Patent Publication Number: US-2023150754-A1

Title: Perforated shipping and display box for packaged lighting elements

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Light bulbs or other lighting elements are packaged and shipped to businesses for eventual transfer to consumers. Packaging the light bulbs in a manner that protects them from transit-related damage is challenging and expensive. Moreover, upon receipt of the packaged light bulbs, a merchant must then transfer them to a shelf or other display so that consumers may evaluate options and make selections. Such transfer can be fraught with additional damage to the light bulbs and may not always result in a consumer having appropriate visibility into what is contained in the packaging or display. Further, conventional display mechanisms may not provide for reuse of the display materials. 
     Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, solutions to improve existing methods and apparatuses have been realized and are described in connection with embodiments of the present invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments provide for a shipping and display box. In embodiments, the shipping and display box can be used for linear tube lighting elements. In example embodiments, a shipping and display box includes a bottom panel, the bottom panel comprising a distal end wall at a distal end of the bottom panel and a proximal end tab at a proximal end of the bottom panel. In embodiments, the shipping and display box further includes a first side wall adjacent to and at an approximate right angle to the bottom panel at a first crease line, the first side wall comprising a first proximal side fold-over panel at a proximal end of the first side wall and a first distal side fold-over panel at a distal end of the first side wall, wherein the first proximal side fold-over panel and the first distal side fold-over panel are substantially parallel to and facing one another. 
     In embodiments, the shipping and display box further includes a top panel adjacent to and at an approximate right angle to the first side wall at a second crease line, the top panel comprising a proximal end wall at a proximal end of the top panel and a distal end tab at a distal end of the top panel, wherein the top panel and the bottom panel are substantially parallel to and facing one another. 
     In embodiments, the shipping and display box further includes a second side wall adjacent to and at an approximate right angle to the top panel at a third crease line, the second side wall comprising a second proximal side fold-over panel at a proximal end of the second side wall and a second distal side fold-over panel at a distal end of the second side wall, wherein the second proximal side fold-over panel and the second distal side fold-over panel are substantially parallel to and facing one another, and wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are substantially parallel to and facing one another, 
     In embodiments, the distal end wall is folded at a fourth crease line toward the top panel and secured to the distal end of the top panel by way of the distal end tab of the top panel and the proximal end wall is folded at a fifth crease line toward the bottom panel and secured to the proximal end of the bottom panel by way of the proximal end tab of the bottom panel. 
     In embodiments, the bottom panel, first side wall, second side wall, top panel, and proximal end wall each comprise one or more perforations configured to enable removal of sections of each of the bottom panel, first side wall, second side wall, top panel, and proximal end wall for display of contents of the shipping and display box. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
         FIG.  1 A  shows a top view of an arrangement of an example blank used to make a shipping and display box for packaged linear tube light bulbs according to various embodiments; 
         FIG.  1 B  shows a top view of an arrangement of an example blank used to make a shipping and display box for packaged linear tube light bulbs according to various embodiments; 
         FIG.  2 A  shows an example packaged linear tube light bulb according to various embodiments; 
         FIG.  2 B  shows an example assembled shipping box configured for receiving a plurality of packaged linear tube light bulbs according to various embodiments; 
         FIG.  3 A  shows an example assembled shipping box configured for receiving a plurality of packaged linear tube light bulbs according to various embodiments; 
         FIG.  3 B  shows an example assembled shipping box configured as a display box for a plurality of packaged linear tube light bulbs; and 
         FIG.  4    shows an example assembled shipping box configured as a display box for a plurality of packaged linear tube light bulbs. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting to embodiments of the present invention. As used in the description, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “or” is used herein in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms “illustrative” and “exemplary” are used to be examples with no indication of quality level. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in the description are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the description are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the approximate numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of embodiments of the present invention, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements. 
     Still further, while numbers expressing quantities of dimensions such as length, width, height, and sort forth are incorporated throughout the description, such as to be understood as exemplary in nature, versus limiting. In other words, certain embodiments may have dimensions substantially greater than the exemplary numbers expressed herein, while other embodiments may have dimensions substantially less than the same, as may be desirable for particular applications. It should be understood that such variations in dimensions are contemplated and considered within the scope of various embodiments. Accordingly, for purposes of brevity of disclosure, such variations may be assumed with regard to any remaining described dimensions herein, even where not explicitly described with regard to particular panels or other elements. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  provide illustrations of an example blank  100  that may be used to make an outer shipping box  200  which may, in turn, be configured to form a display system  300  for boxed linear tube light bulbs  201 , according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, the insert shipping box  200  formed by carrying out a sequence of folding steps upon the blank  100 . In particular embodiments, the blank  100  is folded along appropriate formed crease lines and respective panels, walls, or flaps are thereby brought by the folding operation into proximity or juxtaposition to other panels, walls, or flaps, or made to abut or to interlock with other panels, walls, or flaps of the blank  100 , as described in further detail below. 
     In various embodiments, the formed crease lines are configured to encourage bending at the crease lines. For instance, in various embodiments, the crease lines may be formed by placing indentations in the blank  100 , by partial cuts through the body of the blank  100 , by placing serrated indentations in the body of the blank  100  that include alternating sections of cuts through the body of the blank and sections without cuts, and/or combinations thereof. 
     For convenience, the blank  100  is shown in  FIG.  1 A and  1 B  as a single flat item that may be manufactured as a single piece. However, it will be appreciated that the blank  100  may be manufactured in multiple pieces that may be adhered to one another through such mechanisms as tape, glue, staples, etc., and/or a combination thereof In addition, according to various embodiments, the blank  100  may be constructed of any suitable material such as the non-limiting examples of paperboard, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic, or metal. In certain embodiments, the suitable material may be formed at least partially or even wholly from recyclable, reground, and/or biodegradable material, as may be desirable in particular applications. 
     It may be seen from  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  that various embodiments of the blank  100  include a first side wall  104 , a top panel  102 , a second side wall  103 , and bottom panel  101 . Each of the respective walls and panels may be substantially rectangular in shape, and dimensions for each may vary among embodiments. 
     For example, the overall size of a shipping box  200  or display box (e.g., or system)  300  according to embodiments herein may include a height of four (4) feet and a width of eight (8) feet. In other embodiments, the overall size may include a height of four (4) feet and a width of four (4) feet. A length or depth of the shipping box  200  or display box  300  may vary based on the packaged components intended therefor (e.g., two ( 2 ) feet or three ( 3 ) feet). The packaged components within the shipping box  200  or display box  300  may include various types of lightbulbs or other lighting elements, although embodiments herein are not limited to such components. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, these and still other dimensions of the blank  100  may be substantially greater than or substantially less than those recited above, as may be desirable for shipping and display of certain packaged components. For purposes of brevity, such variations may be assumed with regarding to any remaining described dimensions. 
     A side fold-over panel  115  may be included on a first side of the first side wall  104 , where the side fold-over panel  115  and the first side of the first side wall  104  are adjoined by a crease line  133 . A distal end wall  105  may be included on a distal end of the first side wall  104 , where the distal end wall  105  includes a first distal end wall panel  108  and a second distal end wall panel  107 . The first distal end wall panel  108  is adjacent the second distal end wall panel  107  at a crease line  135 . A distal aperture  109  may also be included along the crease line  135 , for accepting a distal end tab  118  situated at a distal end of the second side wall  103 . The distal end wall  105  is adjacent the first side wall  104  at a crease line  134 . 
     A proximal side fold-over panel  116  and a distal side fold-over panel  117  are positioned at a proximal end and a distal end, respectively, of the top panel  102 . The top panel  102  is adjacent the first side wall  104  at a crease line  132 , and is adjacent the second side wall  103  at a crease line  131 . The proximal side fold-over panel  116  is adjacent the top panel  102  at a crease line  140 , while the distal fold-over panel  117  is adjacent the top panel  102  at a crease line  136 . 
     A proximal side fold-over panel  114  and a distal side fold-over panel  113  are positioned at a proximal end and a distal end, respectively, of the bottom panel  101 . The bottom panel  101  is adjacent the second side wall  103  at a crease line  130 . The proximal side fold-over panel  114  is adjacent the bottom panel  101  at a crease line  138 , while the distal fold-over panel  113  is adjacent the bottom panel  101  at a crease line  137 . 
     A proximal end wall  106  may be included on a proximal end of the second side wall  103 , where the proximal end wall  106  includes a first proximal end wall panel  110  and a second proximal end wall panel  111 . The first proximal end wall panel  110  is adjacent the second proximal end wall panel  111  at a crease line  141 . A proximal aperture  112  may also be included along the crease line  141 , for accepting a proximal end tab  119  situated at a proximal end of the first side wall  104 . The proximal end wall  106  is adjacent the second side wall  103  at a crease line  139 . 
     The blank  100  is further configured with perforations  121  and holes  120  positioned such that sections of the blank  100 , after the blank  100  has been assembled into a shipping box  200 , may be removed. For example, the second side wall  103  may include holes  120  and perforations extending from the holes toward one or more of the top panel  102  and first side wall  104 , the bottom panel  101 , or the proximal end wall  106 . Removal of the sections of the shipping box  200  according to perforations  121  and holes  120  configures the shipping box  200  into a display box or system  300  for ease in displaying packaged components. 
     In embodiments, the proximal end of the blank  100  may constitute a front or display side of the shipping box  200  or display box  300  while the distal end of the blank  100  may constitute a rear side of the shipping box  200  or display box  300 . Further, the top panel may constitute a top or upper portion of the shipping box  200  or display box  300 , while the bottom panel may constitute a bottom or lower portion of the shipping box  200  or display box  300 . However, it will be appreciated that references to front or rear, top or bottom, are not intended to be limiting herein. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1 B , an alternative embodiment of the blank includes a side fold-over panel  115 ′ included on a first side of the bottom panel  101  (e.g., as opposed to the first side wall  104  as shown in  FIG.  1 A ). In such embodiments, the side fold-over panel  115 ′ and the first side of the bottom panel  101  are adjoined by a crease line  133 ′. 
     The shipping box  200  (not shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  but shown in  FIG.  2 B ) may be formed by a series of folding operations. For example, the first side wall  104  may be folded along crease line  132  between the first side wall  104  and the top panel  102  at an approximate right angle, and then the second side wall  103  may be folded along crease line  131  between the top panel  102  and the second side wall  103  at an approximate right angle such that the first side wall  104  and the second side wall  103  are substantially parallel to and facing one another. 
     The bottom panel  101  may also then be folded along crease line  130  between the second side wall  103  and the bottom panel  101  at an approximate right angle such that the top panel  102  and the bottom panel  101  are substantially parallel to and facing one another. 
     Proximal side fold-over panel  116  may be folded along crease line  140  between proximal side fold-over panel  116  and top panel  102  at an approximate right angle, and distal side fold-over panel  117  may be folded along crease line  136  between distal side fold-over panel  117  and top panel  102  at an approximate right angle such that the proximal side fold-over panel  116  and distal side fold-over panel  117  are substantially parallel to and facing one another. 
     Proximal side fold-over panel  114  may be folded along crease line  138  between proximal side fold-over panel  114  and bottom panel  101  at an approximate right angle, and distal side fold-over panel  113  may be folded along crease line  137  between distal side fold-over panel  113  and bottom panel  101  at an approximate right angle such that the proximal side fold-over panel  114  and distal side fold-over panel  113  are substantially parallel to and facing one another. 
     Distal end wall  105  may be folded along crease line  134  between first distal end wall panel  108  and the first side wall  104  at an approximate right angle. The second distal wall end panel  107  may be folded at crease line  135  between first distal end wall panel  108  and second distal end wall panel  107  at an approximate right angle. 
     Second distal end wall panel  107  may be positioned such that it is tucked into an opening inside the second side panel  103 , and distal end tab  118  is inserted into distal end aperture  109  to secure distal end wall  105  in place. 
     In embodiments as shown in  FIG.  1 A , side fold-over panel  115  is folded at crease line  133  at an approximate right angle and secured to bottom panel  101 . In embodiments as shown in  FIG.  1 B , side fold-over panel  115 ′ is folded at crease line  133 ′ at an approximate right angle and secured to first side panel  104 . The side fold-over panel (e.g.,  115  or  115 ′) may be secured through such mechanisms as tape, glue, staples, etc., and/or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, at this point in the assembly process, packaged components may be loaded into a cavity formed within the shipping box  200  before the proximal end wall  106  is closed. Further, it will be appreciated that proximal side fold-over panels  116  and  114  may be folded after the packaged components are loaded into the cavity, instead of before. 
     Proximal end wall  106  may be folded along crease line  139  between first proximal end wall panel  110  and the second side wall  103  at an approximate right angle. The second proximal wall end panel  111  may be folded at crease line  141  between first proximal end wall panel  110  and second proximal end wall panel  111  at an approximate right angle. 
     Second proximal end wall panel  111  may be positioned such that it is tucked into an opening inside the first side panel  104 , and proximal end tab  119  is inserted into proximal end aperture  112  to secure proximal end wall  106  in place. 
     Exemplary Use of Linear Tube Tray 
     Subsequent to transport of the shipping box  200  (e.g., filled with packaged components  201 , shown in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  3 A ), sections of the shipping box  200  may be removed according to the holes and perforations (e.g.,  120 ,  121 ) of the blank  100 . 
     Shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the blank  100  has been configured to include perforations  121  on each of the first side wall  104 , the top panel  102 , the second side wall  103 , the bottom panel, and the proximal end wall  106  (e.g., including both the first proximal end wall panel  110  and second proximal end wall panel  112 ). Additionally, the second side wall  103  includes punctures or holes at an intersection of perforations  121  (e.g., at a first intersection of perforations  121  configured in a direction toward proximal end wall  106  and a direction toward top panel  102 ; at a second intersection of perforations  121  configured in a direction toward proximal end wall  106  and a direction toward bottom panel  101 ). 
     Sections of the blank  100  may be removed, subsequent to assembly into shipping box  200 , according to the perforations so that the contents (e.g., plurality of packaged components  201 ) of the display box  300  (e.g., see  FIGS.  3 B and  4   ) may be easily viewed. Moreover, with reference to  FIG.  4   , one or more individually packaged components  201  may be temporarily removed from the display box  300  and then placed back into the display box  300  with ease via one or more openings resulting from the shipping box  200 . 
     In various embodiments, display box  300  may include descriptive contents on an exterior of the proximal end wall  106  for providing information regarding the contents of the display box  300 . 
     CONCLUSION 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.