Patent Description:
User-assembled, or 'flat-pack', packaging is used in a variety of industries as a cost-effective and logistically straightforward solution to the problem of packaging and transporting goods.

In many applications, it is desirable to provide flat-pack packaging which packs in a space-efficient manner prior to assembly but nevertheless forms a robust and well-supported structure upon assembly. Such applications include, for example, the packaging of white goods, construction materials, and furniture.

In many applications, it is desirable to provide packaging which provides improved thermal insulation. For example, it is desirable in some applications to improve the heat retention of the goods packaged therein, thereby to house goods at a desired temperature above that of the ambient surroundings. Such applications include, for example, the distribution of perishable goods, hot or cooked foodstuffs, construction materials, and medical supplies.

Alternatively, it is desirable in other applications to mitigate heat transfer to the goods enclosed within the packaging, thereby to house goods at a desired temperature below that of the ambient surroundings. Such applications include, for example, the distribution of perishable goods, cold or raw foodstuffs, construction materials, and medical supplies.

<CIT> discloses a temperature insulated packaging system includes a container having interior surface bounding an interior volume and a liner disposed within the interior volume and at least partially bounding a compartment configured to receive an item for temperature insulated shipping.

The liner includes a first sleeve made of cellulose material and at least partially bounds a channel. The first sleeve has an outside wall disposed adjacent to the container and an opposing inside wall disposed adjacent to the compartment configured to receive the item for shipping, the channel being disposed between the inside wall and the outside wall. At least one insulation sheet is disposed within the channel of the first sleeve, the at least one insulation sheet being made of a cellulose material and having a plurality of recesses formed thereon.

<CIT> discloses collapsible insulating container liners and methods of manufacturing the same.

<CIT> discloses an insulated container that may include a rigid container surrounding an insulation layer formed from a post-industrial, pre-consumer card waste. The insulation layer may include a natural fibre lamination layer on an outer surface of the insulation layer or may be housed in a biodegradable plastic. The insulated layer may be manufactured in a capital "T" shape such that it may be folded for compact transportation prior to end use. The folded insulation layer may bound by a separable band. The separable band may be removed when folded insulation layer is placed in the rigid container. The insulation layer and the band may be biodegradable in an anaerobic environment.

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 prone to incomplete assembly and accidental spillage, breakage or undesirable cooling/heating, or environmentally unsustainable to manufacture or dispose of, or combinations thereof.

Specifically, flat-pack packaging formed predominantly of flat sheet material may provide insufficient robustness and thermal insulation for many applications.

For some applications, flat-pack packaging formed predominantly of fluted or corrugated sheets may provide sub-optimal thermal insulation (since air can enter and exit the open-ended cavities defined by the flutes) and limited rigidity.

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, sufficiently thermally insulating to improve the longevity of perishable or heat-sensitive goods enclosed therein, and at least partially auto-assembling or auto-sealing. It is more desirable still that such packaging be formed entirely of environmentally sustainable materials.

In a first aspect, there is provided a thermally insulative liner for packaging, the thermally insulative liner comprising: a base; a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base, the plurality of sidewalls defining an opening to an internal volume, the opening being opposite to the base; and a cover configured to cover the opening. The cover comprises a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. A first side of the first segment is hingedly attached to a first sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls such that the first segment is rotatable, from a position in which the first segment is parallel to and aligned with the first sidewall, in a first direction relative to the first sidewall. A first side of the second segment is hingedly attached to a second side of the first segment opposite to the first side of the first segment such that the second segment is rotatable, from a position in which the second segment is parallel to and aligned with the first segment, in the first direction. A first side of the third segment is hingedly attached to a second side of the second segment opposite to the first side of the second segment such that the third segment is rotatable, from a position in which the third segment is parallel to and aligned with the second segment, in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

The thermally insulative liner may comprise a first part and a second part separate from the first part. The first part may comprise the base, the first sidewall, and the cover, wherein the base, the first sidewall, and the cover are attached together. The second part may comprise the plurality of sidewalls other than the first sidewall, wherein the plurality of sidewalls other than the first sidewall are attached together.

A first side of the first sidewall may be hingedly attached to the base such that the first sidewall is rotatable, from a position in which the first sidewall is parallel to and aligned with the base, in the first direction.

The plurality of sidewalls may further comprise a second sidewall, a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall. A side of the second sidewall may be hingedly attached to a first side of the third sidewall such that the third sidewall is rotatable, from a position in which the third sidewall is parallel to and aligned with the second sidewall, in a third direction. A side of the fourth sidewall may be hingedly attached to a second side of the third sidewall opposite the first side of the third sidewall such that the fourth sidewall is rotatable, from a position in which the fourth sidewall is parallel to and aligned with the third sidewall, in the third direction.

One or more (e.g. each) of the base, the plurality of sidewalls, and the cover of the thermally insulative liner may comprise a cellular structure comprising a plurality of substantially sealed cells.

The cellular structure may be a structure selected from the group of structures consisting of a honeycomb structure and a prismatic columnar structure.

Each cellular structure may be sandwiched between a respective first sheet and a respective second sheet.

Each hinged attachment between segments may be by means of a respective hinge formed by a slit through the cellular structure and only one of the first sheet and the second sheet.

All of the slits of the first part and/or the second part may be substantially parallel to each other.

The thermally insulative liner may comprise 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.

In a second aspect, there is provided thermally insulative packaging comprising outer packaging defining an internal volume, and a thermally insulative liner located within the internal volume of the outer packaging. The thermally insulative liner is in accordance with any preceding aspect.

The outer packaging may be a box comprising: a box base, a plurality of box sidewalls extending from the base, the plurality of box sidewalls defining a box opening to the internal volume of the outer packaging, the box opening being opposite to the box base, and a box cover configured to cover the box opening.

When the box cover is arranged to cover the box opening, the third segment may be disposed between the box cover and the second segment, such that the box cover and the second segment are spaced apart, thereby to define a cavity therebetween.

The box cover may comprise a plurality of flaps hingedly attached to respective box sidewalls. When the plurality of flaps is arranged to cover the box opening, the third segment may be disposed between each of the flaps and the second segment.

In a third aspect, there is provided a method of assembling thermally insulative packaging, the method comprising: providing outer packaging, the outer packaging defining an internal volume; and inserting a thermally insulative liner into the internal volume of the outer packaging. The thermally insulative liner is in accordance with any preceding aspect.

The method may comprise inserting the first part into the internal volume of the outer packaging such that: the base is disposed against a base of the outer packaging; the first sidewall is disposed against a sidewall of the outer packaging; and the first section, the second section, and the third section of the cover are each substantially parallel with the first sidewall. The method may comprise inserting the second part into the internal volume of the outer packaging such that each sidewall of the second part is disposed against a respective sidewall of the outer packaging.

The method may further comprise inserting goods into the internal volume of the thermally insulative liner.

The method may comprise: closing, by the cover, the opening of the thermally insulative liner; and closing, by a further cover of the outer packaging, a further opening to the internal volume of the outer packaging.

In a further aspect, there is provided a thermally insulative liner for packaging comprising: a base; sidewalls extending from the base and defining an opening; and a cover for covering the opening; wherein the cover comprises first, second, and third segments; a first side of the first segment is hingedly attached to a sidewall such that the first segment is rotatable, from being aligned with that sidewall, in a first direction; a first side of the second segment is hingedly attached to a second side of the first segment such that the second segment is rotatable, from being aligned with the first segment, in the first direction; and the third segment is hingedly attached to a second side of the second segment such that the third segment is rotatable, from being aligned with the second segment, in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

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) showing a perspective view of a first part <NUM> of a thermally insulative liner for packaging.

In this embodiment, the first part <NUM> is an elongate sheet of material comprising a first core <NUM> sandwiched between a first layer <NUM> and a second layer <NUM> opposing the first layer <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the first part <NUM> is divided into a first plurality of segments <NUM>-<NUM> by a first plurality of substantially parallel slits <NUM>-<NUM>. Specifically, the first part <NUM> is divided into a first segment <NUM>, a second segment <NUM>, a third segment <NUM>, a fourth segment <NUM>, and a fifth segment <NUM> by the first plurality of slits <NUM>-<NUM>. Each of the segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is separated from an adjacent segment by a respective slit.

In this embodiment, the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> of each of the segments <NUM>-<NUM> extend in substantially parallel directions.

In this embodiment, each slit of the first plurality of slits <NUM>-<NUM> is a slit or cut spanning the entire width of each of the first core <NUM> and one of the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM>, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> extend. Thus, each slit of the first plurality of slits <NUM>-<NUM> may be considered to be a transverse slit.

Specifically, in this embodiment, a first slit <NUM> separates the first segment <NUM> from the second segment <NUM>. The first slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the second layer <NUM> and the first core <NUM>, and not through the first layer <NUM>, thereby to define a first hinge <NUM>. The first segment <NUM> and second segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the first hinge <NUM> formed by the first layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the second segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the second segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the first segment <NUM>, in a first direction relative to the first segment <NUM> about a first rotation axis <NUM>.

Specifically, in this embodiment, a second slit <NUM> separates the second segment <NUM> from the third segment <NUM>. The second slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the second layer <NUM> and the first core <NUM>, and not through the first layer <NUM>, thereby to define a second hinge <NUM>. The second segment <NUM> and third segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the second hinge <NUM> formed by the first layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the third segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the third segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the second segment <NUM>, in the first direction relative to the second segment <NUM> about a second rotation axis <NUM>.

Specifically, in this embodiment, a third slit <NUM> separates the third segment <NUM> from the fourth segment <NUM>. The third slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the second layer <NUM> and the first core <NUM>, and not through the first layer <NUM>, thereby to define a third hinge <NUM>. The third segment <NUM> and fourth segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the third hinge <NUM> formed by the first layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the fourth segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the fourth segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the third segment <NUM>, in the first direction relative to the third segment <NUM> about a third rotation axis <NUM>.

Specifically, in this embodiment, a fourth slit <NUM> separates the fourth segment <NUM> from the fifth segment <NUM>. The fourth slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the first layer <NUM> and the first core <NUM>, and not through the second layer <NUM>, thereby to define a fourth hinge <NUM>. The fourth segment <NUM> and fifth segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the fourth hinge <NUM> formed by the second layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the fifth segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the fifth segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the fourth segment <NUM>, in a second direction relative to the fourth segment <NUM>, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, about a fourth rotation axis <NUM>.

In this embodiment, each segment of the first plurality of segments <NUM>-<NUM> comprises a sandwiched arrangement of the first core <NUM>, the first layer <NUM>, and the second layer <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the first core <NUM> of each segment is a honeycomb core, i.e. is formed of a honeycomb arrangement of material, for example a honeycomb arrangement of cellulose fibre. The honeycomb arrangement includes prismatic or columnar cavities defined by partitioning walls.

In this embodiment, the first layer <NUM> and second layer <NUM> of each segment are flat sheets of material, for example flat sheets of cellulose fibre. In the sandwiched arrangement of this embodiment, the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> of each segment abut, and lie substantially perpendicular to, the partitioning walls of the honeycomb first core <NUM>. As such, the first layer <NUM> and second layer <NUM> of each segment may be considered to be closures of the prismatic or columnar cavities within the honeycomb first core <NUM> of each segment.

In this embodiment, a length of the first part <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axes <NUM>-<NUM> is approximately <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length may be, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>. In this embodiment, a height of the first part <NUM> in a direction parallel to the rotation axes <NUM>-<NUM> is approximately <NUM>. In other embodiments, the height may be, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>. In this embodiment, a width of the first part <NUM> in a direction from the first layer <NUM> to the second layer <NUM>, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to that of the length and height of the first part <NUM>, is approximately <NUM>. In other embodiments, the width may be, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a perspective view of a second part <NUM> of the thermally insulative liner for packaging.

In this embodiment, the second part <NUM> is an elongate sheet of material comprising a second core <NUM> sandwiched between a third layer <NUM> and a fourth layer <NUM> opposing the first layer <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the second part <NUM> is divided into a second plurality of segments <NUM>-<NUM> by a second plurality of substantially parallel slits <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, the second part <NUM> is divided into a sixth segment <NUM>, a seventh segment <NUM>, and an eighth segment <NUM> by the second plurality of slits <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the segments <NUM>-<NUM> is separated from an adjacent segment by a respective slit.

In this embodiment, the third layer <NUM> and the fourth layer <NUM> of each of the segments <NUM>-<NUM> extend in substantially parallel directions.

In this embodiment, each slit of the second plurality of slits <NUM>, <NUM> is a slit or cut spanning the entire width of each of the second core <NUM> and one of the third layer <NUM> and the fourth layer <NUM>, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the third layer <NUM> and the fourth layer <NUM> extend. Thus, each slit of the second plurality of slits <NUM>, <NUM> may be considered to be a transverse slit.

Specifically, in this embodiment, a fifth slit <NUM> separates the sixth segment <NUM> from the seventh segment <NUM>. The fifth slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the fourth layer <NUM> and the second core <NUM>, and not through the third layer <NUM>, thereby to define a fifth hinge <NUM>. The sixth segment <NUM> and seventh segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the fifth hinge <NUM> formed by the third layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the seventh segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the seventh segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the sixth segment <NUM>, in the first direction relative to the sixth segment <NUM> about a fifth rotation axis <NUM>.

Specifically, in this embodiment, a sixth slit <NUM> separates the seventh segment <NUM> from the eighth segment <NUM>. The sixth slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the fourth layer <NUM> and the second core <NUM>, and not through the third layer <NUM>, thereby to define a sixth hinge <NUM>. The seventh segment <NUM> and eighth segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the sixth hinge <NUM> formed by the third layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the eighth segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the eighth segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the seventh segment <NUM>, in the first direction relative to the seventh segment <NUM> about a sixth rotation axis <NUM>.

In this embodiment, each segment of the second plurality of segments <NUM>-<NUM> comprises a sandwiched arrangement of the second core <NUM>, the third layer <NUM>, and the fourth layer <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the second core <NUM> of each segment is a honeycomb core, i.e. is formed of a honeycomb arrangement of material, for example a honeycomb arrangement of cellulose fibre. The honeycomb arrangement includes prismatic or columnar cavities defined by partitioning walls.

In this embodiment, the third layer <NUM> and fourth layer <NUM> of each segment are flat sheets of material, for example flat sheets of cellulose fibre. In the sandwiched arrangement of this embodiment, the third layer <NUM> and the fourth layer <NUM> of each segment abut, and lie substantially perpendicular to, the partitioning walls of the honeycomb second core <NUM>. As such, the third layer <NUM> and fourth layer <NUM> of each segment may be considered to be closures of the prismatic or columnar cavities within the honeycomb second core <NUM> of each segment.

The first part <NUM> and second part <NUM> may therefore be considered to be of identical construction, i.e. to be formed of elongate sheets of the same sandwiched arrangement of core and layers.

In this embodiment, a length of the second part <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axes <NUM>-<NUM> is approximately <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length may be, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>. A height of the second part <NUM> in a direction parallel to the rotation axes <NUM>-<NUM> is approximately <NUM>. In other embodiments, the height may be, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>. A width of the second part <NUM> in a direction from the third layer <NUM> to the fourth layer <NUM>, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to that of the length and height of the second part <NUM>, is approximately <NUM>. In other embodiments, the width may be, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a process flow chart showing steps of a process <NUM> for assembling the thermally insulative liner in a box.

It should be noted that certain of the process steps depicted in the flowchart of <FIG> and described above may be omitted, or such process steps may be performed in differing order to that presented above and shown in <FIG>. Furthermore, although all the process steps have, for convenience and ease of understanding, been depicted as discrete temporally-sequential steps, some of the process steps may nevertheless in fact be performed simultaneously or in a temporally-overlapping manner, at least to some extent.

The below description of <FIG> refers to <FIG>, which is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing assembly of the thermally insulative liner in the box.

At step s302, the box <NUM> is provided. The box <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> and sidewalls <NUM>. The sidewalls extend from the base <NUM>. The sidewalls <NUM> define an opening <NUM> opposite to the base <NUM>. The box <NUM> further comprises closing flaps <NUM> at the ends of the sidewalls <NUM> opposite the base <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the third segment, the fourth segment, and the fifth segment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> together form a cover for closing the thermally insulative liner across the opening <NUM>. The third segment <NUM> may be considered to be a first segment of the cover. The fourth segment <NUM> may be considered to be a second segment of the cover. The fifth segment <NUM> may be considered to be a third segment of the cover.

At step s304, the first part <NUM> is inserted into the box <NUM> via the opening <NUM> (as depicted by arrows in <FIG>).

Upon insertion of the first part <NUM> into the box <NUM>, the first segment <NUM> of the first part <NUM> abuts, and lies substantially flush with, the base <NUM> of the box <NUM>. That is to say that the first segment <NUM> substantially covers a top surface of the base <NUM> of the box <NUM>.

The second segment <NUM> (which is rotated relative to the first segment <NUM> such that it is perpendicular to the first segment <NUM>) abuts, and lies substantially flush with, one of the sidewalls <NUM> of the box <NUM>. That is to say that the second segment <NUM> substantially covers an inner surface of one of the sidewalls <NUM> of the box <NUM>.

Following step s304, in this embodiment, the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> remain substantially parallel and aligned with each other. Thus, the majority of the opening <NUM> of the box <NUM> tends to be unobstructed, so as not to restrict the opening <NUM> or hinder the insertion at step s306 of the second part <NUM>.

In other embodiments, however, the third, fourth, and fifth segments may adopt a position in which they abut, and lie flush with, each other following step s304 (see <FIG>). In such other embodiments, the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> adopting this configuration nevertheless leaves the opening <NUM> of the box <NUM> sufficiently unobstructed so as not to hinder the insertion at step s306 of the second part <NUM>. More specifically, the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the first part <NUM> may be rotated relative to each other, thereby to abut, and lie flush with, each other, for example, at only one side of the opening <NUM>. Each of the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the first part <NUM> may therefore adopt a substantially upright position at only one side of the opening <NUM>. Thus, the majority of the opening <NUM> of the box <NUM> tends to be unobstructed, so as not to restrict the opening <NUM> or hinder the insertion at step s306 of the second part <NUM>.

At step s306, the second part <NUM> is inserted into the box <NUM> via the opening <NUM> (as depicted by further arrows in <FIG>), thereby to provide the configuration shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a side view cross section of the first and second parts <NUM>, <NUM> inserted into the box at step s306. (<FIG> depicts the packaging following execution of step s306.

In this embodiment, each of the sixth segment <NUM>, seventh segment <NUM>, and eighth segment <NUM>, is perpendicular to an adjacent segment of the second plurality of segments <NUM>-<NUM>. Each of the sixth segment <NUM>, seventh segment <NUM>, and eighth segment <NUM> abuts, and lies substantially flush with, a respective one of the sidewalls <NUM> of the box <NUM>. That is to say that each segment of the second plurality of segments <NUM>-<NUM> substantially covers a respective inner surface of one of the sidewalls <NUM> of the box <NUM>. The sidewalls <NUM> covered by respective segments of the second part <NUM> are different sidewalls to the sidewalls <NUM> covered by respective segments of the first part <NUM>.

Thus, following execution of step s306, a respective inner surface of each of the sidewalls <NUM> and the top surface of the base <NUM> is substantially covered by a respective segment of a part of the thermally insulative liner, thereby to line the box <NUM>.

Optionally, following step s306, the packaging may be filled with goods. Examples of such goods include, but are not limited to, food, medical supplies, or construction materials.

As shown in <FIG>, advantageously, the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the first part <NUM> may be rotated relative to each other, thereby to abut, and lie flush, with each other, for example, at only one side of the opening <NUM>. Each of the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the first part <NUM> may therefore adopt a substantially upright position at only one side of the opening <NUM>. Thus, the majority of the opening <NUM> of the box <NUM> tends to be unobstructed, thereby to facilitate the packing of goods within the packaging. Advantageously, the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> tend to be held in these positions by respective contact forces experienced by respective abutting portions of the hingedly connected fourth and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM> through abutment with the second part <NUM>. More advantageously still, in some embodiments, the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> tend to be assisted in remaining in these positions by friction between those segments <NUM>-<NUM> and the respective adjacent sidewalls <NUM> of the box <NUM>. In some embodiments, the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> tend to be held in these positions solely by friction between those segments <NUM>-<NUM> and the respective adjacent sidewalls <NUM> of the box <NUM>. This further tends to facilitate the packing of goods, and tends to be particularly beneficial for assembly line packing of goods.

At step s308, the cover of the thermally insulative liner is closed, thereby to define an enclosed volume within the thermally insulative liner. <FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view cross section of the thermally insulative liner showing a configuration of the cover of the thermally insulative liner during closure.

At step s308 the third segment <NUM> of the first part <NUM> is rotated, in the first direction, about the second hinge <NUM>, relative to the second segment <NUM> of the first part <NUM>. More specifically still, the third segment <NUM> is rotated, in the first direction, about the second hinge <NUM>, thereby to move a top end of the third segment <NUM> (i.e. an end proximate the third hinge <NUM>) towards the base <NUM> of the box <NUM>. During said movement of the third segment <NUM>, respective portions of the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> abut respective top edges of the sixth and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e. the respective edges of the sixth and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM> furthest from the base <NUM>). Said movement of the third segment <NUM> is a rotation of the third segment <NUM> in the first direction relative to the second segment <NUM>. As the third hinge <NUM> hingedly connects the third segment <NUM> to the fourth segment <NUM>, rotation of the third segment <NUM>, rotates the fourth segment <NUM> in the second direction relative to the second segment <NUM>. Thus, movement of the top end of the third segment <NUM> towards the base <NUM> of the box <NUM> effects simultaneous movement of a top end of the fourth segment <NUM> towards the base <NUM> of the box <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the respective portions of the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be brought to lie flush with respective top edges of the sixth and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM> with which they abut, i.e. brought to lie substantially parallel with the first segment <NUM> and the base <NUM>. More specifically, in this embodiment, the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the liner may first be manually manipulated to adopt positions in which they together extend across the opening <NUM> of the box <NUM> (for example in <FIG>). The third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> may then be moved, by rotation of the third segment <NUM> and/or the fourth segment <NUM>, so as to lie flush with respective top edges of the sixth and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby to close the thermally insulative liner.

In other embodiments, the fourth segment <NUM> may be considered to act as a cam which rides along respective top ends of the sixth and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM> during rotation of said fourth segment <NUM>. In this manner, respective portions of the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be brought to lie flush with respective top edges of the sixth and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM> with which they abut, i.e. brought to lie substantially parallel with the first segment <NUM> and the base <NUM>. That is to say that the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be moved, by rotation of the third segment <NUM>, so as to extend together across the opening <NUM> of the box, thereby to close the thermally insulative liner.

In the closed configuration of the liner, the first, second, third, fourth, sixth, seventh, and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the thermally insulative liner together define therein an enclosed volume. Thus, the liner may be considered to be in a closed configuration. (<FIG> depicts the liner in the closed configuration.

At step s310, the box <NUM> is closed is closed and sealed. In particular, the closing flaps <NUM> are aligned and sealed together, thereby to form a unitary box lid.

Specifically, the closing flaps <NUM> of the box <NUM> are rotated relative to the sidewalls <NUM> to which they adjoin, thereby to form the unitary box lid of the box <NUM>. (Rotation of the closing flaps <NUM> relative to the sidewalls <NUM> is depicted by an arrow in <FIG>.

Thus, a process <NUM> for assembling the thermally insulative liner in a box is provided.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view cross section of the thermally insulative liner in the closed configuration following formation of the unitary box lid, i.e. following execution of the process <NUM>.

A closing force applied by one of the closing flaps <NUM> to the fifth segment <NUM> of the first part <NUM> causes abutment of the fifth segment <NUM> with the fourth segment <NUM>. The closing force causes rotation of the fourth segment <NUM> in the second direction relative to the second segment <NUM>. As the third hinge <NUM> hingedly connects the third segment <NUM> to the fourth segment <NUM>, rotation of the fourth segment <NUM> in the second direction relative to the second segment <NUM> rotates the third segment <NUM> in the first direction relative to the second segment <NUM>. Thus, movement of the top end of the fourth segment <NUM> towards the base <NUM> of the box <NUM> effects simultaneous movement of a top end of the third segment <NUM> towards the base <NUM> of the box <NUM>.

In this embodiment, before closing the closing flaps <NUM>, the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> may first together be manipulated so as to extend across the opening <NUM> (i.e. in an intermediate configuration similar to that of <FIG>). The third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> may then be moved, by rotation of the third segment <NUM> and/or the fourth segment <NUM> by one or both of the closing flaps <NUM>, so as to lie flush with respective top edges of the sixth and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby to close the thermally insulative liner.

In other embodiments, the fourth segment <NUM> may be considered to act as a cam which rides along respective top edges of the sixth and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM> during rotation of said fourth segment <NUM>. In this manner, respective portions of the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be brought to lie flush with respective top edges of the sixth and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM> with which they abut, i.e. brought to lie substantially parallel with the first segment <NUM> and the base <NUM>.

Thus, in this and other embodiments, the closed configuration of the thermally insulative liner obtained by execution of step s308 may advantageously be achieved, starting from an intermediate configuration of the thermally insulative liner (for example, the intermediate configuration depicted in <FIG>), without contact of the thermally insulative liner with any object other than one or more of the closing flaps <NUM>. (The intermediate configuration is a configuration obtained during execution of step s308, i.e. occurring temporally between the start of step s308 and the end of step s308. ) That is to say that the liner may transition from the intermediate configuration to the closed configuration without being directly handled by a packager. Thus, the liner may be considered to operate in an at least partially auto-sealing manner.

In other embodiments, the closed configuration of the thermally insulative liner obtained by execution of step s308 may be achieved, starting from the orientation in the open configuration of the thermally insulative liner (as depicted in <FIG>), without contact of the thermally insulative liner with any object other than one or more of the closing flaps <NUM>. That is to say that the liner may transition from the open configuration to the closed configuration without being directly handled by a packager. Thus, the liner may be considered to operate in an auto-sealing manner.

As described above, the thermally insulative liner tends to be at least partially automatically sealing, for example by closure of the closing flaps <NUM> to form the unitary box lid at step s310. Thus, incomplete or incorrect execution of step s308 (closure of the thermally insulative liner) tends to be completed or corrected by execution of step s310. More specifically, incomplete of incorrect execution of step s308 (closure of the thermally insulative liner) tends to be completed or corrected by closure of the closing flaps <NUM> to form the unitary box lid. Advantageously, step s310 may be executed by relatively inexpensive and failsafe means, for example by mechanical closing/sealing means. Thus, the risk of incorrect or incomplete closure of the packaging tends to be reduced. This tends to mitigate the risk of spillages, breakages or undesirable cooling/heating of the packaged goods, at low effort and cost to the packager.

However, more advantageously still, the thermally insulative liner in the closed configuration tends to resist accidental opening even when the closing flaps <NUM> are not properly sealed to form the unitary box lid at step s310. More specifically, friction between the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> forming part of the cover of the liner and respective portions of the sixth, seventh, and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with which the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> abut tends to resist movement of the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> away from their horizontal orientation in the closed configuration.

As shown in <FIG>, the second and third hinges <NUM>, <NUM> between the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> allow the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> and the fourth and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, to lie flush with each other when the thermally insulative liner is in the open configuration. Advantageously, this tends to maximise the fraction of the opening <NUM> left unobstructed, thereby to facilitate easy packing of goods into the packaging.

More advantageously still, hinging of the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> allows abutment of a respective portion of each of the fourth and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM> with the respective top end of the sixth and eighth segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the second part <NUM>, when the packaging is in the open configuration shown in <FIG>. Advantageously, the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> tends to be held in these positions by friction between those segments <NUM>-<NUM> and the respective adjacent sidewalls <NUM> of the box <NUM>. More advantageously still, third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> tends to be held in these positions by respective contact forces experienced by respective abutting portions of the hingedly connected fourth and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>. This further tends to facilitate the packing of goods, and tends to be particularly beneficial for assembly line packing of goods.

A further advantage is that the fifth segment <NUM> may be used as a handle. The handle may be used, for example, to open and close the liner. This tends to ease and speed packing/unpacking, and additionally tends to reduce or eliminate the need to handle the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> during assembly and opening/closing, thereby to reduce wear and tear or damage of the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, it is especially advantageous to reduce the wear and tear or damage of the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> where they provide a predominant fraction of the thermally insulative effect, i.e. when it is desirable to mitigate, in particular, heat transfer across a top wall of the packaging, as is the case when packaging heated goods (for example, hot food).

An advantage of thermally insulative liner is that the sandwiched arrangement of layers forming each segment tends to provide improved thermal insulation.

In the above embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth layers of each segment may be considered to be closures of the prismatic or columnar cavities within the honeycomb core of each segment. The entrance or exit of air from the honeycomb cavities is thus inhibited. This tends to greatly reduce the rate of heat transfer along the prismatic or columnar cavities of the honeycomb core. Thus, the thermally insulative liner having a sandwiched arrangement of material layers tends to provide for improved thermal insulation of the packaging.

In particular, in the above embodiments, the sandwiched arrangement of material layers within each segment of the thermally insulative liner abutting a wall of the box <NUM> tends to reduce a rate of heat transfer across the segment, i.e. from an exterior surface of the first/third layer to an exterior surface of the second/fourth layer. Thus, a rate of heat transfer between the enclosed volume of the thermally insulative liner and the base <NUM>, and sidewalls <NUM>, of the box <NUM> tends to be reduced. The longevity of perishable goods, such as foodstuffs and medical supplies, enclosed within thus tends to be improved.

In particular, in the above embodiments, when the thermally insulative liner is in the closed configuration, the sandwiched arrangement of material layers within each of the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> tends to reduce a rate of heat transfer between the enclosed volume of the liner and the unitary box lid of the box <NUM>. The longevity of perishable goods, such as foodstuffs and medical supplies, enclosed within thus tends to be further improved.

Referring to <FIG>, in the above embodiments, there is defined a cavity <NUM> between the box <NUM> and the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The air within the cavity <NUM> tends to further reduce the rate of heat transfer between the enclosed volume of the thermally insulative liner and the unitary box lid of the box <NUM>. The longevity of perishable goods, such as foodstuffs and medical supplies, enclosed within the thermally insulative liner thus tends to be further improved.

The cavity <NUM> formed between the box <NUM> and the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also be used as additional storage space for goods, separate from the possibly temperature-sensitive goods within the enclosed volume of the thermally insulative liner.

In the above embodiments, the thermally insulative liner tends to reduce the rate of heat transfer between the enclosed volume of the thermally insulative liner and the box <NUM>. Thus, a want for the box or other outer packaging of the packaging to be highly thermally insulative tends to be reduced. This tends to allow for reduced cost of manufacture of the box or other outer packaging.

In the above embodiments, the thermally insulative liner can be considered, at least to some degree, to be auto-sealing. Thus, a want to fastidiously secure the seal of the box or other outer packaging of the packaging (i.e. the risk of spillages, breakages or undesirable heating/cooling of the enclosed goods should said sealing fail) tends to be reduced. This tends to allow for reduced cost of manufacture and/or assembly of the box or other outer packaging.

In the above embodiments, abutment, with respective walls of the box, of the thermally insulative liner of sandwiched construction tends to greatly increase the rigidity and tensile strength of the box or outer packaging. The condition and longevity of the outer packaging therefore tends to be improved by its lining with the thermally insulative liner, thereby to provide robust packaging.

In the above embodiments, the first part <NUM> and second part <NUM> of the thermally insulative liner may be considered to be of identical construction, i.e. to be formed of elongate sheets of the same sandwiched arrangement of core and layers. This tends to allow for easier manufacture by existing methods, and the manufacturing time and cost tends to be reduced.

In the above embodiments, the slits of the first plurality of slits <NUM>-<NUM> within the first part <NUM> are substantially parallel. The slits of the second plurality of slits <NUM>-<NUM> within the second part <NUM> are also substantially parallel. Thus, the first part <NUM> and second part <NUM> of the thermally insulative liner are more easily manufactured by existing methods, and the manufacturing time and cost tends to be further reduced.

In the above embodiments, the first part <NUM> comprises a fifth segment <NUM>, thereby to form a handle of the cover for opening and closing the packaging. However, in other embodiments, the handle may be formed of more than one segment, for example two segments, for example three segments, or for example four segments.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of one such further embodiment. More specifically, <FIG> depicts a third part <NUM> of a thermally insulative liner for packaging, the further first part <NUM> having a handle formed of three segments: a fifth segment <NUM>, a sixth segment <NUM>, and a seventh segment <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the further first part <NUM> is an elongate sheet of material comprising a third core <NUM> sandwiched between a fifth layer <NUM> and a six layer <NUM> opposing the fifth layer <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the further first part <NUM> is divided into a third plurality of segments <NUM>-<NUM> by a third plurality of substantially parallel slits <NUM>-<NUM>. Specifically, the further first part <NUM> is divided into a ninth segment <NUM>, a tenth segment <NUM>, an eleventh segment <NUM>, a twelfth segment <NUM>, a thirteenth segment <NUM>, a fourteenth segment <NUM>, and a fifteenth segment <NUM>, by the third plurality of slits <NUM>-<NUM>. Each of the segments <NUM>-<NUM> is separated from an adjacent segment by a respective slit of the third plurality of slits <NUM>-<NUM>.

In this embodiment, the fifth layer <NUM> and the sixth layer <NUM> of each of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth segments <NUM>-<NUM> extend in substantially parallel directions.

In this embodiment, each slit of the third plurality of slits <NUM>-<NUM> is a slit or cut spanning the entire width of each of the third core <NUM> and one of the fifth layer <NUM> and the six layer <NUM>, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the fifth layer <NUM> and the sixth layer <NUM> extend. Thus, each slit of the third plurality of slits <NUM>-<NUM> may be considered to be a transverse slit.

Specifically, in this embodiment, a seventh slit <NUM> separates the ninth segment <NUM> from the tenth segment <NUM>. The seventh slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the sixth layer <NUM> and the third core <NUM>, and not through the fifth layer <NUM>, thereby to define a seventh hinge <NUM>. The ninth segment <NUM> and tenth segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the seventh hinge <NUM> formed by the fifth layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the tenth segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the tenth segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the ninth segment <NUM>, in a first direction relative to the ninth segment <NUM> about a seventh rotation axis <NUM>.

Specifically, in this embodiment, an eighth slit <NUM> separates the tenth segment <NUM> from the eleventh segment <NUM>. The eighth slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the sixth layer <NUM> and the third core <NUM>, and not through the fifth layer <NUM>, thereby to define an eighth hinge <NUM>. The tenth segment <NUM> and eleventh segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the eighth hinge <NUM> formed by the fifth layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the eleventh segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the eleventh segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the tenth segment <NUM>, in the first direction relative to the tenth segment <NUM> about an eighth rotation axis <NUM>.

Specifically, in this embodiment, a ninth slit <NUM> separates the eleventh segment <NUM> from the twelfth segment <NUM>. The ninth slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the sixth layer <NUM> and the third core <NUM>, and not through the fifth layer <NUM>, thereby to define a ninth hinge <NUM>. The eleventh segment <NUM> and twelfth segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the ninth hinge <NUM> formed by the fifth layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the twelfth segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the twelfth segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the eleventh segment <NUM>, in the first direction relative to the eleventh segment <NUM> about a ninth rotation axis <NUM>.

Specifically, in this embodiment, a tenth slit <NUM> separates the twelfth segment <NUM> from the thirteenth segment <NUM>. The tenth slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the fifth layer <NUM> and the third core <NUM>, and not through the sixth layer <NUM>, thereby to define a tenth hinge <NUM>. The twelfth segment <NUM> and thirteenth segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the tenth hinge <NUM> formed by the sixth layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the thirteenth segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the thirteenth segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the twelfth segment <NUM>, in a second direction relative to the twelfth segment <NUM>, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, about a tenth rotation axis <NUM>.

Specifically, in this embodiment, an eleventh slit <NUM> separates the thirteenth segment <NUM> from the fourteenth segment <NUM>. The eleventh slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the sixth layer <NUM> and the third core <NUM>, and not through the fifth layer <NUM>, thereby to define an eleventh hinge <NUM>. The thirteenth segment <NUM> and fourteenth segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the eleventh hinge <NUM> formed by the fifth layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the fourteenth segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the fourteenth segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the thirteenth segment <NUM>, in the first direction relative to the thirteenth segment <NUM> about an eleventh rotation axis <NUM>.

Specifically, in this embodiment, a twelfth slit <NUM> separates the fourteenth segment <NUM> from the fifteenth segment <NUM>. The twelfth slit <NUM> is a slit or cut through the fifth layer <NUM> and the third core <NUM>, and not through the sixth layer <NUM>, thereby to define a twelfth hinge <NUM>. The fourteenth segment <NUM> and fifteenth segment <NUM> are hingedly connected at the twelfth hinge <NUM> formed by the sixth layer <NUM>. The hinged connection is such that the fifteenth segment <NUM> may rotate, from a position in which the fifteenth segment <NUM> is parallel to and aligned with the fourteenth segment <NUM>, in the second direction relative to the fourteenth segment <NUM> about a twelfth rotation axis <NUM>.

In this embodiment, each segment of the third plurality of segments <NUM>-<NUM> comprises a sandwiched arrangement of the third core <NUM>, the fifth layer <NUM>, and the sixth layer <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the third core <NUM> of each segment is a honeycomb core, i.e. is formed of a honeycomb arrangement of material, for example a honeycomb arrangement of cellulose fibre. The honeycomb arrangement includes prismatic or columnar cavities defined by partitioning walls.

In this embodiment, the fifth layer <NUM> and sixth layer <NUM> of each segment are flat sheets of material, for example flat sheets of cellulose fibre. In the sandwiched arrangement of this embodiment, the fifth layer <NUM> and the sixth layer <NUM> of each segment abut, and lie substantially perpendicular to, the partitioning walls of the honeycomb third core <NUM>. As such, the fifth layer <NUM> and sixth layer <NUM> of each segment may be considered to be closures of the prismatic or columnar cavities within the honeycomb third core <NUM> of each segment.

In this embodiment, a length of the further first part <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axes <NUM>-<NUM> is approximately <NUM>. In other embodiments, the length may be, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>. In this embodiment, a height of the further first part <NUM> in a direction parallel to the rotation axes <NUM>-<NUM> is approximately <NUM>. In other embodiments, the height may be, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>. In this embodiment, a width of the further first part <NUM> in a direction from the fifth layer <NUM> to the sixth layer <NUM>, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to that of the length and height of the further first part <NUM>, is approximately <NUM>. In other embodiments, the width may be, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the thermally insulative liner, and the packaging of which it may form a part, is assembled in the same manner as in previous embodiments. The eleventh and twelfth segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the further first part <NUM> of the thermally insulative liner may be brought parallel with the base <NUM> of the box <NUM> in the same way as the third and fourth segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the embodiment in <FIG>, thereby to provide a closed configuration of the liner. The thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> together form a handle of the cover of the thermally insulative liner, the handle being extended in length compared to that of the previous embodiments. Advantageously, this provides improved ease of opening/closing of the cover of the thermally insulative liner.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the further first part <NUM>, in the closed configuration, and the second part <NUM> within the box <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the liner is in the closed configuration, there is provided a cavity <NUM> of increased height compared to the cavity <NUM> of certain above embodiments, the cavity <NUM> being defined between the box <NUM> and the eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The larger volume of air within the cavity, compared with that of previous embodiments, tends to further reduce the rate of heat transfer between the enclosed volume of the thermally insulative liner and the unitary box lid of the box <NUM>. The longevity of perishable goods, such as foodstuffs and medical supplies, enclosed within the thermally insulative liner thus tends to be further improved.

The larger cavity also provides larger additional storage space for goods, separate from the possibly temperature-sensitive goods within the enclosed volume of the thermally insulative liner.

In the above embodiments, the segments forming the handle of the thermally insulative liner, i.e. the segments of the first/further first part which are respectively stacked when the thermally insulative liner is in the closed configuration (as in <FIG> and <FIG>), do not extend far from the sidewall <NUM> along a direction parallel to the unitary box lid of the box <NUM>. Thus, in those embodiments, the volume of the cavity <NUM> defined between the box <NUM> and the third, fourth, and fifth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (as in the embodiment in <FIG>) or volume of the cavity <NUM> defined between the box <NUM> and the eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (as in the embodiment in <FIG>) tends to be maximised.

In other embodiments, however, the length of one or more of the segments forming the handle may be increased so as to provide a handle which extends more than halfway from one sidewall <NUM> to another sidewall <NUM>, when the thermally insulative liner is in the closed configuration.

For example, <FIG> is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of one such further embodiment. In this embodiment, the fifth segment <NUM> has a length greater than half that of the unitary box lid of the box <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the thermally insulative liner is in the closed configuration, the fifth segment <NUM> supportively contacts both closing flaps <NUM> of the box <NUM>. That is to say that the closing flap <NUM> adjoining the sidewall <NUM> furthest from the fourth hinge <NUM> is at least partially supported by the fifth segment <NUM> when the thermally insulative liner is in the closed configuration. Advantageously, this tends to provide increased strength to the unitary box lid of the box <NUM>, in particular allowing separate boxes to be stacked without damage to the box <NUM> and the thermally insulative liner and goods therein. The risk of spillages or breakages due to inverting, jostling, or otherwise mishandling the box during assembly or transit also tends to be reduced.

In this embodiment, the thermally insulative liner tends to reinforce or support the closing flaps of the box. Thus, a want for the box or other outer packaging of the packaging to be particularly robust or reinforced tends to be reduced. This tends to allow for reduced cost of manufacture of the box or other outer packaging.

In the above embodiments, the box is substantially cuboidal in shape when the closing flaps seal the opening. More specifically, in the above embodiments, the box comprises four sidewalls, a base and a unitary box lid. However, in other embodiments, there may be a different number of sidewalls, for example three sidewalls, five sidewalls, six sidewalls, seven sidewalls, or eight sidewalls, thereby to define a non-cuboidal shape of the box.

In the above embodiments, the box comprises substantially linear or straight sidewalls. However, in other embodiments, there may be a number of curved sidewalls, for example one continuous curved sidewall or two continuous curved sidewalls.

In the above embodiments, the thermally insulative liner defines a substantially cuboidal enclosed volume, upon assembly, in its closed configuration. However, in other embodiments, the first part and the second part are shaped to define an enclosed volume of a different shape.

In the above embodiments, the first and second parts of the thermally insulative liner have the dimensions described above. However, in other embodiments, one or both of the first and second parts of the liner may have one or more dimensions which is different to those described in the embodiments above.

In the above embodiments, the parts of the thermally insulative liner are formed of elongate sheets comprising a honeycomb core sandwiched between flat sheet layers. However, in other embodiments, the parts of the thermally insulative liner may be formed of sheets comprising a different arrangement of layers. In some embodiments, the parts of the thermally insulative liner may be formed of elongate sheets comprising layers other than a honeycomb core or flat sheets. In some embodiments, the elongate sheets may comprise a honeycomb core and flat sheets in an arrangement other than a sandwiched arrangement. For example, in some embodiments, the parts of the thermally insulative liner may be formed of elongate sheets comprising corrugated or fluted sheets. For example, in some embodiments, the parts of the thermally insulative liner may be formed of elongate sheets comprising air cavities, solid material, or some other insulative material. For example, in some embodiments, the parts of the thermally insulative liner may be formed of elongate sheets comprising a plurality of honeycomb cores and flat, corrugated, or fluted sheets, the cores and sheets being configured in alternating sandwiched arrangement within the elongate sheet.

In the above embodiments, the parts of the thermally insulative liner are formed of elongate sheets of cellulose fibre material. However, in other embodiments, the parts of the thermally insulative liner are formed of sheets of a different material other than cellulose fibre material, for example a composite fibre material, or for example a polymer material.

In some embodiments, the honeycomb core of each part may be of a greater width or thickness than the respective flat sheets of each part. In other embodiments, the honeycomb core of each part may be of smaller width or thickness than the respective flat sheets of each part.

In the above embodiments, the first/further first part not including the segments forming the handle is formed of four segments. In particular, in the above embodiments, the first part is formed of five segments, of which the fifth segment alone forms the handle of the cover, the cover consisting of the third, fourth and fifth segments. In other embodiments, however, the first part may be formed of another number of segments, for example four segments, for example six segments, for example seven segments, for example eight segments.

In particular, in the above embodiments, the further first part is formed of seven segments, of which three segments form the handle of the cover, the cover consisting of five segments. In other embodiments, however, the further first part may be formed of another number of segments, for example six segments, for example eight segments, for example nine segments, for example ten segments.

In such other embodiments, different segments, or a different number of segments, than those in the above embodiments of the first/further first part may form the cover of the thermally insulative liner. The cover of the thermally insulative liner may be formed, for example, of four segments, for example of six segments, or for example of seven segments.

In such other embodiments, different segments, or a different number of segments, than those in the above embodiments of the first/further first part may form the handle of the cover of the thermally insulative liner. The handle of the cover of the thermally insulative liner may be formed, for example, of two segments, for example of four segments, or for example of five segments.

In the above embodiments, the cover of the first/further first part is formed of two segments and additional segments which comprise the handle of the cover. However, in other embodiments, the cover of the first/further first part is formed of a different number of segments and additional segments which comprise the handle of the cover. For example, the cover of the first/further first part may be formed of one segment and additional segments which comprise the handle of the cover, or, for example, of three segments and additional segments which comprise the handle of the cover, or, for example, of four segments and additional segments which comprise the handle of the cover.

In the above embodiments, the second part is formed of three segments. In other embodiments, however, the second part may be formed of another number of segments, for example one segment, for example two segments, for example four segments. In such embodiments, the number of segments which form the second part of the liner is a number of segments associated with the number of segments which form the first/further first part of the liner, such that the liner may fully line a corresponding box.

In the above embodiments, the first/further first part and the second part are separately formed, i.e. not unitarily formed of the same elongate sheet of material. In other embodiments, however, the first/further first part and the second part may be unitarily formed of the same elongate sheet, or of the same material of a different shape or arrangement than that of the above embodiments.

Claim 1:
A thermally insulative liner for packaging, the thermally insulative liner comprising:
a base (<NUM>);
a plurality of sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) extending from the base (<NUM>), the plurality of sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) defining an opening to an internal volume, the opening being opposite to the base (<NUM>); and
a cover configured to cover the opening; characterized in that,
the cover comprises a first segment (<NUM>), a second segment (<NUM>), and a third segment (<NUM>);
a first side of the first segment (<NUM>) is hingedly attached to a first sidewall (<NUM>) of the plurality of sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) such that the first segment (<NUM>) is rotatable, from a position in which the first segment (<NUM>) is parallel to and aligned with the first sidewall (<NUM>), in a first direction relative to the first sidewall (<NUM>);
a first side of the second segment (<NUM>) is hingedly attached to a second side of the first segment (<NUM>) opposite to the first side of the first segment (<NUM>) such that the second segment (<NUM>) is rotatable, from a position in which the second segment (<NUM>) is parallel to and aligned with the first segment (<NUM>), in the first direction; and
a first side of the third segment (<NUM>) is hingedly attached to a second side of the second segment (<NUM>) opposite to the first side of the second segment (<NUM>) such that the third segment (<NUM>) is rotatable, from a position in which the third segment (<NUM>) is parallel to and aligned with the second segment (<NUM>), in a second direction opposite to the first direction.