Abstract: A lid and closure member assembly for placement on a container is provided. The lid includes a cover portion, an access port and an elongated channel defined in the cover portion. The channel may include two opposing side walls, two opposing end walls and a bottom. The channel's side walls can each include an inwardly-projecting lip forming an undercut for slidably receiving a portion of the closure member. The closure member includes an access port cap, a retainer slidably received within the channel and a strap extending between the access port cap and the retainer. The closure member is selectively movable between open and closed positions. The access port cap may cover the access port when the retainer is in a first position within the channel or may be at least partially received within the channel when the retainer is in a second position within the channel.

Abstract: A clamshell container having an anti-bind feature is provided. The container is comprised of a tray and a cover, each having a first panel and rear panel foldably connected along a rear fold line. One or both of the rear fold lines may be interrupted by a cut suitable for allowing the rear panels to flex or bow when the cover is hingedly rotated relative to the tray. A rear cut may be provided generally coextensive with each of the fold lines. The cuts can have an arcuate shape and may be convexly curved toward an interior of the container.

Abstract: A plastic container is provided having a sidewall, a downwardly extending upper lip, and a perforated line defined at a top edge of the container where the lip and sidewall are joined. The sidewall and lip may be formed from a container body constructed of a single sheet of material that is wrapped such that marginal edge portions of the blank are brought together in overlapping fashion to form a side seam. When the sidewall and lip are formed from such a blank of material, the perforated line is formed a specified distance below a top edge of such blank. The perforated line reduces the amount of force, heat and lubricant required in order to form (e.g., curl, roll, fold or bend) the upper lip of the container. The slits of the perforated line may extend across a width of the blank in either a uniform or variable fashion.

Abstract: A leak resistant food sleeve for holding single-serving food items is provided. The sleeve may be constructed from a blank that is folded into the sleeve when ready to use. The sleeve consists of two major and two minor sidewall panels, and first and second ends. The major and minor sidewall panels are folded to form a box-like structure. The first end consists of two major end flaps, two minor end flaps, and gusset panels extending between and foldably connected to one of the major end flaps and one of the minor end flaps. The gusset panels become layered between the minor end flaps and major end flaps when each is folded inward to close the first end, such that the minor end flaps, gusset panels, and major end flaps form a web of material that prevents fluidal and viscous substances from leaking out of the first end.

Abstract: A dispenser for viscous condiments and a method of making the dispenser are provided. The dispenser includes a tubular sidewall having an end portion with an inward flange. The dispenser includes a dispenser assembly secured to the end portion that has one or more openings. A seal member is attached to the dispenser assembly at the exterior of the end portion. The seal member prevents condiment from exiting the dispenser assembly before the dispenser is ready to use. The seal member includes spaced ear portions projecting outwardly from the perimeter of the seal member. A method for making the dispenser includes forming a web containing a plurality of seal members, die cutting the web so the seal members in the web are connected only at their ear portions, aligning and attaching one of the seal members to a dispenser assembly, and severing the attached seal member from the web.

Abstract: A multi-walled container comprising a receptacle and outer sleeve having an embossment formed therein is provided. An insulating layer may be defined or provided between the receptacle and outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has an embossment provided at least partially therearound for engaging the upper lip of a second container when multiple containers are nested or stacked one within another. The embossment may be a continuous circumferential rib formed around substantially the entire perimeter of the sleeve or may be a plurality of ribs formed intermittently around the perimeter of the sleeve. In order for the embossment to contact or engage the upper lip of another container, the embossment preferably has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of an opening defined by the receptacle upper lip. The outer sleeve can be fixedly attached to the insulating layer or receptacle at locations both above and below the embossment.

Abstract: A foldable food carton including a collapsible condiment container holder is provided. The food carton may be constructed from a single blank and is capable of being folded into a substantially flat configuration for transportation or storage. The condiment container holder is designed go from a collapsed position, where it is folded substantially flat against the sidewall panel of the carton, to an extended position, where it is capable of holding a single-serving condiment container in close proximity to the carton. The condiment container may consist of a holding section hingedly connected to a sidewall panel of the carton and a support leg hingedly connected to the holding section and capable of supporting the holding section when it is extended horizontally from the sidewall panel. The holding section can include an opening with tabs therein in order to receive and secure a condiment container for use with the carton.

Abstract: A lid and closure member assembly for placement on a container is provided. The lid includes a cover portion, an access port and an elongated channel defined in the cover portion. The channel may include two opposing side walls, two opposing end walls and a bottom. The channel's side walls can each include an inwardly-projecting lip forming an undercut for slidably receiving a portion of the closure member. The closure member includes an access port cap, a retainer slidably received within the channel and a strap extending between the access port cap and the retainer. The closure member is selectively movable between open and closed positions. The access port cap may cover the access port when the retainer is in a first position within the channel or may be at least partially received within the channel when the retainer is in a second position within the channel.

Abstract: A container having enhanced wall integrity and a rotational element is provided that includes a sidewall having polygonal cross-sectional shape and an alignment structure formed therein. The alignment structure is adapted for orienting the container with respect to a second container such that the panel sections of the containers become parallel with one another and the containers may be fully nested one within the other. The alignment structure can be recessed into the sidewall to form peaks and valleys along an inner surface of the container. The peaks include first and second faces sloping in opposite directions designed to direct corners of the first container's sidewall toward the interior valleys of the second container in order to orient the containers as they are stacked.

Abstract: A carton assembled from a foldable blank including a base having a bottom panel and a plurality of walls and a lid having a top panel and a plurality of walls. The carton may include a tab extending from one of the plurality of walls of the base. The lid may have a slit defined proximate a fold line, the fold line being where at least one of the plurality of walls of the lid meet the top panel, and the slit may be adapted for receiving all or part of the tab therethrough. The lid may also have a slot disposed on the top panel and inward of the slit. After being received through the slit, the tab can be folded about the fold line to lie substantially parallel to the top panel of the lid and a distal end of the tab may be inserted into the slot.