Abstract:
A container for retaining one or more inner packets having an outer package having at least a back and a flap, the flap including a first layer and a second layer which are joined along side edges thereof to create a pocket in the flap that is open along only one side, wherein the flap is divided from the back by a fold line; and at least one inner packet slot configured to receive the inner packet, the inner packet slot being defined between the first and second layers of the flap; whereby an opened inner packet can be partially inserted behind the inner packet slot and into the pocket between the first and second layers of the flap of the outer package, so that when the outer package is folded along the fold line, the inner packet is folded against itself and is pinched shut to retain its contents. Methods and blanks are also included.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application is related to and claims priority from provisional patent application No. 61/239,688, filed Sep. 3, 2009 and entitled Reclosable Container, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates to containers, and in particular to containers having a means to keep opened inner packets sealed. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Reclosable containers that include a plurality of inner packets or liners that contain product are known in the art. Some containers can be opened and closed by the use of locking flaps and made of paperboard. 
         [0004]    Containers of this type are susceptible to spillage of product when the inner packet has granular or powdered material and is opened and returned to the container. Containers of this type do not form adequate seals to hold any inner product that has spilled. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a desire and need for a container that can be reliably closed and additionally can seal an opened inner packet from spillage. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A reclosable container is provided that can be reliably closed and can seal one or more opened inner packets. 
         [0007]    One embodiment provides container for one or more inner packets having an outer package, the outer package having at least a back and a flap, the flap including a first layer and a second layer which are joined along side edges thereof to create a pocket in the flap that is open along only one side, wherein the flap is divided from the back by a fold line; and at least one inner packet slot configured to receive the inner packet, the inner packet slot being defined between the first and second layers of the flap; whereby an opened inner packet can be partially inserted behind the inner packet slot and into the pocket between the first and second layers of the flap of the outer package, so that when the outer package is folded along the fold line, the inner packet is folded against itself and is pinched shut to retain its contents. 
         [0008]    Other embodiments can include the flap of the outer package being a second front panel, the fold line being a first fold line, the outer package further adding a first front panel, the first front panel being divided from the back along a second fold line, the first front panel being opposed to the second front panel; and two side panels, the first side panel being divided from the back along a third fold line and having an arcuate edge opposing the third fold line, and the second side panel being divided from the back along a fourth fold line and having an arcuate edge opposing the fourth fold line to define a convex shape to the front panel. 
         [0009]    In other embodiments, the back panel can also have a pair of back arcuate edges to define a pair of side panels and a second convex shape to the back panel. 
         [0010]    The container can be constructed from one blank made of a material selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, plastic, paperboard-plastic composites, fabric, leather, vinyl, and combinations thereof. 
         [0011]    Other features can include an inner packet slot downwardly arcuate and has a straight transverse fold bendable at each end of the arc. Alternately, the slot can be upwardly arcuate. 
         [0012]    Methods of storing an inner packet within the reclosable container can include providing a package, the package including a back panel, and a front panel including an external layer and an internal layer, the front panel being continuously connected to the back panel along a top edge; providing a inner packet slot in the front panel; providing an unsealed inner packet, the inner packet including a product; inserting a portion of the inner packet into said inner packet slot such that the portion of the inner packet is between the internal layer and the external layer of the front panel; closing the package by acutely folding the front panel along the top edge; and pinching the inner packet closed between the front panel and the back panel along the top edge. 
         [0013]    In one method, front panel being a second front panel, the package further comprising a first front panel and two side panels, the first front panel of the package including a slot, the second front panel at least partially overlapping the first front panel when it is folded at the top edge. 
         [0014]    Embodiments also include blanks that can have a back panel; a first front panel continuous with a lower edge of the back panel and defined by a first fold line; first and second attachment flaps, continuous with edges of the back panel and define by second and third fold lines; a second front panel continuous with a top edge of the back panel and defined by a forth fold line, the second front panel having a fifth transverse fold line, at about a vertical midway point to define substantially symmetrical lower and upper portions; and an arcuate tab along a top edge of the upper portion of the second front panel. 
         [0015]    The blanks can also have arcuate lines in the first and second attachment flaps scored that originate at each end of each the second and third fold lines. Similarly, the back panel can also have scored arcuate lines that originate at each end of each the second and third fold lines. 
         [0016]    Alternate features can include the arcuate tab further having a sixth fold line between ends of the arc. Also, the front panel further comprises a cut through arcuate slot placed at a point that the slot, when folded 180 degrees along the first fold line, would be positioned at a point that would approximate the point where the fifth fold line would be positioned, when second front panel is folded 180 degrees along the fourth fold line. 
         [0017]    Other features will become more apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the container pertains and from the following description and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The foregoing features, as well as other features, will become apparent with reference to the description and figures below, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a closed exemplary container; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the container of  FIG. 1  in an open position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3A  is a front view of the container of  FIG. 1  with an inner packet disposed in a flap cavity; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-section of the container of  FIG. 1  taken along line  3 B- 3 B with an inner packet pinched shut using the flap; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a blank; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an alternate blank; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a front view of a container in an open position having and alternate slot; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a container in an open position having a plurality of slots. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    Referring now to the figures, like elements are represented by like numerals throughout the several views. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a closed container  10 . Container  10  includes a front, two side panels  12  and a back  14 . The front can have a first front panel  16  and a second front panel  18 . First front panel  16  can be smaller than back  14  and can continuously adjoin back  14  along a bottom edge  20 . Back  14  can continuously adjoin second front panel  18  along a top edge  22  and each side panel  12  along a respective side edge  24 . First front panel  16  can also be connected to each of the two side panels  12 , and at least a portion of each edge  30  between first front panel  16  and each of the side panels  12  can be arcuate. Arcuate edges  30  connecting first front panel  16  and side panels  12  result in a bowing out of first front panel  16  so that it is at least partially outwardly-convex, defining a cavity between first front panel  16  and back  14 . This allows an area for one or more inner packets  32  ( FIG. 2 ) containing products to be placed therein. Although any number of products can be placed within inner packet  32 , examples herein can include granulated or powdered drink mixes. 
         [0029]    First front panel  16  can also include a slot  28  for receiving a lower edge  26  of second front panel  18  to close container  10 . Second front panel  18  can at least partially overlap first front panel  16 . In exemplary embodiments, when container  10  is initially purchased and is unopened, an adhesive means can be used to retain the first front panel  18  over second front panel  16 . Adhesive retaining means can include such things as cold glue, hot melt glue, tape, stickers, labels, band overwrap, shrink overwrap, and the like. In such embodiments, slot  28  is unused until the adhesive retaining means is broken. 
         [0030]    The combination of slot  28  and reclosing edge  26  can generally be referred to as reclosing mechanism. The exact position of slot  28  on first front panel  16  can vary, though it has been found that placement near the apex of the arcuate edge  30  is preferable and can provide a closure that will not readily open by itself when upside down or inverted, when first front panel  16  is folded to an acute angle, when container  10  is dropped, or when container  10  is subjected to compressive forces. The folding angle can adjust to accommodate the convex curvature of container  10 . The reclosing mechanism can be configured for a consumer to open using one hand. 
         [0031]    Container  10  can be made from a variety of materials such as a single sheet of foldable material (blank). Preferably, container  10  is made of paperboard of the type conventionally used in food containers or product packages, and more specifically, can be made of 14 point paperboard (approximately 0.3 mm thick). Other materials can include plastic, paperboard-plastic composites, cardboard, fabric, leather, vinyl and the like. Container  10  can additionally include texture on one or more of the surfaces, indicia, or other designs to make the package aesthetically pleasing to consumers. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  shows the package of  FIG. 1  in an open position.  FIG. 2  also shows a plurality of internal packets  32 , which may contain, for example, powdered or granulated products, such as powdered beverage mix or powdered juice or coffee, salad dressing, instant pudding or gelatin mix, ice cream toppings, desserts and dessert toppings, sprinkles, cookie crumbs, confections such as gum sticks, or other products. 
         [0033]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, second front panel  18  can have at least two layers: an interior layer  34  and an exterior layer  36 , which can be joined at the edges, defining an interior cavity. The edges can be joined by an adhesive layer  68  in a number of manners such as hot melt glue, cold glue, adhesive tape, and the like. Interior layer  34  of second front panel  18  defines an inner packet slot  38 . Inner packet slot  38  is sized to accommodate at least a portion of one or more inner packets  32 . In one specific example, inner packet  32  is a packet with a powdered drink mix that may be torn open at its upper end. Inner packet  32  may be, for example, two centimeters wide and inner packet slot  38  is at least that wide. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , inner packet slot  38  can be defined, in part, by an unattached arcuate portion of an edge of layer  26 . Inner packet slot  38  may alternatively be trapezoidal, or may include a tab that can be completely folded under to provide a straight edge under which the inner packet  32  containing product can be slipped. As shown, inner packet slot  38  has a score line  70  to allow the arcuate portion of inner packet slot  38  to be bent outwardly forming a tab, thus facilitating easier insertion of inner packet  32 . Additional inner packet slots, such as shown in  FIG. 7 , can be optionally provided and allow a consumer to save a plurality of opened inner packets  32  containing e.g., a variety of flavors of powdered beverage within the plurality of slots. The additional inner packet slots can be made by making cuts (arcuate cuts shown) in interior layer  34 . Additionally, score lines  70  can also be added to form outwardly bent tabs as described herein. 
         [0035]    After an inner packet  32  has been opened by tearing its upper end, the upper end may be inserted within inner packet slot  38 , between interior layer  34  and exterior layer  36  of second front panel  18 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Inner packet slot  38  holds inner packet  32  in place, restricting or eliminating movement thereof. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3B  shows that as second front panel  18  is acutely folded at top edge  22  to overlap first front panel  16 , inner packet  32  is also folded, pinching the inner packet  32  closed, thus providing a releasable seal. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an example of a blank  42  for container  10  is shown. As shown herein, container blank  42  can be formed from a single sheet of foldable material. Preferably, container blank  42  is made of paperboard of a type conventionally used in food containers, such as 14 point paperboard. Other materials can also be used including plastic, paperboard-plastic composites, cardboard, fabric, leather, vinyl, and the like. Additionally, textures on one or more of the surfaces can be provided in the form of embossing, debossing, coating, and matte or gloss finishing. Indicia or other designs can be provided on container blank  42  so that such indicia or designs are visible on the inside and/or outside of container  10 . 
         [0038]    As  FIG. 4  illustrates, container blank  42  includes a back  14 , preferably in the shape of a rectangle or square. Length and width of back  14  can be around 10 centimeters to allow for the container to fit into purses, pockets, briefcases, and to be otherwise conveniently sized for transportation. Length and width of back  14  can be greater or smaller, depending on the specific application contemplated, such as may be necessary to accommodate smaller or larger products. Container blank  42  includes two opposing side panels  12 , a first front panel  16 , and a second front panel  18  which are adjacent to and integrally connected to the back  14  by fold lines  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 . Fold lines  48  and  50  make up side edges  24  in  FIG. 1 . Further, fold line  44  corresponds to top edge  22  and fold line  46  corresponds to bottom edge  20  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0039]    Referring back to  FIG. 4 , back  14 , as illustrated, is larger than the first front panel  16 , and first front panel  16  adjoins back  14  along a fold line  46  along the bottom of back  14 . First front panel  16  includes a slot  28  cut through first front panel  16  and positioned and shaped to engage reclosing edge  26 , or fold line  52  in  FIG. 4  of second front panel  18 . As discussed in connection with  FIG. 1 , slot  28  varies in distance from fold line  46  depending on the distance of fold line  52  from fold line  44 . First front panel  16  includes two arcuate opposing edges  66  to approximately match arcuate edges  30  of side panels  12 . These opposing edges  66  are adjacent to fold line  46 . Edge  62  of first front panel  16 , which opposes fold line  46 , is shown in  FIG. 4  as having a hyperbolic shape. Nevertheless, this particular edge can be a straight line, have a trapezoidal cut out, or include other shapes. 
         [0040]    Container blank  42 , as illustrated, also includes two side panels  12 . Side panels  12  are divided from back  14  along fold lines  48  and  50 , located on edges of the back  14  opposing one another, and each adjacent to first front panel  80 . Fold lines  48  and  50 , as shown, are straight edges, which allow back  14  to remain flat when the package is assembled and contains product so as to minimize the amount of space the package occupies. Side panels  12  additionally include precisely scored arcuate edges  30  which define the depth of the package and provide a convex shape to first front panel  16 . In exemplary embodiments, the distance from fold line  48  or  50  to the apex of arcuate edge  30  of side panel  12  is about one centimeter to allow the container to be easily transported in a small purse, bag, or pocket. The distance from fold line  48  or  50  to the apex of arcuate edge  30  of side panel  12  varies depending on inner packet  32  to be contained within the container  10 . It is this distance from fold line  48  or  50  to the apex of the arcuate edge  30  that gives the package its depth. Furthermore, the distance from fold line  48  to the apex of the arcuate edge  30  of the associated side panel  12  is equal to the distance from fold line  50  to the apex of the corresponding arcuate edge  30  of the side panel  12  associated with fold line  50 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , optionally scored back arcuate edges  72  can further define the depth of the package by providing a second convex shape to back  14 . 
         [0042]    Side panels  12  can each be connected to an attachment flap  58  along the scored edge using adhesive means described herein. Attachment flaps  58  are folded into the inside of the container  10  when it is assembled and provides a means by which first front panel  16  can be joined to side panels  12 . Each attachment flap  58  can have a straight edge  56  opposing arcuate edge  30  and a straight edge  60  adjacent to arcuate edge  30  near fold line  46 . Further, each attachment flap  58  has a contoured edge  54  adjacent to the arcuate edge  30  near fold line  44 . This edge  54  is contoured to substantially match hyperbolic edge  62  of first front panel  16  when container blank  42  is folded to form a container. When container  10  is constructed from container blank  42  as shown in  FIG. 4 , attachment flaps  58  can substantially overlap one another. The amount of overlap may vary depending on the desired type and amount of materials to be used and the amount of support desired. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments, attachment flaps  58  can include more than two relief cuts  64 , or fewer than two relief cuts  64 , depending on the type of material selected and its flexibility. 
         [0043]    Container  10  can also include a second front panel  18  which, as shown in  FIG. 4 , includes at least two layers, an exterior layer  36  and an interior layer  34  of second front panel  18 . When shown spread out in the container blank  42 , exterior layer  36  and interior layer  34  are adjacent to and integrally connected to one another by a transverse fold line  52 , and substantially form an hourglass shape. As shown in  FIG. 4 , interior layer  34  and exterior layer  36  include partially arcuate edges, although the exact shape of the edges of interior layer  34  and exterior layer  36  vary depending on the application and overall shape of the container  10 . For example, second front panel  18  can be contoured to match the shape of first front panel  16 , or it can differ in shape from the shape of first front panel  16 . In  FIG. 4 , fold line  52  divides second front panel  18  into symmetrical first and second portions, where each portion includes a narrow edge and a wide edge. The first portion, or exterior layer  36 , is divided from back  14  along its wide edge, or fold line  44 . Fold line  52 , located across the narrow part of the second front panel  18 , comprises reclosing edge  26  in  FIG. 1 , and is received by slot  28  of first front panel  16  to close the package. 
         [0044]    In preferred embodiments, the second portion of the second front panel, or interior layer  34 , includes an inner packet slot  38 . When the container blank  42  is folded to create container  10 , inner packet slot  38  allows the interior layer  34  and the exterior layer  36  to be easily separated to receive an inner packet  32  containing product between the two layers. Inner packet slot  38  can vary in size, creating a wider or narrower inner packet slot  38 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , inner packet slot can located in approximately the center of the wide edge of the second portion of the second front panel, and has an arcuate shape. As previously discussed, inner packet slot  38  can have other shapes, depending on the specific application contemplated. 
         [0045]    To create the container  10  as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , slot  28  is cut or scored through first front panel  16  of container blank  42  in  FIG. 4 . Interior layer  34  is folded down to exterior layer  36  of second front panel  18  along fold line  52  and secured in place. Again, this can be secured using an adhesive means described herein. A portion of interior layer  34  and exterior layer  36 , including at least the location of inner packet slot  38 , are not joined to allow for receipt of an open inner packet  32  containing product. Container blank  42  is folded along fold lines  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 . Relief cuts  64  in attachment flaps  58  are cut, and attachment flaps  58  are folded towards one another along arcuate edges  30 . Attachment flaps  58  overlap and are joined to one another using an adhesive or the like. Edges  66  of first front panel  16  are joined to arcuate edges  30  of side panels  12 , giving first front panel  16  an at least partially outward-convex shape. First front panel  16  is joined to attachment flaps  58 . Second front panel  18  is folded down along fold line  44  and reclosing edge  26  (fold line  52  in  FIG. 4 ) is tucked into slot  28  on first front panel  16  to close container  10 . 
         [0046]    While preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention.