EP4304947A1

EP4304947A1 - Container with reconfigurable features

Info

Publication number: EP4304947A1
Application number: EP22767848.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Karen L. Mills
Original assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Current assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Priority date: 2021-03-10
Filing date: 2022-03-09
Publication date: 2024-01-17
Also published as: WO2022192328A1; CA3211710A1; US20220289422A1; EP4304947A4; MX2023010186A

Abstract

A container for one or more articles, the container including a top end, a closed bottom end, and a sidewall extending from the top end of the container to the bottom end of the container and at least partially around an interior of the container, the sidewall having an upper portion, a central portion, and a lower portion. The central portion of the sidewall includes at least one reconfigurable section having a plurality of reconfigurable features such that the container is reconfigurable between a first configuration, in which a first interior volume of the container is defined between the top end, the sidewall, and the closed bottom end, and a second configuration, in which a second interior volume of the container is defined between the top end, the sidewall, and the closed bottom end, the first interior volume is larger than the second interior volume.

Description

CONTAINER WITH RECONFIGURABLE FEATURES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/159,016, filed on March 10, 2021.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/159,016, filed on March 10,

2021, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to containers for containing or holding one or more articles such as food/beverage products and/or other articles. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to containers having reconfigurable features for transitioning the container between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a container for one or more articles, the container comprising a top end, a closed bottom end, and a sidewall extending from the top end of the container to the bottom end of the container and at least partially around an interior of the container, the sidewall comprising an upper portion, a central portion, and a lower portion. The central portion of the sidewall comprises at least one reconfigurable section having a plurality of reconfigurable features such that the container is reconfigurable between a first configuration, in which a first interior volume of the container is defined between the top end, the sidewall, and the closed bottom end, and a second configuration, in which a second interior volume of the container is defined between the top end, the sidewall, and the closed bottom end, the first interior volume is larger than the second interior volume.

[0005] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a sidewall blank for forming a sidewall of a container for one or more articles, the sidewall blank comprising an upper marginal portion, a lower marginal portion, and a central portion. The central portion of the sidewall blank comprises at least one reconfigurable section having a plurality of reconfigurable features such that the sidewall formed from the blank is reconfigurable between a first configuration, in which the reconfigurable section has a generally flat and annular arrangement, and a second configuration, in which at least one portion of the reconfigurable section is positioned overlapping at least one other portion of the reconfigurable section.

[0006] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a container for one or more articles, the method comprising obtaining a sidewall blank comprising an upper marginal portion, a lower marginal portion, and a central portion comprising at least one reconfigurable section having a plurality of reconfigurable features, arranging the top marginal portion of the sidewall blank to form a top end of the container, attaching the lower marginal portion of the sidewall blank to a bottom forming feature to form a bottom end of the container, and arranging the sidewall blank to form a sidewall extending at least partially around an interior of the container. The method further comprises reconfiguring the container between a first configuration, in which a first interior volume of the container is defined between the top end, the sidewall, and the closed bottom end, and a second configuration, in which a second interior volume of the container is defined between the top end, the sidewall, and the closed bottom end, the first interior volume is larger than the second interior volume.

[0007] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Fig. 1 is a plan schematic of a blank for forming a sidewall of a container according to a first exemplaiy embodiment of the disclosure.

[0009] Fig. 1A is an enlarged view of an area of detail identified in Fig. 1.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of Fig. 1 and in an expanded configuration according to the first exemplaiy embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the container formed from the blank of Fig. 1 and in a collapsed configuration according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 4 is another perspective view of the container of Fig. 3, with a lid provided.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the container formed from the blank of Fig. 1 shown transitioned to the expanded configuration from the collapsed configuration according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. [0014] Fig. 6 is a plan schematic of a blank for forming a sidewall of a container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 6A is an enlarged view of an area of detail identified in Fig. 6.

[0016] Fig. 6B is an enlarged view of an area of detail identified in Fig. 6.

[0017] Fig. 7 is an elevation view of a container formed from the blank of Fig. 6 and in a first configuration according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 8 is an elevation view of a container formed from the blank of Fig. 6 and in a partially collapsed configuration according the second exemplary of the disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a container formed from the blank of Fig. 6 and in a fully collapsed configuration according the second exemplary of the disclosure.

[0020] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Containers according to the present disclosure can accommodate one or more articles such as food and/or beverage products and can be for holding, for example, oatmeal, soup, chili, stew, noodles, rice, cereal, hot cocoa, smoothies, candy, nuts, coffee (iced or hot), tea (iced or hot), hot cocoa, soft drinks, ice cream drinks (e.g., floats, shakes, etc.), to name a few. It will be understood that containers according to the present disclosure can be for holding other articles, such as non food/beverage products, for example, wet or dry detergents, soaps, nails, cotton balls, cosmetics, paint, tablets, concentrates, etc.

[0022] In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright containers. As described herein, containers can be formed from blanks by overlapping multiple portions, panels, and or end flaps. Such portions, panels, and or end flaps may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a plan schematic view, of an exterior surface 102 of a sidewall blank 101 for forming a sidewall 103 of a container 105 (Fig. 2) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the blank 101 can have a longitudinal axis LI and a lateral axis L2. While the blank 101 can be formed of a generally curved length of paperboard material, as shown, it will be understood that the blank 101 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

[0024] The blank 101 can have a central portion 107, an upper marginal portion 109 foldably connected to the central portion 107 at a curved fold line 111 extending generally in the longitudinal direction, a lower marginal portion 113 foldably connected to the central portion 107 at a curved fold line 115 extending generally in the longitudinal direction, a first side marginal portion 117 foldably connected to the central portion 107 at an oblique fold line 119 that intersects each of the fold lines 111, 115, and a second side marginal portion 121 foldably connected to the central portion 107 at an oblique fold line 123 that intersects each of the fold lines 111, 115.

[0025] Further, the lower marginal portion 113 can be bisected by a curved fold line 125 extending generally in the longitudinal direction to define a base section 127 of the lower marginal portion 113 foldably connected to the central portion 107 at the fold line 115, and a distal section 129 foldably connected to the base section 127 at the fold line 125.

[0026] The central portion 107 of the blank 101 can include an upper section/portion 131, a central or reconfigurable section/portion 133, and a lower section/portion 135. The reconfigurable section 133 can include a series of laterally spaced apart curved fold lines 138, 139, 141, 143, 145 extending along the reconfigurable section 133 of the central portion 107 of the blank 101, and, optionally, at least partially across one or both of the side marginal portions 117, 121.

[0027] The reconfigurable section 133 can include a plurality of reconfigurable features 137, which are shown in detail in Fig. 1A. The reconfigurable features 137 can include a series of arranged lines of weakening provided in a generally repeating pattern along the reconfigurable section 133 of the central portion 107 of the blank 101, and, optionally, at least partially across one or both of the side marginal portions 117, 121. The aforementioned repeating pattern can include: an oblique fold line segment 147 extending from the fold line 141 to the fold line 139; an oblique fold line segment 149 extending from the fold line 139 to the fold line 141 and intersecting the next successive oblique fold line segment 147; an oblique fold line segment 151 extending from the endpoint of the oblique fold line segment 149, across the fold lines 141, 143, and to the fold line 145; and a curved fold line segment 153 extending from an endpoint of the oblique fold line segment 151 at the curved fold line 145 to an endpoint of the previous oblique fold line segment 153 at the fold line 145. In one embodiment, the aforementioned fold lines associated with the reconfigurable features 137 can be creases or debossing lines, and/or can defined debossed regions on the sidewall 103. [0028] In this regard, the reconfigurable features 137 are arranged in a repeating pattern such that adjacent repetitions in the pattern have overlapping/collinear or shared fold line segments 151, and which are each intersected by respective portions of the curved fold lines 139, 141, 143, 145. Accordingly, the reconfigurable features 137 provide a plurality of sections of the blank 101/container 105 that are articulable/moveable relative to each other to facilitate collapsibility and/or expansion of portions of the container 105. For example, such sections/portions of the blank 101/container 105, as shown, can include generally trapezoidal sections, generally parallelogram shaped sections, generally semicircular sections, generally triangular sections, generally rectangular sections, generally rhomboidal sections, generally square sections, generally pentagonal sections, generally heptagonal sections, generally octagonal sections, generally hexagonal sections, etc. It will be understood that the reconfigurable features 137 can have a different pattern, number, and/or arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

[0029] With additional reference to Fig. 2, according to one embodiment, the blank 101 can be at least partially wrapped, for example, around a mandrel or other forming aid, such that the blank 101 forms a generally conical container sidewall 103. In such an arrangement, the first side marginal portion 117 and the second side marginal portion 121 can be at least partially overlapped and attached to one another and/or other portions of the sidewall 103, e.g., with an adhesive such as glue and/or via mechanical coupling such as by crimping. In this regard, the container sidewall 103 extends at least partially around an interior 108 of the container 105 for holding articles such as food products, with the reconfigurable features 137 extending circumferentially around the container 105 and the curved fold lines 111, 115, 125, 138, 139, 141, 143, 145 arranged concentrically about the interior 108 of the container 105.

[0030] The upper marginal portion 109 can also be curved, curled, or otherwise flanged to define a top or upper rim 112 of the container 105 that circumscribes an opening 114 in communication with the interior 108. The rim 112 and or an upper portion of the container 105 forms a top end 110 of the container 105 and can be configured to engage a lidding film or lid L, e.g., a composite, metallic, and/or polymer film, or other top closure structure.

[0031] In order to provide a closed bottom 116 of the container 105, a bottom blank/bottom forming feature can be provided that, in one embodiment, can include a generally circular bottom panel 120 and an annular leg 122 downwardly-depending therefrom at a generally circular line of weakening 124. Such bottom blank/bottom forming feature can be inserted into a bottom opening formed by the container sidewall 103 and the lower marginal portion 113 of the blank 101/sidewall 103 can be wrapped about the annular leg 122 thereof, e.g., such that the base section 127 of the lower marginal portion 113 is attached to the exterior surface of the bottom/plug forming feature, and such that the distal section 129 of the lower marginal portion 113 is attached to the interior surface of the bottom blank/bottom forming feature so as to attach the bottom panel 120 to the sidewall 103. The closed bottom 116 thus forms a closed bottom end 126 of the container 105. It will be understood that the bottom 116 of the container 105 can be differently-formed and/or differently-configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0032] With continued reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the container 105 is illustrated in a first or expanded configuration, in which the upper section 131 of the sidewall 103 extends upwardly from the central reconfigurable section 133, and in which the lower section 135 extends downwardly from the reconfigurable section 133. In such configuration, the reconfigurable section 133 is provided in a generally flat and annular arrangement, and the interior 108 of the container 105 defines a first or expanded interior volume VI between the top end 110, the sidewall 103, and the bottom end 126 for receiving articles such as food/beverage products or other articles. As also shown, in the first or expanded configuration, a first vertical height HI is defined from the top end 110 to the bottom end 126 of the container 105.

[0033] Turning now to Fig. 3 and 4, the container 105 can be reconfigured to a second or collapsed configuration by activating/actuating the reconfigurable features 137 of the reconfigurable section 133 of the container sidewall 103.

[0034] In the collapsed configuration, the central reconfigurable section 133 of the sidewall 103, various portions of the reconfigurable features 137 can be urged to move relative to one another, e.g., at one or more portions of the fold lines 138, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153. Such relative movement of discrete portions of the reconfigurable section 133 results in one or more vertically- adjacent portions of the reconfigurable section 133 disposed in a non-planar arrangement such that the overall height of the reconfigurable section 133 is reduced. In one embodiment, upper portions of the reconfigurable features 137 can be folded over one or both of the fold lines 141, 143 into overlapping relation with lower portions of the reconfigurable features 137, e.g., so that the reconfigurable features 137 are at least partially inverted.

[0035] In this regard, the aforementioned reconfiguration of the central section 133 of the sidewall

103 can cause the upper section 133/rim 112 of the container 105 to move toward the lower section 135/bottom 116 of the sidewall 103. In such an arrangement, the upper section 131 can at least partially overlap one or more portions of the reconfigurable section 133. In one embodiment, the reconfigurable section 133 can also at least partially overlap one or more portions of the lower section 135 of the sidewall 103. [0036] As shown, in the collapsed configuration of the container 105, a second interior volume V2 of the container 105 that is smaller than the interior volume VI of the container 105 in the expanded configuration is defined between the top end 110, the container sidewall 103, and the bottom end 126. As also shown, in the second or collapsed configuration, a second vertical height H2 is defined from the top end 110 to the bottom end 126 of the container 105 that is smaller than the first vertical height

HI.

[0037] Accordingly, in situations in which containers 105 are provided with articles such as food/beverage products F or articles that do not fill the entire interior 108 of the container 105, e.g., empty space provided for stirring or mixing, to prevent spillage, etc.), such empty space can be taken up/reduced by the reconfiguration of the central section 133 in the collapsed configuration of the container 105, e.g., so that such empty space does not occupy valuable shipping/storage space. For presentation/serving/use, the container 105 can be transitioned from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, e.g., so that the interior volume of the container 105 increases from V2 to VI to provide the aforementioned additional space above the food product/beverage or other articles.

[0038] With additional reference to Fig. 5, it will be understood that the transition of the container

105 from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration can proceed generally in the reverse order of the steps provided above to transition the container 105 from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, e.g., various portions of the reconfigurable features 137 can be urged to move relative to one another, e.g., at one or more portions of the fold lines 138, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153 to result in one or more vertically-adjacent portions of the reconfigurable section 133 disposed in a generally planar arrangement such that the overall height of the reconfigurable section 133 is increased. In one embodiment, the container 105 can be transitioned from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration by engaging the upper section 131 of the sidewall 103/rim 112 and pulling upwardly relative to the central section 133 and lower section 135/bottom 116. Additionally, or alternatively, the lower section 135/bottom 116 can be engaged and pulled downwardly relative to the central section 133 and upper section 131/rim 112 to transition the container 105 from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The lid L can be removed by a user to access the interior 108 of the container 105.

[0039] In view of the foregoing, the container 105 is provided with reconfigurable features so as to be reconfigurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, for example, to reduce space during shipping, storage, etc. In one embodiment, the container 105 can be formed in the collapsed configuration and provided to a retailer or customer for later reconfiguration to the expanded configuration. [0040] Referring additionally to Fig. 6, an exterior surface 202 of a blank for forming a sidewall 203 of a container 205 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is generally designated 201. It will be understood that the blank 201, sidewall 203, and container 205 can have one or more features similar to those described above with regard to the blank 101, the sidewall 103, and the container 105, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

[0041] As shown, the blank 201 has the longitudinal axis LI and the lateral axis L2, and can have an upper portion or upper marginal portion 207 foldably connected to a first or upper reconfigurable portion/section 209 at a curved fold line 211 extending generally in the longitudinal direction, a central or medial portion 213 foldably connected to the upper reconfigurable portion 209 at a curved fold line 215 extending generally in the longitudinal direction, a second or lower reconfigurable portion/section 217 foldably connected to the central portion 213 at a curved fold line 219 extending generally in the longitudinal direction, a lower portion 221 foldably connected to the lower reconfigurable portion 217 at a curved fold line 223 extending generally in the longitudinal direction, and a lower marginal portion 225 foldably connected to the lower portion 221 at a curved fold line 227 extending generally in the longitudinal direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first reconfigurable portion 209 and the second reconfigurable portion 217 can be bisected by respective curved fold lines 229, 231 extending generally in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] As shown, the blank 201 can also have a first side marginal portion 233 foldably connected to the remainder of the blank 201 at an oblique fold line 235 intersecting respective portions of the upper marginal portion 207, the first reconfigurable portion 209, the central portion 213, the second reconfigurable portion 217, the lower portion 221, and the lower marginal portion 225. The blank 201 can further include a second side marginal portion 237 foldably connected to the remainder of the blank 201 at an oblique fold line 239 intersecting respective portions of the upper marginal portion 207, the first reconfigurable portion 209, the central portion 213, the second reconfigurable portion 217, the lower portion 221, and the lower marginal portion 225.

[0043] Each reconfigurable portion 209, 217 plurality of reconfigurable features 241, 243, which are shown in detail in respective Figs. 6A and 6B. The reconfigurable features 241, 243 can be polygonal weakening features that include a series of arranged lines of weakening provided in a generally repeating pattern along the respective reconfigurable portions 209, 217.

[0044] The aforementioned repeating pattern of the reconfigurable features 241 can include: a first upper oblique fold line segment 245 extending from the fold line 211 to a portion of a diamondshaped fold line/line of weakening 247 that is bisected by the fold line 229, a second upper oblique line segment 249 extending from the fold line 211 to a portion of the diamond-shaped fold line 247, a first lower oblique line segment 251 extending from the fold line 215 to the diamond-shaped fold line 247, and a second lower oblique line segment 253 extending from the fold line 215 to the diamondshaped fold line 247. In one embodiment, the aforementioned fold lines associated with the reconfigurable features 241, 243 can be creases or debossing lines, and/or can defined debossed regions on the sidewall 203.

[0045] In this regard, the reconfigurable features 241, 243 are arranged in a repeating pattern that provide a plurality of sections of the blank 201/container 205 that are articulable/moveable relative to each other to facilitate collapsibility and or expansion of portions of the container 205.

[0046] Similarly, the repeating pattern of the reconfigurable features 243 can include: a first upper oblique fold line segment 255 extending from the fold line 219 to a portion of a diamond-shaped fold line/line of weakening 257 that is bisected by the fold line 231; a second upper oblique line segment 259 extending from the fold line 219 to a portion of the diamond-shaped fold line 257; a first lower oblique line segment 261 extending from the fold line 223 to the diamond-shaped fold line 257; and a second lower oblique line segment 263 extending from the fold line 223 to the diamond-shaped fold line 257.

[0047] It will be understood that the reconfigurable features 241, 243 can have a different pattern, number, and or arrangement without departing from the disclosure. For example, one or more of one or more of the reconfigurable features 241, 243 can include generally trapezoidal sections, generally parallelogram-shaped sections, generally semicircular sections, generally triangular sections, generally rectangular sections, generally rhomboidal sections, generally square sections, generally pentagonal sections, generally heptagonal sections, generally octagonal sections, generally hexagonal sections, etc. It will be understood that the reconfigurable features 241 can have a different pattern, number, and/or arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

[0048] Referring to Fig. 7, the container 205 can be formed in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the container 105, e.g., the blank 201 can be at least partially wrapped, for example, around a mandrel or other forming aid, such that the blank 201 form a generally conical container sidewall 203, with the side marginal portions 233, 237 at least partially overlapped and attached to one another and or other portions of the sidewall 203, e.g., with an adhesive such as glue and/or via mechanical coupling such as by crimping. The upper marginal portion 207 can also be curved, curled, or otherwise flanged to define a top or upper rim 212 of the container 205 that forms a top end 210 of the container 205 that circumscribes an opening 214 in communication with the interior 208. A closed bottom 216 of the container can be provided by attaching a bottom blank/botom forming feature to the sidewall 203, e.g., with the lower portion 221 of the sidewall 203 attached to the exterior surface of an annular leg 120 of the bottom/plug forming feature, and with the lower marginal portion 225 of the sidewall 203 attached to the interior surface of the annular leg 122 bottom/plug forming feature so as to attach the bottom panel 120 to the sidewall 203 and to form a bottom end 126 of the container 205. It will be understood that the bottom 216 of the container 205 can be differently-formed and/or differently-configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0049] It will be understood that the rim 212/top end 210 of the container 205 can be configured to engage a lidding film or lid similar to that described above with regard to the container 105.

[0050] With continued reference to Fig. 7, the container 205 is illustrated in a first or expanded configuration, in which the lower reconfigurable portion 217 extends upwardly from the lower portion 221, the central portion 213 extends upwardly from the lower reconfigurable portion 217, the upper reconfigurable portion 209 extends upwardly from the central portion 213, and the upper portion 207 extends upwardly from the upper reconfigurable portion 209. The container 205 can have an interior volume V3 in the expanded configuration defined between the top end 210, the bottom end 226, and the sidewall 203. The container 205 can also have a vertical height H3 defined between the top end 210 and the bottom end 226 in the expanded configuration.

[0051] Turning now to Fig. 8, the container 205 can be reconfigured to an intermediate or partially collapsed configuration by activating/actuating either the reconfigurable features 241 or the reconfigurable features 243 of the respective reconfigurable portions 209, 217 of the container sidewall 203.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, various portions of the reconfigurable features 241 can be urged to move relative to one another, e.g., at one or more portions of the fold lines 211, 215, 229, 245, 247, 249, 251, 253. Such relative movement of discrete portions of the reconfigurable portion 209 results in one or more vertically-adjacent portions of the reconfigurable portion 209 disposed in a non-planar arrangement such that the overall height of the reconfigurable portions 209 is reduced. In one embodiment, upper portions of the reconfigurable features 241 can be folded over the fold line 229 into overlapping relation with lower portions of the reconfigurable features 241, e.g., so that the reconfigurable features 241 are at least partially inverted. It will be understood that the reconfigurable features 243 can instead be activated/actuated in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the reconfigurable features, e.g., via relative movement at the fold lines 219, 223, 231, 255, 257, 269, 261, 263, to form an alternative partially collapsed configuration of the container 205. [0053] With additional reference to Fig. 9, the container 205 can be reconfigured to a second or collapsed configuration by activating/actuating the reconfigurable features 243 in a manner similar to that recited above with regard to the reconfigurable features 241. For example, various portions of the reconfigurable features 243 can be urged to move relative to one another at one or more portions of the fold lines 219, 223, 231, 255, 257, 269, 261, 263 to cause one or more portions of the respective reconfigurable portions 217 to become disposed in a non-planar arrangement. In one embodiment, upper portions of the reconfigurable features 243 can be folded over the fold line 231 into overlapping relation with lower portions of the reconfigurable features 243 e.g., so that the reconfigurable features 243 are at least partially inverted.

[0054] Accordingly, in the aforementioned arrangement, the upper portion 207 can at least partially overlap one or more portions of the upper reconfigurable portion 209, the central portion 213 can at least partially overlap one or more portions of the upper reconfigurable portion 209 and/or the lower reconfigurable portion 217, and or the lower portion 221 can at least partially overlap the lower reconfigurable portion 217.

[0055] As shown, in the collapsed configuration of the container 205, the container sidewall

206/bottom 216 define an interior volume V4 of the container 105 that is smaller than the interior volume V3 of the container in the expanded configuration to provide the advantages detailed above with regard to the container 105.

[0056] It will be understood that the container 205 can be reconfigured between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration without pausing at any intermediate collapsed configuration therebetween.

[0057] Transition of the container 205 from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration can proceed generally in the reverse order of the steps provided above to transition the container 205 from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration similar to that described above with regard to the container 105.

[0058] The containers and or the blanks that form the containers according to the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the container to function at least generally as described herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0059] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding there along. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features.

[0060] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more portions adhered together by glue during erection of the container embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure containers in place.

[0061] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container for one or more articles, the container comprising: a top end; a closed bottom end; and a sidewall extending from the top end of the container to the bottom end of the container and at least partially around an interior of the container, the sidewall comprising an upper portion, a central portion, and a lower portion, the central portion of the sidewall comprises at least one reconfigurable section having a plurality of reconfigurable features such that the container is reconfigurable between a first configuration, in which a first interior volume of the container is defined between the top end, the sidewall, and the closed bottom end, and a second configuration, in which a second interior volume of the container is defined between the top end, the sidewall, and the closed bottom end, the first interior volume is larger than the second interior volume.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the reconfigurable features comprise a plurality of curved fold lines extending circumferentially around the sidewall.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein each curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines is spaced apart from a respective adjacent curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the plurality of curved fold lines is concentrically arranged about the interior of the container.

5. The container of claim 3, wherein the reconfigurable features further comprise a plurality of polygonal weakening features intersecting a respective curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein each polygonal weakening feature comprises a plurality of oblique line segments intersecting a respective curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein each polygonal weakening feature comprises at least one curved line segment intersecting a respective curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the plurality of oblique line segments intersects the at least one curved line segment.

9. The container of claim 5, wherein each polygonal weakening feature intersects a respective adjacent polygonal weakening feature.

10. The container of claim 5, wherein each polygonal weakening feature is spaced apart from a respective adjacent polygonal weakening feature.

11. The container of claim 5, wherein the at least one reconfigurable section is a first reconfigurable section, and the sidewall further comprises a second reconfigurable section spaced apart from the first reconfigurable section.

12. The container of claim 5, wherein the sidewall further comprises an upper rim extending at least partially around an opening in communication with the interior of the container, the upper rim defining the top end of the container.

13. The container of claim 3, wherein the closed bottom comprises a bottom panel attached to the sidewall.

14. The container of claim 3, wherein, in the second configuration, at least one portion of the reconfigurable section is positioned overlapping at least one other portion of the reconfigurable section.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein, in the first configuration, a first vertical height is defined from the top end to the closed bottom end, and in the second configuration, a second vertical height is defined from the top end to the closed bottom end, the first vertical height is larger than the second vertical height.

16. A sidewall blank for forming a sidewall of a container for one or more articles, the sidewall blank comprising: an upper marginal portion; a lower marginal portion; and a central portion; the central portion of the sidewall blank comprises at least one reconfigurable section having a plurality of reconfigurable features such that the sidewall formed from the blank is reconfigurable between a first configuration, in which the reconfigurable section has a generally flat and annular arrangement, and a second configuration, in which at least one portion of the reconfigurable section is positioned overlapping at least one other portion of the reconfigurable section.

17. The sidewall blank of claim 16, wherein the reconfigurable features comprise a plurality of curved fold lines for extending circumferentially around the sidewall when the sidewall is formed from the sidewall blank.

18. The sidewall blank of claim 17, wherein each curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines is spaced apart from a respective adjacent curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

19. The sidewall blank of claim 18, wherein the plurality of curved fold lines is for being concentrically arranged about an interior of the container formed from the sidewall blank.

20. The sidewall blank of claim 18, wherein the reconfigurable features further comprise a plurality of polygonal weakening features intersecting a respective curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

21. The sidewall blank of claim 20, wherein each polygonal weakening feature comprises a plurality of oblique line segments intersecting a respective curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

22. The sidewall blank of claim 21, wherein each polygonal weakening feature comprises at least one curved line segment intersecting a respective curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

23. The sidewall blank of claim 22, wherein the plurality of oblique line segments intersects the at least one curved line segment.

24. The sidewall blank of claim 20, wherein each polygonal weakening feature intersects a respective adjacent polygonal weakening feature.

25. The sidewall blank of claim 20, wherein each polygonal weakening feature is spaced apart from a respective adjacent polygonal weakening feature.

26. The sidewall blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one reconfigurable section is a first reconfigurable section, and the sidewall further comprises a second reconfigurable section spaced apart from the first reconfigurable section.

27. A method of forming a container for one or more articles, the method comprising: obtaining a sidewall blank comprising an upper marginal portion, a lower marginal portion, and a central portion comprising at least one reconfigurable section having a plurality of reconfigurable features; arranging the top marginal portion of the sidewall blank to form a top end of the container; attaching the lower marginal portion of the sidewall blank to a bottom forming feature to form a bottom end of the container; arranging the sidewall blank to form a sidewall extending at least partially around an interior of the container; and reconfiguring the container between a first configuration, in which a first interior volume of the container is defined between the top end, the sidewall, and the closed bottom end, and a second configuration, in which a second interior volume of the container is defined between the top end, the sidewall, and the closed bottom end, the first interior volume is larger than the second interior volume.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the reconfigurable features comprise a plurality of curved fold lines and arranging the sidewall blank comprises arranging the sidewall blank such that the plurality of curved fold lines extend circumferentially around the sidewall.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein each curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines is spaced apart from a respective adjacent curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the plurality of curved fold lines is concentrically arranged about the interior of the container.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the reconfigurable features further comprise a plurality of polygonal weakening features intersecting a respective curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein each polygonal weakening feature comprises a plurality of oblique line segments intersecting a respective curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein each polygonal weakening feature comprises at least one curved line segment intersecting a respective curved fold line of the plurality of curved fold lines.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of oblique line segments intersects the at least one curved line segment.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein each polygonal weakening feature intersects a respective adjacent polygonal weakening feature.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein each polygonal weakening feature is spaced apart from a respective adjacent polygonal weakening feature.

37. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one reconfigurable section is a first reconfigurable section, and the sidewall blank further comprises a second reconfigurable section spaced apart from the first reconfigurable section.

38. The method of claim 31, wherein arranging the top marginal portion of the sidewall blank comprises forming an upper rim, and forming the sidewall comprises positioning the upper rim extending at least partially around an opening in communication with the interior of the container, the upper rim defining the top end of the container.

39. The method of claim 28, wherein the bottom forming feature comprises a bottom panel, and forming the closed bottom end of the container comprises attaching the bottom panel to the sidewall.

40. The method of claim 28, wherein, in the second configuration, at least one portion of the reconfigurable section is positioned overlapping at least one other portion of the reconfigurable section.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein, in the first configuration, a first vertical height is defined from the top end to the closed bottom end, and in the second configuration, a second vertical height is defined from the top end to the closed bottom end, the first vertical height is larger than the second vertical height.