BLANK AND CONTAINER HAVING AN INTEGRAL RECLOSEABLE POUR SPOUT

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging blank and container having an integral reclosable pour spout which provides enhanced seals, and promotes accurate placement of the pour spout during construction. The blank provides a pour spout assembly having a skewed fold line that facilitate folding operations and promotes accurate positioning of the pour spout, a detachable access tab that promotes sealing and provides tamper evidence, and a novel pour spout assembly that promotes directional and controlled pouring of articles. The invention further relates to a container formed from the blank.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a packaging blank with features which enhance the seal of a container having a directional pour spout formed from the blank at an edge of a side panel, while improving the ease with which the pour spout is opened and closed. The invention further includes features which improve manufacturing efficiencies. The blank further improves accuracy of placement of the pour spout assembly during folding operations to thereby improve manufacturing quality.

The invention further relates to a container formed from the blank having a rear panel and a side panel, wherein a pour spout assembly enhances sealing between the rear panel and side panel to thereby prevent sifting and infestation. Still further, the blank and container minimize scrap sheet material (i.e., sheet scrap) while enhancing efficiencies during the opening and closing of the pour spout.

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 containers.

Today, the initial construction of packaging blanks into containers is managed in the facilities of the blank manufacturer. For example, the blanks are formed from sheets and then the blanks are separated. Next at least one flap (e.g., a glue flap) is secured to at least one panel of the blank during a folding and gluing step. The steps accomplished form a substantially flat container that is capable of being formed into a substantially rectangular container. The flat, partially-constructed container is preferred for shipping purposes (i.e., space saving efficiencies for transportation). The subsequent insertion of articles to be packaged in the container and sealing of the container is typically managed in the facilities of the article manufacturer.

Manufacturers employ a variety of automated equipment that is capable of folding and gluing the blank to form an open-ended container, inserting articles into the container, sealing the container, and then shipping the container by various means of transportation. For example, manufacturers use in-line processes for accomplishing the steps of folding, gluing, inserting, sealing, and shipping as described above. For the sake of economic efficiencies, manufacturers prefer the use of paperboard blanks during automated processes. Thus, there is a need for providing a packaging blank that is capable of being formed into a container in automated processes (e.g., in-line processes).

The rising popularity of blanks capable of forming containers having integral pour spouts has created a problem for manufacturers. These types of containers are most suitable for packaging foodstuffs such as cereals, baby formula, and other granular type products. Known containers having reclosable pour spouts encounter problems with sealing. As noted, containers having pour spouts are most suitable for packaging foodstuffs such as cereals and other granular type products. Known containers fail to provide a sift-proof seal, thus permitting the articles (e.g., dry baby cereal) in the container to spill out of the container at the sealed ends. Further, infestation plagues many known containers during storage. Thus, there is a need for a container having a reclosable pour spout that provides superior sealing characteristics.

Moreover, conventional blanks capable of forming containers having integral pour spouts often fail to provide directional pouring, i.e., controlled product flow. Thus, there is a need for a container having a reclosable pour spout that provides directional pouring of articles.

Known containers having reclosable pour spouts are typically formed from paperboard blanks and additional mediums such as plastic or metal. Specifically, the paperboard blanks form the container structure and plastic, for example, forms the pour spout. Unfortunately, the requirement of mediums other than paperboard increases the costs of production for manufacturers. Stated differently, manufacturers must purchase additional material to form the pour spout instead of relying on paperboard. Thus, there is a need for a blank formed solely of, for example, paperboard that is capable of forming a container having an integral pour spout.

Known blanks capable of forming a container having an integral pour spout formed solely from paperboard typically include pour spout assembly panels integral with the blank. An attractive option for forming containers having integral pour spouts includes providing blanks that include pour spout assemblies connected to one edge of the blank. Unfortunately, multiple folding operations are required to construct these containers. Further, the addition of the pour spout assembly requires that manufacturers fold multiple layers of sheet material upon one another, resulting in bulges at critical joints in the resulting container. Specifically, the pour spout assembly is folded such that multiple layers of paperboard are formed at the intersection of, for example, the manufacturer's glue joint and a side panel.

When constructing containers from known blanks having a pour spout assembly, the sheet material connecting the pour spout assembly to the blank is folded against itself when securing a side panel to a front or rear panel with a glue flap to form a manufacturer's glue joint. The layering of sheet material increases the amount of force acting on the glue joint which could lead to rupture and unintended dispersal of the contents of the container (i.e., broken seal). The stacking or layering of the sheet material may further result in bulging that disrupts the in-line processing of the blank into the container. For example, non-flat or non-planar blanks may be discharged or unintentionally removed from a conveyor or work station by one or more of the machinery elements (e.g., suction arms) performing folding or gluing operations. Thus there is a need for a blank capable of forming a container that minimizes layers of sheet material at critical joints.

Moreover, blanks having integral pour spout assembly panels require multiple complicated folding operations which oftentimes result in inaccurate placement of the pour spout assembly panel. In other words, the pour spout assembly, and specifically the spout body interior panel may not correspond to a spout body intermediate panel or a spout body reinforcing panel in a side panel of the blank. Thus, there is a need for a blank that promotes accurate placement of the pour spout components on the blank proper.

The incorporation of extension panels having pour spout assemblies into a blank creates numerous problems for manufacturers that incorporate in-line processes. The modification of existing equipment is time consuming and expensive. Existing in-line processes incorporate machines that are capable of forming sheets defining a number of blanks, breaking the sheets into the blanks, and folding the paperboard blanks to form the container. Thus, there is a further need for a packaging blank capable of forming a container having an integral pour spout, wherein the blank is capable of being used on existing in-line equipment. Stated differently, there is a need for a paperboard blank having an integral spout that is “machine blind.”

Advantageously, the present invention provides a blank capable of forming a container having an integral reclosable pour spout formed of paperboard, and a container formed from the blank that improves sealing operations, increases the economies of manufacturing (i.e., non-disruptive folding and gluing operations), minimizes rupture, and prolongs structural integrity of the pour spout.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention is a blank comprising a front panel having first and second side panels connected to opposite edges of the front panel, a spout body reinforcing panel and a detachable access tab defined by the first side panel (the pour spout reinforcing panel defining at least one retention tab), a rear panel connected to the front panel by the second side panel, a glue flap connected to an edge of the rear panel opposite the edge to which the second side panel is connected, and a pour spout assembly panel connected to the rear panel by the glue flap. As configured, the blank is capable of being folded such that portions of the pour spout assembly panel correspond with the spout body reinforcing panel to form a reclosable pour spout upon construction of a container.

The blank further provides an outer top closure panel, an inner top closure panel, an outer bottom closure panel, an inner bottom closure panel, a first top closure flap, a second top closure flap, a first bottom closure flap, and a second bottom closure flap.

The pour spout assembly panel comprises a spout connection panel connected to and extending from the glue flap, a spout body interior panel connected to and extending from the spout connection panel, and first and second spout side panels extending laterally from opposite edges of the spout body interior panel. The first and second spout side panels each define at least one retention tab.

The lower edge of the second spout side panel is arcuate-shaped and extends below a lower edge of the first spout side panel and the spout body interior panel. This configuration facilitates directional pouring of articles contained within the container formed from the packaging blank.

The blank also includes a spout body intermediate panel connected to the rear panel and positioned substantially above the glue flap. The spout body intermediate panel defines at least one retention tab that corresponds with the retention tab of the spout body reinforcing panel upon construction of the packaging blank into the container. The configuration facilitates the opening and closing of the pour spout.

The blank also includes a glue tab connected to the rear panel. The glue tab defines at least one channel and at least one retention tab for guiding the movement of the pour spout, and for facilitating the opening and secure closing of the pour spout.

The packaging blank also includes an outer top closure panel, an inner top closure panel, an outer bottom closure panel, an inner bottom closure panel, a first inner top closure flap, a second inner top closure flap, a first inner bottom closure flap, and a second inner bottom closure flap.

The invention also provides a reclosable container having a directional integral pour spout. The container includes a bottom panel and first and second side panels secured to opposite edges of the bottom panel. The first side panel defines a spout body reinforcing panel and a detachable access tab. The container further includes a front panel and a rear panel.

Still further the container includes a top closure panel, a top closure flap, and a pour spout assembly. The pour spout assembly is positioned at an edge of the first side panel and the rear panel. The pour spout assembly has at least one retention tab for securing the pour spout assembly against the first side panel.

The bottom panel includes an outer bottom closure panel, an inner bottom closure panel, a first inner bottom closure flap, and a second inner bottom closure flap. The top panel includes an outer top closure panel, an inner top closure panel, a first inner top closure flap, and a second inner top closure flap.

The pour spout assembly includes a spout connection panel, a spout body intermediate panel, a spout body interior panel, and first and second spout side panels extending laterally from opposite edges of the spout body interior panel. A lower edge of the second spout side panel is arcuate-shaped and extends below a lower edge of the first spout side panel and the spout body interior panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the blank of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which multiple embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in 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. Further, like numbers with the prime notation refer to like or similar elements of the structure.

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 containers. The term “unitary sheet” refers to material having a broad, continuous surface so connected that it is possible to pass from any one point of the surface to any other point without leaving the surface. Sheet may also refer to separate pieces of, for example, paperboard used to form blanks.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the term “container” as used herein refers to various embodiments of the present structure for retaining a variety articles as formed from the various embodiments of the blank described below.

The term “panel” used in conjunction with the blank and container of the present invention refers to the major component part of a blank or container, and defines the major partition elements of the blank or container. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that panels include edges defined as the line of intersection of two surfaces or a border. A “free edge” of a panel refers to an edge that does not intersect with another surface or panel.

The term “flap” refers to a secondary blank or container element that is typically hinge-connected along a free edge of a panel or another flap. It will be understood that the term “tab” refers to a tertiary element of the blank or container that is generally hinged to a portion of a free edge of a panel or flap, or struck from within the plane of a panel or flap.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms “top panel” and “bottom panel” may also refer to “bottom panel” and “top panel” dependent upon the perspective of the individual viewing the apparatus. It will also be appreciated that the term “top” implies the opposite of “bottom.”

With reference to the orientation of the blank in FIG. 1, it will be understood that the terms “internal surface” and “external surface” may be referred to as “inside surface” and “outside surface.” Stated differently, the term internal surface implies the surface of the container closest to the interior of the container. Thus, it will be understood that the term external surface implies the side of the container opposite the internal surface (i.e., the side farthest from the interior of the container). 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).

Further, 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 or container structure, respectively.

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 be understood by those skilled in the art that the term “score” refers to a crease along which the adjacent components or portions of a component of the blank are folded without cracking or breaking to form a container. It will be understood that the term “cut-score” and “reverse 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. 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.

It will be further understood that the term “score line” or “fold line” refers to a crease along which the adjacent components of a blank are folded without cracking or breaking to form a container. The term “secured” may refer to adhered with adhesive (e.g., glue) or bonded with heat.

As used in conjunction with a score, cut-score, reverse cut-score, perforations, score line, or fold line, the term “skew” or “skewed” refers to one of the above that is slanted or oblique with respect to a vertical axis of the blank. Stated differently, the term refers to a score, cut-score, reverse cut-score, perforations, score line, or fold line that is neither perpendicular nor parallel to another line or plane in the blank.

The term “substantially rectangular” is meant to succinctly describe a simple geometric shape approximating a rectangle. It will also be understood that the term “substantially rectangular” and “substantially trapezoidal” is meant to succinctly describe a simple geometric shape approximating a rectangle and trapezoid, respectively. Similarly, the term “substantially polygonal” is meant to describe a simple geometric shape approximating a closed plane figure bounded by straight lines.

The term “substantially parallel” is meant to describe the spatial relationship between, for example, one panel and another 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., cereal, grain, consumables, 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 an embodiment of a blank 10 capable of forming a container 11 having a reclosable pour spout 12 of the invention is set forth at 10 in the top plan view of FIG. 1. In one aspect, the invention is a blank 10 comprising a substantially rectangular front panel 13 having first and second side panels 14, 15 connected to opposite edges of the front panel 13, a spout body reinforcing panel 16 and a detachable access tab 17 defined by the first side panel 14 (wherein the pour spout reinforcing panel defines at least one retention tab 18), a substantially rectangular rear panel 20 connected to the front panel 13 by the second side panel 15, a glue flap 21 connected to an edge of the rear panel 20 opposite the edge to which the second side panel 15 is connected, and a pour spout assembly panel 22 connected to the rear panel 20 by the glue flap 21. As configured, the blank 10 is capable of being folded such that portions of the pour spout assembly panel 22 correspond with the spout body reinforcing panel 16 to form a reclosable pour spout upon construction of a container 11. Accordingly, portions of the pour spout assembly panel 22 accurately position and secure the pour spout within an interior of the container 11 and substantially adjacent to an edge of the first side panel 14.

The blank 10 further provides an outer top closure panel 27 connected to an upper edge of the front panel 13, an inner top closure panel 28 connected to an upper edge of the rear panel 20, an outer bottom closure panel 29 connected to a lower edge of the front panel 13, an inner bottom closure panel 30 connected to a lower edge of the rear panel 20, a first top closure flap 31 connected to an upper edge of the first side panel 14, a second top closure flap 32 connected to an upper edge of the second side panel 15, a first bottom closure flap 33 connected to a lower edge of the first side panel 14, and a second bottom closure flap 34 connected to a lower edge of the second side panel 15.

The packaging blank 10 consists essentially of a one-piece blank, wherein the one-piece blank has an external planar side and an internal planar side. For advertising and promotional considerations, the external planar side is preferably finished (i.e., includes printed material or related identifying indicia). In one embodiment, the packaging blank 10 is formed of paperboard.

The pour spout assembly panel 22 comprises a spout connection panel 39 connected to and extending from the glue flap 21, a spout body interior panel 40 connected to and extending from the spout connection panel 39, and first and second spout side panels 41, 42 extending laterally from opposite edges of the spout body interior panel 40. The first and second spout side panels each define at least one retention tab 43. The retention tabs 18, 43 of the spout body reinforcing panel 16 and the first and second spout side panels correspond with one another upon construction of the packaging blank 10 into the container 11 to facilitate the opening and closing of the pour spout 12.

The lower edge of the second spout side panel 42 is arcuate-shaped and extends below a lower edge of the first spout side panel 41 and the spout body interior panel 40. This configuration facilitates directional pouring of articles contained within the container 11 formed from the packaging blank 10.

The blank 10 also includes a spout body intermediate panel 47 connected to the rear panel 20 and positioned substantially above the glue flap 21. The spout body intermediate panel defines at least one retention tab 48 that corresponds with the retention tab 18 of the spout body reinforcing panel 16 upon construction of the packaging blank 10 into the container 11. The configuration facilitates the opening and closing of the pour spout 12. Upon construction of the container 11, the retention tabs 18, 48 prevent the pour spout from advancing beyond the plane of the first side panel 14 without sufficient force applied by a user to open the pour spout 12. This feature prevents unintended dispensing of articles from within the container 11.

The blank 10 also includes a glue tab 49 connected to the rear panel 20 and positioned substantially above the spout body intermediate panel 47. The glue tab 49 defines at least one channel 50 and at least one retention tab 51 for guiding the movement of the pour spout 12, and for facilitating the opening and secure closing of the pour spout 12.

The pour spout assembly panel 22 includes at least one score line 52 that is skewed relative to a vertical axis of the blank 10. The skewed score line facilitates the folding and gluing of the blank 10 and also facilitates the accurate positioning of the pour spout within an interior of the container 11 upon construction. The packaging blank 10 may also include score lines, cut-scores, reverse cut-scores, and perforations that facilitate the formation of the container 11.

The packaging blank 10 also includes an outer top closure panel 27 connected to an upper edge of the front panel 13, an inner top closure panel 28 connected to an upper edge of the rear panel 20, an outer bottom closure panel 29 connected to a lower edge of the front panel 13, an inner bottom closure panel 30 connected to a lower edge of the rear panel 20, a first inner top closure flap 31 connected to an upper edge of the first side panel 14, a second inner top closure flap 32 connected to an upper edge of the second side panel 15, a first inner bottom closure flap 33 connected to a lower edge of the first side panel 14, and a second inner bottom closure flap 34 connected to a lower edge of the second side panel 15.

In one embodiment, portions of the first inner top closure flap 31, the second inner top closure flap 32, the first inner bottom closure flap 33, the second inner bottom closure flap 34, the inner top closure panel 28, and the inner bottom closure panel 30 include glue assist perforations formed in the respective flaps and panels.

The invention also provides a reclosable container 11 having a directional integral pour spout. The container 11 includes at least one substantially rectangular bottom panel 113, and substantially rectangular first and second side panels 114, 115 secured to opposite edges of the bottom panel. The first and second side panels 114, 115 define substantially parallel planes, and the first side panel 114 defines a spout body reinforcing panel 116 and a detachable access tab 117. The container 11 further includes a substantially rectangular front panel 118 connected to the bottom panel 113 and to respective edges of the first and second side panels 114, 115, a substantially rectangular rear panel 120 secured to the bottom panel and to respective edges of the first and second side panels. The front and rear panels 118, 120 define substantially parallel planes.

Still further the container 11 includes at least one substantially rectangular top closure panel 123 secured to respective edges of the front and rear panels, at least one top closure flap 124 connected to a top edge of the first side panel, and a pour spout assembly 125 secured to the first side panel. The pour spout assembly 125 is positioned at an edge of the first side panel 114 and the rear panel 120. The pour spout assembly has at least one retention tab 126 for securing the pour spout assembly against the first side panel. As configured, the pour spout assembly 125 is opened upon removal of the detachable access tab 117 and closed upon securing the retention tab 126 against the first side panel 114.

The bottom panel 113 includes an outer bottom closure panel 127 connected to a lower edge of the front panel 118, an inner bottom closure panel 128 connected to a lower edge of the rear panel 120, a first inner bottom closure flap 129 connected to the first side panel 114, and a second inner bottom closure flap 130 connected to the second side panel 115.

The top panel 123 includes an outer top closure panel 134 connected to an upper edge of the front panel 118, an inner top closure panel 135 connected to an upper edge of the rear panel 120, a first inner top closure flap 136 connected to the first side panel 114, and a second inner top closure flap 137 connected to the second side panel 115.

The pour spout assembly 22 includes a spout connection panel 140 secured to the first side panel 114, a spout body intermediate panel 141 secured to the spout body reinforcing panel 116, a spout body interior panel 142 secured to the spout body intermediate panel 141 and connected to the spout body connection panel 140, and first and second spout side panels 143, 144 extending laterally from opposite edges of the spout body interior panel 142. The first and second spout side panels 143, 144 each define at least one retention tab 45. Accordingly, the retention tabs of the spout body reinforcing panel, and the first and second spout side panels correspond with one another to facilitate the opening and closing of the pour spout.

A lower edge of the second spout side panel 144 is arcuate-shaped and extends below a lower edge of the first spout side panel and the spout body interior panel. This configuration facilitates directional pouring of articles contained within the container 11. The second spout side panel 144 extends to an intermediate portion of the spout body reinforcing panel 116.

The first spout side panel 143 extends substantially parallel to the rear panel 120 and the second spout side panel 144 extends at an angle of between about 35 and 50 degrees relative to the first spout side panel when the spout is opened to provide directional and controlled pouring of articles in the container 11.

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 capable of forming a container comprising:

a substantially rectangular front panel having first and second side panels connected to opposite edges of said front panel;

a spout body reinforcing panel and a detachable access tab defined by said first side panel, said pour spout reinforcing panel defining at least one retention tab;

a substantially rectangular rear panel connected to said front panel by said second side panel;

a glue flap connected to an edge of said rear panel opposite the edge to which said second side panel is connected; and

a pour spout assembly panel connected to said rear panel by said glue flap;

wherein said blank is capable of being folded such that portions of said pour spout assembly panel correspond with said spout body reinforcing panel to form a reclosable pour spout upon construction of a container such that portions of said pour spout assembly panel accurately position and secure said pour spout within an interior of the container and substantially adjacent to an edge of said first side panel.

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

3. A packaging blank according to claim 2, wherein said one-piece blank has an external planar side and an internal planar side, said external planar side being finished.

4. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said packaging blank comprises paperboard.

5. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said pour spout assembly panel comprises:

a spout connection panel connected to and extending from said glue flap;

a spout body interior panel connected to and extending from said spout connection panel; and

first and second spout side panels extending laterally from opposite edges of said spout body interior panel, said first and second spout side panels each defining at least one retention tab;

wherein said retention tabs of said spout body reinforcing panel and said first and second spout side panels correspond with one another upon construction of said packaging blank into the container to facilitate the opening and closing of the pour spout.

6. A packaging blank according to claim 5, wherein a lower edge of said second spout side panel is arcuate-shaped and extends below a lower edge of said first spout side panel and said spout body interior panel to facilitate directional pouring of articles contained within the container formed from said packaging blank.

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

a spout body intermediate panel connected to said rear panel and positioned substantially above said glue flap, said spout body intermediate panel defining at least one retention tab that corresponds with said retention tab of said spout body reinforcing panel upon construction of said packaging blank into the container to facilitate the opening and closing of the pour spout; and

a glue tab connected to said rear panel and positioned substantially above said spout body intermediate panel.

8. A packaging blank according to claim 7, wherein said glue tab defines at least one channel and at least one retention tab for guiding the movement of the pour spout, and for facilitating the opening and secure closing of the pour spout of the container formed from said blank, respectively.

9. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said pour spout assembly panel includes at least one score line that is skewed relative to a vertical axis of said blank, said skewed score line facilitating the folding and gluing of the blank and further facilitating the accurate positioning of the pour spout within an interior of the container upon construction.

10. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said packaging blank includes score lines, cut-scores, reverse cut-scores, and perforations that facilitate the formation of the container having the reclosable pour spout.

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

an outer top closure panel connected to an upper edge of said front panel;

an inner top closure panel connected to an upper edge of said rear panel;

an outer bottom closure panel connected to a lower edge of said front panel;

an inner bottom closure panel connected to a lower edge of said rear panel;

a first inner top closure flap connected to an upper edge of said first side panel;

a second inner top closure flap connected to an upper edge of said second side panel;

a first inner bottom closure flap connected to a lower edge of said first side panel; and

a second inner bottom closure flap connected to a lower edge of said second side panel.

12. A packaging blank according to claim 11, wherein portions of said first inner top closure flap, said second inner top closure flap, said first inner bottom closure flap, said second inner bottom closure flap, said inner top closure panel, and said inner bottom closure panel include glue assist perforations formed in the respective flaps and panels.

13. A reclosable container having a directional integral pour spout comprising:

at least one substantially rectangular bottom panel;

substantially rectangular first and second side panels secured to opposite edges of said bottom panel, said first and second side panels defining substantially parallel planes, said first side panel defining a spout body reinforcing panel and a detachable access tab;

a substantially rectangular front panel connected to said bottom panel and to respective edges of said first and second side panels;

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

at least one substantially rectangular top panel secured to respective edges of said front and rear panels;

at least one top closure flap connected to a top edge of said first side panel; and

a pour spout assembly secured to said first side panel and positioned at an edge of said first side panel and said rear panel, said pour spout assembly having at least one retention tab for securing said pour spout assembly against said first side panel;

wherein said pour spout assembly is opened upon removal of said detachable access tab and closed upon securing said at least one retention tab against said first side panel.

14. A reclosable container according to claim 13 wherein said at least one bottom panel includes:

an outer bottom closure panel connected to a lower edge of said front panel;

an inner bottom closure panel connected to a lower edge of said rear panel;

a first inner bottom closure flap connected to said first side panel; and

a second inner bottom closure flap connected to said second side panel.

15. A reclosable container according to claim 13 wherein said at least one top closure panel includes:

an outer top closure panel connected to an upper edge of said front panel;

an inner top closure panel connected to an upper edge of said rear panel;

a first inner top closure flap connected to said first side panel; and

a second inner top closure flap connected to said second side panel.

16. A reclosable container according to claim 13, wherein said pour spout assembly comprises:

a spout connection panel secured to said first side panel;

a spout body intermediate panel secured to said spout body reinforcing panel;

a spout body interior panel secured to said spout body intermediate panel and connected to said spout body connection panel; and

first and second spout side panels extending laterally from opposite edges of said spout body interior panel, said first and second spout side panels each defining at least one retention tab;

wherein said retention tabs of said spout body reinforcing panel, and said first and second spout side panels correspond with one another to facilitate the opening and closing of the pour spout.

17. A reclosable container according to claim 16, wherein a lower edge of said second spout side panel is arcuate-shaped and extends below a lower edge of said first spout side panel and said spout body interior panel to facilitate directional pouring of articles contained within the container.

18. A reclosable container according to claim 16, wherein said first spout side panel extends substantially parallel to said rear panel and said second spout side panel extends at an angle of between about 35 and 50 degrees relative to said first spout side panel upon opening said spout to thereby provide directional and controlled pouring of articles in the container.

19. A reclosable container according to claim 18, wherein said second spout side panel extends to an intermediate portion of said spout body reinforcing panel.