COLLAPSIBLE, MULTI-CELL PARTITION WITH FOLDING SUPPORT PANEL

Abstract

A multi-cell partition includes a panel defining first, second and third fold lines between opposing ends thereof, with the third fold line between the first and second fold lines, and at least one elongated cross wall coupled to and between opposing panel sides and defining a fourth fold line. The partition has a closed position with the panel folded along the third fold line and unfolded along the first and second fold lines and with the at least one elongated side wall folded along the fourth fold line and at least partially disposed between the folded panel, and an open position with the panel unfolded along the third fold line and folded along the first and second fold lines to form a pair of upstanding side walls with the at least one elongated side wall unfolded along the fourth fold line and extending between the upstanding side walls.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to multi-cell partitions for use in separating multiple items for storage and/or transport of the multiple items, and more specifically to such partitions that are collapsible for storage and/or transport thereof when not in use separating multiple items.

BACKGROUND

Some conventional multi-cell partitions for storing and/or transporting items are not readily collapsible between open and closed configurations thereof. While other conventional multi-cell partitions may be readily collapsible, such partitions typically require adhesive or other type of permanent bonding to form the collapsible structure. It is desirable to provide a multi-cell partition which is readily collapsible between open and closed positions and which does not require the use of adhesives or other bonding media in its construction.

SUMMARY

The present invention may comprise one or more of the features recited in the attached claims, and/or one or more of the following features and combinations thereof. In one example aspect, a multi-cell partition may comprise a panel having opposing ends and opposing sides extending between the opposing ends, the panel defining at least one aligned pair of slots at or near the opposing sides of the panel, the panel further defining first and second fold lines each extending between the opposing ends adjacent to or near terminal ends of respective ones of the at least one aligned pair of slots and a third fold line extending between the opposing ends and positioned between the first and second fold lines, and at least one elongated cross wall having opposing ends defining therebetween a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, at least one of the top end and the bottom end of the at least one elongated cross wall defining therein a slot adjacent to or near each of the opposing ends thereof and engaging a respective one of the at least one aligned pair of slots at or near the opposing sides of the panel, the at least one elongated cross wall further defining a fourth fold line between the top and bottom ends thereof and between the opposing ends thereof. The partition illustratively has a closed position with the panel folded along the third fold line and unfolded along each of the first and second fold lines and with the at least one elongated cross wall folded along the fourth fold line and collapsed at least partially between portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line. The partition illustratively has an open position with the panel unfolded along the third fold line and folded along each of the first and second fold lines to form a pair of upstanding exterior side walls each between a respective one of the first and second fold lines and a respective one of the opposing sides of the panel and with the at least one elongated cross wall unfolded along the fourth fold line and extending along a surface of the panel between the upstanding exterior side walls to form a multi-cell partition along the panel between the at least one elongated cross wall and the upstanding exterior side walls.

A second example aspect includes the subject matter of the first example aspect, and wherein the partition is manually collapsible from the open position to the closed position, and is manually extendable from the closed position to the open position thereof.

A third example aspect includes the subject matter of either of the first and second aspects, and wherein the panel is a planar panel and the at least one elongated cross wall comprises at least one elongated, planar cross wall.

A fourth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the first through third example aspects, and wherein one of the top end and the bottom end of the at least one elongated cross wall defines therein at least one additional slot between the slots adjacent to or near each of the opposing ends of the at least one elongated cross wall, and wherein the partition further comprises at least one elongated interior side wall defining therein a slot engaging the at least one additional slot defined in the at least one elongated cross wall, wherein, in the open position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall extends between the opposing ends of the panel with the upstanding exterior side walls on either side of the at least one elongated interior side all to form the multi-cell partition along the panel between the at least one elongated cross wall, the upstanding exterior side walls and the at least one elongated interior side wall.

A fifth example aspect includes the subject matter of the fourth example aspect, and wherein, in the closed position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall is collapsed with the at least one folded elongated cross wall between the portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line.

A sixth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the first through fifth example aspects, and wherein the opposing ends of the panel define a first panel end and a second panel end opposite the first panel end, and the at least one aligned pair of slots includes a first aligned pair of slots defined at or near the opposing sides of the panel adjacent to or near the first panel end and a second aligned pair of slots at or near the opposing sides of the panel adjacent to or near the second panel end, and wherein the at least one elongated cross wall includes a first cross wall and a second cross wall, and wherein slots defined adjacent to or near the opposing ends of the first cross wall engage the first aligned pair of slots of the panel and the slots adjacent to or near the opposing ends of the second cross wall engage the second aligned pair of slots of the panel.

A seventh example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixth example aspect, and wherein the top or bottom ends of each of the first and second cross walls define therein at least one additional slot between the slots adjacent to or near the opposing ends thereof, and wherein the partition further comprises at least one elongated interior side wall defining therein a slot engaging the at least one additional slot defined in the top or bottom ends of the first and second cross walls, wherein, in the open position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall extends between the opposing ends of the panel and between the upstanding exterior side walls to form the multi-cell partition along the panel between the first and second cross walls, the upstanding exterior side walls and the at least one elongated interior side wall.

An eighth example aspect includes the subject matter of the seventh example aspect, and wherein, in the closed position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall is collapsed with the first and second folded elongated cross walls between the portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line.

A ninth example aspect includes the subject matter of either of the seventh and eighth aspects, and wherein the at least one aligned pair of slots includes at least a third aligned pair of slots defined in the opposing sides of the panel between the first and second aligned pair of slots, and wherein the at least one elongated cross wall further includes at least a third cross wall with the top or bottom end thereof defining therein at least one additional slot between the slots adjacent to or near the opposing ends thereof, and wherein the at least one elongated interior side wall defines therein another slot engaging the at least one additional slot defined in the top or bottom ends of the at least a third cross wall.

A tenth example aspect includes the subject matter of either of the seventh and eighth aspects, wherein the partition further comprises at least one shortened cross wall having opposing ends defining therebetween a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, at least one of the top end and the bottom end of the at least one shortened cross wall defining therein a slot between the opposing ends thereof, and wherein the at least one elongated interior side wall defines therein another slot engaging the slot defined in the top or bottom end of the at least one shortened cross wall, and wherein, in the open position of the partition, the at least one shortened cross wall extends between the upstanding interior side walls with the opposing ends of the at least one shorted cross wall abutting or adjacent to the upstanding interior side walls to form the multi-cell partition along the panel between the first and second cross walls, the at least one shortened cross wall, the upstanding exterior side walls and the at least one elongated interior side wall.

An eleventh example aspect includes the subject matter of the tenth example aspect, and wherein the at least one shortened cross wall defines a fifth fold line between the top and bottom ends thereof and between the opposing ends thereof, and wherein, in the closed position, the at least one shortened cross wall is folded along the fifth fold line and collapsed at least partially between portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line.

A twelfth example aspect includes the subject matter of either of the fourth and fifth example aspects, wherein the at least one elongated cross wall and the at least one elongated interior sidewall comprise a partition structure, and wherein the multi-cell partition further comprises means for affixing the partition structure, in the open position of the partition, to the panel inwardly of the first and second fold lines.

A thirteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the sixth through twelfth example aspects, wherein one of the first aligned pair of slots extends from the first fold line toward, but terminating short of, a corresponding one of the opposing sides of the panel, and wherein one of the slots defined adjacent to or near a corresponding one of the opposing ends of the first cross wall extends from the bottom end of the first cross wall upwardly, but terminating short of, the top end of the first cross wall, and wherein the one of the slots defined adjacent to or near the corresponding one of the opposing ends of the first cross wall engages the one of the first aligned pair of slots in the panel to thereby couple the first cross wall to the panel.

A fourteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the thirteenth example aspect, and wherein the panel further defines an auxiliary slot extending from the first panel end toward and into the one of the first aligned pair of slots, the one of the slots defined adjacent to or near the corresponding one of the opposing ends of the first cross wall accessing the one of the first aligned pair of slots in the panel via the auxiliary slot.

A fifteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the fourteenth example aspect, and wherein the other of the first aligned pair of slots extends from the second fold line toward, but terminating short of, the other of the opposing sides of the panel, and wherein the other of the slots defined adjacent to or near the other of the opposing ends of the first cross wall extends from the bottom end of the first cross wall upwardly, but terminating short of, the top end of the first cross wall, and wherein the other of the slots defined adjacent to or near the other of the opposing ends of the first cross wall engages the other of the first aligned pair of slots in the panel to thereby couple the first cross wall to the panel.

A sixteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the fifteenth example aspect, and wherein the panel further defines a first auxiliary slot extending from the first panel end toward and into the one of the first aligned pair of slots and a second auxiliary slot extending from the first panel end toward and into the other of the first aligned pair of slots, the one of the slots defined adjacent to or near the corresponding one of the opposing ends of the first cross wall accessing the one of the first aligned pair of slots in the panel via the first auxiliary slot and the other of the slots defined adjacent to or near the other of the opposing ends of the first cross wall accessing the other of the first aligned pair of slots in the panel via the second auxiliary slot.

In a seventeenth example aspect, a multi-cell partition may comprise a panel having opposing ends and opposing sides extending between the opposing ends, the panel defining a first fold line extending between the opposing ends near one of the opposing sides of the panel, a second fold line extending between the opposing ends near the other of the opposing sides of the panel and a third fold line extending between the opposing ends and between the first and second fold lines, and at least one elongated cross wall coupled to and between the first and second flaps and defining a fourth fold line parallel with the first, second and third fold lines, the partition having a closed position with the panel folded along the third fold line and unfolded along each of the first and second fold lines and with the at least one elongated cross wall folded along the fourth fold line and collapsed at least partially between portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line, and an open position with the panel unfolded along the third fold line and folded along each of the first and second fold lines to form a pair of upstanding exterior side walls each between a respective one of the first and second fold lines and a respective one of the opposing sides of the panel and with the at least one elongated cross wall unfolded along the fourth fold line and extending along a surface of the panel between the upstanding exterior side walls to form a multi-cell partition along the panel between the at least one elongated cross wall and the upstanding exterior side walls.

An eighteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the seventeenth example aspect, and wherein the partition further comprises at least one elongated interior side wall extending parallel with the first, second and third fold lines and coupled to the at least one elongated cross wall, wherein, in the open position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall extends between the opposing ends of the panel with the upstanding exterior side walls on either side of the at least one elongated interior side all to form the multi-cell partition along the panel between the at least one elongated cross wall, the upstanding exterior side walls and the at least one elongated interior side wall.

A nineteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the eighteenth example aspect, and wherein, in the closed position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall is collapsed with the at least one folded elongated cross wall between the portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line.

A twentieth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the seventeenth through nineteenth example aspects, and wherein the partition is manually collapsible from the open position to the closed position, and is manually extendable from the closed position to the open position thereof.

Additional example aspects include the subject matter of any of the seventeenth through twentieth example aspects and may further include, in whole or in part, any one or combination of any of, or any part of, the first through sixteenth example aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a simplified top plan view of one embodiment of a planar panel of a collapsible, multi-cell partition.

FIG. 1B is an end view of the planar panel of FIG. 1A shown folded along two of the fold lines thereof to form upstanding exterior side walls at opposite sides thereof.

FIG. 2 is a simplified plan view of one embodiment of an elongated interior side wall, one or more of which may be included in the multi-cell partition.

FIG. 3A is a simplified plan view of one embodiment of an elongated cross wall, at least one of which is included in the multi-cell partition.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the elongated side wall of FIG. 3A shown partially folded along the fold line thereof.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-cell partition using one combination of some of the components illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3B, shown in its collapsed position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the multi-cell partition of FIG. 4 in a partially open position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the multi-cell partition of FIGS. 4 and 5 in its fully open position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a multi-cell partition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments shown in the attached drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3B, various components are shown from which a multi-cell partition may be constructed. It will be understood that in FIGS. 1-3B, the structures and features illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2 are scaled and aligned with each other, and that the structures and features illustrated in each of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B are likewise scaled and aligned with each other.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a planar support panel 12 illustratively forms a base or support to which one or more partition walls is/are mechanically attached, as will be described in detail below. The panel 12 defines a top surface 14 between opposing ends 16, 18 and between opposing sides 20, 22 which extend between the opposing ends 16, 18. The panel 12 illustratively defines a bottom surface 24, opposite the top surface 14, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The panel 12 includes a plurality of fold lines which are illustratively pre-formed in and along the panel 12 using any conventional technique therefor. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 12 includes three such fold lines 26, 28A and 28B. The fold line 26 extends between the opposing ends 16, 18, and divides the top surface 14 of the panel 12 into one surface portion 14A extending between the side 20 and the fold line 26 and another surface portion 14B extending between the side 22 and the fold line 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 26 is parallel with the opposing sides 20, 22 and perpendicular to the opposing ends 16, 18. In some alternate embodiments, the fold line 26 may be non-parallel with the opposing sides 20, 22 and/or may be non-perpendicular with the opposing ends 16, 18. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the fold line 26 is positioned equidistant from each of the opposing ends 16, 18 such that the fold line 26 bisects the panel 12 in a direction parallel with the opposing sides 20, 22 and the fold line 26 divides the top surface 14 into halves 14A, 14B. In some alternate embodiments, the fold line 26 may be alternatively positioned, e.g., closer to one or the other of the opposing sides 16, 18.

The fold lines 28A, 28B each also extend between the opposing ends 16, 18, and in the illustrated embodiment the fold lines 28A, 28B are both parallel with and spaced apart from respective ones of the opposing sides 20, 22 (and perpendicular to the opposing ends 16, 18). In some alternate embodiments, the fold line 28A and/or the fold line 28B may be non-parallel with the respective one(s) of the opposing sides 20, 22 and/or may be non-perpendicular with the opposing ends 16, 18. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the fold line 28A is spaced apart from the side 20 of the panel 12 to form a flap or tab 32 therebetween, and the fold line 28B is spaced apart from the side 22 of the panel 12 to likewise form a flap or tab 34 therebetween, and the flaps or tabs 32, 34 each extend between the ends 16, 18 of the panel 12. The surface portion 14A that extends over the flap or tab 32 defines a top surface 32A of the flap or tab 32, and the surface portion 14B that extends over the flap or tab 34 defines a top surface 34A of the flap or tab 34. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the top surfaces 32A, 34A of the flaps or tabs 32, 34 respectively are co-planar with the portions 14A, 14B respectively of the top surface 14 of the panel 12 when the fold lines 28A, 28B are fully unfolded. As further illustrated in FIG. 1B, each of the flap or tab 32, 34 forms an upstanding exterior side wall 32, 34 when the fold lines 28A, 28B are fully folded, such that the exterior side wall 32 extends upwardly, and illustratively perpendicularly, away from the top surface 14 between the fold line 28A and the end 20 of the panel 12, and the exterior side wall 34 likewise extends upwardly, and illustratively perpendicularly, away from the top surface 14 of the panel 12 between the fold line 28B and the end 20 of the panel 12, and such that the top surfaces 32A, 34A of the upstanding exterior side walls 32, 34 face each other. With the fold lines 28A, 28B in their fully folded states, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the upstanding exterior side walls 32, 34 illustratively define terminal side walls of the panel 12.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, a number of slots are formed in and through the panel 12 along the opposing sides 16, 18. In the illustrated embodiment, six such slots 30A₁-30A₆ are formed through and along the side 20 of the panel 12, i.e., through the flap or tab 32, and are spaced apart along the side 20 between a first slot 30A₁ adjacent to the end 16 of the panel 12 and a sixth slot 30A₆ adjacent to the opposite end 18 of the panel 12. Six corresponding slots 30B₁-30B₆ are formed through and along the side 22 of the panel, i.e., through the flap or tab 34, and spaced apart along the side 22 between a first slot 30B₁ adjacent to the end 16 of the panel 12 and a sixth slot 30B₆ adjacent to the opposite end of the panel 12. Illustratively, each of the slots 30A₁-30A₆ is axially aligned with a corresponding one of the slots 30B₁-30B₆ to form a number of aligned pairs of slots 30A₁/30B₁, 30A₂/30B₂, etc. Each slot 30A₁-30A₆ extends from the side 20 toward the fold line 28A, and illustratively terminates short of the fold line 28A. Each slot 30B₁-30B₆ likewise extends from the opposite side 22 toward the fold line 28B, and illustratively terminates short of the fold line 28B. In alternate embodiments, one or more of the slots 30A₁-30A₆ may extend to or through the fold line 28A, and/or one or more of the slots 30B₁-30B₆ may extend to or through the fold like 28B. In any case, each axially aligned pair of slots 30A₁-30A₆ and 30B₁-30B₆ is configured to engage corresponding slots formed in each of a corresponding set of elongated cross walls as will be described below with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment is shown of a an interior side wall 40 having a bottom end 42 and a top end 44 each extending between opposing ends 46 and 48 of the interior side wall 40. Any number of interior side walls 40 may be positioned along the top surface 14 of the planar panel 12 between the opposing ends 14, 16. In the illustrated embodiment, any such number of interior side walls 40 will extend along the top surface 14 of the panel 12 generally parallel with the fold lines 26, 28A, 28B, and therefore parallel with the exterior side walls 32, 34 when the fold lines 28A, 28B are fully folded, and perpendicular to the planes defined by the opposing ends 16, 18 of the panel 12, with the bottom ends 42 thereof in contact with, and supported by, the top surface 14 of the panel 12 and the top end 44 extending away from the top surface 14 when the panel 12 is open with the upstanding side walls 32, 34 extending upwardly away from the top surface 14 of the panel 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

A number of slots are formed in the top end 44 of the interior side wall 40, and in the illustrated embodiment six such slots 50₁-50₆ are spaced apart along the top end 44 of the interior side wall 40 between the opposing ends 46, 48. Each of the six slots 50₁-50₆ illustratively aligns axially with corresponding ones of the slots 30A₁-30A₆ and 30B₁-30B₆ when the interior side wall 40 is positioned on the surface 14 of the panel 12 with the panel 12 open and with the upstanding side walls 32, 34 extending upwardly away from the top surface 14 of the panel 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1B. In such embodiments, each axially aligned set of slots 30A₁-30A₆, 30B₁-30B₆ and 50₁-50₆ is configured to engage corresponding slots formed in each of a corresponding set of elongated cross walls as will be described below with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an embodiment is shown of a cross wall 60 having a bottom end 62 and a top end 64 each extending between opposing ends 66 and 68. Any number of cross walls 60 may be positioned along the top surface 14 of the planar panel 12 between the opposing sides 20, 22 (and/or between the upstanding side walls 32, 34) thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, any such number of cross walls 60 will extend along the top surface 14 of the panel 12 generally perpendicular with the fold lines 26, 28A, 28B and parallel to the planes defined by the opposing ends 16, 18 of the panel 12, with the bottom ends 62 thereof in contact with, and supported by, the top surface 14 of the panel 12 and with the top end 64 extending away from the top surface 14 when the panel 12 is open with the upstanding side walls 32, 34 extending upwardly away from the top surface 14 of the panel 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

A number of slots are illustratively formed in the bottom end 62 of the cross wall 60, and in the illustrated embodiment seven such slots 70₁-70₇ are spaced apart along the bottom end 62 of the cross wall 60 between the opposing ends 66, 68 thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 70₁ adjacent to the end 66 of the cross wall 60 is configured to engage one of the slots 30A₁-30A₆ defined in the side 20 of the panel 12, and the slot 70₇ adjacent to the end 68 of the cross wall 60 is configured to engage a corresponding one of the slots 30B₁-30B₆ defined in the side 22 of the panel 12, and each of the five remaining slots 70₂-70₆ is configured to engage one of the slots 50₁-50₆ in each of five interior side walls 40 positioned on, and spaced apart across, the top surface 14 of the panel 12 with the panel 12 in its open position with the upwardly extending side walls 32, 34 extending upwardly away from the top surface 14 of the panel 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

The cross wall 60 further includes a fold line 72 which illustratively extends between the top end 64 and the bottom end 62 thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 72 is illustratively aligned with the slot 70₄ (i.e., centrally through the side wall 60 relative to the ends 66, 68) such that the fold line at least partially bisects the cross wall 60. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the fold line 72 need not extend completely down to the bottom end 62 of the side wall 60 as the slot 70₄ with which it is axially aligned provides for complete folding of the cross wall 60 at the fold line 72. In other embodiments in which the fold line 72 is not aligned with a slot formed in the cross wall 60, the fold line 72 illustratively extends from the top end 64 to the bottom end 62 of the cross wall 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the fold line 72 is also illustratively aligned with the fold line 26 of the panel 12 when the cross wall 60 is coupled to the panel 12 as described above such that the side wall 60 and the panel 12 together fold along the fold lines 72, 26 respectively. In some alternate embodiments in which the fold line 26 of the panel 12 is positioned closer to either of the panel sides 20, 22, the fold line 72 may likewise instead be positioned closer to either of the ends 66, 68 in order to maintain alignment of the fold line 72 with the fold line 26. In other alternate embodiments, the fold line 72 may not be aligned with the fold line 26.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3B, the panel 12, interior side wall 40 and cross wall 60 are each configured such that the resulting constructed multi-cell partition includes six cross walls 60 and five interior side walls 40, with the cross walls 60 and the flaps or tabs 32, 34 defined at the sides 20, 22 respectively of the panel 12 coupled together as described above, and with the interior side walls 40 and the cross walls 60 coupled together as also described above. In some alternate embodiments, the resulting multi-cell partition may include more or fewer interior walls 40 and/or more or fewer cross walls 60, e.g., with a minimum of at least one cross wall 60 and no interior side walls 40, and with no maximum number of cross walls 60 or interior side walls 40. Alternatively or additionally, either or both of the slots adjacent to the ends 66, 68 of one or more cross walls 60 may be formed in the top 64 thereof, and in such embodiments either or both of the corresponding slots formed in the sides 20, 22 of the panel 12 may be alternatively formed in the panel 12 adjacent to the sides 20, 22, e.g., beginning at or near the fold line(s) 28A, 28B and extending toward but terminating short of the side 20, 22 of the panel 12. In any of the foregoing alternative embodiments, one or more interior side walls 40 and one or more cross walls 60 may be formed such that one or more of the cross wall engaging slots 50₁-50₆ is/are formed in the bottom surface 42 of the one or more interior side walls 40 and/or one or more of the interior side wall engaging slots 70₂-70₆ is/are formed in the top surface 64 of the one or more cross walls 60. In any such alternative embodiment(s), it will be understood that the resulting multi-cell partition may include as few as one cross wall 60 coupled between the opposing sides 20, 22 of the panel 12 and with no upper limit on the total number of cross walls 60, and/or may include as few as no interior side walls 40 and with no upper limit on the maximum number of interior side walls 40. One minimal configuration, for example, may include only a single cross wall 60 which is coupled adjacent each end 66, 68 thereof to a respective side 20, 22 of a panel 12, and which thus forms a 2-cell partition along the top surface 14 of the panel 12 with the panel 12 in its open position with the upwardly extending side walls 32, 34 extending upwardly away from the top surface 14 of the panel 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

In still further alternate embodiments of the multi-cell partition, fewer than all of the total number of cross walls 60 may be coupled directly to the sides 20, 22 of the panel 12 as depicted in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3B. One such embodiment 80 is illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 which includes six cross walls but in which only two of the cross walls 60, e.g., the two cross walls 60₁ and 60₂ adjacent to the opposing ends 16, 18, respectively (see, e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6), are coupled directly to the sides 20, 22, e.g., to the flaps or tabs 32, 34, of the panel 12 as described above. The remaining four cross walls 60′ are illustratively identical to the cross walls 60 with the exception that their lengths extend only between the fold lines 28A, 28B of the panel 12′ and therefore do not couple directly to the sides 20, 22 of the panel 12′. Rather, the short ends of the cross walls 60′ abut or extend adjacent to or near the top surfaces 32A, 34A of the upstanding exterior side walls 32, 34 of the panel 12′ respectively when the panel 12′ is in its open configuration with the upstanding exterior side walls 32, 34 extending upwardly away from the top surface 14 of the panel 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1B. In this embodiment, the panel 12′ of the multi-cell partition 80 is also modified in that it includes only two slots per side, i.e., a slot 30A₁ defined into and through the side 20 near the end 16 of the panel 12′, a slot 30B₁ defined into and through the opposite side 22 near the end 16 and axially aligned with the slot 30A₁, a slot 30A₂ defined into and through the side 20 near the end 18 of the panel 12′ and a slot 30B₂ defined into and through the opposite side 22 near the end 18 and axially aligned with the slot 30A₂.

In the assembled multi-cell partition 80 illustrated in FIG. 4, the partition 80 is illustratively collapsed to a closed or storage position or state in which the planar panel 12′ is fully folded along the fold line 26 and fully unfolded along each of the fold lines 28A, 28B (only the fold line 28A is shown in FIG. 4), and in which each of the elongated cross walls 60, 60′ is fully folded along its fold line 72. In this closed position of the partition 80, the opposing sides 20, 22 of the panel 12′ are substantially juxtaposed with each other with a portion of the folded plurality of cross walls 60, 60′ and interior side walls 40 coupled thereto positioned between the folded surfaces 14A, 14B of the top surface 14 (only the top surface 14B shown in FIG. 4) of the folded panel 12′ and another portion of the folded plurality of cross walls 60, 60′ and interior side walls 40 coupled thereto extending outwardly from the folded panel 12′ away from the end 18 of the panel 12′. In this closed position, the opposing sides 20, 22 of the folded panel 12′ are illustratively separated only by the portion of the folded plurality of cross walls 60, 60′ and interior side walls 40 coupled thereto that is positioned between the folded surfaces 14A, 14B of the top surface 14 of the folded panel 12′. Illustratively, folding of the plurality of cross walls 60, 60′ along their fold lines 72 draws the exposed portion of the plurality of cross walls 60, 60′, and portions of the interior side walls 40 coupled thereto, outwardly from between the folded faces of the top surface 14 of the folded panel 12′, and this action illustratively also causes the fold lines 28A, 28B to fully unfold by forcing the flaps or tabs 32, 34 outwardly as illustrated in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 5, the partition 80 is shown partially unfolded, e.g., in the process of unfolding the panel 12′ from its fully stored position of FIG. 4 to its fully open position illustrated in FIG. 6, or in the process of folding the panel 12′ from its fully open position illustrated in FIG. 6 and its fully stored position of FIG. 4. In the former case, as the panel 12′ is being forced open, the fold line 26 and the fold lines 72 all transition from their fully folded position (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 4) to an unfolded position, and the action of unfolding the fold lines 72 causes the ends of the cross walls 60 engaging the panel 12′ (i.e., via engagement of the slots 70₁ with the slots 30A₁ and 30A₂ and engagement of the slots 70₇ with the slots 30B₁ and 30B₂) to draw the flaps or tabs 32, 34 toward their positions as upstanding side walls 32, 34.

In FIG. 6, the partition 80 is shown in its fully open position with the planar panel 12′ fully unfolded along the fold line 26 and fully folded along each of the fold lines 28A, 28B to form the pair of upstanding exterior side walls 32, 34, and with each of the elongated cross walls 60, 60′ fully unfolded along their fold lines 72. The bottom ends 62 of each of the cross walls 60, 60′ extend along, and are illustratively supported by, the planar top surface 14 of the panel 12′ between the upstanding exterior side walls 32, 34 (e.g., parallel to planes defined by the opposing ends 16, 18 of the panel 12′ and perpendicular to planes defined by the upstanding exterior side walls 3, 34 between the fold lines 28A, 28B and the panel ends 20, 22 respectively), and the bottom ends 42 of each of the interior side walls 40 extend along, and are illustratively supported by, the planar top surface 14 of the panel 12′ between the opposing ends 16, 18 thereof (e.g., parallel to the planes defined by the upstanding exterior side walls 32, 34 between the fold lines 28A, 28B and the panel ends 20, 22 respectively and perpendicular to the planes defined by the opposing ends 16, 18 of the panel 12′). Each slot 50₁-50₆ of each interior side wall 40 engages a corresponding slot 70₂-70₅ of a corresponding one of the cross walls 60, 60′ to form therebetween multiple cells of the multi-cell partition 80 between the upstanding side walls 32, 34 and between the opposing ends 16, 18.

As briefly described above, in some alternate embodiments either or both of the slots adjacent to or near the ends 66, 68 of one or more cross walls 60 may be alternatively formed in the top 64 thereof, and in such embodiments either or both of the corresponding slots formed in the sides 20, 22 of the panel 12 may be alternatively formed in the panel 12 spaced apart from the sides 20, 22, e.g., beginning at or near the fold line(s) 28A, 28B and extending toward but terminating short of the side 20, 22 of the panel 12. Referring to FIG. 7, such an embodiment 80′ of the multi-cell partition is shown which includes an alternate cross wall 60″ having slots 70₂ and 70₃ extending upwardly from the bottom end 62 of the cross wall 60″ as described above with respect to FIG. 3A, and in which the slot 70₁′ formed near the end 66 of the cross wall 60″ extends downwardly from the top end 64 toward the bottom end 62 thereof. The corresponding slot 30A2′ formed in the panel 12″ is illustratively spaced apart from the side 20, beginning at or near the fold line 28A and extending toward but terminating short of the side 20 of the panel 12″. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 30A₂′ is augmented by an auxiliary slot, e.g., in the form of a horizontal slot 31 which extends from the end 18 of the panel 18 at or near the fold line 28A toward and intersecting the slot 30A₂′. In this embodiment, the end 66 of the cross wall 60″ is coupled to the side 20 of the panel 12 by folding upwardly the tab 33 defined by the slots 30A2 and 31, folding downwardly the tab 65 defined by the slot 70₁′ and the end 66 of the cross wall 60″, fitting together into engagement the slots 70₁ and 30A₂′ and then folding downwardly the tab 33 and folding upwardly the tab 65. In another alternate embodiment, the slot 31 may be omitted, and the slot 30A₂′ may be extended beyond the fold line 28A toward the fold line 26 and sized to receive the entire end 66 of the cross wall 60″ (from the bottom end 62 to the top end 64) therein. Once received in such an extended slot, the cross wall 60″ may be moved in the direction outwardly away from the upstanding side wall 32 until the slot 70₁′ aligns with the extended slot, and the cross wall 60″ may then be moved upwardly until the terminal end of the slot 70₁′ engages the terminal end of the slot 30A₂′.

In either of the foregoing embodiments, such a cross wall-to-panel coupling arrangement may be applied to any one or more of the cross walls 60 illustrated and described hereinabove to “lock” the partition structure (i.e., the one or more cross walls 60 and the one or more interior side walls 40, in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40) to the panel 12. As one specific example of such an arrangement, either one or a combination of the cross wall-to-panel coupling arrangements just described may be applied at each of the four corners of the multi-cell partition 80′.

As also illustrated by example in FIG. 7, once the multi-cell partition 80, 80′ is fully deployed to its open position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6), one or more conventional attachment mechanisms may be affixed or applied to and between one or more of the interior side walls 40 and the panel 12, 12′, 12″ in order to affix the partition structure (i.e., the one or more cross walls 60 coupled to the one or more interior side walls 40, in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40) to the panel 12, 12′, 12″ at one or more points or areas of the panel 12, 12′, 12″ other than the flaps or tabs 32, 34, i.e., inwardly of the fold lines 28A, 28B, to thereby inhibit movement of the partition structure relative to the panel 12, 12′, 12″. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a conventional attachment member 90 may be applied to and between the end 48 of the interior side wall 40 which aligns with the fold line 26 and the bottom surface 24 of the panel 12″. Such an attachment member 90 may be applied at one end or at each opposing end of the interior side wall 40, and/or may be applied at either or both opposing ends of one or more other interior side walls 40 and/or to one or more of the cross members 60, 60′ anywhere along the length thereof. Illustratively, the attachment member 90, or other configuration thereof, may be provided in the form of one or a combination of an adhesive-backed tape, a mechanical clip, staple, or the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize other conventional attachment mechanisms that may be used to affix the partition structure (i.e., the one or more cross walls 60 and the one or more interior side walls 40, in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40) to the panel 12, 12′, 12″, or to otherwise prevent or inhibit movement of the partition structure relative to the panel 12, 12′, 12″, after the multi-cell partition 80, 80′ is fully deployed to its open position (as illustrated in FIG. 6), and it will be understood that any such other conventional attachment mechanisms are contemplated by this disclosure.

In the embodiments illustrated and described herein, the cells formed by the exterior side walls 32, 34 and one or more cross walls 60, 60′ and, in some embodiments, also by one or more interior side walls 40, are substantially equal in their dimensions. In alternate embodiments, it will be understood that one or more cross walls 60, 60′ and/or one or more interior side walls 40 and/or the panel 12, 12′, 12″ may be configured, e.g., via suitable choice of location of one or more of the slots formed therein, to provide one or more cells having different dimensions than others of the cells.

The panel 12, 12′, 12″ and the one or more cross walls 60, 60′ (and the one or more interior side walls 40 in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40) may, in some embodiments be formed of single sheets of single or multi-layered fibers, e.g., paper. In some alternate embodiments, the panel 12, 12′, 12″ and the one or more cross walls 60, 60′ (and the one or more interior side walls 40 in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40) may be formed of multiple sheets of single or multi-layered fibers that have been formed or adhered together and/or that are separated by one or more interconnecting (e.g., corrugated or other) layers. In still other alternative embodiments, the panel 12, 12′, 12″ and the one or more cross walls 60, 60′ (and the one or more interior side walls 40 in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40) may be formed of single or multi-layered sheets of a suitable polymer material, e.g., a polyolefin. In any such embodiments, the fold lines 26, 28A, 28B, 72 may be formed by pre-creasing or pre-stressing the material used for the panel 12, 12′, 12″ and for the one or more cross walls 60, 60′.

In other alternate embodiments, the panel 12, 12′, 12″ and the one or more cross walls 60, 60′ (and the one or more interior side walls 40 in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40) may be formed of multiple polymer sheets that have been formed or adhered together and/or that are separated by one or more interconnecting (e.g., corrugated or other) layers. In any such embodiments, the fold lines 26, 28A, 28B, 72 may illustratively be formed as living hinges using conventional living hinge formation techniques. In still other alternate embodiments, the panel 12, 12′, 12″ may be formed of one or multiple polymer sheets and the one or more cross walls 60, 60′ (and the one or more interior side walls 40 in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40) may be formed of one or multiple fiber sheets. In further alternate embodiments, the panel 12, 12′, 12″, the one or more cross walls 60, 60′ (and the one or more interior side walls 40, in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40) may each be formed of any one or combination of any of the foregoing materials. Other materials and/or material combinations will occur to those skilled in the art, and any such other material(s) and/or material combinations of the panel 12, 12′, 12″ the one or more cross walls 60, 60′ and one or more interior side walls 40, in embodiments which include such one or more interior side walls 40, are contemplated by this disclosure.

It will be recognized from the foregoing that the multi-cell partition illustrated and described herein does not require the use of any adhesives or other bonding media in its construction. Rather, the various components of the multi-cell partition are coupled together strictly via mechanical attachment; more specifically, by fitting together the various components via slots formed therein. Moreover, it will be recognized that, once constructed, the multi-cell partition is readily collapsible from an open position, in which it may be used to separate multiple items for transport and/or storage of the items, to a collapsed or closed position for storage and/or transport thereof, and vice versa, without deconstructing any aspect or component thereof. Thus, as illustrated by example in FIGS. 4-6, the constructed multi-cell partition may be easily and quickly manipulated between its collapsed and open positions.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. For example, while the panel 12, 12′, 12″ is illustrated in the attached figures and has been described herein as being a planar panel, and the cross walls 60, 60′, and the one or more interior side walls 40 in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40, are illustrated in the attached figures and have been described herein as being generally elongated, planar walls, this disclosure contemplates alternate embodiments in which the panel 12, 12′, 12″ is not planar and/or in which the cross walls 60, 60′, and/or the one or more interior side walls 40 in embodiments which include one or more interior side walls 40, are not planar, and it will be understood that that such alternate embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A multi-cell partition, comprising: a panel having opposing ends and opposing sides extending between the opposing ends, the panel defining at least one aligned pair of slots at or near the opposing sides of the panel, the panel further defining first and second fold lines each extending between the opposing ends adjacent to or near terminal ends of respective ones of the at least one aligned pair of slots and a third fold line extending between the opposing ends and positioned between the first and second fold lines, andat least one elongated cross wall having opposing ends defining therebetween a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, at least one of the top end and the bottom end of the at least one elongated cross wall defining therein a slot adjacent to or near each of the opposing ends thereof and engaging a respective one of the at least one aligned pair of slots at or near the opposing sides of the panel, the at least one elongated cross wall further defining a fourth fold line between the top and bottom ends thereof and between the opposing ends thereof,wherein the partition has a closed position with the panel folded along the third fold line and unfolded along each of the first and second fold lines and with the at least one elongated cross wall folded along the fourth fold line and collapsed at least partially between portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line,and wherein the partition has an open position with the panel unfolded along the third fold line and folded along each of the first and second fold lines to form a pair of upstanding exterior side walls each between a respective one of the first and second fold lines and a respective one of the opposing sides of the panel and with the at least one elongated cross wall unfolded along the fourth fold line and extending along a surface of the panel between the upstanding exterior side walls to form a multi-cell partition along the panel between the at least one elongated cross wall and the upstanding exterior side walls.

2. The multi-cell partition of claim 1, wherein the partition is manually collapsible from the open position to the closed position, and is manually extendable from the closed position to the open position thereof.

3. The multi-cell partition of claim 1, wherein the panel is a planar panel and the at least one elongated cross wall comprises at least one elongated, planar cross wall.

4. The multi-cell partition of claim 1, wherein one of the top end and the bottom end of the at least one elongated cross wall defines therein at least one additional slot between the slots adjacent to or near each of the opposing ends of the at least one elongated cross wall, and further comprising at least one elongated interior side wall defining therein a slot engaging the at least one additional slot defined in the at least one elongated cross wall,wherein, in the open position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall extends between the opposing ends of the panel with the upstanding exterior side walls on either side of the at least one elongated interior side all to form the multi-cell partition along the panel between the at least one elongated cross wall, the upstanding exterior side walls and the at least one elongated interior side wall.

5. The multi-cell partition of claim 4, wherein, in the closed position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall is collapsed with the at least one folded elongated cross wall between the portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line.

6. The multi-cell partition of claim 1, wherein the opposing ends of the panel define a first panel end and a second panel end opposite the first panel end, and the at least one aligned pair of slots includes a first aligned pair of slots defined at or near the opposing sides of the panel adjacent to or near the first panel end and a second aligned pair of slots at or near the opposing sides of the panel adjacent to or near the second panel end, and wherein the at least one elongated cross wall includes a first cross wall and a second cross wall,and wherein slots defined adjacent to or near the opposing ends of the first cross wall engage the first aligned pair of slots of the panel and the slots adjacent to or near the opposing ends of the second cross wall engage the second aligned pair of slots of the panel.

7. The multi-cell partition of claim 6, wherein the top or bottom ends of each of the first and second cross walls define therein at least one additional slot between the slots adjacent to or near the opposing ends thereof, and further comprising at least one elongated interior side wall defining therein a slot engaging the at least one additional slot defined in the top or bottom ends of the first and second cross walls,wherein, in the open position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall extends between the opposing ends of the panel and between the upstanding exterior side walls to form the multi-cell partition along the panel between the first and second cross walls, the upstanding exterior side walls and the at least one elongated interior side wall.

8. The multi-cell partition of claim 7, wherein, in the closed position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall is collapsed with the first and second folded elongated cross walls between the portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line.

9. The multi-cell partition of claim 7, wherein the at least one aligned pair of slots includes at least a third aligned pair of slots defined in the opposing sides of the panel between the first and second aligned pair of slots, and wherein the at least one elongated cross wall further includes at least a third cross wall with the top or bottom end thereof defining therein at least one additional slot between the slots adjacent to or near the opposing ends thereof,and wherein the at least one elongated interior side wall defines therein another slot engaging the at least one additional slot defined in the top or bottom ends of the at least a third cross wall.

10. The multi-cell partition of claim 7, further comprising at least one shortened cross wall having opposing ends defining therebetween a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, at least one of the top end and the bottom end of the at least one shortened cross wall defining therein a slot between the opposing ends thereof, and wherein the at least one elongated interior side wall defines therein another slot engaging the slot defined in the top or bottom end of the at least one shortened cross wall,and wherein, in the open position of the partition, the at least one shortened cross wall extends between the upstanding interior side walls with the opposing ends of the at least one shorted cross wall abutting or adjacent to the upstanding interior side walls to form the multi-cell partition along the panel between the first and second cross walls, the at least one shortened cross wall, the upstanding exterior side walls and the at least one elongated interior side wall.

11. The multi-cell partition of claim 10, wherein the at least one shortened cross wall defines a fifth fold line between the top and bottom ends thereof and between the opposing ends thereof, and wherein, in the closed position, the at least one shortened cross wall is folded along the fifth fold line and collapsed at least partially between portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line.

12. The multi-cell partition of claim 4, wherein the at least one elongated cross wall and the at least one elongated interior sidewall comprise a partition structure, and wherein the multi-cell partition further comprises means for affixing the partition structure, in the open position of the partition, to the panel inwardly of the first and second fold lines.

13. The multi-cell partition of claim 6, wherein one of the first aligned pair of slots extends from the first fold line toward, but terminating short of, a corresponding one of the opposing sides of the panel, and wherein one of the slots defined adjacent to or near a corresponding one of the opposing ends of the first cross wall extends from the bottom end of the first cross wall upwardly, but terminating short of, the top end of the first cross wall,and wherein the one of the slots defined adjacent to or near the corresponding one of the opposing ends of the first cross wall engages the one of the first aligned pair of slots in the panel to thereby couple the first cross wall to the panel.

14. The multi-cell partition of claim 13, wherein the panel further defines an auxiliary slot extending from the first panel end toward and into the one of the first aligned pair of slots, the one of the slots defined adjacent to or near the corresponding one of the opposing ends of the first cross wall accessing the one of the first aligned pair of slots in the panel via the auxiliary slot.

15. The multi-cell partition of claim 13, wherein the other of the first aligned pair of slots extends from the second fold line toward, but terminating short of, the other of the opposing sides of the panel, and wherein the other of the slots defined adjacent to or near the other of the opposing ends of the first cross wall extends from the bottom end of the first cross wall upwardly, but terminating short of, the top end of the first cross wall,and wherein the other of the slots defined adjacent to or near the other of the opposing ends of the first cross wall engages the other of the first aligned pair of slots in the panel to thereby couple the first cross wall to the panel.

16. The multi-cell partition of claim 15, wherein the panel further defines a first auxiliary slot extending from the first panel end toward and into the one of the first aligned pair of slots and a second auxiliary slot extending from the first panel end toward and into the other of the first aligned pair of slots, the one of the slots defined adjacent to or near the corresponding one of the opposing ends of the first cross wall accessing the one of the first aligned pair of slots in the panel via the first auxiliary slot and the other of the slots defined adjacent to or near the other of the opposing ends of the first cross wall accessing the other of the first aligned pair of slots in the panel via the second auxiliary slot.

17. A multi-cell partition, comprising: a panel having opposing ends and opposing sides extending between the opposing ends, the panel defining a first fold line extending between the opposing ends near one of the opposing sides of the panel, a second fold line extending between the opposing ends near the other of the opposing sides of the panel and a third fold line extending between the opposing ends and between the first and second fold lines, andat least one elongated cross wall coupled to and between the opposing ends of the panel and defining a fourth fold line parallel with the first, second and third fold lines, the partition having a closed position with the panel folded along the third fold line and unfolded along each of the first and second fold lines and with the at least one elongated cross wall folded along the fourth fold line and collapsed at least partially between portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line, and an open position with the panel unfolded along the third fold line and folded along each of the first and second fold lines to form a pair of upstanding exterior side walls each between a respective one of the first and second fold lines and a respective one of the opposing sides of the panel and with the at least one elongated cross wall unfolded along the fourth fold line and extending along a surface of the panel between the upstanding exterior side walls to form a multi-cell partition along the panel between the at least one elongated cross wall and the upstanding exterior side walls.

18. The multi-cell partition of claim 17, further comprising at least one elongated interior side wall extending parallel with the first, second and third fold lines and coupled to the at least one elongated cross wall, wherein, in the open position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall extends between the opposing ends of the panel with the upstanding exterior side walls on either side of the at least one elongated interior side all to form the multi-cell partition along the panel between the at least one elongated cross wall, the upstanding exterior side walls and the at least one elongated interior side wall.

19. The multi-cell partition of claim 18, wherein, in the closed position of the partition, the at least one elongated interior side wall is collapsed with the at least one folded elongated cross wall between the portions of the folded panel on either side of the third fold line.

20. The multi-cell partition of claim 17, wherein the partition is manually collapsible from the open position to the closed position, and is manually extendable from the closed position to the open position thereof.