WO2008089300A1

WO2008089300A1 - Flowable substance container and cover closure system

Info

Publication number: WO2008089300A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/051253
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jamie Shimizu
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date: 2007-01-17
Filing date: 2008-01-17
Publication date: 2008-07-24

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to a flowable substance container and cover closure system (10) including a container (20) and a cover (100). The flowable substance container (20) can be used to store flowable substances as well as non-flowable substances. The container (20) can include overflow levels (a, b). The overflow levels (a, b) can be adjusted. If an amount of a highly flowable substance in the container (20) exceeds the amount intended when configuring the overflow levels (a, b), the excess highly flowable substance can flow out of the container (20). Retention tabs (54, 56) can be included to engage a ridge region (122) of the cover (100). A lifting tab (60) can be included to remove a retention tab (54, 56) if desired.

Description

FLOWABLE SUBSTANCE CONTAINER AND COVER CLOSURE SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application

Number 60/885,302 filed on January 17, 2007, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to containers and, more specifically, to a container and cover closure system, and further, to a bucket-type container formed from a blank that is capable of retaining a liquid, granular or other flowable material.

BACKGROUND

Containers are often used to store and transport goods, merchandise, or other products. Some containers include various features tailored to specific uses, or for the type of products that will be packaged, stored, or transported in the container. For example, it is known that a container with six partitions can be used to store and transport a "six-pack" of beverage bottles.

Some containers are designed to hold dry products, and some containers are designed to hold moist, wet, or even flowable substances. When using a container to store or transport moist products, it is often desirable to use a fluid-resistant material for the container substrate. While some containers resist moisture, few are actually fluid resistant and can retain flowable substances.

Furthermore, it is known that foldable blanks can be used to create containers for various purposes. If foldable blanks are used to form containers, multiple containers can be transported or stored in a substantially flat condition until the containers are needed, for example, at the point of sale. There are numerous difficulties that arise when attempting to make a fluid- resistant container for storing and transporting flowable substances that can be stored in a substantially flat orientation.

SUMMARY

The disclosure is directed to a flowable substance container and cover closure system. The flowable substance container can be used to store flowable substances as well as non-flowable substances. The container can include overflow levels. The overflow levels can be varied. If an amount of a highly flowable substance exceeds the amount intended when configuring the overflow levels, the excess highly flowable substance can flow out of the container. Alternatively, any level of highly flowable substance that does not exceed the overflow levels can be retained by the container and cover system. If the container is used to store, transport, or serve a non-flowable substance or product, or a substance or product that is not highly flowable, the container can maintain the product(s) or substance therein, even if the product or substance is filled above one or more of the overflow levels.

The container can include one or more cover-retention tabs for retaining the cover in a configuration in which the cover is engaged with the container. In one embodiment, a lifting tab is included for removing the cover- retention tab from the container, thereby allowing easier access or removal of the cover. In alternative embodiments, the cover-retention tab(s) remain and the container is reusable.

The container can be made from a foldable blank that can be stored or transported in a substantially flat orientation. As such, a number of blanks can be stored by a vendor, and a container can be assembled and used at the point of sale, thereby reducing the volume of the transported containers. In alternative embodiments, the container can be erected and shipped with or without a substance or item therein. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a blank for forming a container. The blank can include a base panel, at least one side wall panel, at least one end joinder panel, and at least one web panel. The base panel forms a bottom wall in the erected container. The at least one side wall panel foldably adjoins the base panel and forms a substantially upright side wall of the erected container. The at least one end joinder panel foldably adjoins the base panel and forms a substantially upright end wall of the erected container. The at least one web panel foldably adjoins and interconnects the at least one side wall panel and the at least one end joinder panel. The at least one side wall panel, the at least one end joinder panel and the web panel is foldably disposed in an overlapping arrangement to form a multiple-ply end wall structure of an erected container.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a container and cover closure system includes a container formed from a blank. The blank includes two or more panels foldably disposed in an overlapping configuration to form a multiple-ply structure in at least a portion of the erected container. The container has an open end defined by a first perimeter. The system also includes a cover with an anterior region that is received within the open end of the container. The two or more panels further include one or more passages at one or more overflow levels. The passages are configured to allow a flowable product stored in the container to flow out of the container. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the container and the cover have at least one respective engaging member that cooperatively engages when the cover is disposed in the open end, the engaging members being configured to retain the cover in the open end of the container.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, the respective engaging members include at least one retention tab extending from an edge of the container blank along the first perimeter at the open end, and a ridge region formed in the cover for receiving the at least one retention tab.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the ridge region extends substantially around a second perimeter of the cover. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one retention tab includes a pair of retention tabs extending from opposite edges of the container blank along the first perimeter.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the cover has a substantially annular configuration.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the cover includes a flange region offset from the anterior region for matingly engaging the cover within the container.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the blank further includes at least two apertures disposed in the blank. The at least two apertures are configured to receive a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism maintains the container formed from the blank in a substantially erect configuration.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the blank further includes at least one aperture disposed in each of the end-joinder panels and at least two apertures disposed in each of the side wall panels. The apertures are configured to receive a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism maintains the container formed from the blank in a substantially erect configuration. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the fastening mechanism is a grommet.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the blank further includes at least one retention tab disposed proximate at least one side wall panel. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one retention tab includes a retention tab disposed proximate each of the side wall panels.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the blank further includes at least one lifting tab disposed proximate at least one retention tab.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the fastening mechanism includes a staple. According to another aspect of the disclosure, the fastening mechanism includes an adhesive.

Another embodiment of the disclosure includes a method of erecting a container that includes one or more overflow levels. The method includes providing a blank. The blank includes a base panel for forming a bottom wall in the erected container. The blank also includes at least one side wall panel foldably adjoining the base panel. The at least one side wall panel is used to form a substantially upright side wall in the erected container. The blank also includes at least one end joinder panel foldably adjoining the base panel. The at least one end joinder panel is used to form a substantially upright end wall in the erected container. The blank also includes at least one web panel foldably adjoining and interconnecting the at least one side wall panel and the at least one end joinder panel. The method also includes the step of folding at least one side wall panel, at least one end joinder panel, and at least one web panel in an overlapping arrangement to form a multiple-ply end wall structure in the erected container. The folded panels also include one or more passages at one or more overflow levels. The overflow levels are configured to allow a flowable product stored in the container to flow out of the container. According to an aspect of the disclosure, a computer readable medium includes computer executable instructions that, when executed, perform the steps of the method.

These and other features of the disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closed container and cover closure system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is perspective view of the open container and cover closure system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank for forming a container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top plan illustration of a sectional view of the container of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container of FIGS. 1-4 in a partially erected configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments.

The disclosure is directed to teaching a container and cover closure system. The container of the exemplary embodiment described below and illustrated in the drawings is a bucket-type container particularly suitable for holding and retaining flowable substances such as liquids, gelatinous material, fine granules of a solid, other items or articles, articles and items with flowable components, or combinations thereof, and the like. The cover of the system is adapted to be secured in place in the opening of the bucket-type container.

Referring first to FIG. 1 , a container and cover closure system 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated in perspective view. The system 10 of the exemplary embodiment is shown with a bucket-style container 20 and an insertable cover 100. The container can be constructed of any suitable flexible, foldable planar substrate. However, the liquid-retentive capability of the container 20 may be improved through the use of a water-resistant substrate such as a plastic-coated or laminated paperboard or a plastic in general. It should be understood that the word "plastic" is used here broadly and expansively to include a wide variety of polymers including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and other acrylics, silicones, polyurethanes, thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, or combinations thereof, and the like, and should not be considered limited to any specific class or type of material. In one embodiment, the container 20 is made from a clear plastic substrate, which provides an attractive and functional presentation since the article can be visible through the walls of the container 20. FIG. 2 illustrates the cover closure system 10 of FIG. 1 , but the cover

100 is shown removed, and the hidden surfaces of the container 20 are illustrated as hidden lines in FIG. 2. For convenience in further describing the disclosure, reference is now made simultaneously to FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank 12 for forming the container 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2. A base panel 22 forms the bottom wall of the container 20. The remaining panels 24, 26, 30, 32 of the blank 12 are erected in substantially upright condition to form the walls of the container 20. Although the base panel 22 and remaining panels 24, 26, 30, 32 are described herein as a unitary panel with creases or folds formed therein, defining separate sections or panel areas, the container 20 can be formed by two or more pieces of separate and distinct pieces of material. Foldably adjoining the base panel 22 are the side panels 24, 26 and the end joinder panels 30, 32. The webs 42, 44 foldably interconnect the respective side panels 24, 26 and the end joinder panels 30, 32. More specifically, each web 42 foldably adjoins a respective end joinder panel 30, 32 along a respective fold line 35, and foldably adjoins a side panel 24 along a respective fold line 23. Similarly, each web 44 foldably adjoins a respective end joinder panel 30, 32 along the fold lines 37, and foldably adjoins a side panel 26 along the respective fold lines 29.

Each of the side panels 24, 26 has substantially opposing side edges 25, 27, each of which, when the webs 42, 44 are folded along the fold lines 23, 35, 29 and 37, align with respective fold lines 35, 37 in an erected container 20. Each of the webs 42, 44 has a respective free and unjoined edge 43, 45.

In FIG. 2, features of the interior edges of panels that make up the composite, multiple end wall structures are shown as dashed, or interrupted, lines for clarity. In the illustration, the edges 27, 45 and a common fold line 29 that are associated with one side panel 26, are shown as dashed lines. The edges 25, 43 and a common fold line 23 that are associated with the other side panel 24, are shown as dashed lines. In the erected container of FIG. 2, the side edges 25, 27 of the side panels 24, 26 are in substantial alignment with the side edges (generally defined by fold lines 35, 37) of the end joinder panels 30, 32. However, for illustrative purposes, the lines representing the substantially aligned side edges are shown slightly offset in the Figures so that they may be seen more clearly. The apertures 28 in the side panels 24, 26 are disposed to be placed in register with the aperture 36 in a respective end joinder panel 30, 32. The aligned apertures 28, 36 can receive a fastening element such as a grommet 80 to secure each multiple-ply end wall. Although a grommet 80 is used in forming the end wall structures of the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the surfaces of sheet material can be secured together by or with any suitable securing mechanisms, including tape, staples, interlocking folds, VELCRO^®, glue or other adhesives, welds, interlocking tabs and/or slots, interlocking pins and apertures, hooks, combinations thereof, and the like. Each of the side panels 24, 26 has an outermost edge 51, 53 that, when the container 20 is erected, forms the perimeter 61 of an opening for the container 20.

One or more cover-retention tabs 54, 56 can be included at the outer edge 51 , 53 of either or both of the side panels 24, 26. While two tabs 54, 56 are illustrated in FIG. 2, embodiments with no tabs, one tab, two tabs, and more than two tabs 54, 56 are contemplated. In the erected container 20, some or all of the tabs 54, 56 can be folded into the container and/or oriented downwardly toward the bottom of the container 20, to engage a ridge 122 of a cover 100 to prevent or inhibit easy removal of cover 100 from the opening of container 20. It should be appreciated that the features of the illustrated ridge 122 are only one embodiment of the contemplated ridge feature of the cover 100. It is possible, and is in fact contemplated, that the depth of the ridge 122 will be considerably less than the depth illustrated in FIG. 2, in which case the features of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2 can be considered to be somewhat exaggerated. As mentioned above, the figures are not necessarily to scale, and features may be exaggerated to assist in clarifying concepts of the disclosure.

The cover 100 can have an anterior region 120 that is configured to be removably received by the container opening 61. As previously noted, a ridge 122 can cooperate with, and engage, any number of retention tabs 54, 56, to secure the cover 100 in place in the container opening 61. A slightly elongated region 124 can be offset from the ridge region 122 and a perimeter of the flanged top 126, and can separate the flanged top 126 from the ridge 122. The flanged top 126 can be designed to limit the extent to which the cover 100 may be inserted into the container 20. The elongated region 124 can be optimally sized to facilitate a snug fit between the container 20 and the cover 100. However, the elongated region 124 can be extended to provide a less snug fit if desired for design purposes. The illustrated ridge 122 and the tabs 54, 56 are only one way to secure a cover 100 to a container 20. For example, other contemplated embodiments include a screw top, and another a screw or pin that engages one or more side walls and the cover 100 to maintain the cover 100 in a desired orientation. Another embodiment includes a friction fit between the cover 100 and one or more side walls. Other embodiments include other catch mechanisms, a band formed from an elastomeric material that can engage a portion of the cover 100, and mechanical tabs and slots that interact to lock the cover 100 in a desired orientation. Accordingly, it should be understood that all methods and structures for securing a cover 100 to a container 20 are included in the scope of the appended claims.

A lifting tab 60 (easily visible in FIG. 3) can be disposed proximate to a cover-retention tab 54, 56. In the illustrated embodiment and corresponding disclosure, the lifting tab 60 is shown and described as proximate the cover- retention tab 56. If included, the lifting tab 60 can facilitate pulling the region of the side panel 26 wherein the lifting tab 60 is adjoined outwardly to disengage the tab 56 and the ridge 122 of a cover 100 that has been seated in the opening of the container 20. In the lifting tab 60, a grasping region 62 is separated from the main body 64 of the lifting tab 60 by a lifting tab fold line 66. Although a lifting tab 60 is shown associated with only one cover-retention tab 56, optionally a tab 60 may be associated with each cover-retention tab 54, 56. Although the opening defined by the container perimeter 61 and the cover 100 are shown as having a substantially oval, i.e., elliptical shape, i.e., being substantially annular, the disclosure contemplates that the opening itself may have a different configuration, and that the cover 100 may have a different configuration, and, further, that the opening 61 and the cover 100 may have configurations that differ from one another as long as they cooperate for closure. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the disclosure can perform optimally for some applications when the opening 61 and the cover 100 have a substantially similar configuration.

It should also be appreciated that the illustrated container 20 can have varied dimensional relationships without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the largest diameter of the perimeter 61 can be larger than the length or width of the bottom panel 22, as illustrated in the blank 12 of FIG. 3. Alternatively, the largest diameter of the perimeter 61 can be substantially similar to, or even less than, the length or width of the bottom panel 22, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. All such variations are included in the scope of the appended claims. The webs 42, 44 are included to facilitate formation of overlapping and interlocking multiple-ply end walls wherein the end joinder panels 30, 32 form the outermost layer. The envelope type structure is designed to retain a liquid, granule, or another flowable material within the container 20, and, depending on the fluidity or flowability of the material, at least up to the level a, b at which the fold lines 23, 29 between a respective web 42, 44 and a respective side panel 24, 26 terminates at a respective free edge 43, 45 of the web 42, 44. Variations in the configuration of the container blank 12, including variations in panel size, fold line lengths, and fold line locations, can be made to adjust the level a, b below which materials, such as liquids, are retained in the container 20, and above which materials having higher viscosity can also be retained.

A container 20 having a level a, b, below which flowable substances can be retained in the container 20, and above which some flowable substances can be allowed to exit the container 20, can be used for many contemplated packaging tasks. For example, food or drinks can be dispensed or stored in a container 20 with ice to keep the food or drinks cold. As the ice melts, the water can be retained in the container 20 until the water level passes a level a, b. Another contemplated example includes packaging foods with sauce or other fluids. The amount of fluid added to the container 20 can be adjusted to keep a fluid level below a level a, b. As such, the container 20 can be used to store and/or transport foods with fluids without leaking. Other uses and applications are contemplated.

For example, in one embodiment, the container 20 is used to store or transport plants or seedlings with soil, dirt, or other substances. In such an application, water can be added to the plant and can be retained in the container 20 until the water level exceeds the level a, b. Additionally, if a plant is stored or transported in a container 20, the cover 100 can include holes or openings to allow the exchange of temperature, fluids such as H₂O, CO2 and O2, and to create a space through which the plant can grow. In another embodiment, the container can be used to transport a pet, for example, a small pet purchased from a pet store. If the container 20 is made from a clear material, the pet can be visible from the outside of the container 20. Furthermore, the overflow levels a, b, can allow the transfer of air, and the cover 100 can include extra openings or apertures for similar purposes, if desired. In another embodiment, the container 20 is used to hold a layered food such as, for example, a parfait or a trifle. The liquid portion of the food can be kept below the levels a, b. Therefore, the liquid component can be retained in the container without unintended leakage. Similarly, the layered food could be rice and a stir-fry dish with sauce. An amount of sauce that does not exceed the level a, b can be added to the container 20 without leakage. Another embodiment includes serving drinks with ice, as mentioned above. For example, what are commonly referred to as "JELL-O^® Shots" can be served with ice to keep the drinks cold. The melted ice can be stored in the container 20 as water until the water level rises above a level a, b. In still other embodiments, the container 20 is used to store any non-flowable products, such as, for example, marbles, blocks, rocks, coffee beans, candy, pencils, paper clips, and the like, above or below a level a, b.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a top plan view of an end wall section of the container 20 taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2. The references to side panels, or side walls, and end panels, or end walls, are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure and do not affect the effectiveness of the disclosure, but serve only as a point of orientation and reference. In the end wall section shown, the end joinder panel 32 is the outer-most ply of the composite end wall structure. The end regions of the side panels 24, 26 form the inner-most plies of the composite end wall. The web 44 and the side panel portion 26 are folded within the opposing web 42 and the end joinder panel 32. The disclosure contemplates that the relative positions of the overlapping portions of the side panels 24, 26 can be interchanged. FIG. 5 illustrates a container 20 wherein the components illustrated in FIG. 4 are shown in a partially assembled configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the webs 42, 44 can be folded inwardly over a respective end joinder panel 32 into a nested configuration. It should be understood that in FIGS. 4 and 5, the web panel 44 is illustrated as having been folded before the web panel 42 was folded and therefore is nested under the web panel 42. This configuration is merely exemplary and does not limit the scope of the appended claims.

It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, plastic, or the like. The terms "fold line" and "severance line" refer to all manner of lines indicating optimal fold or cut locations, frangible or otherwise weakened lines, perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, scored lines, slits, any combination thereof, and the like.

Erecting the container blank 12 may be accomplished with the folding operations as described herein above, and the operations can be performed by automatic erecting machinery and/or manually. It should be understood that the steps described are not necessarily presented in any particular order and performance of some or all the steps in one or more alternative orders is possible and is contemplated. The steps have been presented in the demonstrated order for ease of description and illustration. Steps can be added, omitted and/or performed simultaneously without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Some or all steps of this process, and/or substantially equivalent steps, can be performed by execution of computer- readable instructions included on a computer readable medium. As such, the method of performing the erecting process is not limited to the exemplary method described herein, particularly in that the order of the steps can be altered according to the particular manufacturing requirements, steps may be added or omitted, and the means for securing components to one another may vary. The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A blank (12) for forming a container (20), the blank (12) comprising: a base panel (22) for forming a bottom wall in the erected container (20); at least one side wall panel (24, 26) foldably adjoining said base panel (22) for forming a substantially upright side wall in the erected container (20); at least one end joinder panel (30, 32) foldably adjoining said base panel (22) for forming a substantially upright end wall in the erected container (20); and a web panel (42, 44) foldably adjoining and interconnecting said at least one side wall panel (24, 26) and said at least one end joinder panel (30, 32); wherein said at least one side wall panel (24, 26), said at least one end joinder panel (30, 32) and said web panel (42, 44) can be foldably disposed in an overlapping arrangement to form a multiple-ply end wall structure in the erected container (20).

2. A container and cover closure system (10) comprising: a container (20) formed from a blank (12) comprising a plurality of panels foldably disposed in an overlapping configuration to form a multiple-ply structure in at least a portion of the erected container (20), said container (20) having an open end defined by a first perimeter (61); and a cover (100) having an anterior region (120) adapted for being received within said open end of said container (20); wherein: the plurality of panels further comprise one or more passages at one or more overflow levels (a, b) configured to allow a flowable product stored in the container (20) to flow out of the container (20).

3. The system of claim 2, wherein each of said container (20) and said cover (100) have at least one respective engaging member (54, 56, 122) that cooperatively engages when said cover (100) is disposed in said open end, for retaining said cover (100) in said open end.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said respective engaging members (54, 56, 122) comprise at least one retention tab (54, 56) extending from an edge (51 , 53) of the container blank (12) along the first perimeter (61) at said open end, and a ridge region (122) formed in said cover (100) for receiving said at least one retention tab (54, 56).

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said ridge region (122) extends substantially around a second perimeter of said cover (100).

6. The system of claim 4, said at least one retention tab comprising a pair of retention tabs (54, 56) extending from opposite edges (51, 53) of the container blank (12) along said first perimeter (61).

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the cover (100) has a substantially annular configuration.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein the cover (100) includes a flange region (126) offset from said anterior region for inhibiting complete insertion of said cover (100) within said container (20).

9. The blank (12) of claim 1 , further comprising at least two apertures (28, 36) disposed in the blank (12), the at least two apertures (28, 36) configured to receive a fastening mechanism (80) to maintain the container (20) formed from the blank (12) in a substantially erect configuration.

10. The blank (12) of claim 1 , further comprising at least one aperture 36 disposed in each of the end-joinder panels (30, 32), and at least two apertures (28) disposed in each of the side wall panels (24, 26), the apertures (28, 36) configured to receive a fastening mechanism (80) to maintain the container (20) formed from the blank (12) in a substantially erect configuration.

11. The blank (12) of claim 10, wherein the fastening mechanism (80) is a grommet.

12. The blank (12) of claim 1 , further comprising at least one retention tab (54, 56) disposed proximate at least one side wall panel (24, 26).

13. The blank (12) of claim 12, wherein the at least one retention tab (54, 56) comprises a retention tab (54, 56) disposed proximate each side wall panel (24, 26).

14. The blank (12) of claim 12, wherein the blank (12) further comprises at least one lifting tab (60) disposed proximate at least one retention tab (54, 56).

15. The blank (12) of claim 10, wherein the fastening mechanism (80) is a staple.

16. The blank (12) of claim 10, wherein the fastening mechanism is an adhesive.

17. A method of erecting a container (20) with one or more overflow levels (a, b), comprising: providing a blank (12) comprising: a base panel (22) for forming a bottom wall in the erected container

(20); at least one side wall panel (24, 26) foldably adjoining said base panel (22) for forming a substantially upright side wall in the erected container (20); at least one end joinder panel (30, 32) foldably adjoining said base panel (22) for forming a substantially upright end wall in the erected container (20); and a web panel (42, 44) foldably adjoining and interconnecting said at least one side wall panel (24, 26) and said at least one end joinder panel (30, 32);

folding at least one side wall panel (24, 26), at least one end joinder panel (30, 32) and at least one web panel (42, 44) in an overlapping arrangement to form a multiple-ply end wall structure in the erected container (20), wherein: the folded panels (24, 26, 30, 32, 42, 44) comprise one or more passages at one or more overflow levels (a, b) configured to allow a flowable product stored in the container (20) to flow out of the container (20).

18. A computer readable medium comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed, perform the method of claim 17.