Containers, Convertible Packaging Devices, Packaged Product Assemblies, and Product Display Methods for Smokeless Tobacco Products

Abstract

Containers adapted for storing a product are provided. The containers may include a body portion and a lid. Further, a convertible packaging device is provided. The convertible packaging device may include a package configurable between a closed configuration and a display configuration. The convertible packaging device may additionally include an insert received within an inner cavity defined by the package. The insert may be configured to support products in the package such as the above-described containers. The insert may be formed from a blank and define a stepped configuration that supports each product is supported at a different height. Related packaged product assemblies and product display methods are also provided.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A packaging device, comprising:
 a package; and   an insert received within the package,
 the insert being configured to support the one or more products, 
 the insert being formed from a blank defining a plurality of panels folded to define a stepped configuration configured to support the products at a plurality of differing heights. 
   
     
     
         2 . The packaging device of  claim 1 , wherein the panels comprise an inner left panel, an outer left panel, an inner right panel, and an outer right panel,
 the inner left panel and the outer left panel being positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to one another,   the inner right panel and the outer right panel being positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to one another.   
     
     
         3 . The packaging device of  claim 2 , wherein the inner left panel is in contact with the outer left panel and the inner right panel is in contact with the outer right panel. 
     
     
         4 . The packaging device of  claim 2 , wherein the panels further comprise a first longitudinal support panel defining a left notch and a right notch,
 the inner left panel, the outer left panel, the inner right panel, and the outer right panel respectively including an upper notch,   the left notch of the first longitudinal support panel being configured to engage the upper notch of the inner left panel and the outer left panel,   the right notch of the first longitudinal support panel being configured to engage the upper notch of the inner right panel and the outer right panel.   
     
     
         5 . The packaging device of  claim 4 , wherein the panels further comprise a second longitudinal support panel defining a left notch and a right notch,
 the inner left panel, the outer left panel, the inner right panel, and the outer right panel respectively including a lower notch,   the left notch of the second longitudinal support panel being configured to engage the lower notch of the inner left panel and the outer left panel,   the right notch of the second longitudinal support panel being configured to engage the lower notch of the inner right panel and the outer right panel.   
     
     
         6 . The packaging device of  claim 5 , wherein the panels further comprise a rear panel, a first pair of lateral support panels extending between the rear panel and the first longitudinal support panel, a second pair of lateral support panels extending between the first longitudinal support panel and the second longitudinal support panel, and a third pair of lateral support panels extending between the second longitudinal support panel and a third longitudinal support panel. 
     
     
         7 . The packaging device of  claim 5 , wherein the panels further comprise a bottom panel extending between the inner left panel and the inner right panel. 
     
     
         8 . The packaging device of  claim 5 , wherein the outer left panel and the outer right panel are inwardly recessed with respect to a left lateral edge and a right lateral edge of the insert. 
     
     
         9 . The packaging device of  claim 1 , wherein the panels comprise:
 a bottom panel;   a plurality of lateral panels extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel;   a rear panel extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel and the lateral panels;   a plurality of pairs of lateral support panels extending substantially parallel to the bottom panel, each of the pairs of lateral support panels being respectively positioned at one of the differing heights; and   a plurality of longitudinal support panels extending substantially parallel to the rear panel, a respective one of the longitudinal support panels extending between each of the pairs of lateral support panels.   
     
     
         10 . The packaging device of  claim 9 , wherein the panels further comprise a plurality of rear securing panels extending from the lateral panels and engaged with the rear panel; and
 a plurality of intermediate securing panels extending from the lateral panels and engaged with at least one of the longitudinal support panels.   
     
     
         11 . The packaging device of  claim 1 , wherein the products comprise containers comprising a tobacco-containing material. 
     
     
         12 . The packaging device of  claim 1 , wherein the package is configurable between a closed configuration and a display configuration. 
     
     
         13 . A method for forming an insert, comprising:
 providing a blank defining a plurality of panels;   folding the blank inwardly between a bottom panel and a plurality of lateral panels extending therefrom such that the lateral panels extend substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel;   folding the blank inwardly between the bottom panel and a rear panel such that the bottom panel extends substantially perpendicular to the rear panel;   folding the blank inwardly between the rear panel and a pair of lateral support panels extending therefrom such that the pair of lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel; and   folding the blank inwardly between the pair of lateral support panels and a longitudinal support panel such that the longitudinal support panel extends substantially parallel to the rear panel.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising engaging a left notch and a right notch defined in the longitudinal support panel with a respective one of a plurality of notches defined in the lateral panels. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 folding the blank outwardly between the longitudinal support panel and a second pair of lateral support panels such that the second pair of lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel; and   folding the blank inwardly between the second pair of lateral support panels and a second longitudinal support panel such that that second longitudinal support panel extends substantially parallel to the rear panel.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the longitudinal support panel and the second longitudinal support panel each define a left notch and a right notch, and further comprising:
 engaging the left notch and the right notch of the longitudinal support panel with a respective one of a plurality of upper notches defined in the lateral panels; and   engaging the left notch and the right notch of the second longitudinal support panel with a respective one of a plurality of lower notches defined in the lateral panels.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 folding the blank outwardly between the second longitudinal support panel and a third pair of lateral support panels such that the third pair of lateral support panels extend substantially perpendicular to the rear panel; and   folding the blank inwardly between the third pair of lateral support panels and a third longitudinal support panel such that that third longitudinal support panel extends substantially parallel to the rear panel.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 folding the blank outwardly between the third longitudinal support panel and a left bottom panel such that the left bottom panel extends substantially perpendicular to the rear panel; and   folding the blank outwardly between the third longitudinal support panel and a right bottom panel such that the right bottom panel extends substantially perpendicular to the rear panel.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising folding the blank inwardly between the rear panel and a plurality of outer lateral panels extending therefrom such that the outer lateral panels extend substantially parallel and adjacent to the lateral panels. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising engaging a plurality of rear securing panels extending from the lateral panels with the rear panel; and
 engaging a plurality of intermediate securing panels extending from the lateral panels with the longitudinal support panel.