Hand formed reinforced polygonal containers and blanks for making the same.

(54) Title: REINFORCED POLYGONAL CONTAINERS FORMED BY HAND AND TEMPLATES TO DO THEM.

(54) Title: HAND FORMED REINFORCED POLYGONAL CONTAINERS AND BLANKS FOR MAKING THE SAME.

(57) Summary

A sheet material template to form a polygonal container including a bottom panel, two opposite side panels each extending from one side edge of the bottom panel, and two opposite end panels each extending from one end edge of the bottom panel. The template also includes a collapsible panel that is configured to secure the container in at least a partially formed position. The template further includes a gusset panel assembly including an exterior gusset corner panel extending from the first side panel, an exterior gusset end panel extending from the exterior gusset corner panel, an end panel of interior gusset extending from the exterior gusset end panel, an interior gusset corner panel extending from the interior gusset end panel, and an interior gusset side panel extending from the interior gusset corner panel.

(57) Abstract

A blank of sheet material for forming a polygonal container ineludes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels each extending from a side edge of the bottom panel, and two opposing end panels each extending from an end edge of the bottom panel. The blank also ineludes a foldover panel that is configured to lock the container in at least a partially formed position. The blank further ineludes a reinforcing panel assembly that ineludes an outer reinforcing corner panel extending from the first side panel, an outer reinforcing end panel extending from the outer reinforcing corner panel, an inner reinforcing end panel extending from the outer reinforcing end panel, an inner reinforcing corner panel extending from the inner reinforcing end panel, and an inner reinforcing side panel extending from the inner reinforcing corner panel.

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Institute

Mexican Property

Industrial

PATENT TITLE NO. 340503 _SE_

SECONDARY W ICONOMAL

Owner (s): SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

Address: 222 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60601, USA

Name: REINFORCED POLYGONAL CONTAINERS FORMED BY HAND AND TEMPLATES TO MAKE THEM.

Classification: lnt.CI.8: B31B1 / 26; B31B49 / 02; B65D5 / 22; B65D5 / 28; B65D5 / 66

1606

12/945,274'

<img file="MX340503B_D0003.tif" />

Inventor (s): KENNETH CHARLES SMITH; CRAIG W. BUSCEMA

REQUEST

Number: Filing date:

MX / a / 2011/011983 November 10, 2011 'l. : ·^; 'I

PRIORITY Date:

; November 12, 2010

Validity: Twenty years: I

Expiration Date: November 10, 2031, the reference patent was granted on articles 1, 2, section V, 6, section III, and the Law of Industrial Law is located.

In accordance with the ethics 23 of the Industrial Property Law, this patent has a toganu of twenty years, renewable, counted from the date of filing of the application and will be subject to the payment of the fee to keep the rights in force.

Who subscribes the present title does so based on the provisions of article 6 Aaootenae tu and 7 ° bis 2 $ e the Industrial Property Law (Official Journal) of the Federation (DOF) 06/27/1991, amended on Ο2 θ / 1 | 06, 09b 26/12/198 /, 05/17/1999, '12); articles Β, 3 “section V Industrial (Dt &amp; F. 12/14/1999, ions I and lll and 07/29/2004, general resordors« 06/01/2004, 06/16/2005 ^ 01/25/2 ( 86, 06/05 / 2009,06 (01/2010, ΙβΟββΒΜ. 06/28/2010, subsection a), sub subsection m¿4 ° and 12^to fractions I and lll of the Institute Regulations deformed on 01/07/2005 115/07 / 2®4, 07/28/2004 and 7 / oW®fejgjgulo 1 Subsection iii), 16 30 of the Organic Statute of the Mexican Institute of the P ^ tomdad tndua &amp; ial SCO / ¿7/158 * 99 * ^ formed on 10/10/2&gt; 4/08/2004 and 13/09 / 20®); 1st, 3rd and 5th subsection a) and antepenultimate3 ^ 9fBfí $ B- $ ifl.NHÓlifcr4n dtelega powers in the attached Direi, Coordinator! Divisional Directors, Holders of the (SicmaS ^ Tegionales, Divisional Deputy Directors,

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on 02/04/2000,

Issue Date: July 11, 2016

DIVISIONAL ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PATENT FUND EXAMINATION, AREAS

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REINFORCED POLYGONAL CONTAINERS FORMED BY HAND AND

TEMPLATES TO DO THE SAME -

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates generally to a template and a reinforced polygon container formed from the template, and more particularly, to a reinforced polygon container formed by hand from a template to transport a product stored within the container.

Containers are frequently used to store and assist in transportation products. These containers can be square, hexagonal or octagonal. The shape of the container can provide additional strength to the container. For example, the octagonal shaped container provides increased bulk resistance over conventional rectangular, square, or even hexagonal shaped containers. An octagonal shaped container can provide increased stacking resistance.

In at least some known cases, a sheet material template is used to form a container for transporting a product. More specifically, these known containers are formed by a machine that folds a plurality of panels along the fold line and secures these panels with an adhesive. Such containers may have some resistance requirement to

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transport products. These strength_requirements may include a stacking strength requirement such that the containers can be stacked on top of each other during transport without collapsing. To meet these strength requirements, at least some known containers include reinforced corners or side walls to provide additional strength including resistance to stacking. In at least some known embodiments, the additional panels can be placed in a face-to-face relationship with another corner panel or side wall. However, it is difficult to form a container from a single sheet of material that includes multiple reinforcing panels along the corner and side walls. Furthermore, it is increasingly difficult to form such a container by hand in the field, that is, without any machinery, and with little to no adhesive.

The machinery needed to quickly form and bond reinforced containers can require a considerable capital investment. Furthermore, these machines can be expensive to operate and difficult to maintain, especially when the containers that are formed are in the field to transport agricultural products. In these agricultural applications, these machines are almost impractical to use. Therefore, there is a need for a multi-sided reinforced container that

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be easily formed by hand to simple with little or no adhesive.

In one aspect, a sheet material template is provided to form a polygonal container. The template includes a bottom panel, two opposite side panels each extending from a side edge of the bottom panel, and two opposite end panels each extending from an end edge of the bottom panel. The template also includes a first collapsible panel that extends from a top edge of a first end panel of the end panels. The first collapsible panel is configured to secure the container in at least a partially formed position. The a first side edge reinforcing panel assembly of a first side panels. The assembly of a reinforcing corner panel from the first lateral edge of the outer reinforcing end panel extending from the lateral edge of the outer reinforcing corner panel, an inner reinforcing end panel extending from a lateral edge of the outer reinforcement end panel, An interior gusset corner panel extending from a side edge of the interior gusset end panel and an interior gusset side panel extending from a template also includes extending from a side panel of the two gusset panel includes exterior extending first side panel, a

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'IMPI. ·. 1 jIMTU MiXICANO i * la ÍRONIDAQ INDUSTRIAL side edge of the inner reinforcement corner panel.

In another aspect, a polygonal container formed from a sheet material template is provided. The container includes a bottom wall, two opposite side walls where each side wall emanates from a side edge of the bottom wall, two opposite end walls where each end wall includes an end panel and a collapsible panel, and a first panel assembly. reinforcement. Each end wall emanates from an end edge of the bottom wall. Each folding panel is opposite the end edge and is configured to secure the container in at least a partially formed position. The first reinforcing panel assembly extends between a first end wall of the two end walls and a first side wall of the two side walls. The first reinforcing panel assembly includes a corner panel and an interior reinforcing corner panel and at least partially covers the corner panel.

In yet another aspect, a method of forming a polygonal container from a sheet material template is provided. The container has at least five sides including a bottom panel, two opposite side panels each extending from one side edge of the bottom panel, and two opposite end panels each extending from one end edge of the bottom panel. The

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Container also includes a collapsible first panel extending from a top edge of a first end panel of the two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side edge of a first side panel of the two side panels. . The gusset panel assembly includes an exterior gusset corner panel extending from the first side edge of the first side panel, an exterior gusset end panel extending from a corner panel side edge, a gusset end panel interior extending from a side edge of the outer reinforcing end panel, an interior gusset corner panel extending from a side edge of the interior gusset end panel and an interior gusset side panel extending from a side edge of the interior gusset corner panel. The method includes rotating the inner reinforcing end panel toward an inner surface of the outer reinforcing end panel about a bending line connecting the inner reinforcing end panel and the outer reinforcing end panel. The outer reinforcing end panel includes a first defined cut along an upper edge thereof, and the inner reinforcing end panel includes a second defined cut along an upper edge thereof. The outer and inner reinforcing end panels are placed in a relationship

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substantially face to face with the first cut and the second cut aligned to form a sealing groove. The method also includes rotating the outer and inner reinforcing end panels towards an inner surface of the first side panel around a bending line connecting the inner reinforcing end panel and the inner reinforcing corner panel and about a line of fold connecting the outer reinforcing end panel and the outer reinforcing corner panel. The method further includes rotating the outer reinforcing corner panel and the inner reinforcing corner panel toward the inner surface of the first side panel around a fold line connecting the inner reinforcing corner panel and the reinforcing side panel. interior and around a fold line connecting the exterior gusset corner panel and the first side panel. The method also includes rotating the first side panel inward into a substantially perpendicular relationship with a bottom panel around a fold line connecting the first side panel and the bottom panel such that the first side panel and the side panel Inner form a first side wall of the polygonal container and the outer reinforcing corner panel and the inner reinforcing corner panel form a first corner wall of the container polygonal.

In another aspect, a method is provided for

Ί form a polygonal container from a sheet material template. The polygonal container includes eight walls. The template includes a bottom panel, two opposite side panels each extending from a side edge of the bottom panel, two opposite end panels each extending from an end edge of the bottom panel, a first fold panel extending from an upper edge of a first end panel of the two end panels, a second collapsible panel extending from an upper edge of a second end panel of the two end panels, and a pair of reinforcing panel assemblies extending from the opposite side edges of each of the two opposite side panels to form reinforced corners. The method comprises: (a) form each of the reinforced corners including four corner walls from the reinforced panel assembly, where each of the reinforced corners includes a locking groove, (b) rotate the side panels inward by one substantially perpendicular relationship with the bottom panel to form the side walls, (c) rotating the end panel inward in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the bottom panel to form the end walls, (d) placing the locking grooves adjacent to the end walls, (e) rotating the first and second end panels fold inward in at least partially relationship

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covered with at least one of the reinforcing panel assemblies, wherein each of the folding panels includes a pair of hinged tabs, and (f) inserting the hinged tabs of the folding panels into the closure slot to secure the container in a formed position.

brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a sheet material template for building a container in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a container formed from the template shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of a sheet material template for building a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The following detailed description illustrates the description by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly allows someone skilled in the art to make and use the description, describe various modalities, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the description, including what is currently believed to be the best way to carry out the description. .

The present invention provides a stackable reinforced container formed of a single sheet of material, and a method of constructing the container. Container some

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It is sometimes referred to as a reinforced miter tray or a reinforced eight-sided tray or a hand-formed 8-tray. The container can be built manually, that is, formed by hand, from a sheet material template. In one embodiment, the container is made from a cardboard material. The container, however, can be manufactured using any suitable material, and therefore is not limited to a specific type of material. In alternative embodiments, the container is manufactured using cardstock, plastic, vulcanized fiber, cardboard, featherboard, corrugated paper, and / or any suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, the container includes at least one brand therein which includes, without limitation, indications communicating the product, a manufacturer of the product, and a seller of the product. For example, the brand may include printed text that indicates a product name and briefly describes the product, logos and / or registered trademarks that indicate that a manufacturer and / or seller of the product, and / or designs, and / or ornamentation that Attracts attention. Printing, printed and / or any other form of printing as used herein may include, but is not limited to include, ink jet printing, laser printing, screen printing, photographic,

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pen and ink, painting, offset lithography, flexography, relief printing, rotogravure, transferenciá ' ¹ of^r dyes, and / or any suitable printing techniques known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein. In another embodiment, the container lacks marks, such as, without limitation, indications communicating the product, a manufacturer of the product and / or a seller of the product.

In the exemplary embodiment, the container is assembled by hand and secured in the assembled or formed position without the use of adhesive or glue. In an alternative embodiment, the container is assembled in an armed position with a minimal amount of glue or adhesive.

Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to Figure 1, which is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a sheet material template 10. A container 150 (shown in Figure 2) is formed from template 10. Template 10 has a first or inner surface 12 and a second or opposite outer surface 14. In addition, template 10 defines a conduit edge 16 and an opposite end edge 18. In one embodiment, template 10 includes, in series from conduit edge 16 to trailing edge 18, a front panel assembly 20, a bottom panel 22, and a rear panel assembly 24, bending lines 26 and 28, generally parallel coupled together to

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More specifically, the front panel assembly 20 extends from the leading edge 16 to the fold line 26, the bottom panel 22 extends from the front panel assembly 20 along the fold line 26, and the assembly Back panel 24 extends from bottom panel 22 along fold line 28 to trailing edge 18. Bending lines 26 and / or 28, as well as other bending lines and / or hinged lines described herein, may include any suitable weakening line and / or parting line known to those skilled in the art and guided for the teachings provided herein. Front and rear panel assemblies 20 and 24, respectively, can be considered to be end panels. When container 150 is formed from template 10, fold line 26 defines a bottom edge of front panel assembly 20 and a front edge, or first end edge, of bottom panel 22, and fold line 28 defines a edge rear, or second end edge, of bottom panel 22 and a bottom edge of the

IMPI .'ISTITUTO MEXICANO! &amp; *** &amp; £ &amp; Jpl Dt THE PROPERTY V ^ iaísLsSi / industrial assembly 24 rear panel. As used throughout this description, leading edges and trailing edges are also considered to be extreme edges.

The front panel assembly 20 and the rear panel assembly 24 are substantially congruent and rectangular in shape. The bottom panel 22 has an octagonal shape. More specifically, the front panel assembly 20 and the rear panel assembly 24 have a width Wi. The bottom panel 22 has a width W₂, which is larger than the width Wi. Alternatively, the width Wi is substantially equal to or longer than the width W₂. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, the front and rear panel assemblies 20 and 24, respectively, have a first height Ηχ, and the bottom panel 22 has a first depth D_x which is greater than the first height Ηχ. In an alternative embodiment, the height Ηχ is substantially equal to or greater than the depth ϋχ. In the exemplary embodiment, the front panel assembly 20, the rear panel assembly 24 and / or the bottom panel 22 are equally dimensioned, however, the front panel assembly 20, the rear panel assembly 24 and / or the Lower panel 22 may not be equally dimensioned.

In the exemplary embodiment, lower panel 22 can be considered to be substantially rectangular in shape with four cut corners or edges 30, 32, 34, and 36 · '··' 'rUMÍXJCANO &lt;- ·· ιι -A l-ROMIDAD • Angled NDumuAt formed by cut lines. As such, the otherwise cut corner edges of the rectangular bottom panel define an octagonal shape of the bottom panel 22. Furthermore, each angled corner edge 30, 32, 34, and 36 have a length Li, and angled edges 30 and 34 and angled edges 32 and 36 are substantially parallel. Alternatively, bottom panel 22 has any suitable shape that allows container 150 to function as described herein. For example, the bottom panel 22 may be in the form of a rectangle having corners that are truncated by a segmented edge such that the bottom panel 22 has more than eight sides. In another example, the bottom panel 22 may be in the form of a rectangle having corners that are truncated by an arched edge such that the bottom panel 22 has four substantially straight sides and four arched sides.

In the exemplary embodiment, the front panel assembly 2 0 includes two free side edges 38 and 40, and the rear panel assembly 24 includes two free side edges 42 and 44. The side edges 38, 40, 42, and 44 are substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, the side edges 38, 40, 42, and / or 44 are not substantially parallel. In the exemplary embodiment, each side edge 38, 40, 42, and 44 connects to an edge 30, 32,

<img file="MX340503B_D0016.tif" />

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34, or 36 respectively angled. Each side edge 38, 40, 42, and 44 can be connected directly to an angle 30, i¿, T4 ", *¹'or 3 6 respective angle or, as shown in Figure 1, may be slightly offset from an angle 30, 32, 34, or respective angle to facilitate forming the container 150 from the template 10 to allow clearance for a thickness of a panel that is directly or indirectly attached to the front panel assembly 20 or rear panel assembly 24. The side edges 38, 40, 42, and 44 and the partially angled edges 30, 32, 34, and 36 define a respective cutout 46, 48, 50, or 52.

More specifically, the side edge 38 and the partially angled edge 30 define the cutout 46, the side edge 42 and the partially angled edge 32 define the cutout 50, the side edge 44 and the partially angled edge 34 define the cutout 52, and the edge Side 40 and partially angled edge 36 define cutout 48.

A first side panel 54 extends from the bottom panel 22 along a fold line 56 to a free edge 58, and a second side panel 60 extends from the bottom panel 22 along a fold line 62 to a free 64 edge. Fold line 56 defines a bottom edge of the first side panel 54 and a side edge of the bottom panel 22, and fold line 62 defines a bottom edge of the second side panel 60 and an edge

<img file="MX340503B_D0017.tif" />

<img file="MX340503B_D0018.tif" />

side of bottom panel 22. The first and second side panels 54 and 60 each are generally and rectangularly configured. Side panels 54 and 60 each have a depth D₂ which is shorter than the Di depth so that the side panels 54 and 60 are narrower than the bottom panel 22. In the exemplary embodiment, fold line 56 extends between the ends of the angled corner edges 3 0 and 32, and the fold line 62 extends between the ends of the angled corner edges 34 and 36. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, template 10 does not include finger trimming that may facilitate handling of container 150. In an alternative embodiment, at least one oval shaped finger cut (not shown) is defined within the first and second side panels 54 and 60. Alternatively, any number of finger trims can be any shape and / or defined within any suitable panel such that handling of container 150 is facilitated.

In the exemplary embodiment, a reinforcing panel 68 extends from the side edges of each side panel 54 and 60. The reinforcing panel 68 is also referred to herein as a reinforcing panel assembly that includes a plurality of panels as described in greater detail herein. Each side edge is defined by a respective fold line 70, 72, 74, or 76. Lines 70, 72, 74,

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

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Alternatively, fold lines 70, 72, 74, and / or 76 are not substantially parallel. In the exemplary embodiment, each replacement panel 68 includes a free bottom edge 78. Each free lower edge 78 at least partially defines the cutouts 46, 48, 50 and 52. As such the side edges 38, 40, 42, or 44, a respective angled edge 30, 36, 32, or 34 and a lower edge 78 an adjacent reinforcing panel 68 defines cutouts 46, 48, 50, and 52. Furthermore, each reinforcing panel 68 is substantially similar and includes an outer reinforcing panel assembly 80 and an inner reinforcing panel assembly 82 connected along fold line 86. Bending line 86 defines a side edge of the exterior gusset panel assembly 80 and a side edge of the interior gusset panel assembly 82. In addition, the exterior reinforcement panel assembly 80 includes an exterior reinforcement corner panel 90 and an exterior reinforcement end panel 92, and the interior reinforcement panel assembly 82 includes an interior reinforcement corner panel 94, a panel 96 inner reinforcing end and an inner reinforcing side panel 97.

More specifically, the outer reinforcing panel assembly 80 extends along each of the fold lines 70, 72, 74, and 76. In addition, the interior reinforcing panel assembly 82 extends from each assembly 80

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of exterior reinforcing panel along fold line 86 still free edge 98. A notch 100 is formed along the fold line 86 between the interior gusset panel assembly 82 and the exterior gusset panel assembly 80. The inner reinforcing panel assembly 82 and the outer reinforcing panel assembly 80 are substantially rectangular in shape. More specifically, the interior reinforcing panel assemblies 82 have a width W₃, and the outer reinforcing panel assemblies 80 have a width W₄.

Each exterior reinforcement panel assembly 80 includes a bending line 102 that divides each exterior reinforcement panel assembly 80 toward the exterior reinforcement corner panel 90 and the exterior reinforcement end panel 92. Bending line 102 defines an edge of the outer reinforcing corner panel 90 and a side edge of the outer reinforcing end panel 92, and bending line 86 defines a side edge of the outer reinforcing end panel 92. In the exemplary embodiment, corner panel 90 and end panel 92 are substantially rectangular. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, each interior gusset panel assembly 82 includes fold lines 104 and 105 dividing each interior gusset panel assembly 82 toward interior gusset panel 94, the interior gusset end panel 96. and the 97 side panel of

<img file="MX340503B_D0022.tif" />

interior reinforcement. Specifically, fold line 104 defines an edge of inner gusset corner panel 94 and a side edge of panel 96 inner gusset end, and bend line 105 defines a side edge of inner gusset corner panel 94 and the side panel 97 of internal reinforcement.

In the exemplary embodiment, the interior gusset corner panel 94, interior gusset end panel 96 and interior gusset side panel 97 are substantially rectangular. Furthermore, the outer reinforcing corner panel 90 and the inner reinforcing corner panel 94 are substantially congruent, and the outer and inner reinforcing end panels 92 and 96, respectively, are substantially congruent. Furthermore, panels 92 and 96 outer and inner reinforcing ends, respectively, each define a cutout 106, where the cutouts 106 are placed equidistant from the fold line 86.

The front panel assembly 20 includes a first end panel 110 coupled to the bottom panel 22 on the fold line 26. The front panel assembly 20 also includes a collapsible first panel 112 coupled to the first end panel 110 at the bend line 114 having a plurality of cut lines. The front panel assembly 20 also includes a plurality of hinged first tabs 116. The first hinged lugs 116 are defined by the

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I ND &lt;ÍSTttIAl ^ ¿7 * 775 ^^ · cut lines 118 and 120 and fold lines 122 v 12.4. Cutting lines 118 and 120 are substantially perpendicular to leading edge 16, and bending lines 122 and 124 are substantially parallel to leading edge 16. Each of the first hinged tabs 116 is substantially rectangular and includes at least a portion of the first end panel 110 and the first collapsible panel 112. Therefore, the hinged tabs 116 couple the first end panel 110 to the first collapsible panel 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the front panel assembly 20 includes two first hinged lugs 116. Alternatively, the front panel assembly 20 includes any number of hinged first tabs 116. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, fold lines 114 are oriented to define any line 126 through each of the first hinged tabs 116 such that the hinged tabs 126 include approximately 50% of the first end panel 110 and 50% of the first folding panel 112. Alternatively, the fold line 114 is oriented to define any line 126 through each of the first hinged tabs 116 such that the hinged tabs 116 include any proportions of the first end panel 110 and the first deployable panel 112.

The rear panel assembly 24 includes a

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second end panel 130 coupled to bottom panel 22 on fold line 28. The rear panel assembly 24 also includes a collapsible second panel 132 coupled to the second end panel 130 on a fold line 134 having a plurality of cut lines. The rear panel assembly 24 also includes a plurality of hinged second tabs 136. Hinged second tabs 136 are defined by cut lines 138 and 140 and fold lines 142 and 144. Cutting lines 138 and 140 are substantially perpendicular to leading edge 18, and bending lines 142 and 144 are substantially parallel to leading edge 18. The hinged second tabs 136 are each substantially rectangular and include at least a portion of the second end panel and the second collapsible panel 132. Therefore, the hinged tabs 136 couple the second end panel 130 to the second collapsible panel 132. In the exemplary embodiment, the rear panel assembly 24 includes two hinged second tabs 136. Alternatively, the rear panel assembly 24 includes any number of hinged second tabs 136. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, fold line 134 is oriented to define a bisector 146 through each of hinged second tabs 136 such that hinged tabs 136 include approximately 50% of the second panel

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130 end and 50% of the second folding panel 132. Alternatively, fold line 134 is oriented to define any line 146 through each of hinged second tabs 136 such that hinged tabs 136 include any proportions of second end panel 130 and second collapsible panel 132.

Each outer reinforcing corner panel 90 and each inner reinforcing corner panel 94 have a width W₅ which is substantially equal to the length Li.

Furthermore, each outer reinforcing end panel 92 and inner reinforcing end panel 96 have a width Wg that is greater than the width W₅. In an alternative embodiment, the width W6 is approximately equal to the width W5. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, each interior reinforcing side panel 97 has a width W₇ which is greater than W₅ and less than W₆. Furthermore, in the exemplary mode, the width W₃ is substantially equal to a sum of the widths W₅, W₆, and W₇, and the width of W₄ it is substantially equal to a sum of the widths W5 and Wg.

The first and second panels 110 and 130 ends, respectively, each have a height H₂ and first and second folding panels 112 and 132, respectively, each having a height H₃ which is substantially equal to the width W₇. A sum of the height H₂ and height H₃ is substantially

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equal to height H_x. In addition, each of the —primary and spgnndn side panels 54 and 60, respectively, have a height H₄ which is substantially equal to height H₂ of the first and second panels 110 and 130 ends, respectively. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, interior and exterior reinforcing panel assemblies 82 and 80, respectively, have a width H₅ which is substantially similar to height H₄ of the first and second side panels 54 and 60, respectively.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container 150 that is formed from the template 10 (shown in FIGURE 1). Although container 150 is shown as being formed without a product being contained therein, container 150 may also be formed having a product therein. Furthermore, container 150 can include any suitable number of products in any suitable way. In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom panel 22 is dimensioned to correspond to the product or products contained within the container 150.

Container 150 can be formed by hand from template 10. Container 150 is formed by assembling and placing the panels of template 10 in an assembled or formed position. Container 150 can be fastened or secured in the formed position without the use of glue or adhesive to adhere one panel to another panel.

More specifically, a 97 side panel of

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Inner gusset and the respective inner gusset panel assembly 82 are bent around fold line 86 such that the inner gusset panel assembly 82 and the outer gusset panel assembly 80 are in a relationship at least partially overlapping, and such an interior reinforcing side panel 97 is in at least partially overlapping relationship with at least a portion of the first or second side panels 54 or 60, respectively. As used herein, an at least partially overlapping relationship exists when a first panel extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the second panel such that the first and second panels obscure a portion of each other. Furthermore, the panels do not have to be in contact with each other and a third panel can be placed between them.

Also, more specifically, the template 10 is folded along fold line 86 such that the outer gusset corner panel 90 and the inner gusset corner panel 94 are substantially aligned in a relationship at least partially of overlapping, the outer and inner reinforcing end panels 92 and 96, respectively, align substantially in at least partially overlapping relationship, and the interior reinforcing side panel 97 and at least a portion of the first or

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second side panel 54 or 60, respectively -, - op alin-naa «. substantially in an at least partially overlapping relationship. The cutouts 106 defined in the overlapping outer and inner reinforcing end panels 92 and 96, respectively, are substantially aligned, thus forming a closing groove 151.

In the exemplary embodiment, the inner reinforcing side panel 97, a respective lateral panel 54 or 60, the reinforcing end panels 92 and 96, and / or the outer reinforcing corner panel 90 and the reinforcing corner panel 94 Interior can be secured by hand and without adhesives in the relationships described above. For example, the inner reinforcing side panel 97, a respective side panel 54 or 60, the reinforcing end panels 92 and 96, and / or the corner panel 90 and the inner reinforcing corner panel 94 are maintained by a force applied by the person assembling container 150 to outer surface 14 as container 150 continues to arm. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, no adhesives are used to assemble container 150. Alternatively, small amounts of adhesives are used to assemble container 150.

Reinforcement panel assemblies 80 and 82 are rotated around fold lines 70, 72, 74 and 76. In addition, the reinforcing ends panels 92 and 96 are rotated around

IMPI

<img file="MX340503B_D0028.tif" />

from bend lines 102 and 104 to -the- · corner lea0 pan before or after the reinforcing panel assemblies 80 and 82 are rotated around fold lines 70, 72, 74 and 76. In the exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing panel assemblies 80 and 82 and the reinforcing end panels 92 and 96 are rotated such that the reinforcing end panels 92 and 96 are substantially perpendicular to the side panels 54 and 60. The first and second side panels 54 and 60, respectively, are then rotated around fold lines 56 and 62, respectively toward inner surface 12.

The front panel assembly 20 is rotated around fold line 26 towards inner surface 12, and the rear panel assembly 24 is rotated around fold line 28 toward inner surface 12. More specifically, when the front panel assembly 20 and the rear panel assembly 24 are rotated to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 22, as shown in Figure 2.

The first fold fold panel 112 is rotated around fold line 114 toward the first end panel 110 such that the first fold panel 112 and the first end panel 110 are substantially aligned in at least partially overlapping relationship . In addition, each of the first hinged lugs 116 is arranged or

IMPI closure to define a

<img file="MX340503B_D0029.tif" />

in the same. Cleaning inserts into the interference groove 151, or snap fit each first tab 116 with the closing groove 151 facilitates securing the front panel assembly 20 to the reinforcing panel assembly 68 and, indirectly, to the side panels 54 or 60 . In the exemplary embodiment, no adhesive is used to assemble container 150. Alternatively, small amounts of adhesive are used to assemble container 150.

Similarly, the second fold panel 132 is rotated about fold line 134 toward the second end panel 13 0 such that the second collapsible panel 132 and the second end panel 130 are substantially aligned in at least partially relationship overlay. In addition, each of the hinged second tabs 136 is disposed or inserted within the closing slot 151 to define interference or friction fit therein. Securing each second hinged tab 136 within closure slot 151 facilitates securing of the front panel assembly 20 to the reinforcing panel assembly 68 and indirectly to the side panels 54 or 60. Therefore, hinged tabs 116 secure container 150 in a formed position. In the exemplary embodiment, no adhesive is used to assemble container 150. Alternatively, small amounts of

IMPI

<img file="MX340503B_D0030.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE,

OF THE PROPERTY &gt;&gt;

Ikifti 1CT &amp; IAI

INDUSTRIAL adhesive are used to assemble 150 container

When container 150 is formed, the interior surface 12 of the front and rear panel assemblies 20 and 24 are adjacent to the side walls of the product. Also, height H₂ of the first and second panels 110 and 130 ends, respectively, are dimensioned to correspond to a height of the products within the container 150 such that the height H₂ is substantially equal to or greater than the height of the products. The bottom panel 22 forms a bottom wall 152 of container 150, the first end panel 110 and a pair of reinforcing panels 92 and 96 ends forms a front wall 154 of container 150, and the second end panel 130 and a pair of panels 92 and 96 reinforcing ends form a rear wall 156 of container 150. In the exemplary embodiment, the opposed pairs of panels 92 and 96 overlapping reinforcing ends associated with each of walls 154 and 156 do not extend to the fully overlapping interior surface 12 of first and second end panels 110 and 130, respectively . Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the interior surface 12 of the end panels 110 and 130 are exposed.

The front wall 154 and the rear wall 156 are also referred to as the end walls of the container 150. The first side panel 54 and two side panels 97 of

<img file="MX340503B_D0031.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MiXK.ANO Dt LA RRORILDAD INDUSTRIAL interior reinforcement forms a first side wall 158, and the side panel 60 and two interior reinforcement side panels 97 form a second side wall 160. Each pair of corner reinforcing panels 90 and 94 form the first corner wall 162, the second corner wall 164, the third corner wall 166, and the fourth corner wall 168. Bottom wall 152, front wall 154, rear wall 156, first side wall 158, second side wall 160, and corner walls 162, 164, 166, and 168 define a cavity 170 of container 150.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first corner wall 162 is oriented at an angle a oblique to the front wall 154 and an angle a₂ oblique to the side wall 158. Similarly, the second corner wall 164 is oriented at an angle βχ oblique to the front wall 154 and an angle β₂oblique to the side wall 160. Similarly, corner wall 166 is oriented at an angle γχ oblique to rear wall 156 and an angle γ₂ oblique to the side wall 160, and the fourth corner wall 168 is oriented at an angle δχ oblique to the rear wall 156 and an angle δ₂ oblique to the side wall 158. In the exemplary mode, the angles αχ, «2 / βι, p2 / Yiz Ϊ2, δΐ and δ₂ are substantially equal, however, the angles α_1ζ α₂, βχ, β₂, Υι, γ₂, δΐ and / or δ₂ they may be different depending on the products placed inside the container 150. Furthermore, in the exemplary mode, the edges

IMPI

INSTITUTO .mexicano Dt LA PIWJPIKDAD

<img file="MX340503B_D0032.tif" />

bottom of the panels 68 of ré'fü'é'i ^ o substantially aligned with the lines 26, ~ T? 0, 50 and 62 fold and the edges 30, 32, 34 and 36 angular. Container 150 has a configuration referred to herein as an open configuration.

In the exemplary embodiment, container 150 is formed by hand. Alternatively, the method described above for constructing container 150 from template 10 can be more partially performed using a machine. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the reinforcing corner assemblies forms a reinforced corner of container 150. In other words, the end panels form end walls, the side panels form side walls, and the reinforcing corner assemblies form reinforced corners including corner walls resulting in an eight-sided container 150. The reinforced corners include closure grooves positioned adjacent to each of the end walls to receive the hinged tabs of the folding panels to secure the container in the formed position.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a template 200 of the sheet material for constructing a container in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Template 200 is essentially similar to template 10 (shown in Figure 1) and, as such, similar components are labeled with references

IMPI

<img file="MX340503B_D0033.tif" />

Similar. More specifically, template 200 includes a top cover assembly 202.

In the exemplary embodiment, the top cover assembly 202 includes a center panel 204. The top cover assembly 202 further includes two opposing side panels 206, each side panel extending from a fold line 212 of the center panel 204. The top cover assembly 202 includes a front panel 208 extending from a fold line 214 of the center panel 2 04. Center panel 204 extends from a bend line 220, which is also an upper edge of the side panel.

A container essentially similar to container 150 (shown in Figure 2) is formed from template 200. In the exemplary embodiment, the container formed from template 200 includes top cover assembly 202. To construct the container from template 200, a method that is substantially similar to the method of forming container 150 from template 10 is used. In forming the container top cover assembly 202, the container is considered to be in a closed configuration rather than the open configuration of container 150 (shown in Figure 2). Container can be hand formed from template 200 by assembling and placing template panels

IMPÍ

<img file="MX340503B_D0034.tif" />

200 in an armed or formed position. Alternatively, the. The method of constructing the container from template 200 can be at least partially performed using a machine. The container can be held or secured in the formed position without the use of glue or adhesive to adhere one panel to another panel. In the exemplary mode, no adhesive is used to assemble the container. Alternatively, small amounts of adhesive are used to assemble the container. In the case where no adhesive is used to construct the container from the template 200, the front panel 208 and the side panels 206 are tucked inside the container to keep the top cover assembly 202 in the closed configuration. In the case where an adhesive is used, the front panel 208 and the side panels 206 can be glued to the side panel 60 and the end panels 110 and 13 0, respectively, to keep the container in the closed configuration.

To close the container and form the top cover assembly 202, two opposing side panels 206 are rotated around fold lines 212 and the front panel 208 is rotated around fold line 214 toward center panel 204 such that side panels 206 and front panel 208 are substantially perpendicular to central panel 204. In addition, assembly 202

IMPI

<img file="MX340503B_D0035.tif" />

top deck rotates around d &lt;a. ].? 9 nd fold to be substantially parallel to the bottom panel 22 and positioned adjacent to the top edges of the container. The central panel 204, two opposite side panels 206, and the front panel 208 form the top cover assembly 202 of the container.

The templates and container described above provide a polygonal reinforcing container. More specifically, the embodiments described herein provide an octagonal container having reinforced corner walls, side walls, and end walls for storing and / or transporting a product therein. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein provide a polygonal container having a plurality of hinged tabs. More specifically, the plurality of hinged tabs can be defined by cut lines and fold lines, and such hinged tabs become prominent as an associated folding panel is rotated toward an associated end panel. Hinged tabs are inserted into defined cutouts within adjacent reinforcing panels such that container portions are locked in place.

The exemplary modalities of a container formed to contain a product in it and templates to make it are described in detail above. The

<img file="MX340503B_D0036.tif" />

IMPI templates and the container are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, the components of the templates and / or the container can be used independently and separately from other components described herein. For example, templates can also be used in combination with other types of products, and it is not limited to practicing only with cylindrical products, as described herein. Rather, exemplary modalities can be implemented and used in conjunction with many other container applications.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any characteristic of a drawing can be referred to and / or claimed in combination with any characteristic of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to describe the invention, which includes the best mode, and also allows anyone skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any of the devices or systems, and performing any of the built-in methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those with

<img file="MX340503B_D0037.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITUTO MfcXICANO D € LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL technical expertise. Such other examples are intended to be 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 the material differences of the literal language of the claims.

IMPIOS 'NSTITUTO MEXICANO Jsi

OE THE PROPERTY OneZSSRjSP?

INDUSTRIAL&gt; aa.TOS.; ~ Ta¿&gt; z