange  59  will include score lines that bisect the edge of the flange. In other embodiments, there the flange  59  can include differently oriented score lines or no score lines whatsoever. The functionality of the flange  59  can be assisted by incrementally reducing the amount of material in the flange  59  as edge of the flange is approached. 
         [0087]    Although not visible from the drawings, the aseptic container  20  of  FIG. 1   b  will typically require different materials than the non-aseptic container  20  of  FIG. 1   a . Aseptic containers  20  will be comprised of combinations of paperboard, aluminum foil, metalized film, ethylene acrylic acid, low-density polyethylene, nylon, polystyrene, polyvinylidine chloride, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and/or other suitable materials. The method of manufacturing an aseptic container  20  will also differ from the method used to manufacture a non-aseptic container  20 . Aseptic containers  20  involve sterilization steps as various points in the process. 
         [0088]    The container  20  illustrated in  FIG. 1   b  is intended primarily for disposable use. However, depending on the materials use, the container  20  can be implemented to support reusable use. Such embodiments will need to use a sealing mechanism different than the flange  59  illustrated in  FIG. 1   b . Different embodiments of the container  20  can include many elements not illustrated in  FIG. 1   b  that are discussed below and illustrated in subsequent figures. 
       C. Other Container Embodiments 
       [0089]      FIG. 1   c  is a diagram illustrating an example of a rear plan view of a rectangular container  20  that includes a plate  24 . 
         [0090]    The container  20  is not limited to beverage products or even to products which are intended to be ingested or imbibed by human beings or other forms of living beings. Different embodiments of the container  20  can involve vastly different shapes, sizes, and materials. As illustrated in  FIG. 1   c , such containers  20  can have lid  28  attached to a plate  24  that is attached to a body  22 . The parameters of the plate  24  are outlined by the body hinge  56  and the plate hinge  26 . 
         [0091]    Different containers  20  can involve different methods of use and be manufacturing using different manufacturing processes. 
       II. CONTAINER ATTRIBUTES 
       [0092]    A container  20  can be defined with respect to a variety of different attributes. Some of those attributes are discussed below. 
       A. Contents 
       [0093]    Different embodiments of the container  20  can be used for the storage, transportation, and/or use of a wide variety of different products. A container  20  can be used to store a wide range of different food products and beverages, paper money and coins, office supplies, electronics components, tools, chemical products, cleaning detergents, fabric softeners, animals, and virtually anything else for the purposes of containment, storage, and/or transportation. Virtually any type or combination of solid, liquid, or even in certain circumstances, gas product can benefit from the use of a container  20 . Some types of contents must be removed from a container to be accessible to the user of the contained item while in other instances such as with many liquid products, the container  20  is the means by which a user controls the contents of the container  20 . 
         [0094]    The configuration of a particular container  20  will depend on the intended contents of that container  20 . For example, some embodiments of the container  20  can be configured for the purposes of storing beverages, food products, medicinal products, or other items intended to be ingested by a human being or other living being. A container  20  for ingested items will have different operating requirements than a container  20  for non-ingested items. Some containers  20  may need to store hot liquids such as coffee while other embodiments may need to store cold solids such as ice cream as well as cold liquids such as melted ice cream. In some instances, the contents of a container  20  must be kept dry while in other embodiments the contents of the container  20  are damp or even inherently wet. 
       B. Shape 
       [0095]    Different embodiments of the container  20  can have widely different shapes. A variety of different factors can individually or in combination with other factors impact the shape of the container  20 . Examples of potential factors can include but are not limited to the contents of the container  20 , ease of use, material composition of the container  20 , operating requirements of the container  20 , cost concerns, user expectations, durability requirements, transportation issues (including the ability to be effectively stacked), durability, and manufacturing constraints. 
         [0096]    For example, in the context of a cup, the container  20  is likely to be cylindrical in shape or at least substantially cylindrical in shape as is illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b . This is due primarily to user expectations and ease of use. In other contents, a rectangular box shape as illustrated in  FIG. 1   c  is the most desirable shape. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , many embodiments of cup containers  20  will be substantially cylindrical in shape rather than cylindrical in shape because the bottom portion of the container  20  will be slightly smaller than the upper portions of the container  20 . This is to facilitate the ability to stack such containers  20  while they are in open and unfilled states. 
         [0097]    As discussed below, the shape of the container  20  can also be impacted by the operating state of the container  20 . For example, many embodiments of the container  20  will have a circular or substantially circular horizontal cross-sectional shape when the container  20  is an a fully open position, i.e. when the lid  28  is fully upright as illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c . The shape of such a container  20  when in a closed or partially closed state can become less circular and more elliptical in shape. The change in shape results from the motion of the lid  28 , the plate  24 , and portions of the body  22  in the opening and closing of the container  20 . The doubled hinged architecture (see elements  26  and  56 ) of a container  20  is complicated by the curved shape of the container  20 . Most examples of hinges in the prior art involve straight hinges. 
         [0098]    In many embodiments, the shape of the container  20  and the shape of the internal cavity  46  of the container  20  will mirror each other. For example, in the context of a coffee cup, the internal cavity  46  will often be substantially cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, the geometry of one or more cavities  46  within the container  20  can have a substantially different geometric shape than the container  20 . 
       C. Lifespan 
       [0099]    The container  20  can be implemented in ways that are consistent with ongoing non-disposable use, but many embodiments of the container  20  will be configured for disposable embodiments. The desired lifespan of a container  20  can also be influenced by the intended lifespan of the contents of the container  20  and the typical context of when a container  20  is loaded with its contents. For example, the cup in  FIG. 1   a  is intended for use in an environment where the cup is filled by the user of the cup (or a service provider serving the user). This is the typical context for soft drinks, coffee, tea, and other drinks. By contrast, the cup in  FIG. 1   b  is an aseptic container  20  that is filled and sealed prior to being distributed for consumption by users. 
         [0100]    The innovative aspects of the container  20  may be most beneficial in the context of disposable containers  20  because disposable containers  20  raise the most significant environmental concerns due to the sheer number of such containers  20 . For example, the number of disposable cups used and discarded each day is truly staggering. The high volume of such containers  20  coupled with the disposable nature of disposable containers also serves to make them extremely cost sensitive components in an efficient supply chain. 
       D. Material Composition 
       [0101]    Different embodiments of the container  20  can be comprised of a wide variety of different materials. The container  20  was originally designed for use in the context of paper or paperboard disposable cups. However, different materials can be used For example, in the context of a container  20  serving as a cup the cup could be comprised of paper, paperboard, stainless steel, metal, ceramics, plastics, or other types of materials. Different types of coatings such as polymer coatings, high barrier polymer coatings (including but not limited to high carrier silver coatings), polyethylene coatings (including but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate coatings), biopolymer coatings (including but not limited to polylactide polymers), biodegradable polyester, and other types of coatings can be used with respect to the container  20 . Any of the materials discussed above with respect to aseptic containers  20  can also be used to reinforce the structure of a container  20  that is not aseptically sealed. 
         [0102]    In many disposable embodiments of the container  20 , the container  20  will be primarily comprised of paperboard or some similar material, but particular portions of the container  20  may be reinforced with one or more coatings. 
         [0103]    Different material compositions for containers  20  can influence the different ways in which the different aspects of the containers  20  are shaped. For example, embossing (raising the material), debossing (recessing the material), stamping, folding, and cutting can be used to machine a container  20  comprised of paper, paperboard, or other materials. Such structural attributes can be critical to the functionality of the container  20 , but such attributes can also be very much constrained by the manufacturing constraints involved in implementing certain design features. 
         [0104]    Many disposable containers in the prior art involve plastic lids. Such lids are not typically biodegradable and they require significant quantities of oil for their production. Such lids are used once, often for mere hours or even minutes, and then spend decades in landfills or as floating debris in the ocean. The container  20  can be implemented in such a way as to be just as reliable as prior art containers, while being less expensive and less environmentally damaging at the same time. 
         [0105]    The material composition and attributes of the container  20  can also be impacted by requirements relating to thermal insulation 
       E. Thermal Insulation 
       [0106]    Different containers  20  may involve vastly different operating parameters relating to temperature. Coffee and soup are served hot, while ice cream and frozen yogurt are served cold. The temperature of the contents within the container  20  can impact the lifespan of the container  20  as well as the ability of the container  20  to satisfy the needs its users. 
         [0107]    Some embodiments of the container  20  will include dimples  31  or even dimple groups  33  to insulate the user of the container  20  from the temperature of the contents of the container  20 . Dimples  31  can extrude outwards toward the external environment of the container, inward towards the cavity  46  of the container, or in both directions. 
         [0108]    Dimples  31  and dimple groups  33  serve can serve as a built in “sleeve” for coffee drinkers who would otherwise require an additional separate sleeve in order to enjoy their beverage. Sleeves could also me manufactured to include such dimples  31  and dimple groups  33 . 
         [0109]    The heat-flow attributes of a container  20  can also be impacted through the use of multiple-wall  42  configurations, the ventilation of the container  20 , and the material composition of the container  20 . 
       F. Ventilation 
       [0110]    Different containers can have different air flow requirements. The same container  20  may have different requirements in different contexts. For example, while an aseptic container  20  containing juice or milk is closed and sealed, it should be essentially air tight for sanitation reasons. However, in the drinking a beverage from a container  20 , there are ventilation and pressurization requirements to allow the beverage to flow out of the container  20  consistent with user expectations. 
         [0111]    In the context of non-aseptic containers  20 , desirable horizontal venting can be achieved through ventilation gaps  29 . Some embodiments will use a cover  27  shaped in such a manner to allow a beverage product to be ventilated immediately prior to being imbibed by the user, preventing the user from being injured by a drink that is too hot to safely consume. 
         [0112]    A rim  34  with a serrated edge can also enhance the ventilation of the container  20  and its contents. 
       G. Flexibility/Rigidity 
       [0113]    The attributes of flexibility and structural rigidity are important in the context of a paperboard container  20  in which a lid  28  is integral to the body  22  of the container  20 . In moving the lid  28  between an open and closed operating state, certain portions of the container  20  will need to be flexible to permit repeated movement between the various operating states. Simultaneously, other aspects of the container  20  will need to be sufficiently rigid to sustain the structural integrity of the container  20  while certain portions of the container  20  are being flexible. 
         [0114]    The attributes of flexibility and rigidity are discussed in greater detail below with regards to operation states of the container  20 . 
       H. Components and Component Configurations 
       [0115]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1   d , many elements of the container  20  can be described in terms of being a surface  75  or being a score line  70 . The core surfaces  75  of the container  20  can include a body  22 , a lid  28 , and a plate  24  that serves as an interface between the body  22  and the lid  28 . Many of the boundaries between these different surfaces  75  are marked by score lines  75 . 
         [0116]    In many embodiments of the container  20 , all or substantially all of the components of the container  20  are integral with the container  20  and are not designed to be removable from the container  20 . What distinguishes the boundaries of different components or surfaces  75  in such embodiments can include: geometric shapes and dimensions; relative positions within the container  20 ; function; relative movement capabilities; and embosses, debosses, score lines, and other types of folds, grooves, cuts, serrations, etc, (collectively “score lines”). 
         [0117]    Score lines  70  can be divided into two categories. A foldable score line  71  is a score line that bends or folds to facilitate the movement of the lid  28 . In contrast, a non-foldable score lines  72  is a score line that reinforces the structural integrity of a particular surface. As illustrated in  FIG. 1   d , a plate hinge  26  acts as a hinge between the lid  28  and the plate  24  and a body hinge  56  acts as a hinge between the plate  24  and the body  22 . The container  20  utilizes a double-hinged architecture with two foldable score lines  71  serving as two hinges that surround the plate  24 .  FIG. 1   e  adds two side flaps  54  to that configuration, with a side score line  55  connecting each flap  54  to the plate  24  and a flap bottom score line  57  connecting each flap  54  to the body  22  of the container  22 . The body hinge  56 , plate hinge  26 , side score line  55 , and flap bottom score line  57  are each examples of foldable score lines  71  because they are intended to be bent or folded to facilitate the opening and closing of the lid  28 . Examples of non-foldable score lines  72  are discussed below, such as a vertical crease  25 , a support score line  38 , a tab base score line  48 , a cover score line  60 , and a stiffener score line  63 , 
         [0118]    The container  20  can be implemented in a wide variety of different component configurations. The container  20  includes a body  22 , a lid  28 , and a body hinge  56 . All other components of the container  20  are optional, depending on the particular embodiment. 
         [0119]    In many embodiments of the container, the body  22  and the lid  22  are intended to be permanently integral with each other. In other embodiments, the user  20  may have the option of either temporarily or permanently removing the lid  22 . 
         [0120]    Many embodiments of the container  20  (see  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   c ) will also include a plate  24  that serves as an interface between the lid  28  and the body  22 . Many of embodiments of the container  20  (see  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b ) will include flaps  54  located near the base of the lid  28  that assist the user to seal the lid  28  in a closed position. Embodiments of the container  20  that are configured to be filled and sealed prior to being provided to users (such as aseptic containers  20  containing products such as juices) can include a flange  59  that is used to seal the container. 
         [0121]    Although not illustrated in any of the Figures, a container  20  not designed to be filled by users can include both a plate  24  and a flange  59 . 
       I. Operating States 
       [0122]    Containers  20  serve to selectively contain and selectively make accessible the contents of the container  20 . Different containers  20  will have different operating states, different openings being capable of open or closed, and different components that will involved in transitioning from one operating state to another. 
         [0123]    The container  20  has a lid  28  for opening and closing the container  20 . Thus, each container  20  will have at least two or more operating states. The plate  24 , flaps  54 , tab(s)  30 , passageway(s)  32 , and potentially other components can individually possess operating states that transition from open to closed or closed to open as the container  20  as a whole transitions from an operating state of a fully opened state to a fully closed state, and vice versa. 
         [0124]      FIG. 2   a  is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevated rear view of a container  20  in a fully closed state. The lid  28  is secured within an inner groove  52  in the body  22 , the opening  32  is blocked by the tab  30 , and the plate  24  and flaps  54  are in fully closed positions. 
         [0125]      FIG. 2   b  is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevated rear perspective view of a container  20  in a fully closed state except for an open tab passageway  32 . As discussed below, the passageway  32  (which can also be referred to as an opening  32 ) allows a user to access the contents of the container  22  while the lid  28  is still in a sealed position. In the context of a cup, the passageway  32  can be used to insert a straw, or the user can cause the contents to pour out the passageway  32 . In many embodiments, a horizontal cross section of the body  22  in  FIG. 2   b  is substantially more elliptical in shape than the illustrating in  FIG. 2   c.    
         [0126]      FIG. 2   c  is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevated rear view of a container  20  in a partially open and partially closed state. The lid  28  is no longer secured within the inner groove  52 , and the flaps  54  and plate  24  are neither substantially parallel with a bottom surface  40  of the container  20  nor substantially straight up as when in a fully opened operating state. In many embodiments, a horizontal cross section of the body  22  in  FIG. 2   c  is substantially more elliptical in shape than the illustrating in  FIG. 2   d.    
         [0127]      FIG. 2   d  is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevated rear view of a container  20  in a fully open state, such as the containers in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c . In many embodiments, a horizontal cross section of the body  22  in  FIG. 2   d  is substantially circular in shape or at least substantially more circular in shape in comparison to the container in  FIG. 2   b  or even  FIG. 2   c.    
         [0128]    Operating states are discussed in greater detail below. Different examples of operating states are illustrated in the changes from  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d .  FIGS. 8   a - 8   c  discloses similar states from a different view.  FIGS. 8   a - 8   c  are discussed below. 
       J. Using the Container 
       [0129]    Different embodiments of the container  20  can involve a variety of different methods for opening and closing the container  20 . Moreover, as identified above and illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a  through  2   d , the container  20  can possess more than two operating states. Different components within the container  20  are capable of having opened, closed, or partially opened/partially closed individual operating states. 
         [0130]    There are a variety of different ways to open and close the container  20 . Different users may behave differently. For example, some users may tend to press down on the lid  28  to close the container  20  while other users may tend to press down on the plate  24 . Similar variations may be practiced in terms of opening the container  20 . 
         [0131]    1. Opening the Container 
         [0132]      FIG. 3   a  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for opening a container  20 . At  200 , the edge  51  of the lid  28  is dislodged from the inner groove  52  of the body  22 . The process at  200  is analogous to the differences between  FIG. 2   b  and  FIG. 2   c  discussed above. At  200 , the process unseals the container  20  and permits the various components to move as they are configured to move. 
         [0133]    At  202 , the plate  24  and flaps  54  flex. The process at  202  is illustrated by the differences between  FIGS. 2   b  and  2   d.    
         [0134]    At  204 , the lid  28  is lifted into a straight up position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  1   c , and  2   d.    
         [0135]    The loading or filling to the container  20  could occur while in potentially any of the states identified above. 
         [0136]    The closing/sealing process ends after the closing of the opening  32 . 
         [0137]    2. Closing the Container 
         [0138]      FIG. 3   b  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for closing a container  20 . The process of  FIG. 3   b  can be characterized as the process of  FIG. 3   a , except in reverse. 
         [0139]    At  206 , the plate  24  and flaps  54  are flexed while the lid  28  remains substantially upright. 
         [0140]    At  208 , the lid  28  is pressed downward. 
         [0141]    At  210 , the edge  51  of the lid  28  is secured within the inner groove  52  of the body  22 . 
         [0142]    Different users may close the container  20  applying pressure in different ways. For example, users could press down on the lid  28  or the plate  24  to initiate the closing process. 
       K. Manufacturing the Container 
       [0143]    Different embodiments of the container  20  can utilize different manufacturing processes and different combinations of tooling. In some instances, a single design of a container  20  can be manufactured in a variety of different ways. With respect to embodiments of the container  20  comprised exclusively or primarily with some type of paper or paperboard, the process of manufacturing the container  20  involves creating blanks, flat two dimensional cutouts that are subsequently shaped and treated to ultimately form the container  20 . Certain score lines, coatings, and other processing may be performed on a blank, while other processing can be performed after one or more blanks have been combined and shaped. 
         [0144]    1. Two Blank Configuration 
         [0145]      FIG. 4   a  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a container  20  from two blanks.  FIG. 5   a  is a diagram illustrating an example a top blank  100  and  FIG. 5   b  is a diagram illustrating an example of bottom blank  102 . 
         [0146]    Returning to  FIG. 4   a , at  212 , a bottom blank  100  and a top blank  102  are created. 
         [0147]    At  214 , the bottom blank  100  is fused together with the top blank  102  as the container  20  is shaped into a cup. 
         [0148]    The manufacturing process is described in greater detail below. In many embodiments, all score lines except for the inner groove  52  and body hinge  56  are implemented prior to the securing of the top blank  102  to the bottom blank  100 . In other embodiments, all score lines can be added as part of the blank preparation process that occurs prior to combining the blanks. 
         [0149]    There are advantages to machining the body hinge  56  and inner groove  52  after the blanks have been fused together and shaped. By doing so on the shaped and fused shell, the body hinge  56  can be implemented in the shape of a substantially curved arc rather than a straight line segment. A contrast of  FIG. 7   a  with  FIG. 7   b  illustrates this difference. 
         [0150]    In  FIG. 7   a , the curved body hinge  56  coupled with the inner groove  52  together form a single score line  61  that encircles all or substantially all of a horizontal cross section of the body  22 . In  FIG. 7   b , the body hinge  56  is straight, impacting the overall shape of the score line  61 . 
         [0151]    It is counterintuitive that use of a circular tool to create a circular score line (the combination loop  61  formed by the body hinge  56  and inner groove  52 ) is desirable, but such a process can be desirable and it can lead to superior results. 
         [0152]    As discussed in greater detail below, a substantially circular combination loop  61  as illustrated in  FIG. 7   a  (in contrast to the ends of a substantially circular inner groove  52  mating with the ends of a substantially straight body hinge  56  as illustrated in  FIG. 7   b ) make the container  20  more circular in shape when the container  20  is in a fully opened state. This has useful features in terms of stackability and durability. However, the fact that such an implementation involves a circular or substantially circular body hinge  56  is a result that is not taught in the prior art, and is counterintuitive to those of ordinary or even superior skill in the applicable art. 
         [0153]    By having the inner groove  52  and body hinge  56  machined as a singular circular loop, the flexural strength and crush resistance of the container  20  is enhanced as a result of the top to bottom compression strength. Various processing can be used to enhance the combination loop  61  and further strengthen the overall structure of the container  20 . 
         [0154]    2. Three Blank Configuration 
         [0155]    Although the container  20  can be manufactured using a two blank configuration as described above, there are advantages to using a three blank configuration in which the loop  61  is machined into the container  20  after a lid blank  104  and a sidewall blank  106  are fused together, and then shaped around the bottom blank  100 . 
         [0156]    As described above, the three blank configuration of  FIG. 4   b  can also involve machining the primary score line  61  comprising the body hinge  56  and the primary groove  52  after the container  20  has been shaped into a substantially cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, all score lines can be machined into the blanks prior to the process of fusing them together. 
         [0157]      FIG. 5   c  is a diagram illustrating an example of a lid blank  104  used in the process illustrated by  FIG. 4   b .  FIG. 5   d  is a diagram illustrating an example of a sidewall blank  106  used in the process illustrated by  FIG. 4   b . Different embodiments of the container  20  can involve different component configurations with many of those differences manifesting themselves in the blanks used to make the containers  20 . For example,  FIG. 5   c  discloses vertical creases  25  to reinforce the lid  28  of the container  20 . A reinforcement member  23  is used to connect the lid blank  104  with the plate  24  of the sidewall blank  106 , strengthening the container  20  as the container  20  is transitioned between open, semi-open/semi-closed, and closed operating states.  FIG. 5   c  also illustrates a cover  27  that is different than a tab  30 . Other features that may be highly desirable are the curved side flaps  55  and a flap angle  97  of between about 35 degrees and about 70 degrees. 
         [0158]    There are several advantages to the 3 blank manufacturing process of  FIG. 4   b  over the 2 blank manufacturing process of  FIG. 4   a . The process disclosed in  FIG. 4   b  can prevent lid staining and wicking. The lid  28  can be better protected against humidity. Costs and waste is reduced by reducing the amount of scrap paper board that results because a three blank configuration requires fewer sheets of paperboard than a two blank configuration. 
         [0159]      FIG. 4   b  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a container  20  utilizing 3 blanks. 
         [0160]    At  216  a sidewall blank  106  and a lid blank  104  are prepared. 
         [0161]    At  218 , the sidewall blank  106  and the lid blank  104  are fused together into a fused blank. 
         [0162]    At  220 , a bottom blank  100  is prepared. 
         [0163]    At  222 , the fused blank is shaped into a shell around the bottom blank  100 . 
         [0164]    At  224 , the bottom blank  100  is secured within the bottom portion of the shaped shell. 
         [0165]    The process of machining the score line  61  that comprises the body hinge  56  and the inner groove  52  can be implemented at potentially any time after the lid blank  104  and the sidewall blank  106  are combined and shaped into the shape of the container  20 . The shaping of the fused blank typically happens in conjunction with insertion of the bottom blank  100 . 
         [0166]    The manufacturing process is described in greater detail below, The container  20  of  FIG. 2A  can be manufactured on a mass production and cost effective basis using substantially unmodified prior art machine tools. Utilizing the infrastructure provided below the table of such tools, the desired modifications can be made to functionality provided above the table. The ability to utilize prior art tools is a significant advantage in terms of market penetration and the costs associated with the production of containers  20 . 
       L. Ancillary/Supplemental Functionality 
       [0167]    Although containers  20  are used primarily with respect to the contents-related (i.e. product-related) functionality, containers  20  can be implemented in ways to serve additional functions. 
         [0168]    Containers  20  can provide an excellent opportunity for businesses and other organizations to facilitate communications. In many instances, the container  20  can include text, graphics, and other indicia to communicate brand identity, product information, marketing information, or public service announcements. As miniature electronic components become increasingly easy and inexpensive to incorporate into containers, some containers  20  can be configured to provide audio communications using technology similar to that used to play music when someone opens a greeting card. A container  20  can also be configured to use powered electronics to flash lights or otherwise generate visual indicia. For example, a coffee cup  20  container could be configured to play a song, flash a light, and/or generate some other response upon the opening or closing of the lid. Containers  20  can also utilize connectivity and communication technologies such as RFID technology to track the movement and usage of the container  20 . 
         [0169]    Such configurations may involve specific compartments within the container  20  for hosting the ancillary/supplemental component. In some embodiments, a multiple body wall structure could include a cap within the wall to contain the particular component. In other embodiment, a specific compartment is shaped in the applicable location within the container  20  for use of the ancillary/supplemental component. 
       M. Prior Art Constraints 
       [0170]    The prior art appears to affirmatively teach away from the innovative attributes of the container  20 . Many applications of container technology exhibit relatively few changes in recent years. For example, the common disposable cups of  2011  are not all that different from the disposable cups that were manufactured in  2001 ,  1991 ,  1981 , or even earlier. There are significant reasons for the lack of innovation in many areas of container design such as disposable cups. Disposable cups are extremely high volume commodities that are subject to significant cost constraints and relatively high functional reliability requirements. When cost constraints and reliability requirements are coupled with intrinsic manufacturing limitations, it is easy to see why the conventional disposable cup has not changed much over the years. For example, to the extent that some individuals may have sought to design a paper cup with an attached lid not comprised of plastic, such designs were at best too expensive to manufacture or insufficiently reliable for consumer use. At worst, such approaches could actually be impossible to mass produce effectively. 
         [0171]    The unfortunate interactions of economic, reliability, and manufacturing constraints have in many respects hampered innovation in disposable container technology. For example, the curved hinge  56  illustrated in  FIGS. 2   d ,  6   b ,  6   c ,  7   a ,  7   d , and  9   b  is believed to be actively taught away from by the prior art. Similarly, attributes such as the horizontal venting through ventilation gaps  29 , a debossed cover  27 , curved side score lines  55 , the use of a plate  24 , the use of a plate  24  in conjunction with flaps  54  and/or a reinforcement member  23  appear to run counter to the teachings of the prior art. 
         [0172]    The prior art approach to many structural and insulation issues is to add thickness to the container  20 , an approach which is directly contrary to the flexibility required to mass produce a container  20  with an integral lid  28  made of a paperboard or similar material. 
         [0173]    The prior art teaches away from the container  20  in part because of cost constraints, functionality requirements, manufacturing constraints, etc. have collectively left those of ordinary skill in the prior art into an intellectual dead end with respect to the design of containers, particularly in the context of disposable containers. 
       N. Alternative Embodiments 
       [0174]    In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles and modes of operation of the container have been explained and illustrated in a variety of embodiments and configurations. However, it must be understood that this inventive container  20  may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. 
         [0175]    Similarly the methods of using containers and the methods of manufacturing containers should also be interpreted broadly. 
       III. INTRODUCTION OF ELEMENTS 
       [0176]      FIG. 2   a  is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevated rear view of a container  20  in a fully closed state. 
         [0177]    The container  20  illustrated in  FIG. 2   a  is a cup that can be machined from and/or into a single piece of paper, paperboard, or similar material. Different ways to manufacture the container  20  are described in detail below. 
         [0178]    Different embodiments of the container  20  can involve different types of products, different material compositions, and different manufacturing processes. Each embodiment of the container  20  will include a container body (the “body”)  22  and a lid  28 . Some containers  20  can include more than one body  22  and/or more than one lid  28 . The body  22  and lid  28  can be implemented in a wide variety of different shapes and sizes using different materials and coatings. The container  20  will also include a body hinge  56 . All other components in the various Figures are optional and need not be included in all embodiments of the container  20 . 
         [0179]    Most embodiments of the container  20  will include a plate  24  that is connected to both the lid  28  and to the body  22 , with one end of the plate  24  being connected to the lid  28  and the other end of the plate being connected to the body  22 . Embodiments that include a plate  24  will typically include a plate hinge  26  and flaps  54 , although the presence of flaps  54  does not necessitate the presence of the plate  24 . 
         [0180]    In some embodiments, the lid  28  and even the plate  24  can be configured to be removable from the container  20 , such as through perforated edges to a paperboard or other material that can be removed by hand. In other embodiments, the body  22 , lid  28 , and plate  24  are integral to each other and are not configured to be intentionally separable from each other. 
       A. Body 
       [0181]    The body  22  of the container  20  typically constitutes the majority of the surface area of the container  22 . The body  22  of the container  20  also typically defines the shape, size, and contours of the container  20 . For example, in  FIG. 2   d , the container  20  is a cup that is substantially cylindrical in shape. The shape of the container  20  in  FIG. 2   d  is the result of a substantially cylindrical body  22 . The body  22  of the container  20  may include various score lines for the purposes of reinforcing the structural strength and integrity of the container  20  as well as functions such as sealing the lid  28  in a closed position. As discussed both above and below, the shape of the container  20  can be significantly less cylindrical when the container  20  is a fully closed position. Various figures can be contrasted to visualize this attributes. For example, the containers  20  a stack of containers  20  illustrated in  FIG. 9   b  are in a fully open state and thus substantially cylindrical in shape (which facilitates better stacking capabilities) while the overall shape of the containers  20  stacked in  FIG. 9   a  are substantially more elliptical in shape. The difference being that the curved hinge  56  in the open position of  FIGS. 9   b  and  9   c  is substantially straight when the container  20  is the closed position of  FIG. 9   a.    
         [0182]    In contrast to other components of the container  20 , the body  22  is designed to be the least impacted by the transition of the container  20  from one state to another. Many portions of the body  22  such as the bottom surface or base  40  of the body  22  are totally unaffected by transitions in operating states. However, the portion of the body immediately underneath the body hinge  56  can be significantly impacted by the transition of the container from a fully opened to a fully closed state, or vice versa.  FIG. 7   f  (the body  22  when the container  22  is in a fully open state) and  FIG. 7   g  (the body  22  when the container  22  is in a fully closed state) are discussed below. 
         [0183]    The bottom portion of the body  22  typically serves as the base  40  of the container  20  with the lid  28  being placed in a vertical position that is higher than most or even all of the body  22 , depending on the particular embodiment of the container  22  and the particular operating state of the lid  28 . In  FIG. 2   a , the uppermost portion of a tab  30  (which can extend off of and be part of the lid  28 ) represents the highest vertical point on the container  20  in a conventional orientation of the container  20  when the container  20  is in a fully closed operating configuration/state. Conversely, the lowest vertical portion of the container  20  illustrated in  FIG. 2   a  is a base surface  40  of the body  22  upon which the container  20  sits when placed on a substantially flat surface such as a table. The relative vertical directions of up and down, as well as the perspective of relative horizontal attributes versus relative vertical attributes are discussed from the perspective of a container  20  supported by the base  40  on a substantially flat surface. 
         [0184]    In many embodiments of the container  20 , the body  22  will be comprised primarily of paper or paperboard. Different embodiments of the container  20  may require additional linings, additional material, or entirely different material. For example, polyethylene can be used to reinforce certain portions of the body  22  or can be used to comprise the entire body  22 . Moreover, in an aseptic embodiment of the container  20 , the list of materials for use in the body  22  can include but are not limited to paperboard, aluminum foil, metalized film, ethylene acrylic acid, low-density polyethylene, liner low-density polyethylene, nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidine chloride, and/or ethylene vinyl alcohol. 
         [0185]    The body  22  of the container  20  can itself be broken down further into various components and elements. Some elements such as a cavity  46  are inherent to the concept of a container  20  while other elements such as a curled rim  34 , a head wall  36  above the inner groove  52 , and the plate support score lines  38  are optional. 
         [0186]    1. Cavity 
         [0187]    A cavity  46  (which can also be referred to as a chamber  46 ) is the empty space within the body  22  of the container  20  that is used to store the contents or product. For example, in the context of a coffee cup container  20 , the cavity  46  is the space within the body  22  that houses the coffee. 
         [0188]    The cavity  46  is illustrated in  FIG. 6   a . Dotted lines are used to illustrate the contours of the cavity  46  because the wall  42  of the body  22  blocks the cavity  46  from view. The cavity  46  includes a bottom boundary which can be referred to as an internal floor surface  39  (which can also be referred to a cavity bottom  39 ) and interior walls  44 . 
         [0189]    In many embodiments of the container  20 , the cavity  46  will be shaped in a substantially identical manner to the outer appearance of the body  22 . However, in alternative embodiments, different shapes and configurations can be implemented, particularly if the container  20  requires structural reinforcements to maintain the integrity of the body  22 . In such instances, reinforcing structures may be placed within the body  22 , altering its interior shape, i.e. the shape of the cavity  46 . Different shapes may also be utilized if some of the ancillary/supplemental components discussed above are implemented for a particular embodiment of the container  20 . 
         [0190]    Some embodiments of the container  20  can include multiple cavities  46  for separating two or more products within the container  20 . Such embodiments can include internal structures to mix the contents if desired, or to keep them permanently separate. For example a container  20  could be configured to hold 2 different and separate drinks, with the cavity  46  being split into two separate holding areas. Other containers  20  involving foodstuffs or contents having nothing to do with beverages or food can also involve partitioned cavities  46 . 
         [0191]    2. Walls 
         [0192]    The cavity  46  of the body  22  is shaped by the material surrounding the cavity  46  which can be referred to as a wall  42 . In the context of a cylindrically shaped or substantially cylindrically shaped cavity  46 , the wall  42  will often be similarly shaped. Some embodiments of the container  20  can involve single-layered wall architecture. Other embodiments may involve a framework involving two, three or more layers. For example, in some embodiments, a three layered approach involving two layers of material surrounding a layer of air can be used to comprise the walls  42 . Some attributes of the wall(s)  42  will be dependent upon manufacturing concerns. For example, in shaping a substantially cylindrical container  20  from a substantially flat blank or combination of blanks, an adhesive can be used to secure the shape of the cup. Temperature, pressure, folding, embossing, debossing, and other processes can also be used in shaping and securing the wall(s)  42 . Such processes will impact the attributes of the wall(s)  42 . 
         [0193]    In the context of containers  20  used for beverage or food products, the container  20  can be manufactured such that no adhesive is used on a portion of an interior surface  44  of a wall  42 . This prevents such an adhesive from coming into contact with the contents of the container  20 , which can be desirable in terms of complying with Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) regulations. 
         [0194]    In aseptic embodiments of the container  20 , the walls  42  will not be comprised primarily of paperboard. If paperboard is used, it will be used in conjunction with substantial portions of other materials. 
         [0195]    3. Rim 
         [0196]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2   a , a rim  34  (which can also be referred to as a top curl  34 ) can represent the highest vertical position of the body  22 . The rim  34  is typically a reinforced exterior surface at the top of the body  22 . Some embodiments of the container  20  will not include a rim  34 , but the rim  34  is often useful for strengthening and reinforcing the structural integrity of the container  20 . Rims  34  can also aid users in the use of the container  20 . For example, in the context of a cup container  20  used to hold a beverage, the rim  34  can assist a drinker in avoiding a spill as well as making the coffee cup container more comfortable to use. The rim  34  can also insulate the drinker from a beverage that is particular hot or particular cold. For example, a rim  34  with a serrated edge may serve to cool a hot beverage as the user drinks from the container  20 . The rim  34  can also include a pinched end secured with a pinch lock. 
         [0197]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2   a , the rim  34  can comprised in the shape of a tube or a close geometric proximity to a full curl. In many embodiments of the container  20 , the rim  34  is substantially in the shape of a hollow cylinder. In some embodiments, the rim  34  may have the shape of a partial cylinder with less than 360 degrees of surface 
         [0198]    In the illustration of  FIG. 2   a , the rim  34  is on top of a portion  36  of the body  22  that is vertically higher than the lid  28  when the lid  28  is in a fully closed configuration/state (i.e. when the lid  28  is secured within an internal groove  52 ). The top portion  36  of the body  22  often includes a variety of score lines, which can be vertical, horizontal, or a combination thereof. The portion  36  of the body  22  that is vertically above the internal groove  52  can also be referred to as the head-wall  36  of the body  22 . The rim  34  resides on top of the head-wall  36 . 
         [0199]    In some embodiments of the container  20 , the rim  34  will cover the entire portion of the body  22  that is not covered by the plate  24  or a flap  54 . In other embodiments of the container  20 , coverage of the rim  34  is not comprehensive, allowing in certain embodiments, the portion  36  of the body  22  closest to the flaps  54  to be folded inwardly to reinforce the functionality provided by the flaps  54 . To maximize the flexibility of the plate  24  and or flaps  54 , it is often desirable for at least a couple of millimeters of the top portion  36  to not be covered by the rim  34 . 
         [0200]    In many embodiments of the container  20  that involve a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical body  22 , the rim  34  forms an arc  41  between approximately 299 degrees and approximately 180 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the arc  41  could reach approximately 270 degrees or form significantly less than a 180 degree semi-circle. In  FIG. 6   b , the arc  41  is approximately 270 degrees. In  FIG. 6   c , the arc  4   l  is approximately 180 degrees. Any variation between those two values can be implemented in various embodiments of the container  20 . In many embodiments, it is desirable for the arc  41  to be between about 200 degrees and 240 degrees. 
         [0201]    4. Head-Wall 
         [0202]    The head-wall  36  (which can also be referred to as a headwall  36  or head wall  36 ) underneath the rim  34  can provide Insulation and a barrier for safety, making the container  20  easier to use, particularly with respect to embodiments involving liquid beverages. The head-wall  36  is the portion of the body  22  that is below the rim  34  but above the loop  61  formed by the body hinge  56  and inner groove  52 . 
         [0203]    5. Interior Surfaces Vs. Exterior Surfaces 
         [0204]    In many embodiments of the container  20 , there is a surface or other element that faces inwards towards the cavity  46  and a corresponding surface or other element that faces outwards towards the environment of the container  20 . 
         [0205]    The walls  42  of the body  22  are made up of both exterior surfaces and interior surfaces. An exterior surface is a surface of the wall  42 /body  22  that faces outward from the container  20 . An interior surface  44  is a surface of the wall  42 /body  22  that faces inward towards the body  22 , typically the cavity  46  or in some embodiments, another interior surface that compartmentalizes the cavity  46 .  FIG. 6   a  illustrates internal surfaces. The other figures focus on external surfaces. 
         [0206]    Similarly, the headwall  36  has an inward facing surface and outward facing surface. The score line represented by element  53  is the exterior face of the inner groove  52 , both of which are part of the loop  61  that encircles the container  20 . 
         [0207]    In  FIG. 2   a , one exterior surface  42  of the body  22  is the portion of the body  22  that is substantially cylindrical in shape that runs from a bottom to the top of the body  22 . A corresponding interior surface  44  that is illustrated with a dotted line because it is not visible from the exterior of the container  20  is also cylindrical in shape and runs from a bottom to the top of the container  20 . 
         [0208]    The head-wall  36  of the body  22  that extends upwards from the closed lid  28  includes both an exterior surface as well as an interior surface. The rim  34  rests on the vertical protrusion  36 . 
         [0209]    The bottom portion of the body  22  includes both interior surfaces  39  (facing upwards towards the cavity  46 ) and exterior surfaces  40  (facing downwards towards the surface on which the container  20  rests). The bottommost exterior surface of the body  22  is referred to as a base  40 . The bottommost interior surface of the body  22  (which can also be thought of as the bottommost exterior “surface” of the cavity  46 ) is referred to as a floor  39 . The floor  39  of the cavity is illustrated with a dotted line in  FIG. 6   a  because the cavity  46  is not visible from the outside of the container  20 . A wide variety of different designs can be incorporated into the base  40  of the container  20 . The shape of the container  20  will typically impact the desirable shape and configuration of the base  40 . 
         [0210]    6. Score Lines 
         [0211]    A score line is a fold or crease in the material of the container  20 . Score lines can be implemented through the application of pressure, heat, or combinations of both. As illustrated in  FIG. 2   a , the body  22  of the container  20  can include a variety of different score lines to reinforce the strength of the body  22  or for other purposes. Other parts of the container  20  such as the plate  24 , the flaps  54 , or the lid  28  can also include score lines for structural reinforcement purposes as well as for the purpose of facilitating the movement of the lid  28  between open and closed operating states. 
         [0212]    In the context of the body  22 , the purpose of a score line is typically to constrain movement or deformation. Score lines can be oriented vertically (see element  38 ) or horizontally (see element  56 ). Different embodiments of the container  20  can include fewer score lines or more score lines than the illustration in  FIG. 2   a.    
         [0213]    Score lines can fully encircle a cross section of the container  20  or be only partial in scope. For example, a substantially horizontal score line  61  (which can also be referred to as a “loop”  61 ) could run across the entire circumference of a cylindrical body  22 . In contrast, a partial horizontal score line may be limited to running under only through the portions of the body  22  that are directly under the plate  24 , the plate  24  and flaps  54 , the rim  34 , or some other component or element. A horizontal score line  56  separating the body  22  from the plate  24  and flaps  54  can also be referred to a body hinge  56 . It is often helpful to include horizontal score lines on the body  22  of the container  20  that are parallel to the score line serving as body hinge  56  between the plate  24  and the body  22  because the connector  56  between the plate  24  and the body  22  is often important in supporting the ability of the plate  24  to support the movement of the lid  28 . 
         [0214]    Vertical score lines can similarly be full (running from top to bottom) or merely partial. As illustrated in  FIG. 1   a , vertical score lines  38  (which can also be referred to as “plate support score lines”  38 ) in the body  22  can extend upwards to the plate  38  to reinforce the structural integrity of the plate  24  and the ability of the plate  24  to assist in securing the lid  28  in a closed position. Some embodiments of the container  20  may include full vertical score lines spaced evenly throughout portion of the body  22  covered by the rim  34 . For example, vertical score lines could be placed below the rim  34  every “X” number of millimeters to enhance the structural strength of the container  20 . Horizontal score lines could also be distributed throughout the body  22  to reinforce the structure of the body. However, one particular horizontal score line  61  is particularly important. As illustrated in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , the primary score line  61  can comprise the body hinge  56  and the inner groove  52 . The body hinge  56  can have a significant impact on the functionality of the container  20  as well as the shape of the container  20 . 
         [0215]    With the exception of the body hinge  56  (and the flap bottom score lines  57  if present), the score lines  70  on the body  22  of the container are non-foldable score lines  72 . 
         [0216]    a. Body Hinge 
         [0217]    The horizontal score line  61  can include the body hinge  56  or in other words, the body hinge  56  can be part of a greater horizontal score line  61 . The body hinge  56  can divide the body  22  of the container  20  from the plate  24  and flaps  54  of the container  20 . The body hinge  56  it is attached to the body  22  of the container  20  and it serves as a hinge to facilitate the opening and closing of the lid  28 . The body hinge  56  is one of the components that is illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c.    
         [0218]    The body hinge  56  works in conjunction with the plate hinge  26  to facilitate the opening and closing of the lid  28 . The body hinge  56  and the inner groove score line  52  can fully encircle a cross-section of the container  20  or in other embodiments, substantially encircle a cross-section of the container  20 . 
         [0219]    As discussed below, the inner groove score line  52  is typically circular in shape or substantially circular in shape in the context of a container  20  that is substantially cylindrical in shape. As illustrated in  FIG. 7   b , the shape of the body hinge  56  can be in the shape of a substantially straight line segment connecting to a substantially curved inner groove score line  52 . As is illustrated in  FIG. 7   c , the shape of the body hinge  56  can be that of a substantially curved/circular arc connecting a substantially curved/circular inner grove score line  52 . In many embodiments of the container  20 , the body hinge  56  is substantially curved in shape (with a substantially circular loop  61 ) when the container  20  is in a fully open position and substantially straight in shape when the container  20  is in a fully closed position. In other embodiments, even an open state of the container  20  will involve a body hinge  56  that is substantially less circular. 
         [0220]    The shape of the body hinge  56  will often depend on the manufacturing process. If the body hinge  56  is machined into the blank prior to the fusing of the blanks together, the body hinge  56  will be substantially more straight than it otherwise would be. If in contrast, the primary score line  61  is machined after the blanks have been fused together and shaped, the body hinge  56  can be substantially circular when the container  20  is in a fully open state. 
         [0221]    In many embodiments, the body hinge  56  is a score line. However, in alternative embodiments of the container  20 , different types of processing (i.e. not necessary score lines) can be implemented into the container  20  to provide for the functionality of the body hinge  56  or other types of hinges. 
         [0222]    b. Inner Groove Score Line 
         [0223]    Some embodiments of the container  20  can include horizontal score line  52  (the “inner groove score line”  52 ) that connects with the body hinge  56  to form a score line  61  that substantially circles or even fully encircles an outer surface cross section of the container  20 . See  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b.    
         [0224]    The interior facing surface of the inner groove  52  can be used to help seal with lid in a closed position. This can be true in both aseptic and non-aseptic embodiments of the container  20 . However, aseptic containers  20  with the aid of the flange  59  have less need of the inner groove  52 . The exterior facing surface of the inner groove  52  serves to sustain the structural integrity of the container  20 . 
         [0225]    The cavity of the inner grove score line  52  can be referred to as the inner groove  52  or the lid channel seat groove  52 .  FIG. 8   c  provides an example of the inner groove  52  serving to secure the lid  28  in a closed and sealed state.  FIGS. 8   d  and  8   e  illustrate examples of an inner grove  52 . In many embodiments of the container  20 , an inner groove angle  64  of about 30 degrees is highly desirable. In alternative embodiments, the inner groove angle  64  can range as low as about 20 degrees and as high as about 60 degrees. In many embodiments of the container  20 , the inner groove  52  will have a cross section that is substantially convex in shape. 
         [0226]    In many embodiments, the inner groove  52  is formed as a score line. However, in alternative embodiments of the container  20 , different types of processing (i.e. not necessarily score lines) can be implemented into the container  20  to provide for the functionality of a groove  52  that serves as a mechanism for securing the lid  28 . For example a flange  59  could be used instead of the inner groove  52  or in addition to an inner groove  52 . 
         [0227]    c. Chevrons 
         [0228]    A chevron can be embossed or debossed into any portion of the container  20 , including the body  22 , the plate  24 , or the lid  28 . Chevrons serve to structurally reinforce the applicable portion of the container  20 . No chevrons are illustrated in the body  22  of the container  20  in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d .  FIG. 6   g  illustrates chevrons  59  on the lid  28 . Similar chevrons  59  can be placed elsewhere on the container  20  including the body  22  or the plate  24  to facilitate the structural integrity of the container  20 . 
         [0229]    d. Dimples/Dimple Groups 
         [0230]    In order to facilitate better thermal insulation, make the container  20  easier to grip, or just to alter the way users experience the container  20 , the body  20  of the container  20  can include a variety of dimples  31  or even dimple groups. 
         [0231]      FIG. 11   a  is diagram illustrating an example of a sidewall blank  106  that includes two groupings  33  of dimples  31 . The dimple groups  33  are positioned on the wall  42  of the body to facilitate grip and heat insulation. The number, shape, size, and position of dimples  31  can vary widely from embodiment to embodiment of the container  20 . Some containers  20  will not include any dimples  31 . Some embodiments of the container  20  may be used in conjunction with sleeves that have dimples  31  in lieu of the wall  42  itself having dimples  31 . 
         [0232]      FIG. 11   b  is a diagram illustrating an example of a container  20  with a body wall  42  substantially covered in dimples  31 . Although there is no inherent limit to the number and usage of dimples  31  there is little reason in most instances to go beyond the boundary of the body  22  wall  42  in the placement of dimples  31 . 
         [0233]    In many instances, dimples  31  will protrude to the exterior of the container  20 . However, dimples  31  can be implemented to protrude inwards to the cavity  46  or in both interior and exterior directions.  FIG. 11   c  is cross section diagram of a body wall  42  with dimples  31  protruding outward from the container  20 .  FIG. 11   d  is a cross section diagram of a body wall with dimples protruding inward towards the cavity of the container.  FIG. 11   e  is a cross section diagram of a body wall with dimples protruding both inwards towards the cavity of the container and outward towards the external environment of the container. 
         [0234]    Dimples  31  can be implemented in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and configurations. In addition to heat insulation functionality, dimples  31  can also enhance the user experience in handling the container  20 . Dimples  31  impact the look of the container  20 , as well as the resulting sense of touch that a user experiences while in contact with the dimples  31  on the container  20 . 
         [0235]    7. Bottom Portion 
         [0236]    The bottom  40  surface of the body  22  serves as the bottom of the container  20 . There are a wide variety of different bottoms  40  that can be incorporated into the container  20 . In some instances, the contents of container  20  will impact the structure of the bottom  40 . The bottom  40  can be curled (see  FIG. 10   f ) as well as finished, knurled, and squared (see  FIG. 10   g ). 
       B. Plate 
       [0237]    A plate  24  is a surface area of the container  20  that is configured to support the movement of the lid  28 . The plate  24  acts as an interface between a lid  28  that must move in order for the container  20  to be opened or closed and a body  22  that involves far less movement. 
         [0238]    Just as the body  22  can have exterior surfaces facing in an outward direction and interior surfaces facing in an inward direction, the plate  24  can include both an outward surface and an inward surface. Similarly, the plate  24  can also include both vertical and horizontal score lines with the boundaries of the plate  24  being typically marked by score lines. A plate  24  can include side score lines  55  and horizontal score lines  56  and  26 . 
         [0239]    The plate  24  and two flaps  54  that are illustrated in  FIG. 2   a  facilitate the ability of users to open and close the lid  28  while facilitating the strength and tightness of the container  20 . If the lid  28  cannot be secured in a closed position, then the ability to utilize the container  20  is compromised because an unfastened lid  28  can result in the unintended change of an operating configuration/state from closed to open. For example, in the context of a beverage container  20 , a container  20  that cannot be closed and sealed in a watertight manner is of only limited use. 
         [0240]    Embodiments of the container  20  that include a plate  24  allow for the lid  28  to be open or closed without altering the structure of the lid  28 . By leaving the structure of lid  28  unchanged, the structural integrity of the lid  28  and the ability of a closed lid  28  to seal the contents of the cavity  46  are enhanced. The motion of the lid  28  is facilitated by the plate  24  or the plate  24  in conjunction with the flaps  54 . A variety of score lines are typically used to delineate the boundaries of the plate  24  and flaps  54 . 
         [0241]    Just as the body  22  can be comprised of a wide range of different materials or combinations of those materials, so can the plate  24  be similarly comprised. In some embodiments, differences in materials composition, thickness, and/or other factors relative to the plate  24  and the body  22  can be used to enhance the functionality of the plate  24  in facilitating the movement of the lid  28  into open and closed positions. 
         [0242]    As discussed above, different embodiments of the container  20  can utilize different types of score lines at different locations with different attributes 
         [0243]    1. Body Hinge 
         [0244]    The body hinge  56  connects the plate  24  to the body  22 . The body hinge  56  is discussed above. The body hinge  56  in many embodiments of the container  20  represents the lowest part of the container  20  that is designed to move with the opening or closing of the lid  28 . As discussed above and below and as is illustrated by contrasting  FIG. 7   f  with  FIG. 7   g  or  FIG. 7   c  with  FIG. 7   d , the movement of the body hinge  56  involves moving the portion of the body  22  beneath the body hinge  56 . 
         [0245]    2. Plate Hinge 
         [0246]    Returning to  FIG. 2   a , a plate hinge  26  connects the plate  24  to the lid  28 . The plate hinge  26  is a score line that traverses all or substantially all of the boundary between the plate  24  and the lid  28 . It may also divide portions of the flaps  54  (if any) that may be in contact with the lid  28 . 
         [0247]    The plate hinge  26  and the body hinge  56  can function in conjunction with each other as a dual hinged closing/opening mechanism for the container  20 . Examples of plate hinges  26  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   c ,  2   a - 2   d , and  6   d .  FIG. 6   e  illustrates an example of a plate hinge  26  that includes a hinge break  45 . 
         [0248]    3. Side Score Lines 
         [0249]    Two side score lines  55  serve to connect the plate  24  from two exterior flaps  54  in embodiments of the container  20  that include the two flaps  54 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5   c  and  5   d , the side score lines  55  can be curved. Curved side score lines  55  can form a substantially circular arc  41  along with the lid  28 . The curved shape of the side score lines  55  can enhance a larger circular arc  41  and preserve a more circular or elliptical shape of the container  20  (if the container  20  is substantially circular or elliptical in shape in the first place) when the container  20  is in a closed position. 
         [0250]    4. Flaps 
         [0251]    Many embodiments of the container  20  will include two flaps  54 , one to each side of the plate  24 , to facilitate the sealing of the container  20  in a closed position. The flaps  54  can also assist users in moving the container  20  from one operating state to another. The flaps  54  can also serve to ventilate the cavity  46  of the container  20 . 
         [0252]    A flap  54  is a surface horizontally adjacent to the plate  24 , but separated from the plate  24  by a side score line  55 . The boundaries of the flaps  54  are often demarcated by substantially vertical  55  and substantially horizontal score lines  57 . As discussed above, one or more flaps  54  may be used to support and enhance the ability of the plate  24  to function as a hinge for the lid  28 . Some embodiments of the flaps  54  can be configured to be further twisted or pushed in by the user to further secure the lid  28  in a closed position. Such twisting or pushing in may render the container  20  undesirable for subsequent opening and refilling. 
         [0253]    An embodiment of the container  20  that uses a plate  24  need not include any flaps  54 , but a combination of one plate  24  with one flap  54  on each side is often desirable. Some embodiments of aseptic containers  20  (see  FIGS. 1   b  and  6   j ) will include flaps  54  but no plate  24 . 
         [0254]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5   d , a flap angle  97  (the angle formed by the side score line  55  and a bottom score line  57 ) is often between about 35 degrees and about 70 degrees. 
         [0255]    5. Flap Bottom Score Lines 
         [0256]    Some embodiments of the container  20  will include a flap bottom score line  57  that connects the bottom portion of the flap  54  to a portion of the body  22  that is vertically higher than the body hinge  56  and the inner groove score line  52 . 
         [0257]    In some embodiments of the container  20 , the bottom flap score line  57 , the body hinge  56 , and the inner grove score line  52  intersect with each other as illustrated in  FIG. 2   a . In other embodiments, either the flap bottom score line  57  or the side score lines  55  will not be long enough to intersect. 
         [0258]    6. Skid Locks 
         [0259]    Some embodiments of the plate  24  can include one or more skid locks  58  to facilitate the ability of users to stack the containers  20  on top of each other even if the lids  28  are closed. Skid locks  58  in conjunction with the rim  34  serve to constrain the lower portion of the container  20  allowing the containers  20  to be vertically stacked onto each other even when the lids  28  are closed. Skid locks  58  can be implemented into the plate  24  using a wide variety of different manufacturing processes. 
         [0260]    The ability of skid locks  58  to facilitate the stacking of closed containers  20  is illustrated in  FIG. 9   a.    
         [0261]    7. Hinge Break 
         [0262]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 6   f  and  6   i , some embodiments of the plate  24  may include a hinge break  45 . The hinge break  45  can facilitate the transition functionality of the plate hinge  26 . The hinge break  45  can also provide an opening in which the tab  30  can be pressed into when the tab  30  is in a fully opened position. For example, instead of the tab  30  point upwards in  FIG. 2   b , the tab  30  could be pushed into the opening resulting from the hinge break  45 . It can provide a way to secure the tab  30  in a position that will prevent the tab  30  from interfering with the use of the container  20  while the container  20  is being used. For example, in an embodiment of the container  20  used for the purposes of storing and drinking beverages, the tab  30  can be secured in the hinge break  45  when the user is drinking from the container  20 . 
         [0263]    In  FIGS. 6   f  and  6   i , the hinge break  45  is a semi-circle cut out from the plate hinge  26 . Many embodiments of the plate  24  will include differently shaped hinge breaks  45 , differently positioned hinge breaks  45 , or no hinge break  45  whatsoever. 
         [0264]    8. Reinforcement Member 
         [0265]    Some embodiments of the container  20  that include a plate  24  may also include a reinforcement member  23  underneath the plate  24  that connects the lid  28  to the plate  24  and assists in the opening and closing of the lid  28 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5   c  and  5   d , the reinforcement member  23  can be part of the lid blank  104  that is mated, fixed, or fastened to the interior surface of plate  24  on the sidewall blank  106 . 
         [0266]    9. Ventilation Gaps 
         [0267]    Some embodiments of the container that include a reinforcement member  23  may also include one or more ventilation gaps  29 . Such gaps  29  facilitate the ventilation of the container  20 . Ventilation of the container  20  can be particularly important in the context of containers  20  used to hold beverages. The ventilation provided by the ventilation gaps  29  is in a horizontal direction when the lid  28  of the container  20  is closed. 
         [0268]    10. Additional Score Lines and Chevrons 
         [0269]    As discussed above, the purpose of the plate  24  is to insulate the body  22  from the magnitude of movement required to open and close the lid  28 . A variety of additional score lines and/or chevrons can be used to further support the underlying functionality of the plate  24  and the flaps  54 . Score lines, vertical creases, and chevrons can also be used to facilitate the ability of users to properly seal the lid  28  in a closed position by making it easier for users of the container  20  to properly manipulate the container  20 . 
         [0270]    The plate  24  and its subsidiary components act to insulate the body  22  of the container  20  relative to the significant motion by the lid  28  while at the same time facilitating the ability of the lid  28  to move in a manner that is required to open, close, and seal the container  20 . The plate  24  also serves to make the opening, closing, and sealing of the lid as easy as possible for users to achieve while providing users with the features of reliability and reusability. Different embodiments of body hinges  56 , lid hinges  26 , flaps  54 , and other plate  24  subsidiary components can be incorporated into the container  20 . 
         [0271]    11. Insulation Layer 
         [0272]    Some embodiments of the container  20  can include an insulation layer  77  beneath the plate  24  and/or lid  28  (illustrated in  FIG. 6   k  with dotted lines because the layer  77  is underneath the top surfaces of the lid  28  and plate  24 ). The primary purpose of the insulation layer  77  is to insulate the material in the lid  28  from potential heat associated with the contents in the cavity  46  of the container  20 . However, the insulation layer  77  can also help shape and structurally reinforce the lid  28  as it is opened and closed. The insulation layer  77  can be comprised of a variety of different materials, including but not limited to a heat laminated foam that is formed from a high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and/or oriented polypropylene. 
       C. Lid 
       [0273]    A lid  28  is the means by which a container  20  is closed and in some cases, sealed (such as the case with watertight or substantially watertight containers). In some embodiments, a grove  52  in the body  22  helps secure the lid  28  when it is moved to a closed/sealed position. In other embodiments, a flange  59  is used. In some embodiments, both a flange  59  and an inner groove  52  shaped for the purposes of sealing the lid  28  are used. 
         [0274]    Although the position of the lid  28  determines whether the container  20  is in a closed state/configuration or an open state/configuration, the change in the position of the lid  32  is not achieved through any structure change to the lid  32 . To the contrary, it is the plate  24  (sometimes in conjunction with the flaps  54 ) that serve as the hinge upon which the lid  28  can be moved. In the example of  FIG. 2   a , the lid  28  moves by being rotated around the plate hinge  26  and the body hinge  56 . 
         [0275]    In many embodiments of the container  20 , the lid  28  is substantially circular in shape and need not be very thick. In many embodiments of the container  20 , the lid  28  is substantially parallel to the surface on which the container  20  rests when the lid is in a closed operating configuration/state. For example, in a typical beverage cup embodiment of the container  20 , the lid  28  is a closed position in substantially parallel to the to the ground surface on which the base  40  of the container  20  can rest. 
         [0276]    The lid  28  can be in an open position, a closed position, or in some instances, a partially open/partially closed position. In many embodiments of the container  20 , the lid  28  is integral to the plate  24 , and the plate  24  is integral to the body  22 . The lid  28  can be comprised of the same material as the plate  24  and body  22 . Examples of lids  28  illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c ,  2   a - 2   d ,  6   g - 6   j , and  7   e .  FIG. 5   c  also illustrates examples of lid-related attributes such as tabs  30  that are not covers  27 , covers  27  that are not tabs  30 , openings  32 , vertical creases  25 , debossed covers  27 , and a connection to a reinforcement member  23  to assist in the opening and closing of the lid  28 . 
         [0277]    In some embodiments, the lid  28  is thicker than other portions of the container. In other embodiments, the edge  51  of the lid  28  may be thicker than other portions of the lid  28 . In still other embodiments, the thickness of the lid  28  is equal to the thickness of the walls  42  of the container  20 . 
         [0278]    The ability to machine to a separate lid blank  104  makes it easier to include a lid  28  that is thicker than other portions of the container  20 . 
         [0279]    1. Edge 
         [0280]    Different embodiments of the lid  28  can include a potentially wide variety of different subcomponents. However, one common function of the lid  28  is the ability to close the container  20  and secure contents within the container  20 . One attribute of the lid  28  that can facilitate the ability of the lid  28  to secure a closed position is the edge  51  of the lid  28 . The edge  51  can also be referred to as a lid edge  51 . In many cup embodiments of the container  20 , the lid  28  is secured within an inner groove  52  of the container  20 . The geometric configuration of the edge  51  and the inner groove  52  can enhance the functionality of the lid  28 . For example, in some embodiments, the edge  51  of the lid  28  includes one of a wide variety of wave rule shapes. The geometry of the inner groove  52  can similarly be configured to enhance the functionality of the lid  28 .  FIG. 8   d  illustrates an example of a lid groove  52  geometry that can be implemented in the container  20 . In many embodiments, the inner groove  52  will have a convex shape, and an angle  64  of about 30 degrees. In different embodiments, different shapes and different angles  64  can be incorporated into the inner groove  52 . 
         [0281]    In many embodiments of the container  20 , it may be useful to treat the edge  51  of the lid  28  with a material stronger than the material comprising the lid  28  generally or even the container  20  generally. For example, in the example of a cup comprised primarily of paperboard, it may be desirable to treat the edge  51  with polyethylene. In other embodiments, the entire lid  28  could be treated with polyethylene or some other material. 
         [0282]    2. Tab 
         [0283]    Some embodiments of the lid  28  can include a tab  30  which serves as a handle for opening and closing the lid  28 . Different embodiments of the tab  30  can include a different number of score lines. In many embodiments, the number of score lines in the tab  30  will depend on whether the tab  30  is used to seal an opening  32  (see  FIG. 2   b ) in the lid  28 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2   a , the tab  30  includes a score line  48  at the base of the tab  30  as well as a score line at the segment  50  of the tab  30  that transitions from a primarily horizontal orientation to a primarily vertical orientation. This allows the tab  30  to facilitate the sealing and closing of the opening  32  (which can also be referred to as an opening  32 ) as well as the opening and closing of the lid  28 . In many beverage embodiments of the container  20 , an additional third tab score line  60  (see  FIG. 7   e ) can be used to facilitate the ability of the user to push the tab  30  down into the opening  32  (also referred to as a passageway  32 ) so that the tab  30  does not interfere with the comfort of the user in drinking the beverage in the container  20 . In other embodiments, the tab  30  can be secured in the hinge break  45 . 
         [0284]    Returning to  FIG. 2   a , the tab  30  is fastened to the lid  28  at a tab base  48 . The location of the tab base  48  can depend on whether or not the lid  28  includes an opening  32 . If the lid  28  does include an opening  32 , then the tab base  48  is typically the innermost edge of the opening  32 . If the lid  28  does not include an opening  32 , then the tab base  48  is typically located close to the outermost edge of the top surface of the lid  28 . 
         [0285]    The container  20  illustrated in  FIG. 2   a  includes both a tab  30  and an opening  32 . The shape of the tab  30  can vary widely, but the tip of the tab  30  should serve to facilitate movement by the user and the shape of the lower portion of the tab  30  will typically depend on the shape of the opening  32 . 
         [0286]    The tab  30  can be located in a wide variety of different locations on the lid  28 . In  FIG. 5   c , the tab  30  is positioned closed to the edge  51  of the lid, midway between the opening  32  and the plate hinge  26 . In many embodiments, the tab  30  will be oriented approximately 90 degrees differently than the illustration in  FIG. 5   c , to allow the tab  30  to sit flush unto the lid  28  when containers  20  are nested together. 
         [0287]    3. Opening/Passageway 
         [0288]    Some embodiment of the lid  28  will include a passageway  32  to selectively expose the contents of the container  20 . The passageway  32  can also be referred to as an opening  32  or a movable lid partition  32 . The passageway  32  can be open, closed, and sealed without otherwise moving the lid  28 . For example, in the context of a beverage container, the passageway  32  can allow the user to drink the contents of the container  20  (through use of a straw or by simply tipping the container in close proximity to an open mouth) while the lid  28  remains in a closed position. The passageway  32  can be closed/sealed using the tab  30 . The passageway  32  in  FIG. 2   a  is illustrated with a dotted line because the passageway  32  is not visible. The passageway  32  in  FIG. 2   a  is filled up and sealed by the tab  30 . The bottom portion of the tab  30  in  FIG. 2   a  from the tab base  48  to the fold  50  is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the container  20  and the top portion of the tab  30  from the fold  50  upwards protrudes straight upwards in the air where it can be most easily grasped. 
         [0289]    The shape of the opening  32  and of the portion of the tab  30  used to plug the passageway  32 , can vary widely from embodiment to embodiment. Some embodiments of the container  20  can include more than one passageway  32 . For example, some embodiments of a beverage container  20  could include two or more openings  32  for the insertion of straws. 
         [0290]    Additional illustrations of the movement of the tab  30  and the opening  32  covered by the tab  30 , can be seen in  FIG. 2   b  and  FIG. 7   e.    
         [0291]      FIG. 5   c  shows a debossed cover  27  over an opening  32 . The configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5   c  may be particularly desirable in the context of containers  20  used in conjunction with warm beverages, such as hot chocolate, tea, coffee, etc. 
         [0292]    In some embodiments of the container  20 , a peel-off metallic sticker can be used as a cover  27  the opening  32 . Some embodiments of the container  20  will not involve use of a cover  27 , and instead the geometry of the container  20  in conjunction with the fill height will eliminate the need for a cover  27 . 
         [0293]    4. Chevrons 
         [0294]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6   g , the lid  28  can also include chevrons  49 . Chevrons  49  in the lid can serve a variety of purposes that relate to assisting users in closing and opening the lid  28 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6   g , chevrons  49  can assist users in centering the application of force to the lid  28  in closing the lid  28 . Chevrons  49  can also serve to increase the stiffness of the lid  28  as it is being pushed or pulled by a user. The lid  28  of the container  20  can be comprised of a wide variety of different materials or combinations of materials, as discussed with regards to the body  22  and the plate  24 . 
         [0295]    5. Lid Stiffener Score Lines 
         [0296]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6   h , one or more lid stiffener score lines  63  can be used to reinforce the lid  28  immediately to the interior of the edge  51 . This can assist the sealing process, and make the lid  28  more durable (i.e. properly function after many openings and closings). 
         [0297]    6. Hinge Break 
         [0298]      FIG. 6   i  is the mirror image of  FIG. 6   f , with the hinge break being in the form a semi circle. As discussed above, the hinge break  45  is an optional component but it can perform a variety of functions. 
         [0299]    7. Vertical Creases 
         [0300]      FIG. 5   c  illustrates an example of vertical creases  25  in the lid  28  that serve the structurally strengthen the lid  28 , particularly through the process of being opened or closed. 
         [0301]    8. Insulation Layer 
         [0302]    As discussed above with respect to the plate  24 , an insulation layer  77  can also be positioned on the bottom of the lid  28  to insulate and strengthen the lid  28 . 
       D. Additional Elements/Components 
       [0303]    Different embodiments of the container  20  can include a wide variety of additional elements/components. As discussed above, different score line configurations can be incorporated into the container  20 . In some embodiments, a tear back adhesive can be place on the lid  28  to facilitate the pulling open of the lid  28 . The structure and shape of the lid channel seat groove  52  can be modified to provide extra reinforcement analogous to that of a girdle. For example, additional structural components could be added to prevent the lid  28  from moving beyond a particular closed position. Components such as chevrons  49  can be placed at various locations of the container  20  to enhance structural strength at those locations. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1   b  and  6   j , the lid  28  may not always be attached to a plate  24  or a plate hinge  26 , but components such as a flange  59  can be added to assist the functionality of sealing the container  20 . 
         [0304]    In some embodiments, an additional vertical body seam running up from the bottom of the body  22  to the outermost portion of the lid  28  and the location of the tab  30  could be used to further strengthen the container  20 . In some embodiments, the vertical body seam can include a lateral tab to facilitate the opening and closing of the container  20 . 
         [0305]    For embodiments involving the storage of food, the flaps  54  can include a cold seal adhesive that is water based. Pressure from the fingers of the users can then form a bond that will enhance the ability of the container  20  to satisfy specification 276.170 FDA compliance as it pertains to direct food contact with respect to aqueous and fatty foods. 
       IV. OPERATING CONFIGURATIONS/STATES/POSITIONS 
       [0306]    Depending on the product that a container  20  is designed to secure, the container  20  can be configured in a variety of different states or positions. For example, in the context of a beverage container  20 , the container  20  can be in a fully closed and sealed position to minimize the ability of the beverage to escape from the container. An example of the fully closed and sealed configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 2   a , where the lid  28  is closed and the opening  32  is also sealed by the tab  30  which can include a variety of score lines designed to facilitate the ability of the tab  30  to fill the opening  32 . 
         [0307]      FIG. 2   b  illustrates an example of a lid  28  that is fully closed, but an opening  32  that is not blocked by the tab  30 , permitting the beverage to be consumed, but otherwise limiting the ability of the beverage to be spilled. As illustrated in the Figure, the tab  30  is straightened out into a vertical or substantially vertical position as the opening  32  is unsealed. As discussed below with respect to  FIG. 7   e , some embodiments of the tab  30  will include an additional score line  60  designed to facilitate the pushing of the tab  30  into the opening  32  so that the tab  30  does not interfere with the drinking of the beverage through the opening  32 . In other embodiments, a hinge break  45  is used to secure the tab  30 . The transition from  FIG. 2   a  to  FIG. 2   b  can occur solely with the movement of the tab  30 . 
         [0308]      FIG. 2   c  illustrates an example of a lid  28  that is partially open. Although the position of the plate  24  in  FIG. 2   c  is identical to the position of the plate  28  in  FIG. 2   b  and  FIG. 2   a  because the plate  24  is fixed, the lid  28  is nonetheless not in a closed position. In many contexts, the filling or refilling of the beverage container  20  is performed while the container  20  is in the configuration of  FIG. 2   c . In some contexts, a user may drink from the container  20  while in the state illustrated in  FIG. 2   c . The transition from  FIG. 2   b  to  FIG. 2   c  involves movement of the lid  28  but not the movement of the plate  24 . 
         [0309]      FIG. 2   d  illustrates an example of a container  20  in a state of maximum openness. The illustrated configuration can be highly desirable for the purposes of stacking empty containers  20  on top of each other. The illustrated configuration can also be desirable in the filling or refilling of the container  20 , and in some instances, such as trying to clear out a cup of the remaining portions of a milk shake, for consuming the contents of the container  20 . The transition from  FIG. 2   c  to  FIG. 2   d  involves primarily the moving of the plate  24  from its substantially horizontal position to its substantially vertical position. 
         [0310]      FIGS. 8   a ,  8   b , and  8   c  also illustrate different operating states from different points of view. 
         [0311]    Different embodiments of the container  20  can include a wide variety of different positions, states, and operating configurations. 
       V. SHAPE CHANGE 
       [0312]    As discussed above, the transition from one operating state to another operating state can impact the shape of the container  20  by impacting the shape of the body  22  underneath the body hinge  56 . When the body hinge  56  is moved forward to transition the container away from a fully opened state towards a fully closed state, the shape of the body  22  of the container in the aggregate is impacted. The magnitude and nature of the shape change can be impacted by the geometry and configuration of the components used in the particular embodiment of the container  20 . The use of components such as an insulation layer  77 , the reinforcement member  23 , and a variety of non-foldable score lines  72  can impede the magnitude of shape changes to the body  22  of the container  20  in the opening and closing of the container  20 . 
         [0313]      FIG. 7   a  is a geometric diagram illustrating an example of a substantially circular primary score line  61  comprised of a substantially circular inner groove  52  and a substantially circular body hinge  52 . In many embodiments of the container  20 , this is the shape of the body  22  when the container  20  is in a fully open position. The shape is also illustrated in  FIGS. 2   d  (in contrast to  FIG. 2   a ),  7   c  (in contrast to  FIG. 7   d ),  7   f  (in contrast to  7   g ), and  8   b  and  9   c  (in contrast to  FIG. 9   a ). 
         [0314]      FIG. 7   b  is a geometric diagram illustrating an example of a substantially circular primary score line  61  comprised of a substantially circular inner groove  52  and a substantially straight body hinge  56 . In some embodiments where the primary score line  61  is initially imprinted on a blank instead of being added on after the fused blank is shaped around the bottom blank  102 , even in an open state, the shape of container  20  will be directionally closer to  FIG. 7   b . However, with respect to embodiments involving a primary score line  61  added after the fused blank is shaped,  FIGS. 2   a ,  7   d ,  7   e ,  7   g , and  9   a  illustrate a container  20  that is substantially elliptical in shape because the plate hinge  56  is less curved than when in a fully open state. 
         [0315]      FIG. 7   c  is a bottom plan view diagram illustrating an example of a container  20  with the primary score line  61  illustrated in  FIG. 7   a  when the container  20  is in a fully open state. 
         [0316]      FIG. 7   d  is a bottom plan view illustrating an example of a container  20  with the primary score line  61  illustrated in  FIG. 7   b  in a fully closed state. 
         [0317]    In addition to the use of a curved body hinge  56 , the use of curved side score lines  55  can also have a substantial impact on the geometry of the container  20 , particularly in conjunction with the use of a reinforcement member  23  and a larger arc  41 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6   k , the curvature of the side score line  55  can match the curvature of the lid  28  allowing the top of the container  20  to form a continuous arc  79 . 
       VI. STACKING 
       [0318]      FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b , and  9   c  illustrate examples of how similar containers  20  can be stacked. 
         [0319]      FIG. 9   a  discloses a stack  90  of closed containers  20 . Skid locks  58  on the plate  24  are used to facilitate the stacking of the containers  20 . Different numbers, locations, and configurations of skid locks  58  can be used to facilitate the functionality of container  20  stacking. 
         [0320]      FIG. 9   b  discloses a stack  94  of open containers  20  in a perspective view from which the substantially circular shape of the containers  20  is clearly evidence.  FIG. 9   c  discloses a similar stack  94  from a different view. 
         [0321]    The ability to effectively stack containers  20  can have important implications for how the containers  20  are shaped. For example, the reason why the bottom  40  of a disposable coffee cup has a smaller diameter than the lid  28  is because it is necessary to stack the cups. As discussed above, the timing in the manufacturing process by which the primary score line  61  is machined into the container  20  can have a significant impact on the shape of the container  20 . It is more difficult to stack cups when the primary score line  61  is not substantially circular in shape when the cups are in fully open operating states. 
       VII. METHODS OF USING 
       [0322]      FIG. 3   a  discloses an example of a method for opening a container  20  and  FIG. 3   b  discloses a mirror image of  FIG. 3   a  for closing a container  20 . In both flow chart diagrams, the flexing of the plate  24  and flaps  54  involves flexing the foldable score lines  71 , such as the body hinge  56 , the plate hinge  26 , the side score lines  55  and the flap bottom score lines  57 . 
         [0323]    There are many different alternative embodiments for transitioning the container  20  from a fully opened state and a fully closed state. As discussed above, different embodiments have a different number of tabs  30  located in different positions on the container. Chevrons  49  can be added in certain places to encourage users to press down on certain services rather than others. The geometries of the horizontal score lines and the thickness. Different coatings can be applied to different locations on the exterior surface of the container  20  to encourage different user activities for opening and closing the container  20 . 
         [0324]    Different containers  20  can involve different components and different steps for the opening and closing of the container  20 . 
       VIII. ADDITIONAL VIEWS 
     A. Top View 
       [0325]      FIG. 7   e  is a diagram illustrating an example of a top view of container  20  that is in a closed and sealed state. In this example of the container  20 , the tab  30  includes three score lines ( 48 ,  60 , and  50 ) to facilitate the ability of a user to push the tab  30  down into the opening  32  (also referred to as a passageway  32 ) so that the tab  30  does not enter the users mouth or otherwise interfere with the consumption of the beverage. The illustration in  FIG. 7   e  also includes two skid locks  58  to facilitate the stacking of closed containers  20  as illustrated in  FIG. 9   a.    
       B. Bottom View 
       [0326]      FIG. 7   c  is a diagram illustrating an example of a bottom view of a container  20  with a substantially circular primary score line  61  when the container  20  is in an opened state.  FIG. 4   d  is a diagram illustrating another example of a bottom view of a container  20  in which the primary horizontal score line  61  is not substantially circular in shape because the container  20  is either in a closed position and/or the score line  61  was machined into the applicable blank prior to the shaping of the applicable blank around the bottom blank  102 . Both  FIGS. 7   c  and  7   d  show the base  40 . 
         [0327]    As illustrated in the Figures, different base  40  configurations can be incorporated into different embodiments of the container  20 . The type of material used to comprise the container  20  and the type of contents anticipated to be held in the container  20  can influence the appropriate design of the bottom of the container  20 . 
       C. Side View 
       [0328]      FIG. 8   a  is a diagram illustrating an example of a side view of a container  20 . The container  20  in  FIG. 8   a  is in a similar operating state/configuration as the container  20  in  FIG. 2   d , but from a different perspective. In this position, the portions of the tab  30 , lid  28 , and plate  28  that are most exterior to the container  20  form a substantially vertical line segment extending upwards from the exterior surface  42  of the body  22 . 
         [0329]    Although the lid  28  is substantially flat when closed, the curvature of the container  20  does not appear substantially flat as a line segment in a side view of the container  20  when the lid  28  is in a full upright position.  FIG. 5   a  illustrates only a small portion of the body hinge  56 , but the impact of the curved body hinge  56  does manifest itself in the fact that the lid  28  is not a simply a straight line as is illustrated in  FIG. 8   b.    
         [0330]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8   b , as the lid  28  moves more closely to a closed position, the side view of the lid  28  takes on a more two-dimensional appearance. This occurs because the originally curved body hinge  56  becomes more straight as the lid  28  and plate  24  move forward. 
         [0331]      FIG. 8   c  is a diagram illustrating an example of a side view of an interior body surface that includes a lid channel seat groove  52  to secure the lid  28  in a closed position. Different geometric shapes can be incorporated into the groove  52 . Additional structures can also be added to preclude the lid  28  from moving beyond an optimal closed position.  FIG. 8   d  illustrates a close up view of the inner groove  52 , with  FIG. 8   e  illustrating an example of the inner groove angle  64 , which in many embodiments is about 30 degrees. In other embodiments the angle  64  can range from as low as about 15 degrees to as high as about 65 degrees. 
       D. Front View 
       [0332]      FIG. 8   f  is a diagram illustrating an example of a front view of a container  20  that is in a fully closed operating state. 
       E. Side Tab View 
       [0333]      FIG. 8   g  illustrates the different positions of the tab  30  as the container  20  transitions from closed and sealed ( FIG. 2   a ), to closed and unsealed ( FIG. 2   b ), open lid/plate secure ( FIG. 2   c ), and fully open ( FIG. 2   d ). 
       IX. METHOD OF MAKING 
       [0334]    As discussed above, the container  20  can be manufactured in a wide variety of different ways using a wide variety of different tools. The materials used to manufacture the container  20  will have a significant impact on the manufacturing processes used with respect to the particular container  20 . In the context of the disposable containers  20 , many embodiments of the container  20  will be comprised primarily of some type of paper or paperboard. Various coatings and adhesives can be used to secure and/or strengthen certain portions of the container  20 . For example, the lid  28 , the edge  51  of the lid  28 , or other parts of a disposable container could be coated with polylactic acid (PLA) or some other type of material. Disposable embodiments of aseptic containers  20  will necessarily include significant materials in substitution of or in addition to paperboard-type material. 
       A. Blanks 
       [0335]    As discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   b  and  FIGS. 5   a - 5   d , containers  20  can be manufactured through the assembly of blanks. Blanks comprise flat pieces of material capable of being further shaped, such a paperboard-type material as well as plastics. 
         [0336]    Many embodiments of the container  20  will involve either a  2  blank manufacturing process (See  FIG. 4   a ) that comprises a top blank  100  comprising the entire surface of the container  20  except for the bottom blank  102  which comprises the bottom surface  48  and/or base  40  of the container  20 . 
         [0337]    Other embodiments will involve a  3  blank configuration (See  FIG. 4   b ), with a lid blank  104  and a sidewall blank  106  comprising the portions of the container that would be comprised of the top blank  100  in a  2  blank configuration. 
         [0338]    In different embodiments of the container, different processes can be performed on the container  20  when it is in the form of blanks, while other processes are performed after the blanks have been fused together and/or shaped at least partially into the form of the container. In many embodiments of the container, the primary score line  61  is not machined into the top blank  100  ( 2  blank configuration) or onto the sidewall blank  106  ( 3  blank configuration) until after the applicable blank has already been shaped around the bottom blank  100 . By machining the primary score line  61  (which is the substantially horizontal score line which comprises the body hinge  56  and the inner groove  52 ) after the blanks have been shaped, the primary score line  61  can maintain a substantially circular shape and the overall structural integrity of the container  20  is enhanced. In some embodiments, the primary score line  61  can be machined directly into the applicable blank. In still other embodiments, multiple elements can be machined into a substantially shaped container  20  rather than the flat blanks. 
       B. Blank Preparation 
       [0339]    Paperboard blanks can be prepared in a variety of different ways that involve either punching or cutting a roll of material such as paperboard or plastic. Blanks can be formed from a roll that is subject to a coating/lamination process to reinforce certain areas of the container  20 , a print process for displaying indicia such as words or graphics on the container  20 , a slitting process, and then a blanking or punching machine that results in the prepared blanks. Many paperboard embodiments of the container  20  can be machined from either pre-printed, pre-punched blanks, and/or optional pre-printed roll stock 
         [0340]    A variety of different machines can be used to actually cut or punch the blanks. Rotary dies, RP rotary dies (which is sometimes referred to as crossover technology), steel-rule die cutting, solid steel blanking dies, and other suitable machines can be used. It is often desirable to avoid using tools that avoid metal to metal contact that provide a clean cut, eliminating the standard crush-type cut. Thus RP rotary dies (which can also be referred to as “Bernal” rotary dies) are often desirable. Use of a shear-type cut can reduce or eliminate chaff, slivers, ragged cuts, and other undesirable outcomes that result from a more punch-type approach. 
         [0341]    Many manufacturers prefer solid-steel blanking dies however tools are not well suited in many embodiments of the container  20  for embossing, forming, and creasing/folding elements into the container  20 . The quality of the cut and the defects in the printing/blanking web registration can shut down a manufacturing process and render the machining of the container  20  with the use of a solid-steel blanking die impracticable in some but not all embodiments of the container  20 . 
       C. Blank Fusing 
       [0342]    Many different machines can be used in the process of fusing the blanks together and shaping the container  20 . Roll stands, printers, roll feeders, heating applications, pressure applications, folding applications, and other tools can be used to fuse the blanks together. In a  3  blank embodiment, the lid blank  106  and the sidewall blank  104  are typically fused together before any shaping occurs. The fusing of blanks with the bottom blank  102  typically occurs simultaneously with the shaping of either the top blank  100  or the sidewall blank  106  that has already been fused to the lid blank  104 . 
       D. Forming/Shaping 
       [0343]    A variety of different tools and processes can be used in forming/shaping the container  20 . 
         [0344]    Blank feeders, transfer turrets, shuttle table, hoppers, timing belts, bottom feeders, forming stations, mandrel turrets, bottom reformers, sealers, pre-heaters, heating stations, incurl stations, top curl stations (in some instances  3  top curl stations are used), finishing stations, rimming turrets, folding stations, tamper/lubricating stations, folding plates, clamping bars, shell distributors, rotating nozzles, calibration stamps, vacuum nozzles, and other devices are used to shape either the top blank  100  or the fused blank (comprising the sidewall blank  106  and the lid blank  104 ) around the bottom blank  100 . 
         [0345]    Blanks can be precisely positioned and tightly wrapped around the folding mandrel. The design of some cup embodiments of the container  20  allows for the body  22  wrapping with the punched and drawn cup bottom inserted prior to sidewall sealing or optional insertion of the cup bottom after the side wall sealing. Sealing of the side-seam and bottom seam can be completed by utilizing flame, hot air or ultrasonic heating. Sealing parameters related to temperature, pressure and registration are important within the forming process. The container shells (the shaped containers  20 ) can be designed to facilitate easy transfer between multiple turret stations positioned on the cup forming machine. 
       E. Post-Shaping Processing 
       [0346]    In many embodiments of the container  20 , there are processes performed on the container  20  after the container  20  is fully shaped. For example, it is often desirable for the process of top curling the rim  34  (which in some instances can involve  3  iterations of curling stations) and the machining of the loop  61  can both be done after the container  20  is fully shaped. 
         [0347]    The partially finished container  20  can be transferred to the top curl turret, incorporating multiple stations to form the top curl rim  34 , lubrication, pre-curl, finishing curl and calibration. 
       F. Manufacturing Method 
     Example #3 
       [0348]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  provide two examples of a method for manufacturing a container  20 .  FIG. 10   a  provides a third example. 
         [0349]    At  300 , blanks are cut. This typically involves a rotary die or an RP rotary die. The number of configurations of blanks cut per container  20  can vary from embodiment to embodiment. 
         [0350]    At  302 , a sidewall blank  106  can be top load fed onto a continuous motion conveyer. This can include a rotary pick and place feeding module that is seamlessly integrated with the container  20  forming machine. The sidewall blanks  106  can pass through the rotary pick and place module that includes lid hopper stations where the rotary pick motion can place the lid blank  104  in alignment with the sidewall blank  106 . 
         [0351]    At  304 , the side wall blank  106  is fused to the lid blank  104 . This process can include low-density polyethylene heating and pressure technology. For container  20  embodiments involving cups for hot beverages, the inner surface of the sidewall blank  106  can be lined with a thin layer of polyethylene on the top and bottom surfaces. When the sidewall blank  106  and the lid blank  104  are fused together, the aggregate package structure can have greater strength and stability. The use of separate lid blanks  104  and sidewall blanks  106  has several advantages, including: (1) lid  28  staining/wicking; (2) cup stacking after filling; (3) strengthening the lid  28  generally and against humidity specifically; and (4) reduction of waste/scrap because more aggregate containers  20  can be fit into less roll sheets. 
         [0352]    At  306 , the fused blank is shaped into a shell around the bottom blank  102 . This process usually involves both heat and pressure. 
         [0353]    At  308 , the bottom blank is secured within the bottom portion of the shell (either the shaped top blank  100  or the fused lid blank  104  and sidewall blank  105 ). 
         [0354]    At  310 , the primary score line  61  is machined into the container  20 . This step can be immediately preceded but is typically followed by the curling of the rim  34 . In some embodiments, three top curl stations can be used to curl the rim  34 . 
         [0355]    Then the process ends. 
       G. Manufacturing Method 
     Example #4 
       [0356]      FIG. 10   b  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a process that can be used to manufacture the container  20 . 
         [0357]    At  320 , the bottom blank  102  is heated. This can involve the use a mandrel turret to index the bottom blank  102  into a bottom re-former station where the bottom skirt is heated and re-formed into a shape more suitable for wrapping. 
         [0358]    At  322 , the edges of the top blank  102  or a fused blank (the sidewall blank  106  and the lid blank  104 ) are heated. This can be accomplished through the use of a transfer turret that indexes the sidewall blank  106  into a sidewall sealer and bottom preheat station where the edges of the blanks  104  and  106  are heated in preparation of the shell forming. 
         [0359]    At  324 , the top/fused blank is wrapped around the bottom blank  100  forming a shell. This can be accomplished using a transfer turret to index the sidewall blank  106  into the folding station, releasing the blank after the lower clamp clamps the blank against the mandrel. The mandrel turret can index the bottom blank  102  into the folding station. The folding wings can wrap the sidewall blank  106  around the bottom blank  102 , forming the cup shell. The mandrel turret can then index the shell to the bottom heat station. 
         [0360]    At  326 , the bottom area of the shell is heated. This can involve heating the inside skirt of the bottom blank  102  and transporting the shell to the bottom incurl station. 
         [0361]    At  328 , the bottom blank  102  is heated. 
         [0362]    At  330 , bottom blank  102  is moved downward in the shell. 
         [0363]    At  332 , lubricant (typically vegetable oil) is applied to the outside of the shell. 
         [0364]    At  334 , the bottom edge of the shell is curled over the bottom skirt of the bottom blank  102 . This can be done through the use of a bottom incurl station where the bottom edge of the sidewall blank  106  is curled over the bottom skirt of the bottom blank  102 . 
         [0365]    At  336 , the bottom is finished, knurled, and squared. A mandrel turret can index the shell to the bottom finishing station where this process is performed. 
         [0366]    At  338 , the shell is moved pneumatically. This can be done using a mandrel turret that indexes the shell to the rimming turret, where the shell is pneumatically removed from the mandrel and transferred to the rimming turret. 
         [0367]    At  340 , the shell is pushed down a pocket  340 . The shell is indexed from the rimming turret to the tamper/lubricator station. 
         [0368]    At  342 , lubricant is applied to the top of the shell. 
         [0369]    At  344 , the first curl is applied to the top of the shell. In some embodiments, there can be three iterations of curling the rim  34  before the rim  34  is finished. 
         [0370]    At  346 , the rim  34  is finished. 
         [0371]    At  348 , the primary score line  61  comprising a body hinge  56  and an inner groove  52  are formed in the container  20 . 
         [0372]    Then the process ends. 
       H. Manufacturing Method 
     Example #5 
       [0373]      FIG. 10   c  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a process for manufacturing the container  20 . 
         [0374]    At  350 , the fused blanks (blanks  104  and  106 ) are fanned. This can involve jacket blanks (segments) that are placed in a blank hopper with the printed side facing down. The segments are fanned using an air blast to prevent sticking 
         [0375]    At  352 , the fused blank is pre-folded. Pre-folding can be applied to the side of the blank that lies inward after being rolled. 
         [0376]    At  354 , the fused blank is heated. The seam surface of the fused blank can be heated at the same time in which the pre-folding process at  352  is performed since the two dies of the blank are different. 
         [0377]    At  356 , the fused blank is subjected to a final folding process. This occurs before the clamping bar closes on the side seam area. 
         [0378]    At  358 , the bottom blank  102  is positioned with respect to the fused blank. The shell is taken off the folding turret in an upper vertical position. The clamping bar opens and the pusher moves the shell off the folding mandrel. The shell is then moved to the shell distributor. 
         [0379]    At  360 , the bottom portion of the fused blank is heated and the bottom blank  102  is heated. This occurs after the container  20  bottom is brought together with the shell. 
         [0380]    At  362 , the bottom shell is incurled and sealed into the shell of the fused blank. 
         [0381]    At  364 , lubricant is sprayed by a rotating nozzle to aid the top curl processing. 
         [0382]    At  366 , the upper edge of the container  20  is preformed. This will ultimately become the rim  34 . 
         [0383]    At  368 , the rim  34  is curled. The process can involve multiple curl processes. In some embodiments, there are three top curl stations for curling the rim  34 . 
         [0384]    At  370  the container  20  is calibrated using a calibration stamp. 
         [0385]    At  372 , the primary score line  61  is machined into the container  20 . As discussed above this involves the inner groove  52  and the body hinge  56 . In many embodiments, the primary score line  61  is circular or substantially circular in shape while the container  20  is in an open position. 
         [0386]    Then the process ends. 
       X. TOOLING AND MANUFACTURING METHOD 
       [0387]    As with any product, the design features of the container  20  are impacted by the manufacturing process and tooling used to manufacture the container. The process can be performed using a variety of different machine tools known in the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, containers are produced using machine tools substantially similar to those of the prior art. In particular, the infrastructure below the table need not be changed in order to support some relatively modest functionality modifications above the table. 
         [0388]      FIG. 10   h  is a diagram illustrating an example of a machine tool configuration  500  and various tool components that can be used to manufacture the container  20 .  FIG. 10   d  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a process flow for manufacturing the container  20  that utilizes the tool configuration  500  illustrated in  FIG. 10   h . Thus  FIGS. 10   h  and  10   d  relate to each other. 
         [0389]    Steps  400  through  430  can be performed using a blank feed paper cup machine. Steps  432  through  460  can be performed using a tab lid applicator machine. The various tooling components/stations machines that can be used to manufacture the container  20  are collectively referred to as a tool  500 . 
         [0390]    At  400 , the bottom blank  102  is cut using a bottom maker tool component  524 .  FIG. 5B  illustrates an example of a bottom blank  102 . The shape of the bottom blank  102  will depend on the shape of the bottom  40  portion of the container  20 . In many instances, the bottom blank  102  will be circular shaped, but other geometric shapes are possible. 
         [0391]    At  402 , the side wall blank  106  is fed into the tool using a blank conveyer tool component  520 . 
         [0392]    At  404 , the side wall blank  106  is transferred using a blank transfer turret tool component  522 . 
         [0393]    At  406 , the edges of the side wall blank  106  are heated and reformed using a sidewall sealer  523 . This is done to facilitate forming a shall  108  (mating one edge of the sidewall blank  106  with itself) out of the side wall blank  106  (in alternative embodiments involving only 2 blanks instead of 3, the top blank  100  is substituted for the sidewall blank  105  throughout this process) as well as to facilitate bonding with the bottom blank  102 . In an embodiment of the container  20  that involves a bottom  40  elevated off the ground by a circular ring base, the bottom blank  102  is shaped into that base. 
         [0394]    At  408 , the sidewall blank  106  is wrapped around the shaped bottom blank  102  on the sidewall sealer  523 . The contact areas of both have been pre-heated at  404 .  FIG. 10   e  illustrates an example of a sidewall blank  106  being wrapped around the shaped bottom blank  102 . 
         [0395]    At  410 , the bottom seal area of the shell  108  is heated by a first bottom heat station  518 . At  412 , the bottom seal area of the shell  108  is heated a second time by a second heat station  516 . 
         [0396]    At  414 , the bottom edge of the sidewall blank  106  is curled over the bottom blank  102  skirt (the circular ring forming the future base of the container  20 ). This is done using a bottom incurl station  515 .  FIG. 10   f  illustrates an example of a curled edge at the skirt. 
         [0397]    At  416 , the bottom  40  is finished, knurled, and squared using a bottom finish station  514 . The bottom is comprised of the bottom blank  102  and the fused areas of the sidewall blank  106  that are permanently mated together.  FIG. 10   g  illustrates an example of a bottom  40  that is finished, knurled, and squared. 
         [0398]    At  418 , the shell  108  is moved. This is preferably done pneumatically (air suction/vacuum) although other techniques could also be utilized. At  420 , the shell  108  is then pushed down a “female” pocket to secure the shell  108  for the next step in the process. 
         [0399]    At  422 , a tamper lubricator  525  applies lubricant to the top of the shell  108  to prepare for curling the rim  34  of the container  20 . In some embodiments, the rim  34  is curled twice (curled then finished). In other embodiments, the rim  34  is curled three times (curled, finished, and calibrated). 
         [0400]    At  424 , the first curl is applied by a first rim curl station  526 . 
         [0401]    At  426 , the second curl is applied by a second rim curl station  529 . 
         [0402]    At  428 , the third curl (which is optional) is applied by a third rim curl station  531 . The rim  34  is referred to above and illustrated in  FIGS. 8   a - 8   g.    
         [0403]    At  430 , the shell is moved pneumatically to the next step in the process, moving the shell  108  from the blank feed paper machine (steps  400 - 430 ) to the tab lid applicator machine (steps  432 - 462 ). 
         [0404]    At  432 , the shell  108  is turned 180 degrees using an inverter turret  532 . At  434 , the shell  108  is pneumatically moved. At  436 , the shell  108  is pushed down “female” pocket for subsequent processing. 
         [0405]    At  438 , a tamper station  513  is used to apply lubricant in the shell  108 . 
         [0406]    At  440 , the first grooving of the primary score line  61  is performed by a first grooving station  512 . At  442 , the second grooving of the primary score line  61  is performed by a second grooving station  510 . The score line  61  is formed around the circumstance of the container  20 . The grooving of both stations  512  and  510  is done while the container  20  remains secured within the female pocket of the turret machine. The loop  61  is comprised of the body hinge  56  and the inner groove  52  are discussed above, and illustrated in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   d  and  FIGS. 8   a - 8   f.    
         [0407]    At  444 , an orientor  509  is used to orient the shell  108  for subsequent processing. 
         [0408]    At  446 , a lid hole die  502  is used to punch a hole in the lid stock for the subsequent creation of the lid blank  104 . 
         [0409]    At  448 , a tab  30  is attached to the lid stock by a label application area  503 . 
         [0410]    At  450 , a lid scoring die  505  is used to score the lid stock. 
         [0411]    At  452 , a lid blanking die  506  is used to cut the lid blank  104  from the lid stock. 
         [0412]    At  454 , a lid transfer turret  507  is used to transfer the lid blank  104  for mating the lid blank  104  with the shell  108   
         [0413]    At  456 , a lid heater  508  is used to heat the lid blank  104  to prepare for mating the lid blank  104  with the shell  108 . 
         [0414]    At  458 , the shell  108  is heated to prepare the shell  108  for mating with the lid blank  104 . 
         [0415]    At  460 , a lid sealing clamp  533  is used to fuse the lid blank  104  to the shell  108 . 
         [0416]    At  462 , a container blow off tool  533  is used to pneumatically move the finished container  20 . 
         [0417]    The process then ends, and the container  20  awaits subsequent shipping to customers. 
       X. INDEX OF ELEMENTS/ELEMENT NUMBERS 
       [0418]    Different embodiments of the container  20  can involve different combinations and configurations of components and subcomponents. Most of the claim elements below in Table 1 below are optional, and such elements may be totally absent from particular embodiments of the container or even entire container categories. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Index of component element numbers 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Element 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Number 
                 Name 
                 Description/Comments 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 20 
                 Container 
                 A device that has the capacity to contain contents. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Examples of containers include cups, such as coffee 
               
               
                   
                   
                 cups, other forms of non-aseptic cups, aseptic cups, or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 a virtually limitless variety of other containers 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (including but not limited to containers that have 
               
               
                   
                   
                 nothing to do with food or beverages). Different 
               
               
                   
                   
                 embodiments of the container can be comprised of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 different material compositions and different 
               
               
                   
                   
                 component and subcomponent configurations. All 
               
               
                   
                   
                 containers 20 must include a body 22 and a lid 28. All 
               
               
                   
                   
                 other components are potentially optional, depending 
               
               
                   
                   
                 on the particular embodiment of the container 20. 
               
               
                 22 
                 Body 
                 A portion of the container 20 that includes the cavity 
               
               
                   
                   
                 46. The body 22 is the portion of the container 20 that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 moves the least when the container 20 changes from an 
               
               
                   
                   
                 operating state of open to an operating state of closed, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and vice versa. 
               
               
                 23 
                 Reinforcement 
                 A surface area that is part of the lid blank 104 that is 
               
               
                   
                 Member 
                 connected to and reinforces the portion of the sidewall 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blank 106 that becomes the plate 24. 
               
               
                 24 
                 Plate 
                 A portion of the container 20 that acts as an interface 
               
               
                   
                   
                 between the lid 28 (which is used to open and close the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 container 20) and the body 22 (which provides for the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 cavity 46 and the capability of “containing” 
               
               
                   
                   
                 something). 
               
               
                 25 
                 Vertical Crease 
                 Straight score lines on the lid 28 used to reinforce the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lid 28. 
               
               
                 26 
                 Plate Hinge 
                 A hinge between the plate 24 and the lid 28. The plate 
               
               
                   
                   
                 hinge 26 helps facilitate the transition of the lid 28 from 
               
               
                   
                   
                 an operating status of open to an operating status of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 closed, and vice versa. Embodiments of the container 
               
               
                   
                   
                 20 that do not include a plate 24 do not include a plate 
               
               
                   
                   
                 hinge 26. 
               
               
                 27 
                 Cover 
                 A surface area 27 that covers the passageway 32. In 
               
               
                   
                   
                 some embodiments of the container 20, the tab 30 is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the cover 27. In other embodiments, the cover 27 is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 separate and distinct from the tab 30 of the container 
               
               
                   
                   
                 20. 
               
               
                 28 
                 Lid 
                 A moveable surface that is capable of sealing the cavity 
               
               
                   
                   
                 46, and closing the container 20. The movement of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lid 28 is what changes the operating state of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 container 20 between a state of being open and a state 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of being closed. 
               
               
                 29 
                 Gaps 
                 Small openings in reinforcement member 23 of the lid 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blank 104 that can serve as horizontal ventilators for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the container 20. 
               
               
                 30 
                 Tab 
                 A portion of material connected to the lid 28 that can 
               
               
                   
                   
                 be pulled by a user to open the container 20. In some 
               
               
                   
                   
                 embodiments, the tab 30 is used to seal or unseal a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 passageway 32 in the lid 28 of the container 20. In 
               
               
                   
                   
                 other embodiments, the tab 30 is totally unrelated to the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 opening or closing of the passageway 32. 
               
               
                 31 
                 Dimple 
                 An extrusion extending outward or inward from the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 external surface of the container 20. A dimple 31 can 
               
               
                   
                   
                 be formed by embossing, debossing, or some other 
               
               
                   
                   
                 process. Dimples 31 can provide a variety of functions 
               
               
                   
                   
                 that enhance the ability of users to grasp or use the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 container or to insulate a user from the temperature of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the contents within the container 20. For example, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 dimples 31 can be serve as a built in sleeve for a coffee 
               
               
                   
                   
                 cup, allowing the drinker to hold a cup of hot coffee 
               
               
                   
                   
                 without any intervening sleeve. 
               
               
                 32 
                 Passageway 
                 An opening in the container 20 that is typically located 
               
               
                   
                 (“opening”) 
                 in the lid 28. In many embodiments the passageway 32 
               
               
                   
                   
                 can be opened or closed while the lid 28 remains in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 closed position. For example, the passageway 32 in the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 context of a cup can be used to drink from the cup even 
               
               
                   
                   
                 though the lid 28 is in a closed position. Liquid in the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 cup can pass through the passageway 32 directly or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 through a straw placed within the passageway 32. The 
               
               
                   
                   
                 passageway 32 can also be referred to as an opening. 
               
               
                 33 
                 Dimple Group 
                 A grouping of individual dimples 31. 
               
               
                 34 
                 Rim 
                 An upper edge of the body 22 of the container 20. The 
               
               
                   
                 (“top curl”) 
                 rim 34 can also be referred to as a top curl. In many 
               
               
                   
                   
                 instances, the rim 34 is a reinforced exterior surface 
               
               
                   
                   
                 representing the highest vertical position of the body 
               
               
                   
                   
                 22. The horizontal plane of the rim 34 is often 
               
               
                   
                   
                 substantially parallel to the lid 28 when the lid 28 is in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 a closed and sealed position. The horizontal plane of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the rim 34 is also often substantially parallel to the base 
               
               
                   
                   
                 40 of the body 22. 
               
               
                 36 
                 Headwall 
                 A portion of the body 22 that is below the rim 34 but 
               
               
                   
                 (“head-wall” or 
                 above the substantially horizontal score line 61 (the 
               
               
                   
                 “head wall”) 
                 score line that can comprise the body hinge 56 and the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 inner groove 52). The head wall 36 (which can also 
               
               
                   
                   
                 be referred to as a headwall 36). 
               
               
                 38 
                 Support score 
                 Score lines in the body 22 of the container 20 that 
               
               
                   
                 lines 
                 structurally support the lid 28 and plate 24 (if present). 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Support score lines 38 can be oriented in a horizontal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 manner or in a vertical manner. Support score lines 38 
               
               
                   
                   
                 can be referred to as “plate support score lines” in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 embodiments where located below the plate 24 and “lid 
               
               
                   
                   
                 support score lines” in embodiments where there is no 
               
               
                   
                   
                 plate 24. 
               
               
                 39 
                 Bottom interior 
                 An internal surface in the container 20 that is the 
               
               
                   
                 surface 
                 bottom of the cavity 46. The bottom interior surface 
               
               
                   
                 (“Interior 
                 39 is often substantially flat and substantially parallel 
               
               
                   
                 Base”) 
                 with the ground when the container 20 rests on a flat 
               
               
                   
                   
                 surface. In some embodiments, the interior base 39 is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 elevated to further separate the contents of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 container 20 from the surface on which the container 
               
               
                   
                   
                 20 rests. 
               
               
                 40 
                 Bottom exterior 
                 An exterior surface at the bottom the container 20. In 
               
               
                   
                 surface 
                 many embodiments, the bottom 40 is substantially flat. 
               
               
                   
                 (“Exterior 
                 In embodiments of the container 20 in which the 
               
               
                   
                 Bottom”) 
                 interior base 39 is elevated, the exterior bottom 40 may 
               
               
                   
                   
                 be in the shape of circular ridge, circular ring (i.e. skirt) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 or some other hollow geometric shape. 
               
               
                 41 
                 Rim Arc 
                 An angle representing the magnitude of the rim 34 with 
               
               
                   
                   
                 respect to a horizontal cross section of the container 20. 
               
               
                 42 
                 Wall 
                 The exterior surface of the body 22 that surrounds 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (except for the opening sealed by the lid 28) the cavity 
               
               
                   
                   
                 46. Different embodiments of the container 20 can 
               
               
                   
                   
                 involve single-layered walls 42 or multiple-layered 
               
               
                   
                   
                 walls 42. 
               
               
                 44 
                 Interior wall 
                 The interior surface of the body 22 that surrounds 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (except for the opening sealed by the lid 28) the cavity 
               
               
                   
                   
                 46. 
               
               
                 45 
                 Hinge break 
                 A break in the plate hinge 26 or body hinge 56. The 
               
               
                   
                   
                 hinge break 45 can assist the transition of the lid 28 
               
               
                   
                   
                 between different operating states. 
               
               
                 46 
                 Cavity 
                 An empty space within the container 20 that can be 
               
               
                   
                   
                 used to hold or contain the contents of the container 20. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 In many instances, the geometric shape of the cavity 46 
               
               
                   
                   
                 will generally resemble the geometric shape of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 container 20 itself. However, some embodiments of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the container 20 may involve vastly different geometric 
               
               
                   
                   
                 shapes than the cavity 46 within the container 20. 
               
               
                 48 
                 Tab Base Score 
                 A score line at the base of the tab 30. 
               
               
                   
                 line 
               
               
                 49 
                 Chevrons 
                 A score line in the lid 28. Chevrons 49 can serve to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 enhance the structural stiffness of the lid 28 as it 
               
               
                   
                   
                 transitions between operating states and as the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 container 20 is moved around with contents enclosed. 
               
               
                 50 
                 Passageway 
                 A score line used to open or close the passage 32. 
               
               
                   
                 Score line 
               
               
                 51 
                 Lid edge 
                 The edge of the lid 28 that serves to seal the container 
               
               
                   
                 (“edge”) 
                 20 in a closed position. The edge 51 is lodged within 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the inner groove 52 of the body 22 when the lid 28 is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in a sealed position. 
               
               
                 52 
                 Inner groove 
                 An indentation within the interior surface of the body 
               
               
                   
                   
                 22 that is used to secure the edge 51 of the lid 28 when 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the lid 28 is in a closed position. 
               
               
                 53 
                 Exterior facing 
                 The exterior facing side of the inner groove 52. The 
               
               
                   
                 inner groove 
                 space between this score line 53 and the rim 34 is the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 headwall 36. 
               
               
                 54 
                 Flaps 
                 A surface connected to the plate 24 or in certain 
               
               
                   
                   
                 embodiments, the lid 28. Flaps 54 may also be 
               
               
                   
                   
                 connected to the body 22. Flaps 54 can assist in the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 motion of the lid 28 from an open position to a closed 
               
               
                   
                   
                 position. Flaps 54 can also help keep the lid 28 in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 sealed and locked position. 
               
               
                 55 
                 Side score line 
                 A score line connecting a flap 54 to the plate 24 (or in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 some instances, the lid 28). 
               
               
                 56 
                 Body hinge 
                 A score line 56 on the body 56 used to assist in the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 motion of the lid 28 between open and closed positions. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 The body hinge 56 separates the body 22 from the plate 
               
               
                   
                   
                 24 in embodiments of the container 20 that include a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 plate 24. Otherwise, the body hinge 56 separates the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 body 22 from the lid 28. 
               
               
                 57 
                 Flap bottom 
                 If a flap 54 is connected to the body 22, the flap bottom 
               
               
                   
                 score line 
                 score line 57 is the score line that connects the flap 54 
               
               
                   
                   
                 to the body 22. 
               
               
                 58 
                 Skid locks 
                 A protrusion outward from the plate 58 that enhances 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the ability of users to stack containers 20 in a closed 
               
               
                   
                   
                 position. Skid locks 58 can be in a variety of different 
               
               
                   
                   
                 geometric shapes, including circles, squares, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 rectangles, ovals, etc. as well as irregular shapes. 
               
               
                 59 
                 Flange 
                 A projecting collar that can assist in the sealing of an 
               
               
                   
                   
                 aseptic container 20, or in other types of containers 20 
               
               
                   
                   
                 as desired. 
               
               
                 60 
                 Third Tab 
                 A score line within the tab 30 or within a surface 
               
               
                   
                 Score Line 
                 blocking the passageway 32. This score line 60 can be 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pushed inward towards the cavity 46 to clear the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 passageway 32. 
               
               
                 61 
                 Loop 
                 A score line running substantially around the parameter 
               
               
                   
                 (“primary score 
                 of the container 20. The loop 61 can include the body 
               
               
                   
                 line”) 
                 hinge 56 and the inner groove 52. 
               
               
                 63 
                 Stiffener score 
                 A curved score line in the lid 28 used to reinforce the 
               
               
                   
                 line 
                 structural integrity of the lid 28. Lid stiffener score 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lines 63 are substantially in the shape of the edge 51. 
               
               
                 64 
                 Inner groove 
                 The angle of the indentation comprising the inner 
               
               
                   
                 angle 
                 groove 52. The inner groove angle 64 can vary widely 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in different embodiments of the container 20. 
               
               
                 70 
                 Score Lines 
                 A seam or fold in the container 20. Some score lines 
               
               
                   
                   
                 70 are foldable score lines 71 that will fold to varying 
               
               
                   
                   
                 degrees in the opening and closing of the lid 28. Other 
               
               
                   
                   
                 score lines 70 non-foldable score lines 72 are not 
               
               
                   
                   
                 adapted to be folded and are otherwise not related to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 opening and closing of the lid 28. 
               
               
                 71 
                 Foldable Score 
                 A score line 70 that provides for bending or folding in 
               
               
                   
                 Lines 
                 the opening and closing of the lid 28. Examples of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 foldable score lines 71 include the body hinge 56, the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 plate hinge 26, the side score lines 55 (if any), and the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 flap bottom score lines 57(if any). 
               
               
                 72 
                 Non-Foldable 
                 A score line 70 is not directly involved in the opening 
               
               
                   
                 Score Lines 
                 and closing motion of the lid 28. Non-foldable score 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lines 72 serve the enhance the structural strength of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 different surfaces 75 on the container 20. Examples of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 non-foldable score lines 72 include vertical creases 25, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the rim 34, support score lines 38, the tab score line 48, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 chevrons 49, the inner groove 52, the exterior face of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the inner groove 53, the tab score line 60, and the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 stiffener score line 63. 
               
               
                 75 
                 Surface 
                 A surface 75 on the container 20. The container 20 can 
               
               
                   
                   
                 be divided up primarily into surfaces 75 and score lines 
               
               
                   
                   
                 70. 
               
               
                 77 
                 Insulation 
                 A layer of material that can be positioned vertically 
               
               
                   
                 Layer 
                 beneath the lid 28 and/or plate 24. The purpose of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 insulation layer 77 is to insulate the lid 28 from the heat 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of a hot beverage. The insulation layer 77 can in some 
               
               
                   
                   
                 embodiments be comprised of a plastic or foam that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 similar in feel and texture to bubble wrap. 
               
               
                 79 
                 Circular Arc 
                 The plate 24, side flaps 54, and side score lines 55 can 
               
               
                   
                   
                 be shaped in such a manner such that the edges of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lid 28 and plate 24 form a continuous circular arc 79 
               
               
                   
                   
                 that is interrupted only by the plate hinge 26. 
               
               
                 90 
                 Stack (closed) 
                 A collection of containers 20 in closed positions placed 
               
               
                   
                   
                 on top of each other. 
               
               
                 94 
                 Stack (open) 
                 A collection of containers 20 in open positions placed 
               
               
                   
                   
                 on top of each other. 
               
               
                 97 
                 Flap Angle 
                 An angle formed between the side score line 55 and the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 bottom score line 57. 
               
               
                 100 
                 Top blank 
                 A blank used to form the entire container 20 except for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the bottom surface of the container 20. 
               
               
                 102 
                 Bottom blank 
                 A blank used to form the bottom surface 40 of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 container 20. A two blank embodiment of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 container 20 can be formed using the top blank 100 and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the bottom blank 102. A three blank embodiment of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the container 20 can be formed using a bottom blank 
               
               
                   
                   
                 102, a lid blank 104, and a sidewall blank 106. 
               
               
                 104 
                 Lid blank 
                 A blank used to form the lid 28 of the container 20. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Some embodiments of the lid blank 104 can include 
               
               
                 106 
                 Sidewall blank 
                 A blank used to from the portions of the container that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 are not the lid 28 and not the bottom surface 40. 
               
               
                 108 
                 Shell 
                 A sidewall blank 106 that has been fused to a bottom 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blank 102. 
               
               
                 500 
                 Tool 
                 Machine for fusing the lid blank 104 to the sidewall 
               
               
                   
                   
                 blank 106. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       XI. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0419]    The container  20  can be implemented in a wide variety of different embodiments, configurations, and contexts. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles and modes of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in a variety of embodiments and configurations. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. The container and methods for using the container can be implemented in a wide variety of different components, component configurations, and component compositions.