Patent Description:
Fragile goods often require specialised or bespoke packaging for protection during handling and transit. Such packaging may comprise, for example, air packaging, bubble wrap, foam packaging, moulded polymer packaging, moulded polystyrene, or polystyrene pieces.

<CIT> relates to a folding box for goods such as glasses, bottles, cans or similar products, in particular for cosmetic articles. Said folding box is made from a blank having a plurality of sections for forming the sidewalls, an outer cover wall, an inner base wall, an inner cover wall and an outer cover wall.

<CIT> relates to cardboard packaging for objects, especially for the presentation of bottles. <CIT> relates to a box obtained by folding a sheet of cardboard, plastic or the like for the packaging of products, such as eggs, to protect them during their transport. Said box comprises a plurality of side walls, inner and outer base walls and inner and outer cover walls.

<CIT> relates to a packaging case for product storage and display, the packaging case having a simple prefabricated structure. <CIT> relates to a folding box for accommodating at least one rod-shaped object, such as a pen, a lamp tube or the like.

The present inventors have realised that existing conventional packaging whose shape conforms with that of an object to be packaged, e.g. packaging which is vacuum moulded or injection moulded or thermo-plastically moulded, tends to be difficult or costly to manufacture.

The present inventors have further realised that existing conventional packaging whose purpose is to provide protection to an object therewithin tends to be excessively cumbersome or heavy.

The present inventors have further realised that existing conventional packaging, in particular protective packaging, tends to be environmentally unsustainable to manufacture or dispose of.

The present inventors have realised that some conventional flat-pack packaging is difficult and costly to manufacture, or susceptible upon assembly to fatigue and breakage under heavy load, or insufficiently thermally insulating upon assembly for many applications, or environmentally unsustainable to manufacture or dispose of, or combinations thereof.

The present inventors have therefore recognised that it is desirable to provide flat-pack packaging which is simultaneously cost-effective to manufacture and distribute, sufficiently robust to mitigate the likelihood of packaging fatigue or breakage under load, and sufficiently thermally insulating to improve the longevity of perishable or heat-sensitive goods enclosed therein. It is more desirable still that such packaging be formed entirely of environmentally sustainable materials.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a protective packaging for packaging an item according to claim <NUM>. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a blank for protective packaging for an item according to claim <NUM>. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling packaging from a blank according to claim <NUM>. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of packaging an item according to claim <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that relative terms such as above and below, horizontal and vertical, top and bottom, front and back, and so on, are used herein merely for ease of reference to the Figures, and these terms are not limiting as such, and any two differing directions or positions and so on may be implemented rather than truly above and below, horizontal and vertical, top and bottom, and so on.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a blank <NUM> for protective packaging for an item. The blank <NUM> has a plurality of sections next to one another.

A central portion of the blank <NUM> comprises four laterally adjoining sections separated by fold lines. More specifically, the blank <NUM> comprises a first section <NUM>, a second section <NUM>, a third section <NUM>, and a fourth section <NUM>. The second section <NUM> laterally adjoins the first section <NUM>. The second section <NUM> is separated from the first section <NUM> by a first fold line <NUM>. The third section <NUM> laterally adjoins the second section <NUM> at an opposite side of the second section <NUM> to the first section <NUM>. The third section <NUM> is separated from the second section <NUM> by a second fold line <NUM>. The fourth section <NUM> laterally adjoins the third section <NUM> at an opposite side of the third section <NUM> to the second section <NUM>. The fourth section <NUM> is separated from the third section <NUM> by a third fold line <NUM>.

The blank <NUM> further comprises a fifth section <NUM>, a sixth section <NUM>, a seventh section <NUM>, and an eighth section. The fifth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the first section <NUM>. The fifth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the first section <NUM> substantially perpendicularly to the direction in which the second section <NUM> extends from the first section <NUM>. The fifth section <NUM> is separated from the first section <NUM> by a fourth fold line <NUM>. The sixth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the fifth section <NUM> at a side of the fifth section <NUM> opposite to the first section <NUM>. Thus, the fifth section <NUM> is disposed between the first section <NUM> and the sixth section <NUM>. The sixth section <NUM> is separated from the fifth section <NUM> by a fifth fold line <NUM>. The seventh section <NUM> extends outwardly from the sixth section <NUM> at a side of the sixth section <NUM> opposite to the fifth section <NUM>. Thus, the sixth section <NUM> is disposed between the fifth section <NUM> and the seventh section <NUM>. The seventh section <NUM> is separated from the sixth section <NUM> by a sixth fold line <NUM>. The eighth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the seventh section <NUM> at a side of the seventh section <NUM> opposite to the sixth section <NUM>. Thus, the seventh section <NUM> is disposed between the sixth section <NUM> and the eighth section <NUM>. The eighth section <NUM> is separated from the seventh section <NUM> by a seventh fold line <NUM>.

The blank <NUM> further comprises a ninth section <NUM>, a tenth section <NUM>, an eleventh section <NUM>, and a twelfth section <NUM>. The ninth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the third section <NUM>. The ninth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the third section <NUM> substantially perpendicularly to the respective directions in which the second section <NUM> and the fourth section <NUM> extend from the third section <NUM>. The ninth section <NUM> is separated from the third section <NUM> by an eighth fold line <NUM>. The tenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the ninth section <NUM> at a side of the ninth section <NUM> opposite to the third section <NUM>. Thus, the ninth section <NUM> is disposed between the third section <NUM> and the tenth section <NUM>. The tenth section <NUM> is separated from the ninth section <NUM> by a ninth fold line <NUM>. The eleventh section <NUM> extends outwardly from the tenth section <NUM> at a side of the tenth section <NUM> opposite to the ninth section <NUM>. Thus, the tenth section <NUM> is disposed between the ninth section <NUM> and the eleventh section <NUM>. The eleventh section <NUM> is separated from the tenth section <NUM> by a tenth fold line <NUM>. The twelfth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the eleventh section <NUM> at a side of the eleventh section <NUM> opposite to the tenth section <NUM>. Thus, the eleventh section <NUM> is disposed between the tenth section <NUM> and the twelfth section <NUM>. The twelfth section <NUM> is separated from the eleventh section <NUM> by an eleventh fold line <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the blank <NUM> further comprises a thirteenth section <NUM>. The thirteenth section <NUM> may be optional. The thirteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the fourth section <NUM>. The thirteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the fourth section <NUM> substantially perpendicularly to the direction in which the third section <NUM> extends from the fourth section <NUM>. The thirteenth section <NUM> is separated from the fourth section <NUM> by a twelfth fold line <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the blank <NUM> further comprises a fourteenth section <NUM>, a fifteenth section <NUM>, a sixteenth section <NUM>, a seventeenth section <NUM>, an eighteenth section <NUM>, and a nineteenth section <NUM>. One or more of these sections may be optional. The fourteenth section <NUM> laterally adjoins the first section <NUM> at an opposite side of the first section <NUM> to the second section <NUM>. The fourteenth section <NUM> is separated from the first section <NUM> by a thirteenth fold line <NUM>. The fifteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the first section <NUM> at a side of the first section <NUM> opposite to the fifth section <NUM>. The fifteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the first section <NUM> substantially perpendicularly to the direction in which the second section <NUM> extends from the first section <NUM>. The fifteenth section <NUM> is separated from the first section <NUM> by a fourteenth fold line <NUM>. The sixteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the second section <NUM> substantially perpendicularly to the direction in which the first section <NUM> and the third section <NUM> extend from the first section <NUM>. The sixteenth section <NUM> is separated from the second section <NUM> by a fifteenth fold line <NUM>. The seventeenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the second section <NUM> at a side of the second section <NUM> opposite to the sixteenth section <NUM>. The seventeenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the second section <NUM> substantially perpendicularly to the respective directions in which the first section <NUM> and the third section <NUM> extend from the second section <NUM>. The seventeenth section <NUM> is separated from the second section <NUM> by a sixteenth fold line <NUM>. The eighteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the third section <NUM> at a side of the third section <NUM> opposite to the ninth section <NUM>. The eighteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the third section <NUM> substantially perpendicularly to the respective directions in which the second section <NUM> and the fourth section <NUM> extend from the third section <NUM>. The eighteenth section <NUM> is separated from the third section <NUM> by a seventeenth fold line <NUM>. The nineteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the fourth section <NUM> at a side of the fourth section <NUM> opposite to the thirteenth section <NUM>. The nineteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the fourth section <NUM> substantially perpendicularly to the direction in which the third section <NUM> extends from the fourth section <NUM>. The nineteenth section <NUM> is separated from the fourth section <NUM> by an eighteenth fold line <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the fifth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the first section <NUM> at a first side of the blank <NUM>. Also, the seventeenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the second section <NUM> at the first side of the blank <NUM>. Also, the eighteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the third section <NUM> at the first side of the blank <NUM>. Also, the nineteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the fourth section <NUM> at the first side of the blank <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the fifteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the first section <NUM> at a second side of the blank <NUM>, the second side being opposite to the first side. Also, the sixteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the second section <NUM> at the second side of the blank <NUM>. Also, the ninth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the third section <NUM> at the second side of the blank <NUM>. Also, the thirteenth section <NUM> extends outwardly from the fourth section <NUM> at the second side of the blank <NUM>.

The seventh section <NUM> comprises a first hole <NUM>. The first hole <NUM> is for receiving an item that is to be packaged in the assembled packaging. In this embodiment, the first hole <NUM> is substantially circular.

The eleventh section <NUM> comprises a second hole <NUM>. The second hole <NUM> is for receiving the item that is to be packaged in the assembled packaging. In this embodiment, the second hole <NUM> is substantially circular.

The ninth section <NUM> comprises a cut-out or recess <NUM> along one of its sides. This recess <NUM> is optional.

The thirteenth section <NUM> comprises a rip-tab <NUM>. The rip tab <NUM> extends laterally across the thirteenth section <NUM>, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the thirteenth section <NUM> extends from the fourth section <NUM>. This rip-tab <NUM> is optional.

In this embodiment, the first section <NUM>, the second section <NUM>, the third section <NUM>, the fourth section <NUM>, the fifth section <NUM>, the sixth section <NUM>, the seventh section <NUM>, the ninth section <NUM>, the tenth section <NUM>, the eleventh section <NUM>, the fifteenth section <NUM>, and the eighteenth section <NUM>, are substantially rectangular in shape.

In this embodiment, the eighth section <NUM>, the twelfth section <NUM>, the thirteenth section <NUM>, the fourteenth section <NUM>, the sixteenth section <NUM>, the seventeenth section <NUM>, and the nineteenth section <NUM> are substantially trapezium in shape. The eighth section <NUM>, the twelfth section <NUM>, the thirteenth section <NUM>, the fourteenth section <NUM>, the sixteenth section <NUM>, the seventeenth section <NUM>, and the nineteenth section <NUM> taper inwardly in a direction away from the blank <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the blank <NUM> is made of or comprises one or more materials selected from the group of materials consisting of: a recycled material, a recyclable material, a biodegradable material, paper, card, cardboard, wood, polymer, and a cellulose fibre material. Preferably, the blank <NUM> is made of corrugated cardboard.

<FIG> is a process flow chart showing certain steps of a method <NUM> of assembling packaging from the blank <NUM>.

At step s202, the blank <NUM> is provided.

At step s204, the eighth section <NUM> is fixedly attached to the first section <NUM>. This may be achieved using an adhesive or glue. Fixedly attaching the eighth section <NUM> to the first section <NUM> comprises folding the blank <NUM> along the fourth fold line <NUM>, the fifth fold line <NUM>, the sixth fold line <NUM>, and the seventh fold line <NUM>. Thus, the eighth section <NUM> may be considered to be a glue tab.

At step s206, the twelfth section <NUM> is fixedly attached to the third section <NUM>. This may be achieved using an adhesive or glue. Fixedly attaching the twelfth section <NUM> to the third section <NUM> comprises folding the blank <NUM> along the eighth fold line <NUM>, the ninth fold line <NUM>, the tenth fold line <NUM>, and the eleventh fold line <NUM>. Thus, the twelfth section <NUM> may be considered to be a glue tab.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing the blank <NUM> that has had the eighth section <NUM> fixedly attached to the first section <NUM> and the twelfth section <NUM> fixedly attached to the third section <NUM>.

At step s208, the fourteenth section <NUM> is fixedly attached to the fourth section <NUM>. This may be achieved using an adhesive or glue. Thus, the fourteenth section <NUM> may be considered to be a glue tab. To do this, the blank <NUM> may be folded along the second fold line <NUM> and the thirteenth fold line <NUM>. In some embodiments, the blank may additionally be folded along the first fold line <NUM> and the third fold line <NUM> e.g. such that the first section <NUM>, the second section <NUM>, the third section <NUM>, and the fourth section <NUM> form sidewalls that define an internal volume.

At step s208, the packaging may be considered to be in a flat-pack state. The flat-pack packaging is relatively flat, thus facilitating its distribution. Steps s202 to s208 are preferably performed automatically by one or more machines.

The subsequent step of the process of <FIG>, i.e. step s210, describes packaging erection. Preferably, the packaging erection is performed automatically by a machine, which may be considered to be a box erector, a case erector, or a machine erector.

At step s210, the blank <NUM> is folded along the fourth fold line <NUM>, the fifth fold line <NUM>, the sixth fold line <NUM>, and the seventh fold line <NUM>. This is performed such that the fifth section <NUM> closes a first opening of the internal volume at a first end of the sidewalls (i.e. the sidewalls being the first, second, third, and fourth sections <NUM>-<NUM>). Also, the sixth section <NUM>, the seventh section <NUM>, and the eighth section <NUM> are within the internal volume.

Thus, open packaging is assembled or erected from the blank <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a side view cross section of the open packaging <NUM> assembled from the blank <NUM> by performing the method of <FIG>.

The protective packaging <NUM> comprises a base <NUM>. The base <NUM> comprises an outer base wall (which is defined by the fifth section <NUM>, and so the same reference numeral will be used) and an inner base wall (which is defined by the seventh section <NUM>, and so the same reference numeral will be used). The packaging <NUM> further comprises a plurality of sidewalls (which are defined by the first, second, third, and fourth sections <NUM>-<NUM>, and so the same reference numerals will be used) which extend from the outer base wall <NUM> whereby to define an internal volume <NUM>. The plurality of sidewalls <NUM>-<NUM> define an opening <NUM> to the internal volume <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is opposite to the outer base wall <NUM>. The inner base wall <NUM> is disposed within the internal volume <NUM> and is spaced apart from the outer base wall <NUM> (by the sixth section <NUM>). The packaging <NUM> further comprises a cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> comprises an outer cover wall (which is defined by the ninth section <NUM>, and so the same reference numeral will be used) and an inner cover wall (which is defined by the eleventh section <NUM>, and so the same reference numeral will be used). The cover <NUM> is rotatably attached to a third sidewall <NUM>, i.e. via the eight fold line <NUM> and the eleventh fold line <NUM> about which the blank <NUM> may bend or fold. The cover <NUM> is rotatable between a closed position in which the cover closes the opening <NUM> and an open position in which the cover <NUM> does not close the opening <NUM>. <FIG> shown the packaging <NUM> in its open position. When the packaging <NUM> is in its closed position, the inner cover wall <NUM> is disposed within the internal volume <NUM> and is spaced apart from the outer cover wall <NUM> and the inner base wall <NUM>.

The inner base wall <NUM> comprises the first hole <NUM> for receiving an item. The inner cover wall <NUM> comprises the second hole <NUM> for receiving the item.

In this embodiment, the inner base wall <NUM> extends substantially between the plurality of sidewalls <NUM>-<NUM>. In this embodiment, in the closed position, the inner cover wall <NUM> extends substantially between the plurality of sidewalls <NUM>-<NUM>. The outer cover wall <NUM> comprises the cut-out or recess <NUM> along one of its sides.

In this embodiment, the packaging <NUM> comprises a first tab (which is defined by the eighth section <NUM>, and so the same reference numeral will be used). The first tab <NUM> extends from the inner base wall <NUM>. The first tab <NUM> is fixedly attached, e.g. by glue <NUM>, to a first sidewall <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the packaging <NUM> comprises a second tab (which is defined by the twelfth section <NUM>, and so the same reference numeral will be used). The second tab <NUM> extends from the inner cover wall <NUM>. The second tab <NUM> is fixedly attached, e.g. by glue <NUM>, to the third sidewall <NUM>.

The packaging <NUM> further comprises a further cover (which is defined by the thirteenth section <NUM>, and so the same reference numeral will be used). The further cover <NUM> is arranged to be positioned over the cover <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is in its closed position. The further cover <NUM> is rotatably attached to a fourth sidewall <NUM>, i.e. via the twelfth fold line <NUM> about which the blank <NUM> may bend or fold. The further cover <NUM> comprises the rip-tab <NUM>.

<FIG> is a process flow chart showing certain steps of a method <NUM> of packaging an item in the packaging <NUM> of <FIG>. In this embodiment, the item is an egg.

The process of <FIG> is one of packaging erection and filling. Preferably, the packaging erection is performed automatically by a machine, which may be considered to be a box erector, a case erector, or a machine erector.

At step s502, the packaging <NUM> is provided with the cover <NUM> in its open position.

At step s504, the item is inserted into the internal volume <NUM> via the opening <NUM>. This may be performed by a human.

At step s506, the item is received in the first hole <NUM> of the inner base wall <NUM> (i.e. the seventh section <NUM>). Thus, the item is securely held in place by the inner base wall <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing the item <NUM> placed in the packaging <NUM> at step s506.

At step s508, the cover <NUM> is moved into its closed position, thereby to close the opening <NUM>.

In this embodiment, moving the cover <NUM> into its closed position comprises rotating the packaging <NUM> about the eighth fold line <NUM>, the ninth fold line <NUM>, the tenth fold line <NUM>, and the eleventh fold line <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is rotated about the eighth and eleventh fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>. Closing the cover <NUM> comprises the outer cover wall (which is defined by the ninth section <NUM>, and so the same reference numeral will be used) closing the opening <NUM> of the internal volume <NUM> at the end of the sidewalls <NUM>-<NUM>. With the cover <NUM> in its closed position, the tenth section <NUM>, the eleventh section <NUM>, and the twelfth section <NUM> are within the internal volume <NUM>. Also, the item <NUM> is received in the second hole <NUM> of the eleventh section <NUM>, i.e. the inner cover wall.

At step s510, the thirteenth section <NUM> is secured over the outer cover wall <NUM>. The thirteenth section <NUM> may be secured using an adhesive, i.e. a glue. The thirteenth section <NUM> defines a further cover.

In the assembled packaging, such as shown in <FIG>, with the base <NUM> assembled, or closed, the seventh section <NUM> (i.e. the inner base wall) abuts, i.e. contacts, the twelfth section <NUM> (i.e. the glue tab of the cover <NUM>). Thus, when assembling the packaging, the twelfth section <NUM> may act as a stop, or positioning guide for the seventh section <NUM>, ensuring that the base <NUM> is correctly assembled. This advantageously tends to facilitate assembly of the packaging by machine erector. Similarly, with the cover <NUM> closed, the eleventh section <NUM> (i.e. the cover base wall) abuts, i.e. contacts, the eighth section <NUM> (i.e. the glue tab of the base <NUM>). Thus, when assembling the packaging, the eighth section <NUM> may act as a stop, or positioning guide for the eleventh section <NUM>, ensuring that the cover <NUM> is correctly positioned and fully closed. This advantageously tends to facilitate assembly of the packaging by machine erector. Furthermore, the seventh section <NUM> abutting the twelfth section <NUM> and/or the eleventh section <NUM> abutting the eighth section <NUM> tends to provide improved rigidity to the assembled packaging. The likelihood of unwanted movement of the base and/or cover tends to be reduced. Thus, improved protection of the item within the packaging tends to be provided.

Thus, the method <NUM> of packaging the item <NUM> in the packaging <NUM> is provided.

The closed packaging <NUM> may be any appropriate size, and may depend on the size of the item to be packaged therein. Preferably, the closed packaging has a length of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more preferably about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Preferably, the closed packaging has a width of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more preferably about <NUM>. Preferably, the closed packaging has a height of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and more preferably about <NUM>.

To open the packaging, a user may tear the thirteenth section <NUM> along the rip tab <NUM> thus allowing access to the cover <NUM>. The user the moves the cover <NUM> from its closed position to its open position. This is facilitated by the recess <NUM> into which the user may insert his/her finger to grip the cover <NUM>. With the cover in its open position, the user may remove the item <NUM> from the packaging.

The above-described packaging may hold an egg in a semi-suspended position. The egg is held away from the packaging outer walls (i.e., the sidewalls, the outer base wall, and the outer cover wall) by the inner base and cover walls. This advantageously tends to protect the egg from damage during transit.

The packaging being made of corrugated cardboard tends to provide relatively soft contact points for the egg. This advantageously tends to protect the egg from damage during transit.

Advantageously, the egg tends to be protected from being crushed, punctured or broken egg during transportation.

The egg is held in the packaging surrounded by air pockets. This tends to provide a degree of thermal insulation for the egg.

Advantageously, the packaging can be assembled by machine, such as by those machines usually used for assembling solid board boxes for medical purposes. Thus, improved packing efficiency for single eggs is provided. For example, the above-described packaging, assembled by machine, may reduce the time for packing single eggs from between <NUM> seconds to <NUM> minute per egg, to one egg every <NUM>-<NUM> seconds.

In the above embodiments, the protective packaging is for packaging an egg. In other embodiments, the protective packaging is for packaging fragile goods other than an egg. For example, the protective packaging may be used to package food (e.g., fragile confectionary such as chocolate eggs), or fragile consumer goods, or medical supplies, or construction materials.

In the above embodiments, the packaging is formed of a cellulose fibre material. In other embodiments, the first layer is formed of one or more materials selected from the group of materials consisting of: a recycled material, a recyclable material, a biodegradable material, paper, card, cardboard, wood, polymer, and a cellulose fibre material.

Advantageously, the protective packaging tends to be at least partially recyclable, or made at least partially of recycled material. For example, in some embodiments, the entirety of the protective packaging is recyclable. A volume of waste packaging, and a volume of non-recyclable waste, thus tends to be reduced.

In the above embodiments, the fifth to eighth sections <NUM>-<NUM> extend from the first section <NUM>.

In the above embodiments, the fifth to eighth sections <NUM>-<NUM> extend from the first section <NUM> at the first side of the blank <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the fifth to eighth sections extend from the blank at the second side of the blank.

In the above embodiments, the ninth to twelfth sections <NUM>-<NUM> extend from the third section <NUM>.

In the above embodiments, the ninth to twelfth sections <NUM>-<NUM> extend from the third section <NUM> at the second side of the blank <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the ninth to twelfth sections extend from the blank at the first side of the blank.

In the above embodiments, the thirteenth section <NUM> extends from the fourth section <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the thirteenth section extends from a different section other than the fourth section, such as the second section.

In the above embodiments, the thirteenth section <NUM> extends from the fourth section <NUM> at the second side of the blank <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the thirteenth section extends from the blank at the first side of the blank.

In the above embodiments, the various sections of the blank are separated by fold lines. In some embodiments, on or more of the fold lines is a cut-crease. Preferably, the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are cut creases. This advantageously tends to facilitate assembly of the base by machine erector. Preferably, the eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are cut creases. This advantageously tends to facilitate assembly of the cover by machine erector. Preferably, the twelfth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are cut creases. This advantageously tends to facilitate assembly of the packaging from the blank by machine erector.

In some embodiments, one or more of the sections has a reduced dimension compared to one or more other sections to which it adjoins. For example, referring to <FIG>, the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be shorter in the lateral direction (i.e., horizontally in <FIG>) than the first section <NUM>. Thus, there may be, for example, gaps, steps, or offsets between the sides of the first section <NUM> and the sides of the fifth section <NUM>. Also for example, the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be shorter in the lateral direction (i.e., horizontally in <FIG>) than the third section <NUM>. Thus, there may be, for example, gaps, steps, or offsets between the sides of the third section <NUM> and the sides of the ninth section <NUM>. Advantageously, such offsets or steps tend to facilitate assembly of the packaging from the blank by machine erector.

In the above embodiments, the protective packaging is provided with a first hole <NUM> for receiving the item. The first hole <NUM> may be considered a portion of the inner base wall <NUM> configured to receive or house the item, e.g. in the closed configuration. In the above embodiments, the protective packaging is provided with a second hole <NUM> for receiving the item. The second hole <NUM> may be considered a portion of the inner cover wall <NUM> configured to receive or house the item, e.g. in the closed configuration. However, in other embodiments, the inner base wall and/or the inner cover wall may include one or more portions, features, or means for receiving or housing the item instead of or in addition to one or both of the holes <NUM>, <NUM>. Examples of such structural features or receiving means or features include, but are not limited to: one or more slits, one or more depressions, one or more indentations, and/or one or more cavities.

For example, in some embodiments, the protective packaging is, instead of or in addition to the first and second holes <NUM>, <NUM>, provided with respective sets of slits e.g. through the inner base wall and/or the inner cover wall. That is, in some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the first hole <NUM>, the protective packaging may be provided with a first arrangement of one or more slits for receiving the item. Similarly, in some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the second hole <NUM>, the protective packaging is provided with a second arrangement of one or more slits for receiving the item. The first arrangement of one or more slits may form, circumscribe, or be contiguous with, the first hole <NUM>, thereby to provide an area of the protective packaging which is suitable for receiving or housing the item. The first arrangement of one or more slits may be considered to form or be formed in a portion of the inner base wall. The portion of the inner base wall may thus be configured to receive or house the item, e.g. in the closed configuration. The second arrangement of one or more slits may form, circumscribe, or be contiguous with, the second hole <NUM>, thereby to provide an area of the protective packaging which is suitable for receiving or housing the item. The second arrangement of one or more slits may be considered to form or be formed in a portion of the inner cover wall. The portion of the inner cover wall may thus be configured to receive or house the item, e.g. in the closed configuration.

The first and/or second arrangement of one or more slits may be arranged in a cross or star-shaped pattern. The slits of the first arrangement of one or more slits may permit the inner base wall <NUM> to be folded thereby to form an aperture, e.g. to form the first hole <NUM> or an additional or alternative aperture/hole for receiving or housing the item. The slits of the first arrangement of one or more slits may permit the inner base wall <NUM> to be folded or deformed thereby to form one or more depressions, one or more indentations, and/or one or more cavities for receiving or housing the item. The slits of the second arrangement of one or more slits may permit the inner cover wall <NUM> to be folded thereby to form an aperture, e.g. to form the second hole <NUM> or an additional or alternative aperture/hole for receiving or housing the item. The slits of the second arrangement of one or more slits may permit the inner cover wall to be folded or deformed thereby to form one or more depressions, one or more indentations, and/or one or more cavities for receiving or housing the item.

In some embodiments, the protective packaging is provided with a depression, indentation, or cavity in the surface of the inner base wall <NUM> in place of, or in addition to, the first hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protective packaging is provided with a depression, indentation, or cavity in the surface of the inner cover wall <NUM> in place of, or in addition to, the second hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the portion of the inner base wall <NUM> which forms the respective depression, indentation or cavity circumscribes or encompasses the first hole <NUM>. In other embodiments, said portion replaces the first hole <NUM>, thereby to provide an area of the protective packaging which is suitable for receiving or housing the item. In some embodiments, the portion of the inner cover wall <NUM> which forms the respective depression, indentation or cavity circumscribes or encompasses the second hole <NUM>. In other embodiments, said portion replaces the second hole <NUM>, thereby to provide an area of the protective packaging which is suitable for receiving or housing the item. Each depression, indentation, or cavity may thus be considered to form, or be formed in, a respective portion of the inner base wall <NUM> or the inner cover wall <NUM> configured to receive or house the item, e.g. in the closed configuration.

Claim 1:
Protective packaging (<NUM>) for packaging an item, the packaging comprising:
a base (<NUM>) comprising:
an outer base wall (<NUM>);
an inner base wall (<NUM>); and
a first tab (<NUM>) extending from the inner base wall (<NUM>);
a plurality of sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending from the outer base wall (<NUM>) whereby to define an internal volume (<NUM>), wherein:
the plurality of sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) define an opening (<NUM>) to the internal volume (<NUM>), the opening (<NUM>) being opposite to the outer base wall (<NUM>); and
the inner base wall (<NUM>) is disposed within the internal volume (<NUM>) and is spaced apart from the outer base wall (<NUM>); and
a cover (<NUM>) comprising:
an outer cover wall (<NUM>);
an inner cover wall (<NUM>); and
a second tab (<NUM>) extending from the inner cover wall (<NUM>);
wherein
the cover (<NUM>) is rotatably attached to a sidewall (<NUM>) of the plurality of sidewalls;
the cover (<NUM>) is rotatable between a closed position in which the cover (<NUM>) closes the opening (<NUM>) and an open position in which the cover (<NUM>) does not close the opening (<NUM>);
in the closed position, the inner cover wall (<NUM>) is disposed within the internal volume (<NUM>) and is spaced apart from the outer cover wall (<NUM>) and the inner base wall (<NUM>);
the first tab (<NUM>) is fixedly attached to a further sidewall (<NUM>) of the plurality of sidewalls;
in the closed position, the inner cover wall (<NUM>) abuts the first tab (<NUM>);
the second tab (<NUM>) is fixedly attached to the sidewall (<NUM>);
the inner base wall (<NUM>) abuts the second tab (<NUM>);
the inner base wall (<NUM>) comprises a first portion (<NUM>) configured to receive or house the item; and
the inner cover wall (<NUM>) comprises a second portion (<NUM>) configured to receive or house the item.