Blank capable of forming a stackable container

Abstract

A packaging blank capable of forming a display sleeve having rounded corners comprises in one embodiment a bottom panel, a rear panel connected to the bottom panel, a front panel connected to the rear panel by the bottom panel, a top panel connected to the bottom panel by the front panel, a first pair of opposing side panels connected to the rear panel, and a second pair of opposing side panels connected to the front panel. Upon construction the packaging blank provides a display sleeve that nests with another sleeve formed from the blank when the bottom panel of one sleeve is positioned against the top panel of another sleeve.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application hereby claims the benefit of the following commonly assigned provisional patent applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/550,428, for Blank Capable of Forming a Stackable Sleeve, filed Mar. 5, 2004; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/577,315, for Blank Capable of Forming a Container Having Rounded Corners, filed Jun. 4, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/599,986, for Blank Capable of Forming a Container Having Rounded Corners, filed Aug. 9, 2004. This application incorporates entirely by reference these provisional applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO COMMONLY ASSIGNED APPLICATIONS

This application also incorporates entirely by reference commonly assigned and concurrently filed application Serial No. ______ for Blank Capable of Forming a Container Having Rounded Corners.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a packaging blank. In particular, the invention relates to a packaging blank capable of forming a display sleeve or “container” having rounded corners. The invention further relates to a container formed from the blank that correspondingly engages (i.e., nests against) other containers formed from the blank when the containers are stacked one on top of the other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As known to those skilled in the art, packaging is typically formed from packaging blanks, or blanks for short. It will be understood that as used herein the term “blank” may include cardboard, rigid paper, flexible plastic, or similar products made of paperboard or plastic. In particular, the packaging industry favors the use of one-piece flexible blanks, which are readily incorporated into automated processes for forming sleeves.

Today, the construction of packaging blanks into sleeves, and the subsequent insertion of products to be packaged in the sleeve, is managed in the product manufacturers' facilities. Manufacturers employ automated equipment that is capable of folding the blank to form a sleeve, inserting the product into the sleeve, sealing the sleeve, and then shipping the container by various means of transportation. For example, manufactures use in-line processes for accomplishing the steps of folding, inserting, sealing, and shipping as described above. Thus there is a need for providing a packaging blank that is capable of being formed into a sleeve in automated processes.

Limited shelf space requires that manufacturers and storeowners maximize shelf space for displaying products. Stackable display sleeves are preferred, for example, to display food items packaged in relatively small sleeves because they allow the storeowner to maximize useable shelf space. In this case, storeowners can stack two or three sleeves one on top of the other. Thus, it is further desirable to provide a packaging blank capable of forming a sleeve that is stackable.

In a related aspect, it is also desirable to provide a packaging blank having a shape conducive to stacking. For example, sleeves having a tapered shape (i.e., a top portion or bottom portion becoming progressively smaller toward the opposite end) will securely stack one on top of another. Further, sleeves having means for preventing lateral shifting once stacked ensures that the stacked sleeves do not easily topple when selected or handled by consumers. Accordingly, it is also desirable to provide a packaging blank capable of forming a sleeve that promotes secure stacking on shelves.

Still further, it is desirable to provide a substantially rectangular container having rounded corners, whereby the rounded corners facilitate the handling of the container by consumers.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a blank suitable for use in automated processing.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a blank that is capable of forming a sleeve that is stackable.

A further object of the invention is to provide a packaging blank capable of forming a sleeve that once stacked, prevents lateral shifting.

The invention meets these objectives with a packaging blank capable of forming a display sleeve. In particular, the invention is a packaging blank and a sleeve having a bottom panel, a top panel, a rear panel, a front panel, side panels, and nesting tabs that permit the sleeve formed from the blank to correspondingly engage other similar stackable sleeves when the sleeves are stacked one on top of the other.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention and the manner in which the same are accomplished will become clearer based on the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sleeve formed from a preferred embodiment of the blank.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sleeve formed from a preferred embodiment of the blank depicting the placement of packaged products (i.e., articles) into the sleeve.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the blank.

FIG. 4A-4C are perspective views of a method for forming the sleeve that incorporates a preferred embodiment of the packaging blank.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of multiple sleeves formed from a preferred embodiment of the blank stacked one on top of the other illustrating one sleeve nesting against another sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As used herein, the term “panel” is used in conjunction with the packaging blank 10 of the present invention and refers to sections of the blank. With reference to the orientation of the blank 10 in FIG. 3, it will be understood that the term “width” refers to a distance measured from the leftmost portion of the first pair of opposing side panels 15, the second pair of opposing side panels 20, rear panel 12, or front panel 13 to the rightmost portion of the first pair of opposing side panels, the second pair of opposing side panels, rear panel, or front panel. Further, it will also be understood by those of skill in the art that as used herein, the concept of a panel being “between” two other panels does not necessarily imply that the three panels or flaps are contiguous (i.e., in intimate contact). Rather, as used herein, the concept of one panel being between two other panels is meant to describe the relative positions of the panels within the blank structure, respectively. The term “tapered” as used in conjunction with the present blank 10 and sleeve 35 will refer to the top or bottom portion of the sleeve becoming progressively smaller toward the opposite end. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms “sleeve” and “container” as used herein refer to various embodiments of the present structure for retaining a variety articles as formed from the various embodiments of the blank described below. Thus the terms “sleeve” and “container” may be used interchangeably.

Similarly, the concept of a first panel being connected to a second panel by a third panel, “opposite” the second panel, merely describes the relative positions of the first and second panels within the blank structure. It will further be understood that the term “finished” means coated with a material to produce an attractive glossy finish. The term “finished” will also be understood to mean the inclusion of printed material or other identifying indicia (e.g., a company's logo). Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that panels include edges defined as the line of intersection of two surfaces or a border.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the term “score” refers to a crease along which the adjacent elements of the blank are folded without cracking or breaking to form a sleeve or container. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the term “cut-score” refers to an impression formed by a cutting tool (e.g., a punch, die, or blade) that extends partially through a sheet of paperboard or the like. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the term “perforations” refers to a series of holes or impressions formed by a cutting tool (e.g., a punch or die) that permits easy separation of, for example, panels. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term “combo rule” or “cut and score” refers to a series of alternating impressions formed by a cutting tool and creases formed by a rule that facilitate the folding of panels. With respect to alternative embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 6 through 11, the cut and score lines permit the folding of a blank to form a substantially flat container that is capable of being formed into a substantially rectangular container. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term “glue release section” refers to a portion of, for example, a panel to which an adhesive is applied such that another panel can be secured against the panel having the glue release section and bearing the adhesive.

Further, it will be understood that the term “aspect ratio” refers to the ratio calculated by dividing the width of, for example, a panel, by the height of, for example, a panel. It will also be appreciated that the term “normalized aspect ratio” refers to the aspect ratio of one geometric figure, for example, a rectangle, divided by the aspect ratio of another rectangle. Those skilled in the art will understand that a square has an aspect ratio of 1. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that two geometric figures of the same shape that vary in size will have equal aspect ratios and a normalized aspect ratio of 1.

It will also be understood that the term “substantially rectangular” and “substantially trapezoidal” is meant to succinctly describe simple geometric shape approximating a rectangle and trapezoid, respectively. Similarly, the term “substantially parallel” is meant to describe the spatial relationship between, for example, one edge of a panel to another edge of a panel, wherein the relationship is approximately parallel.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term “adjacent” refers to two or more, for example, panels, that have a common border or are in close proximity to one another. Nevertheless, it will be understood that adjacent may or may not imply contact, but always implies the absence of anything of the same kind in between. Furthermore, as used herein, it will be understood that the term “article” will refer primarily to consumer products that are packaged for shipment (e.g., consumables, bottles, cans, etc.). It will be understood, however, that “article” may also refer to any number of goods such as individually packaged consumables for humans and animals, as well as individually packaged non-consumables.

An overall view of a preferred embodiment of a packaging blank 10 which incorporates features of the present invention is set forth in FIG. 3. As depicted in FIG. 3, the packaging blank 10 includes a bottom panel 11, a rear panel 12, a front panel 13, a top panel 14, a first pair of opposing side panels 15 connected to the rear panel, a second pair of opposing side panels 20 connected to the front panel, at least one nesting tab 21, a tuck flap 22, a pair of opposing dust flaps 23, a pair of opposing glue flaps 24, a cut-out 25 for receiving a portion of the tuck flap 22, a cut-score 30 that forms an opening 31 for engaging the tuck flap, and a glue release section 32.

Another aspect of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, includes a sleeve 35 formed from the packaging blank 10. Specifically, the blank 10 is capable of forming a stackable sleeve 35 having a bottom panel 11, top panel 14, first side panel 36, second side panel 37, rear panel 12, front panel 13, at least one nesting tab 21, and at least one nesting rim 38 (see FIG. 3). Advantageously, the sleeve 35 formed from the blank 10 is capable of correspondingly engaging other similar stackable sleeves when the sleeves are stacked one on top of the other (see FIG. 5). As described in further detail below, the nesting tabs 21 of the sleeve 35 extend above the top panel 14. In this configuration depicted in FIG. 5, a top portion of one of the sleeves 42 correspondingly engages a bottom portion of another sleeve 35 when the bottom panel 11 of one sleeve 35 is positioned against the top panel 14 of the other sleeve 42. In this fashion, the sleeves “nest” and are suitable for stacking on, for example, shelves. The nesting properties of the sleeve 35 also prevent lateral movement of the stacked sleeves, thus, minimizing the likelihood that the sleeves will shift or fall during stacking and handling.

With reference to FIG. 3 depicting the blank 10, the bottom panel 11 is positioned between and connected to the rear panel 12 and the front panel 13. Specifically, the rear panel 12 is connected to the bottom panel 11, and the front panel 13 is connected to the rear panel by the bottom panel. Stated differently, the front panel 13 is connected to the bottom panel 11 opposite the rear panel 12 of the blank 10. As depicted in FIG. 3, the bottom and top panels 11, 14 of the preferred embodiment include substantially rounded corners.

Further referencing FIG. 3, the top panel 14 of the blank 10 is connected to the bottom panel 11 by the front panel 13. More specifically, the top panel 14 is connected to the front panel 13 opposite the bottom panel 11.

The first pair of opposing side panels 15 is connected to the rear panel 12 and the second pair of opposing side panels 20 is connected to the front panel 13. The edges of the rear panel 12 to which the first pair of opposing side panels 15 are connected are substantially parallel. In similar fashion, the edges of the front panel 13 to which the second pair of opposing side panels 20 are connected are substantially parallel. It will be understood that the edges of the first and second pair of opposing side panels 15, 20 opposite the front and rear panels 13, 12, respectively, are not limited to straight edges, and may be any number of shapes (e.g., jagged, curved, etc.).

In the preferred embodiment, the rear panel 12, front panel 13, first pair of opposing side panels 15, and second pair of opposing side panels 20 are substantially trapezoidal. Advantageously, the trapezoidal shape of the rear panel 12 and front panel 13 provides for a tapered sleeve 35 upon construction. Specifically, the normalized aspect ratio of the bottom panel 11 and the top panel 14 are equal to about 0.95 and 1.05. In other words, the normalized aspect ratios of the bottom panel 11 and the top panel 14 are substantially equal. Further, the percentage variation between the area ratios of the bottom panel 11 and top panel 14 are greater than 0 percent and less than about 2 percent. That is, the percentage variation between the area ratios of the bottom panel 11 and the top panel 14 are not equal to 1.

Upon construction—and as discussed later—the bottom portion of a first sleeve 35 formed from one of the blanks 10 correspondingly engages a top portion of a second sleeve 42 formed from another blank when the bottom panel 11 of the first sleeve is positioned against the top panel 14 of the second sleeve (see FIG. 5).

With reference to the blank 10 of FIG. 3, the bottom panel 11 and top panel 14 are preferably rectangular. The rectangular shape of these panels 11, 14, in conjunction with the substantially trapezoidal shape of the rear panel 12, front panel 13, and first and second pair of opposing side panels 15, 20 ensures the substantially rectangular shape of the sleeve 35. As known to those skilled in the art, a rectangular shaped sleeve is preferred for shipping and stacking purposes.

Nevertheless, it will be understood that the rear panel 12, front panel 13, first pair of opposing side panels 15, and second pair of opposing side panels 20 are not limited to a trapezoidal shape and may be triangular or rectangular in shape. It will also be understood that the bottom panel 11 and top panel 14 are not limited to a rectangular shape and may be trapezoidal in shape.

As illustrated in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3, the blank 10 may be a one-piece flexible blank formed from paperboard. Accordingly, the bottom panel 11, rear panel 12, front panel 13, top panel 14, first pair of opposing side panels 15, and second pair of opposing side panels 20 are foldable along a plurality of fold lines 16 formed in the blank 10. In particular, the rear panel 12 and front panel 13 include a plurality of fold lines 16 that facilitate the folding of the first and second pair of opposing side panels 15, 20 toward the rear panel 12 and the front panel, respectively, during construction of the blank 10 into the sleeve 35 (see FIG. 4). The fold lines 16 may be formed by perforations, scores, or similar indentations sufficient to permit the folding of the panels.

More specifically, the rear panel 12 includes at least one fold line 16 that extends from the edge of the rear panel to which the bottom panel 11 is connected to the opposite edge of the rear panel. In like fashion, the front panel 13 includes at least one fold line 16 that extends from the edge of the front panel to which the bottom panel 11 is connected to the edge of the front panel to which the top panel 14 is connected.

The blank 10 also includes an external planar side 26 and an internal planar side 27 as shown in FIG. 3. For advertising and promotional considerations, the external planar side 26 is preferably finished (i.e., includes printed material or related identifying indicia).

As noted above, the blank 10 includes at least one nesting tab 21 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. The nesting tab 21 promotes the nesting capability of the sleeve 35 formed from the blank 10. A preferred embodiment of the blank 10 includes a first nesting tab 21 and a second nesting tab 41. The first nesting tab 21 is defined by adjacent free edges of the rear panel 12 and the first pair of opposing side panels 15. The first nesting tab 21 is positioned opposite the edge of the rear panel 12 to which the bottom panel 11 is connected. The second nesting tab 41 is defined by adjacent free edges of the front panel 13 and the second pair of opposing side panels 20. The second nesting tab 41 is positioned opposite the edge of the front panel 13 to which the bottom panel 11 is connected.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a more preferred embodiment of the blank 10 includes a first and second pair of opposing nesting tabs 43, 44. The first pair of opposing nesting tabs 43 is defined by adjacent free edges of the rear panel 12 and the first pair of opposing side panels 15. Specifically, the first pair of opposing nesting tabs 43 is positioned opposite the edge of the rear panel 12 to which the bottom panel 11 is connected. The second pair of opposing nesting tabs 44 is defined by adjacent free edges of the front panel 13 and the second pair of opposing side panels 20. The second pair of opposing nesting tabs 44 is positioned opposite the edge of the front panel 13 to which the bottom panel 11 is connected.

It will be understood, however, that the blank 10 and the sleeve 35 may include one, two, three or four nesting tabs. For example, the blank 10 may provide one nesting tab 21 defined by a free edge of the rear panel 12 and a free edge of one of the first pair of opposing side panels 15. Alternatively, the blank 10 may provide one nesting tab 41 defined by a free edge of the front panel 13 and a free edge of one of the second pair of opposing side panels 20. Further, the blank 10 may provide three nesting tabs. In particular, three nesting tabs may be defined by free edges of the rear panel 12 and free edges of the first pair of opposing side panels 15 (i.e., two nesting tabs on the rear panel 12) and a free edge of the front panel 13 and a free edge of one of the second pair of opposing side panels 20 (i.e., one nesting tab on the front panel).

The nesting tabs 21, 41 facilitate the stacking of multiple sleeves 35, 42 formed from the blanks 10. Upon construction, a first sleeve 35 formed from one of the blanks 10 nests against a second sleeve 42 formed from another blank when the bottom panel 11 of the first sleeve 35 is positioned against the top panel 14 of the second sleeve 42 (see FIG. 5). Thus, the nesting tabs 21, 41 provide a retaining structure for a top portion of the first sleeve 35 to thereby secure the stacked sleeves 35, 42 in position. This prevents the sleeves 35, 42 from shifting when the sleeves are handled (i.e., placed on the shelves by storeowner or removed from the shelf by a consumer).

The preferred embodiment of the blank 10 also provides a tuck flap 22 connected to the top panel 14 opposite the front panel 13. The tuck flap 22 promotes the opening and secure closing of the sleeve 35. A preferred tuck flap 22 is substantially rectangular, but it will be understood that the tuck flap is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for example, trapezoidal in shape.

The blank 10 also includes a pair of opposing dust flaps 23 connected to the second pair of opposing side panels 20. The dust flaps 23 are specifically connected to edges of the second pair of opposing side panels 20 adjacent to the edge of the front panel 13 to which the top panel 14 is connected. In a preferred embodiment, the dust flaps 23 are substantially rectangular, but it will be understood that the dust flaps are not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be trapezoidal in shape.

A pair of opposing glue flaps 24 may be provided to enhance the structural integrity of the sleeve 35 upon construction. As depicted in FIG. 3, the glue flaps 24 are connected to the bottom panel 11 and positioned between the first and second pair of opposing side panels 15, 20. It will be understood that an alternative embodiment of the blank 10 does not require glue flaps 24 for proper construction and use.

The blank 10 further includes a cut-out 25 defined by the edge of the rear panel 12 opposite the edge to which the bottom panel 11 is connected. As positioned, the cut-out 25 receives at least a portion of the tuck flap 22 when the blank 10 is formed into the sleeve 35. Stated differently, the tuck flap 22 rests against the cut-out 25 when the top panel 14 of the sleeve 35 is closed.

The rear panel 12 may also provide a cut-score 30 that is capable of forming an elongate opening 31 (see FIGS. 3 and 4B) in another embodiment of the present invention. The elongate opening 31 is configured to receive at least a portion of the tuck flap 22 when the blank 10 is formed into the sleeve 35. The cut-score 30 is positioned adjacent to the edge of the rear panel 12 opposite the edge to which the bottom panel 11 is connected. Thus, the sleeve 35 can be opened by raising the top panel 14 (see FIG. 2), and then closed by positioning a portion of the tuck flap 22 against the cut-out 25 and inserting the tuck flap into the elongate opening 31 formed by the cut-out as shown in FIG. 1.

The preferred embodiment of the rear panel 12 also includes a glue release section 32 defined by a cut-score 33, wherein the glue release section 32 is preferably oval in shape (see FIGS. 1 and 3). The glue release section 32 is positioned adjacent to the edge of the rear panel 12 opposite the edge to which the bottom panel 11 is connected. Stated differently, the glue release section 32 is positioned adjacent to the elongate opening 31 as described above. The glue release section 32 secures the tuck flap 22 to the rear panel 12 with, for example, an adhesive, when the blank 10 is formed into the sleeve 35 (see FIG. 5). As configured, an external portion of the blank 10 is separated from the rear panel 12 when the tuck flap 22 is separated from the rear panel and the sleeve 35 is opened (i.e., when the top panel 14 of the sleeve is raised).

As briefly described above, another aspect of the present invention includes a sleeve or container 35 formed from the packaging blank 10 (see FIG. 1). The stackable sleeve 35 includes a bottom panel 11, top panel 14, first side panel 36, second side panel 37, rear panel 12, front panel 13, at least one nesting tab 21, and at least one nesting rim 38. The sleeve 35 may be a one-piece flexible blank 10 formed from paperboard.

The first and second side panels 36, 37 of the sleeve 35 are secured to respective opposing edges of the bottom panel 11 such that the first and second side panels define substantially parallel planes. It will be understood that respective portions of the first and second pair of opposing side panels 15, 20 of the blank 10 form the first and second side panels 36, 37 of the sleeve 35 upon construction.

The rear panel 12 of the sleeve 35 is connected to the bottom panel 11 and to respective opposing edges of the first and second side panels 36, 37. The front panel 13 of the sleeve 35 is likewise connected to the bottom panel 11 and to respective opposing edges of the first and second side panels 36, 37, such that the front panel and rear panel 12 define substantially parallel planes.

The top panel 14 is connected at one edge to the front panel 13 and positioned opposite the bottom panel 11. To promote the opening and closing of the sleeve 35, the top panel 14 is releasably secured to the rear panel 12 at another edge. As configured, the top panel 14 and bottom panel 11 define substantially parallel planes, thereby defining a portion of the enclosure formed by the first and second side panels 36, 37 and top and bottom panels 14, 11.

In the preferred embodiment, the stackable sleeve 35 consists essentially of a one-piece flexible blank 10 having an external planar side 26 and an internal planar side 27, wherein the external planar side is finished.

Preferably, the first and second side panels 36, 37, rear panel 12, and front panel 13 of the sleeve 35 are substantially trapezoidal. Advantageously, the trapezoidal shape of the rear panel 12 and front panel 13 provides for a tapered sleeve 35. As discussed above with respect to the blank 10, the normalized aspect ratio of the bottom panel 11 and the top panel 14 of the sleeve 35 are equal to about 0.95 and 1.05. Stated differently, the normalized aspect ratios of the bottom panel 11 and the top panel 14 are substantially equal. Further, the percentage variation between the area ratios of the bottom panel 11 and top panel 14 are greater than 0 percent and less than about 2 percent. That is, the percentage variation between the area ratios of the bottom panel 11 and the top panel 14 are not equal to 1.

In like fashion with respect to the blank 10, the bottom panel 11 and top panel 14 of the sleeve 35 are preferably rectangular. The rectangular shape of these panels, in conjunction with the substantially trapezoidal shape of the rear panel 12, front panel 13, and first and second pair of opposing side panels 36, 37, ensures the substantially rectangular shape of the sleeve 35. The bottom and top panels 11, 14 of the preferred embodiment of the sleeve 35 likewise include substantially rounded corners.

Nevertheless, it will be understood that the rear panel 12, front panel 13, first side panel 36, and second side panel 37 are not limited to a trapezoidal shape and may be triangular or rectangular in shape. It will also be understood that the bottom panel 11 and top panel 14 are not limited to a rectangular shape and may be trapezoidal in shape.

At least one nesting tab 21 of the sleeve 35 is defined by a free edge of the front panel 13 and a free edge of one of the side panels 36, 37 (see FIG. 1). The free edges of each side panel 36, 37 that form the nesting tab 21 are preferably adjacent to one another. The nesting tab 21 of the sleeve 35 facilitates the corresponding engagement of a plurality of similar stackable sleeves when the sleeves are stacked one on top of another. The nesting tab 21 extends above the top panel 14 of the sleeve 35 such that a top portion of one of the sleeves 42 correspondingly engages a bottom portion of another sleeve 35 when the bottom panel 11 of one sleeve 35 is positioned against the top panel 14 of another sleeve 42 (see FIGS. 1 and 5).

A preferred embodiment of the sleeve 35 includes a first nesting tab 21 and a second nesting tab 41 positioned adjacent the top panel 14. Referring to FIG. 1, the first nesting tab 21 is defined by a free edge of the rear panel 12 and a free edge of one of the side panels 36, 37. The second nesting tab 41 is defined by a free edge of the front panel 13 and a free edge of one of the side panels 36, 37.

As depicted in FIG. 5, a first pair of opposing nesting tabs 43 and a second pair of opposing nesting tabs 44 are provided in a more preferred embodiment of the sleeve 35. The first pair of opposing nesting tabs 43 is defined by free edges 41 of the rear panel 12 and respective free edges of the first and second side panels 36, 37. The second pair of opposing nesting tabs 44 is positioned adjacent to the top panel 14. The second pair of opposing nesting tabs 44 is defined by free edges 21 of the front panel 13 and respective free edges of the side panels 20. The second pair of nesting tabs 44 are positioned adjacent the top panel 14 opposite the first pair of nesting tabs 43 (see FIG. 1 for example).

Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the sleeve 35 provides at least one nesting rim 38 positioned adjacent the bottom panel 11 of the sleeve 35. The nesting rims 38 are defined by a free edge of at least one of the first and second side panels 36, 37. The nesting rims 38 extend beneath the bottom panel 11 to facilitate the corresponding engagement of the plurality of similar stackable sleeves 35, 42 when the bottom panel 11 of one sleeve 35 is positioned against the top panel 14 of another sleeve 42.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the sleeve 42 may also include a pair of opposing nesting rims 39 defined by free edges of the first and second side panels 36, 37, wherein the nesting rims 39 are positioned adjacent to the bottom panel 11 (similar to the nesting rims 38 of sleeve 35 as illustrated in FIG. 1).

The remaining elements of the sleeve 35 are those embodied in the blank 10. For the sake of a complete and accurate description, those elements are described below.

The preferred embodiment of the sleeve 35 includes a tuck flap 22 connected to the top panel 14 opposite the front panel 13. The tuck flap 22, preferably rectangular, is releasably secured to at least a portion of the rear panel 12. The sleeve 35 further provides a pair of opposing dust flaps 23 connected to respective opposing edges of the first and second side panels 36, 37. The dust flaps 23 are preferably rectangular and positioned adjacent to the top panel 14.

A pair of opposing glue flaps 24 is connected to the bottom panel 11 of the sleeve 35 to secure the bottom panel to the first and second side panels 36, 37. A cut-out 25 for receiving at least a portion of the tuck flap 22 is provided in the sleeve 35. The cut-out 25 is defined by the edge of the rear panel 12 opposite the edge to which the bottom panel 11 is connected.

The rear panel 12 of the sleeve 35 further provides a cut-score 30 that is capable of forming an elongate opening 31. The elongate opening 31 is capable of receiving at least a portion of the tuck flap 22 of the sleeve 35. The cut-score 30 is positioned adjacent to the edge of the rear panel 12 opposite the edge to which the bottom panel 11 is connected.

The preferred embodiment of the rear panel 12 of the sleeve 35 further defines a glue release section 32 formed by a cut-score 33. The glue release section 32 of the sleeve 35 is preferably oval in shape. The glue release section 32 is positioned adjacent to the edge of the rear panel 12 opposite the edge to which the bottom panel 11 is connected (i.e., adjacent to the opening 31). The glue release section 32 secures the tuck flap 22 to the rear panel 12 of the sleeve 35 with, for example, an adhesive. As configured, an external portion of the blank 10 is separated from the rear panel 12 when the tuck flap 22 is separated from the rear panel and the sleeve 35 is opened (i.e., when the top panel 14 of the sleeve is raised).

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the top panel 14 is secured with adhesive at the glue release section 32. Upon opening the sleeve 35 and separation of the top panel 14 from the rear panel 12 as shown in FIG. 2, articles 18 are removed. Subsequently, the top panel 14 is closed and the tuck flap 22 is releasably secured into the elongated opening 31 for reuse, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typical embodiments on the invention and, although specific terms have been employed, they have been used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A packaging blank that is capable of forming a display sleeve, said blank comprising:

a bottom panel;

a substantially trapezoidal rear panel connected to said bottom panel;

a substantially trapezoidal front panel connected to said rear panel by said bottom panel;

a top panel connected to said bottom panel by said front panel;

a first pair of opposing side panels connected to said rear panel; and

a second pair of opposing side panels connected to said front panel;

wherein the normalized aspect ratio of said bottom panel and said top panel are equal to about 0.95 and 1.05; and

wherein the percentage variation between the area ratios of said bottom panel and said top panel are greater than 0 percent and less than about 2 percent.

2. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein a bottom portion of a first sleeve formed from one of said blanks correspondingly engages a top portion of a second sleeve formed from another of said blanks when said bottom panel of the first sleeve is positioned against said top panel of the second sleeve.

3. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said packaging blank consists essentially of a one-piece blank.

4. A packaging blank according to claim 3, wherein said one-piece blank has an external planar side and an internal planar side, said external planar side being finished.

5. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said bottom panel and said top panel have substantially rounded corners.

6. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein:

edges of said rear panel to which said first pair of opposing side panels are connected are substantially parallel; and

edges of said front panel to which said second pair of opposing side panels are connected are substantially parallel.

7. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said rear panel includes at least one fold line that extends from the edge of said rear panel to which said bottom panel is connected to the opposite edge of said rear panel.

8. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said front panel includes at least one fold line that extends from the edge of said front panel to which said bottom panel is connected to the edge of said front panel to which said top panel is connected.

9. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said rear panel and said front panel include a plurality of fold lines that facilitate the folding of said first and second pair of opposing side panels toward said rear panel and said front panel, respectively.

10. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said first pair of opposing side panels and said second pair of opposing side panels are substantially rectangular.

11. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said first pair of opposing side panels and said second pair of opposing side panels are substantially trapezoidal.

12. A packaging blank according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one nesting tab defined by adjacent free edges of said front panel and said second pair of opposing side panels, respectively;

wherein said nesting tab is positioned opposite the edge of said front panel to which said bottom panel is connected whereby a first sleeve formed from one of said blanks nests against a second sleeve formed from another of said blanks when said bottom panel of the first sleeve is positioned against said top panel of the second sleeve.

13. A packaging blank according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first nesting tab defined by adjacent free edges of said rear panel and said first pair of opposing side panels, said first nesting tab positioned opposite the edge of said rear panel to which said bottom panel is connected; and

a second nesting tab defined by adjacent free edges of said front panel and said second pair of opposing side panels, said second tab positioned opposite the edge of said front panel to which said bottom panel is connected.

14. A packaging blank according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first pair of opposing nesting tabs defined by adjacent free edges of said rear panel and said first pair of opposing side panels, said first pair of opposing nesting tabs positioned opposite the edge of said rear panel to which said bottom panel is connected; and

a second pair of opposing nesting tabs defined by adjacent free edges of said front panel and said second pair of opposing side panels, said second pair of opposing nesting tabs positioned opposite the edge of said front panel to which said bottom panel is connected.

15. A one-piece packaging blank that is capable of forming a display sleeve, said blank comprising:

a substantially rectangular bottom panel having rounded corners;

a substantially trapezoidal rear panel connected to said bottom panel;

a substantially trapezoidal front panel connected to said bottom panel opposite said rear panel;

a substantially rectangular top panel having rounded corners, said top panel connected to said front panel opposite said bottom panel;

a first pair of opposing side panels connected to said rear panel, said first pair of opposing side panels being substantially trapezoidal;

a second pair of opposing side panels connected to said front panel, said second pair of opposing side panels being substantially trapezoidal;

a first pair of opposing nesting tabs defined by adjacent free edges of said rear panel and said first pair of opposing side panels, said first pair of opposing nesting tabs positioned opposite the edge of said rear panel to which said bottom panel is connected;

a second pair of opposing nesting tabs defined by adjacent free edges of said front panel and said second pair of opposing side panels, said second pair of opposing nesting tabs positioned opposite the edge of said front panel to which said bottom panel is connected;

a substantially rectangular tuck flap connected to said top panel opposite said front panel; and

a pair of substantially rectangular dust flaps connected to said second pair of opposing side panels, said dust flaps connected to edges of said second pair of opposing side panels adjacent to the edge of said front panel to which said top panel is connected.

16. A one-piece packaging blank according to claim 15, wherein a plurality of sleeves formed from a plurality of said blanks correspondingly engage one another when the sleeves are stacked one on top of another.

17. A one-piece packaging blank according to claim 15, wherein the edge of said rear panel opposite the edge to which said bottom panel is connected defines a cut-out, said cut-out positioned to receive at least a portion of said tuck flap when said blank is formed into the sleeve.

18. A one-piece packaging blank according to claim 15, wherein said rear panel includes a cut-score capable of forming an opening, said cut-score positioned adjacent to the edge of said rear panel opposite the edge to which said bottom panel is connected.

19. A one-piece packaging blank according to claim 18, wherein said opening formed from said cut-score is capable of receiving at least a portion of said tuck flap when said blank is formed into the sleeve.

20. A stackable sleeve that is capable of correspondingly engaging other similar stackable sleeves, said sleeve comprising:

a bottom panel;

first and second side panels secured to respective opposing edges of said bottom panel, said first and second side panels defining substantially parallel planes;

a rear panel connected to said bottom panel and to respective opposing edges of said first and second side panels;

a front panel connected to said bottom panel and to respective opposing edges of said first and second side panels, said front panel and said rear panel defining substantially parallel planes; and

a top panel connected to said front panel opposite said bottom panel and releasably secured to said rear panel;

wherein the normalized aspect ratio of said bottom panel and said top panel are equal to about 0.95 and 1.05;

wherein the percentage variation between the area ratios of said bottom panel and said top panel are greater than 0 percent and less than about 2 percent.

21. A stackable sleeve according to claim 20, wherein said stackable sleeve consists essentially of a one-piece flexible blank.

22. A stackable sleeve according to claim 20, wherein said sleeve is comprised of paperboard.

23. A stackable sleeve according to claim 20, further comprising:

at least one nesting tab defined by a free edge of said front panel and a free edge of one of said side panels, said free edges adjacent to one another;

wherein said nesting tab facilitates the corresponding engagement of a plurality of similar stackable sleeves when said sleeves are stacked one on top of another.

24. A stackable sleeve according to claim 23, wherein said nesting tab extends above said top panel such that a bottom portion of one of said plurality of sleeves correspondingly engages a top portion of another of said plurality of sleeves when said bottom panel of one of said sleeves is positioned against said top panel of another of said sleeves.

25. A stackable sleeve according to claim 20, further comprising:

a first nesting tab defined by a free edge of said rear panel and a free edge of one of said side panels, said first nesting tab positioned adjacent to said top panel; and

a second nesting tab defined by a free edge of said front panel and a free edge of one of said side panels, said second tab positioned adjacent said top panel;

wherein said first and second nesting tabs facilitate the corresponding engagement of a plurality of similar stackable sleeves when said sleeves are stacked one on top of another.

26. A stackable sleeve according to claim 25, wherein said first and second nesting tabs extend above said top panel such that a bottom portion of one of said plurality of sleeves correspondingly engages a top portion of another of said plurality of sleeves when said bottom panel of one of said sleeves is positioned against said top panel of another of said sleeves.

27. A stackable sleeve according to claim 20, further comprising:

a first pair of opposing nesting tabs defined by free edges of said rear panel and respective free edges of said first and second side panels, said first pair of nesting tabs positioned adjacent to said top panel; and

a second pair of opposing nesting tabs defined by free edges of said front panel and respective free edges of said first and second side panels, said second pair of nesting tabs positioned adjacent said top panel opposite said first pair of nesting tabs.

28. A stackable sleeve according to claim 20, further comprising at least one nesting rim defined by a free edge of at least one of said first and second side panels, said nesting rim positioned adjacent to said bottom panel.

29. A stackable sleeve according to claim 28, wherein said nesting rim extends beneath said bottom panel such that said nesting rim facilitates the corresponding engagement of said plurality of similar stackable sleeves when said bottom panel of one of said sleeves is positioned against said top panel of another of said sleeves.

30. A stackable sleeve according to claim 20, further comprising a pair of opposing nesting rims defined by free edges of said first and second side panels, said nesting rims positioned adjacent to said bottom panel.

31. A one-piece stackable sleeve that is capable of correspondingly engaging other similar stackable sleeves, said sleeve comprising:

a substantially rectangular bottom panel having rounded corners;

first and second substantially trapezoidal side panels secured to respective opposing edges of said bottom panel, said first and second side panels defining substantially parallel planes;

a substantially trapezoidal rear panel connected to said bottom panel and to respective opposing edges of said first and second side panels;

a substantially trapezoidal front panel connected to said bottom panel and to respective opposing edges of said first and second side panels, said front panel and said rear panel defining substantially parallel planes;

a substantially rectangular top panel connected to said front panel and releasably secured to said rear panel, said top panel having substantially rounded corners, said top panel and said bottom panel defining substantially parallel planes;

a first pair of opposing nesting tabs defined by free edges of said rear panel and respective free edges of said first and second side panels, said first pair of nesting tabs positioned adjacent to said top panel;

a second pair of opposing nesting tabs defined by free edges of said front panel and respective free edges of said first and second side panels, said second pair of nesting tabs positioned adjacent said top panel opposite said first pair of nesting tabs;

a pair of opposing nesting rims defined by free edges of said first and second side panels, said nesting rims positioned adjacent to said bottom panel;

a substantially rectangular tuck flap connected to said top panel opposite said front panel; and

a pair of substantially rectangular dust flaps connected to opposing edges of said first and second side panels, respectively, said dust flaps positioned adjacent to said top panel.

32. A one-piece stackable sleeve according to claim 31, wherein a plurality of similar sleeves correspondingly engage one another when said sleeves are stacked one on top of another.

33. A one-piece stackable sleeve according to claim 31, wherein the edge of said rear panel opposite the edge to which said bottom panel is connected defines a cut-out, said cut-out positioned to receive at least a portion of said tuck flap.

34. A one-piece stackable sleeve according to claim 31, wherein said rear panel includes a cut-score capable of forming an opening, said cut-score positioned adjacent to the edge of said rear panel opposite the edge to which said bottom panel is connected.

35. A one-piece stackable sleeve according to claim 34, wherein said opening formed from said cut-score is capable of receiving at least a portion of said tuck flap.