PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10696443-B1
Application Number: US-201715697871-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Packaging with sliding tray lock

Abstract:
A package may include a sled configured to receive a product, and a sleeve configured to receive the sled through a first or second opening. The sleeve may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second sidewalls, defining the first and second openings. The sleeve may include a rib extending downward from the top wall and positioned substantially parallel to an edge of the top wall proximate the first opening. The rib may engage the sled when the package is in a closed position, and in response to a force sliding the sleeve relative to the sled, the rib may deflect and produce an indication of opening or closing.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A packaging, comprising:
 a sled configured to receive a product, the sled comprising:
 a bottom surface for receiving the product; 
 first and second sidewalls; and 
 third and fourth sidewalls perpendicular to the first and second sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls of the sled define an open top of the sled; and 
 
 a sleeve formed from a continuous paper-based substrate, the sleeve comprising:
 a top wall; 
 a bottom wall; 
 first and second sidewalls, wherein the top wall, the bottom wall, and the sidewalls of the sleeve define a first opening at an end of the sleeve; 
 a first rib extending downward from the top wall and disposed parallel to an edge of the top wall proximate the first opening, wherein the first rib is configured to engage the first sidewall of the sled when the packaging moves to a closed position, and wherein the first rib is spaced apart from the sidewalls of the sleeve such that the third and fourth sidewalls of the sled may slide between the first rib and the first and second sidewalls of the sleeve; 
 a second rib extending downward from the top wall and disposed parallel to an edge of the top wall proximate a second opening at an opposing end of the sleeve from the first opening, wherein the second rib is configured to engage the second sidewall of the sled when the packaging moves to the closed position; and 
 wherein, in response to a force sliding the sleeve relative to the sled when the packaging is in the closed position, the first rib is flexed and released by the first sidewall of the sled, wherein the releasing of the first rib produces an indication of opening the packaging, 
 wherein each of the first and second ribs is spaced equidistantly from edges of the first and second openings, respectively, 
 wherein the second rib is spaced apart from the sidewalls of the sleeve such that the third and fourth sidewalls of the sled may slide between the second rib and the first and second sidewalls of the sleeve, and 
 wherein the top wall and the first rib are formed from a continuous substrate such that the first rib extends away from the top wall and is folded back onto itself towards the top wall. 
 
 
     
     
       2. A packaging, comprising:
 a sled configured to receive a product; and 
 a paper-based sleeve configured to receive the sled through a first or second opening of the sleeve, the sleeve comprising: 
 a top wall; and 
 a first rib extending downward from the top wall and positioned parallel to an edge of the top wall proximate the first opening, wherein the first rib interferes with and passes over an upper edge of the sled when the packaging moves to a closed position, and wherein the first rib maintains the sled in position relative to the sleeve when the packaging is in the closed position, 
 wherein the top wall and first rib are formed from a continuous paper-based substrate such that the first rib extends away from the top wall and is folded back onto itself towards the top wall, and 
 wherein the sleeve further comprises a second rib extending downward from the top wall and positioned parallel to an edge of the top wall proximate the second opening, wherein the second rib maintains the sled in position relative to the sleeve when the packaging is in the closed position. 
 
     
     
       3. The packaging of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second ribs are spaced equidistantly from the edges of the first and second openings, respectively. 
     
     
       4. The packaging of  claim 2 , wherein one of the sled or sleeve is constructed entirely from paper. 
     
     
       5. The packaging of  claim 2 , wherein the sleeve is integrally formed from a continuous substrate. 
     
     
       6. The packaging of  claim 2 , wherein the first rib is spaced apart from a first sidewall. 
     
     
       7. The packaging of  claim 2 , wherein in response to a force sliding the sleeve relative to the sled, the first rib is deflected and produces audible indication of opening or closing. 
     
     
       8. The packaging of  claim 2 , wherein the first rib comprises a lower fillet. 
     
     
       9. The packaging of  claim 2 , wherein the first rib comprises an upper fillet. 
     
     
       10. The packaging of  claim 2 , wherein the sled further comprises:
 a bottom surface for receiving a product; 
 first and second sidewalls, the first sidewall configured to engage the first rib when the packaging is in the closed position; and 
 third and fourth sidewalls perpendicular to and connecting to the first and second sidewalls, wherein the sled is substantially rigid, and wherein the third and fourth sidewalls are disposed in a space between the first rib and sidewalls of the sleeve. 
 
     
     
       11. The packaging of  claim 2 , wherein the sled further comprises a hang tab configured such that a user may pull the hang tab to move the sled from the sleeve from the closed position to an open position. 
     
     
       12. The packaging of  claim 2 , wherein a lower edge of the first rib is preprocessed in a pattern having alternating creasing and cutting operations along a length of the lower edge.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/465,590, filed Mar. 1, 2017, titled “Packaging with Sliding Tray Lock,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to retail packaging systems and methods. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to retail packaging for consumer products that may be opened by a customer before purchase in a retail environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments are directed to packaging, which may include a sled configured to receive a product, and a sleeve configured to receive the sled through a first or second opening. In some embodiments, the sleeve may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second sidewalls, and the openings may be generally rectangular. The top, bottom, and sidewalls may define the first and second openings. 
     In some embodiments, the sleeve may include a rib extending downward from the top wall and positioned substantially parallel to an edge of the top wall proximate the first opening. The rib may engage the sled when the packaging is in a closed position, and in response to a force sliding the sleeve relative to the sled, the rib may deflect and produces audible/tactile indication of opening or closing, e.g., sealing or unsealing. There may be a space between the rib and sled when the packaging is in a closed position. The rib may include a lower fillet, which may provide a curved surface between the wall and a portion of the rib that extends from the top surface. The rib may include an upper fillet, which may provide a curved surface at an upper edge of the rib. 
     The sleeve may include a second rib formed similar to the first. The first and second ribs may be spaced equidistantly from the edge of the first and second openings, respectively. The ribs may be spaced from an edge of the top wall proximate the respective opening. The rib may be spaced from one or more of the sidewalls of the sleeve, such that tracks may be formed between the rib and the sidewalls of the sleeve so that upper edges of the sled sidewalls may slide along the track. 
     In some embodiments, one or both of the sled or sleeve is constructed entirely from paper, e.g., a sheet of paper substrate, like cardboard or paperboard. For example, the sleeve may be integrally formed from a continuous substrate. The top wall and rib may be formed from a continuous substrate such that the rib extends away from the top wall and is folded back onto itself towards the top wall. In this respect, the thickness of the rib may be twice the thickness of the substrate. 
     In some embodiments, the sled includes a bottom surface for receiving a product. The sled may include first and second sidewalls corresponding to the first and second opening of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the first sidewall is configured to engage the rib when the packaging is in a closed position. In some embodiments, the sidewall may engage the sled when the packaging moves to a closed position. The sled may include third and fourth sidewalls, for example, perpendicular to the first and second sidewalls. In some embodiments, the sled is substantially rigid. In some embodiments, the sled includes a hang tab such that a user may pull the sled from the sleeve from a closed position to an open position. 
     In some embodiments, the sleeve may be five-sided, having a single opening. In some embodiments, the rib may be formed proximate a sidewall opposite the single opening. In some embodiments, additional ribs may be formed in line with each other, along substantially the same direction, e.g., proximate the sidewall opposite the single opening. 
     The sleeve may be formed from a single sheet, e.g., a blank. In some embodiments, the blank is folded such that the tabs, flaps, and regions without adhesive are folded such that no adhesive is visible in a finished sleeve configuration. Additionally or alternatively, adhesive may be omitted from some or all of the regions, and the various flaps and tabs attached in another suitable manner. An interior edge of the blank may lead to a rib region, which when folded inward towards the top surface creates the rib. In some embodiments, the interior edge may extend towards the center of the top wall, such that when folded over there is no raw edge on the outside of sleeve. Additional panels may be folded onto each other to eliminate raw edges on various surfaces of the sleeve or the sled. Individual blank sections may be folded onto one another, for example to create the top wall, and bottom wall. 
     Ribs may be formed, for example, using a variety of techniques, such as folding/pre-folding, creasing, scoring, v-mitering, k-cutting, perforating, cutting, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, along an individual rib, a plurality of these techniques may be used in a pattern, such as folding and k-cutting. In this way, assembly and manufacturing may be improved. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of packaging. 
         FIG. 2  shows a bottom perspective view of packaging. 
         FIG. 3  shows a magnified bottom perspective view of the packaging shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a sled and a product positioned on the sled. 
         FIG. 5  shows a packaging in a closed position. 
         FIGS. 6-8  show cut-away view schematic illustrations of packaging in various positions. 
         FIG. 9  shows a schematic of an exemplary sleeve blank showing fold lines and adhesive or tape surfaces. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of an exemplary packaging. 
         FIG. 11  shows a schematic of an exemplary sleeve blank showing fold lines. 
         FIG. 12  shows a portion of a rib with fold and cut lines. 
         FIG. 13  shows a variety of folding and cutting techniques. 
         FIG. 14  shows a cut-away schematic illustration of packaging. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims. 
     Packaging for consumer products may be an important marketing tool used to attract and retain customers. Packaging should be aesthetically appealing, but at the same time direct a customer&#39;s attention to the product it is designed to hold. Packaging having defects or imperfections can draw the customer&#39;s attention away from the product it is holding or make the product seem less appealing. Optimization of packaging may promote a positive user experience. Environmental considerations may play a role in designing packaging. For example, packaging may be designed to be environmentally friendly. Packaging made out of recyclable and/or biodegradable materials, such as paper or paper-based products can reduce environmental impact. 
     The packaging described herein may be used to hold and ship items, such as, for example, consumer products such as cases for electronic devices such as laptops, phones, multi-media devices, tablets, gaming devices, keyboards, headsets, earphones, cameras, mice, trackpads, remotes, and watches. 
     Packaging containing defects may attract negative attention to the packaging and may give the customer a negative impression of the product and or the product&#39;s brand. On the other hand, packaging that is flawless in character may boost a product&#39;s or a brand&#39;s reputation, thereby attracting new customers and retaining previous customers. For packaging in a retail setting, such as a store, if packaging is damaged by a customer opening the packaging to inspect a product, this may adversely affect the impression of the product if the customer then re-shelves the product in the damaged packaging. In contrast, packaging that encourages a customer to interact with and experience the product prior to purchase, while resisting damage and being able to withstand multiple open and close cycles is advantageous in a retail setting. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention include packaging that is readily openable in a store by a user seeking to inspect a product before purchase. For example, the packaging may include a tray that holds the product that can slide out of and in to a sleeve to open and close the packaging. To keep the product secure, the sleeve may include a pair of ribs protruding from its interior, to engage sides of the tray. The ribs extend down lower than the upper sides of the tray, so that they can hold the tray in place when the packaging is closed. For example, the ribs may contact or be close to the interior sides of sidewalls of the tray. When a customer pushes the tray relative to the sleeve, one of the ribs may deflect over the tray wall, releasing the tray and allowing the customer to freely slide the tray out to view the product without causing any damage to the packaging. When the customer is done, they can simply slide the tray back into the sleeve, and will feel and hear a pop or click as the rib deflects back within the tray to secure the package. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     Exemplary packaging  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . Packaging  10  may include a sleeve  100  and a sled  200 , for together packaging product  300 . Sleeve  100  and sled  200  may slide together, for example with sled  200  sliding within sleeve  100 . For example, a customer may slide sled  200  out of sleeve  100  to inspect product  300  without damaging packaging  10 . This is in contrast to packaging having adhesive, tape, etc., that inhibit their opening and that may result in changed or damaged packaging upon overcoming the inhibition and opening the packaging. In some embodiments, sleeve  100  or sled  200  may include one or more hang tabs  40  that a user may pull to pull sled  200  from the sleeve  100  to open packaging  10 . 
     To help maintain packaging  10  in an open or closed position, in response to a force sliding sleeve  100  relative to the sled  200 , a rib  108  of sleeve  100  is deflected and produces a tactile and audible indication of opening or closing. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  for example, sleeve  100  includes a top wall  102 , a bottom wall  104 , and sidewalls  106 . Sleeve  100  also includes one or more ribs  108 . Each rib  108  may include a lower fillet  110  and an upper fillet  112 . Lower fillet  110  and upper fillet  112  may allow for easier travel of the sled  200  to deflect rib  108 . Alternatively, in some embodiments rib  108  may omit upper or lower fillets, or include chamfers, for example. 
     In use, sleeve  100  may receive sled  200  through a first opening  116  or second opening  118 , for example by sliding sled  200  into and out of sleeve  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , top wall  102 , bottom wall  104 , and sidewalls  106  define the first and second openings  116 / 118  of the sleeve  100 . In some embodiments, the openings may be rectangular openings, which are connected through a rectangular channel through the sleeve  100 . 
     As shown, rib  108  extends downward from top wall  102 , parallel to an edge of top wall  102 , for example, proximate the first opening  116 , e.g., closer to first opening  116  than second opening  118 . For example, the distance from rib  108  to the edge of the first opening  116  may be equal to the thickness of sidewalls  204  of sled  200 , such that when closed sidewalls  204  of sled  200  are maintained flush with opening  116 . The openings may be open at all times, that is, not include a closure flap. In some embodiments, removable flaps may cover the openings, such that they may be folded out of the way to remove sled  200  from sleeve  100 . 
     In some embodiments, rib  108  is configured to contact, or engage, sled  200  when packaging  10  moves between open and closed positions. 
     Ribs  108  may be positioned such that they do not contact product  300  when product  300  is within packaging system  10  (e.g., disposed on an interior surface  202 ). In some embodiments, rib  108  may alternatively extend from a different wall of sleeve  100 . Each rib  108  may be coated with a protective coating, which may help maintain the integrity of product  300  if it contacts rib  108 . 
     Sleeve  100  may include a second rib  108  extending downward from top wall  102 . Second rib  108  may be positioned parallel to an edge of top wall  102  proximate the second opening  118 , for example at the opposite end of sleeve  100  from the first rib  108  and closer to second opening  118  than first opening  116 . One or both of ribs  108  may be spaced from sidewalls  204  of sled  200  when the packaging  10  is in a closed position, to allow some relative motion between tray  200  and sleeve  100 , which may avoid sidewalls  204  putting constant pressure against ribs  108 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, first rib  108  and second rib  108  are configured to contact, or engage, opposite end walls of sled  200  to hold it in position relative to sleeve  100  when the packaging  10  is closed. In other words, the spacing between the exterior-facing sides of ribs  108  may be equal to or greater than the spacing between interior-facing sides of sidewalls  204  of sled  200 . 
     In some embodiments, first and second ribs  108  are spaced equidistantly from the edges  120 / 122  of the first and second openings  116 / 118 , respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second ribs  108  may be spaced at different distances from the edge  120  of the first opening  116  and edge  122  of the second opening  118 , respectively to accommodate different sled  200  dimensions. In some embodiments, first and second ribs  108  may extend the same distance from top wall  102 , or may extend different distances, for example to produce a difference in feedback if packaging  10  is opened in one direction or the other. In some embodiments, second rib  108  may be spaced from the first rib along the same edge, e.g., disposed in a side-by-side relationship with a space between them, both extending in the same direction along the same line. In this way, the ribs may be separate structures, but engage sled  200  at the same time along an opening or closing cycle. 
     In some embodiments, rib  108  may be offset from one or more of sidewalls  106 . In this regard, sled walls  206 / 208  (shown in  FIG. 4 , for example) can slide within sleeve  100  since once front and rear sidewalls  204  are past rib  108 , rib  108  will not impede travel of side sidewalls  106 . 
     In some embodiments, one or both of sled  200  and sleeve  100  is constructed entirely from paper. In some embodiments, sleeve  100  is integrally formed from a continuous substrate. For example, top wall  102  and rib  108  may be formed from a continuous sheet of paper-based substrate such that rib  108  extends away from top wall  102  and is folded back onto itself towards top wall  102  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 3, and 6-8 ). In this regard, a thickness of rib  108  may be twice the thickness of the substrate that forms the portion of top wall  102 . 
     In some embodiments, top wall  102  may be composed of multiple panels, as described below in more detail with reference to  FIG. 9 . In this regard, interior edge  114  is shown, for example in  FIG. 3 , such that the surface forming top wall  102  and rib  108  extends inward from the opening, and interior edge  114  exists through rib  108  and continues on parallel to the openings of sleeve  100 . In some embodiments, there may be adhesive between the surfaces of rib  108  that are folded back on themselves, for example to alter the rigidity or feedback of rib  108  (e.g., including adhesives may make rib  108  more rigid and harder to deflect, and different adhesives may contribute to rigidity to different degrees. In some embodiments, no adhesive is included on these surfaces. In some embodiments, there may be a space between the surfaces of rib  108  that fold back on themselves. In some embodiments, there is no space between the surfaces of rib  108  that fold back on themselves, for example to alter the rigidity or feedback given when packaging  10  is opened. 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments sled  200  may include a bottom surface for holding product  300 . Sled  200  may include sidewalls  204  configured as first and second sidewalls corresponding to the first  116  and second  118  opening of sleeve  100 . Packaging  10  is shown closed in  FIG. 5 , showing sidewall  204  occupying first opening  116  of sleeve  100  when sled  200  is inserted into sleeve  100 . Sidewalls  204  engage ribs  108  when packaging  10  is moved from a closed position to an open position, thereby keeping packaging  10  closed until a customer applies enough force to deflect sled  200  past rib  108  as will be described in greater detail below. 
     Sled  200  may include sled walls  206 / 208  configured as third and fourth sidewalls and disposed perpendicular to sidewalls  204  configured as first and second sidewalls, e.g., to form an open box. Alternatively, sled walls  206 / 208  may be omitted, such that an open tray is formed, and which may optimize the force required to opening packaging  10 . In some embodiments, sled  200  may have an additional element configured to engage the ribs  108 , such as a detent, aperture, protrusion, etc., in order to optimize the force required to opening packaging  10 , or tune the feedback given when packaging  10  is opened. In some embodiments, the height of ribs  108  may be adjusted for similar reasons. In some embodiments, sled  200  is substantially rigid, i.e., when engaging rib  108 , it does not deflect, or deflects to a lesser degree than rib  108 . 
       FIGS. 6-8 , are cross-sectional views taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  showing how sleeve  100  and sled  200  interact when opening and closing packaging  10 .  FIG. 6  shows packaging  10  closed,  FIG. 7  shows packaging  10  when opening has just been initiated and rib  108  is just starting to deflect. And  FIG. 8  shows packaging  10  open. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , sidewalls  204  engage ribs  108  because outer surfaces of opposing ribs  108  are in contact with inner surfaces of sidewalls  204  of sled  200 , thereby limiting motion of sled  200  relative to sleeve  100 . Although ribs  108  are shown to be interior of sidewalls  204  when packaging  10  is closed, in some embodiments they may engage outer surfaces of sidewalls  204  to similar effect. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , when a force is applied against sidewall  204 , sled  200  is pushed relative to sleeve  100  to open packaging system  10 , causing rib  108  to deflect. In some embodiments, rib  108  may have been conditioned prior to initial assembly of packaging  10 , for example in order to “break-in” the deflection action. Conditioning rib  108  may include manually folding rib  108  in one or both directions, such that the peak force required to deflect the rib  108  is decreased to a desired level. Since the most significant reduction in peak force required to deflect rib  108  occurs upon its initial deflection, after break-in rib  108  may be cycled frequently with minimal reduction in peak force required to deflect rib  108  (e.g., the optimum force lasts throughout a shelf-life of cycles (e.g., 30 to 40 cycles), such that one open/close cycle is substantially the same as subsequent cycles). 
     As the application of force continues, rib  108  may deflect high enough to go over sidewall  204 , thereby freeing sidewall  204  to pass, as shown in  FIG. 8 . When rib  108  deflects over sidewall  204  is may snap back to its original position, and in doing so may produce an audible and/or tactile indication to a user applying the force, such as a haptic or auditory impulse like a snap or a pop. This feedback is an indication to the customer that the packaging is open (e.g., from closed or “locked”). Second rib  108  may also deflect and produce an audible and/or tactile indication to the customer, for example if force is continuously applied such that sled  200  becomes wholly outside sleeve  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the force may be a pulling force applied to sled  200 . In other embodiments, the force may be a pulling or pushing force on sleeve  100 . In some embodiments, the force may be applied to a pull/push tab (e.g., tab  40 ) that is a part of sleeve  100  or sled  200 . In some embodiments, the force may be a combination of complimentary pulling and/or pushing forces on both sled  200  and sleeve  100 . 
       FIG. 9  shows an exemplary schematic of a blank  500  for forming sleeve  100 . Blank  500  is formed of a single continuous substrate, such as, for example a paper-based material like cardboard or paperboard. In some embodiments, interior surfaces of blank  500  may be surface treated or coated, for example with a coating to protect the finished sleeve  100 , or product  300 . Dotted lines indicate fold lines, and cross-hatching indicates adhesive. Tabs, flaps, and regions without adhesive of blank  500  are folded such that no adhesive is visible in finished sleeve  100 . In some embodiments, adhesive may be omitted and the various flaps and tabs attached in another suitable manner. Fold lines may be formed, for example, by weakening the substrate along the lines, such as by perforation, material crushing, scoring, miter cutting, etc. 
     As shown, interior edge  114  when folded inward towards top wall  102  creates rib  108 , as shown with reference to rib region  126 . Interior edge  114  extends towards the center of top wall  102 , such that when folded over and adhered together there is no raw edge on the outside of sleeve  100  (e.g., a seam formed by edges  124  is hidden centrally within sleeve  100 ). As discussed above, rib  108  may be offset from one or more of sidewalls  106 . As shown when the upper and lower portions of top wall  102  are folded inward, a track  128  may be formed, for example to allow sled walls  206 / 208  slide within sleeve  100 , and ribs  108  may be closed within sled  200 . Additional panels may be folded onto each other to eliminate raw edges on various surfaces of sleeve  100  or sled  200 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , individual blank sections may be folded onto one another, for example to create top wall  102  and bottom wall  104 . In some embodiments, sleeve  100  may be constructed with multiple blanks. 
     Turning to  FIG. 10 , packaging sleeve  400  is shown. Features of sleeve  400  may be applied to sleeve  100 , and vice versa. In general, sleeve  400  may be similarly formed as sleeve  100 , including being fashioned from folded paper (e.g., cardboard or paperboard). As shown in  FIG. 10 , sleeve  400  may include a rear wall  430  (shown partially broken-away for illustrative purposes), making sleeve  400  five-sided. As shown, sleeve  400  may include side walls  406 , top wall  402 , and bottom wall  404 . Sleeve  400  includes one or more ribs  408  in some embodiments. Ribs  408  may be formed similar to rib  108 , as described herein. In sleeve  400 , two ribs  408  may be spaced apart from one another, for example extending from top wall  402  equidistantly from rear wall  430 . In some embodiments, ribs  408  may be positioned only proximate rear wall  430  (e.g., very close such that sled  200  engages sleeve  400  very close to or abutting rear wall  430 ), such that when a sled (e.g., sled  200 ) is inserted into sleeve  400 , a user will not visually detect ribs  408  (e.g., through an open end of sleeve  400 ). As shown, ribs  408  may be folded back onto themselves, and extend only partially inside along top wall  402  (e.g., along a portion  420 ), that is, they may not extend along the entire inner surface of top wall  402 . Ribs  408  may be positioned relative to rear wall  430  in the same way as described with respect to ribs  108  relative to openings  116  or  118 . Similarly, interaction between a sled (e.g., sled  200 ) and sleeve  400  may be similarly defined as in sleeve  100 . 
     In some embodiments, a hang tab (e.g., hang tab  40  described above with reference to packaging  10 ) may be included on sleeve  400 , or on a sled to be inserted into sleeve  400 . In some embodiments, ribs  408  may support the weight of sleeve  400 , for example, when a hang tab is affixed to a sled inserted into sleeve  400 . As such, a finished packaging may not require any adhesive or other additional closure mechanism other than the ribs  408  to close the packaging. In some embodiments, when hung, ribs  408  may be the only support holding the weight of the sleeve  400  such that it is coupled to the sled. 
       FIG. 11  shows an exemplary schematic of a blank  600  for forming sleeve  400 . Blank  600  is formed of a single continuous substrate, such as, for example, paper or a paper-based material like cardboard or paperboard. In some embodiments, surfaces of blank  600  that will form interior surfaces of sleeve  400  may be surface treated or coated, for example with a coating to protect the finished sleeve  400 , or product  300 . Dotted lines indicate fold lines. Tabs, flaps, and regions without adhesive of blank  600  are folded such that no adhesive is visible in finished sleeve  400 . In some embodiments, adhesive may be omitted and the various flaps and tabs attached in another suitable manner. Fold lines may be formed, for example, by weakening the substrate along the lines, such as by perforation, material crushing, scoring, miter cutting, etc., such as is further described below with reference to  FIG. 13 . As shown, bottom flaps  404 ′ may be folded over top flaps  402 ′, such that they form the top and bottom walls  402  and  404 . Blank  600  may include rib-forming region  426 ′, which indicates where ribs  408  will be formed. As shown, rib flap  428 ′ may be folded inward over top flap  402 ′, whereby it is then folded onto itself to create rib  408 . 
     As shown, in  FIG. 11 , rib-forming region  426 ′ is formed similar to rib region  126 , in that the rib is folded inwards towards top wall  402 , creating rib  408 . As shown, rib flap  428 ′ may be folded over the flap forming top wall  402 , whereby it is then folded onto itself to create rib  408 . This edge extends towards the center of top wall  402 , such that when folded over and adhered together there is no raw edge on the outside of sleeve  400 . Additional panels may be folded onto each other to eliminate raw edges on various surfaces of sleeve  400 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , individual blank sections may be folded onto one another, for example to create top wall  402  and bottom wall  404 . In some embodiments, sleeve  400  may be constructed with multiple blanks. As shown, rib-forming region  426 ′ may be disposed on one side of blank  600 , with the panel  430 ′ forming rear wall  430  disposed on the opposing distal end of blank  600 , such that when formed the ribs  408  may be formed without impeding finishing of the sleeve  400 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 12 , a detail view of a portion of rib  408  is shown, showing how the rib flap  428 ′ is folded over onto itself, creating rib  408 . Additionally,  FIG. 12  shows an example crease/cut pattern along the base of the rib. As shown, the base of rib  408  includes an alternating pattern of crease regions A (represented by dotted lines) and cut regions B (represented by dashed lines). In some embodiments, the pattern of regions A and B may be reversed, or repeated in a different manner. The length of crease regions A and cut regions B may be the same, or may be different. In some embodiments, the inner and outer surfaces of the rib may include different proportions of the crease regions and cut regions, such that on either side of rib  408  there may be a different pattern. In some embodiments, the rib region  226  may be pre-folded prior to assembly. In some embodiments, the crease region B length may be longer than a cut region A. 
     Turning to  FIG. 12 , a detail view of a portion of rib  408  is shown, showing how the flap  428  is folded over onto itself, creating rib  408 . Additionally,  FIG. 12  shows an example crease/cut pattern along the base of the rib. As shown, the base of rib  408  includes an alternating pattern of crease regions A (represented by dotted lines) and cut regions B (represented by dashed lines). In some embodiments, the pattern of regions A and B may be reversed, or repeated in a different manner. The length of crease regions A and cut regions B may be the same, or may be different. In some embodiments, the inner and outer surfaces of the rib may include different proportions of the crease regions and cut regions, such that on either side of rib  408  there may be a different pattern. In some embodiments, the rib region  226  may be pre-folded prior to assembly. In some embodiments, the crease region B length may be longer than a cut region A. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , schematic representations of different creasing/cutting techniques is shown. At the top of  FIG. 13 , a crease is shown, where a tool simply deforms a portion of the blank, such that a fold may be achieved. Also shown is a v-mitre, where a tool is used to cut a generally v-shaped groove in the blank by removing material from the blank. Continuing on, a k-cut, or “kiss-cut” is shown, where a tool is used to cut approximately 50% of the way through a blank, without necessarily removing material. Finally, a cut, or full cut is shown, showing how a tool may have cut through the blank. These techniques may be used alone or combined in various patterns together. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the choice of reasing/cutting techniques, patterns, and dimensions selected may be tailored to tune the force needed to engage ribs  108 / 408 . For example, creases may be stiffer (offer more resistance to deflection) than v-mitres or perforations, which remove material or cut completely through the material, respectively. The stiffness of perforations may be varied by varying the length and spacing of their cuts. The stiffness of v-mitres may be varied by varying the depth of material removed. Additionally, varying the techniques, patterns, and dimensions may also increase durability and reliability, such that the packaging may be opened and closed many times without suffering from fatigue. In this way, the customer experience is positive in that the same experience is repeatable when opening and closing the packaging several times without the feedback indication changing. 
     Turning to  FIG. 14 , a variation in packaging  10  is shown, showing spacer  700 . In this embodiment, spacer  700  may be disposed such that product  300  is prevented from contacting rib  108  in a generally lateral direction. Simply put, spacer  700  adds distance between the product  300  and rib  108 , such that product  300  will never be under rib  108 , and when the sled  200  is removed, there is no risk of it contacting product  300 . If product  300 , for example, is very fragile or prone to scratching, spacer  700  increases packaging robustness and prevents damage to the product. 
     A finished package  10  may include separate monolithic pieces such as sleeve  100  and sled  200  that are each individually bonded together, using for example, adhesive, tape, or welding. 
     In some embodiments, any surface finishing may take place after the components are cut from the blank, or alternatively prior to the blank being cut into separate sheets for assembling to a final product. Additionally, some operations may be performed concurrently. 
     The packaging components may be composed of a recyclable material (e.g., a biodegradable or compostable material). In some embodiments, the packaging components may be composed of a paper, or paper-based product. Suitable paper-based products include, but are not limited to, cardboard or paperboard (e.g., solid bleached sulfate (SBS)). Alternatively or additionally, packaging may be composed of a polymeric material. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polymer blends including one or more of these polymers, or co-polymers including one or more of these polymers. All or some of the surfaces of the packaging may be coated, or laminated, which may increase structural strength properties, such as rigidity and protect a product within the packaging. 
     Additionally, the packaging may be manufactured in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. In some embodiments, the packaging components may be constructed of a single integrally formed piece of material. The single integrally formed piece of material may be a foldable material that is folded into a configuration that holds and secures a product, either alone or within a cavity of a packaging container. In some embodiments, the foldable material may be a single piece of material that is cut by a single operation (e.g., a single die cutting operation). In some embodiments, the foldable material may be die cut from a stock material (e.g., a sheet or roll of material). Single integrally formed pieces of material that are cut by a single cutting operation may facilitate efficient and reproducible manufacturing of cable retainers. Moreover, such manufacturing may reduce waste by reducing waste material during manufacturing. 
     The foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. These exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. All specific details described are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. 
     It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings, and that by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, one may readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. 
     The Detailed Description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the claims. 
     The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. 
     The phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170907
Publication Date: 20200630
Grant Date: 20200630
Priority Date: 20170301
Inventors: MUNDT, MATTHEW
YANG, CONNIE
MCCARREN, JONATHAN M.
MEHTA, BHAUTIK H.
ROSEBROCK, EVAN M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B65D55/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/38", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D43/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D51/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D81/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/38", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/38", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D81/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D51/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D43/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 71125314