PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10384827-B1
Application Number: US-201715701199-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Gapless packaging with internal support system

Abstract:
A product with packaging includes a base box having sidewalls defining a cavity, a support structure having sidewalls disposed in the cavity, the support structure sidewalls being attached to corresponding walls of the base box. A tray is attached to the support structure and disposed in the cavity. An outer periphery of the tray is larger than an inner periphery of the cavity, such that the outer periphery of the tray presses against the inner periphery of the cavity resulting in a gapless interface between the two. An outer periphery the support structure is smaller than an inner periphery of the cavity, such that it results in a tension fit between the two that pulls the inner periphery of the cavity against the tray resulting in a gapless interface between the two.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Packaging, comprising:
 a base box comprising opposing sidewalls that define a first free length therebetween; 
 a molded-fiber tray disposed between the opposing sidewalls and below a top edge of the base box, wherein opposing edges of the tray define a second free length therebetween that is greater than the first free length such that the opposing edges are in contact with the opposing sidewalls; and 
 a corrugated cardboard support structure disposed between the opposing sidewalls of the base box, wherein the support structure comprises a top surface fixed to the tray and opposing sidewalls connected to the top surface, wherein the sidewalls are spaced apart by a third free length at their connection to the top surface, and wherein the third free length is less than the first free length, and 
 wherein inner surfaces of the opposing sidewalls of the base box and outer surfaces of the opposing sidewalls of the support structure are fixed together such that the opposing sidewalls of the base box are pulled against the opposing sidewalls of the support structure. 
 
     
     
       2. The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a pillar beneath a portion of the tray such that the tray is supported at the pillar and the tray&#39;s resistance to deflection is thereby increased. 
     
     
       3. The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein the tray and the base box wholly envelop the support structure such that it is not visible. 
     
     
       4. The packaging of  claim 1 , wherein there are no gaps between the tray and the sidewalls of the base box. 
     
     
       5. Packaging, comprising:
 a base box having sidewalls defining a cavity; 
 a support structure having sidewalls disposed in the cavity, the support structure sidewalls being adhered to the sidewalls of the base box; and 
 a tray disposed within the cavity, spaced below an upper edge of the base box and spaced above a bottom surface of the cavity, wherein the tray is adhered to the support structure, and 
 wherein the tray is in contact with the sidewalls of the base box, 
 wherein the tray and base box together hide the support structure from view, and 
 wherein the support structure and tray are formed of different cellulose-based materials. 
 
     
     
       6. The packaging of  claim 5 , wherein the tray is molded fiber, and wherein the support structure is corrugated cardboard. 
     
     
       7. The packaging of  claim 5 , wherein the tray is supported in position relative to the base box by the sidewalls of the base box and by the support structure. 
     
     
       8. The packaging of  claim 5 , wherein the support structure comprises a pillar extending below a top surface of the support structure, the pillar contacting a lower surface of the base box such that resistance to bending of the top surface of the support structure is increased. 
     
     
       9. The packaging of  claim 5 , wherein an outer periphery of the tray is larger than an inner periphery of the cavity, such that the outer periphery of the tray presses against the inner periphery of the cavity so that there are no gaps between the tray and the sidewalls of the base box. 
     
     
       10. The packaging of  claim 5 , wherein an outer periphery of a top surface of the support structure is smaller than an inner periphery of the cavity, such that the adhesion between the sidewalls of the support structure and the side walls of the base box results in a tension fit that pulls the sidewalls of the base box against the tray so that there are no gaps between the tray and the sidewalls of the base box. 
     
     
       11. The packaging of  claim 5 , wherein the support structure defines cutouts in the top surface from which the sidewalls extend, and wherein the cutouts are configured to receive a pressing fixture to press the sidewalls of support structure and sidewalls of the base box together to effect an adhesive bond therebetween. 
     
     
       12. The packaging of  claim 5 , wherein the tray comprises a recess to receive a second product, and wherein the support structure comprises a corresponding hole to accommodate the recess when the tray is positioned above the support structure. 
     
     
       13. The packaging of  claim 5 , wherein the support structure comprises a single continuous sheet of corrugated cellulose-based material. 
     
     
       14. The packaging of  claim 5 , wherein the entirety of the packaging is formed of cellulose-based material. 
     
     
       15. Packaging, comprising:
 a base box comprising vertical sidewalls; 
 a molded-fiber tray interference fit with the vertical sidewalls below a top edge of the base box such that edges of the tray are in contact with the vertical sidewalls; and 
 a support structure disposed under the tray, wherein the support structure comprises:
 a pillar extending below a top surface of the support structure, the pillar contacting a lower surface of the base box such that resistance to bending of the top surface of the support structure is increased; and 
 sidewalls that are adhered to the sidewalls of the base box and thereby pull the sidewalls of the base box against the edges of the tray to help maintain the interference fit and eliminate any gaps between the base box and the tray. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The packaging of  claim 15 , wherein the vertical sidewalls comprise first opposing sidewalls that define a first free length therebetween and second opposing sidewalls that define a second free length therebetween,
 wherein first opposing edges of the tray define a third free length therebetween that is greater than the first free length and wherein second opposing edges of the tray define a fourth free length therebetween that is greater than the second free length, and 
 wherein the first opposing edges are in contact with the first opposing sidewalls and wherein the second opposing edges are in contact with the second opposing sidewalls. 
 
     
     
       17. The packaging of  claim 16 , wherein the difference between the first free length and the third free length is between approximately 0.1 mm and 0.7 mm. 
     
     
       18. The packaging of  claim 16 , wherein the sidewalls of the support structure comprise opposing sidewalls that define a fifth free length, and wherein the fifth free length is less than the first free length. 
     
     
       19. The packaging of  claim 18 , wherein the difference between the first free length and the fifth free length is approximately 0.5 mm. 
     
     
       20. The packaging of  claim 18 , wherein the support structure and the tray are formed of different cellulose-based materials.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to retail packaging. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to packaging using an internal support structure to achieve a gapless appearance between the walls of a box and a product-holding tray positioned along an inside periphery of a box. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments include packaging including a base box with a pair of opposing sidewalls spaced apart by a first free length (e.g., a distance between components that may change based on tension or compression being applied to the component in a non-free state). The packaging includes a molded-fiber tray disposed between the opposing sidewalls and below a top edge of the base box. The edges of the molded-fiber tray that are in contact with the opposing sidewalls are spaced apart by a second free length, and the second free length is greater than the first free length. 
     The packaging further includes a corrugated cellulose-based support structure disposed between the opposing sidewalls of the base box and supporting the tray which is fixed to it. The support structure includes opposing sidewalls spaced apart by a third free length, and the third free length is less than the first free length. The inner surfaces of the opposing sidewalls of the base box and the outer surfaces of the corresponding sidewalls of the support structure are fixed together such that the opposing sidewalls of the base box are pulled against the corresponding sidewalls of the support structure. This results in no gap between the outer periphery of the molded-fiber tray and the inner periphery of the base box, such that the interface between the peripheral edges of the tray and the sidewalls of the base box is gapless. 
     The support structure and tray may be formed of different materials (e.g., different cellulose-based material). For example, the tray may be made from molded fiber, and the support structure may be made from corrugated cardboard or greyboard. The support structure may include a pillar beneath a portion of the tray such that the tray is supported at the pillar and the tray&#39;s resistance to deflection is thereby increased. The tray and the base box wholly envelop the support structure such that it is not visible to a customer. 
     The support structure includes a top surface, and the tray is adhered to the top surface to fix it in relation to the base box. The support structure may include a pillar extending below a top surface of the support structure, the pillar being coupled to a lower surface of the base box such that the bending strength of the top surface of the support structure is increased. 
     An outer periphery of the tray is oversized with respect to an inner periphery of the cavity, such that it promotes a gapless interface between the two. An outer periphery of the support structure is undersized respect to an inner periphery of the cavity, such that it results in a tension fit between the two, and promotes a gapless interface between the outer periphery of the tray and the inner periphery of the cavity. The support structure comprises cutouts in the top surface from which the sidewalls extend such that they are configured to receive a pressing fixture to effect an adhesive bond between the sidewalls of support structure and sidewalls of the base box. 
     The tray may include a product recess to receive a second product, and the support structure may include a corresponding hole to accommodate the product recess when the tray is positioned above the support structure. 
     Some embodiments include a method of making a packaging. The method includes inserting a support structure into a cavity defined by the sidewalls of a base box. An outer periphery of the support structure is smaller than an inner periphery of the cavity, and the sidewalls of the support structure include pressure sensitive adhesive on their outer surfaces. The method includes positioning a fixture within holes in the support structure such that the fixture presses the sidewalls of the support structure and the sidewalls of the base box together this activates the pressure sensitive adhesive and secures the support structure and base box together. The method includes adhering a product tray to a top surface of the support structure, e.g., with a water-based adhesive. The outer periphery of the tray is larger than the inner periphery of the cavity, such that there is no gap between the outer periphery of the tray and the inner periphery of the cavity. 
     Advantageously, this improves upon prior systems having, for example, folded trays or bowed lower base boxes, which produce gaps between the components that may provide an unfinished or disjointed appearance. By designing the relative dimensions between the corresponding features of the base box, support structure, and tray, any potential product, assembly, or packaging tolerance issues still result in secure packaging having a gapless appearance. 
    
    
     
       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 an exploded view of packaging with a product. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of a portion of the packaging shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows an assembled view of the portion of the packaging shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the portion of the packaging along line  4 - 4 . 
         FIG. 5  shows the portion of the packaging shown in  FIG. 2  with a schematic assembly jig for assembling the portion of the packaging. 
         FIG. 6  shows a flowchart of a method of making 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 appended claims. 
     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. Seamless packaging without unnecessary gaps between edges and components—calling to mind a unitary construction with robust character—may be particularly desirable. 
     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 gaps, defects, or imperfections can draw the customer&#39;s attention away from the product it is holding or make the product seem less appealing. For example, if an interior tray designed to hold a product is placed inside of a lower half of a box, defects and gaps between the edges of the tray and box walls may present a disjointed appearance that detracts from the customer&#39;s experience. 
     In the same vein, companies may be sensitive to the cost of packaging and may wish to promote packaging that is eco-friendly. Certain packaging materials are higher cost due to their processing, and while engineers may be able to design single-component packaging, the cost may be prohibitive for certain materials. Optimization of packaging in material usage may help keep costs low, and if done well may not interfere with, and may promote, a positive user experience. Packaging made out of recyclable and/or biodegradable materials, such as paper or other cellulose-based products can reduce environmental impact. 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. 
     Packaging described in this document achieves these and other beneficial characteristics by balancing structural robustness, eco-friendly materials, and aesthetic elements. A base box receives a corrugated support structure. The outer periphery of the walls of the corrugated support structure is under sized for the inner dimensions between the base box walls. An assembly fixture may press the inner lower base box walls and the outer periphery of the walls of the corrugated support structure together, securing them to each other with adhesive. A molded-fiber top tray is then placed above the corrugated support structure, hiding the corrugated support structure from view of the end customer. The molded-fiber top tray presents a finished, clean, flawless appearance, and hides the unfinished raw appearance of the underlying corrugated support structure. The peripheral edges of the molded-fiber top tray are oversized for the inner dimensions between the base box walls, such that when the molded-fiber top tray is secured to the corrugated support structure, the peripheral edges press against the interior sides of the base box and so create no gaps along the walls of the base box. 
     To keep the product protected and secure during transport, handling, or storage, the molded-fiber top tray may include molded recesses or features to hold various components, documents, and products. A top lid covers the product and the molded-fiber top tray when the packaging is closed. The cooperation of the size and materials of the inner periphery of the base box, corrugated support structure, and molded-fiber top balance each of the aforementioned goals—including eco-friendliness, aesthetic design, structural robustness, cost, and ease of manufacturing. 
     The packaging may be retail packaging (i.e., finished packaging for containing and conveying a product to a user such as may be used in a retail setting, not shipping packaging for containing a packaged product during shipment) that one may expect to find on the shelf in a retail store, and which one may open after purchase to directly access their product. A product contained by the packaging may be, for example, an electronic device such as, for example, a laptop, tablet computer, or smartphone, or it may be a non-electronic device, such as, for example, a book. 
     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 an exploded top perspective view of packaging  10  including a product  100  according to some embodiments of this invention. The packaging  10  includes a lid  41 , a tray  20  (e.g., a molded-fiber tray), a support structure  30  (e.g., a corrugated support structure), and a base box  40 . Base box  40  and lid  41  contain product  100  when base box  40  and lid  41  are dosed together. Molded-fiber tray  20  may be molded in three dimensions, e.g., not as a flat sheet. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show exploded and assembled perspective views, respectively, of base box  40 , support structure  30 , and tray  20 . As shown, base box  40  may include bottom surface  400  and vertical sidewalls  401 ,  402 ,  403 , and  404 . Together, these define cavity  405  within the inner sides of sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404  and bottom surface  400 . Cavity  405  is configured to receive support structure  30  and tray  20  on top of support structure  30 . The inner surfaces of sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404  correspond to the outer shape of support structure  30  and tray  20 , such that the sidewalls are disposed immediately around the periphery of both. As shown in the figures, the base box  40  has a rectangular cuboid shape, though other shapes can also be used for it as well as the other packaging components. 
     Support structure  30  includes sidewalls  301 ,  302 ,  303 , and  304 , which correspond in position to the sidewalls of base box  40 . Additionally, support structure may include holes  305 , which are included to receive an assembly fixture for assembling the support structure  30  to base box  40  (as discussed below with reference to  FIG. 5 ). Support structure  30  also includes openings  306  and  307 , which correspond to features of tray  20  that are received in openings  306  and  307  when tray  20  is placed on top of support structure  30 . Support structure  30  includes top surface  308 , which serves as a mating surface between tray  20  and support structure  30 . Additional supports may extend below from support structure  30  and give support structure  30  additional strength or rigidity (e.g., pillar members  309  may extend, for example from edges of openings  306 ,  307 , and aid in strengthening support structure  30  towards the center of top surface  308 ). Support structure  30  imparts structural rigidity and strength to base box  40  and by extension, lid  41  when packaging  10  is closed. It also allows less material to be used in forming tray  20 . 
     Tray  20  includes peripheral edges  201 ,  202 ;  203 , and  204 , which correspond in position to the sidewalls of base box  40 . Tray  20  includes a surface  200 , the underside of which may be adhered to top surface  308  of support structure  30 . Tray  20  includes top surface  208 , which may be inset down a distance from upper edges of base box  40  sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404  and covered (e.g., by lid  41 ) when packaging  10  is closed. Top surface  208  may extend perpendicularly with respect to sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404 . Tray  20  may include cavities  207  and  209 , for example. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , cavity  206  may be configured to contain product  100 , and may be formed by tray  20  and sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404 . Tray  20  is adhered to support structure  30  to fix it in relation to base box  40 , such that tray  20  is disposed below a top edge of base box  40  thereby forming cavity  206 . 
     In some embodiments product  100  is constrained by cavity  206  and the underside of lid  41  when packaging  10  is closed. Removing product  100  also reveals, in some embodiments, an underlying cavity  209 , which may contain a second product such as, for example, accessories or literature related to product  100 . Product  100  may overlay cavity  209  when packaged, so as to cover cavity  209  and help secure and restrict movement of the second product. Additional cavity  207  may include a separate product, or may be configured simply as an aesthetic design. 
     A physical gap between tray  20  and sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404  is not aesthetically pleasing. As shown in  FIG. 3 , when assembled, there is no gap between the outer edges of tray  20  and walls of base box  40 . This is accomplished in part by the combination of several characteristics of packaging  10 : tray  20  is slightly oversized relative to the dimensions of cavity  405  of base box  40 , support structure is slightly undersized relative to the dimensions of tray  20  and cavity  405 , and edges of tray  20  extend and terminate perpendicularly at side walls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404  of base box  40 . Therefore the edges of tray  20  so they press sharply against side walls  40  in an interference fit, eliminating any gaps. More specifically;  FIG. 2  includes: dimension D 1 , measured from the inner surface of opposing sidewalls of base box  40 ; dimension D 2 , measured from the corresponding outer surfaces of opposing sidewalls of support structure  30 ; and dimension D 3 , measured from the corresponding opposing outer edges of tray  20 . The sizing of these opposing dimensions results in no gap between the outer edges of tray  20  and walls of base box  40 . For example, D 3  may be oversized by a small amount, such as between approximately 0.1 and 0.7 mm relative to D 1 ; D 2  may be undersized by a small amount, such as between approximately 0.5 mm relative to D 1 . In this regard, when assembled, the base box  40  is held tightly around outer periphery of tray  20 , both by the oversizing of the tray periphery, as well as undersizing of the support structure to allow for tight contact between edges of tray  20  and sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404  of base box  40 . These dimensions may be referred to as “free lengths”, in that they are distances between components that may change based on tension or compression being applied to the component in a non-free state. These dimensions are useful in denoting the gapless configuration and structural configuration of the packaging  10 . 
     Tray  20  may be made of molded fiber. If support structure  30  were omitted, tray  20  would need to be sized larger in order to provide additional structure and strength for use in packaging  10 . However, making large, heavy components with various molded recesses out of molded fiber increases the manufacturing time and material required, which drives up cost. At the same time yield is decreased, further increasing cost. However, if tray  20  is optimized to a minimal thickness, once laminated to a comparatively low-cost understructure like greyboard or corrugated cardboard (e.g., adhered to the top surface  308  of support structure  30 ) to compensate for reduced molded-fiber pulp and structure, significant throughput and cost savings are realized. Because both materials are cellulose-based materials (e.g., material formed of dried cellulose pulp), and the other components such as the base box  40  and lid  41  may also be composed of cellulose-based materials such as paperboard (e.g., folded paperboard), packaging  10  may still be recycled in a single stream recycling process without the need for additional pre-processing or sorting, thereby promoting ecological benefits. 
     The packaging components may be composed of a recyclable material (e.g., a biodegradable or compostable material). If and when the customer opts to dispose of the packaging, because the entire packaging (including the support structure  30 ) is recyclable and cellulose-based, the packaging may simply be recycled without requiring material separation (e.g., in a single-stream recycling program). 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , an exaggerated cross-sectional view is shown, showing that D 3  is clearly oversized, and D 2  is clearly undersized. In reality, the dimensional variation of the angle of sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404  of base box  40  may be imperceptible to a customer. Moreover, depending on the overall dimensions of the packaging  10  and materials selected, these interference dimensions may be varied. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the walls of support structure  30  constrain sidewalls of base box  40  and inhibit bowing. Support structure  30  thus acts as a strut to hold sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404  of base box  40  firmly against the peripheral edges of tray  20 , through adhesive  50 , e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     Using cutouts  305  in the top surface  308  of support structure  30 , a pressing fixture can be used to effect an adhesive bond between the sidewalls of support structure  30  and sidewalls of box  40 . Turning to  FIG. 5 , representative fixtures with process arrows are shown. The fixture pulls the sidewalls  301 / 302 / 303 / 304  of support structure  30  outward, pressing pressure sensitive adhesive  50  against the inner surfaces of sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404  of base box  40 . In some embodiments, the outer surfaces of the sidewalls of base box  40  can be surrounded or held in place to provide an opposing force, in addition to the structural force provided by the rigidity of base box  40 . In this way, substantial pressure can be applied evenly between sidewalls  301 / 302 / 303 / 304  and sidewalls  401 / 402 / 403 / 404  while support structure  30  is assembled together and within base box  40 , including pressure sufficient to activate adhesive  50 , where adhesive  50  is a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , a flowchart of a method of constructing packaging  10  is shown. The method steps may include insertion step  600  inserting a support structure into a cavity defined by the sidewalls of a base box. An outer periphery of the support structure is smaller than an inner periphery of the cavity, and the sidewalls of the support structure include pressure sensitive adhesive on their outer surfaces. The method includes positioning step  602 , positioning a fixture within holes in the support structure such that the fixture presses the sidewalls of the support structure and the sidewalls of the base box together this activates the pressure sensitive adhesive and secures the support structure and base box together. The method includes step  604  adhering a product tray to a top surface of the support structure, e.g., with a water-based adhesive. The outer periphery of the tray is larger than the inner periphery of the cavity, such that there is no gap between the outer periphery of the tray and the inner periphery of the cavity. 
     Advantageously, this improves upon prior systems having, for example, folded trays or bowed lower base boxes, which produce gaps between the components that may provide an unfinished or disjointed appearance. By designing the relative dimensions between the corresponding features of the base box  40 , support structure  30 , and tray  20 , product, assembly, or packaging tolerance issues still result in secure packaging having a gapless appearance. 
     Packaging  10  is constructed to give a clean, unitary appearance. This helps to reinforce its high quality and robust character, and that of the product  100 . To achieve this appearance, seams, gaps, and raw material edges are minimized (raw material edges are edges formed by cutting through a flat material, where the substance of the material between its outer flat surfaces is revealed). Packaging  10  may be a particular color, e.g., a brand-identifier color. In some embodiments, visible surfaces of packaging  10  may be predominantly white, a color that cannot easily be achieved in recyclable cellulose-based materials, particularly in less-expensive common greyboard or corrugated cardboard such as that which may form hidden support structure  30 . In some embodiments, components of the packaging may be folded from one or more sheets, such that when folded over and adhered together there is no raw edge on the outside of the component or packaging TO. In some embodiments, components of packaging  10  may be constructed with multiple blanks. 
     Components of packaging  10 , such as support structure  30 , base box  40  and lid  41 , may be formed from one or more blanks. In some embodiments, the blank is formed of a single continuous substrate, such as, for example cellulose-based material like cardboard or paperboard. In general, lower cost and robust material such as corrugated cardboard or greyboard is used for support structure  30 , which may be formed from one or more blanks. In some embodiments, interior surfaces of the blanks may be surface treated or coated, for example with a coating to protect the finished component such as tray  20 , or product  100 . Tabs, flaps, and regions without adhesive of the blank are folded such that no adhesive is visible in finished packaging  10 . 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). Fold lines may be formed, for example, by weakening the substrate along the lines, such as by perforation, material crushing, scoring, miter cutting, etc. 
     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. 
     Alternatively, some or all of the components described as being formed of cellulose-based material, such as cellulose fiber material like paper, may instead be formed 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 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 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. Moreover, such manufacturing may reduce waste by reducing waste material during manufacturing. 
     As used herein in association with a value, “approximately” denotes +/−10% of the value given. 
     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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170911
Publication Date: 20190820
Grant Date: 20190820
Priority Date: 20170911
Inventors: MEHTA, BHAUTIK H.
ROSEBROCK, EVAN M.
UYEDA, Mark T.
COWAN, WAYNE H.
YANG, CONNIE
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B65D5/503", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/5038", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D2581/053", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/5035", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D81/057", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D81/133", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D81/057", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D81/133", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D2581/053", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B65D5/5035", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 67620835