CONTAINER FOR PRODUCT

Abstract

A container for packaging at least one product is provided. The container comprises a front wall defining a first foot region at a lower end thereof, a rear wall, a bottom wall connected to the rear wall, and a second foot region foldably connected to the bottom wall. The front wall, the rear wall, and the bottom wall at least partially define a receptacle therebetween. The at least one product is at least partially received within the receptacle. The first foot region and the second foot region are attached to each other to form a foot that extends downwardly from the bottom wall away from the receptacle, such that upon seating the foot and the bottom wall on an external planar surface, the container is inclined obliquely to the external planar surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container, and more particularly to a container for packaging at least one product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers for packaging a product are well known in the art. Generally, the containers comprise a cardboard card attached to a plastic blister into which the product is placed.

The plastic blister may reduce a viewability of the product packaged in the containers. Moreover, such containers are generally designed to be hanged and may not be suitable for displaying the product packaged therein on shelves of retail stores.

There remains a need to provide a container for packaging at least one product which improves the viewability of the product packaged therein, restrains the at least one product from movement, and is cost effective, easy to manufacture, and environmentally friendly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Container of the present disclosure provide facilitated viewing of the article to consumers. Additionally, containers of the present disclosure can be sustainably sourced and may be recycled. In one example, a container for packaging at least one product, the container comprises: a front portion comprising a front wall defining a first foot region at a lower end thereof; a rear portion comprising a rear wall, a bottom wall connected to the rear wall; and a second foot region foldably connected to the bottom wall; wherein the front wall, the rear wall, and the bottom wall at least partially define a receptacle therebetween, the at least one product being at least partially received within the receptacle; and wherein the first foot region and the second foot region are attached to each other to form a foot that extends downwardly from the bottom wall away from the receptacle, such that upon seating the foot and the bottom wall on a horizontal planar surface, the container is inclined obliquely to the horizontal surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a container for packaging at least one product according to the invention;

FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of the container of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a front view of the container of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1D is a rear view of the container of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1E is a side view of the container of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1F is a side perspective view of the container of FIG. 1B with the at least one product packaged therein;

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of a container for packaging at least one product according to the invention;

FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of the container of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a front view of the container of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2D is a rear view of the container of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2E is a side view of the container of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2F is a side perspective view of the container of FIG. 2B with a plurality of products packaged therein;

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of a container for packaging at least one product according to the invention;

FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the container of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a front view of the container of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3D is a rear view of the container of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3E is a side view of the container of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3F is a side perspective view of the container of FIG. 3B with a plurality of products packaged therein;

FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of a container for packaging at least one product according to the invention;

FIG. 4B is a front view of the container of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a rear view of the container of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a plan view of a first foldable blank according to the invention;

FIG. 5B is a plan view of a second foldable blank according to the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate exemplary steps for forming the container of FIG. 4A with the first and second foldable blanks of FIGS. 14A and 14B, respectively;

FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of a container for packaging at least one product according to the invention;

FIG. 7B is a front view of the container of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a rear view of the container of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a plan view of a first foldable blank according to the invention;

FIG. 8B is a plan view of a second foldable blank according to the invention;

FIG. 9A is a side perspective view of a container for packaging at least one product according to the invention;

FIG. 9B is a front view of the container of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a rear view of the container of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a plan view of a first foldable blank according to the invention; and

FIG. 10B is a plan view of a second foldable blank according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a container for packaging at least one product. The container may be designed for packaging a plurality of products. In other words, the container may be utilized for packaging one or more products.

The container comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion comprises a front wall defining a first foot region at a lower end thereof. The rear portion comprises a rear wall, a bottom wall connected to the rear wall, and a second foot region foldably connected to the bottom wall. The front wall, the rear wall, and the bottom wall at least partially define a receptacle therebetween. The at least one product is at least partially received within the receptacle.

A portion of the at least one product may additionally be disposed outboard of the front wall via a front cutout in the front wall. The front cutout can allow the consumer to visualize the actual product as opposed to a rendering of the product on the container. The utilization of the front cutout can save on the amount of material utilized for the container as well as the amount of colorant utilized in the container to create depictions of the product. That said, there is a balance that should be achieved. While allowing the consumer to easily visualize the product within the container is beneficial, where too much of the product is exposed, this could facilitate theft of the product from the package. That said, the inventors have found that 50 percent or greater; 70 percent or greater, 80 percent or greater or 90 percent or greater of a face of the product within the container may be visible through the front cutout, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. For example, the front cutout may allow for visualization of from between about 50 percent to about 98 percent; from about 60 percent to about 97 percent; from about 70 percent to about 96 percent or from about 80 percent to about 96 percent of a face of the product within the container, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.

The rear wall may similarly comprise one or more rear cutouts which expose a portion of the at least one product received in the receptacle. Each of the one or more rear cutouts may comprise a smaller surface area than the front cutout. Also, the one or more rear cutouts may collectively comprise a surface area which is less than that of the front cutout. For those configurations comprising more than one rear cutout, the rear cutouts may be arranged such that they are side-by-side or one above another.

The first foot region and the second foot region are attached to each other to form a foot that extends downwardly from the bottom wall away from the receptacle, such that upon seating the foot and the bottom wall on a horizontal surface (e.g. a shelf of a retail store), the container is inclined obliquely to the horizontal surface.

In other words, the foot may allow the container to lean slightly backward upon being seated on the horizontal surface, making the front wall of the container and the at least one product packaged therein more viewable. Therefore, the container may improve a viewability of the at least one product packaged therein. The front wall and/or the rear wall may define one or more apertures extending therethrough, such that the container may be alternatively hung. The foot may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall. Alternatively, the foot may be obliquely inclined with respect to the bottom wall. The foot may be designed based on a desired inclination angle of the container with respect to the horizontal surface.

The inclination of the container may allow a consumer to more easily view the front wall of the container particularly when the container is positioned below eye level of the consumer. It is worth noting though that when positioned at eye level a different level of inclination may be desirable. In other words, if the degree of inclination (from the horizontal surface) is too great to accommodate locations of the container below eye level, the same package when at eye level may be substantially less appealing. Further complication is the fact that these containers may occupy different shelves, i.e. be at different heights, in different retail establishments. An angle of inclination of the front wall of the containers of the present disclosure relative to the horizontal surface may be between about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, from about 65 to about 85, from about 75 to about 82 or from about 77 to 79 degrees, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. In some examples, the angle of inclination may be about 78 degrees.

It is worth noting that the front wall may comprise a planar surface or may comprise portions which are non-planar with one another. For example, a front parallel portion (see item 118 of FIG. 1A, 1B, 1E, 2A, 2B, 2E, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 6D, 7A, 7B, 8A, 9A, 9B and 10A) of the front wall may comprise the foot while a front inclined portion (see item 116 of FIG. FIG. 1A, 1B, 1E, 2A, 2B, 2E, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 6D, 7A, 7B, 8A, 9A, 9B and 10A) comprises an upper edge. The front parallel portion may lie in a first plane and the front inclined portion may lie in a second plane which is disposed at an angle with the first plane. In such configurations, the above angles may be regarding the front parallel portion. However, in order to facilitate the visual experience of the consumer, the angle of the second plane with respect to the first plane may be from about 150 degrees to about 210 degrees, from about 160 degrees to about 200 degrees, or from about 170 degrees to about 190 degrees, specifically reciting all values within these ranges or any ranges created thereby.

The bottom wall may protect the at least one product from direct contact with a surface, such as the horizontal surface, in case the container is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container may secure the at least one product packaged therein and restrain the at least one product from movement. Therefore, the container may prevent damage to the at least one product during shipping and/or handling of the at least one product and may further prevent theft of the at least one product from the container. Thus, the container may be suitable for shipping the at least one product to retail stores and for displaying the at least one product to consumers in the retail stores.

Regarding the prevention of theft, as noted previously, a portion of the at least one product may be disposed outboard of the front wall. The portion of the at least one product disposed outboard of the front wall can be beneficial to consumers as they can much more easily see the product disposed within the container. To reduce the likelihood of theft, the front wall may comprise a barrier which covers at least a portion of the at least one product. For example, the barrier may cover a top portion of the at least one product. As yet another example, the barrier may cover a bottom portion of the at least one product. As yet another example, the barrier may be disposed about a periphery of the at least one product and cover a substantial portion thereof. Regardless of the location of the barrier, it is beneficial to have a substantial portion of the at least one product still viewable by the consumer.

The first foot region may be substantially coextensive in area with the second foot region. In other words, the first foot region may substantially overlap with the second foot region upon being attached thereto. Alternatively, the first foot region may be greater in length and width than the second foot region or vice versa. Similarly, the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the second foot region may be substantially coextensive with each other in length.

The container may further comprise a collar received at least partially within the receptacle. The collar may comprise a front portion at least partially engaging with the front wall, a rear portion at least partially engaging with the rear wall, a support portion disposed between and foldably connected to the front portion and the rear portion, and a collar foot portion extending from the front portion opposite to the support portion and at least partially secured between the first foot region and the second foot region. The collar may define at least one collar cutout extending therethrough. The support portion of the collar may comprise at least two support arms extending between the front wall and the rear wall, and at least partially defining the at least one collar cutout therebetween. The at least one product may be received through the at least one collar cutout, such that the at least two support arms of the support portion engage with the at least one product.

The collar may further restrain the at least one product packaged in the container. Specifically, the at least two support arms of the support portion may engage with the at least one product to restrain the at least one product packaged in the container from movement in a vertical direction. The collar may further increase stability of the at least one product packaged in the container. Therefore, the container comprising the collar may provide improved theft prevention, and further reduce damage that may be caused during shipping and/or handling of the at least one product.

The collar foot portion may comprise a plurality of rectangular segments extending from the front portion and spaced apart from each other. The plurality of rectangular segments may provide sufficient area for securement between the first foot region and the second foot region while reducing an amount of material required to manufacture the collar.

The container may further comprise a first side wall connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, and a second side wall disposed opposite to the first side wall and connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall. Each of the first side wall and the second side wall may be disposed between the front wall and the rear wall, such that the receptacle is defined between the first and second side walls. The at least one product may be at least partially received between the first side wall and the second side wall. Each of the first and second side walls may extend substantially perpendicular to the rear wall and bottom wall.

The container may further comprise a first side connecting portion connected to the first side wall and a second side connecting portion connected to the second side wall. Each of the first and second side connecting portions may be spaced apart from the rear wall and attached to the front wall. The container may further comprise a top wall disposed opposite to the bottom wall and connected to the rear wall, the first side wall and the second side wall, and a top connecting portion foldably connected to the top wall. The top connecting portion may be attached to the front wall.

The front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the top wall may substantially enclose the at least one product packaged in the container, thereby securing the at least one product in the receptacle defined between the first and second side walls.

As noted previously, the front wall may comprise at least one front cutout extending therethrough. The at least one front cutout may at least partially receive the at least one product therein. Furthermore, the rear wall may define at least one rear cutout extending therethrough and at least partially aligned with the at least one front cutout. The front wall may further comprise at least one partially circular portion extending into the at least one front cutout.

The at least one front cutout may improve viewability of the at least one product packaged in the container. The at least one partially circular portion may be used to advertise one or more features of the at least one product. For example, the at least one circular portion may be used for advertising a fragrance of the at least one product using a scratch and sniff technology.

As noted previously, the front wall may comprise the front inclined portion. The front inclined portion may be spaced apart from the bottom wall and inclined towards the rear wall. Furthermore, the rear wall may comprise a rear inclined portion spaced apart from the bottom wall inclined towards the front wall, such that the front wall and the rear wall are at least partially engaged with and attached to each other. The front wall may further comprise the front parallel portion extending from the first foot region to the front inclined portion. The rear wall may at least be partially parallel to the front parallel portion.

The front region and rear region may be unitary. For example, the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the second foot region may form a single unitary component, such that the second foot region is foldably connected to the lower end of the front wall. Additionally, each of the first side wall, second side wall, bottom wall and top wall may be foldably connected to the rear wall. Also, the first side connecting portion and the second side connecting portion may be foldably connected to the first and second side walls, respectively. In contrast, the front portion and rear portion may be comprised by discrete components. For example, the front portion may comprise a first material and the rear portion may comprise a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are discrete.

Regardless of whether a single unitary component or multiple discrete components are utilized, containers of the present disclosure may be made of carton board. In some examples, the carton board may have a thickness of about 0.3 millimeters (mm) to about 0.7 mm, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. In some examples, the carton board may have a thickness of about 0.5588 mm or 22 points or mils. Therefore, the container may be made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic (e.g., any plastic blister). For example, a plastic content of the container may be less than about 5% by weight of the container, less than about 3% by weight of the container or less about 1% by weight of the container, specifically reciting all values within these ranges or any ranges created thereby. In such constructions, the containers of the present disclosure may be recycled through paper/cardboard/carton board recycling streams.

In some configurations, the containers of the present disclosure may comprise a thin plastic film, e.g. polyethylene. During sealing of the container, the plastic film may be utilized via heat sealing to adhere parts of the container together. The film may be plastic or comprise polymeric materials. In one example, the film may comprise a polyolefin, e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, or combinations thereof.

Alternatively or in conjunction therewith, adhesives may be utilized which easily dissolve or are dispersible in paper recycling streams. For example, adhesives which can dissolve in water during the recycling process may be particularly suitable for the package seals of the present disclosure. Such adhesives include starch-based adhesives, polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesives, and polyethylene oxide-based adhesives. One suitable example of a starch-based adhesive is available from LD Davis located in Monroe, N.C., under the trade name AP0420CR.

One suitable example of a polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesive is available from Sekisui Chemical Company, located in Osaka, Japan, under the trade name Selvol 205. One suitable example of a polyethylene oxide-based adhesive is available from Dow Chemicals Co. located in Midland, Michigan, under the trade name WSR N-80.

If the adhesive is not water-soluble, then water-dispersible adhesives may similarly be utilized. Suitable examples of water dispersible adhesives include thermoplastic elastomer-based adhesives and polyvinyl acetate-based adhesives. One suitable example of a thermoplastic elastomer-based adhesive is available from Actega located in Blue Ash, Ohio, under the trade name Yunico 491. One suitable example of a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive is available from Bostik located in Milwaukee, Wis., under the trade name Aquagrip 4419U01.

Any suitable pressure sensitive adhesives may be utilized as well. One suitable example of a pressure sensitive adhesives includes sold by Formulated Polymer Products Ltd. Located in Bury, Lancashire, England, and sold under the trade name FP2154. As one specific example, the access seal may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that containers of the present disclosure which utilize adhesives dissolvable in water may comprise higher weight percentages of such adhesives than adhesives which are only water dispersible. For example, containers comprising water dissolvable adhesives may comprise a first weight percentage of adhesive while packages comprising water dispersible adhesives may comprise a second weight percentage of adhesive. It is believed that the first weight percentage may be greater than the second weight percentage for the purposes of recycling the package material.

In the following description, the at least one product may be a consumer product including, but not limited to, an air-freshening refill/cartridge for a dispenser, air-freshening dispensers, single-use air-freshener products, or combinations thereof.

FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively show an exploded perspective view and a side perspective view of a container 100 for packaging at least one product according to the invention. As shown, the container 100 comprises a front portion 10 and a rear portion 20. The front portion 10 comprises a front wall 110 comprising an upper end 110a and a lower end 110b opposite to the upper end 110a. The rear portion 20 comprises a rear wall 120 and a bottom wall 130 connected to the rear wall 120. The rear portion 20 may further comprise a first side wall 150 connected to the rear wall 120 and the bottom wall 130, and a second side wall 160 disposed opposite to the first side wall 150 and connected to the rear wall 120 and the bottom wall 130. Each of the first and second side walls 150, 160 may extend substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 120 and bottom wall 130. The rear portion 20 may further comprise a top wall 140 disposed opposite to the bottom wall 130 and connected to the rear wall 120, the first side wall 150, and the second side wall 160. Furthermore, the rear portion 20 may comprise a top connecting portion 142 foldably connected to the top wall 140, a first side connecting portion 152 connected to the first side wall 150, and a second side connecting portion 162 connected to the second side wall 160.

The front wall 110 may define an aperture 119 extending therethrough. The aperture 119 may be defined proximal to the upper end 110a of the front wall 110. The front wall 110 may further define at least one front cutout 112 extending therethrough. Moreover, the rear wall 120 may define at least one rear cutout 122 extending therethrough and at least partially aligned with the at least one front cutout 112. The front wall 110 may further comprise at least one partially circular portion 114 extending into the at least one front cutout 112.

The front wall 110 defines a first foot region 115 at the lower end 110b thereof. In other words, the first foot region 115 is defined at the lower end 110b of the front wall 110. The first foot region 115 is demarcated by a dashed line in FIG. 1A. The container 100 further comprises a second foot region 135 foldably connected to the bottom wall 130. The second foot region 135 may extend downwardly from the bottom wall 130 and may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 130.

Further, the front wall 110 may comprise a front inclined portion 116 spaced apart from the bottom wall 130 and inclined towards the rear wall 120. The front wall 110 may further comprise a front parallel portion 118 extending from the first foot region 115 to the front inclined portion 116. The rear wall 120 may be at least partially parallel to the front parallel portion 118.

As shown, the second foot region 135 may comprise a first end 135A and a second end 135B. The top connecting portion 142 may similarly comprise a first end 142A and a second end 142B. And, the first side connecting portion 152 may comprise a top end 152A and a bottom end 152B. Similarly, the second side connecting portion 162A may comprise a top end 162A and a bottom end 162B. As depicted, the first end 135A and the second end 135B are generally perpendicular to a horizontal plane.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the top connecting portion 142 may be attached to the front wall 110. Each of the first and second side connecting portions 152, 162 may be spaced apart from the rear wall 120 and may be attached to the front wall 110. Further, the first foot region 115 and the second foot region 135 are attached to each other. The first foot region 115 and the second foot region 135 may be directly or indirectly attached to each other. The top connecting portion 142 and the first and the first and second side connecting portions 152, 162 may be attached to the front wall 110, and the first foot region 115 and the second foot region 135 may be attached to each other by any suitable attachment means, such as adhesives.

The front wall 110, the rear wall 120, and the bottom wall 130 at least partially define a receptacle 175 therebetween. The front wall 110, the rear wall 120, and the bottom wall 130 may have suitable dimensions, such that the receptacle 175 may be configured to at least partially receive the at least one product therein. Moreover, each of the first side wall 150 and the second side wall 160 may be disposed between the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120, such that the receptacle 175 is additionally defined between the first and second side walls 150, 160. Therefore, the at least one product at least partially received within the receptacle 175 may be disposed between the first and second side walls 150, 160.

Furthermore, the first foot region 115 and the second foot region 135 are attached to each other to form a foot 170 that extends downwardly from the bottom wall 130 away from the receptacle 175. The foot 170 may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 130. Alternatively, the foot 170 may be inclined obliquely to the bottom wall 130.

FIGS. 1C and 1D respectively show a front view and a rear view of the container 100. The first foot region 115 has a first length 115L1 and a first width 115W1. Moreover, the second foot region 135 has a second length 135L1 and a second width 135W1. In some examples, the first length 115L1 may be greater than the second length 135L1, and the first width 115W1 may be greater than the second width 135W1. In other words, the first foot region 115 may be greater in length and width than the second foot region 135. Alternatively, the first length 115L1 may be substantially equal to the second length 135L1, and the first width 115W1 may be substantially equal to the second width 135W1. In other words, the first foot region 115 may be substantially equal in length and width to the second foot region 135.

FIG. 1E shows a side view of the container 100 seated on a horizontal surface 50. The foot 170 extends downwardly from the bottom wall 130 away from the receptacle 175 (shown in FIG. 1B), such that upon seating the foot 170 and the bottom wall 130 on the horizontal surface 50, the container 100 is inclined obliquely to the horizontal surface 50. The container 100 may form a first angle α1 that is oblique with respect to the horizontal surface 50 upon being seated thereon. In some examples, the first angle α1 (angle of inclination) may be from about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, from about 65 to about 85, from about 75 to about 82 or even from about 77 to 79 degrees, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. In some examples, the first angle α1 may be about 78 degrees.

FIG. 1F shows a perspective view of the container 100 with at least one product 10a packaged therein. The at least one product 10a is at least partially received within the receptacle 175. The at least one product 10a may be interchangeably referred to as “the first product 10a”.

The foot 170 may allow the container 100 to be inclined obliquely to any planar surface, such as shelves of retail stores, thereby making the front wall 110 of the container 100 and the at least one product 10a more viewable by a consumer. In other words, the container 100 may lean backward when placed on any planar surface due to the foot 170, thereby improving a viewability of the at least one product 10a through the at least one front cutout 112. Alternatively, the aperture 119 may be utilized to hang the container 100 to display the at least one product 10a.

The at least one product 10a may be at least partially received between the first side wall 150 and the second side wall 160. In other words, the at least one product 10a may be at least partially received within the receptacle 175 between the first side wall 150 and the second side wall 160. In some examples, the at least one front cutout 112 may at least partially receive the at least one product 10a therein.

The bottom wall 130 of the container 100 may protect the at least one product 10a from direct contact with a surface, such as the horizontal surface 50 (shown in FIG. 1E), in case the container 100 is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container 100 may secure the at least one product 10a packaged therein and restrain the at least one product 10a from movement. Therefore, the container 100 may prevent damage to the at least one product 10a during shipping and/or handling of the at least one product 10a and may further prevent theft of the at least one product 10a from the container 100. Thus, the container 100 may be suitable for shipping the at least one product 10a to retail stores and for displaying the at least one product 10a to consumers in the retail stores.

Furthermore, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may be utilized for advertising one or more features of the at least one product 10a. In some examples, a scratch and sniff technology may be used to advertise a fragrance of the at least one product 10a. Specifically, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may comprise a fragrant coating disposed thereon. Alternatively, a sticker comprising the fragrant coating may be disposed on the at least one partially circular portion 114. The fragrant coating may correspond to the fragrance of the at least one product 10a, thereby allowing the fragrance of the at least one product 10a to be smelled by a consumer.

Moreover, the container 100 may be wholly made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic. The container 100 may be environmentally friendly and may promote environmental sustainability.

FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a container 200 for packaging at least one product according to the invention. The container 200 is similar to the container 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with like elements designated by like reference characters. However, the container 200 has a different design than that of the container 100 and is suitable for packaging a plurality of products.

Specifically, the at least one front cutout 112 of the container 200 may comprise a first front cutout 112a and a second front cutout 112b spaced apart from the first front cutout 112a. The first front cutout 112a may be spaced apart and separated from the second front cutout 112b by a first front divider wall 113a extending therebetween. The at least one partially circular portion 114 of the container 200 may extend into each of the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b. Alternatively, the first and second front cutouts 112a, 112b may have respective partially circular portions (not shown) extending thereinto.

Furthermore, the at least one rear cutout 122 of the container 200 may comprise a first rear cutout 122a and a second rear cutout 122b spaced apart from the first rear cutout 122a. The first rear cutout 122a may be spaced apart and separated from the second rear cutout 122b by a first rear divider wall 123a extending therebetween. The first rear cutout 122a and second rear cutout 122b may be at least partially aligned with the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b, respectively. It is worth noting that one or more additional rear cutouts may be present below the first rear cutout 122a and the second rear cutout 122b. Moreover, the first front divider wall 113a may be at least partially aligned with the first rear divider wall 123a.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the front wall 110, the rear wall 120, and the bottom wall 130 at least partially define the receptacle 175 therebetween, such that the receptacle 175 may at least partially receive the plurality of products therein. Specifically, the receptacle 175 of the container 200 may at least partially receive two of the plurality of products therein.

FIGS. 2C and 2D respectively show a front view and a rear view of the container 200. The first foot region 115 of the container 200 has a first length 115L2 and a first width 115W2. Moreover, the second foot region 135 of the container 200 has a second length 135L2 and a second width 135W2. In some examples, the first length 115L2 may be greater than the second length 135L2, and the first width 115W2 may be greater than the second width 135W2. In other words, in some examples, the first foot region 115 may be greater in length and width than the second foot region 135. Alternatively, the first length 115L2 may be equal to the second length 135L2, and the first width 115W2 may be equal to the second width 135W2. In other words, the first foot region 115 may be substantially equal in length and width to the second foot region 135.

FIG. 2E shows a side view of the container 200 seated on the horizontal surface 50. The foot 170 of the container 200 extends downwardly from the bottom wall 130 away from the receptacle 175 (shown in FIG. 5B), such that upon seating the foot 170 and the bottom wall 130 on the horizontal surface 50, the container 200 is inclined obliquely to the horizontal surface 50. The container 200 may form a second angle α2 that is oblique with respect to the external planar surface 50 upon being seated thereon. In some examples, the second angle α2 (angle of inclination) may be from about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, from about 65 to about 85, from about 75 to about 82 or from about 77 to 79 degrees, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. In some examples, the first angle α1 may be about 78 degrees.

FIG. 2F shows a perspective view of the container 200 with a plurality of products, namely, the first product 10a and a second product 10b, packaged therein. The first product 10a and the second product 10b may be at least partially received within the receptacle 175.

The foot 170 may allow the container 200 to be inclined obliquely to any planar surface, such as shelves of retail stores, thereby making the front wall 110 of the container 200 and the first and second products 10a, 10b more viewable. In other words, the container 200 may lean backward when placed on any planar surface due to the foot 170, thereby improving a viewability of the first and second products 10a, 10b through the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b, respectively. Alternatively, the aperture 119 may be utilized to hang the container 200 to display the first and second products 10a, 10b.

The first product 10a and the second product 10b may be at least partially received between the first side wall 150 and the second side wall 160. In other words, the first product 10a and the second product 10b may be at least partially received within the receptacle 175 between the first side wall 150 and the second side wall 160. The first front cutout 112a may at least partially receive the first product 10a therein, and the second front cutout 112b may at least partially receive the second product 10b therein.

The bottom wall 130 of the container 200 may protect the first and second products 10a, 10b from direct contact with a surface, such as the horizontal surface 50 (shown in FIG. 2E), in case the container 200 is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container 200 may secure the first and second products 10a, 10b packaged therein and restrain the first and second products 10a, 10b from movement. Therefore, the container 200 may prevent damage to the first and second products 10a, 10b during shipping and/or handling of the first and second products 10a, 10b, and may further prevent theft of the first and second products 10a, 10b from the container 200. Thus, the container 200 may be suitable for shipping the first and second products 10a, 10b to retail stores and for displaying the first and second products 10a, 10b to consumers in the retail stores.

Furthermore, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may be utilized for advertising one or more features of the first product 10a and the second product 10b. In some examples, a scratch and sniff technology may be used to advertise fragrances of the first product 10a and the second product 10b. Specifically, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may comprise a fragrant coating disposed thereon. Alternatively, a sticker comprising the fragrant coating may be disposed on the at least one partially circular portion 114. In some cases, when each of the first and second products 10a, 10b have a same fragrance, the fragrant coating may correspond to the same fragrance of the first and second products 10a, 10b, thereby allowing the same fragrance of the first and second products 10a, 10b to be smelled by the consumer. In some other cases, when the first product 10a and the second product 10b have different fragrances, the container 200 may comprise two partially circular portions (not shown) extending into the respective first and second front cutouts 112a, 112b. The two partially circular portions may comprise different fragrant coatings disposed thereon corresponding to the different fragrances of the first and second products 10a, 10b, thereby allowing the different fragrances of the first and second products 10a, 10b to be smelled by the consumer.

Moreover, the container 200 may be wholly made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic. The container 200 may be environmentally friendly and may promote environmental sustainability.

FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively show an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a container 300 for packaging at least one product according to the invention. The container 300 is similar to the container 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with like elements designated by like reference characters. However, the container 300 has a different design than that of the container 100 and is suitable for packaging a plurality of products.

Specifically, the at least one front cutout 112 of the container 300 may comprise the first front cutout 112a, the second front cutout 112b, and a third front cutout 112c spaced apart from each of the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b. The first and second front cutouts 112a, 112b may be separated by the first front divider wall 113a. The third front cutout 112c may be spaced apart and separated from the second front cutout 112b by a second front divider wall 113b extending therebetween. The at least one partially circular portion 114 may extend into the second front cutout 112b. Alternatively, the first, second, and third front cutouts 112a, 112b, 112c may have respective partially circular portions (not shown) extending thereinto.

Furthermore, the at least one rear cutout 122 of the container 300 may comprise the first rear cutout 122a, the second rear cutout 122b, and a third rear cutout 122c spaced apart from each of the first rear cutout 122a and the second rear cutout 122b. The first and second rear cutouts 122a, 122b may be separated by the first rear divider wall 123a. The third rear cutout 122c may be spaced apart and separated from the second rear cutout 122b by a second rear divider wall 123b extending therebetween. The first rear cutout 122a, the second rear cutout 122b, and the third rear cutout 122c may be at least partially aligned with the first front cutout 112a, the second front cutout 112b, and the third front cutout 112c, respectively. Moreover, the first front divider wall 113a may be at least partially aligned with the first rear divider wall 123a, and the second front divider wall 113b may be at least partially aligned with the second rear divider wall 123b.

It is worth noting that additional rear cutouts may be provided. For example, an additional rear cutout may be provided below the first rear cutout 122a, below the second rear cutout 122b and/or the third rear cutout 122c.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the front wall 110, the rear wall 120, and the bottom wall 130 at least partially define the receptacle 175 therebetween, such that the receptacle 175 may at least partially receive the plurality of products therein. Specifically, the receptacle 175 of the container 300 may at least partially receive three of the plurality of products therein.

FIGS. 3C and 3D respectively show a front view and a rear view of the container 300. The first foot region 115 of the container 300 has a first length 115L3 and a first width 115W3. Moreover, the second foot region 135 of the container 300 has a second length 135L3 and a second width 135W3. In some examples, the first length 115L3 may be greater than the second length 135L3, and the first width 115W3 may be greater than the second width 135W3. In other words, in some examples, the first foot region 115 may be greater in length and width than the second foot region 135. Alternatively, the first length 115L3 may be equal to the second length 135L3, and the first width 115W3 may be equal to the second width 135W3. In other words, the first foot region 115 may alternatively be substantially equal in length and width to the second foot region 135.

FIG. 3E shows a side view the container 300 seated on the horizontal planar surface 50.

The foot 170 of the container 300 extends downwardly from the bottom wall 130 away from the receptacle 175 (shown in FIG. 3B), such that upon seating the foot 170 and the bottom wall 130 on the external planar surface 50, the container 300 is inclined obliquely to the horizontal planar surface 50. The container 300 may form a third angle α3 that is oblique with respect to the external planar surface 50 upon being seated thereon. In some examples, the third angle α3 (angle of inclination) may be from about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, from about 65 to about 85, from about 75 to about 82 or from about 77 to 79 degrees, specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. In some examples, the first angle α1 may be about 78 degrees.

FIG. 3F shows a perspective view of the container 300 with a plurality of products, namely, the first product 10a, the second product 10b, and a third product 10c, packaged therein. The first product 10a, the second product 10b, and the third product 10c may be at least partially received within the receptacle 175.

The foot 170 may allow the container 300 to be inclined obliquely to any planar surface, such as shelves of retail stores, thereby making the front wall 110 of the container 300 and the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c more viewable. In other words, the container 300 may lean backward when placed on any planar surface due to the foot 170, thereby improving a viewability of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c through the first, second, and third front cutouts 112a, 112b, 112c, respectively. Alternatively, the aperture 119 may be utilized to hang the container 300 to display the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c.

The first product 10a, the second product 10b, and the third product 10c may be at least partially received between the first side wall 150 and the second side wall 160. In other words, the first product 10a, the second product 10b, and the third product 10c may be at least partially received within the receptacle 175 between the first side wall 150 and the second side wall 160. In some examples, the first front cutout 112a may at least partially receive the first product 10a therein, the second front cutout 112b may at least partially receive the second product 10b therein, and the third front cutout 112c may at least partially receive the third product 10c therein. The bottom wall 130 of the container 300 may protect the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c from direct contact with a surface, such as the horizontal planar surface 50 (shown in FIG. 3E), in case the container 300 is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container 300 may secure the first and second products 10a, 10b packaged therein and restrain the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c from movement. Therefore, the container 300 may prevent damage to the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c during shipping and/or handling of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c, and may further prevent theft of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c from the container 300. Thus, the container 300 may be suitable for shipping the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c to retail stores and for displaying the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c to consumers in the retail stores.

Furthermore, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may be utilized for advertising one or more features of the first product 10a, the second product 10b, and the third product 10c. In some examples, a scratch and sniff technology may be used to advertise fragrances of the first product 10a, the second product 10b, and the third product 10c. Specifically, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may comprise a fragrant coating disposed thereon. Alternatively, a sticker comprising the fragrant coating may be disposed on the at least one partially circular portion 114. In some cases, when each of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c have a same fragrance, the fragrant coating may correspond to the same fragrance of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c, thereby allowing the same fragrance of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c to be smelled by the consumer. In some other cases, when the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c have different fragrances, the container 300 may comprise three partially circular portions (not shown) extending into the respective first, second, and third front cutouts 112a, 112b, 112c. The three partially circular portions may comprise different fragrant coatings disposed thereon corresponding to the different fragrances of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c thereby allowing the different fragrances of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c to be smelled by the consumer.

Moreover, the container 300 may be wholly made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic. The container 300 may be environmentally friendly and may promote environmental sustainability.

FIG. 4A shows a side perspective view of a container 400 for packaging at least one product according to the invention. The container 400 is similar to the container 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with like elements designated by like reference characters. However, the container 400 may comprise one or more additional elements and omit one or more elements, as compared to the container 100 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Further, FIG. 4B shows a front view of the container 400, and FIG. 4C shows a rear view of the container 400.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the container 400 comprises the front portion 10 and the rear portion 20. The front portion 10 comprises the front wall 110 defining the first foot region 115 at the lower end 110b thereof. The rear region 20 comprises the rear wall 120, the bottom wall 130 connected to the rear wall 120, and the second foot region 135 foldably connected to the bottom wall 130. The front wall 110, the rear wall 120, and the bottom wall 130 at least partially define the receptacle 175 therebetween.

The front wall 110 may comprise the front inclined portion 116 spaced apart from the bottom wall 130 and inclined towards the rear wall 120. The front wall 110 may further comprise the front parallel portion 118 extending from the first foot region 115 to the front inclined portion 116. Furthermore, the rear wall 120 may comprise a rear inclined portion 126 spaced apart from the bottom wall 130 and inclined towards the front wall 110, such that the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120 are at least partially engaged with and attached to each other. Further, the rear wall 120 may comprise a rear parallel portion 128 extending from the bottom wall 130 to the rear inclined portion 126. The front parallel portion 118 and the rear parallel portion 128 may be substantially parallel to each other.

Further, the front wall 110 may define the at least one front cutout 112 extending therethrough. The rear wall 120 may define the at least one rear cutout 122 extending therethrough and at least partially aligned with the at least one front cutout 112. The at least one front cutout 112 may at least partially receive the at least one product 10a therein. The at least one rear cutout 122 may at least partially receive the at least one product 10a therein. The at least one product 10a may partially extend out of the at least one front cutout 112 and the at least one rear cutout 122.

The at least one product 10a is at least partially received within the receptacle 175. The container 400 may further comprise a collar 180 received at least partially within the receptacle 175. The collar 180 may comprise a front portion 181 at least partially engaging with the front wall 110, a rear portion 182 at least partially engaging with the rear wall 120, and a support portion 183 disposed between and foldably connected to the front portion 181 and the rear portion 182. The collar 180 may further comprise a collar foot portion 185 extending from the front portion 181 opposite to the support portion 183 and at least partially secured between the first foot region 115 and the second foot region 135. In some cases, the collar foot portion 185 may be adhesively bonded to the first foot region 115 and/or the second foot region 135. The collar 180 may define at least one collar cutout 186 extending therethrough. The support portion 183 of the collar 180 may comprise at least two support arms 188 extending between the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120 and at least partially defining the at least one collar cutout 186 therebetween. The at least one product 10a may be received through the at least one collar cutout 186, such that the at least two support arms 188 of the support portion 183 may engage with the at least one product 10a. The collar foot portion 185 may comprise a plurality of rectangular segments 187 extending from the front portion 181 and spaced apart from each other. The plurality of rectangular segments 187 may provide sufficient area for securement between the first foot region 115 and the second foot region 135 while reducing an amount of material required to manufacture the collar 180. Alternatively, the collar foot portion 185 may be a single continuous segment.

Alternatively, in some examples, the front inclined portion 116 of the front wall 110 and the rear inclined portion 126 of the rear wall 120 of the container 400 may engage with the at least one product 10a, such that the collar 180 may be omitted from the container 400.

The first foot region 115 and the second foot region 135 are attached to each other to form the foot 170 that extends downwardly from the bottom wall 130 away from the receptacle 175, such that upon seating the foot 170 and the bottom wall on an external planar surface, the container 400 is inclined obliquely to the external planar surface. The first foot region 115 may be substantially coextensive in area with the second foot region 135.

The foot 170 may allow the container 400 to be inclined obliquely to any planar surface, such as shelves of retail stores, thereby making the front wall 110 of the container 400 and the at least one product 10a more viewable. In other words, the container 400 may lean backward when placed on any planar surface due to the foot 170, thereby improving a viewability of the at least one product 10a through the at least one front cutout 112. The front wall 110 of the container 400 may define the aperture 119, and the rear wall 120 may define an aperture 129 substantially aligned with the aperture 119 of the front wall 110. Therefore, the container 400 may alternatively be hanged to display the at least one product 10a packaged therein.

The bottom wall 130 of the container 400 may protect the at least one product 10a from direct contact with a surface in case the container 400 is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container 400 may secure the at least one product 10a packaged therein and restrain the at least one product 10a from movement. Specifically, the at least two support arms 188 of the collar 180 may engage with the at least one product 10a to secure and restrain the at least one product 10a in the container 400. Therefore, the container 400 may prevent damage to the at least one product 10a during shipping and/or handling of the at least one product 10a and may further prevent theft of the at least one product 10a from the container 400. Thus, the container 400 may be suitable for shipping the at least one product 10a to retail stores and for displaying the at least one product 10a to consumers in the retail stores.

Furthermore, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may be utilized for advertising one or more features of the at least one product 10a. In some examples, a scratch and sniff technology may be used to advertise the fragrance of the at least one product 10a. Specifically, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may comprise the fragrant coating disposed thereon. Alternatively, a sticker comprising the fragrant coating may be disposed on the at least one partially circular portion 114. The fragrant coating may correspond to the fragrance of the at least one product 10a, thereby allowing the fragrance of the at least one product 10a to be smelled by the consumer.

FIG. 5A shows a plan view of a first foldable blank 410 according to the invention. The first foldable blank 410 may be used to at least partially form the container 400 as shown in FIG. 4A. Further, FIG. 5B shows a plan view of a second foldable blank 430 according to the invention. The second foldable blank 430 may be used to form the collar 180 as shown in FIG. 4A.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 5A, the first foldable blank 410 may comprise the front wall 110, the rear wall 120, the bottom wall 130, and the second foot region 135. Accordingly, the front wall 110 of the first foldable blank 410 may define the at least one front cutout 112 and the rear wall 120 of the first foldable blank 410 may define the at least one rear cutout 122. Furthermore, the front wall 110 of the first foldable blank 410 may define the aperture 119, and the rear wall 120 of the first foldable blank 410 may define the aperture 129.

The first foldable blank 410 may further comprise a plurality of folding lines. The plurality of folding lines may be pre-defined based on dimensions and shape of the at least one product 10a. The plurality of folding lines may optionally comprise pre-made scores to facilitate folding of the first foldable blank 410 to form the container 400.

The first foldable blank 410 may comprise a first folding line 411, a second folding line 412, and a third folding line 413. The front inclined portion 116 of the front wall 110 may be defined between the first folding line 411 and the second folding line 412. Accordingly, the first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the first folding line 411 and the second folding line 412 to form the front inclined portion 116 of the front wall 110 of the container 400. Moreover, the front parallel portion 118 of the front wall 110 may be defined between the second folding line 412 and the third folding line 413. Accordingly, the first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the second folding line 412 and the third folding line 413 to form the front parallel portion 118 of the front wall 110 of the container 400.

The first foldable blank 410 may further comprise a fourth folding line 414 and a fifth folding line 415. The second foot region 135 may be defined between the third folding line 413 and the fourth folding line 414. Accordingly, the first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the third folding line 413 and the fourth folding line 414 to form the second foot region 135 of the container 400. Further, the bottom wall 130 may be defined between the fourth folding line 414 and the fifth folding line 415. Accordingly, the first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the fourth folding line 414 and the fifth folding line 415 to form the bottom wall 130 of the container 400.

The first foldable blank 410 may further comprise a sixth folding line 416 and a seventh folding line 417. The rear parallel portion 128 of the rear wall 120 may be defined between the fifth folding line 415 and the sixth folding line 416. Accordingly, the first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the fifth folding line 415 and the sixth folding line 416 to form the rear parallel portion 128 of the rear wall 120 of the container 400. Further, the rear inclined portion 126 of the rear wall 120 may be defined between the sixth folding line 416 and the seventh folding line 417. Accordingly, the first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the sixth folding line 416 and the seventh folding line 417 to form the rear inclined portion 126 of the rear wall 120 of the container 400.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the front wall 110, the rear wall 120, the bottom wall 130, and the second foot region 135 may be substantially coextensive with each other in length L1. The front wall 110, the rear wall 120, the bottom wall 130, and the second foot region 135 may form a single unitary component 420, such that the second foot region 135 is foldably connected to the lower end 110b of the front wall 110. The lower end 110b of the front wall 110 may be defined by the third folding line 413. In some examples, the single unitary component 420 may be made of carton board. As shown in FIG. 5A, the first foldable blank 410 may be the single unitary component 420 made of carton board. In some examples, the carton board may have a thickness of about 0.3 millimeters (mm) to about 0.7 mm. In some examples, the carton board may have a thickness of about 0.5588 mm or 22 points.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second foldable blank 430 may comprise the front portion 181, the rear portion 182, the support portion 183, and the collar foot portion 185. Further, the second foldable blank 430 may define the at least one collar cutout 186. The second foldable blank 430 may further comprise a plurality of folding lines. The plurality of folding lines may be pre-defined based on dimensions and shape of the at least one product 10a (shown in FIG. 13A). The plurality of folding lines may optionally comprise pre-made scores to facilitate folding of the second foldable blank 430 to form the collar 180.

The second foldable blank 430 may comprise a first folding line 431 and a second folding line 432. The rear portion 182 of may be defined adjacent to the first folding line 431 and the front portion 181 may be defined adjacent to the second folding line 432. The collar foot portion 185 may extend from the front portion 181, and the at least one collar cutout 186 may extend from the first folding line 431 toward the collar foot portion 185. The rectangular segments 187 of the collar foot portion 185 extend from an end of the front portion 181.

The support portion 183 may be defined between the first folding line 431 and the second folding line 432. Thus, the at least two support arms 188 of the support portion 183 may be defined between the first folding line 431 and the second folding line 432. Accordingly, the second foldable blank 430 may be folded about the first folding line 431 and the second folding line 432 to form the collar 180. Further, the at least two support arms 188 are disposed on opposing sides of the at least one collar cutout 186. The second foldable blank 430 may be made of carton board. In other words, the collar 180 may be made of carton board. Therefore, the container 400 (shown in FIG. 4A) may be wholly made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic. The container 400 may therefore be environmentally friendly and may promote environmental sustainability.

FIGS. 6A-6D show exemplary steps for forming the container 400 (shown in FIG. 4A) from the first and second foldable blanks 410, 430 (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) according to the invention. The exemplary steps will be described with additional reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6A, the second foldable blank 430 may be placed on the first foldable blank 410, such that the front portion 181 may at least partially engage with the front wall 110. Further, the second foldable blank 430 may be placed on the first foldable blank 410, such that the at least one collar cutout 186 may at least partially align with the at least one front cutout 112 of the front wall 110, and the collar foot portion 185 may at least partially align with the first foot region 115 of the front wall 110. The second foldable blank 430 may be folded about the first folding line 431 and the second folding line 432, such that the rear portion 182 may be spaced apart from the front portion 181 and the front wall 110.

Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6B, the first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the third folding line 413, the fourth folding line 414, and the fifth folding line 415, such that the collar foot portion 185 may be disposed between the first foot region 115 and the second foot region 135, and the bottom wall 130 may be formed. The collar foot portion 185, the first foot region 115, and the second foot region 135 may be attached to each other by any suitable attachment means, such as adhesives. In some cases, the front portion 181 may be optionally attached to the front wall 110.

Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6C, the at least one product 10a may be received through the at least one collar cutout 186, such that the at least two support arms 188 of the support portion 183 may engage with the at least one product 10a. The at least one product 10a may therefore be retrained between the front wall 110, the bottom wall 130, and the at least two support arms 188 of the support portion 183.

Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6D, the first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the fifth folding line 415, such that the rear parallel portion 128 of the rear wall 120 may be formed. The rear portion 182 may at least partially engage with the rear wall 120. Specifically, the rear portion 182 may at least partially engage with the rear parallel portion 128 of the rear wall 120. In some cases, the rear portion 182 of the collar 180 may optionally be attached to the rear wall 120.

The first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the second folding line 412, such that the front inclined portion 116 of the front wall 110 may be formed. The first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the sixth folding line 416, such that rear inclined portion 126 of the rear wall 120 may be formed. Further, the first foldable blank 410 may be folded about the first folding line 411 and the seventh folding line 417 such that the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120 may be attached to each other.

As shown in FIG. 6D, upon seating the foot 170 and the bottom wall 130 on the external planar surface 50, the container 400 is inclined obliquely to the external planar surface 50.

FIG. 7A shows a side perspective view of a container 500 for packaging at least one product according to the invention. The container 500 is similar to the container 400 of FIGS. 4A-4C, with like elements designated by like reference characters. However, the container 500 has a different design than that of the container 400 and is suitable for packaging a plurality of products. Further, FIG. 7B shows a front view of the container 500, and FIG. 7C shows a rear view of the container 500.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, the at least one front cutout 112 of the container 500 may comprise the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b spaced apart from the first front cutout 112a. The first front cutout 112a may be spaced apart and separated from the second front cutout 112b by the first front divider wall 113a extending therebetween. Furthermore, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may extend into each of the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b. However, in some other examples, the first and second front cutouts 112a, 112b may have respective partially circular portions (not shown) extending thereinto.

Further, the at least one rear cutout 122 of the container 500 may comprise the first rear cutout 122a and the second rear cutout 122b spaced apart from the first rear cutout 122a. The first rear cutout 122a may be spaced apart and separated from the second rear cutout 122b by the first rear divider wall 123a extending therebetween. The first rear cutout 122a and second rear cutout 122b may be at least partially aligned with the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b, respectively. Moreover, the first front divider wall 113a may be at least partially aligned with the first rear divider wall 123a.

The front wall 110, the rear wall 120, and the bottom wall 130 at least partially define the receptacle 175 therebetween, such that the receptacle 175 may at least partially receive the plurality of products therein. Specifically, the receptacle 175 of the container 500 may at least partially receive the first product 10a and the second product 10b therein.

The at least one collar cutout 186 of the collar 180 may comprise a first collar cutout 186a and a second collar cutout 186b spaced apart from the first collar cutout 186a. Further, the at least two support arms 188 extending between the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120 may comprise a first support arm 188a, a second support arm 188b, and a third support arm 188c. The first collar cutout 186a may be defined between the first support arm 188a and the second support arm 188b. Further, the second collar cutout 186b may be defined between the second support arm 188b and the third support arm 188c.

The foot 170 may allow the container 500 to be inclined obliquely to any planar surface, such as shelves of retail stores, thereby making the front wall 110 of the container 500 and the first and second products 10a, 10b more viewable. In other words, the container 500 may lean backward when placed on any planar surface due to the foot 170, thereby improving a viewability the first and second products 10a, 10b through the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b, respectively. Further, the front wall 110 of the container 500 may define the aperture 119, and the rear wall 120 may define the aperture 129 substantially aligned with the aperture 119. Therefore, the container 500 may alternatively be hanged to display the first and second products 10b, 10b packaged therein.

The bottom wall 130 of the container 500 may protect the first and second products 10b, 10b from direct contact with a surface in case the container 500 is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container 500 may secure the first and second products 10b, 10b packaged therein and restrain the first and second products 10b, 10b from movement. Specifically, the first and second support arms 188a, 188b of the collar 180 may engage with the first product 10a, and the second and third support arms 188b, 188c may engage with the second product 10b to secure and restrain the first and second products 10b, 10b in the container 500. Therefore, the container 500 may prevent damage to the first and second products 10b, 10b during shipping and/or handling of the first and second products 10b, 10b, and may further prevent theft of the first and second products 10b, 10b from the container 500. Thus, the container 500 may be suitable for shipping the first and second products 10b, 10b to retail stores and for displaying the first and second products 10b, 10b to consumers in the retail stores.

Furthermore, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may be utilized for advertising one or more features of the first product 10a and the second product 10b. In some examples, a scratch and sniff technology may be used to advertise fragrances of the first product 10a and the second product 10b. Specifically, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may comprise a fragrant coating disposed thereon. Alternatively, a sticker comprising the fragrant coating may be disposed on the at least one partially circular portion 114. In some cases, when each of the first and second products 10a, 10b have a same fragrance, the fragrant coating may correspond to the same fragrance of the first and second products 10a, 10b, thereby allowing the same fragrance of the first and second products 10a, 10b to be smelled by the consumer. In some other cases, when the first product 10a and the second product 10b have different fragrances, the container 500 may comprise two partially circular portions (not shown) extending into the respective first and second front cutouts 112a, 112b. The two partially circular portions may comprise different fragrant coatings disposed thereon corresponding to the different fragrances of the first and second products 10a, 10b, thereby allowing the different fragrances of the first and second products 10a, 10b to be smelled by the consumer.

FIG. 8A shows a plan view of a first foldable blank 510 according to the invention. The first foldable blank 510 is similar to the first foldable blank 410 of FIG. 5A, with like elements designated by like reference characters. However, the first foldable blank 510 has a different design than that of the first foldable blank 410 and may be used to at least partially form the container 500 as shown in FIG. 7A.

Specifically, the at least one front cutout 112 of the first foldable blank 510 may comprise the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b, and the at least one rear cutout 122 of the first foldable blank 510 may comprise the first rear cutout 122a and the second rear cutout 122b. Accordingly, the front wall 110 of the first foldable blank 510 may comprise the first front divider wall 113a, and the rear wall 120 of the first foldable blank 510 may comprise the first rear divider wall 123a.

Further, the front wall 110, the rear wall 120, the bottom wall 130, and the second foot region 135 may be substantially coextensive with each other in length L2. The front wall 110, the rear wall 120, the bottom wall 130, and the second foot region 135 may form a single unitary component 520, such that the second foot region 135 is foldably connected to the lower end 110b of the front wall 110. In some examples, the single unitary component 520 may be made of carton board. As shown in FIG. 8A, the first foldable blank 510 may be the single unitary component 520 made of carton board.

FIG. 8B shows a plan view of a second foldable blank 530 according to the invention. The second foldable blank 530 is similar to the second foldable blank 430 of FIG. 5B, with like elements designated by like reference characters. However, the second foldable blank 530 has a different design than that of the second foldable blank 430 and may be used to form the collar 180 as shown in FIG. 7A.

Specifically, the at least one collar cutout 186 of the second foldable blank 530 may comprise the first collar cutout 186a and the second collar cutout 186b. Further, the at least two support arms 188 of the second foldable blank 530 may comprise the first support arm 188a, the second support arm 188b, and the third support arm 188c.

The second foldable blank 530 may be folded about the first folding line 431 and the second folding line 432 to form the collar 180 as shown in FIG. 7A. Further, the second foldable blank 530 may be made of carton board. In other words, the collar 180 of FIG. 7A may be made of carton board. Therefore, the container 500 (shown in FIG. 7A) may be wholly made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic. The container 500 may be environmentally friendly and may promote environmental sustainability.

The container 500 (shown in FIG. 7A) may be formed from the first and second foldable blanks 510, 530 by performing the exemplary steps described above with reference to FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 15A-15D.

FIG. 9A shows a side perspective view of a container 600 for packaging at least one product according to the invention. The container 600 is similar to the container 400 of FIGS. 4A-4C, with like elements designated by like reference characters. However, the container 600 has a different design than that of the container 400 and is suitable for packaging a plurality of products. Further, FIG. 9B shows a front view of the container 600, and FIG. 9C shows a rear view of the container 600.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, the at least one front cutout 112 of the container 600 may comprise the first front cutout 112a, the second front cutout 112b spaced apart from the first front cutout 112a, and the third front cutout 112c spaced apart from each of the first front cutout 112a and the second front cutout 112b. As discussed above, the first front cutout 112a may be spaced apart and separated from the second front cutout 112b by the first front divider wall 113a extending therebetween. The third front cutout 112c may be spaced apart and separated from the second front cutout 112b by a second front divider wall 113b extending therebetween. The at least one partially circular portion 114 may extend into the second front cutout 112b. Alternatively, the first, second, and third front cutouts 112a, 112b, 112c may have respective partially circular portions (not shown) extending thereinto.

Furthermore, the at least one rear cutout 122 of the container 600 may comprise the first rear cutout 122a, the second rear cutout 122b, and the third rear cutout 122c spaced apart from each of the first rear cutout 122a and the second rear cutout 122b. The third rear cutout 122c may be spaced apart and separated from the second rear cutout 122b by the second rear divider wall 123b extending therebetween. The first rear cutout 122a, the second rear cutout 122b, and the third rear cutout 122c may be at least partially aligned with the first front cutout 112a, the second front cutout 112b, and the third front cutout 112c, respectively. Moreover, the first front divider wall 113a may be at least partially aligned with the first rear divider wall 123a, and the second front divider wall 113b may be at least partially aligned with the second rear divider wall 123b.

The front wall 110, the rear wall 120, and the bottom wall 130 at least partially define the receptacle 175 therebetween, such that the receptacle 175 may at least partially receive the plurality of products therein. Specifically, the receptacle 175 of the container 600 may at least partially receive the first product 10a, the second product 10b, and the third product 10c therein.

The at least one collar cutout 186 of the collar 180 may comprise the first collar cutout 186a, the second collar cutout 186b, and a third collar cutout 186c spaced apart from each of the first collar cutout 186a and the second collar cutout 186b. Further, the at least two support arms 188 extending between the front wall 110 and the rear wall 120 may comprise the first support arm 188a, the second support arm 188b, the third support arm 188c, and a fourth support arm 188d. The first collar cutout 186a may be defined between the first support arm 188a and the second support arm 188b. The second collar cutout 186b may be defined between the second support arm 188b and the third support arm 188c. The third collar cutout 186c may be defined between the third support arm 188c and the fourth support arm 188d.

The foot 170 may allow the container 600 to be inclined obliquely to any planar surface, such as shelves of retail stores, thereby making the front wall 110 of the container 600 and the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c more viewable. In other words, the container 600 may lean backward when placed on any planar surface due to the foot 170, thereby improving a viewability of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c through the first front cutout 112a, the second front cutout 112b, and the third front cutout 112c, respectively. Further, the front wall 110 of the container 600 may define the aperture 119, and the rear wall 120 may define the aperture 129 substantially aligned with the aperture 119. Therefore, the container 600 may alternatively be hanged to display the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c packaged therein.

The bottom wall 130 of the container 600 may protect the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c from direct contact with a surface in case the container 600 is accidentally dropped. Furthermore, the container 600 may secure the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c packaged therein and restrain the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c from movement. Specifically, the first and second support arms 188a, 188b of the collar 180 may engage with the first product 10a, the second and third support arms 188b, 188c may engage with the second product 10b, and the third and fourth support arms 188c, 188d may engage with the third product 10c to secure and restrain the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c in the container 600. Therefore, the container 600 may prevent damage to the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c during shipping and/or handling of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c and may further prevent theft of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c from the container 600. Thus, the container 600 may be suitable for shipping the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c to retail stores and for displaying the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c to consumers in the retail stores.

Furthermore, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may be utilized for advertising one or more features of the first product 10a, the second product 10b, and the third product 10c. In some examples, a scratch and sniff technology may be used to advertise fragrances of the first product 10a, the second product 10b, and the third product 10c. Specifically, the at least one partially circular portion 114 may comprise a fragrant coating disposed thereon. Alternatively, a sticker comprising the fragrant coating may be disposed on the at least one partially circular portion 114. In some cases, when each of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c have a same fragrance, the fragrant coating may correspond to the same fragrance of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c, thereby allowing the same fragrance of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c to be smelled by the consumer. In some other cases, when the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c have different fragrances, the container 600 may comprise three partially circular portions (not shown) extending into the respective first, second, and third front cutouts 112a, 112b, 112c. The three partially circular portions may comprise different fragrant coatings disposed thereon corresponding to the different fragrances of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c thereby allowing the different fragrances of the first, second, and third products 10a, 10b, 10c to be smelled by the consumer.

FIG. 10A shows a plan view of a first foldable blank 610 according to the invention. The first foldable blank 610 is similar to the first foldable blank 410 of FIG. 5A, with like elements designated by like reference characters. However, the first foldable blank 610 has a different design than that of the first foldable blank 410 and may be used to at least partially form the container 600 as shown in FIG. 9A.

Specifically, the at least one front cutout 112 of the first foldable blank 610 may comprise the first front cutout 112a, the second front cutout 112b, and the third front cutout 112c, and the at least one rear cutout 122 of the first foldable blank 610 may comprise the first rear cutout 122a, the second rear cutout 122b, and the third rear cutout 122c. Accordingly, the front wall 110 of the first foldable blank 610 may comprise the first front divider wall 113a and the second front divider wall 113b, and the rear wall 120 of the first foldable blank 610 may comprise the first rear divider wall 123a and the second rear divider wall 123b.

Further, the front wall 110, the rear wall 120, the bottom wall 130, and the second foot region 135 may be substantially coextensive with each other in length L3. The front wall 110, the rear wall 120, the bottom wall 130, and the second foot region 135 may form a single unitary component 620, such that the second foot region 135 is foldably connected to the lower end 110b of the front wall 110. In some examples, the single unitary component 620 may be made of carton board. As shown in FIG. 10A, the first foldable blank 610 may be the single unitary component 620 made of carton board.

FIG. 10B shows a plan view of a second foldable blank 630 according to the invention. The second foldable blank 630 is similar to the second foldable blank 430 of FIG. 5B, with like elements designated by like reference characters. However, the second foldable blank 630 has a different design than that of the second foldable blank 430 and may be used to form the collar 180 as shown in FIG. 9A.

The second foldable blank 630 may be folded about the first folding line 431 and the second folding line 432 to form the collar 180 as shown in FIG. 9A. Further, the second foldable blank 630 may be made of carton board. In other words, the collar 180 of FIG. 9A may be made of carton board. Therefore, the container 600 (shown in FIG. 9A) may be wholly made of carton board and may be substantially free of plastic. The container 600 may be environmentally friendly and may promote environmental sustainability.

The container 600 (shown in FIG. 9A) may be formed from the first and second foldable blanks 610, 630 by performing the exemplary steps described above with reference to FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 15A-15D.

The containers according to the invention may lean slightly backward upon being seated on an external planar surface, such as a shelf, and may improve a viewability of one or more products packaged therein. The containers may further protect the one or more products from direct contact with a surface in case the containers are accidentally dropped. The containers may therefore be suitable for shipping the one or more products to retail stores and for displaying the one or more products to consumers in the retail stores.

Combinations:

A. A container for packaging at least one product, the container comprising: a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion comprising a front wall defining a first foot region at a lower end thereof; the rear portion comprising a rear wall; a bottom wall connected to the rear wall; and a second foot region foldably connected to the bottom wall; wherein the front wall, the rear wall, and the bottom wall at least partially define a receptacle therebetween, the at least one product being at least partially received within the receptacle; and wherein the first foot region and the second foot region are attached to each other to form a foot that extends downwardly from the bottom wall away from the receptacle, such that upon seating the foot and the bottom wall on a horizontal planar surface, the container is inclined obliquely to the horizontal planar surface.

B. The container according to Paragraph A, wherein the first foot region is substantially coextensive in area with the second foot region.

C. The container according to Paragraph A, wherein the first foot region is greater in length and width than the second foot region.

D. The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-C, wherein the foot is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall.

E The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-D, further comprising a collar received at least partially within the receptacle, the collar comprising a front part at least partially engaging with the front wall, a rear part at least partially engaging with the rear wall, a support portion disposed between and foldably connected to the front part and the rear part, and a collar foot portion extending from the front part opposite to the support portion and at least partially secured between the first foot region and the second foot region, the collar defining at least one collar cutout extending therethrough, wherein the support portion of the collar comprises at least two support arms extending between the front wall and the rear wall and at least partially defining the at least one collar cutout therebetween, and wherein the at least one product is received through the at least one collar cutout, such that the at least two support arms of the support portion engage with the at least one product.

F The container according to Paragraph E, wherein the collar foot portion comprises a plurality of rectangular segments extending from the front portion and spaced apart from each other.

G The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-E, further comprising a first side wall connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, and a second side wall disposed opposite to the first side wall and connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, wherein each of the first side wall and the second side wall is disposed between the front wall and the rear wall, such that the receptacle is defined between the first and second side walls, and wherein the at least one product is at least partially received between the first side wall and the second side wall.

H The container according to Paragraph G, further comprising a first side connecting portion connected to the first side wall and a second side connecting portion connected to the second side wall, wherein each of the first and second side connecting portions is spaced apart from the rear wall and attached to the front wall.

I The container according to Paragraph G or H, wherein each of the first and second side walls extends substantially perpendicular to the rear wall and bottom wall.

J The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-I, wherein the front wall defines at least one front cutout extending therethrough, the at least one front cutout at least partially receiving the at least one product therein.

K The container according to Paragraph J, wherein the rear wall defines at least one rear cutout extending therethrough and at least partially aligned with the at least one front cutout.

L The container according to Paragraph J or K, wherein the front wall further comprises at least one partially circular portion extending into the at least one front cutout.

M The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-L, wherein the front wall comprises a front inclined portion spaced apart from the bottom wall and inclined towards the rear wall.

N The container according to Paragraph M, wherein the rear wall comprises a rear inclined portion spaced apart from the bottom wall and inclined towards the front wall, such that the front wall and the rear wall are at least partially engaged with and attached to each other.

O The container according to Paragraph M or N, wherein the front wall further comprises a front parallel portion extending from the first foot region to the front inclined portion, wherein the rear wall is at least partially parallel to the front parallel portion.

P The container according to any one of Paragraphs A, B, and D-O, wherein the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the second foot region are substantially coextensive with each other in length.

Q The container according to any one of Paragraphs A-P, wherein the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the second foot region form a single unitary component, such that the second foot region is foldably connected to the lower end of the front wall.

R The container according to Paragraph Q, wherein the single unitary component is made of carton board.

S A container for packaging at least one product, the container comprising: a front wall defining a first foot region at a lower end thereof; a rear wall; a bottom wall foldably connected to the rear wall; a second foot region foldably connected to the bottom wall; and a collar comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a support portion disposed between and foldably connected to the front portion and the rear portion, and a collar foot portion extending from the front portion opposite to the support portion, the collar defining at least one collar cutout extending therethrough, wherein the support portion of the collar comprises at least two support arms at least partially defining the at least one collar cutout therebetween; wherein the front wall is attached to the rear wall, such the front wall, the rear wall, and the bottom wall define a receptacle therebetween, the at least one product being at least partially received within the receptacle; wherein the first foot region and the second foot region are attached to each other to form a foot that extends downwardly from the bottom wall away from the receptacle, such that upon seating the foot and the bottom wall on an external planar surface, the container is inclined obliquely to the external planar surface; wherein the collar foot portion is at least partially secured between the first foot region and the second foot region; wherein the collar is at least partially received within the receptacle, such that the front portion of the collar at least partially engages with the front wall, the rear portion of the collar at least partially engages with the rear wall, and the at least two support arms of the support portion extend between the front wall and the rear wall; and wherein the at least one product is received through the at least one collar cutout, such that the at least two support arms of the support portion engage with the at least one product.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A container for packaging at least one product, the container comprising:

a front wall defining a first foot region at a lower end thereof;

a rear portion comprising a rear wall, a bottom wall connected to the rear wall; and

a second foot region foldably connected to the bottom wall;

wherein the front wall, the rear wall, and the bottom wall at least partially define a receptacle therebetween, the at least one product being at least partially received within the receptacle; and

wherein the first foot region and the second foot region are attached to each other to form a foot that extends downwardly from the bottom wall away from the receptacle, such that upon seating the foot and the bottom wall on a horizontal planar surface, the container is inclined obliquely to the horizontal planar surface.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first foot region is substantially coextensive in area with the second foot region.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first foot region is greater in length and width than the second foot region.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the foot is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall.

5. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a first side wall connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, and a second side wall disposed opposite to the first side wall and connected to the rear wall and the bottom wall, wherein each of the first side wall and the second side wall is disposed between the front wall and the rear wall, such that the receptacle is defined between the first and second side walls, and wherein the at least one product is at least partially received between the first side wall and the second side wall.

6. The container according to claim 5, further comprising a first side connecting portion connected to the first side wall and a second side connecting portion connected to the second side wall, wherein each of the first and second side connecting portions is spaced apart from the rear wall and attached to the front wall.

7. The container according to claim 5, further comprising a top wall disposed opposite to the bottom wall and connected to the rear wall, the first side wall and the second side wall, and a top connecting portion foldably connected to the top wall, wherein the top connecting portion is attached to the front wall.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein each of the first and second side walls extends substantially perpendicular to the rear wall and bottom wall.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the front wall defines at least one front cutout extending therethrough, the at least one front cutout at least partially receiving the at least one product therein.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the rear wall defines at least one rear cutout extending therethrough and at least partially aligned with the at least one front cutout.

11. The container according to claim 1, wherein the front wall, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the second foot region form a single unitary component, such that the second foot region is foldably connected to the lower end of the front wall.

12. The container according to claim 1, where in the front portion and the rear portion comprise discrete components.

13. The container according to claim 1, wherein the single unitary component or discrete components are made of carton board.

14. The container according to claim 10, wherein the at least one front cutout has a first surface area and the at least one rear cutout has a second surface area, wherein the first surface area is greater than the second surface area.

15. The container according to claim 1, wherein an angle of inclination of the front wall is between about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees.

16. The container according to claim 1, wherein an angle of inclination of the front wall is between from about 65 to about 85.

17. The container according to claim 1, wherein an angle of inclination of the front wall is between from about 75 to about 82

18. The container according to claim 1, wherein an angle of inclination of the front wall is between from about 77 to 79 degrees.

19. The container according to claim 9, wherein 50 percent or greater of a face of the product within the contain is visible through the front cutout.

20. The container according to claim 16, wherein between about 50 percent to about 98 percent of a face of the product within the container is visible through the front cutout.

21. The container according to claim 1, wherein the front wall comprises a front parallel portion and a front inclined portion, wherein the front parallel portion may lie in a first plane and the front inclined portion may lie in a second plane which is disposed at an angle with the first plane, and wherein the angle of the second plane with respect to the first plane may be from about 150 degrees to about 210 degrees.