Patent Publication Number: US-7584855-B2

Title: Container and method for tie-less storage and transport of secured contents

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally relates to containers, and more particularly, to a container for securing and transporting fragile contents. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   In commercial and private settings, users have long benefited from containers, such as corrugated containers, when shipping goods, gifts, and other items. Furthermore, due to the increasingly interstate and global nature of relationships and businesses, individuals and businesses often communicate through remote gestures and distant dealings, such as shipping goods and/or gifts. Frequently, these items are fragile, as is the case when shipping flowers and breakables. Consequently, senders expend time, money and additional material to secure contents of the container. Accordingly, existing containers include those designed to reduce assembly time and material while better securing the contents. 
   Some solutions include boxes having a divider that provides some support of the contents. However, even when using these boxes, the contents continue to experience some movement during transport. Consequently, other solutions include ties inserted through tie holes and engaging a portion of the contents as well as being tied to a portion of one of the box sides, further securing the contents in place. This tying process is time-consuming, cumbersome, and costly for individuals and businesses that ship many items, especially fragile items, such as flowers, on a regular basis. For such businesses, saving even a few seconds when assembling each box amounts to a sizeable time and cost savings over a longer duration such as a day, a week or a month. 
   Additionally, ties such as strings, ribbons, or wires used to secure contents such as flowers also make opening conventional containers difficult. Some ties require large cutting tools, such as industrial scissors, for cutting the ties. Particularly, when the contents are fragile recipients of conventional containers often spend excess time and effort to untie the contents from the box to prevent damaging the contents. Furthermore, tying fragile and delicate contents such as flowers introduces additional opportunity for damaging the contents also during transport of the contents. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for an improved container that better secures contents of the container for storage and/or transport, can be assembled more efficiently, and minimizes a risk of damage to the contents. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to one embodiment, a container comprises an outer case member comprising a plurality of side panels forming a first interior, and a first closure panel pivotable with respect to at least one of the side panels between a first position in which the first closure panel closes the first interior and a second position in which the first closure panel opens the first interior, and an inner case member positionable within the first interior and comprising a base panel, a top panel longitudinally opposing the base panel, at least first and second side panels therebetween, and a rear panel, forming a second interior, the rear panel coupled on opposing lateral ends thereof to the first and second side panels at respective first ends of the first and second side panels extending between the top panel and the base panel, the first and second side panels each having a free end opposing the first ends thereof, the first side panel having a first intermediate section positioned between opposing longitudinal ends thereof, and the second side panel having a second intermediate section positioned between opposing longitudinal ends thereof, the first and second intermediate sections being configured to collapse toward each other, a collapsed portion of the first intermediate section being positioned adjacent a collapsed portion of the second intermediate section forming a slot therebetween, the slot dividing the second interior into first and second volumes, a boundary of the slot being formed by the adjacent collapsed portions, the slot engaging a portion of the contents and limiting a space in which the portion of the contents is displaceable, when the contents are placed in the inner case member. 
   According to another embodiment, a container blank for forming a container comprises an outer case blank configured to form an outer case member comprising a plurality of side panels configured to pivot about a plurality of fold lines to form a first interior of the outer case member, and a first closure panel pivotable with respect to at least one of the side panels between a first position in which the first closure panel closes the first interior and a second position in which the first closure panel opens the first interior, when the outer case blank forms the outer case member, and an inner case blank configured to form an inner case member positionable within the first interior, the inner case blank comprising a base panel, a top panel longitudinally opposing the base panel, a rear panel and at least first and second side panels positioned between the top and base panels, the top panel, base panel and first and second side panels configured to pivot about a top panel fold line, a base panel fold line and at least two side panel fold lines, respectively, to form a second interior, the first side panel having a first intermediate section positioned between opposing longitudinal ends thereof, the second side panel having a second intermediate section positioned between opposing longitudinal ends thereof, the first and second intermediate sections being configured to collapse toward each other when the second interior is formed, a collapsible portion of the first intermediate section being positionable adjacent a collapsible portion of the second intermediate section, forming a slot therebetween, the slot dividing the second interior into first and second volumes, when the inner case blank forms the inner case member, a boundary of the slot being formed by the adjacent collapsed portions, the slot engaging a portion of the contents and limiting a space in which the portion of the contents is displaceable, when the inner case blank forms the inner case member and the contents are placed in the inner case member. 
   According to yet another embodiment, a method of forming and/or using a container comprises folding a plurality of side panels about a plurality of side panel fold lines of an outer case blank to form a first interior of an outer case member, folding first and second side panels, a base panel and a top panel of an inner case blank about at least two side panel fold lines, a bottom panel fold line and a top panel fold line, respectively, to form a second interior of an inner case member, collapsing a portion of first and second intermediate sections of the first and second side panels, respectively, toward each other, positioning a collapsed portion of the first intermediate section adjacent a collapsed portion of the second intermediate section, forming a slot therebetween configured to secure the contents in the second interior, positioning the inner case member in the first interior, placing the contents in the second interior and securing an intermediate section of the contents in the slot, substantially preventing a displacement of the contents, and folding a first closure panel about a fold line to close the first and second interior. 
   According to still another embodiment, a container comprises a first side panel having a first intermediate section positioned between opposing longitudinal ends thereof, and a second side panel having a second intermediate section positioned between opposing longitudinal ends thereof, the first and second intermediate sections being configured to collapse toward each other, a collapsed portion of the first intermediate section being positioned adjacent a collapsed portion of the second intermediate section forming a slot therebetween, a boundary of the slot being formed by the adjacent collapsed portions, the slot engaging a portion of the contents and limiting a space in which the portion of the contents is displaceable for securing of the contents, when the contents are placed in the container, and a closure panel pivotable with respect to at least one of the side panels between a first position in which the closure panel closes an interior formed between the first and second side panels and at least a second position in which the closure panel opens the interior, the closure panel comprising a retaining flap pivotably connected to the closure panel toward a free end thereof, the retaining flap being configured to extend into the interior and position adjacent the collapsed portion of the first and second intermediate sections, when the second closure panel is in the first position, the retaining flap comprising a securing tab pivotably connected to the retaining flap toward a free end thereof along a laterally extending fold line and a lip portion bordering the fold line and positioned on a side of the fold line opposing the securing tab, the lip portion erecting in response to the securing tab pivoting with respect to the retaining flap, the retaining flap and the lip portion forming a barrier configured to rest against and bias the contents into the slot, when the closure panel is in the first position. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of a container according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 2A  is a front view of an outer case member and an inner case member of the container of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the inner case member of  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a front view of the inner case member of  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 4B  is a detail view of a portion of the inner case member of  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the inner case member of  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 6  is a rear view of a portion of the inner case member of  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of an outer case blank for forming an outer case member of a container according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of an inner case blank for forming an inner case member of a container according to one embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   According to one embodiment,  FIG. 1  illustrates a container  100  for tie-less securing and transport of contents. The container  100  includes an outer case member  102  including a first interior  108  and an inner case member  104 . The inner case member  104  is positionable within the first interior  108  of the outer case member  102 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the outer case member  102  comprises a plurality of side panels  106  that form the first interior  108 . The outer case member  102  further comprises a first closure panel  110 , configured to pivot with respect to at least one of the side panels  106 . The first closure panel  110  is pivotable between a first position, illustrated in  FIG. 3 , and at least a second position, illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2A . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when the first closure panel  110  is in the first position, the first closure panel  110  closes the first interior  108  ( FIG. 2A ), and as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2A , when in the second position, the first closure panel  110  exposes and/or opens the first interior  108 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , In some embodiments, the first closure panel  110  further includes an extension flap  111  having a coupling member  115  configured to couple the first closure panel  110  to at least one of the side panels  106  and maintain the first closure panel  110  in the first position, shown in  FIG. 3 . The extension flap  111  may also comprise a tear strip  117  configured to separate the extension flap  111 , allowing the first closure panel  110  to pivot to the second position. 
   For example, the tear strip  117  may comprise a feature  113  such as perforations, a plurality of cut lines, fold lines, creases, any combination thereof and/or any other feature configured to assist a user in separating the extension flap  111 , such that the user can pivot the first closure panel  110  to the second position and access the inner case member  104  and/or the contents therein. 
   The coupling member  115  can comprise hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, magnets, any combination thereof, or any other component, device, compound, and/or attribute that promotes engagement of the extension flap  111  to one of the sides  106 . In embodiments where the coupling member  115  includes adhesive, the adhesive can include a double-sided adhesive, a temporary adhesive and/or a temperature sensitive adhesive. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the inner case member  104  includes a base panel  112 , a top panel  114 , a rear panel  158  and at least two side panels  120 ,  122  forming a second interior  118 . The side panels  120 ,  122  extend longitudinally between the base panel  112  and the top panel  114  and also across a depth  139  of the second interior  118 , the depth  139  extending from a free end  151  of the first and second side panels  120 ,  122  to the rear panel  158 . The first side panel  120  includes a first intermediate section  124  and the second side panel  122  includes a second intermediate section  126 . Longitudinally, the first and second intermediate sections  124 ,  126  are positioned between opposing longitudinal ends  125 ,  127  of the first and second side panels  120 ,  122 , respectively. Each of the first and second intermediate sections  124 , 126  are configured to collapse inward toward the other of the intermediate sections  124 ,  126 . The term inward as used herein refers to a direction pointing from the side panels  120 ,  122  toward a center of the second interior  118 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the first side panel  120  is positioned laterally opposing the second side panel  122 , and the first intermediate section  124  is positioned substantially laterally opposing the second intermediate section  126 . 
   In one embodiment, a collapsed portion  128  of the first intermediate section  124  is positioned adjacent a collapsed portion  130  of the second intermediate section  126 , forming a boundary  138  of a slot  136 , which divides the second interior  118  into first and second volumes  132 ,  134 . 
   As more clearly apparent in  FIG. 4B , the boundary  138  forms a substantially wedge-shaped or triangular-shaped slot  136  that extends along the depth  139  ( FIG. 5 ) of the second interior  118  ( FIG. 5 ). The wedge-shaped slot  136  includes a wide end  147  and a narrow end  149 . The wide end  147  is positioned toward the free end  151  of the first and second intermediate portions  124 ,  126 , shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . The narrow end  149  is positioned toward the rear panel  158 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the wedge-shape formed by the slot  136  may fall on a plane  153 , which is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel  158  or it may be positioned at an angle α with respect to the perpendicular plane  153 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the slot  136  is configured to securely receive a portion of the contents  131  by limiting a space in which the portion of the contents  131  can displace. For example, in the floral shipping context, the second volume  134  can house a vase or a base  137  in which flowers or plants  131  are placed. The flowers  131  comprise a stem portion  135  and a flower blooms and/or leaved portion  133 . The slot  136  is configured to receive a portion of the stem portion  135  and the first volume  132  is configured to house the flower and/or leaved portions  133 . 
   In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the slot  136  comprises a substantially rigid tapering profile, such as a “V” shaped profile, such that a width  140  of the slot  136  decreases toward the narrow end  149 . Therefore, the contents  131  having different widths can be positioned at different portions of the slot  136 , respectively, between the wide end  147  and the narrow end  149  such that they are secured by the boundary  138  of the slot  136 . In the example above, the stem portion  135  of the flower  131  can be inserted through the wide end  147  ( FIG. 5 ) of the slot  136  and pushed toward the narrow end  149  until the boundary  138  of the slot  136  applies sufficient pressure to the stem portion  135  to secure the stem portion  135  in place without damaging them. 
   Accordingly, forming the inner case member  104  also forms the slot  136  for securing at least a portion of the contents  131 , such as the stems  135 , in the second interior  118 , precluding a need for other material or securing members such as tie members. Consequently, the user saves time and money when using the container  100 , especially in applications that require forming many containers for shipping items, including fragile items, such as gifts and flowers. 
   Furthermore, when the inner case member  104  is placed in the first interior  108  and the first closure panel  110  is in the first position as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the second interior  118  also closes. Therefore, the first closure panel  110  further secures the contents  131  ( FIG. 4A ) within the second interior  118 , preventing the base  137  and/or the blooms  131  from shifting beyond the bounds of the first and second volumes  132 ,  134 , which also prevents the stem portion  135  from being forced out of the slot  136 . 
   In some embodiments, the inner case member  104  may further comprise a second closure panel  142  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  4 A. In these embodiments, the second closure panel  142  is pivotable with respect to at least one of the first and second side panels  120 ,  122 , base panel  112  and/or top panel  114 , between a first position in which the second closure panel  142  at least partially closes the second interior  118 , for example the first volume  132 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , and at least a second position in which the second closure panel  142  exposes and/or opens the portion of the second interior  118  as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . The user can pivot the second closure panel  142  to the second position to place the contents or a portion thereof in the second interior  118  or a portion thereof, such as in the first volume  132 . 
   The second closure panel  142  may comprise a retaining flap  143  toward a free end thereof. When the second closure panel  142  is in the first position, the retaining flap  143  is configured to pivot with respect to the closure panel  142  to extend into the second interior  118  and be positioned adjacent the collapsed portions  128 ,  130  of the first and second intermediate sections  124 ,  126 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2A . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the retaining flap  143  further comprises a securing tab  145  pivotably connected to the retaining flap  143  and a lip portion  157  separated from the retaining flap  143  along a cut line  161 . The lip portion  157  is positioned such that it borders a portion of a lateral fold line  165  about which the securing tab  145  pivots with respect to the retaining flap  143 . The lip portion  157  is also situated on an opposing side of the fold line  165  than is the securing tab  145 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , when the second closure panel  142  is in the first position, the second closure panel  142  is substantially parallel to the rear panel  158 . The retaining flap  143  pivots with respect to the second closure panel  142 , and extends into the second closure panel  142 . Furthermore, the retaining flap  143  does not extend the entire depth  139  ( FIG. 5 ) of the interior  118 ; rather it extends partially into the second interior  118 . 
   When the securing tab  145  pivots in a first direction toward the top panel  114 , the lip portion  157  simultaneously pivots in a second direction, substantially opposite the first direction, toward the base panel  112 . 
   Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 2B , when the contents  131  are placed in the inner case member and the second closure panel  142  is in the first closed position, the securing tab  145  and lip portion  157  form a barrier  173 . The barrier  173  rests against the contents  131  and biases the contents  131  or a portion thereof, such as the stems  135 , toward the narrow end  149  ( FIG. 5 ) of the slot  136 , further preventing potential displacement of the contents  131 . The barrier  173  can pivot to varying degrees with respect to the retaining flap  143  to secure contents of varying sizes. For example, the barrier  173  may pivot less when securing stems  135  of a bouquet of flowers  131  as shown in  FIG. 2B , as compared to securing the stem  135  of the single flower  131 , shown in  FIG. 4A . 
   The barrier  173  and slot  136  minimize or substantially eliminate a risk of damage to the flowers  131  because the barrier  173  and slot  136  secure the flowers  131  across a larger surface area thereof being in contact with portions of the flowers  131 . In contrast, conventional ties, such as wires or strings, tend to damage delicate contents such as flowers because they concentrate a force applied to the flowers across a thin width of the wire or string when securing the flowers. 
   As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, a recipient of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as the container  100  described above, will also benefit from the features described herein. For example, the recipient simply removes the tear strip  117 , releasing the extension flap  111 , and pivots the first closure panel  110  to the second open position to access the inner case member  104 . Furthermore, the recipient pivots the second closure panel  142  to the second open position, lifting the barrier  173  away from the contents  131 . Next, the recipient slidably removes the contents  131  or a portion thereof, such as the stems  135  discussed above, from the slot  136  to remove the contents  131  from the container  100  without damaging the contents  100 . Therefore, a container according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as the container  100  described above, substantially eliminates a need for external tools, such as scissors, and substantially alleviates risk of damage to the contents  131 . 
   Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inner case member  104  further comprises raising tabs  175  that promote a straight posture of bendable contents, such as the flowers  131 . As shown in  FIGS. 2B and 5 , the raising tabs  175  protrude beyond the rear panel  158 . When the rear panel  158  is placed on a surface, such as one of the side panels  106  of the outer container  104  ( FIG. 2A ), the raising tabs  175  rest on a portion of the surface and raise the rear panel  158  proximate the raising tabs  175 . In this manner, blooms  133  resting on the raised portion of the rear panel  158  are also raised, counteracting at least some bending that may occur in the stems  135 , for example due to gravity. Therefore, the raising tabs  175  further prevent damage to the flowers  131  while they are stored in the container  100  and/or being transported to their destination. 
   The container  100  or portions thereof can be fabricated from any material that is formable and can maintain a shape after being formed, such as corrugated paper, cardboard, plastics, composites, and/or any combination thereof. Furthermore, to form the first and second interiors  108 ,  118 , side panels  106 ,  120 ,  122 , top panel  114 , base panel  112  and first and second closure panels  110 ,  142  comprise at least one feature  144  configured to promote folding the respective panels with respect to other panels to form the inner and outer case members  102 ,  104 . The feature  144  may comprise perforations, at least one crease, cut lines, fold lines, or any other feature configured to promote folding the respective panels with respect to the other panels. 
   For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 4A , the first and second intermediate sections  124 ,  126  each comprise at least one feature  144  configured to promote the collapse of the first and second intermediate sections  124 ,  126 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the at least one feature  144  of the first intermediate section  124  forms a border  146  of a first triangular section  148 . Similarly, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the feature  144  of the second intermediate section  126  forms at least a portion of a border  150  of a second triangular section  152 . The first and second intermediate sections  124 ,  126  fold at the borders  146 ,  150  of the first and second triangular sections  148 ,  152  and at least a portion of the borders  146 ,  150  form the boundary  138  of the slot  136  ( FIG. 4A ). 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 5 , in some embodiments, at least one of the panels of the inner case member  104  may comprise fastening protrusions  154  on opposing sides thereof. Each fastening protrusion  154  is configured to engage a complementary receptacle  156  formed in at least two adjacent panels, thereby coupling the at least one side panel to the at least two adjacent panels and maintaining a shape of a portion of the inner case member  104 . For example, the top panel  114  can comprise the fastening protrusions  154  engaging the complementary receptacles  156  in two adjacent side panels  120 ,  122 . In some embodiments, the fastening protrusions  154  couple to the top panel  114  via a flap  155 . One side of the inner case member  104  is illustrated in FIG.  5  and the laterally opposing side is substantially identical to the side shown in  FIG. 5 . 
   The receptacle  156  can be an opening, a recess, or any other feature that can engage the fastening protrusion  154 . Furthermore, the fastening protrusion  154  and receptacle  156  may comprise complementing hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, magnets or any other coupling member, to further engage the fastening protrusions  154  to the receptacle  156 , maintaining the shape of the portion of the inner case member  104 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the rear panel  158  is coupled on opposing lateral sides thereof to the first and second side panels  120 ,  122 . The rear panel  158  includes a third intermediate section  160  positioned between longitudinal ends thereof and longitudinally proximate the first and second intermediate sections  124 ,  126  ( FIG. 4A ). The third intermediate section  160  includes a first portion  162 , more clearly shown in  FIG. 4A , and in hidden lines in  FIG. 6 , which is folded over a second portion  164 , shown in  FIG. 6 . Furthermore, the folded portion  162  comprises slits  159  that allow a third portion  163  of the third intermediate section  160  to fold again at an angle with respect to the first folded portion  162  as shown in  FIG. 4A . The third folded portion  163  is connected to the first and second collapsed portions  128 ,  130  at opposing edges  165  thereof as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this manner, a portion of the rear panel  158  proximate the slot  136  is thickened, stiffening an intermediate section of the inner case member  104 , which includes at least a portion of the first, second and third intermediate sections  124 ,  126 ,  160 . 
   Stiffening the intermediate section of the inner case member  104  assists in preventing lateral motion or rotation of the inner case member  104  or a portion thereof. Accordingly, the likelihood of damaging the stems  135  from the boundary  138  of the slot  136  contacting the stems  135  in a leveraging or adverse manner due to displacement or rotation of the intermediate section of the inner case member  104  or a portion thereof, is minimized. To further secure the first, second, and third folded portions  162 ,  163 ,  164 , a portion of the first folded portion  162  can be adhered to the rear panel  158  using any suitable method, such as adhesives and/or hook and loop fasteners. 
   According to another embodiment, a container blank  200  comprises an outer case blank  202  and an inner case blank  204  as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 .  FIG. 7  illustrates the outer case blank  202  of a container blank  200  from which a user can form the container  100  for tie-less securing and transport of contents, discussed above. The outer case blank  202  is configured to form the outer case member  102 . The outer case blank  202  comprises a plurality of side panels  206  configured to form the first interior  108 , discussed above. To form the first interior  108 , in one embodiment, the plurality of side panels  206  are configured to fold or pivot about a plurality of side panel fold lines  266  and couple to or engage adjacent side panels  206  through coupling features  268 . 
   For example, the plurality of side panels  206  include first and second side panels  270 ,  272 , respectively having first and second elongated tabs  274 ,  276 . Furthermore, the first and second side panels  270 ,  272  include first and second recessed portions  278 ,  280 , respectively. When the outer case blank  202  forms the outer case member  102 , the first and second side panels  270 ,  272  of the outer case blank  202  cooperate to form one of the side panels  106  of the outer case member  102 . The first elongated tab  274  overlaps the second recessed portion  280  and the second elongated tab  276  overlaps the first recessed portion  278 , an interaction between the first and second elongated tabs  274 ,  276  with the second and first recessed portions  280 ,  278 , respectively, creating a leverage, which couples the first and second side panels  270 ,  272  and maintains a shape and position of the resulting side panel  106  of the outer box member  102 . An adhesive or other attaching device, member, compound or other attribute can also be used to assist in coupling the first and second side panels  270 ,  272 . 
   The outer case blank  202  further includes a first closure panel  210 , which is configured to pivot with respect to at least one of the side panels  206  about a fold line  282  positioned therebetween. When the outer case blank  202  forms the outer case member  102 , the first closure panel  210  of the outer case blank  202  forms the first closure panel  110  of the outer case member  102 . 
   The first closure panel  210  may include an extension flap  211  having a coupling member  215  and a tear strip  217 . The extension flap  211  of the outer case blank  202  is configured to form the extension flap  111 . The tear strip  217  may comprise a feature  213  such as perforations, a plurality of cut lines, fold lines, creases, any combination thereof and/or any other feature configured to assist a user in separating the extension flap  211 . The coupling member  215  can comprise hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, magnets, any combination thereof, or any other component, device, compound, and/or attribute that promotes engagement of the extension flap  111  to one of the first and second side panels  120 ,  122 , when the outer box member  102  is formed, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In embodiments where the coupling member  215  includes adhesive, the adhesive can include a double-sided adhesive, a temporary adhesive and/or a temperature sensitive adhesive. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the container blank  200  also includes an inner case blank  204  configured to form the inner case member  104  of the container  100  discussed in the embodiment above. The inner case member  204  includes a base panel  212 , a top panel  214 , a rear panel  258  and first and second side panels  220 ,  222 , configured to form the second interior  118  of the inner case member  104 . 
   The side panels  220 ,  222  are configured to fold or pivot about side panel fold lines  284 , the base panel  212  is configured to fold or pivot about a base panel fold line  286  and the top panel  214  is configured to fold or pivot about a top panel fold line  288  to form the second interior  118  of the inner case member  104 . 
   The first side panel  220  includes a first intermediate section  224  and the second side panel  222  includes a second intermediate section  226 . Furthermore, the first and second intermediate sections  224 ,  226  are positioned between opposing longitudinal ends of the first and second side panels  220 ,  222 , respectively. The first and second intermediate sections  224 ,  226  are configured to collapse toward each other when the inner case blank  204  forms the inner case member  104 . At least a portion of the first and second intermediate sections  224 ,  226  are configured to fold or pivot about intermediate section fold lines  290 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in one embodiment, the first side panel  220  is positioned laterally opposing the second side panel  222 , and the first intermediate section  224  is positioned substantially laterally opposing the second intermediate section  226 . In one embodiment, a collapsible portion  228  of the first intermediate section  224  is positionable adjacent a collapsible portion  230  of the second intermediate section  226 , the collapsible portions  228 ,  230  being configured to divide the second interior  118  into the first and second volumes  132 ,  134  when the first and second intermediate sections  224 ,  226  at least partially fold or pivot about the intermediate section fold lines  290  to form the collapsed portions  128 ,  130  of the inner case member  104 , discussed above. The collapsible portions  228 ,  230  also form the boundary  138  of the slot  136  when the inner case blank  204  forms the inner case member  104 . In some embodiments, the intermediate section fold lines  290  form a triangular shape. 
   Forming the inner case member  104  from the inner case blank  204  forms the slot  136 , as discussed above, for securing the contents  131  of the container  100 , precluding a need for other material or securing members such as tie members. Consequently, the user saves time and money when using the container  200 , especially in applications that require forming many containers for shipping items, including fragile items, such as gifts and flowers. 
   In some embodiments, the inner case member  204  may further comprise a second closure panel  242 . In these embodiments, the second closure panel  242  is pivotable with respect to at least one of the top panel  214 , base panel  212 , and the first and second side panels  220 ,  221 , to form the second closure panel  142  of the inner case member  104 , which is configured to pivot between the first and second positions as discussed above. The second closure panel  242  is configured to fold or pivot about a closure panel fold line  292  to form the second closure flap  142  of the inner case member  104 . 
   In addition, the second closure panel  242  may comprise a retaining flap  243  toward a free end thereof, which forms the retaining flap  143  of the inner case member  204 , when formed. The retaining flap  243  folds or pivots about a retaining flap fold line  294 . Additionally, the retaining flap  243  may comprise a securing tab  245 , configured to fold or pivot about tab fold line  297  and lip portion  257 , which is separated from the retaining flap  243  along a cut line  261  and also pivotably connected to the retaining flap  242  along a portion of the fold line  297 , to further secure the contents  131  as discussed above. 
   The container blank  200  or portions thereof can be fabricated from any material that is formable and can maintain a shape after being formed, such as corrugated paper, cardboard, plastics, composites, and/or any combination thereof. 
   Furthermore, the term fold line is used herein and in the claims that follow for clarity of description and is not meant to be used in a limiting sense. Fold lines as used herein includes any feature that is configured to promote partially folding the respective panels discussed herein, with respect to other panels to form the inner and outer case members  102 ,  104 . For example, the fold lines may comprise perforations, at least one crease, cut lines, pre-folded, punched or pressed lines, or any other feature configured to promote folding the respective panels with respect to the other panels. 
   In some embodiments, at least one of the panels of the inner case blank  204  may comprise fastening protrusions  254  on opposing sides thereof. Each fastening protrusion  254  is configured to fold about respective protrusion fold lines  296  to engage a complementary receptacle  256  formed in at least two adjacent panels, thereby coupling the at least one side panel to the at least two adjacent panels and maintaining a shape of a portion of the inner case member  104 , when formed. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the receptacles  256  are formed by breached portions  298  of the adjacent panels, respectively. The breached portions  298  may comprise perforations, cut lines, or any other feature partially breaching the adjacent panels, such that the breached portions  298  form flaps  267 , respectively. The flaps  267  are configured to fold or pivot about an unbreached boundary thereof and substantially separate at the breached portions  298  to form the receptacles  256 . In such an embodiment, the fastening protrusions  254  penetrate at least a portion of the receptacles  256  and secure in place between a penetrated edge of the receptacles  256  and at least a portion of the flaps  267 , respectively. 
   For example, the top panel  214  can comprise the fastening protrusion  254  engaging the complementary receptacle  256  in adjacent first and second side panels  220 ,  221 , when formed. In some embodiments, the fastening protrusions  254  couple to the top panel  214  via a flap  255 , which is configured to fold or pivot about the flap fold line  269 , aligning the fastening protrusions  254  with the receptacles  256 , when the inner case blank  204  forms the inner case member  104 . 
   The rear panel  258  is coupled on opposing lateral sides thereof to the first and second side panels  220 ,  222 . The rear panel  258  includes a third intermediate section positioned between longitudinal ends thereof and longitudinally proximate the first and second intermediate sections  224 ,  226 . The third intermediate section includes a first portion  262 , which is configured to fold over a second portion  264 , pivoting about a third intermediate section fold line  271 , and a third portion  263  configured to fold over the first portion  262 , pivoting about slit lines  259 , to form the stiffened portion of the third side panel  158  proximate the slot  136 , as discussed above. 
   In some embodiments, the inner case blank  200  includes tabs  275  separated from the inner case blank  200  about a portion of a periphery thereof at cut lines  277 . When the side panels  220 ,  222  and base panel  212  fold or pivot about side panel fold lines  284  and base panel fold line  286 , respectively, the tabs  275  erect, extending beyond the rear panel  158  of the formed inner case member  104 , to form the raising members  175  described in detail above. 
   Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to a two-piece container and container blank, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited in scope to two pieces. For example, another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a one-piece container or container blank with the outer case member  102  or blank  202  pivotably connected to the inner case member  104  or blank  204 , respectively. Furthermore, in another embodiment, a one-piece container may simply comprise first and second sides having features described in conjunction with the first and second sides  120 ,  122  of the inner case member  104 . Yet other embodiments may include an insert having features described in conjunction with the inner case member  104 . 
   All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. 
   From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.