BR102023006671A2 - Blanks for constructing crush-tolerant containers, crush-tolerant containers, methods for forming the same, and stacked crush-tolerant container assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a blank for constructing a crush-tolerant container that includes a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel and a top panel coupled in series. At least one cutout and at least one bridge portion are defined along a first fold line between the top panel and the first side panel. The at least one bridge portion and at least one cutout are configured to hold the top panel in a plane spaced above a top edge of the first side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is not under a stacking load, and to allow the top panel to move downwardly so that at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the first side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[0001] This is a partial continuation of the co-pending Reissued Application Serial No. U.S. 17/675,981, filed on February 18, 2022, which is a Reissue of Patent Serial No. January 2021, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to containers formed from blanks of sheet material, and more specifically to a blank of sheet material for forming a crush-tolerant container, and methods for forming the container.

[0003] Corrugated cardboard containers are often used to store products in them and are often stacked during shipping and storage of these products. At least some known containers are configured so that the side walls must support the weight of the container (or containers) stacked therein. If the weight in the bottommost container (or containers) increases to the point that the side walls fail (i.e., retract in or out from the inside of the container), the products inside may be damaged or crushed. At least some known containers are manufactured to include double or triple layer walls to increase the stacking strength of the same, but such an approach necessitates the use of more blank material, which increases the cost of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] In one aspect, a blank is provided for constructing a crush-tolerant container. The blank includes a plurality of panels coupled together in series along substantially parallel fold lines, the plurality of panels including a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a top panel. The blank also includes at least one cutout and at least one bridging portion positioned along a first fold line between the top panel and the first side panel. The at least one bridge portion is configured to maintain the top panel in a plane spaced above a top edge of the first side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is not under a stacking load. The at least one bridge portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allow the top panel to move downwardly so that the at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the first side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load.

[0005] In another aspect, a crush tolerant container formed from a blank of sheet material is provided. The container includes a top wall, an opposing bottom wall, and two opposing side walls. The top wall, the two side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity. The container further includes a first compression zone defined between the top wall and a first side wall of the two side walls. The first compression zone includes a first cut and at least a first bridging portion. The first compression zone maintains the top wall in a foreground separated from an upper edge of the first side wall by a compression depth when the top wall is not under a stacking load, and the first compression zone is configured to allow displacement from the top wall toward the cavity by the compression depth when the top wall is under the stacking load.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a method for forming a crush-tolerant container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank includes a plurality of panels coupled together in series along substantially parallel fold lines. The plurality of panels includes a top panel, a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a glue tab. The blank further includes at least one cutout and at least one bridging portion positioned along a first fold line between the top panel and the first side panel. The method includes rotating the plurality of panels about the plurality of fold lines to form a plurality of container walls such that the plurality of walls defines a cavity, and such that the at least one bridge portion extends between a first side wall and an upper wall of the plurality of walls. The method also includes attaching the glue tab to the top panel. The at least one bridge portion maintains the top wall in a plane spaced above an upper edge of the first side wall by a compression depth when the top wall is not under a stacking load. The at least one bridge portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allow the top panel to move downwardly so that the at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the first side panel when the top panel is under the stacking load.

[0007] A set of stacked crush-tolerant containers is provided, the set including a first crush-tolerant container and a second crush-tolerant container stacked vertically on top of the first container. The first container includes a top wall, an opposing bottom wall, and two opposing side walls. The top wall, the two side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity. The first container also includes a first compression zone defined between the top wall and a first side wall of the two side walls, the first compression zone including a first cut and at least a first bridge portion. Under a load from the second container, the first compression zone enables displacement of the upper wall towards the cavity of the first container by a compression depth.

[0008] In another aspect, a blank for constructing a crush-tolerant container includes a plurality of panels coupled together in series along substantially parallel fold lines, the plurality of panels including a first side panel, a bottom, a second side panel, a top panel. A glue flap extends from the top panel. At least one cutout and at least one bridging portion are positioned along a first fold line between the top panel and the glue tab. The at least one bridge portion is configured to maintain the top panel in a plane spaced above a top edge of the second side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is not under a stacking load. The at least one bridge portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allow the top panel to move downwardly so that the at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the second side panel. when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load. A plurality of end flaps includes a first main end flap extending from a first end edge of the second side panel and a first secondary flap extending from an end edge of the top panel. The first secondary tab and the first primary end tab are configured to be in face-to-face relationship with each other in a configuration container. The at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the glue flap and offset a distance from the first fold line, wherein the first leading end flap includes a first side edge, and wherein the first side edge of the at least a cutout is configured to be substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end flap in a configuration container. The cutout is a slot in the blank configured to open into the configuration container.

[0009] The blank may be formed from corrugated cardboard that includes a plurality of ribs. The plurality of flutes may be oriented parallel to a transverse geometric axis of the blank so that the plurality of flutes on the first and second side panels are oriented vertically when the container is formed. A main dimension of the at least one cutout may be defined perpendicular to the plurality of grooves. The slit may include a longitudinal portion on a glue flap side of the first fold line extending parallel to the first fold line and two end portions, each connected to an opposite side of the longitudinal portion, wherein each end portion end extends from the longitudinal portion through the first fold line to the top panel. The first leading end tab may include internal ribs that are vertically oriented when the container is formed, wherein the top panel is configured to engage the first leading end tab to support the stacking load when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load.

[0010] In another aspect, a crush-tolerant container formed from a blank includes an upper wall and an opposing lower wall. There are two opposing side walls, where the top wall, the two side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity. A first compression zone is defined between the upper wall and a first side wall of the two side walls. The first compression zone includes a cutout and at least a first bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the top wall and a glue tab. The first compression zone maintains the top wall in a foreground separated from an upper edge of the first side wall by a compression depth when the top wall is not under a stacking load. The first compression zone is configured to allow displacement of the top wall towards the cavity by the compression depth when the top wall is under the stacking load. Two opposing end walls are included, wherein a first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall. The first main end flap includes internal ribs oriented vertically relative to the bottom wall. Upon displacement of the top wall by the compression depth, the top wall engages the first main end tab to support the stacking load. The first end wall further includes a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the upper wall, wherein the first main end flap and the first secondary end flap are secured together in a face-to-face relationship. face. The cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the glue tab and offset a distance from the first fold line. The first main end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the cutout. Upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the upper wall engages the first side wall and the first main end flap substantially simultaneously. The cutout is formed from a slit.

[0011] Upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the upper wall can engage the first side wall to support the stacking load. The first bridge portion may deform to allow displacement of the upper wall toward the cavity by the depth of compression. A second compression zone may be defined between the first side wall and the bottom wall. The second compression zone may include a second cutout and a second bridge portion. The second compression zone may hold the bottom wall in a second plane separated from a lower edge of the first side wall by the compression depth when the top wall is not under the stacking load. The second compression zone may be configured to allow displacement of the first side wall toward the bottom wall by the compression depth when the top wall is under the stacking load. The two side walls may include internal ribs oriented vertically with respect to the bottom wall.

[0012] In another aspect, there is a method of forming a crush-tolerant container from a blank, the blank including a plurality of panels coupled together in series along substantially parallel fold lines, wherein the plurality of panels includes a top panel, a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a glue tab. The blank also includes at least one cutout and at least one bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the top panel and the glue flap, wherein the cutout is a slit in the blank configured to open into a configuration container. The method includes rotating the plurality of panels about the plurality of fold lines to form a plurality of walls of the container such that the plurality of walls defines a cavity. The method also includes attaching the glue flap to the top panel so that the at least one bridging portion extends between an upper wall of the plurality of walls and the glue flap. The at least one bridge portion maintains the top wall in a plane spaced above an upper edge of the second side wall by a compression depth when the top wall is not under a stacking load, and the at least one bridge portion and The at least one cutout are configured to allow the top panel to move downwardly so that at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the second side panel when the top wall is under the stacking load. The blank further includes a first secondary end flap extending from an end edge of the top panel and a first primary end flap extending from an end edge of the first side panel. The method further includes rotating the first main end tab inwardly toward the cavity, wherein the first main end tab includes vertically oriented internal ribs upon said rotation, and wherein the upper wall is configured to engage the first main end tab. leading end to support the stacking load when the top wall is under the stacking load. The method also includes rotating the first secondary end flap inwardly toward the cavity and into a face-to-face relationship with the first primary end flap. The method also includes attaching the first secondary end flap to the first primary end flap, wherein the at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side panel and offset a distance from the first fold line, and the first flap leading edge includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the at least one cutout.

[0013] In another aspect, a set of stacked crush-tolerant containers includes a first crush-tolerant container having an upper wall and an opposing lower wall. Two opposing side walls are included, wherein the top wall, the two side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity. A first compression zone is defined between the upper wall and a first side wall of the two side walls. The first compression zone includes a cutout and a bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the top wall and the glue tab. The cutout is formed from a slit. A second crush-tolerant container is stacked vertically on top of the first container, wherein, under a load from the second container, the first compression zone of the first container enables displacement of the upper wall of the cavity of the first container by a compression depth. The first container further includes two opposite end walls. A first end wall of the two end walls including a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall, the first end wall. A first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the upper wall. The first main end tab and the first secondary end tab are fixed together in a face-to-face relationship. The first main end flap includes a first side edge and the cutout of the first container includes a first side edge disposed on the glue flap and offset a distance from the first fold line. The first side edge of the cutout is substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end flap. Upon displacement of the top wall by the compression depth, the top wall engages the first side wall and the first main end flap substantially simultaneously to support the load of the second container.

[0014] Upon displacement of the upper wall of the first container by the compression depth, the upper wall of the first container can engage the first side wall of the first container to support the load of the second container. A second compression zone may be defined between the first side wall and the bottom wall. The second compression zone may include a second cutout and a second bridge portion, wherein, under load from the second container, the second compression zone may be configured to enable displacement of the first side wall toward the bottom wall by the depth of compression when the top wall is under the stacking load.

[0015] In another aspect, a blank for constructing a crush-tolerant container includes a plurality of panels coupled together in series along substantially parallel fold lines. The plurality of panels includes a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a top panel. At least one cutout and at least one bridge portion are positioned along a first fold line between the bottom panel and the first side panel. The at least one bridge portion is configured to maintain the first side panel in a plane spaced above a lower edge of the bottom panel when the container is formed and the top panel is not under a stacking load. The at least one bridge portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allow the first side panel to move downwardly so that the at least a portion of the first side panel is substantially coplanar with the bottom edge of the bottom panel when the container is formed and the top panel and first side panel are under the stacking load. The blank further includes a plurality of end tabs. The plurality of end flaps includes a first main end flap extending from a first end edge of the first side panel and a first secondary flap extending from an end edge of the bottom panel. The first secondary tab and the first primary end tab are configured to be in face-to-face relationship with each other in a configuration container. The at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side panel and offset a distance from the first fold line. The first main end flap includes a first side edge. The first side edge of the at least one cutout is configured to be substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end flap on a configuration container. The cutout is a slot in the blank configured to open into the configuration container.

[0016] The blank can be formed from corrugated cardboard that includes a plurality of ribs. The plurality of flutes can be oriented parallel to a transverse geometric axis of the blank so that the plurality of flutes on the first and second side panels can be oriented vertically when the container is formed. A main dimension of the at least one cutout may be defined perpendicular to the plurality of grooves. The slit may include a longitudinal portion on a side panel side of the first fold line extending parallel to the first fold line and two end portions, each connected to an opposite side of the longitudinal portion, wherein each end portion extends from the longitudinal portion through the first fold line to the bottom panel. The first leading end flap may include internal ribs that are vertically oriented when the container is formed. The bottom panel may be configured to engage the first leading end tab to support the stacking load when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load. The plurality of panels may additionally include a glue tab extending from the top panel. The plurality of panels may further include a glue flap extending from the first side panel.

[0017] In another aspect, a crush-tolerant container formed from a blank includes an upper wall and an opposing lower wall. Two opposing side walls are included, wherein the top wall, the two side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity. A first compression zone is defined between the bottom wall and a first side wall of the two side walls. The first compression zone includes a cutout and at least one first bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the bottom wall and the first side wall. The cutout is formed from a slit. The first compression zone maintains the first side wall in a foreground separated from a lower edge of the bottom wall by a compression depth when the top wall is not under a stacking load. The first compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the top wall of the cavity and the first side wall toward the bottom wall by the compression depth when the top wall and first side wall are under the stacking load. Two opposing end walls are included, wherein a first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall, wherein the first main end flap includes internal ribs oriented vertically with respect to the bottom wall, and wherein, upon displacement of the top wall by the compression depth, the top wall engages the first main end tab to support the stacking load. The first end wall further includes a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the lower wall. The first main end tab and the first secondary end tab are fixed together in a face-to-face relationship. The cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side wall and offset a distance from the first fold line. The first main end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the cutout. Upon displacement of the upper wall and the first side wall by the compression depth, the lower wall engages the first side wall and the first main end flap substantially simultaneously.

[0018] Upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the lower wall can engage the first side wall to support the stacking load. The first bridge portion may deform to allow displacement of the lower wall toward the cavity by the depth of compression. A second compression zone may be defined between the first side wall and the top wall. The second compression zone may include a second cutout and a second bridge portion. The second compression zone may hold the top wall in a second plane separated from an upper edge of the first side wall by the depth of compression when the top wall is not under the stacking load. The second compression zone may be configured to allow displacement of the top wall toward the first side wall by the compression depth when the top wall is under the stacking load. The two side walls may include internal ribs oriented vertically with respect to the bottom wall.

[0019] According to another aspect, there is a method for forming a crush-tolerant container from a blank. The blank includes a plurality of panels coupled together in series along substantially parallel fold lines. The plurality of panels includes a top panel, a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a glue tab. The blank also includes at least one cutout and at least one bridging portion positioned along a first fold line between the bottom panel and the first side panel. The cutout is a slot in the blank configured to open into a configuration container. The method includes rotating the plurality of panels about the plurality of fold lines to form a plurality of walls of the container such that the plurality of walls defines a cavity. The method includes attaching the glue tab to the top panel such that the at least one bridge portion extends between a bottom wall and a first side wall of the plurality of walls, wherein the at least one bridge portion maintains the first wall side in a plane spaced above a lower edge of the bottom wall by a compression depth when the top wall and first side wall are not under a stacking load, and the at least one bridge portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allow the first side panel to move downwardly so that at least a portion of the bottom panel is substantially coplanar with the bottom edge of the first side panel when the top wall and first side wall are under the stacking load. The blank further includes a first secondary end flap extending from an end edge of the top panel and a first primary end flap extending from an end edge of the first side panel. The method further includes rotating the first main end tab inwardly toward the cavity, wherein the first main end tab includes vertically oriented internal ribs upon said rotation, and wherein the lower wall is configured to engage the first main end tab. leading end to support the stacking load when the top wall is under the stacking load. The method also includes rotating the first secondary end tab inwardly toward the cavity and in a face-to-face relationship with the first main end tab and attaching the first secondary end tab to the first main end tab. The at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side panel and offset a distance from the first fold line, and the first main end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the at least one cutout. .

[0020] According to another aspect, a set of stacked crush-tolerant containers includes a first crush-tolerant container having an upper wall and an opposing lower wall. Two opposing side walls are included, wherein the top wall, the two side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity. A first compression zone is defined between the upper wall and a first side wall of the two side walls. The first compression zone includes a cutout and a bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the bottom wall and the first side wall. The cutout is a slit. A second crush-tolerant container is stacked vertically on top of the first container. Under a load from the second container, the first compression zone of the first container enables displacement of the upper wall of the cavity of the first container by a compression depth. The first container further includes two opposite end walls. A first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall. The first end wall further includes a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the upper wall. The first main end tab and the first secondary end tab are fixed together in a face-to-face relationship. The first main end flap includes a first side edge and the cutout of the first container includes a first side edge disposed on the first side wall and offset a distance from the first fold line. The first side edge of the cutout is substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end flap. Upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the lower wall engages the first side wall and the first main end flap substantially simultaneously to support the load of the second container.

[0021] Upon displacement of the upper wall and the first side wall of the first container by the compression depth, the first side wall of the first container can engage the lower wall of the first container to support the load of the second container. The first container may include a second compression zone defined between the first side wall and the top wall. The second compression zone may include a second cutout and a second bridge portion, wherein, under load from the second container, the second compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the top wall toward the first side wall by the depth of compression. when the top wall is under the stacking load.

[0022] In another aspect, a blank for constructing a crush-tolerant container includes a plurality of panels coupled together in series along substantially parallel fold lines. The plurality of panels includes a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a top panel. At least one cutout and at least one bridge portion are positioned along a first fold line between the top panel and the first side panel. The at least one bridge portion is configured to maintain the top panel in a plane spaced above a top edge of the first side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is not under a stacking load. The at least one bridge portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allow the top panel to move downwardly so that the at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the first side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load. The blank further comprises a plurality of end tabs. The plurality of end flaps includes a first main end flap extending from a first end edge of the first side panel and a first secondary flap extending from an end edge of the top panel. The first secondary tab and the first primary end tab are configured to be in face-to-face relationship with each other in a configuration container. The at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side panel and offset a distance from the first fold line. The first main end flap includes a first side edge. The first side edge of the at least one cutout is configured to be substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end flap on a configuration container. The cutout is a slot in the blank configured to open into the configuration container.

[0023] The blank may be formed from corrugated cardboard that includes a plurality of ribs. The plurality of flutes may be oriented parallel to a transverse geometric axis of the blank so that the plurality of flutes on the first and second side panels are oriented vertically when the container is formed. A main dimension of the at least one cutout may be defined perpendicular to the plurality of grooves. The slit may include a longitudinal portion on a first side panel side of the first fold line extending parallel to the first fold line and two end portions each connected to an opposite side of the longitudinal portion. Each end portion may extend from the longitudinal portion through the first fold line to the top panel. The first leading end flap may include internal ribs that are vertically oriented when the container is formed. The top panel may be configured to engage the first leading end tab to support the stacking load when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load. The plurality of panels may additionally include a glue tab extending from the top panel. The plurality of panels may further include a glue flap extending from the first side panel.

[0024] In another aspect, a crush-tolerant container formed from a blank includes an upper wall and an opposing lower wall. Two opposing side walls are included, wherein the top wall, the two side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity. A first compression zone is defined between the upper wall and a first side wall of the two side walls. The first compression zone includes a cutout and at least a first bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the top and the first side wall. The cutout is a slit. The first compression zone maintains the top wall in a foreground separated from an upper edge of the first side wall by a compression depth when the top wall is not under a stacking load. The first compression zone is configured to allow displacement of the top wall towards the cavity by the compression depth when the top wall is under the stacking load. Two opposing end walls are included, wherein a first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall. The first main end flap includes internal ribs oriented vertically relative to the bottom wall. Upon displacement of the top wall by the compression depth, the top wall engages the first main end tab to support the stacking load. The first end wall further includes a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the upper wall, wherein the first main end flap and the first secondary end flap are secured together in a face-to-face relationship. face. The cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side wall and offset a distance from the first fold line. The first main end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the cutout. Upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the upper wall engages the first side wall and the first main end flap substantially simultaneously.

[0025] Upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the upper wall can engage the first side wall to support the stacking load. The first bridge portion may deform to allow displacement of the upper wall toward the cavity by the depth of compression. A second compression zone may be defined between the first side wall and the bottom wall. The second compression zone may include a second cutout and a second bridge portion. The second compression zone may hold the bottom wall in a second plane separated from a lower edge of the first side wall by the compression depth when the top wall is not under the stacking load. The second compression zone may be configured to allow displacement of the first side wall toward the bottom wall by the compression depth when the top wall is under the stacking load. The two side walls may include internal ribs oriented vertically with respect to the bottom wall.

[0026] According to another aspect, there is a method for forming a crush-tolerant container from a blank. The blank includes a plurality of panels coupled together in series along substantially parallel fold lines. The plurality of panels includes a top panel, a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a glue tab. The blank also includes at least one cutout and at least one bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the top panel and the first side panel, wherein the cutout is a slit in the blank configured to open into a configuration container. The method includes rotating the plurality of panels about the plurality of fold lines to form a plurality of container walls such that the plurality of walls defines a cavity, and such that the at least one bridge portion extends between a first side wall and an upper wall of the plurality of walls. The method includes attaching the glue tab to the top panel, wherein the at least one bridging portion holds the top wall in a plane spaced above an upper edge of the first side wall for a compression depth when the top wall is not under a stacking load, and the at least one bridge portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allow the top panel to move downwardly so that the at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the first side panel when the top wall is under the stacking load. The blank further includes a first secondary end flap extending from an end edge of the top panel and a first primary end flap extending from an end edge of the first side panel. The method further includes rotating the first leading end tab inwardly toward the cavity. The first leading end flap includes internal splines oriented vertically upon said rotation, and wherein the upper wall is configured to engage the first leading end flap to support the stacking load when the upper wall is under the stacking load. The method includes rotating the first secondary end tab inwardly toward the cavity and in a face-to-face relationship with the first main end tab, and attaching the first secondary end tab to the first main end tab. The at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side panel and offset a distance from the first fold line, and the first main end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the at least one cutout. .

[0027] According to another aspect, a set of stacked crush-tolerant containers includes a first crush-tolerant container having an upper wall and an opposing lower wall. Two opposing side walls are included, wherein the top wall, the two side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity. A first compression zone is defined between the upper wall and a first side wall of the two side walls. The first compression zone includes a cutout and at least one first bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the top wall and the first side wall. The cutout is a slit. A second crush-tolerant container is stacked vertically on top of the first container, wherein, under a load from the second container, the first compression zone of the first container enables displacement of the upper wall of the cavity of the first container by a compression depth. The first container further includes two opposite end walls. A first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall. The first end wall further includes a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the upper wall. The first main end tab and the first secondary end tab are fixed together in a face-to-face relationship. The first main end flap includes a first side edge and the cutout of the first container includes a first side edge disposed on the first side wall and offset a distance from the first fold line. The first side edge of the cutout is substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end flap. Upon displacement of the top wall by the compression depth, the top wall engages the first side wall and the first main end flap substantially simultaneously to support the load of the second container.

[0028] Upon displacement of the upper wall of the first container by the compression depth, the upper wall of the first container can engage the first side wall of the first container to support the load of the second container. The first container may include a second compression zone defined between the first side wall and the bottom wall. The second compression zone may include a second cutout and a second bridge portion, wherein, under load from the second container, the second compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the first side wall toward the bottom wall by the depth of compression. when the top wall is under the stacking load.

[0029] These and other features of the systems and methods of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a top plan view of an interior surface of an exemplary embodiment of a blank of sheet material.

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a partially formed container, formed from the blank of Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fully formed container, formed from the blank of Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 4A is a first expanded view of the container shown in Figure 3, which illustrates a compression zone under no load.

[0034] Figure 4B is a second expanded view of the container shown in Figure 3, which illustrates the compression zone shown in Figure 4A under a vertical load.

[0035] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a set of stacked containers as shown in Figure 3.

[0036] Figure 6 depicts a load vs. load plot. compression into a non-crush tolerant container.

[0037] Figure 7 depicts a load vs. load plot. compression for the crush-tolerant container shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5.

[0038] Figure 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of a blank, showing gaps only in fold lines of the top panel.

[0039] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of Figure 8.

[0040] Figure 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of a blank, which shows gaps only in fold lines of the bottom panel.

[0041] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of Figure 10.

[0042] Figure 12 is a plan view of another embodiment of a blank, which shows gaps only at the fold line between the top panel and the glue tab.

[0043] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of Figure 12.

[0044] Figure 14 is a plan view of another embodiment of a blank, which shows cutouts that are slits rather than gaps.

[0045] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of Figure 14.

[0046] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the container of Figure 15, which shows how one of the slits is opened in the fully formed container.

[0047] Figure 17 is a plan view of another embodiment of a blank, which shows cracks only on fold lines of the top panel.

[0048] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of Figure 17.

[0049] Figure 19 is a plan view of another embodiment of a blank, which shows cracks only on fold lines of the bottom panel.

[0050] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of Figure 19.

[0051] Figure 21 is a plan view of another embodiment of a blank, which shows cracks only on the fold line connecting the glue tab to the top panel.

[0052] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of Figure 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly allows one skilled in the art to produce and use the disclosure, describes various modalities, adaptations, variations, alternatives and use of the disclosure, including what is currently believed to be the best way to carry out the disclosure.

[0054] Embodiments described herein provide a stackable reinforced container formed from a single sheet of blank material and a method for constructing the container. The container can be constructed from a blank of sheet material using a machine and/or manually. In one embodiment, the blank is manufactured from a corrugated cardboard material. The blank, however, can be manufactured using any suitable material and is therefore not limited to a specific type of material. In alternative embodiments, the blank is manufactured using cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, paperboard, foamboard, corrugated paper and/or any known suitable material. by those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided in this document.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the blank includes at least one marking thereon that includes, without limitation, indications communicating the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product. For example, marking may include printed text that indicates a product name and briefly describes the product, logos and/or trademarks that indicate a manufacturer and/or seller of the product, and/or designs and/or ornamentation that attract attention. “Printing”, “printed” and/or any other form of “printing” as used herein may include, but is not limited to, inkjet printing, laser printing, screen printing, giclée, pen and ink, painting, offset lithography, flexography, relief printing, rotogravure, dye transfer and/or any suitable printing technique known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein. In another embodiment, the blank is free of markings, such as, without limitation, indications that communicate the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product.

[0056] Now referring to the drawings, and more specifically to Figure 1, a top plan view of a blank 10 of sheet material for forming a container in a wrapping configuration is shown. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a container 100 formed from blank 10, shown in a partially formed configuration. Figure 3 is a perspective view of container 100 formed from blank 10, shown in a fully formed configuration. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a compression zone 150 of container 100 under no-load and vertical-load conditions.

[0057] The blank 10 has a first surface or an inner surface 12 and an opposing second surface or an outer surface 14. Additionally, the blank 10 defines a leading edge 16 and an opposing trailing edge 18. In one embodiment, blank 10 includes, in series from leading edge 16 to trailing edge 18, a plurality of panels including a first side panel 20, a bottom panel 22, a second side panel 24, a top panel 26, and a glue tab. 28, coupled together along preformed, generally parallel, fold lines 30, 32, 34 and 36, respectively. More specifically, first side panel 20 extends between front edge 16 and fold line 30, bottom panel 22 extends from fold line 30, second side panel 24 extends from fold line 32, top panel 26 extends from fold line 30, extends from fold line 34, and glue flap 28 extends between fold line 36 and trailing edge 18. In an alternative embodiment, glue flap 28 extends from first side panel 20 as opposed to bottom panel 22.

[0058] Fold lines 30, 32, 34 and 36, as well as other fold lines and/or hinge lines described herein, may include any suitable weakening line and/or separation line known to those skilled in the art. technique and guided by the teachings provided in this document.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment, the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 24 are substantially congruent and have a rectangular shape, and the bottom panel 22 and top panel 26 are substantially congruent and have a rectangular shape. In alternative embodiments, panels 20, 22, 24, and 26 have any suitable shape that enables the blank 10 to function as described herein. Furthermore, first side panel 20 and second side panel 24 each have a width W1, and the bottom panel 22 and the top panel 26 each have a width W2 that is smaller than W1. In alternative embodiments, W2 is substantially equal to or greater than W1.

[0060] Additionally, blank 10 includes a plurality of end tabs extending from the plurality of panels. More specifically, a first leading end flap 40 extends from a first end edge of the first side panel 20 defined by a fold line 41, and a second leading end flap 42 extends from a second leading edge. edge of the first side panel 20 defined by fold line 43. A third main end flap 44 extends from a first end edge of the second side panel 24 defined by a fold line 45, and a fourth main end flap 46 extends from a second end edge of the second side panel 24 defined by a fold line 47. In the exemplary embodiment, the first main end flap 40, the second main end flap 42, the third main end flap 44, and the fourth leading end flap 46 are substantially congruent. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the main end flaps 40, 42, 44, and 46 is other than substantially congruent to at least one other of the main end flaps 40, 42, 44, and 46.

[0061] A first secondary end flap 50 extends from a first end edge of the bottom panel 22 defined by a fold line 51, and a second secondary end flap 52 extends from a second end edge of the bottom panel 22 defined by a fold line 53. A third secondary end flap 54 extends from a first end edge of the top panel 26 defined by a fold line 55, and a fourth secondary end flap 56 extends from a first end edge of the top panel 26 defined by a fold line 55, and a fourth secondary end flap 56 extends from extends from a second end edge of the top panel 26 defined by a fold line 57. In the exemplary embodiment, the first secondary end flap 50, the second secondary end flap 52, the third secondary end flap 54, and the fourth secondary end flap 56 are substantially congruent. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the secondary end flaps 50, 52, 54, and 56 is other than substantially congruent to at least one other of the secondary end flaps 50, 52, 54, and 56. In the exemplary embodiment, fold lines 41, 43, 45, 47, 51, 53, 55, and 57 are generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to fold lines 30, 32, 34, and 36.

[0062] The blank 10 additionally includes a plurality of cutouts 60. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the cutouts 60 is defined along one of the fold lines 30, 32, 34, and 36. More specifically, each of the cutouts 60 extends symmetrically from one of fold lines 30, 32, 34, 36 to adjacent panels 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28. In the exemplary embodiment, a pair of congruent cutouts 60 are disposed along each one of the fold lines 30, 32, 34, and 36. More particularly, two cutouts 65 and 66 are disposed along the fold line 30 and extend to the first side panel 20 and bottom panel 22, two cutouts 67 and 68 are arranged along fold line 32 and extending to bottom panel 22 and second side panel 24, two cutouts 69 and 70 are disposed along fold line 34 and extending to second side panel 24 and top panel 26, and two cutouts 71 and 72 are disposed along fold line 36 and extend to the top panel 26 and glue flap 28. In an alternative embodiment in which the glue flap 28 extends from the first side panel 20, cutouts 71 and 72 are disposed along a fold line between glue flap 28 and first side panel 20 and extend to glue flap 28 and first side panel 20. It should be understood that any reference to cutouts 60 generally refers to and collectively to cutouts 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, and 72. In the illustrated embodiment, cutouts 60 are arranged symmetrically about a longitudinal geometric axis 64 of the blank 10, thereby defining bridge portions 61 to the along fold lines 30, 32, 34 and 36. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, blank 10 includes eight cutouts 60 and twelve bridge portions 61, wherein two cutouts 60 and three bridge portions 61 are arranged along lines bend lines 30, 32, 34, and 36. In other embodiments, the blank 10 includes additional, fewer or differently arranged cutouts and/or no cutouts along one or more of the fold lines 30, 32, 34, and /or 36. For example, in alternative embodiments, cutouts 60 are not arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal geometric axis 64.

[0063] In the exemplary embodiment, each end flap 40, 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, and 56 includes a pair of opposing side edges. More specifically, first main end flap 40 includes opposing side edges 73 and 74, second main end flap 42 includes opposing side edges 75 and 76, first secondary end flap 50 includes opposing side edges 77 and 78, second secondary end flap 52 includes opposing side edges 79 and 80, third leading end flap 44 includes opposing side edges 81 and 82, fourth leading end flap 46 includes opposing side edges 83 and 84, third secondary end flap 54 includes opposing side edge 85 and 86, and the fourth secondary end flap 56 includes the opposite side edge 87 and 88. Adjacent side edges of the end flaps 40, 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, and 56 are separated from each other by a distance d , which is measured between adjacent side edges. For example, the side edge 76 of the second main end flap 42 is separated from the side edge 79 of the second secondary end flap 52 by distance d.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts 60 have a width W3 that is approximately equal to the distance d, and defined parallel to a direction 62 of internal wavy flutes 98 (shown in Figure 2) of the blank 10. In alternative embodiments, the width W3 can be greater or less than distance d. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, a main dimension of each cutout 60, designed as length L, is oriented perpendicular to the direction 62 of the ribs 98. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, side edges of cutouts 60 that are defined in the first side panel 20, second side panel 24, and/or glue flap 28 (in other words, those blank panels 10 that are oriented vertically when the container 100 is formed from the blank 10) substantially align with respective side edges of the flaps. main end tabs 40, 42, 44, and 46. Specifically, a side edge 89 of the cutout 65 and a side edge 90 of the cutout 66 substantially align with the side edge 74 of the first main end flap 40 and side edge 76 of the second main end flap 42, a side edge 91 of the cutout 67 and a side edge 92 of the cutout 68 substantially align with the side edge 81 of the third main end flap 44 and side edge 83 of the fourth main end flap 46, and an edge side edge 93 of the cutout 69 and a side edge 94 of the cutout 70 substantially align with the side edge 82 of the third main end flap 44 and the side edge 84 of the fourth main end flap 46. When the container 100 is formed from the blank 10, a side edge 95 of the cutout 71 and a side edge 96 of the cutout 72 substantially align with the side edge 73 of the first main end flap 40 and side edge 75 of the second main end flap 42.

[0065] A top edge of the first side panel 20 is defined by the front edge 16. Cutouts 65 and 66 and fold line 30 collectively define a bottom edge 21 of the first side panel 20 and a first side edge 23 of the bottom panel 22. Cutouts 67 and 68 and fold line 32 collectively define a second side edge 25 of the bottom panel 22 and a bottom edge 27 of the second side panel 24. Cutouts 69 and 70 and fold line 34 collectively define a top edge 29 of the second side panel 24 and a first side edge 31 of the top panel 26. Cutouts 71 and 72 and fold line 36 collectively define a second side edge 33 of the top panel 26 and a side edge 35 of the glue tab 28. The trailing edge 18 defines a free edge of the glue tab 28. Furthermore, when the container 100 is formed from the blank 10 as shown in Figure 2, top edge 29 of the second side panel 24 and first side edge 31 of the top panel 26 cooperate to define a first compression zone 150, second side edge 25 of the bottom panel 22 and bottom edge 27 of the second side panel 24 cooperate to define a second compression zone 152, bottom edge 21 of the first side panel 20 and the first side edge 23 of the lower panel 22 cooperate to define a third compression zone 154, and second side edge 33 of the upper panel 26 and side edge 35 of the glue tab 28 cooperate to define a fourth compression zone 156, as will be described herein.

[0066] The container 100 includes a top wall 102, a first side wall 104, a bottom wall 106, a second side wall 108, a first end wall 110 (shown in Figure 3), and a second end wall 112. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the side walls 104 and 108 is generally perpendicular to each of the end walls 110 and 112, and each of the side walls 104 and 108 and end walls 110 and 112 is generally perpendicular to the bottom wall 106 and upper wall 102, so that the container 100 has a generally rectangular prismatic shape. The top wall 102, bottom wall 106, side walls 104 and 108, and end walls 110 and 112 cooperate to define the cavity 120 of the container 100.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment, the top wall 102 includes the top panel 26, first side wall 104 includes the first side panel 20 and the glue tab 28, bottom wall 106 includes bottom panel 22, and second side wall 108 includes the second side panel 24. The first end wall 110 includes the first main end flap 40, third main end flap 44, first secondary end flap 50, and the third secondary end flap 54. The second end wall includes the second main end flap 42, fourth main end flap 46, second secondary end flap 52, and fourth secondary end flap 56. In an alternative embodiment in which the glue flap 28 extends from the first side panel 20, top wall 102  includes top panel 26 and glue tab 28, and first side wall includes first side panel 20.

[0068] Furthermore, when the container 100 is formed from the blank 10, each of the side walls 104 and 108 includes wavy ribs 98 oriented in a vertical direction 122. Consequently, the side walls 104 and 108 have the force of improved stacking as compared to, for example, a container that has side walls with horizontally oriented ribs (i.e., ribs oriented perpendicular to the 122 direction). Additionally, when the container 100 is formed from the blank 10, each of the main end flaps 40, 42, 44, and 46 includes corrugated ribs 98 oriented in the vertical direction 122.

[0069] In the exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 14 of each of the first and third main end flaps 40 and 44 is coupled to the inner surface 12 of the first and third secondary end flaps 50 and 54, and, similarly , the outer surface 14 of each of the second and fourth main end flaps 42 and 46 is coupled to the inner surface of the second and fourth secondary end flaps 52 and 56 such that each of the end walls 110 and 112 is configured with the improved stacking force of the main end flaps 40, 42, 44, and 46 due to the vertical ribs 98 therein. More specifically, by arranging secondary and main end flaps so that the secondary end flaps are exterior to the main end flaps relative to the cavity 120, the top panel 26 of the top wall 102 rests on (i.e., is arranged directly on top of the main end flaps 40, 42, 44, and 46. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the end walls 110 and 112 includes an alternative arrangement of the secondary and main end flaps.

[0070] The container 100 additionally includes first compression zone 150 at an intersection of the top wall 102 and the second side wall 108, or more specifically, between a first side edge 124 of the top wall 102 and a top edge 126 of the second side wall 108. The container 100 includes the second compression zone 152 at an intersection of the second side wall 108 and bottom wall 106, between a lower edge 128 of the second side wall 108 and a first side edge 130 of the lower wall 106. The container 100 also includes third compression zone 154 at an intersection of the bottom wall 106 and first side wall 104, between a second side edge 132 of the bottom wall 106 and a bottom edge 134 of the first side wall 104. The container 100 additionally includes the fourth compression zone 156 at an intersection of the first side wall 104 and the top wall 102, between an upper edge 136 of the first side wall 104 and a second side edge 138 of the top wall 102. Each compression zone 150, 152, 154, and 156 extends from first end wall 110 to second end wall 112.

[0071] The upper wall 102 defines a plane that is separated by a compression depth 160 from upper edges 126 and 136 of side walls 108 and 104, respectively, in the first and fourth compression zones 150 and 156, when the upper wall 102 is not under a stacking load. For example, the top wall 102 defines a plane that is compression depth 160 of approximately %d above the top edges 126 and 136 of the side walls 108 and 104, respectively, in the first and fourth compression zones 150 and 156, under no vertical load. Similarly, the lower wall 106 defines a plane that is separated by compression depth 160 from the lower edges 128 and 136 of the side walls 108 and 104, respectively, in the second and third compression zones 152 and 154, when the upper wall 102 is not under stacking load. Compression zones 150, 152, 154, and 156 are configured to facilitate slight compression or crushing of container 100 under a force exerted substantially vertically on container 100 (i.e., parallel to direction 122), such as under a stacking load. exercised when multiple containers 100 including products in cavity 120 are stacked on top of each other. The stacking load may include any load or force exerted that exceeds a threshold amount to initiate compression of compression zones 150, 152, 154, and/or 156. The stacking load may vary between containers of different dimensions and/or containers that have different numbers and/or orientations of cutouts 60 and bridge portions 61.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4A, under no stacking load, each bridge portion 61 extends through approximately a 90° angle, and bridge portions 61 are configured to maintain the top wall 102 in a plane above the upper walls. sides 104 and 108 by compression depth 160, and bottom wall 106 in a plane below side walls 104 and 108 by compression depth 160. When the force of a stacking load is placed on the container 100, for example, when a second product-containing container 100 is stacked against top wall 102, bridge portions 61 in the first and fourth compression zones 150 and 156 allow the top wall 102 to be moved vertically downward, or toward the cavity 120, by an amount up to compression depth 160. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4B, the bridge portions 61 deform, enabling the top wall 102 to move to a position generally between side walls 104 and 108, so that at least a portion of the first side edge 124 of top wall 102 is substantially coplanar with top edge 126 of second side wall 105, and at least a portion of second side edge 138 is substantially coplanar with top edge 136 of first side wall 104. In another embodiment (not shown ), bridge portions 61 deform, with the top wall 102 moving to a position directly on top of the side walls 104 and 108, so that the inner surface of the top wall 102 is positioned against the top edges 126 and 136 of the side walls 108 and 104, respectively.

[0073] Accordingly, in either embodiment, the upper edges 126 and 136 of the side walls 104 and 108, respectively, are involved in supporting the load, thereby engaging the stacking force of the side walls 104 and 108 to support the load in the container 100 The bridging portions 61 in the second and third compression zones 152 and 154 allow side walls 104 and 108 to be displaced downward toward the bottom wall 106 by compression depth 160. In one embodiment, the bridging portions 61 deform, allowing side walls 104 and 108 to move into position on either side of the bottom wall 106, so that at least a portion of the bottom edge 128 of the second side wall 108 is substantially coplanar with the first side edge 130 of the bottom wall, and at least a portion of the bottom edge 134 of the first side wall 104 is substantially coplanar with second side edge 132 of the bottom wall 106. In another embodiment, bridge portions 61 deform, with side walls 104 and 108 moving to a position directly on top of the wall bottom 106, so that the inner surface of the bottom wall 106 is positioned against bottom edges 128 and 134 of the side walls 108 and 104, respectively.

[0074] Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, since the container 100 is vertically compressed (with the top wall 102 being moved downward, side walls 104 and 108 being moved downward), the inner surface 12 of the top wall 102 is adjacent to the fold line 41 engages with at least one of the main end tabs 40 and 44, and/or inner surface 12 of the upper wall 102 adjacent to the fold line 43 engages with at least one of the main end tabs 42 and 46. Accordingly, at least one of the main end flaps 40, 42, 44, and 46 is engaged to support the load in the container 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the alignment of the side edges of main end flaps 40, 42, 44, 46 with side edges of cutouts 60 , as described above in relation to Figure 1, substantially facilitates the simultaneous engagement of main end flaps 40, 42, 44, 46 and side walls 104 and 108 to support the load in the container 100. In some embodiments, in which any product within of the container 100 is approximately the same height H as the container 100, such vertical compression also facilitates the engagement of any product within the container 100 to support the load in the container 100.

[0075] In containers without compression zones, the side walls are immediately involved in supporting a full amount of any stacking load and are therefore vulnerable to bending or shrinkage. In contrast, the compression zones 150, 152, 154, and 156 in the container 100 absorb an initial impact from a stacking load, so that side walls 104 and 108 and main end flaps 40, 42, 44, 46 of the end walls 110 and 112 are not immediately engaged, but instead are more gradually engaged, which improves the integrity and viability of the container 100 under heavier stacking loads. Furthermore, the container 100 is tolerant to crushing under increased loads, allowing initial compression in compression zones 150, 152, 154, and 156 to prevent sidewall buckling. In this way, container 100 exhibits improved stacking strength over other single-wall containers without requiring double- or triple-wall construction.

[0076] To form the container 100 from the blank 10, the first side panel 20 is rotated inwardly about the fold line 30 toward the interior surface 12 of the bottom panel 22, in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the panel. lower panel 22. The second side panel 24 is rotated inwardly about the fold line 32 in a substantially perpendicular relationship with lower panel 22, and upper panel 26 is rotated inwardly about the fold line 34 in a substantially perpendicular relationship with second side panel 24. The glue tab 28 is attached to the first side panel 20, using, for example, adhesive, other suitable bonding material, fasteners, and/or any other suitable method for attaching panels. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 14 of the glue tab 28 is coupled to the inner surface 12 of the first side panel 20. In an alternative embodiment, the inner surface 12 of the glue tab 28 is coupled to the outer surface 14 of the first side panel 20 .

[0077] Additionally, each of the end flaps 40, 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54, 56 is rotated inwardly in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the respective panel 20, 22, 24, 26 from which the end flap extends. The first and third secondary end flaps 50 and 54 are placed in face-to-face relationship with the first and third main end flaps 40 and 44, and second and fourth secondary end flaps 52 and 56 are placed in face-to-face relationship. face with the second and fourth main end flaps 42 and 46. The first and third secondary end flaps 50 and 54 are then coupled to the first and third main end flaps 40 and 44 as described above, and second and fourth secondary end tabs 52 and 56 are coupled to the second and fourth main end tabs 42 and 46 as described above, using, for example, adhesive, other suitable bonding material, fasteners, and/or any other suitable method for attaching panels.

[0078] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a set 200 of stacked containers 300, 400. The first container 300 and second container 400 are similar to the container 100, as shown and described in relation to Figures 2, 3, 4A and 4B. Accordingly, where similar or substantially equivalent features are shown in Figure 5 as in any of the preceding Figures, the same numerical references are employed. As shown, when a vertical load (i.e., a weight of the second container 400 containing the product, not shown, therein) is exerted on the first container 300, the first container 300 is compressed. More specifically, as illustrated, a first compression zone 350 and a second compression zone 352 of the first container 300 compress per compression depth 160 (shown in Figures 2 and 4A). Although not shown, it is to be understood that a third and a fourth compression zone of the first container 300 also compress. An upper wall (not shown in the view of Figure 5) of the first container 300 is displaced by compression depth 160 in a cavity 320 of the first container 320. The first and second side walls 304 and 308 of the first container 300, as well as by At least one of the main end flaps (e.g., end flaps 340 and 344) of the end walls 310 and/or 312 of the first container 300, are engaged in supporting the load of the second container 400 thereon. Accordingly, the first and second sidewalls 304 and 308 can be moved downward in compression depth 160. In contrast, the first and second compression zones 450, 452 of the second container 400 are not compressed, since no vertical load is exerted on the second container 400.

[0079] Figures 6 and 7 depict two exemplary graphs to illustrate the performance of the container 100 (as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5) under a stacking load. More specifically, Figure 6 depicts a 600 plot of load vs. compression depth for a non-crush tolerant container (not shown). A peak stacking load of about 453.592 kg (1000 pounds) is exerted on the non-crush tolerant container prior to compression of the container by about 13 mm (0.51 inches). Furthermore, the non-crush tolerant container exhibits nonlinear compression 602 under loads greater than about 362.8 kg (800 pounds). In contrast, Figure 7 depicts a 700 plot of load vs. compression depth for crush-tolerant container 100. The crush-tolerant container 100 exhibits substantially linear compression 702 due to gradual engagement of side walls 104 and 108 and/or main end flaps 40, 42, 44, and/or 46 to support container 100. Effectively, the load on the container 100 is reduced, which enables the container 100 to overcome greater quantity load (e.g., up to about 476.2 to 499 kg (1050-1100 pounds), in this example) before to be fully engaged and/or compressed. At 704, a stacking load of about 499 kg (1100 pounds) is exerted on container 100, causing compression of about 9.14 mm (0.36 inches), in which point compression zones 150, 152, 154 , and/or 156 are substantially fully compressed.

[0080] Referring now to Figures 8-22, similar numerical references identify similar parts with the Figures. 1-7. The blank 10, as shown in Figure 1, includes a pair of cutouts 60 on each of the fold lines 30, 32, 34, and 36 for a total of eight cutouts 60. However, it is contemplated that any one or more of the fold lines 30, 32, 34, 36 may have one or more indentations 60, while the remaining fold lines 30, 32, 34, 36 may be indentation-free. Figure 8 shows a blank 10 in which there are no indentations 60 on the fold lines 30 and 32, but where each of the fold lines 34 and 36 includes a pair of indentations 60, which are as described above in relation to FIG. 1. Figure 9 shows the container 100 erected from the blank 10 of Figure 8, in which the cutouts 60 are all associated with the top panel 26. Figure 10 shows a blank 10 in which fold lines 34 and 36 are free of any indentations 60, but in which fold lines 30 and 32 each have two of the indentations 60, which are as described above in relation to Figure 1. Figure 11 shows a container 100 erected from the blank 10 of Figure 10, in which all cutouts 60 are associated with the bottom panel 22. Figure 12 shows a blank 10 in which there are no cutouts 60 at fold lines 30, 32, and 34, but in which a pair of cutouts 60 are included in the fold line 36. Figure 13 shows the container 100 erected from the blank 10 of Figure 12, wherein both cutouts 60 are associated with the top panel 26 and the glue tab 28.

[0081] In Figures 1-13, all cutouts 60 are shown as slots 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, for example, which are punched out of blanks 10. However, it is also It is contemplated that the indentations 60 may instead be slits, such as formed as knife cuts in the blanks 100, wherein there is not a complete part punched out of the blank material. In Figures 14-22, blanks 10 and containers 100 are shown in which the cutouts 60 are slots 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72.

[0082] The blank 10, as shown in Figure 14, includes a pair of cutouts 60 in the form of two slots 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, at each of the fold lines 30, 32, 34, and 36 for a total of eight cutouts 60. The widening vignette in Figure 14a shows that each slot, e.g., slot 65 in Figure 14, includes a longitudinal portion 500 on a respective side of side panel 20, 24 (or glue tab 28) of the respective fold line. For example, the longitudinal portion 500 labeled in Figure 14 is on the same side of the fold line 30 as the first side panel 20. Each slot 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72 also includes two end portions. 502. Each end portion 502 is connected to an opposite side of the respective longitudinal portion 500, wherein the longitudinal portion 500 of each slot extends parallel to its respective fold line 30, 32, 34, 36 between the respective end portions 502 The end portions 502 extend from its longitudinal portion 500, through its respective fold line 30, 32, 34, 36, and to its respective top or bottom panel 26, 22. There is a defined fin portion 504 between the end portions 502 of each of the slots 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72. The slots 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72 open to form open cutouts 60 and function as cutouts 60 during erection of a container 100 from the blank 10, for example, as shown in Figure 15. The fin portion 504 defined between the end portions 502 of each slot 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72 remains coplanar with its respective top or bottom panel 26, 22 as its respective fold line 30, 32, 34, 36 is bent during erection. Figure 16 shows an enlargement of one of the fin portions 504 that remain coplanar with its respective bottom panel 22 in the finished container 100. Since the slots 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72 each open as shown in Figure 16 during the erection of the blank 10 in the container 100, their function in the container 100 is the same as described above in relation to Figures 1-7.

[0083] In the blank 10 of Figure 14, all fold lines 30, 32, 32, 36 have a pair of cutouts 60 in the form of slits. However, it is contemplated that any one or more of the fold lines 30, 32, 34, 36 may have one or more cutouts 60 in the form of slits, while the remaining fold lines 30, 32, 34, 36 may be free of cutouts, that is, free from gaps and crevices. Figure 17 shows a blank 10 in which there are no indentations 60 in the fold lines 30 and 32, but in which each of the fold lines 34 and 36 includes a pair of indentations 60 in the form of slits, which are as described above. with respect to Figure 14. Figure 18 shows the container 100 erected from the blank 10 of Figure 14, wherein the cutouts 60 are all associated with the top panel 26. Figure 19 shows a blank 10 in which lines of fold lines 34 and 36 are free of any indentations 60, but in which fold lines 30 and 32 each have two of the indentations 60 in the form of slits, which are as described above in relation to Figure 14. Figure 20 shows a container 100 erected from the blank 10 of Figure 19, in which all cutouts 60 are associated with the bottom panel 22. Figure 21 shows a blank 10 in which there are no cutouts 60 at fold lines 30, 32, and 34 , but wherein a pair of cutouts 60 (in the form of slots as described above) are included in the fold line 36. Figure 22 shows the container 100 erected from the blank 10 of Figure 21, wherein both cutouts 60 are associated with the top panel 26 and the glue tab 28.

[0084] Exemplary embodiments of blanks, containers, and methods are described and/or illustrated in this document in detail. The blanks, containers, and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, elements of each blank and container and steps of each method may be used independently and separately from other elements and steps described in this document. Each blank and container element and each method step can also be used in combination with other blank and container elements and/or method steps.

[0085] When presenting elements, components, etc. of the methods and sets described and/or illustrated in this document, the articles “a”, “a”, “the”, “a” and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element (or elements), component (components), etc. The terms “comprise”, “include” and “have” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be element (or elements), component (or components), etc. additional elements other than the element (or elements), component (or components), etc. listed.

[0086] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments of the present disclosure, which includes the best mode, and also to enable anyone skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present disclosure, including creating and using any devices or systems and performing any methods incorporated. The patentable scope of the embodiments described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims (46)

1. Blank for constructing a crush-tolerant container, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a plurality of panels coupled in series along substantially parallel fold lines, the plurality of panels including a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, a top panel; a glue flap extending from the top panel; and at least one cutout and at least one bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the top panel and the glue tab, wherein the at least one bridge portion is configured to hold the top panel in a plane spaced above a top edge of the second side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is not under a stacking load, and wherein the at least one bridging portion and at least one cutout are configured to allow the panel upper panel moves downwardly so that at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the second side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load; wherein the blank further comprises a plurality of end flaps, the plurality of end flaps including: a first main end flap extending from a first end edge of the second side panel; and a first secondary flap extending from an end edge of the top panel; wherein the first secondary flap and the first primary end flap are configured to be face to face with each other in a configuration container; wherein the at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the glue flap and offset a distance from the first fold line, wherein the first leading end flap includes a first side edge, and wherein the first edge The side of the at least one cutout is configured to be substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end flap in a configuration container, wherein the cutout is a slot in the blank configured to open in the configuration container. 2. The blank of claim 1, wherein it is formed from corrugated cardboard that includes a plurality of flutes, and wherein the plurality of flutes is oriented parallel to a transverse geometric axis of the blank so that the plurality of ribs on the first and second side panels are vertically oriented when the container is formed. 3. Blank according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that a main dimension of the at least one cutout is defined perpendicular to the plurality of grooves. 4. Blank according to claim 1, characterized in that the slot includes a longitudinal portion on one side of the glue flap of the first fold line extending parallel to the first fold line and two end portions, each connected to an opposite end of the longitudinal portion, wherein each end portion extends from the longitudinal portion through the first fold line to the top panel. 5. The blank of claim 1, wherein the first leading end tab includes internal ribs that are oriented vertically as the container is formed, and wherein the top panel is configured to engage the first leading end tab. leading end to support the stacking load when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load. 6. Crush-tolerant container formed from a blank, characterized by the fact that it comprises: an upper wall and an opposite lower wall; two opposing side walls, wherein the upper wall, the two side walls and the lower wall define a cavity; and a first compression zone defined between the top wall and a first side wall of the two side walls, wherein the first compression zone includes a cutout and at least a first bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the top wall and a glue flap, wherein the first compression zone keeps the top wall in a foreground separated from an upper edge of the first side wall by a compression depth when the top wall is not under a stacking load, and wherein the first compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the upper wall towards the cavity by the compression depth when the upper wall is under the stacking load; further comprising two opposing end walls, wherein a first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall, wherein the first main end flap includes internal ribs oriented vertically with respect to the bottom wall, and wherein upon displacement of the top wall by the compression depth, the top wall engages the first main end tab to support the stacking load; wherein the first end wall further includes a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the upper wall, wherein the first main end flap and the first secondary end flap are secured together in a relationship face to face; wherein the cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the glue tab and offset a distance from the first fold line, and the first leading end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the cutout, and wherein Upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the upper wall engages the first side wall and the first main end flap substantially simultaneously, wherein the cutout is formed from a slot. 7. Container, according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the upper wall engages with the first side wall to support the stacking load. 8. Container, according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the first bridge portion deforms to allow displacement of the upper wall towards the cavity by the depth of compression. 9. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the cutout is a first cutout and further comprises a second compression zone defined between the first side wall and the bottom wall, wherein the second compression zone includes a second cutout and a second bridge portion, wherein the second compression zone keeps the bottom wall in a second plane separated from a lower edge of the first side wall by the compression depth, when the top wall is not under the stacking load, and wherein the second compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the first side wall towards the bottom wall by the compression depth when the top wall is under the stacking load. 10. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the two side walls include internal ribs oriented vertically with respect to the bottom wall. 11. Method for forming a crush tolerant container from a blank, the blank includes a plurality of panels coupled in series along substantially parallel fold lines, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a glue tab, wherein the blank also includes at least one cutout and at least one bridging portion positioned along a first fold line between the top panel and the glue flap, wherein the cutout is a slit in the blank configured to open into a configuration container,  the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises: rotating the plurality of panels around the plurality of fold lines to form a plurality of walls of the container such that the plurality of walls defines a cavity; and securing the glue flap to the top panel such that the at least one bridging portion extends between an upper wall of the plurality of walls and the glue flap, wherein the at least one bridging portion maintains the upper wall at a plane spaced above a top edge of the second side wall by a compression depth when the top wall is not under a stacking load, and the at least one bridging portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allow the top panel moves downwardly so that at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the second side panel when the top wall is under the stacking load; wherein the blank further includes a first secondary end flap extending from an end edge of the top panel and a first primary end flap extending from an end edge of the first side panel, wherein the method further comprises: rotating the first leading end flap inwardly toward the cavity, wherein the first leading end flap includes vertically oriented internal ribs upon said rotation, and wherein the upper wall is configured to engage the first flap leading end to support the stacking load when the top wall is under the stacking load; rotating the first secondary end tab inwardly toward the cavity and in a face-to-face relationship with the first main end tab; and attaching the first secondary end flap to the first main end flap, wherein the at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side panel and offset a distance from the first fold line, and the first main end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the at least one cutout. 12. Set of stacked crush-tolerant containers characterized by the fact that it comprises: a first crush-tolerant container comprising: an upper wall and an opposing lower wall; two opposing side walls, wherein the upper wall, the two side walls and the lower wall define a cavity; and a first compression zone defined between the top wall and a first side wall of the two side walls, wherein the first compression zone includes a cutout and a bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the top wall and the glue flap, in which the cutout is formed by a slit; and a second crush-tolerant container vertically stacked on top of the first container, wherein, under a load from the second container, the first compression zone of the first container allows displacement of the upper wall toward the cavity of the first container by a depth compression; wherein the first container further comprises: two opposing end walls, wherein a first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall, the first end wall further including a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the upper wall, wherein the first main end flap and the first secondary end flap are secured together in a face-to-face relationship , wherein the first main end flap includes a first side edge and the cutout of the first container includes a first side edge disposed on the glue tab and offset a distance from the first fold line,  wherein the first side edge of the cutout is substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end tab, and wherein upon displacement of the top wall by the compression depth, the top wall engages the first side wall and the first main end tab substantially simultaneously to support the load of the second container. 13. Set of stacked crush-tolerant containers according to claim 12, characterized in that, upon displacement of the upper wall of the first container by the compression depth, the upper wall of the first container engages the first side wall of the first container to support the load of the second container. 14. Set of stacked crush-tolerant containers according to claim 12, characterized in that the cutout is a first cutout and wherein the first container further comprises a second compression zone defined between the first side wall and the bottom, wherein the second compression zone includes a second cutout and a second bridge portion, wherein, under load from the second container, the second compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the first side wall toward the bottom wall by the depth of compression when the top wall is under the stacking load. 15. Blank for constructing a crush-tolerant container, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of panels coupled in series along substantially parallel fold lines, the plurality of panels including a first side panel, a bottom panel , a second side panel and a top panel; and at least one cutout and at least one bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the bottom panel and the first side panel, wherein the at least one bridge portion is configured to hold the first side panel at a plane spaced above a lower edge of the bottom panel when the container is formed and the top panel is not under a stacking load, and wherein the at least one bridging portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allow the first side panel moves downwardly so that at least a portion of the first side panel is substantially coplanar with the bottom edge of the bottom panel when the container is formed and the top panel and the first side panel are under the stacking load; wherein the blank further comprises a plurality of end tabs, wherein the plurality of end tabs includes: a first main end tab extending from a first end edge of the first side panel; and a first secondary flap extending from an end edge of the bottom panel; wherein the first secondary flap and the first primary end flap are configured to be face to face with each other in a configuration container; wherein the at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side panel and offset a distance from the first fold line, wherein the first main end flap includes a first side edge, and wherein the first edge The side of the at least one cutout is configured to be substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end flap in a configuration container, wherein the cutout is a slot in the blank configured to open in the configuration container. 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein it is formed from corrugated cardboard that includes a plurality of flutes, and wherein the plurality of flutes is oriented parallel to a transverse geometric axis of the blank so that the plurality of ribs on the first and second side panels are vertically oriented when the container is formed. 17. Blank according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that a main dimension of the at least one cutout is defined perpendicular to the plurality of grooves. 18. The blank of claim 15, wherein the slot includes a longitudinal portion on a side of the first side panel of the first fold line extending parallel to the first fold line, and two end portions , each connected to an opposite end of the longitudinal portion, wherein each end portion extends from the longitudinal portion through the first fold line to the bottom panel. 19. The blank of claim 15, wherein the first leading end tab includes internal ribs that are oriented vertically as the container is formed, and wherein the lower panel is configured to engage the first leading end tab. leading end to support the stacking load when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load. 20. The blank of claim 15, wherein the plurality of panels further includes a glue flap extending from the top panel. 21. The blank of claim 15, wherein the plurality of panels further includes a glue flap extending from the first side panel. 22. Crush-tolerant container formed from a blank, characterized by the fact that it comprises: an upper wall and an opposite lower wall; two opposing side walls, wherein the upper wall, the two side walls and the lower wall define a cavity; and a first compression zone defined between the bottom wall and a first side wall of the two side walls, wherein the first compression zone includes a cutout and at least a first bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the bottom wall and the first side wall, wherein the cutout is formed by a slit, wherein the first compression zone maintains the first side wall in a foreground separated from a lower edge of the bottom wall by a depth of compression when the wall upper wall is not under a stacking load, and wherein the first compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the top wall toward the cavity and the first side wall toward the bottom wall by the depth of compression, when the top wall and the first side wall are under the stacking load; further comprising two opposing end walls, wherein a first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall, wherein the first end flap main includes internal ribs oriented vertically with respect to the bottom wall, and wherein upon displacement of the top wall by the compression depth, the top wall engages the first main end tab to support the stacking load; wherein the first end wall further includes a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the lower wall, wherein the first main end flap and the first secondary end flap are secured together in a relationship face to face; wherein the cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side wall and offset a distance from the first fold line, and the first main end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the cutout, and wherein Upon displacement of the upper wall and the first side wall by the compression depth, the lower wall engages the first side wall and the first main end tab substantially simultaneously. 23. Container, according to claim 22, characterized by the fact that upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the lower wall engages with the first side wall to support the stacking load. 24. Container, according to claim 22, characterized by the fact that the first bridge portion deforms to allow displacement of the lower wall towards the cavity by the depth of compression. 25. Container according to claim 24, characterized in that the cutout is a first cutout and further comprises a second compression zone defined between the first side wall and the top wall, wherein the second compression zone includes a second cutout and a second bridge portion, wherein the second compression zone keeps the top wall in a second plane separated from an upper edge of the first side wall by the compression depth, when the top wall is not under the stacking load, and wherein the second compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the top wall toward the first side wall by the compression depth when the top wall is under the stacking load. 26. Container according to claim 22, characterized in that the two side walls include internal ribs oriented vertically with respect to the bottom wall. 27. Method for forming a crush tolerant container from a blank, the blank includes a plurality of panels coupled in series along substantially parallel fold lines, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a glue flap, wherein the blank also includes at least one cutout and at least one bridging portion positioned along a first fold line between the bottom panel and the first side panel, wherein the cutout is a slit in the blank configured to open into a configuration container, the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises: rotating the plurality of panels around the plurality of fold lines to form a plurality of walls of the container such that the plurality of walls defines a cavity; and attaching the glue tab to the top panel so that the at least one bridging portion extends between a bottom wall and a first side wall of the plurality of walls, wherein the at least one bridging portion holds the first side wall in a plane spaced above a lower edge of the bottom wall by a compression depth when the top wall and the first side wall are not under a stacking load, and the at least one bridge portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allowing the first side panel to move downwardly so that at least a portion of the bottom panel is substantially coplanar with the bottom edge of the first side panel when the top wall and the first side wall are under the stacking load; wherein the blank further includes a first secondary end flap extending from an end edge of the top panel and a first primary end flap extending from an end edge of the first side panel, wherein the method further comprises: rotating the first leading end flap inwardly toward the cavity, wherein the first leading end flap includes vertically oriented internal ribs upon said rotation, and wherein the lower wall is configured to engage the first flap leading end to support the stacking load when the top wall is under the stacking load; rotating the first secondary end tab inwardly toward the cavity and in a face-to-face relationship with the first main end tab; and attaching the first secondary end flap to the first main end flap, wherein the at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side panel and offset a distance from the first fold line, and the first main end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the at least one cutout. 28. Set of stacked crush-tolerant containers characterized by the fact that it comprises:  a first crush-tolerant container comprising: an upper wall and an opposing lower wall; two opposing side walls, wherein the upper wall, the two side walls and the lower wall define a cavity; and a first compression zone defined between the top wall and a first side wall of the two side walls, wherein the first compression zone includes a cutout and a first bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the bottom wall and the first side wall, in which the cutout is a slit; and a second crush-tolerant container vertically stacked on top of the first container, wherein, under a load from the second container, the first compression zone of the first container allows displacement of the upper wall toward the cavity of the first container by a depth compression; wherein the first container further comprises: two opposing end walls, wherein a first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall, the first end wall further including a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the upper wall, wherein the first main end flap and the first secondary end flap are secured together in a face-to-face relationship , wherein the first main end flap includes a first side edge and the cutout of the first container includes a first side edge disposed on the first side wall and offset a distance from the first fold line, wherein the first side edge of the cutout is substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end flap, and wherein upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the lower wall engages the first side wall and the first main end flap substantially simultaneously to support the load of the second container. 29. Set of stacked crush-tolerant containers according to claim 28, characterized in that, upon displacement of the top wall and the first side wall of the first container by the compression depth, the first side wall of the first container engages on the bottom wall of the first container to support the load of the second container. 30. Set of stacked crush-tolerant containers according to claim 28, characterized in that the cutout is a first cutout and wherein the first container further comprises a second compression zone defined between the first side wall and the upper, wherein the second compression zone includes a second cutout and a second bridge portion, wherein, under load from the second container, the second compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the top wall toward the first side wall by the depth of compression when the top wall is under the stacking load. 31. Blank for constructing a crush-tolerant container, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of panels coupled in series along substantially parallel fold lines, the plurality of panels including a first side panel, a bottom panel , a second side panel and a top panel; and at least one cutout and at least one bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the top panel and the first side panel, wherein the at least one bridge portion is configured to hold the top panel in a plane spaced above a top edge of the first side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is not under a stacking load, and wherein the at least one bridging portion and at least one cutout are configured to allow the panel upper panel moves downwardly so that at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the first side panel when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load; wherein the blank further comprises a plurality of end tabs, wherein the plurality of end tabs includes: a first main end tab extending from a first end edge of the first side panel; and a first secondary flap extending from an end edge of the top panel; wherein the first secondary flap and the first primary end flap are configured to be face to face with each other in a configuration container; wherein the at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side panel and offset a distance from the first fold line, wherein the first main end flap includes a first side edge, and wherein the first edge The side of the at least one cutout is configured to be substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end flap in a configuration container, wherein the cutout is a slot in the blank configured to open in the configuration container. 32. The blank of claim 31, wherein it is formed from corrugated cardboard that includes a plurality of flutes, and wherein the plurality of flutes is oriented parallel to a transverse geometric axis of the blank so that the plurality of ribs on the first and second side panels are vertically oriented when the container is formed. 33. Blank according to claim 32, characterized by the fact that a main dimension of the at least one cutout is defined perpendicular to the plurality of grooves. 34. The blank of claim 32, wherein the slot includes a longitudinal portion on a side of the first side panel of the first fold line extending parallel to the first fold line, and two end portions , each connected to an opposite end of the longitudinal portion, wherein each end portion extends from the longitudinal portion through the first fold line to the top panel. 35. The blank of claim 32, wherein the first leading end tab includes internal ribs that are oriented vertically as the container is formed, and wherein the top panel is configured to engage the first leading end tab. leading end to support the stacking load when the container is formed and the top panel is under the stacking load. 36. The blank of claim 32, wherein the plurality of panels further includes a glue tab extending from the top panel. 37. The blank of claim 32, wherein the plurality of panels further includes a glue flap extending from the first side panel. 38. Crush-tolerant container formed from a blank, characterized by the fact that it comprises: an upper wall and an opposite lower wall; two opposing side walls, wherein the upper wall, the two side walls and the lower wall define a cavity; and a first compression zone defined between the top wall and a first side wall of the two side walls, wherein the first compression zone includes a cutout and at least a first bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the upper wall and the first side wall, wherein the cutout is a slit, wherein the first compression zone keeps the upper wall in a foreground separated from an upper edge of the first side wall by a compression depth when the upper wall is not is under a stacking load, and wherein the first compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the upper wall towards the cavity by the compression depth when the upper wall is under the stacking load; further comprising two opposing end walls, wherein a first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall, wherein the first main end flap includes internal ribs oriented vertically with respect to the bottom wall, and wherein upon displacement of the top wall by the compression depth, the top wall engages the first main end tab to support the stacking load; wherein the first end wall further includes a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the upper wall, wherein the first main end flap and the first secondary end flap are secured together in a relationship face to face; wherein the cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side wall and offset a distance from the first fold line, and the first main end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the cutout, and wherein Upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the upper wall engages the first side wall and the first main end tab substantially simultaneously. 39. Container, according to claim 38, characterized by the fact that upon displacement of the upper wall by the compression depth, the upper wall engages with the first side wall to support the stacking load. 40. Container, according to claim 38, characterized by the fact that the first bridge portion deforms to allow displacement of the upper wall towards the cavity by the depth of compression. 41. Container according to claim 38, characterized in that the cutout is a first cutout and further comprises a second compression zone defined between the first side wall and the bottom wall, wherein the second compression zone includes a second cutout and a second bridge portion, wherein the second compression zone keeps the bottom wall in a second plane separated from a lower edge of the first side wall by the compression depth, when the top wall is not under the stacking load, and wherein the second compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the first side wall towards the bottom wall by the compression depth when the top wall is under the stacking load. 42. Container according to claim 38, characterized in that the two side walls include internal ribs oriented vertically with respect to the bottom wall. 43. Method for forming a crush tolerant container from a blank, the blank includes a plurality of panels coupled in series along substantially parallel fold lines, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel, and a glue tab, wherein the blank also includes at least one cutout and at least one bridging portion positioned along a first fold line between the top panel and the first side panel, wherein the cutout is a slit in the blank configured to open into a configuration container, the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises: rotating the plurality of panels around the plurality of fold lines to form a plurality of container walls such that the plurality of walls defines a cavity and such that the at least one bridge portion extends between a first side wall and an upper wall of the plurality of walls; and attaching the glue tab to the top panel, wherein the at least one bridging portion maintains the top wall in a plane spaced above an upper edge of the first side wall by a compression depth when the top wall is not under a load of stacking, and the at least one bridge portion and the at least one cutout are configured to allow the top panel to move downwardly so that the at least a portion of the top panel is substantially coplanar with the top edge of the first panel. side when the top wall is under the stacking load; wherein the blank further includes a first secondary end flap extending from an end edge of the top panel and a first primary end flap extending from an end edge of the first side panel, wherein the method further comprises: rotating the first leading end flap inwardly toward the cavity, wherein the first leading end flap includes vertically oriented internal ribs upon said rotation, and wherein the upper wall is configured to engage the first flap leading end to support the stacking load when the top wall is under the stacking load; rotating the first secondary end tab inwardly toward the cavity and in a face-to-face relationship with the first main end tab; and attaching the first secondary end flap to the first primary end flap; wherein the at least one cutout includes a first side edge disposed on the first side panel and offset a distance from the first fold line, and the first main end flap includes a first side edge substantially aligned with the first side edge of the at least a cutout. 44. Set of stacked crush-tolerant containers characterized by the fact that it comprises: a first crush-tolerant container comprising: an upper wall and an opposing lower wall; two opposing side walls, wherein the upper wall, the two side walls, and the lower wall define a cavity; and a first compression zone defined between the top wall and a first side wall of the two side walls, wherein the first compression zone includes a cutout and at least a first bridge portion positioned along a first fold line between the upper wall and the first side wall, in which the cutout is a slit; and a second crush-tolerant container vertically stacked on top of the first container, wherein, under a load from the second container, the first compression zone of the first container allows displacement of the upper wall toward the cavity of the first container by a depth compression; wherein the first container further comprises: two opposing end walls, wherein a first end wall of the two end walls includes a first main end flap emanating from a first end edge of the first side wall, the first end wall further including a first secondary end flap emanating from an end edge of the upper wall, wherein the first main end flap and the first secondary end flap are secured together in a face-to-face relationship , wherein the first main end flap includes a first side edge and the cutout of the first container includes a first side edge disposed on the first side wall and offset a distance from the first fold line, wherein the first side edge of the cutout is substantially aligned with the first side edge of the first main end tab and wherein, upon displacement of the top wall by the compression depth, the top wall engages the first side wall and the first main end tab substantially simultaneously to support the load of the second container. 45. Set of stacked crush-tolerant containers according to claim 44, characterized in that, upon displacement of the upper wall of the first container by the compression depth, the upper wall of the first container engages the first side wall of the first container to support the load of the second container. 46. Set of stacked crush-tolerant containers according to claim 45, characterized in that the cutout is a first cutout, wherein the first container further comprises a second compression zone defined between the first side wall and the bottom, wherein the second compression zone includes a second cutout and a second bridge portion, wherein, under load from the second container, the second compression zone is configured to enable displacement of the first side wall toward the bottom wall by the depth of compression when the top wall is under the stacking load.