Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
MATERIALS FOR AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING CONTAINER
WITH CORNER SUPPORTS AND RESULTING CONTAINER
[001] The invention relates in general to the manufacture of
packaging/containers
that may be readily used to transport product and/or display the contents of
the containers
following delivery, as specified in the independent claims.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION -
10021 Various packages and containers are conventionally provided for
transporting
product to and storing product in a retail environment and for display to
prospective
customers. As is conventionally known in the packaging industry, such
containers can be
transported to manufacturing and/or retail environments for display in knock-
down form, i.e.,
flattened but otherwise being glued, stapled or otherwise affixed or joined
together, such that
they are already substantially pre-assembled; in such a knock-down state,
personnel
assembling the container need only open the sides and or ends of the container
and affix the
container bottom wall into its assembled condition. As a result, such final
assembly may be
performed prior to loading manufactured product. Alternatively, such final
assembly may be
performed such that the product can be placed into a resulting assembled
container for ready
display.
[003] Conventionally, it has been deemed advantageous at times to stack a
plurality
of such containers, one on top of the other, for the purposes of transport to
a retail
environment or during display in the retail environment. In this use, it is
necessary that the
containers stacked above the bottom-most container are amply supported and
also that a stack
of a number of such containers, when loaded with product, will not collapse.
SUMMARY
[001] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic
understanding of some aspects of various invention embodiments. The summary is
not
an extensive overview of the invention. It is neither intended to identify key
or critical
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention. The
following summary
merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a
prelude to the more
detailed description below.
[005] In accordance with illustrated embodiments, a method of
manufacturing containers and resulting containers and associated pre-
assemblies and blanks
are provided, which, when utilized, result in a container that has increased
side panel strength
and corner strength so as to enable effective vertical stacking of containers
when the
container includes product. -
[006] Additionally, in accordance with some illustrated embodiments,
the manufactured container provides the dual use of both a transporting
container for
transporting product to a retail environment and a display container
configured to display the
product in that retail environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] Various embodiments are described herein, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now
to the
drawings, it should be understood that the particulars shown are by way of
example and for
purposes of discussion of illustrated embodiments only, and are presented in
order to provide
what is believed to be a useful and readily understood description of the
principles and
concepts of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show
structural details of the
invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of
the illustrated
embodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those
skilled in the
art how the several illustrated embodiments of the invention may be embodied
in practice.
[008] Accordingly, a more complete understanding of the present
invention and the utility thereof may be acquired by referring to the
following description in
consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers
indicate like
features, and wherein:
[009] FIGURE 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a container
manufactured in accordance with an illustrated embodiment.
[0010] FIGURE 2 illustrates a top view of the package illustrated in FIG.
1.
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[00111 FIGURE 3 illustrates an example of a primary blank used in
manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 1.
[00121 FIGURE 4 illustrates another example of a primary blank used in
manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIGURE 5 illustrates an example of a supplementary blank used
in manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 1.
100141 FIGURE 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the finally
assembled illustrated in FIG. 1 with additional detail.
[0015] FIGURE 7 illustrates a functional block diagram used to describe
the manufacturing method of container pre-assemblies in accordance with an
illustrated
embodiment
[0016] FIGURE 8 illustrates a side perspective view of another container
manufactured in accordance with an illustrated embodiment.
[0017] FIGURE 9 illustrates an example of a primary blank used in
manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0018] FIGURE 10 illustrates another example of a supplementary blank
used in manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0019] FIGURE 11 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 8 in a first stage of pre-assembly.
[00201 FIGURE 12 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 8 in a second stage of pre-assembly.
[00211 FIGURE 13 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 8 in a third stage of pre-assembly.
[00221 FIGURE 14 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 8 in a fourth stage of pre-assembly.
[0023] FIGURE 15 illustrates the completed pre-assembly for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 8.
[00241 FIGURE 16 illustrates a view of the container of the type
illustrated in FIG. 8 during final assembly.
[00251 FIGURE 17 illustrates a side perspective view of another
container manufactured in accordance with an illustrated embodiment.
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[0026] FIGURE 18 illustrates an example of a primary blank used in
manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0027] FIGURE 19 illustrates another example of a supplementary blank
used in manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0028] FIGURE 20 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 17 in a first stage of pre-assembly.
[0029] FIGURE 21 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 17 in a second stage of pre-
assembly.
[0030] FIGURE 22 illustrates the completed pre-assembly for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0031] FIGURE 23 illustrates a top view of the finally assembled
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0032] FIGURE 24 illustrates a side perspective view of another
container manufactured in accordance with an illustrated embodiment.
[0033] FIGURE 25 illustrates an example of a primary blank used in
manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 24.
[0034] FIGURE 26 illustrates another example of a supplementary blank
used in manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 24.
[0035] FIGURE 27 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 24 in a first stage of pre-assembly.
[0036] FIGURE 28 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 24 in a second stage of pre-
assembly.
[0037] FIGURE 29 illustrates the completed pre-assembly for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 24.
[0038] FIGURE 30 illustrates a top view of the finally assembled
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 24.
[0039] FIGURE 31 illustrates a side perspective view of another
container manufactured in accordance with an illustrated embodiment.
[0040J FIGURE 32 illustrates an example of a primary blank used in
manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 31.
[0041] FIGURE 33 illustrates another example of a supplementary blank
used in manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG. 31.
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[00421 FIGURE 34 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for a container
of the type illustrated in FIG. 31 in a first stage of pre-assembly.
[00431 FIGURE 35 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for a container
of the type illustrated in FIG. 31 in a second stage of pre-assembly.
[0044] FIGURE 36 illustrates the pre-assembly materials for a container
of the type illustrated in FIG. 31 in a third stage of pre-assembly.
[00451 FIGURE 37 illustrates the completed pre-assembly for the
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 31.
[0046] FIGURE 38 illustrates a top view of the finally assembled
container of the type illustrated in FIG. 31.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] In the following description of various invention embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and
in which is
shown, by way of illustration, various embodiments in which the invention may
be practiced.
It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural
and functional
modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present
invention.
[0048] The manufacture and use of containers that may be used for more
than one purpose, e.g., for transport of product and subsequent display of
product in a retail
environment, are becoming increasingly popular among both manufacturers and
retailers
because such containers enable a reduction or minimization of the amount of
container
material while increasing or maximizing the amount of display space available
for product.
Thus, it is conventionally known that blanks (e.g., made from some type of
paperboard and/or
other material that is die-cut and scored for subsequent manipulation to form
a pre-assembly),
pre-assemblies (e.g., a partially assembled container wherein the blank(s) is
manipulated and
affixed to itself but is not finally assembled) and containers (e.g.,
packaging, cartons, boxes,
etc.) may be provided that enable product to be transported to a retail
environment in a
transporting container and displayed in the retail environment within the
transporting
container following minor modification of the container.
[0049] The durability, strength and stackability of such packaging often
require increasing the amount of material content within the container.
However, further
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reducing the amount of material content within containers has become a
significant goal of
many manufacturers and retailers because of the adverse effect that container
has on landfills
and the environment in general as well as the cost of manufacturing,
transporting and
disposing of such containers.
[0050] Thus, both manufacturers and retailers are recognizing a need to
reduce the amount of containers used to provide product to an end-consumer in
a retail supply
chain in an effort to conserve natural resources, reduce an impact on the
environment and
reduce costs associated with product manufacture and sale. In an effort to
achieve these
goals, various initiatives have been put in place by both suppliers and
retailers to reduce
overall product container by some percentage, e.g., five percent.
[0051] One conventional mechanism for reducing the amount of
containers necessary to provide product to potential consumers in a retail
environment is by
providing dual-use containers wherein a container can be used both to contain
product during
transporting and also to display the product once that product has arrived in
a retail
environment, e.g., a store or other environment offering product for sale.
[0052] Further, in an effort to further use available space in a retail
environment, retailers may be interested in using the display function of such
dual-use
containers in a manner such that containers may be stacked on top of one
another to improve
or optimize vertical space utility in the retail environment. Simply put,
having the ability to
be able to stack display cartons enables a store operator to present more
product and/or
different types of product in a manner that a customer can see. For example,
by providing the
opportunity to stack such containers, e.g., display cartons, on a counter, a
store operator is
able to increase the use of counter space such that more than one carton can
occupy the same
horizontal counter foot print. As is understood in the retail industry, such a
configuration
increases sales because customers are able to see more available product and
product types
for sale.
[0053] However, a problem with stacking such display cartons and
shipping cartons, whether such packaging is dual-use transporting/display
containers or
otherwise, is that the weight of the carton(s) in combination with the weight
of the product(s)
stored in the container(s) can cause one or more containers to be damaged or
collapse. As a
result, a store operator is left with damaged, ineffective or completely non-
functioning
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display container(s), which causes operational problems and reduces likelihood
of sales to
consumers.
[00541 Accordingly, based on all of these factors, there is a need to
provide a method of manufacturing reduced material content containers and
resulting
containers and associated pre-assemblies and blanks, which, when utilized,
result in a
container that has significantly improved stacking strength over conventional
containers and
optionally provides the dual use both as a transporting container for
transporting product to a
retail environment and a display container configured to display the product
in that retail
environment. With this understanding of one area of packaging/container
utility in mind, a
description of various invention embodiments is now provided.
[00551 According to as least one illustrated embodiment, there is
provided equipment configured to manufacture shipping containers, display
containers and/or
dual-use containers, e.g., for transporting product and subsequent display of
the product (as
well as corresponding container pre-assemblies and blanks) that include a
reduced amount of
material content while maintaining or increasing the stacking strength of such
containers. In
view of recent retailer initiatives to reduce the amount of material content
in containers, such
containers may have increased utility to manufacturers and retailers. Thus,
providing
containers with reduced material content would be of increased value.
Additionally, because
of the unique structure provided in accordance with the illustrated
embodiments, side wall
strength is increased as well.
[00561 Additionally, based on the illustrated examples of container
designs provided with auxiliary corner supports as disclosed herein, it should
be appreciated
that the incorporation of the corner supports also increases stackability of
the resulting
containers without requiring a lengthier time period for final assembly and
without a need
for assemblers (either human or automated or semi-automated equipment) to have
superior
capabilities. This is because, as explained herein, the majority, if not all,
of manipulation of
the preassembly to form the auxiliary corner supports is already performed as
part of the
final assembly of the primary blank as the exterior of the container. As a
result, the
additional operations needed to provide the corner supports is reduced or
eliminated relative
to what would be conventionally required for installing or assembling
conventional auxiliary
corner supports.
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[00571 Understanding of the manufacturing of a container, blanks and/or
pre-assemblies in accordance with invention embodiments may best be understood
by first
reviewing an illustration of a manufactured container provided in accordance
with one
illustrated embodiment. As illustrated in FIGURE 1, one example of such a
container 100
may include one or more auxiliary support sections 102 affixed at the corners
of a container
100, which in this illustrated example is a dual-use container of the type
referred to in the
container industry as a half regular, fifth panel carton with cut-outs for
display purposes
(however, it should be understood that the manufactured container may be any
type of carton,
package, box, etc. of any suitable type). As will be appreciated from the
remaining disclosure
by one of ordinary skill in the art, the container 100 may be used for
transport of product
therein when a top and the side cut-outs are in place. Subsequent to arrival
at a retail
environment, for example, the top and side cut-outs may be removed to provide
a display for
product included therein.
[00581 FIGURE 2 provides a top view of the container 100, illustrated in
FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the auxiliary support sections 102 are configured
so as to be
provided at corners of the container 100. As explained in connection with FIG.
5, the
auxiliary support sections 102 are hingedly connected (e.g., coupled together
so as to allow
alteration of the angle therebetween) to a central section (160 illustrated in
FIG. 5) that is
affixed to lateral sides of the container 100. In an illustrated embodiment,
the auxiliary
support sections 102 are formed by bending back the auxiliary support sections
102 along a
line that separates those sections 102 from the central section.
[00591 FIGURE 3 illustrates an example of a primary blank for what is
conventionally known as a half regular slotted bottom, fifth-panel carton such
as the one
illustrated in FIG. 1. The blank illustrated in FIG. 3 corresponds to the
exterior of the
container 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. The primary blank 101 includes five
panels: a first
side panel 105, a first back panel 11OA and second back panel 1 IOB (which
overlap to form
the back panel of the container 100) a second side panel 115, a front panel
120 and a divider
panel 125 that divides the container 100 into two separate compartments and
provides added
stackability when the container 100 is finally assembled. The blank 101 also
includes five
bottom sub-panels 130, 135, which cooperate and interact to form a bottom
panel when the
container 100 is finally assembled. Although the example of the carton
illustrated in FIG. 3 is
a snap-bottom or a 1-2-3-bottom container, the example is merely an
illustration of one
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example of a packaging container that may be manufactured in accordance with
the claimed
invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various different types of
packaging
containers may be manufactured in accordance with the illustrated embodiments.
[0060] As part of manufacturing a pre-assembly for the container
illustrated in FIG. 1, the first back panel 11 OA and the second back panel 11
OB are positioned
so as to partially overlap and adhesive is applied to one or both sides of the
overlapping areas
so as to affix the overlapping areas to one another. Also, as part of that pre-
assembly
manufacturing, the side panels 105-120 are folded in on themselves to form a
shell; adhesive
applied to an adhesive panel 140 neighboring the divider panel 125 is used to
couple the
proximate end of the divider panel 125 to the interior side of the front panel
120, e.g., so as to
horizontally bisect an area 150 between the two display access openings 145
provided in the
front panel 120.
[0061] The two access openings 145 may be formed by removing
additional material (not shown) to provide the access openings (as illustrated
in FIG. 6),
which may be defined by substantially U-shaped cut-outs in the front panel 120
of the
container 100, for ready access to product displayed in the container 100.
These openings
145 may be in communication with the open top end of the container 100, which
(during use
as a display) is free of any top panel following modification of the container
100 for the
display function of the dual-use container. Thus, removable access panels or
cut-outs (not
shown) included in the front panel 120 (and optionally a top panel not shown)
for transport of
the container 100 may be readily removable therefrom once transport is
completed by
separating the cut-outs from the front panel 120 along pre-cut score lines to
enable easy
display of the product contained in the container 100 and use of the container
100 as a display
of the product.
[0062] The blank 101 may also include scored holes 155 for enabling an
individual to carry the container 100 once finally assembled. Alternatively,
as illustrated in
FIG. 4, the scored holes 155 may be omitted.
[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of second type of blank,
supplementary blank 103, used to provide the auxiliary support sections 102
illustrated in
FIG. 1. The auxiliary support sections 102 are divided from the central blank
section 160 by
scoring lines 165 that enable bending of the material of the blank 103 along
those lines 165
during final assembly of the container 100. This deformation or bending of the
blank 103
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enables the entire width of the blank 103 to fit in the interior confines of
the assembled
primary blank 101 (illustrated in FIGS. 3-4) so as to be substantially
parallel to the side
panels 105, 115 although the width dimensions of the blank 103 are greater
than that of the
side panels 105, 115. Although the blank 103 includes the slotted hole opening
for
overlapping the scored hole opening 155 illustrated in FIG. 3, the scored hole
opening of
blank 103 may be omitted if the blank 101 does not include corresponding
scored hole
openings.
[0064] As part of manufacturing of the pre-assembly for container 100, a
section 160 of the supplementary blank 103 is affixed to one or both of the
interior faces of
the side panels 105, 115. The faces may be affixed in one or more suitable
manners including
application of adhesive on one or both of the affixed faces, use of staples,
tape, etc. At least a
portion of the central section 160 of each of the blanks 103 is affixed to one
of the side panels
105, 115, thereby leaving the support sections 102 to remain free to bend back
towards the
interior of the container 100 following final assembly. Accordingly, the
auxiliary support
sections 102 are bent back towards the interior of the container 100 and make
contact with the
neighboring sides of the primary blank 101, e.g., the front panel 120 and/or
the back panel
11OA-B (as illustrated in FIG. 6 showing a finally assembly container 100)
during final
assembly. Thus, each of the auxiliary support sections 102 are affixed at only
one lateral end
thereof to the corresponding side panel and rigidly (e.g., without bending or
substantial
deformation) abut or be adjacent to either the front and/or back panel at the
other lateral end
of the auxiliary support section 102.
[0065] Thus, following final assembly, the container 100 is thus formed
in a rectangular configuration, with the side panels 105, 115 and back panels
I1OA-B and
front panel 120 forming a pair of opposing walls. Further, the container 100
includes both
increased strength on the side panels by the central section 160 of blank 103
affixed to the
side panels 105, 115 and the inclusion of the auxiliary support sections 102
at the corners of
the container 100, wherein the various side panels intersect. Therefore, it
should be
appreciated that this embodiment provides a plurality of auxiliary support
sections 102
extending diagonally across respective corners of the container 100 planarly.
[0066] Although FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one example of a container that may
be manufactured in accordance with illustrated embodiments, various different
types of
blanks and pre-assemblies may be used to produce various different types of
containers.
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Thus, although one or more of the side panels may be configured in a
rectangular shape,
various other shapes are also suitable. Further, although not illustrated in
FIGS. 1-6, a blank
used to construct the exterior of the container may also include a top panel
of various suitable
shapes and sizes.
[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates a functional block diagram showing the
operation of various method functions performed in accordance with a method of
producing
pre-assemblies in conjunction with illustrated embodiments. With regard to the
manufacturing of containers such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the
manner of
manufacturing such containers may be conveniently described in two phases: pre-
assembly
and final assembly/use.
[0068] Pre-assembly is normally performed at a container manufacturing
facility to produce a pre-assembly, which may also be thought of and referred
to as a knock-
down of the container. These pre-assemblies may be shipped to a customer
location such as a
product manufacturing facility. At the product manufacturing facility, the
customer may
perform final assembly/use of the containers by, for example, folding and
assembling various
panels of the container to provide a container that is configured to hold
manufacture product,
e.g., for shipping and/or display.
[0069] In such operations, the labelling of the resulting containers may be
performed by the customer of the pre-assemblies and/or as part of manufacture
of the pre-
assemblies as illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0070] FIG. 7 illustrates various functional operations performed as part
of the manufacture of a pre-assembly by, for example, a container
manufacturer. The
operations may begin, for example, with printing 705 of container material
prior to the
container material being die cut and/or scored 710 as part of an overall blank
manufacturing
operation 715. The manufactured blanks 730 may or may not be printed on one or
both sides
of the blanks 730 depending on customer requirements. Accordingly, the
printing operation
705 may be omitted.
[0071] Subsequent to blank manufacturing 715, multi-blank pre-assembly
operations may be performed in various suitable manners by hand or using
various
commercially available machines (for example, those produced by Bahmueller
Technologies,
Inc. of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA or Bobst Group North America of
Roseland, New
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Jersey, USA), to produce pre-assemblies for reinforced containers such as that
illustrated in
FIG. 1-6 and 8-38, for example.
[0072] Thus, at the beginning of such operations, raw material 725 is
used to produce blanks 730. Such raw materials 725 may include but are not
limited to
various grades, types, configurations and combinations of corrugated
fiberboard and/or solid
paperboard, liner board, board of various fluting types and combinations as
well as various
types of sealants, non-organic materials and inks and dies of various suitable
types.
[0073] It should be understood that implementation of the method and
system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain
selected tasks or
steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof.
[0074] While the invention has been initially described in conjunction
with the specific embodiments outlined above, it should be evident that many
alternatives,
modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, the
various embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be
illustrative, not
limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the
invention. Thus, it should be understood that containers come in many
different varieties but
most packaging containers can be folded and assembled from a flat form, known
as a blank or
pre-assembly. Accordingly, it should be understood that the pattern for any
blank, pre-
assembly or container may be different than those initially described herein.
[0075] For example, FIGURE 8 illustrates a side perspective view of
another container manufactured in accordance with an illustrated embodiment.
As illustrated
in FIG. 8, the container 200 may include one or more auxiliary support
sections 202 affixed at
the corners of the container 200, which in this illustrated example is a dual-
use container of
the type referred to in the packaging industry as a half regular, carton with
cut-outs for
display purposes (however, it should be understood that the manufactured
container may be
any type of carton, package, box, etc. of any suitable type).
[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the container 200 is similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 1, however, the support sections 202 of supplementary
blank 203 are
joined together via one or more panels so as to provide a single supplementary
blank 203 (as
illustrated in more detail in FIG. 10) that may be joined with the primary
blank 201
(illustrated in more detail in FIG. 9) in such a manner as to provide a
plurality of support
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sections 202 affixed to the blank 201. Like other illustrated embodiments,
such support
sections 202 may further improve strength and stackability of a resulting
container 200.
[0077] As explained in connection with FIG. 10, the auxiliary support
sections 202A-D are hingedly connected (e.g., coupled together so as to allow
alteration of
the angle therebetween) to central sections 260A-C. In this illustrated
embodiment, the
auxiliary support sections 202A-D are formed as part of the pre-assembly
manufacturing
process from blank 201 once blanks 201, 203 have been affixed together (as
explained in
conjunction with FIGS. 11-13).
[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a primary blank 201 for what is
conventionally known as a half regular carton such as the one illustrated in
FIG. 8. As shown
in FIG. 9, the primary blank 201 includes four panels: first and second side
panels 205, 215,
a back panel 210 and a front panel 220 separated by fold lines 211 A-C. The
blank 201 also
includes four bottom sub-panels 230, which cooperate and interact to form a
bottom panel
when the container 200 is finally assembled. An adhesive panel 240, separated
from side
panel 215 by fold line 211 D, is used as part of pre-assembly manufacturing to
affix the edge
of the side panel 215 with the edge of front panel 220. Accordingly, as part
of pre-assembly
manufacturing (explained herein), the adhesive panel 240 is positioned so as
to overlap the
front panel 220 and adhesive is applied to the overlapping areas so as to
affix the overlapping
areas to one another.
[0079] A display cut-out 245 may be provided in the front panel 220 of
the primary blank 201; accordingly, although not shown the cut-out may be
formed when a
perforation is used to remove material (not shown) from the container 200 so
as to provide an
access opening for ready access to product displayed in the container 200.
This opening 245
may be in communication with the open top end of the container 200, which
(during use as a
display) may be free of any top wall or panel following modification of the
container 200 for
the display function of the dual-use container. It should be appreciated that
the opening 245
may be omitted, for example, if the container is to be used only as a shipping
container.
[0080] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a second type of blank,
supplementary blank 203, used to provide the auxiliary support sections 202
illustrated in
FIG. 8. As explained above, the auxiliary support sections 202 are each
hingedly connected
(e.g., coupled together so as to allow alteration of the angle therebetween)
to central sections
260A-C so as to provide a single blank 203 that provides all of the auxiliary
support sections
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202. Accordingly, as part of pre-assembly manufacturing any one or more of the
central
sections 260A-C may be affixed to corresponding lateral sides 205, 210, 215 of
the primary
blank 201 (illustrated in FIG. 9).
[0081] For example, one central section (e.g., 260B) of the central
sections 260A-C or two non-neighboring central sections (e.g., 260A, 260C) may
be affixed
to the blank 201; however, particular utility may be provided by affixing the
two non-
neighboring central sections 260A and 260C to the primary blank 201 via
adhesive 213
(illustrated in FIG. 14). -
[0082] It should be appreciated that the primary blank 201 and the
supplementary blank 203 may be affixed to one another at various different
locations to form
a pre-assembly. For example, only one central section (e.g., 260B) of the
central sections
260A-C of the supplementary blank 203 may be affixed to a corresponding
location (e.g.,
panel 210) of the primary blank 201. Alternatively, two non-neighboring
central sections
(e.g., 260A, 260C) of the supplementary blank 203 may be affixed to the
corresponding
panels (e.g., panels 205, 215 respectively) of the primary blank 201. Thus, as
part of pre-
assembly manufacturing, one or more of the central sections 260A-C of the
blank 203 is
affixed to one or more of the interior faces of the side panels 205, 210, 215.
Regardless of
which configuration for affixing the primary and supplementary blanks 201, 203
is used, the
opening of the pre-assembly 200 results in the support sections 202A-D
extending diagonally
along the corners of the container 200 during final assembly of the container
200 from the
pre-assembly.
[0083] The faces of the primary and supplementary blanks 201, 203 may
be affixed to each other in one or more suitable manners including application
of adhesive on
one or both of the affixed faces, use of staples, tape, etc. However, of
particular utility may
be the use of adhesive to attach the blanks 201, 203 together; such an
adhesive may be
selected from various different types of adhesives that enable varying speeds
of set times and
strengths of adherence. For example, the blanks 201, 203 may be adhered to one
another
using an adhesive that may be what is referred to in the packaging industry as
a "cold-set"
adhesive, meaning that the adhesive is not heated prior to application. Such
adhesives
generally take longer to set, i.e., provide adherence of the materials being
joined; however,
such adhesives also generally provide a relatively strong bond. Cold-set
adhesives differ
14
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
from what are referred to as "hot-melt" adhesives, which generally set
relatively faster but
provide a relatively weaker bond.
[0084] Thus, it should further be appreciated that cold-set adhesives
provide for the ability to alter positioning by, for example, a lateral
sliding movement,
immediately following initial contact between the blanks 201, 203. Therefore,
it should be
understood that the folding operations performed as part of pre-assembly
manufacture and
explained herein with reference to FIGS. 11-15 may result in some lateral
sliding movement
between the blanks 201, 203 during the pre-assembly folding operations.
[0085] Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, the initial positioning of the blanks
201, 203 relative to each other may result in the fold lines 265A-265F of
blank 203 not
overlapping any of the fold lines 211A-D of blank 201 (shown in FIG. 9).
However, as
illustrated in FIGURE 12, as the panel 215 is folded towards the remaining
panels of blank
201 along fold line 211 C, the combination of the blanks 201, 203 may
experience some
lateral sliding in the direction of the arrow relative to each other such that
the fold lines 211C
and 265E shift relative to each other.
[0086] As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the glued central section 260C of
blank 203 may be moved in the direction of the arrow with reference
corresponding panel
215 of blank 201. Subsequently, the support section 202 may extend beyond the
glue panel
240 on primary blank 201. Therefore, a comparison between the pre-assembly at
stages of
assembly illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 should indicate that some lateral
movement between
the panels of the blanks 201, 203 occurs during folding. Note, as illustrated
in FIGS. 12-13
particularly and in other corresponding figures for other embodiments, the
dashed lines
indicate the location of fold lines on the primary blank although those fold
lines would not be
visible at this stage of pre-assembly manufacture.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 13, following the folding over of panel 215
along fold line 211 C, the front panel 220 is folded towards the other panels
of the blank 201
along fold line 211A as illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 14, following folding of at least some of the
panels of primary blank 201, the fold lines 211A-E and fold lines 265A-C are
realigned
relative to one another, such that the auxiliary support section 202C is
positioned so as to
overlap the corner formed between the back panel 210 and side panel 215
produced at fold
line 211 C.
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
[00891 Following folding of the panels of the primary blank 201, the front
panel 220 comes into contact with the adhesive panel 240, which may be
carrying some type
of adhesive (not shown) so as to adhere the edge of the front panel 220 to the
edge of the side
panel 215. As a result of these folding operations and the adherence between
the blanks 201,
203, the pre-assembly illustrated in FIG. 15 is produced.
[0090] Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-15, manufacture of a pre-assembly
is described in an exemplary manner wherein the non-neighboring central
sections 260A,
260C of blank 202 are affixed to the side panels 205, 215 of blank 201. As in
other
illustrated embodiments, the blank 203 has relative dimension with respect to
blank 201 such
that bending of the material of the blank 203 enables the sections 260A-C of
the blank 203 to
each fit along the corresponding panel (e.g., 205, 210, 215) of the interior
confines of the
container 200. As a result of this sizing, the sections 260A-C of the blank
203 fit
substantially parallel to the side panels 205, 210, 215 respectively.
[0091] As a result of this cooperation of the components of blanks 201
and 203 one or more optional air cells 270 may be created in the container 200
as illustrated
in FIG. 15. For example, the central section 260B and the corresponding panel
210 may be
separated following final assembly of the container to provide the air cell
270. It should be
appreciated that, depending on the width dimensions of the sections 260A-C and
202A-D and
width dimensions of the panels 205, 210, 215, an air cell 270 may or may not
be created
based on the relative dimensions of those groups of widths. A finally
assembled container
200 is thus formed in a rectangular configuration, with the panels 205 210,
215 and front
panel 220 forming a pair of opposing walls. Further, the container includes
both increased
strength on the side panels 205, 215 and end panel 210 by both the auxiliary
support sections
202A-D at the corners of the container 200, wherein the various side panels
intersect, as well
as the optional air cell 270 provided along one or more of the panels 205,
210, 215.
Therefore, it should be appreciated that this embodiment provides a plurality
of auxiliary
support sections 202A-D of the supplementary blank 203 extending diagonally
across
respective corners of the container 200 planarly.
[0092] As with FIGS. 8-16, FIGS. 17-23 illustrate another example of a
container that may be manufactured in accordance with an illustrated
embodiment. As with
the other illustrated embodiments, various different types of blanks and pre-
assemblies may
be used to produce various different types of containers. As shown in FIG. 17,
a container
16
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
300 may be provided that includes two different types of auxiliary support
sections 302 and
304. The auxiliary support sections 302 are similar in appearance to the
support sections 102
and 202 of other illustrated embodiments (see FIGS. I and 8 respectively);
however, the
auxiliary support panels 304 are different in that they are each rectangular
column-like corner
supports formed by the folding of two constituent panels of a primary blank
301.
[0093] Like the other illustrated embodiments, the container 300 is
formed by the joining of a primary blank 301 (as illustrated in FIG. 18) and
at least one
supplementary blank 303 (as illustrated in FIG. 19). As shown in FIG. 20, the
container 300
includes two supplementary blanks 303 joined to corresponding panels of the
primary blank
301 to provide both types of auxiliary supports 302 and 304. Although not
discussed in
detail, it should be appreciated that blanks used in this illustrated
embodiment, like any of the
other illustrated embodiments, may be joined using any conventionally known
mechanism
including, in particular, cold set and/or hot melt adhesives.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 18, the primary blank 301 includes side panels
305 and 315, a back panel 310 and a front panel 320, which includes a cut-out
345 suitable
for providing an opening for access to stored product. The panels 305-320
along with
adhesive panel 340 are separated from each other by fold lines 311A-D.
[0095] The blank 301 also includes four bottom sub-panels 330 that
cooperate to form a bottom of the container 300 following final assembly as
well as two types
of top sub-panels 375, 380. The sub-panels 375 differ from the sub-panels 380
in that the
sub-panels 380 include a perforation line 385 that lines up with the
perforation lines
corresponding to the cut-out 345 when the container 300 is finally assembled.
The
cooperation of the perforation lines 385 and the perforation for the cut-out
345 provide the
ability to provide an access opening in the container 300 when the container
is used as a
display container. To that end, the cut-out 345 may optionally include an
aperture or aperture
perforation 395 that further enables easy removal of the cut-out 345 and
portions of the top
sub-panels 380.
[0096] FIGURE 19 illustrates another example of a blank, supplementary
blank 303 used in manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG.
17. As shown in
FIG. 19, the blank 303 may be used to form the supports on one side of the
container 300,
i.e., 302, 304 (or as illustrated in more detail respect to FIGURE 21, 302B,
304B or 302A,
304A). Thus, as shown in FIG. 19, the blank 303 includes both the section 302,
which is
17
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
configured to form the support sections 302B, 302A of FIG. 21. Likewise, the
blank 303 also
includes sections for the other type of supports 304; more specifically,
sections 306, 308
serve as two sides of each of the rectangular column shaped support sections
304 with a
corner between those two sides being formed along the fold line 365B. Both the
two corner
support sub-sections 306, 308 of the rectangular column support section 304
and the diagonal
shape of the support section 302 are formed by the interaction between the
blanks 301, 303
following the blanks being joined together.
[0097] - Accordingly, the supplementary blank 303 includes an end section
360A and a central section 360B that serve as locations for affixing the
blanks 301, 303
together. Thus, in an illustrated embodiment, the end section 360A includes
adhesive 313A
and the central section 360B includes adhesive 313B for affixing the sections
360A, 360B to
the primary blank 301. As shown in FIG. 19, the end section 360A is separated
from the
section 306 of the support 304 by a fold line 365A; likewise, the section 308
is separated
from the central section 360B by the fold line 365C. Further, the central
section 360B is
separated from the corner support section 302 by the fold line 365D.
[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 20, an end section 360A of the other
supplementary blank 303B is affixed to the front panel 320 while the
corresponding central
section 360B is affixed to the front panel 315. Likewise, the end section 360A
of one
supplementary blank 303A is affixed to the back panel 310 while the
corresponding central
section 360B is affixed to side panel 305.
[0099] It should be understood from FIGS. 19-2 1, that the fold line 365A
on one of the supplementary blanks 303A does not overlap the fold line 311A
between the
side panel 305 and the end panel 310. Likewise, the fold line 365A on the
other
supplementary blank 303B does not overlap the fold line 311C between the front
panel 320
and the side panel 315. This offset is provided so as to force the supports
304A-B to form
during final assembly of the container 300; this is because, following joining
of the primary
and supplementary blanks 301, 303, as the side panel 315 is folded towards the
other panels
of the primary blank 301 along fold line 311 C, the supplementary blank 303B
is forced to
fold along fold lines 365A-C to form the rectangular column shaped corner
support 304B as
shown in FIG. 21. Likewise, as the end panel 3 10 is folded towards the other
panels of the
primary blank 301 along fold line 311A, the other supplementary blank 303A is
forced to fold
along fold lines 365A-C to form the rectangular column shaped corner support
304A.
18
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
Subsequent to the folding over of the side panel 315 and folding over of the
end panel 310,
adhesive carried on the adhesive panel 340 is used to join the side and end
panels 310, 315 to
one another and provide the completed pre-assembly as shown in FIG. 22.
[00100] Thus, when the pre-assembly 300 is finally assembled, as shown
in FIG. 23, the sub-sections 306, 308 of each of the rectangular column shaped
supports
304B, 304A are positioned at or near right angles to one another while the
neighboring
sections 360A and 360B provide coupling of the sub-sections 306, 308 to the
corner formed
by panels of the primary blank 301. Simultaneously, the diagonal corner
supports 302B,
302A are formed in the remaining, opposing corners by the force imposed on the
support
section 302 of each of the supplementary blanks 303 when the primary blank
panels are
configured as the exterior of the container 300. Therefore, it should be
appreciated that this
embodiment provides at least one auxiliary support section 302 of the
supplementary blank
303 extending diagonally across at least one corner of the container 300
planarly and at least
one other auxiliary support section 304 extends diagonally across at least one
corner of the
container 300 non-planarly.
[00101] As with FIGS. 17-23, FIGS. 24-30 illustrate yet another example
of a container that may be manufactured in accordance with an illustrated
embodiment. As
with the other illustrated embodiments, various different types of blanks and
pre-assemblies
may be used to produce various different types of containers. As shown in FIG.
24 a
container 400 may be provided that includes two different types of auxiliary
supports 402 and
404. The auxiliary support sections 402 are similar in appearance to the
support sections 102,
202, 302 of other illustrated embodiments (see FIGS. 1, 8 and 17
respectively); however, the
auxiliary support sections 404 are different. More specifically, the auxiliary
support sections
404 are each rectangular, truncated, column-like supports formed by the
folding of two
constituent sections provided on a primary blank 401 and similar to the
auxiliary support 304
of FIG. 23, as explained herein.
[00102] Like the other illustrated embodiments, the container 400 is
formed by the joining of a primary blank 401 (as illustrated in FIG. 25) and
at least one
supplementary blank 403 (as shown in FIG. 26). As shown in FIG. 27, the
container 400
includes two supplementary blanks 403 joined to corresponding panels of the
primary blank
401 to provide both types of auxiliary supports 402 and 404. Although not
discussed in
detail, it should be appreciated that the blanks used in this illustrated
embodiment like any of
19
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
the other illustrated embodiments may be joined using any conventionally known
mechanism
including, in particular, cold set and/or hot melt adhesives.
[00103] As shown in FIG. 25, the primary blank 401 includes side panels
405 and 415, a back panel 410 and a front panel 420, which includes an
optional cut-out 445
suitable for providing an opening for access to stored product. Together, the
panels 405-420
and an adhesive panel 440 are separated by fold lines 411 A-D. The blank 401
also includes
four bottom sub-panels 430 that cooperate to form a bottom of the container
400 following
final assembly as well as top sub-panels 475. It should be appreciated that,
although not
illustrated, some of the sub-panels 475 may include perforation lines like
similar lines 385
illustrated in FIG. 18 that line up with the perforation lines corresponding
to the cut-out 445
when the container 400 is finally assembled to provide the ability to provide
an access
opening in the container 400 when the container is used as a display
container. Likewise, the
cut-out 445 may optionally include an aperture or aperture perforation like
perforation 395
illustrated in FIG. 18 and that further enables easy removal of the cut-out
445.
[00104] The primary blank 401 also includes the constituent panels for the
rectangular shaped, truncated corner supports 404. More specifically, corner
support 404A
includes two panels 490A, 491A separated by a fold line 492A and sharing a
bottom
perforation line 493A; likewise, corner support 404B includes two panels 490B,
491B
separated by a fold line 492B and sharing a bottom perforation line 493B.
Note, the fold line
411A between the end panel 410 and the side panel 405 does not line up with
the fold line
492A. Likewise, the fold line 411 C between the side panel 415 and the front
panel 420 does
not line up with the fold line 492B.
[00105] FIGURE 26 illustrates another example of a blank, supplementary
blank 403, used in manufacturing the container of the type illustrated in FIG.
24. As shown
in FIG. 26, the supplementary blank 403 may be used to form the diagonal
support sections
402. Thus, as shown in FIG. 24, the blank 403 includes both the section 402,
which is
configured to form the support sections 402A, 402B (illustrated in FIGS. 28
and 30) and also
includes a central section 460 separated from the support section 402 by a
fold line 465. In
an illustrated embodiment, the central section 460 includes adhesive (not
shown) for affixing
the section 460 to the primary blank 401.
[00106] As illustrated in FIG. 27, the central section 460 of one
supplementary blank 403A is positioned to be affixed to the side panel 405
next to the corner
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
section 491A while the corresponding central section 460 of the other
supplementary blank
403B is affixed to side panel 415 next to the corner sub section 491 B.
[00107] As noted above and should be understood from FIGS. 27-28, the
fold line 411 A between the end panel 410 and the side panel 405 does not line
up with the
fold line 492A. Likewise, the fold line 411 C between the side panel 415 and
the front panel
420 does not line up with the fold line 492B. Accordingly, as shown in FIG.
28, as the back
panel 410 is folded towards the side panel 405 and the side panel 415 is
folded towards the
front panel 420, the perforation lines 493A and 493B tear so as to enable the
corresponding
corner sub-sections 490A, 491A and 49113, 491B to form the corner supports
404A, 404B
respectively.
[00108] As in other illustrated embodiments, the diagonal corner supports
402 are formed by the sizing of the support sections 402 and the positioning
of the support
sections 402 so that the fold line 465 for each blank 403 is offset from the
fold lines 411B or
411 D (depending on which supplementary blank 403 is being considered).
[00109] Subsequent to the folding over of the side panel 415 along fold
line 411 C and folding over of the end panel 410 along fold line 411 A,
adhesive carried on the
adhesive panel 440 is used to join the side and end panels 410, 415 to one
another and
provide the completed pre-assembly 400 as shown in FIG. 22.
[00110] When the pre-assembly 400 is finally assembled, as shown in FIG.
30, the sub-panels 490, 491 of each of the rectangular column shaped,
truncated support
panels 404A, 404B (i.e., 490A, 491A of the rectangular column shaped,
truncated support
panel 404A and 490B, 491 B of the rectangular column shaped, truncated support
panel 404B)
are positioned at or near right angles to one another. Simultaneously, the
diagonal corner
supports 402A, 402B are formed in the remaining, opposing corners of the
container 400 by
the force imposed on the support section 402 of each of the supplementary
blanks 403 (see
FIG. 26) when the primary blank panels are configured as the exterior of the
container 400.
Therefore, it should be appreciated that this embodiment provides at least one
auxiliary
support section 402A and/or 402B of the supplementary blank 403 extending
diagonally
across at least one corner of the container 400 planarly and the container
includes another
auxiliary support panel 404A and/or 404B that extends diagonally across at
least one corner
of the container 400 non-planarly.
21
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
[00111] As with FIGS. 24-30, FIGS. 31-38 illustrate yet another example
of a container that may be manufactured in accordance with an illustrated
embodiment. As
with the other illustrated embodiments, various different types of blanks and
pre-assemblies
may be used to produce various different types of containers. As shown in FIG.
31, a
container 500 may be provided that includes two different types of auxiliary
supports 502 and
508. The auxiliary support sections 502 are similar in appearance to the
support sections 102,
202, 302 and 402 of other illustrated embodiments (see FIGS. 1, 8, 17 and 24
respectively);
however, the auxiliary support panels 508 are different. More specifically,
the auxiliary
support panels 508 are actually formed from the exterior of the container;
therefore, although
for consistency, they may be termed "auxiliary" support panels, the support
panels 508 may
also be considered "primary" to the container 500 because they replace a
conventional
container corner (i.e., a location where two planes meet). Additionally, as
explained herein,
the support panels 508 are formed by the folding of the constituent panels
provided on a
primary blank as explained herein.
[00112] Like the other illustrated embodiments, the container 500 is
formed by the joining of a primary blank 501 (as illustrated in FIG. 32) and
at least one
supplementary blank 503 (as shown in FIG. 33). As shown in FIG. 34, the
container 500
includes two supplementary blanks 503 joined to corresponding panels of the
primary blank
501 to provide both types of auxiliary supports 502 and 508. Although not
discussed in
detail, it should be appreciated that the blanks used in this illustrated
embodiment like any of
the other illustrated embodiments may be joined using any conventionally known
mechanism
including, in particular, cold set and/or hot melt adhesives.
[00113] As shown in FIG. 32, the primary blank 501 includes side panels
505 and 515, a back panel 510 and a front panel 520, which includes a cut-out
545 suitable
for providing an opening for access to stored product. The panels 505-520
together with an
adhesive panel 540 are separated by fold lines 51 IA-F.
[00114] The blank 501 also includes two of each of two types of bottom
sub-panels 530, 531, the two types differing in size but cooperating to form a
bottom of the
container 500 following final assembly. The primary blank 501 also includes
two of each of
two types of top sub-panels 575, 580, the two types differing in that the sub-
panels 585
include perforation lines 585. The panels 575, 580 cooperate to form a top of
the container
500 following final assembly. As in the embodiment illustrated in connection
with FIG. 18,
22
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
the perforation lines 585 may line up with the perforation lines corresponding
to the optional
cut-out 545 when the container 500 is finally assembled to provide the ability
to provide an
access opening in the container 500 when the container is used as a display
container.
Likewise, the cut-out 545 may optionally include an aperture or aperture
perforation like
perforation 595 that further enables easy removal of the cut-out 545.
[00115] Like the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24-30, the primary blank
501 also includes constituent panels for at least some of the corner supports.
More
specifically, corner supports-508 (be they considered auxiliary or primary to
the container)
are each formed by the panels 508A-B which are included in the primary blank
501.
[00116] FIGURE 33 illustrates another example of another blank,
supplemental blank 503, used in manufacturing the container of the type
illustrated in FIG.
31. As shown in FIG. 33, the supplementary blank 503 may be used to form the
diagonal
support sections 502. Thus, as shown in FIG. 31, the supplementary blank 503
includes both
the section 502, which is configured to form the support sections 502A, 502B
(shown in Figs.
34-36 and 38), and includes a central section 560 separated from the support
section 502 by a
fold line 565. In an illustrated embodiment, the central section 560 may carry
adhesive (not
shown) for affixing the section 560 to panels of the primary blank 501.
[00117] As illustrated in FIG. 34, the central section 560 of one
supplementary blank 503A is positioned to be affixed to the side panel 505
next to the
support panel 508A while the corresponding central section 560 of the other
supplementary
blank 503B is positioned to be affixed to side panel 515 next to the support
panel 508B.
[00118] As noted above and should be understood from FIGS. 34-35, the
fold line 511 C between the front panel 520 and the side panel 505 does not
line up with the
fold line 565 between the central section 560 and the corner support 502A of
the
supplementary blank 503A. Likewise, the fold line 511F between the side panel
515 and the
glue panel 540 (which becomes the fold line between the side panel 515 and the
back panel
510 following assembly) does not line up with the fold line 565 on
supplementary blank
503B.
[00119] As shown in FIG. 36, the back panel 510 is folded towards the
side panel 505 along fold line 511B and the end panel 515 is folded towards
the front panel
520 along fold line 511 E. Subsequently, adhesive carried on the adhesive
panel 540 is used
23
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
to join the side and end panels 510, 515 to one another and provide the
completed pre-
assembly 500 as shown in FIG. 37.
[00120] When the pre-assembly 500 is finally assembled, as shown in FIG.
38, the diagonal support sections 502A-B are formed by the sizing and
positioning of the
support sections 502 of the supplementary blank 503 so that the fold line 565
for each blank
503 is offset from the fold lines 511 C and 511 F between the side and end
panels 505-520 of
the primary blank 503.
[00121] Thus, the support panels 508 are formed to replace the
conventional container corners and provide added stacking strength for the
container 500.
Likewise, the diagonal supports sections 502 are formed in the remaining,
opposing corners
by the force imposed on the support section 502 of each of the supplementary
blanks 503
when the primary blank panels are configured as the exterior of the container
500.
[00122] Therefore, it should be appreciated that this embodiment provides
at least one auxiliary support section 502 of the supplementary blank 503
extending
diagonally across at least one corner of the container 500 planarly and the
container 500
includes at least one other auxiliary support panel 508 that extends
diagonally across at least
one corner of the container 300 planarly.
[00123] It should be understood that invention embodiments are capable of
variations practiced or carried out in various ways. Therefore, it should be
appreciated that, in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, any and all of the
walls may be
constructed of corrugated cardboard. However, it should be understood that the
walls, panels,
any tabs on various panels, etc., may be constructed of various industry
recognized
appropriate materials that meet various transporting and/or display criteria.
As a result, it
should be understood that containers manufactured in accordance with at least
one
embodiment of the invention may also be considered "cartons," which may be
considered
packaging containers, commonly made from cardboard.
[00124] It should also be understood that illustrated invention
embodiments may result in pre-assemblies that may be finally assembled for use
as
containers using conventionally known auto-erector machinery that finally
assembles
containers with minimal or no human operator involvement.
[00125] Alternatively, or more specifically, the packaging containers may
be made using corrugated board, e.g., material made by a corrugator (a machine
that produces
24
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
corrugated board by attaching fluting to liners) which is a structured board
formed by gluing
one or more arched layers of corrugated medium to one or more flat-facing
linerboards.
[00126] Additionally, it should be appreciated that material used in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention may be laminated to
provide
barrier properties. Further, other barrier materials may be used including
Ultra Violet (UV),
moisture and gas barriers. Additionally, though not discussed in great detail
herein, it should
be understood that any adhesive used to provide a bond between materials used
in containers
provided in accordance with the invention may include any substance that helps
bond two
materials together, examples including but not limited to glue and paste.
[001271 It should also be appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may
also be
provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features
of the
invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single
embodiment, may also
be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
[001281 Although the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications and
variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is
intended to embrace
all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the
spirit and broad scope of
the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications
mentioned in this
specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the
specification, to the
same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application
was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition,
citation or
identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as
an admission that
such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.
[00129] Additionally, it should be understood that the functionality
described in connection with various described components of various invention
embodiments may be combined or separated from one another in such a way that
the
architecture of the invention is somewhat different than what is expressly
disclosed herein.
Moreover, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, there is
no essential
requirement that methodology operations be performed in the illustrated order;
therefore, one
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that some operations may be
performed in one or
more alternative order and/or simultaneously.
CA 02680707 2009-09-25
[001301 As a result, it will be apparent for those skilled in the art that the
illustrative embodiments described are only examples and that various
modifications can be
made within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
26
