PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11878846-B2
Application Number: US-202217582865-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Packaging with floating band

Abstract:
Packaging may include a front box having a cavity to receive a product, a rear box coupled to the front box in a closed position, and a floating band to be slid around the front box and the rear box, thereby maintaining the front and rear box in a closed configuration. The band may be positioned with features such as folded protrusions with corresponding folded protrusions provided on the front box or the rear box.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Packaging, comprising:
 a front box; 
 a rear box configured to close the front box and together enclose a product within the packaging; and 
 a band configured to slide around the front and rear box, thereby maintaining the front and rear box in a closed configuration, comprising:
 a stopper configured to engage a feature of the front box or the rear box such that the travel of the band is limited along a vertical axis of the packaging, the stopper comprising a protrusion formed of paper. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is c-shaped, and is attached to the band via tabs attached to the band. 
     
     
       3. The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein together the front box and the rear box define a channel through which the protrusion translates when being slid around the front and rear box, thereby maintaining the orientation of the band. 
     
     
       4. The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the front box comprises the feature that engages the stopper, and wherein the feature is a protrusion formed of paper and is covered by the band. 
     
     
       5. The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the band has a height along the vertical axis of the packaging, wherein the stopper is disposed closer to the top edge of the band than it is to the bottom edge of the band such that when the band engages with the feature of the front box or the rear box, the stopper is not visible. 
     
     
       6. The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the front box comprises the feature that engages the stopper, and wherein the feature is a protrusion beginning below the midpoint of the height of the front box, such that the band is centered on the packaging when the packaging is closed and the stopper is in contact with the feature. 
     
     
       7. The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the stopper comprises a c-shaped protrusion formed of paper. 
     
     
       8. The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the stopper comprises a detent formed from the band and engages a corresponding feature on the packaging. 
     
     
       9. A packaged product, comprising: the packaging of  claim 1 ; and
 a product disposed within the packaging, wherein the product is an electronic device. 
 
     
     
       10. Packaging, comprising:
 a box, comprising:
 side panels; 
 top and bottom panels; and 
 an inset panel providing space for a channel when the box is closed; and 
 
 a band, comprising:
 a stopper configured to engage a feature within the channel such that travel of the band is limited along a vertical axis of the packaging. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The packaging of  claim 10 , wherein the box comprises a lid. 
     
     
       12. The packaging of  claim 10 , wherein the feature within the channel comprises a protrusion formed from paper. 
     
     
       13. The packaging of  claim 10 , wherein the feature within the channel releasably locks with the stopper. 
     
     
       14. The packaging of  claim 13 , wherein the band is configured such that a user may actuate the band to unlock the feature and remove the band from the packaging. 
     
     
       15. A packaged product, comprising:
 the packaging of  claim 10 ; and 
 a product, wherein the product is an electronic device. 
 
     
     
       16. Packaging, comprising:
 a front box, comprising:
 a front panel; 
 a side panel; 
 an inset panel disposed inward from the side panel and extending in a direction away from the front panel; and 
 a folded protrusion extending from an intersection of the side panel and the inset panel; 
 
 a rear box configured to close the front box by receiving the inset panel in a cavity, wherein the inset panel forms an exterior channel between the front box and the rear box when the packaging is closed; and 
 a band formed and configured to slide around the front and rear box, comprising:
 a folded protrusion configured to engage the folded protrusion of the front box when the band is slid around the front and rear box, thereby fixing a minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of the band and a bottom surface of the packaging. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The packaging of  claim 16 , wherein the minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of the band and a bottom surface of the packaging is less than 50% of the height of the packaging. 
     
     
       18. The packaging of  claim 16 , wherein the minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of the band and a bottom surface of the packaging is greater than 50% of the height of the packaging. 
     
     
       19. The packaging of  claim 16 , wherein the minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of the band and a bottom surface of the packaging is 50% of the height of the packaging. 
     
     
       20. Packaging, comprising:
 a front box; 
 a rear box configured to close the front box and together enclose a product within the packaging; and 
 a band configured to slide around the front and rear box, thereby maintaining the front and rear box in a closed configuration, comprising:
 a c-shaped paper protrusion configured as a stopper configured to engage a feature of the front box or the rear box such that the travel of the band is limited along a vertical axis of the packaging.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to packaging. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to packaging having a front box and a rear box coupled with a band that appears floating around the packaging and resists downward movement during storage and shipping. The packaging may be made of paper or other recyclable materials that may be otherwise cellulose-fiber based. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The described embodiments relate generally to packaging, including packaging that includes an interesting product display element when closed, while maintaining recyclability. Product packaging is an integral part of a customer&#39;s experience. It introduces the customer to their product, and can affect the customer&#39;s feelings toward the product and the company that created it. 
     In some situations, finished goods packaging does no more than hold a product, such that an opportunity to further enhance customer experience may be missed. In some instances, bands may be used around packaging to couple two sides of a box together, for example, or to further enhance branding opportunities or the aesthetic of the finished goods packaging. Moreover, many current finished goods packaging contains elements that are not single stream recyclable friendly, must instead be broken down into the constituent parts prior to recycling, rather than simply placed separately into the recycling stream. 
     What is needed is a packaging paradigm that can improving the customer experience in receiving products or finished goods packaging containing a product, particularly with a band disposed around a package. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments relate to packaging, including a front box, a rear box configured to close the front box and together enclose a product within the packaging, and a band configured to slide around the front and rear box, thereby maintaining the front and rear box in a closed configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the band includes a stopper configured to engage a feature of the front box or the rear box such that the travel of the band is limited along a vertical axis of the packaging. In some embodiments, the stopper includes a protrusion formed of paper. In some embodiments, the protrusion is c-shaped, and is attached to the band via tabs attached to the band. 
     In some embodiments, together the front box and the rear box define a channel through which the protrusion translates when being slid around the front and rear box, thereby maintaining the orientation of the band. In some embodiments, the front box includes the feature that engages the stopper. In some embodiments, the feature is a protrusion formed of paper and is covered by the band. 
     In some embodiments, the band has a height along the vertical axis of the packaging, and the stopper is disposed closer to the top edge of the band than it is to the bottom edge of the band such that when the band engages with the feature of the front box or the rear box, the stopper is not visible. In some embodiments, the front box includes the feature that engages the stopper, and wherein the feature is a protrusion beginning below the midpoint of the height of the front box, such that the band is centered on the packaging when the packaging is closed and the stopper is in contact with the feature. In some embodiments, the stopper includes a c-shaped protrusion formed of paper. 
     In some embodiments, the stopper includes a detent formed from the band and engages a corresponding feature on the packaging. A packaged product may include packaging described herein and a product disposed within the packaging. In some embodiments, the product is an electronic device. 
     Some embodiments relate to packaging, including a box. In some embodiments, the box includes side panels, top and bottom panels, and an inset panel providing space for a channel when the box is closed. The packaging includes a band in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the band includes a stopper configured to engage a feature within the channel such that travel of the band is limited along a vertical axis of the packaging. In some embodiments, the box includes a lid. In some embodiments, the feature within the channel includes a protrusion formed from paper. 
     In some embodiments, the feature within the channel releasably locks with the stopper. In some embodiments, the band is configured such that a user may actuate the band to unlock the feature and remove the band from the packaging. A packaged product may include packaging described herein and a product disposed within the packaging. In some embodiments the product is an electronic device. 
     Some embodiments relate to packaging including a front box. In some embodiments, the front box includes a front panel, a side panel, an inset panel disposed inward from the side panel and extending in a direction away from the front panel, and a folded protrusion extending from an intersection of the side panel and the inset panel. The packaging includes a rear box in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the rear box is configured to close the front box by receiving the inset panel in a cavity. In some embodiments, the inset panel forms an exterior channel between the front box and the rear box when the packaging is closed. The packaging includes a band in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the band is formed and configured to slide around the front and rear box. 
     In some embodiments, the band includes a folded protrusion configured to engage the folded protrusion of the front box when the band is slid around the front and rear box, thereby fixing a minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of the band and a bottom surface of the packaging. In some embodiments, the minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of the band and a bottom surface of the packaging is less than 50% of the height of the packaging. In some embodiments, the minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of the band and a bottom surface of the packaging is greater than 50% of the height of the packaging. In some embodiments, the minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of the band and a bottom surface of the packaging is 50% of the height of the packaging. 
    
    
     
       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 in an embodiment in a closed configuration. 
         FIG.  2    shows the packaging shown in  FIG.  1    as the band lifts off of the front box and rear box. 
         FIG.  3    shows an enlarged view of the band as it lifts off of the front box and rear box as shown  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    shows a side view of the packaging shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , with the band removed. 
         FIG.  5    shows an exploded view of the packaging shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , with the band removed and product visible. 
         FIG.  6    shows a perspective view of the band shown in  FIG.  1   , when removed from the front box and rear box. 
         FIG.  7    shows a perspective view of packaging in an embodiment in a closed configuration and different dimensional characteristics from the packaging shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     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 appended claims. 
     The packaging described herein provides a packaging solution utilizing environmentally friendly materials and allows for a packaging solution that includes a consistent, floating band appearance until a user desires to remove the band, while retaining a high degree of recyclability. Elements are described that achieve a structurally sound package, while allowing an end user to easily recycle the package, while providing a consistent and uniform appearance for each of the packages in a given product line or family. 
     As above, the present embodiments relate to packaging having a front box and a rear box coupled with a band that appears floating around the packaging. In some instances, the placement of prior bands relative to packaging is inconsistent, and may shift during shipment or during the time period when a product is not yet purchased, leading to an inconsistent industrial design across the same product or product family. However, here, the band and/or front box and/or rear box may be constructed with stoppers such that a placement of the band relative to the packaging is consistent and does not shift during shipment or during the time period when a product is not yet purchased. The stoppers may be formed as protrusions, e.g., folded paper protrusions. In some embodiments, the stoppers may be formed as detents and corresponding features. The packaging may be made of paper or other recyclable materials that may be otherwise cellulose-fiber based. 
     As used herein, “front box” and “rear box” may refer to portions of a box that are not necessarily in a horizontal configuration, but rather may be displayed in a vertical orientation with the band circumscribing a vertical axis of the packaging. Thus, the front box and rear box may form halves of a package that if not for the band being disposed around the package the front box and rear box may be separated along a horizontal axis of the packaging. In use, a user may opt to set the front box&#39;s front panel on a horizontal surface such that the rear box may be lifted (or vice versa), e.g., as a “lid.” In some embodiments, the front or rear box may not be fully separable from the other, such that a hinged lid is provided instead. However, in that configuration, the band still may be positioned via stoppers such that the band&#39;s consistent positioning is maintained until the user wishes to remove the band from the packaging. 
     Some embodiments include packaging including a front box formed of cardboard, e.g., paperboard or cardboard corrugate (other environmentally friendly recyclable materials are also envisioned). In some embodiments, each of the front box or rear box or both may be formed from a continuous sheet (e.g., a cardboard blank). In an embodiment, a single blank may be used to fold the entire packaging into a usable configuration except for the band. In some embodiments, the front box and rear box may be formed from separate blanks, and the band also formed separately. The respective elements may be formed of the same material or different materials that are recyclable in the same fiber-recycling stream. 
     Companies may be sensitive to the cost of packaging and may wish to promote packaging that is eco-friendly. Packaging made out of recyclable and/or biodegradable materials, such as paper (e.g., cardboard) can reduce environmental impact, especially when it replaces a non-recyclable element. Packaging that is interesting in character and well-executed may boost a product&#39;s or a brand&#39;s reputation, thereby attracting new customers and retaining previous customers. For example, interactive elements that present a product in an interesting way when packaging is opened, e.g., lifting a band up from around the package to allow a front box and a rear box to be opened, welcoming the customer to their product, may enhance the customer experience. Packaging described in this document achieves these and other beneficial characteristics by balancing structural robustness, eco-friendly materials, and aesthetic elements. A product contained by the packaging may be, for example, an electronic device such as, for example, headphones, a desktop computer, monitor, laptop, tablet computer, smartphone, or smart watch, or it may be a non-electronic device. The product may also be within separate finished goods packaging, such that in some instances the packaging described herein includes additional internal packaging. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the accompanying 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. 
       FIG.  1    shows a front-top perspective view of packaging  1 , in a closed configuration. Packaging  1  includes a front box  10  having a front panel  100 , top and bottom panels  110 , and side panels  112 . Packaging  1  also includes a rear box  20  configured to couple to front box  10 . Rear box  20  includes top and bottom panels  210 , side panels  212 , and rear panel  200 . Rear box  20  also includes a cavity  211  that is shown in a closed relationship with front box  10  in  FIG.  1   . An external channel  206  is formed between front box  10  and rear box  20 . 
     A band  30  is shown around packaging  1 , effectively coupling front box  10  and rear box  20  together in a closed configuration via front and rear panels  300 , and side panels  312 . In some embodiments, a graphic or tactile pattern (e.g., deboss pattern  301 ) may be applied to band  30 , front box  10 , or rear box  20 . Band  30  may be formed as a continuous band, and may be sized such that it closely fits around the dimensions of the side perimeter of packaging  1 , when front box  10  and rear box  20  are closed. 
     A hang-tab  40  is shown coupled to front box  10 , such that the packaging may be hung for display in a retail setting, for example. In some embodiments, hang-tab  40  is coupled to rear box  20 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , packaging  1  is shown as band  30  lifts off of front box  10  and rear box  20 . As shown in the figures, band  30  further includes stoppers  304 , protruding from panels  302 . In some embodiments, stoppers  304  may be formed from paper, and be fixed within band  30  via a first panel  305  and second panel  303 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . For example, as shown, tabs  308  of stoppers  304  may be disposed (e.g., adhered) between layers of band  30  formed by first panel  305  and second panel  303 . Second panel  303  may be integrally formed with first panel  305 , or the panels may be formed from separate layers, e.g., in multiple blanks. As shown in the figures, stopper  304  includes a protrusion  306 , which may be, for example, “c-shaped.” In this way, stoppers  304  can fit within channel  206  to prevent band  30  from sliding down packaging  1  (e.g., when stoppers  304  encounter counterpart stoppers of front box  10  or rear box  20 , such as protrusions  105  described below), and provide a single direction by which band  30  may be removed from front box  10  and rear box  20 . Protrusion  306  translates through a channel formed in packaging  1  in some embodiments, e.g., when being slid around the front box  10  and rear box  20 . In this way, the orientation of band  30  is maintained. 
     Aside from the stoppers, band  30  may not be fixed to front box  10 , or rear box  20 . For example, in some embodiments, there is no adhesive or other mechanical connection between the boxes and the band. Band  30  is configured to slide around front box  10  and rear box  20 , thereby maintaining the front and rear box in a closed configuration, e.g., closing packaging  1 . In general, band  30 &#39;s stopper is configured to engage a feature of the front box  10  and/or the rear box  20  (or lid in some embodiments) such that the travel of the band is limited along a vertical axis of the packaging. 
     In use, protrusion  306  may travel along channel  206 , in a direction along the height of packaging  1 , until it engages with a corresponding feature, e.g., a protrusion  105 , formed as a stopper on front box  10  for example (see  FIG.  4   ). Protrusion  105  may have a similar shape as protrusion  306 . In some embodiments, protrusion  306  may have a square shape, a triangle shape, curved shape, etc., such that it is easily formed and fits within channel  206 . In some embodiments, the protrusions may be adhered to band  30  or the front/rear boxes. In some embodiments, no adhesive is necessary to provide for the protrusions discussed herein. For example, protrusions may be formed from folds in band  30 , front box  10 , or rear box  20 . In some embodiments, protrusions may be mechanically locked to one of the packaging  1 &#39;s components without the use of adhesive. 
     In the figures, two protrusions  306  and two protrusions  105  are shown, however in practice fewer or additional protrusions may be included, provided that they are included as corresponding pairs. That is, a protrusion  306  should be matched with protrusion  105 , such that band  30  maintains its position relative to front box  10  and rear box  20 . By providing two protrusions  306  and two protrusions  105 , as matching pairs, band  30  may be simply slid around packaging  1 , without regard to orientation if desired, since the protrusions are on either side of band  30 . The respective pairs of protrusions may have the same shape or different shapes. In some embodiments, the respective pairs of protrusions may have complimentary intersecting shapes, or complimentary connecting shapes (e.g., such that they may lock together and be unlocked via a user actuating a component). 
     In some embodiments, protrusion  306  or protrusion  305  may be formed as a detent, for example through embossing or debossing such as the deboss pattern  301 , such that channel  206  may be omitted, while the consistent positioning of band  30  when packaging  1  is closed may be maintained. Other features such as debossing, embossing, texture, etc., may be provided to enhance the customer experience and function of disassembling packaging  1 , e.g., when provided on band  30 . Further, in some embodiments, the surface of band  30  may be configured in a way, such as debossing, so as to increase consumer comfort when removing band  30  from packaging  1  so as to open front box  10  and rear box  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the respective panels forming front box  10 , rear box  20 , and band  30 , may allow front and rear panels  300  of band  30  to translate upwards along front and rear panels  100 / 200  of the front box  10  and rear box  20 , respectively. Similarly side panels  312  of band  30  may translate along side panels  112 / 212  of front box  10  and rear box  20 , respectively. In this way, the orientation packaging  1  may be maintained as the user removes band  30 . 
       FIG.  4    shows a side view of the packaging shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , with the band removed, but shown generally via dotted lines in the figure. In use, protrusion  306  interfaces with protrusion  105 , such that band  30  is held in a predetermined relative positioning along the height of packaging  1  via stopper  304  on band  30 . In some embodiments, front box  10  may include inset panel  104 , that may nest inside rear box  20 . As shown, facing edges of side panels  112  and side panels  212  may be spaced apart such that inset panel  104  is visible when front box  10  and rear box  24  are coupled. Inset panel  104  thereby provides space for channel  206 , such that band  30  including protrusion  306  may slide around packaging  1  when front box  10  and rear box  20  are coupled. The relationship between the height of the packaging, height of the band, and height of the protrusions along the height of the packaging is now described with reference to several dimensions shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     Dimension A is shown, and refers to band  30 &#39;s height. Dimension B refers to stopper  304 &#39;s and protrusion  306 &#39;s height along packaging  1 . Dimension C refers to protrusion  105 &#39;s height along packaging  1 . The intersection of B and C may vary from embodiment to embodiment. Dimension D refers to the height from the bottom panels  110 / 210  to where protrusion  105  begins, and Dimension E refers to the height between the upper edge of stopper  304  and protrusion  306  and the top panels  110 / 210  of packaging  1 . Band  30  may have a height along the vertical axis of packaging  1 , and the band&#39;s stopper  304  may be disposed closer to the top edge of band  30  such that when band  30  engages with front box  10  or rear box  20 , stopper  304  is not visible. Protrusion  105  may be provided at least partially below the midpoint of the height of front box  10 , such that band  30  may be centered on packaging  1  when it is closed. 
     Dimension A does not equal Dimension B plus Dimension C, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, however, Dimension A does equal Dimension B plus Dimension C, such that the band is the same height as the combined protrusions  105  and  306 . In some embodiments, Dimension D is greater than Dimension E, is less than Dimension E, or is equal to Dimension E. In this way, depending on the desired form factor of packaging  1 , and  30  may be consistently placed at a desired height while still maintaining structural integrity of the closed packaging  1 , prior to a user desiring to separate front box  10  from rear box  20 . Moreover, the starting points of C and B (i.e., ends closest to panels  110 / 210 ) may be shifted inward from the endpoints of A, such that the protrusions are recessed towards the center of band  30 , thereby further hiding them during use. In such an example, Dimension B plus Dimension C equals less than Dimension A. In some embodiments, Dimension B and Dimension C are equal in some embodiments. In some embodiments, Dimension C can be made smaller to minimize its visual impact since it will be seen on the packaging  1  when band  30  is removed. In contrast, the protrusion of band  30  still will be hidden, because it is on an interior side of band  30 . 
     As can be seen from  FIG.  4   , the protrusions of front box  10  and band  30  coact to fix a minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of the band and a bottom surface of the packaging. Band  30  is vertically supported in place by protrusion  306  resting on top of protrusion  105 . In some embodiments, the minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of band  30  and a bottom surface of packaging  1  is less than 50% of the height of packaging  1 . In some embodiments, the minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of band  30  and a bottom surface of packaging  1  is greater than 50% of the height of packaging  1 . In some embodiments, the minimum vertical distance between the lower edge of band  30  and a bottom surface of packaging  1  is 50% of the height of packaging  1 . 
       FIG.  5    shows an exploded view of the packaging shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , with the band removed and product  50  visible. As shown front box  10  includes cavity  108  to receive product  50 . In some embodiments, cavity  108  may include a raised platform that product  50  may rest on, such that product  50  may appear raised when product  50  is received within cavity  108 . In some embodiments rear box  20  may serve as the receptacle for product  50 . Inset panel  104  is shown, such that it is received by rear box  20  when packaging  1  is closed. As discussed above, protrusion  105  may be formed in front box  10 , for example is a folded component having tab  107  sandwiched between inset panel  104  and side panel  112 , for example between interface  115 . This means that a folded protrusion may extend from an intersection of the side panel  112  and the inset panel  104 . In some embodiments, protrusion  105  may be adhered to front box  10  at tab  107 . In some embodiments, no adhesive is necessary to provide protrusion  105 . For example, protrusion  105  may be formed from folds in front box  10 , or rear box  20 . In some embodiments, protrusions may be mechanically locked to one of the packaging  1 &#39;s components without the use of adhesive. 
     While rear box  20  is shown as wholly separable from front box  10 , in some embodiments rear box  20  may be joined to front box  10 , e.g., at a foldable joint such that to open packaging  1  a user may lift and rotate rear box  20  (e.g., as a lid) to open to access a product, whereby the rear box  20  remains connected to front box  10 . 
       FIG.  6    shows a perspective view of band  30  shown in  FIG.  1   , when removed from front box  10  and rear box  20 . As discussed above, the stoppers including protrusions  306  may be formed within band  30  via a first panel  305  and second panel  303 . Second panel  303  may be integrally formed with first panel  305 , folded in and meeting at seam  315 . In some embodiments, the panels may be formed from separate layers, e.g., in multiple blanks. 
     As discussed herein, components of the packaging described may be formed from one or more blanks, e.g., cardboard or paper blanks. In some embodiments, the blank is formed of a single continuous substrate, such as, for example cellulose-based material like cardboard corrugate. Other cellulose-based materials are contemplated, such as paperboard, certain molded fiber components of sufficient construction, or grayboard. Tabs, flaps, and regions without adhesive of the blank are folded such that no adhesive is visible in finished packaging. In some embodiments, adhesive may be omitted and the various flaps and tabs attached in another suitable manner (e.g., by mechanical interlock or press fit). 
     As can be appreciated, the dimensions of the constituent panels and walls of the blank may be varied to accommodate different sizes and shapes of products or finished goods packaging, when the blank is folded into a configuration to receive such products or finished goods packaging. But while the dimensions and shapes may vary, the design may be scaled such that assembly is substantially the same, notwithstanding any dimensional differentiation. 
       FIG.  7    shows a perspective view of packaging  2  in an embodiment in a closed configuration and having different dimensional characteristics from the packaging shown in  FIG.  1   . Conceptually, packaging  2  is similar to packaging  1 . Packaging  2  includes front box  70 , rear box  80 , and band  90 . The illustration in  FIG.  7    shows dimensions A 2 , D 2 , and E 2 , which are discussed with reference to the dimensions shown in  FIG.  4   . Dimension A 2  is shown, and refers to band  90 &#39;s height. Dimension D 2  refers to the height from the bottom panels of packaging  2  to where band  90  begins, and Dimension E refers to the height between the upper edge of band  90  the top panels of packaging  2 . 
     In the example of packaging  2  shown in  FIG.  7   , D 2  is greater than D, such that the lower edge of band  90  is higher on packaging  2  than the lower edge of band  30  is on packaging  1 . E 2  in turn, is less than E, resulting in the top edge of band  90  being higher on packaging  2  than the top edge of band  30  is on packaging  1 . A 2  is greater than A, making band  90  taller than band  30 . This results in a different appearance of band  90  floating around package  2 , but the consistency of positioning between packaging  2  across other packaging  2  configured in the same manner remains due to the stoppers included in packaging  2  and configured in a similar manner as in packaging  1 . Indeed, in some embodiments, band  30  may be used in packaging  2 , provided that the perimeter created by front box  10  and rear box  80  is sufficiently similar to that created by front box  10  and front box  20 . Features of packaging  1  as described herein may be applied to features of packaging  2  as described herein, without limitation, and vice versa. 
     Each of the components may be composed of recyclable materials including any shipping packaging, finished packaging, seals, and other related components. Thus, if and when the customer opts to dispose of the packaging, the packaging may simply be recycled without requiring material separation (e.g., in a single-stream recycling program). Advantageously, this improves upon prior systems having non-recyclable components, for example, polystyrene cushioning, or film wraps and/or bands. 
     Each of the components and their constituent parts, and other variations described herein may include corresponding features described with reference to each of the other components and features described without limitation. 
     In some embodiments, any surface finishing may take place after the components are cut from a 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. All or some of the surfaces of the packaging may be coated, or laminated, which may increase structural strength properties such as rigidity and which may protect a product within the packaging, or avoid scratching. 
     Additionally, the packaging may be manufactured in a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way. In some embodiments, the packaging components may be constructed from a foldable material. 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 of cardboard corrugate, or roll of material), or other fiber or cellulose based material. Single integrally-formed pieces of material that are cut by a single cutting operation may facilitate efficient and reproducible manufacturing. Moreover, such manufacturing may reduce waste by reducing waste material during manufacturing. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. 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. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220124
Publication Date: 20240123
Grant Date: 20240123
Priority Date: 20220124
Inventors: COX, HEATHER W.
APODACA, FERNIE A.
GIULIANI, VINCENZO O.
MOFFITT, LAURA
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B65D5/643", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/4262", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D85/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/643", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/643", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/4262", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D85/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D85/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/4262", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 87313420