Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/286,159, filed Nov. 1, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,159, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to shipping containers, in particular shipping containers that are fabricated at least in part from paper, paperboard and/or corrugated paperboard material. The present invention also relates to such containers that are: 1) erected as a wraparound sheet around the group of products being packaged, with the group of products being placed on the blank forming the wrapper before articulation has begun, or at least well before articulation of the container has been completed; 2) erected as a tray, wherein the flat blank is formed into a tray container having the minor flaps adhered to the side panels; or 3) partially erected as a U-shaped receptacle form, wherein a group of products being packaged will be placed within the U-shaped form before the articulation of the minor flaps and the adhesion of the side panel combined with the articulation of the top panel and glue lap being adhesively affixed to the side panel. 
     2. The Prior Art 
     For various reasons, it is often desirable to provide a packaging system and resulting container, in which the blank from which the container is to be formed is either not yet articulated, or is only partially articulated, prior to placement of the goods to be packaged on or in the unformed or partially formed blank. Such containers are often referred to as wraps or wraparound cartons. 
     One such reason for such an approach, is when the goods to be packaged have a certain inherent stacking strength, such as nested canned goods, wherein the resultant wrap need not bear the entire load, when loaded ones of such cartons are stacked. In such constructions, the use of a wrap container configuration enables a minimum amount of container material to be used. 
     Interestingly, another environment in which wraparound style containers are used is when the goods to be contained are particularly fragile. 
     For example, it has become popular to package certain meat articles, which are generally known to be particularly perishable and prone to spoilage and contamination, in a vacuum-packed plastic bag, and then frozen, for shipment and storage. The vacuum-packed plastic bag closely follows the contours of the food item, so that no air is trapped. This helps prevent the occurrence of oxidation of the meat product, and generally improves the overall condition of the food product. 
     Unfortunately, some meat articles, particularly those still having the bone in place after processing (such as pork loins), are problematic to package in such vacuum-packed plastic bags. This is because the often rather sharp-edged bones in the food product have substantial potential for puncturing or cutting through the bag. 
     Due to such fragility, it is important to ensure that the food product is handled carefully, and packaged in a manner that is less likely to subject the package to stresses that might result in puncture of the bags, and thus contamination of the goods. 
     It has been found that the tray, tray wrapper or wraparound container is one of the more useful methods for addressing such a situation, because the goods (food product) is not pushed, lowered or dropped into an already substantially fully erected container. Instead the container is formed around the goods to be packaged. 
     However, unlike wrapper or wraparound containers for substantially self-supporting products like stacked cans, which permit the use of wraparound constructions of reduced material content, it is desirable to provide a wraparound container design that is more robust, without the use of excessive container material in the blank. 
     This and other desirable characteristics of the present invention will become apparent in view of the present specification and drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises, in part, a tray, tray wrapper or wraparound style container for the packaging and shipment of articles, articulated from a single monolithically formed blank of container material. 
     The container comprises a bottom panel; a front panel emanating from a front edge region of the bottom panel; a rear panel emanating from a rear edge region of the bottom panel; a top panel emanating from a top edge region of the rear panel; first and second inside end panels emanating from end edge regions of the bottom panel; inner minor flaps emanating from front and rear edge regions of each of the first and second inside end panels; first and second outside end panels emanating from end edge regions of the top panel; outer reinforcement flanges emanating from front and rear edge regions of each of the first and second outside end panels; at least one closure flap emanating from at least one of the top panel and the front panel; whereupon articulation of the blank, the top and bottom panels are disposed in parallel, spaced relation to one another; the first and second inside end panels are juxtaposed to and parallel to the first and second outside end panels, respectively; the inner minor flaps are juxtaposed to the inside surfaces of the front and rear panels; and the outer reinforcement flanges are juxtaposed to the outside surfaces of the front and rear panels, for providing a container having reinforced corner regions for enhanced stacking strength. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the top and bottom panels are rectangular and have substantially the same dimensions. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second inside end panels and the first and second outside end panels are rectangular and have substantially the same dimensions. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one closure flap emanates from a forward edge region of the top panel, and upon articulation of the blank, is juxtaposed to an outside surface of an upper edge region of the front panel. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one closure flap emanates from an upper edge region of the front panel, and upon articulation of the blank, is juxtaposed to an inside surface of a forward edge region of the top panel. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer reinforcement flanges have substantially less depth than the inner minor flaps. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner minor flaps, when juxtaposed to the inner surfaces of the front and rear panels, have combined widths that are substantially less than the respective widths of the front and rear panels. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner minor flaps, when juxtaposed to the inside surfaces of the front and rear panels, have combined widths that are substantially the same as the respective widths of the front and rear panels. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front and rear edge regions of each of the first and second inside end panels and the first and second outside end panels are inclined toward one another; and the inner minor flaps and the outer reinforcement flanges are non-rectangular and extend at non-orthogonal angles with respect to their respective first and second inside end panels and first and second outside end panels, so that, upon articulation of the blank, the first and second inside and outside end panels are inwardly inclined relative to the bottom panel, and the front and rear panels are inwardly inclined relative to the bottom panel, to form a frusto-pyramidal container. 
     The container may further comprise regions of weakness disposed along peripheral edge regions of the top panel, for enabling at least a portion of the top panel to be removed to provide access to an interior region of the container. The regions of weakness may comprise perforations extending along portions of front, rear and side edge regions of the top panel, and perforations extending diagonally along corner regions of the top panel, connecting the perforations extending along portions of front, rear and side edge regions of the top panel. The container may further comprise at least one access aperture disposed along at least one of a region of transition between the top panel and at least one closure flap emanating from a front edge region of the top panel, and a region of transition between the top panel and the rear panel. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front panel has a height that is substantially less than the rear panel, for providing a front access opening in the container. 
     The container may further comprise at least one access aperture disposed along at least one of a region of transition between the top panel and at least one closure flap emanating from a front edge region of the top panel, and a region of transition between the top panel and the rear panel. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner minor flaps further emanate from end edge regions of the rear panel, and regions of foldable weakness are disposed substantially diagonally across at least a portion of each of the inner minor flaps, whereupon articulation of the blank, the inner minor flaps form inwardly folding gussets, providing a container having slotless bottom corner regions for facilitated leak-preventive containment of fluent material. The container may further comprise notches in each of the inner minor flaps extending from free edge regions thereof, inwardly toward and intersecting each of the regions of foldable weakness. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one closure flap emanating from at least one of the top panel and the front panel comprises a closure flap emanating from a forward edge region of the top panel, which, upon articulation of the blank, is juxtaposed and adhesively affixed to an outside surface of an upper edge region of the front panel; and a closure flap emanating from an upper edge region of the front panel, which, upon articulation of the blank, is juxtaposed and adhesively affixed to an inside surface of a forward edge region of the top panel, thereby forming a transversely extending region of enhanced strength and rigidity along a forward upper edge region of the container. 
     The present invention also comprises, in part, a method for packaging at least one article, using a container, articulated from a single monolithically formed blank of container material, the method comprising the steps of: 
     providing a blank having 
     a bottom panel; 
     a front panel emanating from a front edge region of the bottom panel; 
     a rear panel emanating from a rear edge region of the bottom panel; 
     a top panel emanating from a top edge region of the rear panel; 
     first and second inside end panels emanating from end edge regions of the bottom panel; 
     inner minor flaps emanating from front and rear edge regions of each of the first and second inside end panels; 
     first and second outside end panels emanating from end edge regions of the top panel; 
     outer reinforcement flanges emanating from front and rear edge regions of each of the first and second outside end panels; 
     at least one closure flap emanating from at least one of the top panel and the front panel; 
     positioning the at least one article to be packaged in overlying relation to the bottom panel of the blank; 
     folding the inner minor flaps to positions at least oblique with respect to their respective first and second inside end panels; 
     folding the first and second inside end panels to positions at least oblique with respect to the bottom panel; 
     folding the front panel to an upright position relative to the bottom panel; 
     folding the rear panel to an upright position relative to the bottom panel; 
     folding the top panel to a position substantially parallel to the bottom panel; 
     folding the first and second outside end panels to positions juxtaposed to and overlying the first and second inside end panels; 
     folding the outer reinforcement flanges to positions juxtaposed to and overlying the front and rear panels and affixing the outer reinforcement flanges thereto; and 
     sealing the container by at least one closure flap to at least one of the front panel and the top panel. 
     The step of positioning the at least one article to be packaged in overlying relation to the bottom panel of the blank may be performed prior to the articulation of any of the panels of the blank. Alternatively, the step of positioning the at least one article to be packaged in overlying relation to the bottom panel of the blank may be performed, after the step of folding the inner minor flaps emanating from the rear edge regions of the first and second inside end panels, but prior to the step of folding the inner minor flaps emanating from the front edge regions of the first and second inside end panels. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing top and bottom panels that are rectangular and have substantially the same dimensions. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing first and second inside end panels and first and second outside end panels that are trapezoidal and have substantially the same dimensions. 
     The method may further comprise the steps of providing at least one closure flap emanating from a forward edge region of the top panel, and juxtaposing the at least one closure flap to an outside surface of an upper edge region of the front panel. 
     The method may further comprise the steps of providing at least one closure flap emanating from an upper edge region of the front panel, and upon articulation of the blank and juxtaposing the at least one closure flap to an inside surface of a forward edge region of the top panel. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing the outer reinforcement flanges with substantially less depth than the inner minor flaps. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing the inner minor flaps, when juxtaposed to the inner surfaces of the front and rear panels, with combined widths that are substantially less than the respective widths of the front and rear panels. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing the inner minor flaps, when juxtaposed to the inside surfaces of the front and rear panels, with combined widths that are substantially the same as the respective widths of the front and rear panels. 
     The method may further comprise the steps of providing each of the first and second inside end panels and the first and second outside end panels with front and rear edge regions that are inclined toward one another; and of providing inner minor flaps and outer reinforcement flanges that are non-rectangular and extend at non-orthogonal angles with respect to their respective first and second inside end panels and first and second outside end panels, so that, upon articulation of the blank, the first and second inside and outside end panels are inwardly inclined relative to the bottom panel, and the front and rear panels are inwardly inclined relative to the bottom panel, to form a frusto-pyramidal container. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing regions of weakness disposed along peripheral edge regions of the top panel, for enabling at least a portion of the top panel to be removed to provide access to an interior region of the container. 
     The step of providing regions of weakness may further comprise the step of providing perforations extending along portions of front, rear and side edge regions of the top panel, and perforations extending diagonally along corner regions of the top panel, connecting the perforations extending along portions of front, rear and side edge regions of the top panel. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing at least one access aperture disposed along at least one of a region of transition between the top panel and at least one closure flap emanating from a front edge region of the top panel, and a region of transition between the top panel and the rear panel. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing the front panel with a height that is substantially less than the rear panel, for providing a front access opening in the container. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing at least one access aperture disposed along at least one of a region of transition between the top panel and at least one closure flap emanating from a front edge region of the top panel, and a region of transition between the top panel and the rear panel. 
     The method may further comprise the steps of providing inner minor flaps that emanate also from end edge regions of the rear panel, and of providing regions of foldable weakness that are disposed substantially diagonally across at least a portion of each of the inner minor flaps, whereupon articulation of the blank, the inner minor flaps form inwardly folding gussets, providing a container having slotless bottom corner regions for facilitated leak-preventive containment of fluent material. 
     The method may further comprise the step of providing notches in each of the inner minor flaps that extend from free edge regions thereof, inwardly toward and intersecting each of the regions of foldable weakness. 
     The method may further comprise the steps of: 
     providing a closure flap emanating from a forward edge region of the top panel, which, upon articulation of the blank, is juxtaposed and adhesively affixed to an outside surface of an upper edge region of the front panel; and 
     providing a closure flap emanating from an upper edge region of the front panel, which, upon articulation of the blank, is juxtaposed and adhesively affixed to an inside surface of a forward edge region of the top panel, 
     thereby forming a transversely extending region of enhanced strength and rigidity along a forward upper edge region of the container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a quadcorner tray wrapper container according to one embodiment of the invention, shown in an open configuration, atop other containers of the same configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a blank for forming the tray wrapper container according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the blank of  FIG. 2 , at an early stage in the process of being articulated into a container, with the goods to be packaged being omitted from the illustration. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the blank of  FIG. 2 , at a later stage in the process of being articulated into a container, with the goods to be packaged being omitted from the illustration. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1 , near the end of the process of articulation into a completed container, prior to closure of the container, with the goods to be packaged being omitted from the illustration. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 5 , as the top panel is being brought into closure position, the major (outside) end flaps are being folded down, and the minor (reinforcing) flaps are being folded around to provide the final closure of the container. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the container of  FIGS. 1-6 , in fully articulated, closed configuration. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective “transparent” view of the container of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a further view of the blank of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a container according to another embodiment of the invention, shown partially articulated. 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the container according to  FIG. 10A , shown in a further stage of articulation. 
         FIG. 10C  is a perspective view of the container according to  FIG. 10A , shown in a further stage of articulation. 
         FIG. 10D  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 10A , shown fully articulated. 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of a blank for the container of  FIGS. 10A-10D . 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of a blank for a container according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a container according to the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , shown partially articulated. 
         FIG. 13B  is a perspective view of the container according to  FIG. 13A , shown in a further stage of articulation. 
         FIG. 13C  is a perspective view of the container according to  FIG. 13A , shown in a further stage of articulation. 
         FIG. 13D  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 13A , shown fully articulated. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a container according to another embodiment of the invention, showing two different articulation “paths” for two different possible container loading “paths”. 
         FIG. 15  is a plan view of a container according to another embodiment of the invention, similar to the container of  FIGS. 1-9 , but resulting in a container having a frusto-pyramidal configuration. 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of a container according to another embodiment of the invention, similar to the container of  FIGS. 13A-13D  and  14 . 
         FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of a container according to another embodiment of the invention, with the container substantially fully articulated except for final closure, wherein the container further includes removable portions for display conversion. 
         FIG. 17B  is a perspective view of a container according to the embodiment of  FIG. 17A , in its fully articulated configuration. 
         FIG. 18A  is a plan view of the blank for the container of  FIGS. 17A and 17B . 
         FIG. 18B  is a perspective view of the container of  FIGS. 17A-18A . 
         FIG. 19A  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 17A , shown partially articulated. 
         FIG. 19B  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 19A , shown further along in the articulation process. 
         FIG. 19C  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 17A , shown partially articulated, via a different sequence of articulation steps. 
         FIG. 19D  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 19C , shown further along the articulation process. 
         FIG. 19E  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 19D , shown further along the articulation process. 
         FIG. 19F  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 19E , shown fully articulated. 
         FIG. 20  is a plan view of a blank for a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21A  is a rear perspective view of the container formed from the blank of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 21B  is a front perspective view of a plurality of stacked containers according to  FIGS. 20 and 21A . 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a container according to the embodiment of  FIGS. 20 ,  21 A-B, shown partially articulated. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a container according to the embodiment of  FIG. 22 , shown further along the process of articulation. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 23 , shown further articulated toward closure. 
         FIG. 25  is a plan view of a blank for a container according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the container has “slotless” gusseted corners. 
         FIG. 26A  is a perspective view of a container according to the blank of  FIG. 25 , shown partially articulated. 
         FIG. 26B  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 26A , shown further along the articulation process. 
         FIG. 26C  is a perspective view of the container of  FIGS. 26A and 26B , shown fully articulated. 
         FIG. 27  is a plan view of a blank for a container according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the container as a reinforced transverse closure seal. 
         FIG. 28A  is a perspective view of a container according to the blank of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 28B  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 27 , further along the articulation process. 
         FIG. 28C  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of  FIG. 27 , showing the reinforced transverse closure seal that is formed upon full articulation of the container blank. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail, several specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
     When referring to the plan illustrations of the blanks, the usual drawing conventions are applied. That is, unless otherwise noted, broken lines indicate fold lines; scalloped lines indicate lines of weakness forming a tear strip or similar structure; and interior solid lines indicate through-cuts. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the blanks are fabricated from corrugated paperboard material, although other materials having similar suitable performance characteristics may be employed if desired. 
     The basic premise underlying the quadcorner tray wrapper designs of the present invention, is that of providing a wrapper type blank construction, in which the blank comprises four panels, consecutively arranged on the blank: top panel; rear (side) panel; bottom panel; and front (side) panel, contiguously connected along interpanel fold lines. Major flaps (end panels) emanate from the end edges of the top and bottom panels, each of which major flaps (end panels) are sized to cover the ends of the articulated carton. Minor flaps emanate from the leading and trailing edges of the major flaps. A closure tab emanates from a free edge of either the top or the front (i.e., the leading or trailing edges of the blank). 
     Upon articulation, the minor flaps emanating from the major (end) flaps of the bottom panel are folded to the inside of the front and rear panels, and form vertical supports for the container. The described minor flaps may or may not be adhered to the stated front and rear panels. If adhered, improved stacking strength can result. The interior folded (and adhered) minor flaps form vertical supports for the container. The front and rear (side) panels are then folded up perpendicular to the bottom panel. Within this phase of container articulation, adhesive can be dispensed to adhere the minor flaps juxtaposed to the front and rear panels. The top panel is then folded down parallel to the bottom panel and the extension from the top panel (closure tab or glue lap) is further folded down and adhered over the front panel and parallel to the front and rear panels. The major flaps (external end panels) emanating from the top panel are folded down over the major flaps (internal end panels) of the bottom panel and once juxtaposed are adhered to each other. The minor reinforcing flaps of the major flaps (external end panels) emanating from the top panel are folded and adhered to the outside of the front and rear panels. This creates a laminated and adhered triple thickness of container material along the end edge regions of the front and rear panels, as well as a laminated and adhered double thickness of material on the ends of the carton. 
     In a first variation of the general design ( FIGS. 1-9 ), the width of the carton is considerably greater than the depth or height. The minor flaps are all each substantially less than one-half the width of the carton, so that there is a substantial gap between facing free edges of the minor flaps on the interior and exterior faces of the front and rear walls, thus creating “corner post” reinforcement structures, rather than complete end or side walls. The closure tab emanates from the free edge of the top panel, and is folded to be juxtaposed and adhesively affixed to the front panel. 
     Container  10  is formed from blank  11  ( FIG. 2 ). Blank  11  includes bottom panel  12 , front (side) panel  14 , rear (side) panel  16 , top panel  18  and closure flap  20 ; as well as fold lines  13 ,  15 ,  17  and  19 . Blank  11  also includes inner end panels  22 ,  24  (emanating along fold lines  21 ,  23 , respectively) from which interior minor flaps  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  emanate along fold lines  25 ,  27 ,  29  and  31 , respectively. Outer end panels  34 ,  36  emanate from top panel  18  along fold lines  33 ,  35 , respectively. Reinforcing flanges  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  emanate from outer end panels  34 ,  36 , along fold lines  37 ,  39 ,  41  and  43 , respectively. The end edges of panels  14  and  16  may be vertical. Alternatively, the end edges of rear panel  16  preferably may be concavely bowed and the end edges of front panel  14  preferably may be inwardly inclined from bottom to top (both as illustrated), because this style of slot configuration may permit ease of removing and ease of stripping the waste material from the designated and created aperture in the blank sheet. As an alternative, rather than the described designated slot, a singular cut including offsets as required may be implemented thereby eliminating a need to remove waste material. 
     In a typical articulation procedure, first, the product to be contained will be pushed onto blank  11 , which will be laid flat on a packaging apparatus. Flaps  30 ,  32  will be folded perpendicular to panel  24 , and flaps  26 ,  28  will be folded perpendicular to panel  22 . Panels  22 ,  24  will be folded upwardly perpendicularly to bottom panel  12 . Rear (side) panel  16  and front (side) panel  14  will then be folded upwardly perpendicular to bottom panel  12 , as shown sequentially in  FIGS. 3-5 . Top panel  18  is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  12 ; and outer end panels  34 ,  36  are folded over inner end panels  22 ,  24 , respectively and adhered to end panels  22 ,  24 . Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  are folded perpendicular to outer end panels  34 ,  36 , and adhesively adhered to the outer surfaces of front and rear (side) panels  14 ,  16 . When top panel  18  is folded down, closure flap  20  is preferably folded to the outside of front panel  14 , and adhesively affixed to the outer surface thereof ( FIG. 6 ). 
     In an alternative sequence, which is described in detail with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , but which is understood to be applicable to all of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein, the goods to be packaged are not placed on the bottom panel prior to any articulation. Instead, the front inner minor flaps and the front panel may not be folded with respect to the inner end panels and the bottom panel, respectively, at the same time that the rear inner minor flaps and the rear panel are folded and adhered with respect to the inner end panels and the bottom panel, respectively. This would result in a partially erected container, having an open frontal area, into which the goods to be packaged would be thrust, relying upon the inner surfaces of the rear inner minor flaps to provide stacking or other alignment structures. Upon insertion of the goods, the remaining panels and flaps are articulated and glued substantially as previously described. 
     The first variation of the general design of  FIGS. 1-9  may be addressed in an alternative manner. The width of the carton is still considerably greater than the depth or height. The minor flaps are all each substantially less than one-half the width of the carton, so that there is a substantial gap between facing free edges of the minor flaps on the interior and exterior faces of the front and rear walls, thus creating “corner post” reinforcement structures, rather than complete end or side walls. The closure tab emanates from the free edge of the top panel, and is folded to be juxtaposed and adhesively affixed to the front panel. 
     Container  10  will be formed from blank  11  ( FIG. 2 ) Blank  11  includes bottom panel  12 , front (side) panel  14 , rear (side) panel  16 , top panel  18  and closure flap  20 ; as well as fold lines  13 ,  15 ,  17  and  19 . Blank  11  also includes inner end panels  22 ,  24  (emanating along fold lines  21 ,  23 , respectively) from which interior minor flaps  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  emanate along fold lines  25 ,  27 ,  29  and  31 , respectively. Outer end panels  34 ,  36  emanate from top panel  18  along fold lines  33 ,  35 , respectively. Reinforcing flanges  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  emanate from outer end panels  34 ,  36 , along fold lines  37 ,  39 ,  41  and  43 , respectively. The end edges of panels  14  and  16  may be vertical. Alternatively, the end edges of rear panel  16  preferably may be concavely bowed and the end edges of front panel  14  preferably may be inwardly inclined from bottom to top (both as illustrated), because this style of slot configuration may permit ease of removing and ease of stripping the waste material from the designated and created aperture in the blank sheet. As an alternative, rather than the described designated slot, a singular cut including offsets as required may be implemented thereby eliminating a need to remove waste material. 
     In a typical alternative articulation procedure, first the blank  11  is formed into a tray-like container as per  FIG. 10  whereby inner minor panels  26 ,  28 ,  30  and  32  are folded along folds  25 ,  27 ,  29  and  31 , respectively, perpendicular to inner end panels  22  and  24 . End panels  22  and  24  are then folded along folds  21  and  23 , respectively, perpendicular to bottom panel  12 . Inner minor panels  26 ,  28 ,  30  and  32  are adhesively adhered to front (side) panel  14  and rear (side) panel  16 . Product to be contained will be drop packed into the formed cavity whose perimeter can consist of inner minor flaps  26 ,  28 ,  30  and  32 , front (side) panel  14  and rear (side) panel  16 , inner end panels  22  and  24  along with bottom panel  12  of blank  11  and as shown sequentially in  FIGS. 3-5 . Top panel  18  is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  12 ; and outer end panels  34 ,  36  are folded over inner end panels  22 ,  24 , respectively and adhered to end panels  22 ,  24 . Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  38 ,  40 ,  42  and  44  are folded perpendicular to outer end panels  34 ,  36  and adhesively adhered to the outer surfaces of front and rear (side) panels  14 ,  16 . When top panel  18  is folded down, closure flap  20  is preferably folded to the outside of front panel  14 , and adhesively affixed to the outer surface thereof ( FIG. 6 ). 
     In an alternative sequence, which is described in detail with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , but which is understood to be applicable to all of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein, the goods to be packaged are not placed on the bottom panel prior to any articulation. The product will be drop packed into the described walled cavity whose perimeter is formed from inner minor flaps  226 ,  228 ,  230  and  232  along with inner end panels  222  and  224  and bottom panel  212 . Depending upon proportions, the rear perimeter will be formed by the addition of rear (side) panel  216 . The front (side) panel of the tray may only be a portion of the front perimeter panel and would be completed by the top panel  220 . The front inner minor flaps and the partial front panel may be folded with respect to the inner end panels and the bottom panel, respectively, at the same time that the rear inner minor flaps and the rear panel are folded and adhered with respect to the inner end panels and the bottom panel, respectively. This would result in an erected tray container, having a partially open frontal area, into which the goods to be packaged would be drop packed, relying upon the inner surfaces of the rear inner minor flaps, the inner end panels, the front minor flaps, and potentially, a partial front (side) panel as well as a rear (side) panel to provide stacking or other alignment structures. Upon insertion of the goods, the remaining panels and flaps are articulated and glued substantially as previously described. 
     A second variation of the design ( FIGS. 10A-10D  and  11 ) is substantially the same as that of  FIGS. 1-9 , except that the closure tab  20 ′ is trapezoidal. Accordingly, the blank forming container  10 ′ is substantially identical to blank  11  forming container  10  of  FIGS. 1-9 , and the method of articulation of the blank forming container  10 ′ is substantially identical to the method of articulation of blank  11 . 
     Therefore, the panels and fold lines forming blank  11 ′ which are similar or identical to corresponding panels and fold lines of blank  11  are provided with like reference numerals, augmented by a prime (′). The process of articulation of blank  11 ′ is illustrated in  FIGS. 10A-10D . 
     Container  10 ′ is formed from blank  11 ′ ( FIG. 11 ). Blank  11 ′ includes bottom panel  12 ′, front (side) panel  14 ′, rear (side) panel  16 ′, top panel  18 ′ and closure flap  20 ′; as well as fold lines  13 ′,  15 ′,  17 ′ and  19 ′. Blank  111 ′ also includes inner end panels  22 ′,  24 ′ (emanating along fold lines  21 ′,  23 ′, respectively) from which interior minor flaps  26 ′,  28 ′,  30 ′,  32 ′ emanate along fold lines  25 ′,  27 ′,  29 ′ and  31 ′, respectively. Outer end panels  34 ′,  36 ′ emanate from top panel  18 ′ along fold lines  33 ′,  35 ′, respectively. Reinforcing flanges  38 ′,  40 ′,  42 ′,  44 ′ emanate from outer end panels  34 ′,  36 ′, along fold lines  37 ′,  39 ′,  41 ′ and  43 ′, respectively. The end edges of panel  14 ′ and  16 ′ may be vertical. Alternatively, the end edges of both rear panel  16 ′ and front panel  14 ′ preferably may be concavely bowed or notched (as illustrated), because this style of slot configuration may permit ease of removing and ease of stripping the waste material from the designated and created aperture in the blank sheet. As an alternative, rather than the designated and created slot, a singular cut including offsets as required may be implemented thereby eliminating a need to remove waste material. 
     In a typical articulation procedure, first, the product to be contained will be pushed onto blank  11 ′, which will be laid flat on a packaging apparatus. Flaps  30 ′,  32 ′ will be folded perpendicular to panel  24 ′, and flaps  26 ′,  28 ′ will be folded perpendicular to panel  22 ′. Panels  22 ′,  24 ′ will be folded upwardly perpendicularly to bottom panel  12 ′. Rear (side) panel  16 ′ and front (side) panel  14 ′ will then be folded upwardly perpendicular to bottom panel  12 ′, as shown sequentially in  FIGS. 10A-10D . Top panel  18 ′ is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  12 ′; and outer end panels  34 ′,  36 ′ are folded over and adhered to inner end panels  22 ′,  24 ′, respectively. Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  38 ′,  40 ′,  42 ′ and  44 ′ are folded perpendicular along folds  37 ′,  39 ′,  41 ′ and  42 ′, respectively to outer end panels  34 ′,  36 ′, and adhesively adhered to the outer surfaces of front and rear (side) panels  14 ′,  16 ′. When top panel  18 ′ is folded down, closure flap  20 ′ is preferably folded to the outside of front panel  14 ′, and adhesively affixed to the outer surface thereof ( FIGS. 10C and 10D ). 
     A third variation of the design ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) is similar to the variations of  FIGS. 1-9  and  10 - 11 , except that the closure tab emanates from the free edge of the front panel  114 , and is trapezoidal. 
     Container  110  is formed from blank  111  ( FIG. 12 ). Blank  111  includes bottom panel  112 , front (side) panel  114 , rear (side) panel  116 , top panel  118  and closure flap  120 ; as well as fold lines  113 ,  115 ,  117  and  119 . Blank  111  also includes inner end panels  122 ,  124  (emanating along fold lines  121 ,  123 , respectively) from which interior minor flaps  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132  emanate along fold lines  125 ,  127 ,  129  and  131 , respectively. Outer end panels  134 ,  136  emanate from top panel  118  along fold lines  133 ,  135 , respectively. Reinforcing flanges  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  emanate from outer end panels  134 ,  136 , along fold lines  137 ,  139 ,  141  and  143 , respectively. The end edges of panels  114  and  116  may be vertical. Alternatively, the end edges of both rear panel  116  and front panel  114  preferably may be concavely bowed or notched (as illustrated), because this style of slot configuration may permit ease of removing and ease of stripping the waste material from the designated and created aperture in the blank sheet. As an alternative, rather than the described designated slot, a singular cut including offsets as required may be implemented, thereby eliminating a need to remove waste material. 
     In a typical articulation procedure, first, the product to be contained will be pushed onto blank  111 , which will be laid flat on a packaging apparatus. 
     Flaps  130 ,  132  will be folded perpendicular to panel  124 , and flaps  126 ,  128  will be folded perpendicular to panel  122 . Panels  122 ,  124  will be folded upwardly perpendicularly to bottom panel  112 . Rear (side) panel  116  and front (side) panel  114  will then be folded upwardly perpendicular to bottom panel  112 , as shown in  FIGS. 13A-13D . Top panel  118  is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  112 ; and outer end panels  134 ,  136  are folded over and adhesively affixed to inner end panels  122 ,  124 , respectively. Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  138 ,  140 ,  142  and  144  are folded perpendicular to outer end panels  134 ,  136 , and adhesively adhered to the outer surfaces of front and rear (side) panels  114 ,  116 . When top panel  118  is folded down, closure flap  120  is preferably folded to the inside of top panel  118 , and adhesively affixed to the inside surface thereof. 
     In a fourth variation of the design ( FIG. 14 ), which is generally similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9 , the ratio of the width of the carton to the depth of the carton is still greater than one, but substantially less than in the variations of  FIGS. 1-9 ;  10 - 11 ; or  12 - 13 . As such, the widths of the “minor” flaps equals one-half the width of the carton, so that the minor-flap-facing free edges meet or nearly meet, along the side-to-side midpoint of the carton, along the inside and outside surfaces of the front and rear panels. 
     Container  210  is formed from blank  211  ( FIG. 14 ). Blank  211  includes bottom panel  212 , front (side) panel  214 , rear (side) panel  216 , top panel  218  and closure flap  220 ; as well as fold lines positioned similarly to fold lines  13 ,  15 ,  17  and  19  of  FIG. 2 . Blank  211  also includes inner end panels  222 ,  224  (emanating along fold lines positioned similarly to fold lines  21 ,  23 , of  FIG. 2 , respectively) from which interior minor flaps  226 ,  228 ,  230 ,  232  emanate along fold lines positioned similarly to fold lines  25 ,  27 ,  29  and  31  of  FIG. 2 , respectively. Outer end panels  234 ,  236  emanate from top panel  218  along fold lines positioned similarly to fold lines  33 , of  FIG. 2 . Reinforcing flanges  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244  emanate from outer end panels  234 ,  236 , along fold lines positioned similarly to fold lines  37 ,  39 ,  41  and  43  of  FIG. 2 , respectively. The end edges of rear panel  216  and front panel  214  may be concavely bowed or notched, or inwardly inclined from bottom to top, or vertical, as disclosed in previously described embodiments, if so desired or deemed necessary in accordance with the requirements of any particular application. 
     In a typical articulation procedure, first, the product to be contained will be pushed onto blank  211 , which will be laid flat on a packaging apparatus. Flaps  230 ,  232  will be folded perpendicular to panel  224 , and flaps  226 ,  228  will be folded perpendicular to panel  222 . Panels  222 ,  224  will be folded upwardly perpendicularly to bottom panel  212 . Rear (side) panel  216  and front (side) panel  214  will then be folded upwardly perpendicular to bottom panel  212 , as shown in Path A of  FIG. 14 . Top panel  218  is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  212 ; and outer end panels  234 ,  236  are folded over and adhesively affixed to inner end panels  222 ,  224 , respectively. Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  238 ,  240 ,  242 ,  244  are folded along folds  237 ,  239 ,  241  and  243 , respectively, perpendicular to outer end panels  234 ,  236 , and adhesively adhered to the outer surfaces of front and rear (side) panels  214 ,  216  and  220 . When top panel  218  is folded down, closure flap  220  is preferably folded to the outside of front minor flaps  228  and  234 , and adhesively affixed to the outer surface thereof, but to the inside of reinforcing flanges  242 ,  238 , due to the breadth of those flanges. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the method for forming the package, shown in Path B, front panel  214  is not raised at the same time as rear panel  216 , and minor flaps  232  and  228  are likewise not folded inwardly, at the same time as flaps  230 ,  226 . This provides for a “tray-like” function, in that instead of placing the product on bottom panel  212 , prior to any articulation, positioning of the product may be delayed until the configuration that is the first step (as reflected by the arrow) in Path B is attained. In this configuration, because there is a “back wall’ formed by minor flaps  230 ,  226 , the container can serve as a straightening or alignment structure, for more or less loosely collected, stacked or otherwise aligned, products. 
     Regardless of the path taken, the structure and configuration of the container according to  FIG. 14  will be the same, as shown in the right-hand side of that figure. 
     A fifth variation of the design ( FIG. 15 ) is similar to the design of  FIGS. 1-9 , except that, upon articulation, the sides of the carton are all inclined, so that the resultant container is frusto-pyramidal in configuration. 
     The frusto-pyramidal container is formed from blank  311  ( FIG. 15 ). Blank  311  includes bottom panel  312 , front (side) panel  314 , rear (side) panel  316 , top panel  318  and closure flap  320 ; as well as fold lines  313 ,  315 ,  317  and  319 . Blank  311  also includes inner end panels  322 ,  324  (emanating along fold lines  321 ,  323 , respectively) from which interior minor flaps  326 ,  328 ,  330 ,  332  emanate along fold lines  325 ,  327 ,  329  and  331 , respectively. Outer end panels  334 ,  336  emanate from top panel  318  along fold lines  333 ,  335 , respectively. Reinforcing flanges  338 ,  340 ,  342 ,  344  emanate from outer end panels  334 ,  336 , along fold lines  337 ,  339 ,  341  and  343 , respectively. The end edges of rear panel  316  may be concavely bowed (as illustrated), notched, inclined or vertical, while the end edges of front panel  314  may be vertical (as illustrated), inwardly inclined from bottom to top, or concave, because this style of slot configuration may permit ease of removing and ease of stripping the waste material from the designated and created aperture in the blank sheet. As an alternative, rather than the described designated slot, a singular cut including offsets as required may be implemented thereby eliminating a need to remove waste material. 
     In a typical articulation procedure, first, the product to be contained will be pushed onto blank  311 , which will be laid flat on a packaging apparatus. Flaps  330 ,  332  will be folded perpendicular to panel  324 , and flaps  326 ,  328  will be folded perpendicular to panel  322 . Panels  322 ,  324  will be folded upwardly perpendicularly to bottom panel  312 . Rear (side) panel  316  and front (side) panel  314  will then be folded upwardly perpendicular to bottom panel  312 . Top panel  318  is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  312 ; and outer end panels  334 ,  336  are folded over inner end panels  322 ,  324 , respectively. Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  338 ,  340 ,  342  and  344  are folded along folds  337 ,  339 ,  341  and  343  perpendicular to outer end panels  334 ,  336 , and adhesively adhered to front and rear (side) panels  314 ,  316 . When top panel  318  is folded down, closure flap  320  is preferably folded to the outside of front panel  314 , and adhesively affixed to the outer surface thereof. 
     Fold lines  329 ,  331 ,  325 , and  327  are all at non-perpendicular angles with respect to fold lines  323 ,  321 , respectively. Similarly, fold lines  341 ,  343 ,  337  and  339  are all at non-perpendicular angles with respect to fold lines  335  and  333 , respectively. In addition, panels  342 ,  344 ,  330 ,  332 ,  338 ,  340 ,  326 ,  328  are all non-rectangular. Further, bottom panel  312  is deeper, from front to back, than top panel  318 . Thus, upon articulation, the resultant container has inwardly inclined front, rear, and end regions, to create a frusto-pyramidal container. 
     A sixth variation of the design ( FIG. 16 ) is similar to the design of  FIGS. 12-13 , except that, upon articulation, the sides of the carton are all inclined, so that the resultant carton is frusto-pyramidal in configuration. 
     The container is formed from blank  411  ( FIG. 16 ). Blank  411  includes bottom panel  412 , front (side) panel  414 , rear (side) panel  416 , top panel  418  and closure flap  420 ; as well as fold lines  413 ,  415 ,  417  and  419 . Blank  411  also includes inner end panels  422 ,  424  (emanating along fold lines  421 ,  423 , respectively) from which interior minor flaps  426 ,  428 ,  430 ,  432  emanate along fold lines  425 ,  427 ,  429  and  431 , respectively. Outer end panels  434 ,  436  emanate from top panel  418  along fold lines  433 ,  435 , respectively. Reinforcing flanges  438 ,  440 ,  442 ,  444  emanate from outer end panels  434 ,  436 , along fold lines  437 ,  439 ,  441  and  443 , respectively. The end edges of panels  414  and  416  may be vertical. Alternatively, the end edges of both rear panel  416  and front panel  414  preferably may be concavely bowed or notched (as illustrated), because this style of slot configuration may permit ease of removing and ease of stripping the waste material from the designated and created aperture in the blank sheet. As an alternative, rather than the described designated slot, a singular cut including offsets as required may be implemented thereby eliminating a need to remove waste material. 
     In a typical articulation procedure, first, the product to be contained will be pushed onto blank  411 , which will be laid flat on a packaging apparatus. Flaps  430 ,  432  will be folded perpendicular to panel  424 , and flaps  426 ,  428  will be folded perpendicular to panel  422 . Panels  422 ,  424  will be folded upwardly perpendicularly to bottom panel  412 . Rear (side) panel  416  and front (side) panel  414  will then be folded upwardly perpendicular to bottom panel  412 . Top panel  418  is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  412 ; and outer end panels  434 ,  436  are folded over inner end panels  422 ,  424 , respectively. Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  438 ,  440 ,  442  and  444  are folded perpendicular to outer end panels  434 ,  436 , and adhesively adhered to the outer surfaces of front and rear (side) panels  414 ,  416 . When top panel  418  is folded down, closure flap  420  is preferably folded to the inside of top panel  418 , and adhesively affixed to the inside surface thereof. 
     Fold lines  429 ,  431 ,  425 , and  427  are all at non-perpendicular angles with respect to fold lines  423 ,  421 , respectively. Similarly, fold lines  441 ,  443 ,  437  and  439  are all at non-perpendicular angles with respect to fold lines  435  and  433 , respectively. In addition, panels  442 ,  444 ,  430 ,  432 ,  438 ,  440 ,  426 ,  428  are all non-rectangular. Further, bottom panel  412  is deeper, from front to back, than top panel  418 . Thus, upon articulation, the resultant container has inwardly inclined front, rear, and end regions, to create a frusto-pyramidal container. 
     The seventh variation ( FIGS. 17A-19F ) of the design are similar to the basic design of  FIGS. 1-9 ; except that the front panel is substantially shorter than the rear panel, to create an open display region, and lines of weakness are provided in the closure tab, along the middle portions of the front, rear, and side edges of the top panel and along diagonals at the corners of the top panel. This permits the bulk of the top panel to be removed, leaving triangular-shaped top panel sections remaining, for strength, stability and stacking ability. 
     Container  510  is formed from blank  511 . Blank  511  includes bottom panel  512 , front (side) panel  514 , rear (side) panel  516 , top center panel  518   a  with top corner panels  518   b - 518   d , and closure flap  520 ; as well as fold lines  513 ,  515 ,  517   a  and  517   d  and  519   a  and  519   d . Blank  511  also includes inner end panels  522 ,  524  (emanating along fold lines  521 ,  523 , respectively) from which interior minor flaps  526 ,  528 ,  530 ,  532  emanate along fold lines  525 ,  527 ,  529  and  531 , respectively. Outer end panels  534 ,  536  emanate from top center panel  518   a  and its respective corner panels, along fold lines  533   b - c ,  535   b - c , and perforations  533   a ,  535   a , respectively. Reinforcing flanges  538 ,  540 ,  542 ,  544  emanate from outer end panels  534 ,  536 , along fold lines  537 ,  539 ,  541  and  543 , respectively. Blank  511  also includes perforation lines  517   b ,  517   c ,  518   g - j ,  519   b  and  519   c , as well as apertures  518   f  and  520   d.    
     The end edges of panels  514  and  516  may be vertical. Alternatively, the end edges of rear panel  516  preferably may be concavely bowed and the end edges of front panel  514  preferably may be inwardly inclined from bottom to top (both as illustrated), because this style of slot configuration may permit ease of removing and ease of stripping the waste material from the designated and created aperture in the blank sheet. As an alternative, rather than the described designated slot, a singular cut including offsets as required may be implemented thereby eliminating a need to remove waste material. 
     In a typical articulation procedure, first, the product to be contained will be pushed onto blank  511 , which will be laid flat on a packaging apparatus. Flaps  530 ,  532  will be folded perpendicular to panel  524 , and flaps  526 ,  528  will be folded perpendicular to panel  522 . Panels  522 ,  524  will be folded upwardly perpendicularly to bottom panel  512 . Rear (side) panel  516  and front (side) panel  514  will then be folded upwardly perpendicular to bottom panel  512 , as shown sequentially in FIGS.  17 A and  19 A- 19 F. Top panel  518  is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  512 ; and outer end panels  534 ,  536  are folded over and adhesively adhered to the outer surfaces of inner end panels  522 ,  524 , respectively. Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  538 ,  540 ,  542  and  544  are folded perpendicular to outer end panels  534 ,  536 , and adhesively adhered to the outer surface of rear (side) panel  516 , outer surface of front (side) panel  514  and outer surfaces of closure flap  520 , specifically outer surfaces of top closure front panels  520   c  and  520   b . When top panel  518  is folded down, closure flap  520  is preferably folded to the outside surfaces of interior minor flaps  532  and  528  and adhesively affixed to the outer surface thereof. 
     Instead of ripping or cutting the container apart, as in other wraparound container constructions, access to the interior of container  510  is achieved, via removal of top center panel  518   a , tearing along perforation lines  533   a ,  518   h ,  517   b ,  517   c ,  518   j ,  535   a ,  518   i ,  519   c ,  519   b  and  518   g , leaving behind a display tray having four corner posts, with triangular top corner panels for still enabling stacking of the opened tray.  FIGS. 19A-19F  show different ways in which articulation of blank  511  may be accomplished, to arrive at the fully articulated configuration of  FIG. 19F . 
     In the eighth variation of the design ( FIGS. 20-24 ), there is no closure tab along either of the leading or trailing edges of the blank. Instead, there are trapezoidal areas of both the top and front panels that are die cut out, to leave an open area along the top and front panels, for display and dispensing purposes, without removal of material from the carton. 
     Container  610  is formed from blank  611  ( FIG. 20 ). Blank  611  includes bottom panel  612 , front (side) panel  614 , rear (side) panel  616 , and top panel  618 ; as well as fold lines  613 ,  615 , and  617 . Blank  611  also includes inner end panels  622 ,  624  (emanating along fold lines  621 ,  623 , respectively) from which interior minor flaps  626 ,  628 ,  630 ,  632  emanate along fold lines  625 ,  627 ,  629  and  631 , respectively. Outer end panels  634 ,  636  emanate from top panel  618  along fold lines  633 ,  635 , respectively. Reinforcing flanges  638 ,  640 ,  642 ,  644  emanate from outer end panels  634 ,  636 , along fold lines  637 ,  639 ,  641  and  643 , respectively. The end edges of rear panel  616  may be concavely bowed (as illustrated), notched, inclined or vertical, while the end edges of front panel  614  may be vertical (as illustrated), inwardly inclined from bottom to top, or concave, because this style of slot configuration may permit ease of removing and ease of stripping the waste material from the designated and created aperture in the blank sheet. As an alternative, rather than the described designated slot, a singular cut including offsets as required may be implemented thereby eliminating a need to remove waste material. 
     In a typical articulation procedure, first, the product to be contained will be pushed onto blank  611 , which will be laid flat on a packaging apparatus. Interior minor flaps  630 ,  632  will be folded perpendicular to end panel  624 , and interior minor flaps  626 ,  628  will be folded perpendicular to end panel  622 . End panels  622 ,  624  will be folded upwardly perpendicularly to bottom panel  612 . Rear (side) panel  616  and front (side) panel  614  will then be folded upwardly perpendicular to bottom panel  612  and be adhesively affixed to exterior surfaces of interior minor flaps  626 ,  628 ,  630  and  632 . Top panel  618  is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  612 ; and outer end panels  634 ,  636  are folded over and adhesively affixed to exterior surfaces of inner end panels  622 ,  624 , respectively. Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  638 ,  640 ,  642  and  644  are folded along folds  637 ,  639 ,  641  and  643  perpendicular to outer end panels  634 ,  636 , and adhesively adhered to the outer surfaces of front and rear (side) panels  614 ,  616 . 
     In a ninth variation of the invention (FIGS.  25  and  26 A-C), the container is provided with gusseted corner panel structures, instead of minor flaps emanating from the inner end panel side edges, to create a so-called “slotless” container. 
     Container  710  is formed from blank  711  ( FIG. 25 ). Blank  711  includes bottom panel  712 , front (side) panel  714 , rear (side) panel  716 , top panel  718  and closure flap  720 ; as well as fold lines  713 ,  715 ,  717  and  719 . Blank  711  also includes inner end panels  722 ,  724  (emanating along fold lines  721 ,  723 , respectively) from which interior minor flaps  726 ,  728 ,  730 ,  732  emanate along fold lines  725 ,  727 ,  729  and  731 , respectively. Outer end panels  734 ,  736  emanate from top panel  718  along fold lines  733 ,  735 , respectively. Reinforcing flanges  738 ,  740 ,  742 ,  744  emanate from outer end panels  734 ,  736 , along fold lines  737 ,  739 ,  741  and  743 , respectively. In addition, blank  711  includes gusset panels  726   a ,  726   b ,  730   a ,  730   b ,  728   a ,  728   b ,  732   a  and  732   b ; gusset fold lines  726   c ,  730   c ,  728   c  and  732   c ; and gusset notches  726   d ,  730   d ,  728   d  and  732   d . Blank  711  also includes clearance diecuts  716   c ,  716   d.    
     In a typical articulation procedure, first, the product to be contained will be pushed onto blank  711 , which will be laid flat on a packaging apparatus. Interior end panels  722 ,  724  will be folded upwardly perpendicularly to bottom panel  712 , while rear (side) panel  716  and front (side) panel  714  are drawn by the corner gusset structures to be folded upwardly perpendicular to bottom panel  712 , as shown in  FIGS. 26A-26C . At each corner, the respective gusset panel pairs are folded inwardly, so that panels  730   b ,  726   b  are brought parallel to the inside surface of panel  716 , capturing and adhesively affixing panels  730   a ,  726   b  between them, respectively; and panels  728   b ,  732   b  are brought parallel to the inside surface of panel  714 , capturing and adhesively affixing panels  728   a ,  732   a  between them, respectively. 
     Top panel  718  is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  712 ; and outer end panels  734 ,  736  are folded over inner end panels  722 ,  724 , respectively. Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  738 ,  740 ,  742  and  744  are folded along fold lines  737 ,  739 ,  741  and  743 , respectively, perpendicular to outer end panels  734 ,  736 , and adhesively adhered to the outer surfaces of front and rear (side) panels  714 ,  716 . When top panel  718  is folded down, closure flap  720  is preferably folded to the outside of front panel  714 , and adhesively affixed to the outer surface thereof ( FIG. 26C ). The resultant container  710  is thus a “slotle ss” container, suitable for the prevention of leakage of liquids (if suitably coated on the inside surfaces thereof), and otherwise suitable for the prevention of leakage of granular or particulate dry materials. 
     In a tenth variation of the invention (FIGS.  27  and  28 A-C), a container similar to that of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9  is provided with a second closure flap, so that the two closure flaps from the top and front panels overlap to form a reinforced “bar” across the front of the container, at what would otherwise be the weakest corner region, depending upon the proportions, of the sealed container. 
     Container  810  is formed from blank  811  ( FIG. 27 ). Blank  811  includes bottom panel  812 , front (side) panel  814 , rear (side) panel  816 , top panel  818  and top closure flap  820  and front closure flap  852 ; as well as fold lines  813 ,  815 ,  817 ,  819  and  850 . Blank  811  also includes inner end panels  822 ,  824  (emanating along fold lines  821 ,  823 , respectively) from which interior minor flaps  826 ,  828 ,  830 ,  832  emanate along fold lines  825 ,  827 ,  829  and  831 , respectively. Outer end panels  834 ,  836  emanate from top panel  818  along fold lines  833 ,  835 , respectively. Reinforcing flanges  838 ,  840 ,  842 ,  844  emanate from outer end panels  834 ,  836 , along fold lines  837 ,  839 ,  841  and  843 , respectively. The end edges of panels  814  and  816  may be vertical. Alternatively, the end edges of the rear panel  816  and front panel  814  preferably may be concavely bowed or notched (as illustrated) or inwardly inclined from bottom to top because this style of slot configuration may permit ease of removing and ease of stripping the waste material from the designated and created aperture in the blank sheet. As an alternative, rather than the described designated slot, a singular cut including offsets as required may be implemented thereby eliminating a need to remove waste material. 
     In a typical articulation procedure, first, the product to be contained will be pushed onto blank  811 , which will be laid flat on a packaging apparatus. Flaps  830 ,  832  will be folded perpendicular to panel  824 , and flaps  826 ,  828  will be folded perpendicular to panel  822 . Panels  822 ,  824  will be folded upwardly perpendicularly to bottom panel  812 . Rear (side) panel  816  and front (side) panel  814  will then be folded upwardly perpendicular to bottom panel  812 , as shown in  FIGS. 28A-28C . Top panel  818  is then folded down, toward and parallel to bottom panel  812 ; and outer end panels  834 ,  836  are folded over inner end panels  822 ,  824 , respectively. Finally, reinforcing flanges (minor flaps)  838 ,  840 ,  842  and  844  are folded along fold lines  837 ,  839 ,  841  and  843  perpendicular to outer end panels  834 ,  836 , and adhesively adhered to the outer surfaces of front and rear (side) panels  814 ,  816 . When top panel  818  is folded down, closure flap  820  is preferably folded to the outside of front panel  814 , and adhesively affixed to the outer surface thereof, while front closure panel  852  is folded inwardly, and affixed to the underside surface of top panel  818 , both as shown in  FIG. 28C . 
     The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention and the invention is not limited thereto, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 7