Patent ID: 12258192

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an illustrative view of an embodiment of a blank in accordance with the disclosure is shown inFIG.1and is designated generally by reference character100. Other embodiments and/or aspects of this disclosure are shown inFIGS.2-38.

Referring generally toFIGS.1-14, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a blank (e.g., blank100as shown inFIG.1, blank900as shown inFIG.9) for a package (e.g., package199as shown inFIG.8, package999as shown inFIG.14) configured to retain an article99therein can be configured to be wrapped around the article99to form a circumferential case (e.g., case101inFIG.8, case901inFIG.14) around the article99and have a longitudinal length “L” longer than the article99. The blank (e.g.,100,999) can be configured to define the circumferential case (e.g.,101,901) to include one or more inward protrusions (e.g., protrusions103as shown inFIG.8, protrusions903as shown inFIG.14) at or near one or more ends of the circumferential case (e.g.,101,901) that is configured to extend into (e.g., radially inwardly into) the circumferential case (e.g.,101,901) above and/or below the article99to retain the article99longitudinally.

As shown, the blank (e.g.,100,900) can be configured to form the circumferential case (e.g.,101,901) to have a polygonal tube shape having a polygonal cross-sectional shape. The blank (e.g.,100,900) can be configured to form the circumferential case (e.g.,101,901) to include one or more of the inward protrusions (e.g.,103,903) at or near both ends of the circumferential case (e.g.,101,901) to retain the article99between both longitudinal ends of the circumferential case (e.g.,101,901). In certain embodiments, the blank (e.g.,101,901) can be configured to form at least one latch (e.g., latch105as shown inFIG.8, latch905as shown inFIG.14) and a receiver (e.g., receiver107as shown inFIG.8, receiver907as shown inFIG.14) for each latch (e.g.,105,109) to latch the circumferential case (e.g.,101,901) around the article99.

Referring to the embodiment ofFIGS.1-9, in certain embodiments, a blank100can include an inner flap109and an outer flap111. The inner flap109can include a plurality of inner flap hinges113a, b, c, d. One or more of the plurality of inner flap hinges113a, b, c, d(e.g.,113das shown) can define a first inner panel115aand a second panel115bof the inner flap109.

The first inner panel115aand second inner panel115bcan include one or more common cuts117a,117bdefined at last partially through each of the first inner panel115aand the second inner panel115b. The one or more common cuts117a,117bcan be defined by an aperture as shown, or can include any suitable line cut, or breakable perforation.

One or more of a plurality of secondary hinges119a, b, c, d, ecan be defined in each of the first inner panel115aand the second inner panel115bfrom an edge121a,121bof the inner flap109to a respective common cut117a,117bto define at least one push-in subpanel123a, b, c, dconfigured to form one or more of the one or more inward protrusions103.

The outer flap111can include a plurality of outer flap hinges125a, b, c, d, e, fOne or more of the plurality of outer flap hinges125a, b, c, d, e, fcan define a first outer panel127aand a second outer panel127b. The first outer panel127aand the second outer panel127bcan define one or more apertures129a,129bfrom or near an edge131a,131bof the outer flap111to provide a user access to each of the one or more push-in subpanels123a, b, c, dwhen formed around the article99to allow a user to selectively form the one or more inward protrusions103.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of inner flap hinges (e.g.,113aas shown) can define a third inner panel115cand a fourth inner panel115dof the inner flap109. The third inner panel115cand the fourth inner panel115dcan include one or more common cuts117c,117ddefined at last partially through each of the third inner panel115cand the fourth inner panel115d. The one or more common cuts117c,117dcan be the same as or similar to those as described above, for example. One or more of a plurality of secondary hinges119f, g, h, i, j, kcan be defined in each of the third inner panel115cand the fourth inner panel115dfrom an edge121a,121bof the inner flap109to a respective common cut117c,117dto define at least one additional push-in subpanel123e,123f,123g,123hconfigured to form one or more of the one or more inward protrusions103.

In certain embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth inner panels115a, b, c, dcan include two common cuts total on opposite sides of the inner flap (e.g., only common cut117aand117d) configured to form at least one of the inner protrusions103at each end of the circumferential case101to retain the article99between both ends of the circumferential case101.

As shown, the third panel115c(e.g., an end panel) can include a receiver133defined therein and configured to receive a latch tab135(e.g., located on the outer flap111) of the blank100. Any suitable number of latch tabs135and/or receiver133. The plurality of inner flap hinges (e.g.,113band113c) can define a fifth inner panel115ebetween the first, second, third, and fourth inner panels115a, b, c, d.

The plurality of outer flap hinges (e.g., hinge125b) can define a third outer panel127cand a fourth outer panel127d. The third outer panel127cand the fourth outer panel127dcan define one or more additional apertures129c,129dfrom or near an edge131a,131bof the outer flap111to provide a user access to the one or more additional push-in subpanels123e, f, g, hwhen formed around the article99to allow a user to selectively form the one or more inward protrusions103.

In certain embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth outer panels127a, b, c, dcan include at least two apertures129a, b, c, dtotal on opposite sides of the outer flap111(e.g., only aperture129a,129b) to provide access to one or more subpanels (e.g., subpanels123a,123b,123g,123h) to allow a user to selectively form one inward protrusion103at each end of the circumferential casing101. A plurality of the outer flap hinges (e.g., hinges125cand125d) can define a fifth outer panel127ebetween the first, second, third, and fourth outer panels127a, b, c, d.

One or more of the plurality of outer flap hinges (e.g.,125aor125f) an define a sixth outer panel127fand a seventh outer panel127gextending from opposite lateral ends of the outer flap111. The sixth outer panel127fcan include the latch tab135extending therefrom. The seventh outer panel127gcan include a latch cut137defined between the seventh outer panel127gand an adjacent panel (e.g., panel127cas shown) and configured to allow the latch tab135to be inserted through the latch cut137to enter the receiver133of the inner flap109. The latch cut137can be defined in a hinge (e.g., hinge125a). Any suitable number of latch cuts137are contemplated herein (e.g., one for each latch tab).

In certain embodiments, the fifth inner panel115ecan be connected to the fifth outer panel127eat a flap hinge139such that the inner flap109can be folded over to mate with the outer flap111as shown inFIG.2. In certain embodiments, the inner flap109can be adhered to the outer flap111such that at least one panel (e.g., panel115e, or panels115b, d, ande) of the inner flap109is attached to at least one panel (e.g., panel127e, or panels127b, d, ande) of the outer flap111. The inner flap109can be adhered to the outer flap111such that each push-in subpanel123a-123his accessible through an aperture129a-129dof the outer flap111.

Referring toFIGS.3-8, an article99can be placed on the blank100after the inner flap109is contacting and/or adhered to the outer flap111as shown, for example, as shown inFIG.3. The assembled blank100can then be folded around the article99to form the circumferential casing101as shown inFIGS.4and5. The panel127fcan overlap panel127gand a latch tab135can be inserted into the latch cut137to lock the circumferential casing101. As shown inFIGS.6and7, the inward protrusions103can be formed by pushing in the push-in subpanels123a,123b,123e,123fas shown. The same can be performed on the push-in subpanels123c, d, g, andhon the reverse longitudinal side and the package199can be completed to retain the article99.

Referring toFIGS.9-14, in certain embodiments, a blank900can include a single flap909having a plurality of hinges911a, b, c, d, e, f, g, hthat define a plurality of panels913a, b, c, d, e, f, g. The blank900can include one or more structure panels, e.g., a first structure panel915and a second structure panel917. The first structure panel915can include a first attachment tab915aconfigured to attach to at least one of the plurality of panels913a-g(e.g., center panel913d) when the first structure panel915is folded over at an adjacent hinge (e.g.,911aand/or911b) of the plurality of hinges911a-h(e.g., as shown inFIG.10). The second structure panel917can include a first attachment tab917aconfigured to attach to at least one of the plurality of panels913a-g(e.g., center panel913d) when the first structure panel917is folded over at an adjacent hinge (e.g.,911hand/or911g) of the plurality of hinges911a-h(e.g., as shown inFIG.10). The first attachment tab915aand the second attachment tab917acan be attached to their respective structure panels915,917by an attachment hinge921,923.

The at least one or more structure panels, e.g.,915,917can include one or more inward protrusion panels915b, cand917b, cdefined by one or more cut915d,915eand917d,915etherein. The inward protrusion panels915b,915cand917b,917ccan be configured to form the one or more inward protrusions903, e.g., across the circumferential case901when the one or more attachment tabs915a,917aare attached to the at least one panel e.g., panel913d, of the plurality of panels913a-gand when the single flap900is wrapped around the article99to automatically retain the article99longitudinally upon forming of the circumferential case901.

As shown, the blank900can define a first structure panel915and a second structure panel917. In certain embodiments, each of the first and second structure panels915,917can include at least two cuts total (e.g., only cut917dand cut915c), at least one on each longitudinal side of the single flap909to form at least one inner protrusion panel (e.g., only917band915c) on each longitudinal end of the circumferential case901. Any suitable number of cuts and panels is contemplated herein.

The first structure panel915can include a plurality of midsection panels915f,915gdefined between two inward protrusion panels915b,915c. The second structure panel917can define a latch tab917fof the structure panel917between two inward protrusion panels917b,917c. A cut receiver919can be defined in a hinge (e.g., hinge911b) adjacent to the first structure panel915for the latch tab917fto be inserted therethrough and retained thereby. The latch tab917fcan be defined by one or more breakable connections (e.g., a score line or perforation) and/or cuts to be partially lifted (e.g., by inserting a finger into an adjacent hole to get under the latch tab917f) from the structure panel917and/or hinged around a hinge (e.g., hinge911has shown) to be rotatable relative to the second structure panel917. In certain embodiments, the latch tab917can include one or more sub hinges (e.g., at an arrowhead portion thereof).

Referring toFIGS.10-14, a blank900can be folded over to be assembled. The attachment tabs915a,917acan be attached to one or more panels (e.g., center panel913das shown) e.g., with tape and/or adhesive for example. As shown inFIG.11, an article99can be placed on the assembled blank900and the blank900can be folded around the article99while lifting the attachment tab917fabove the article99as shown inFIG.12. In doing so, the one or more inward protrusions103can be formed due to the relationship of the panels as shown inFIGS.13and14. The package999can be secured by inserted the attachment tab917finto the receiver919.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, another embodiment of a blank1500for another embodiment of a package1599configured to retain an article99therein is shown inFIGS.15-17. The blank1500can have similar components and features with respect to blank100and package199. For brevity, the description of common elements that have been described above for blank100and package199are not repeated with respect to the blank1500and the package1599aas shown inFIGS.15-17.

As shown in the embodiment of the blank1500inFIGS.15-17, the inner flap1509can include a plurality of inner flap hinges1513a, b, c, dand the one or more common cuts1517a,1517bcan be defined in only the first inner panel1515aand second inner panel1515bto define at least one push-in subpanel1523a, b, c, dconfigured to form one or more of the one or more inward protrusions1503. In the package1599, the two inward protrusions1503can be disposed in the same or a similar circumferential position of the circumferential case1501, for example on the same side of the case1501and on the same side of the article99when in the package1599as shown inFIG.17. As shown, in certain embodiments, the two inward protrusions1503can be the only protrusions in the circumferential case1501. In embodiments, the inner flap1509can be configured to be adhered to the outer flap1511along one or more of glue lines1541such that at least one panel of the inner flap1509is attached to at least one panel of the outer flap1511in the case1501.

The outer flap1511can include a plurality of outer flap hinges1525a, b, c, d, e, fOne or more of the plurality of outer flap hinges1525a, b, c, d, e, fcan define one or more outer panels1527a, b, c, d, e, f, g. Outer panels1527aand1527bcan define one or more apertures1529a,1529bformed on or near an edge1531a,1531bof the outer flap1511to provide a user access to each of the one or more push-in subpanels1523a, b, c, dwhen formed around the article99to allow a user to selectively form the one or more inward protrusions1503.

As shown inFIGS.16and17, the blank1500can be formed into case1501in a similar manner to that of blank100, where the article99can be placed on the blank1500after the inner flap1509is contacting and/or adhered to the outer flap1511as shown. The assembled blank1500can then be folded around the article99to form the circumferential casing1501as shown inFIGS.16and17(e.g., similar to that shown inFIGS.2-5for the blank100). The panel1527fcan overlap panel1527gand a latch tab1535can be inserted into the latch cut1537and through receiver1533to lock the circumferential casing1501. The inward protrusions1503can be formed by pushing in the push-in subpanels1523aand1523b. The same can be performed on the push-in subpanels1523cand1523don the reverse longitudinal side and the package1599can be completed to retain the article99(e.g., similar to that shown inFIGS.6-8for the package199). The inner flap hinges1513a, b, c, dcan also define a third inner panel1515c, a fourth inner panel1515d, and a fifth inner panel1515e. In certain embodiments, although not shown, subpanels1523a,1523b,1523cand1523dcan be alternatively formed on can be formed on1515cor1515d. In such embodiments, the one or more apertures1529a,1529bcan be defined in outer panels1527cand1527d.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, another embodiment of a blank2300for another embodiment of a package2399configured to retain an article therein is shown inFIGS.18-28. The blank2300can have similar components and features with respect to the blank900and the package999. For brevity, the description of common elements that have been described above for the blank900and the package999are not repeated with respect to the blank2300and the package2399as shown inFIGS.18-28.

As shown in the embodiment of the blank2300, the single flap2309can include a first panel2315and a structure panel2317(e.g., a single structure panel2317) to form one or more inward protrusions2303across the circumferential case2301when the single flap2309is wrapped around the article99to automatically retain the article99longitudinally upon forming of the circumferential case2301. The first panel2315can include an attachment portion2315aconfigured to attach to at least a portion of the structure panel2317(e.g., at a receiver2312defined in the hinge2311himmediately adjacent the structure panel2317) when the first panel2315is folded over at an adjacent hinge (e.g.,2311a.) The structure panel2317can also include an attachment portion2317aconfigured to attach to at least a portion of the single flap2309(e.g., attached to an inner circumference of the case2301at panel2313dwithout adhesive). Another attachment portion (e.g., attachment tab2317f) can be defined between the two inward protrusion panels2317b,2317cconfigured to attach to at least a portion of the first panel2315(e.g., at a receiver2314defined in the hinge2311aimmediately adjacent the first panel2315) when the structure panel2317is folded over at an adjacent hinge (e.g.,2311h).

The one or more inward protrusion panels2317b,2317ccan be defined by a void2317d. The inward protrusion panels2317b,2317ccan be configured to form the one or more inward protrusions2303, e.g., across the circumferential case2301when the one or more attachment portions2315a,2317aare attached to their respective receivers2312,2314when the single flap2309is wrapped around the article99to automatically retain the article99longitudinally upon forming of the circumferential case2301. The structure panel2317can be the only structure panel such that only two inward protrusions2303are formed in the case2301, one at each longitudinal end of the case2301. The two inward protrusions2303can bisect the circumferential case2301, forming respective substantially 90 degree angles relative to panels2313d,2313g, and2315.

To form the circumferential case2301, the structure panel2317can be folded to attach the first attachment portion2317ato a portion of panel2313dand the article99can be placed in the void2317dbetween the two inward protrusion panels2317b,2317c. The first panel2315can be folded upward to warp around the article99so that the attachment portion2315acan be inserted into receiver2312. The attachment portion2317fcan then be inserted into receiver2314to lock the circumferential case2301. In attaching the respective attachment portions2315a,2317a,2317f, the inward protrusion panels2317b,2317ccan erect to an upright position so as to form the respective substantially 90 degree angles to retain the article99within the case2301longitudinally. The blank2300can be configured to allow construction of the case2301without the use of adhesive and in such a manner that can be performed automatically by a folding machine or erector, for example. In embodiments, the dimensions of certain features, (e.g., the inward protrusion panels, the structure panel, the middle panels, the flaps, and/or attachment portions, among others) can be modified as needed for use with an automated machinery or for otherwise automatic folding, and one having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure would appreciate how to modify such dimensions to prepare a blank or container for automation without undue experimentation.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, another embodiment of a blank3000for another embodiment of a package3099configured to retain an article therein is shown inFIGS.29-38. The blank3000can have similar components and features with respect to the blank2300and the package2399. For brevity, the description of common elements that have been described above for the blank2300and the package2399are not repeated with respect to the blank3000and the package3099as shown inFIGS.29-38.

As shown in the embodiment of the blank3000, the structure panel3017may not include a second attachment portion (e.g., no additional attachment tab between the inward protrusion panels3017b,3017c). Instead, the first panel3015can include attachment portion3015a, which can further include wing panels3016a,3016b, forming a clearance3018between an inner edge of the wing panels3016a,3016band an outer edge3020of the first panel3015. When erected into the case3001, the two inward protrusion panels3017b,3017ccan be held in place (e.g., locked) within the respective clearance3018when the single flap3009is wrapped around the article99. Additionally, locking may be provided by adhering an overhang3022of the structure panel3017and defined at least partially by panel3013g, to a portion of the first panel3015when the case3001is constructed.

The case3001can be formed in a similar manner to that of the circumferential case2301, except in the circumferential case3001instead of inserting the attachment portion3015ainto a receiver, the wing panels3016a,3016bcan be folded downward (e.g., radially inward with respect to the circumferential case3001) to slide past the erected inward protrusion panels3017b,3017cuntil the inward protrusion panels3017b,3017cabut the outer edge3020of the first panel3015, then the wing panels3016a,3016bcan be folded upward (e.g., axially) to lock the inward protrusion panels3017b,3017cwithin the respective clearances3018. At least one of the overhang3022and/or the first panel3015can include the glue (e.g., glue line3041) for adhering the structure panel3017to the first panel3015.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a method for forming a container (e.g., any of circumferential cases101,901,1501,2301,3001) can include folding a first panel (e.g., inner flap109,1509or structure panel917,2317,3017) of a blank along a hinge and attaching at least a portion of the first panel to a second panel (e.g., outer flap111,1511or panel913d,2313d,3013d). If a second structure panel is included (e.g., structure panel915), the method can include folding the second structure panel along a hinge and attaching the second structure panel to at least a portion of the second panel (e.g., panel913d).

The method can include placing an article (e.g., article99) on the blank and at least partially on or in the first panel (e.g., on the inner panel109,1509or within structure panel915,917,2315,3015). The method can further include attaching at least a portion of a third panel (e.g., an attachment portion135,917,2315,3015to the first panel such that one or more additional panels wrap (e.g., midsection panels) circumferentially around the article. The method can include erecting two inward protrusion panels (e.g.,103,903,1503,2303,3003), one above the article and one below the article, to retain the article longitudinally.

In certain embodiments, attaching can include inserting an attachment tab defined on the third panel into a receiver (e.g., receiver2312) defined in the first panel. In certain embodiments, attaching can include adhering at least a portion (e.g., overhang3022) of the first panel to the third panel. In embodiments, erecting can include forming two inward protrusions via a respective push-in sub panel (e.g., push-in sub panels123,1523) of the two inward protrusion panels. In embodiments, erecting can include forming the two inward protrusions such that the inward protrusion panels bisect the case.

Certain embodiments include a single protective sleeve or wrap that provides protection on all sides of an item, e.g., round articles with a flat top and bottom such as a glass candle jar, for example. Embodiments can be used in conjunction with any additional shipping box or any other suitable transporting container.

Certain embodiments provide a protective wrap that can be designed in a way as to provide a double layer (e.g., where overlapping panels exist) of material protection around the perimeter of an object and additional pop ins at the top and bottom to create an area for cushioning using the open space or air cell. Certain embodiments allow the simple folding around the object to form the top and bottom air cells automatically. Certain embodiments allow a handler to pop in the top and bottom air cell feature manually.

Embodiments can be used to quickly and securely contain certain articles (e.g., round or cylindrical shapes). The invention may be used in, e.g., any industry that ships fragile jar type items. Embodiments can be utilized to contain any article type having any suitable shape.

As disclosed herein, any and/or all hinges can be any suitable hinge and can be or include any suitable indentation, perforation, and/or score line. Any aperture or cut disclosed herein can be defined in the blank as a removable portion by defining the aperture or cut with a breakable connection (e.g., a score line or perforations). Any suitable embodiments can be made from paper, plastic, and/or any other suitable material. Any suitable number of panels can be utilized herein and any panels can include any suitable shape. Any suitable latch and/or retainer disclosed herein can include any suitable shape to perform an associated function. Embodiments can include any suitable dimension and/or any additional panels, and/or hinges, and/or cuts configured to retain any suitable article (e.g., a distance between inward protrusions can be about equal to or greater than the length of the article).

Those having ordinary skill in the art understand that any numerical values disclosed herein can be exact values or can be values within a range. Further, any terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “approximately”, “around”) used in this disclosure can mean the stated value within a range. For example, in certain embodiments, the range can be within (plus or minus) 20%, or within 10%, or within 5%, or within 2%, or within any other suitable percentage or number as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art (e.g., for known tolerance limits or error ranges).

Any suitable combination(s) of any disclosed embodiments and/or any suitable portion(s) thereof are contemplated herein as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art.

The embodiments of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for improvement in the art to which they pertain. While the subject disclosure includes reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure.