CORNER PROTECTORS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

A product packaging includes a box blank having panels, flaps, creases, and cuts. An intersection of multiple creases and a cut defines an unfolded corner of the box blank. The product packaging also includes a corner protector attachable to the box blank adjacent to the unfolded corner. The corner protector includes a primary panel, a first leg panel, and a second leg panel that are arranged in a non-linear configuration. A packaging system includes a conveyor system with a gap therein, a corner protector placement mechanism for placing corner protectors on the box blank, and a transfer mechanism for positioning to-be-packaged item on the box blank. The gap allows for the box blank and to-be-packaged item to pass at least partially therethrough and facilitates folding of the box blank at least partially around the to-be-packaged item.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to packaging, and more particularly to the packaging of items within a box. Still more particularly, embodiments relate to packaging of an item within a box with corner protectors and/or spacers to protect the packaged item.

2. The Related Technology

In many industries, packaging materials are used to deliver products to clients. Generally speaking, the materials to be delivered are placed directly in a box. Such boxes may, of course, be of virtually any size and configuration. It may be that the product is placed directly inside the box without any additional protection. In other cases, there may be some additional protection or cushioning provided. For instance, foam peanuts, bags of air, bubble-wrap, and the like may be used to protect a fragile or other product.

When an item is placed directly inside of a box, care is often taken to dimension the box so that the item fits snugly within the box. Such may be desirable to prevent excessive movement of the item and, consequently, reduce the shaking or movement of the item therein. To ensure a tight fit, various materials are often placed around the item. For instance, Styrofoam sheets of various sizes may be placed along the sides of the item to cause a snug fit with the sides of the box.

During handling (e.g., transit) the box may become damaged. If the damage is sufficiently severe, the item inside the box may also become damaged. During such handling, the corners of a box, and thus the corners of the item in the box, are particularly vulnerable to damage.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to product packaging and systems for packaging items within boxes.

According to one embodiment, a product packaging includes a box blank and a corner protector. The box blank includes a plurality of panels, a plurality of flaps, a plurality of creases, and a plurality of cuts, with an intersection of multiple creases and a cut defining an unfolded corner. The corner protector is attachable to the box blank adjacent to the unfolded corner. The corner protector includes a primary panel, a first leg panel, and a second leg panel. The primary panel, the first leg panel, and the second leg panel are arranged in a non-linear configuration.

In another embodiment, a packaging system includes a conveyor system, a corner protector placement mechanism, and a transfer mechanism. The conveyor system is configured to transport a box blank there along. The conveyor system has a gap formed therein. The corner protector placement mechanism is configured to place corner protectors on the box blank. The transfer mechanism is configured to position a to-be-packaged item onto a portion of the box blank that is positioned over the gap in the conveyor system. As a result, the box blank and the to-be-packaged item pass through the gap and the box blank folds around the to-be-packaged item.

In still yet another embodiment, a corner protector comprises a primary panel, a first leg panel separated from the primary panel by a first crease, and a second leg panel separated from the primary panel by a second crease. The first crease and the second crease are oriented non-parallel to one another such that the primary panel, the first leg panel, and the second leg panel are arranged in a non-linear configuration.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the disclosed embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the disclosed embodiments, a more particular description of the disclosed embodiments will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosed embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a packaging system that packages items within a box with corner protectors;

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the system of FIG. 1 with corner protectors being applied to a box blank;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a corner protector for use with the system of FIGS. 1-4; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of a box blank with corner protectors applied thereto;

FIG. 7 illustrates the system of FIGS. 1-4 with a to-be-packaged item being positioned on the box blank;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the system of FIGS. 1-4 with the box blank being wrapped around the to-be-packaged item; and

FIG. 10 illustrates the system of FIGS. 1-4 with the partially closed box being moved along a conveyor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein extend to methods, devices, systems, assemblies, and apparatus for packaging objects. Such are configured to, for example, allow corner protectors to be inserted around an item placed within a box.

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspects of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such exemplary embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are any particular elements to be considered essential for all embodiments or that elements be assembled or manufactured in any particular order or manner. No inference should therefore be drawn from the drawings as to the necessity of any element. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be obvious, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well known aspects of packaging materials, boxes, and general manufacturing techniques are not described in detail herein in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the novel aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a packaging system 100 that may be used to package to-be-packaged items 102 within boxes. More specifically, the packaging production system 100 may produce box blanks that are custom sized for a particular to-be-packaged item. The packaging system 100 may also place corner protectors on predetermined locations on the box blank. The packaging system 100 may further position a to-be-packaged item on the box blank and fold the box blank around the to-be-packaged item.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 includes a box production machine 104 that is configured to convert sheet materials (e.g., corrugated cardboard) into box blanks 106. The box production machine 104 may cut, crease, and/or score the sheet materials in order to convert the sheet materials into the box blanks 106. The resulting box blanks 106 may include panels and flaps. Adjacent panels of the box blanks 106 may be separated from one another by creases or scores formed in the sheet material. Similarly, the flaps may be separated from the adjacent panels by creases or scores in the sheet material. Adjacent flaps may be separated from one another by cuts. The creases, scores, and/or cuts may enable the box blank 106 to be folded into a box around the to-be-packaged item.

As the box blanks 106 exit the box production machine 104, the box blanks 106 may advance along a conveyor system 108. The conveyor system 108 may include one or more rollers, wheels, belts, and/or other advancement mechanisms to advance or otherwise move the box blanks 106. In some embodiments, the advancement mechanism(s) may be active mechanisms that are driven (e.g., by a motor) to rotate or otherwise move in order to move the box blanks 106 there along. In other embodiments, the advancement mechanism(s) may be passive (e.g., not actively driven by a motor or the like). In such cases, movement of the box blanks 106 along the conveyor system 108 may be achieved with an active advancement mechanism in the box production machine 104.

In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in the Figures, the conveyor system 108 may include a gap 109 therein. The gap 109 may be formed by a space between adjacent rollers, wheels, or belts of the conveyor system 108. As can be seen in the Figures, the gap 109 may be disposed near a distal or terminal end of the conveyor system 108. In some embodiments, the size of the gap 109 (e.g., the distance between adjacent rollers, wheels, or belts near the distal or terminal end) may be adjustable. The gap 109 may facilitate the folding of a box blank 106 around a to-be-packaged item 102.

As the box blanks 106 are moved along the conveyor system 108, the box blanks 106 may pass by or under one or more corner protector placement mechanisms 110 (also referred to as placement mechanisms 110). The placement mechanisms 110 are configured to place corner protectors on the box blanks 106, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

Each placement mechanism 110 includes a repository 112 for holding a stock of corner protectors 114. The repository 112 may include one or more walls, guides, or other physical structures to hold the corner protectors 114 in a desired position and/or orientation. The repository 112 includes a conveyor mechanism 116 for moving the corner protectors 114 through the repository 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor mechanism 116 includes a rotatable conveyor belt. In other embodiments, the conveyor mechanism 116 may includes a biasing mechanism (e.g., spring-loaded or gravity activated mechanism) that pushes the corner protectors through the repository 112.

Each of the placement mechanisms 110 also includes a gripper 118. As discussed in greater detail below, the gripper 118 is configured to retrieve corner protectors 114 from the repository 112 and place the corner protectors 114 on the box blanks 106. The gripper 118 may be configured to grip the corner protectors 114 and move them from the repository 112 to the box blanks 106. The gripper 118 may grip the corner protectors 114 via one or more suction cups (e.g., via negative pressure), needle grippers, clamps, or other securing mechanisms.

The gripper 118 may also be movable. For instance, the gripper 118 may include a body portion that is pivotably mounted such that the body can pivot between a retrieval position and a placement position. When the body is in the retrieval position, the gripper 118 may be configured to retrieve a corner protector 114 from the repository 112. When the body is in the placement position, the gripper 118 may be configured to place a corner protector 114 on the box blank 106.

The securing mechanism(s) of the gripper 118 may also be movable relative to the body. For instance, the securing mechanism(s) may be extended and retracted relative to the body. By way of example, the securing mechanism(s) may be extended relative to the body when retrieving a corner protector 114 from the repository 112 and/or when placing a corner protector 114 on a box blank 106. In contrast, the securing mechanism(s) may be retracted relative to the body after retrieving the corner protector 114, while rotating between the retrieval and placement positions, and/or after placing the corner protector 114 on the box blank 106.

Each of the placement mechanisms 110 may also include an adhesive applicator. The adhesive applicator may be configured to apply an adhesive to the corner protectors 114. In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator may be positioned to apply the adhesive as the gripper 118 moves from the retrieval position to the placement position. In other embodiments, the placement mechanism 110 may not include an adhesive applicator. In some such embodiments, the corner protectors 114 may have an adhesive pre-applied thereto. In still other embodiments, adhesive may be applied to the box blanks 106 (e.g., by the box production machine 104 or a separate adhesive applicator) prior to the box blanks 106 passing by the placement mechanisms 110.

With continued attention to FIG. 1, attention is now also directed to FIGS. 2-4, which illustrate part of the operation of the system 100. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a box blank 106 is being fed out of the box production machine 104 and is being moved along the conveyor system 108 towards the corner protector placement mechanisms 110.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, as the box blank 106 passes by the placement mechanisms 110, the placement mechanisms 110 can place corner protectors 114 on certain locations on the box blank 106 (e.g., the portions of the box blank 106 that will form the corners of the box formed therewith). In some embodiments, the box blank 106 incrementally advances along the conveyor system 108 and stops advancing when the desired locations on the box blank 106 are positioned adjacent to the placement mechanisms 110 to enable the placement mechanisms 110 to place the corner protectors 114 on the desired locations. In other embodiments, the box blanks 106 are continuously advanced along the conveyor system 108 and the placement mechanisms 110 are configured to place the corner protectors 114 on the box blank 106 as the box blank 106 continues to move along the conveyor system 108.

In some embodiments, the packaging system 100 includes a control system that is configured to coordinate the functions of the box production machine 104, the conveyor system 108, and the placement mechanisms 110. For instance, the control system may control the outfeed of the box blank 106 from the box production machine 104, the movement of the box blank 106 along the conveyor system 108, and the operation of the placement mechanisms 110 so as to ensure that the corner protectors 114 are placed on the desired locations on the box blank 106. In some embodiments, the control system may control the speed at which the box blank 106 is moved along the conveyor system 108 and/or when the conveyor system 108 stops the movement of the box blank 106 so as to position the desired locations on the box blank 106 adjacent to the placement mechanisms 110. The control system may also activate the placement mechanisms 110 when or prior to the desired locations on the box blank 106 being positioned adjacent to the placement mechanisms 110.

Before proceeding with a further description of the packaging system 100, attention is directed to FIGS. 5 and 6, which illustrate an example embodiment of a corner protector 114 (FIG. 5) and a close-up view of a portion of the box blank 106 with corner protectors 114 placed at desired locations thereon (FIG. 6).

As can be seen in FIG. 5, one example corner protector 114 has a general L-shape formed by a primary panel 120 and leg panels 122, 124 extending from the primary panel 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg panels 122, 124 extend from the primary panel 120 in directions that are generally perpendicular to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the primary panel 120 and the leg panels 122, 124 has a square shape. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the primary panel 120 and the leg panels 122, 124 have generally the same size. It will be appreciated that this is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the primary panel 120 and/or the leg panels 122, 124 may have non-square shapes and/or may have different sizes and/or shapes than one another.

In the illustrated embodiment, the primary panel 120 and the leg panel 122 are separated from one another by a crease 126. Similarly, the primary panel 120 and the leg panel 124 are separated from one another by a crease 128. Because of the generally L-shaped nature of the corner protector 114, the creases 126, 128 are oriented at a generally right angle relative to one another. Additionally, due to the L-shaped nature of the corner protector 114, the corner protector 114 have an open interior corner 130. The open interior corner 130 is defined by an edge 132 of the leg panel 122 and an edge 134 of the leg panel 124. In some embodiments, the edge 132 is colinear with or parallel to the crease 128. Similarly, the edge 134 may be colinear with or parallel to the crease 126. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the creases 126, 128 facilitate folding of the corner protector 114 around the corner of an item (e.g., item 102) when an associated box blank 106 is folded around the item.

Turning to FIG. 6, a plurality of corner protectors 114 are illustrated as having been placed on the box blank 106. As noted above, the corner protectors 114 are placed adjacent to unfolded corner of the box blank 106 (e.g., on portions of the box blank 106 that will form corners of a box when the box blank 106 is folded into a box). As can be seen in FIG. 6, the box blank 106 includes a plurality of creases 140 that define panels and flaps of the box blank 106 and separate the various panels and flaps from one another. Additionally, the box blank 106 includes cuts 142 that also partially define the flaps of the box blank 106 and separate adjacent flaps from one another.

A location on the box blank 106 where three creases and one cut intersect or meet may be configured to form a corner of a box when the box blank 106 is folded into a box. Such a meeting or intersection of creases and cuts in the box blank 106 may be referred to as an unfolded corner. Accordingly, the corner protectors 114 may be placed on the box blank 106 adjacent to the unfolded corners. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the corner protectors 114 is placed so that the primary panel 120 thereof is positioned on one of the panels of the box blank 106 adjacent to the intersection of the creases and cut. The corner protector 114 is positioned so that one of the leg panels 122, 124 is positioned on an adjacent panel of the box blank 106 and the other leg panel is positioned on a flap of the box blank 106.

In the illustrated embodiment, the corner protector 114 is placed on the box blank 106 such that the creases 126, 128 are parallel to, but offset from the corresponding creases 140 in the box blank 106. For instance, while the primary panel 120 and the leg panel 122 are positioned on adjacent panels of the box blank 106, the crease 126 is offset from the crease between the adjacent panels. As a result, a portion of the leg panel 122 may be positioned on the same panel of the box blank 106 as the primary panel 120. Similarly, while the primary panel 120 and the leg panel 124 are positioned on a panel and a flap of the box blank 106 that are adjacent to one another, the crease 128 is offset from the crease between the adjacent panel and flap. As a result, a portion of the leg panel 124 may be positioned on the same panel of the box blank 106 as the primary panel 120. In other embodiments, the creases 126, 128 may be aligned with the corresponding creases 140 in the box blank 106.

A portion of the corner protector 114 may be attached to the box blank 106 to hold the corner protector 114 in place on the box blank 106. For instance, the primary panel 120 of the corner protector 114 may be attached to the box blank 106. The attachment may be achieved with an adhesive or a mechanical fastener (e.g., staple, etc.). In some embodiments, the leg panels 122, 124 are not directly attached to the box blank 106. Leaving the leg panels 122, 124 unattached from box blank 106 enables the leg panels 122, 124 to fold (relative to the primary panel 120) more easily when the box blank 106 is folded into a box.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 7-9, which illustrate additional features and operational aspects of the system 100. As can be seen in FIG. 7, after the corner protectors 114 are placed on the box blank 106, the box blank 106 is advanced further along the conveyor system 108. The box blank 106 may be positioned so that the box blank 106 spans the gap 109 in the conveyor system 108.

The system 100 also includes a conveyor system 150 that is configured to transport the to-be-packaged items 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor system 150 has a distal or terminal end that is positioned adjacent to the distal or terminal end or the gap 109 of the conveyor system 108. The conveyor systems 108, 150 may be configured to deliver the box blanks 106 and to-be-packaged items 102 to the same general area.

The system 100 may also include a transfer mechanism 152 that is configured to retrieve an item 102 from the conveyor system 150 and position the item 102 on the box blank 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer mechanism 152 includes a movable arm 154 with a clamp 156 thereon. The clamp 156 is configured to clamp onto the item 102 and the arm 154 is configured to move in order to transfer the item 102 from the conveyor system 150 and position the item on the box blank 106, as shown in FIG. 7. When the item 102 is positioned on the box blank 106, the item 102 is actually positioned on the corner protectors 114, which are on the box blank 106.

The transfer mechanism 152 is configured to position the item 102 on the portion of the box blank 106 that partially spans the gap 109. As can be seen in FIG. 8, as the item 102 is lowered onto the box blank 106, the item 102 and the box blank 106 pass through the gap 109 in the conveyor system 108. The opposing sides of the gap 109 and the weight of the item 102 cause the box blank 106 to fold around the item 102, as shown in FIG. 8. As a result, other that the lowering of the item 102 onto the box blank 106 by the transfer mechanism 152, no other active steps or mechanisms are required to complete at least the first two folds of the box blank 106 around the item 102. Additionally, as a result of the box blank 106 folding around the item 102, the corner protectors 114 are forced to fold around the item 102.

As noted above, the size of the gap 109 may be selectively adjusted. For instance, a comparison between FIGS. 3 and 9 shows different distances between rollers near the distal or terminal end of the conveyor system 108. Specifically, the last roller is positioned closer to the penultimate roller in FIG. 3 than in FIG. 9. The last roller is configured to move relative to the penultimate roller to vary the size of the gap 109. The size of the gap 109 can be decreases as in FIG. 3 to facilitate the box blank 106 spanning the gap 109 as the box blank 106 approaches the end of the conveyor system 108. Thereafter, the size of the gap 109 can be increased as shown in FIG. 8 so that the width of the gap 109 is at least as wide as the to-be-packaged item 102. As a result, the box blank 106 and the item 102 can pass through the gap 109 and enable the folding of the box blank 106 at least partially around the item 102.

As shown in FIG. 9, the system 100 also includes a conveyor system 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor system 160 includes a proximal or initial end that is positioned under the gap 109 in and at a lower height than the conveyor system 108. As a result, the box blank 106 and the item 102 can be lowered through the gap 109 and positioned on the conveyor system 160.

As the box blank 106 and the item 102 are lowered through the gap 109 or after the box blank 106 and the item 102 are positioned on the conveyor system 160, at least some of the flaps and/or panels of the box blank 106 may be folded around the item 102 to at least partially enclose the item 102 therein, as shown in FIG. 9. The flaps may be folded with any known folding means (curved or angled folding bars, active folding mechanisms, etc.).

In some instance, such as that illustrated in FIG. 9, the box blank 106 is only partially folded closed at this stage. In other embodiments, the box blank 106 may be completely folded and secured closed. In either case, the conveyor system 160 may transport the item 102 and the partially or completely folded box blank 106, as shown in FIG. 10.

The disclosed embodiments provide various advantageous features. For instance, the flat, unfolded corner protectors can be attached to the unfolded box blank. This can help ensure that the corner protectors are placed and remain in the desired locations on the box blank without have to try to position the corner protectors in an already erected box. Furthermore, the corner protectors are simple to construct, attach to the box blank, and fold (in response to the folding of the box blank) to form protective corners for the items packaged within the box. Furthermore, providing a box blank conveyor system (e.g., conveyor system 108) with a gap therein allows for the gravity to be advantageously used to fold the box blank around the item rather than requiring additional active mechanisms to achieve the desired folding.

According to one example embodiment, a product packaging comprises: a box blank comprising a plurality of panels, a plurality of flaps, a plurality of creases, and a plurality of cuts, with an intersection of multiple creases and a cut defining an unfolded corner; and a corner protector attachable to the box blank adjacent to the unfolded corner, the corner protector comprising a primary panel, a first leg panel, and a second leg panel, the primary panel, the first leg panel, and the second leg panel being arranged in a non-linear configuration.

In some embodiments, the corner protector has an L-shape.

In some embodiments, the corner protector comprises a crease formed between the primary panel and the first leg panel.

In some embodiments, the corner protector comprises a crease formed between the primary panel and the second leg panel.

In some embodiments, the creases formed between the primary panel and the first and second leg panels are oriented at a right angle relative to one another.

In some embodiments, the creases formed between the primary panel and the first and second leg panels are offset from the plurality of creases.

In some embodiments, the creases formed between the primary panel and the first and second leg panels are parallel to the plurality of creases.

In some embodiments, the primary panel of the corner protector is attachable to a first panel of the plurality of panels of the box blank, with the first leg panel extending from the primary panel and onto a second panel of the plurality of panels.

In some embodiments, the primary panel of the corner protector is attachable to a first panel of the plurality of panels of the box blank, with the second leg panel extending from the primary panel and onto a first flap of the plurality of flaps.

In another embodiment, a packaging system comprises: a conveyor system configured to transport a box blank there along, the conveyor system having a gap formed therein; a corner protector placement mechanism configured to place corner protectors on the box blank; and a transfer mechanism configured to position a to-be-packaged item onto a portion of the box blank that is positioned over the gap in the conveyor system, such that the box blank and the to-be-packaged item pass at least partially through the gap and the box blank folds at least partially around the to-be-packaged item.

In some embodiments, the packaging system further comprises a second conveyor system, the second conveyor system having a portion positioned below the gap in the conveyor system.

In some embodiments, the transfer mechanism comprises a movable arm and a clamp, the clamp being configured to clamp onto the to-be-packaged item and the arm being configured to move the to-be-packaged item onto the box blank.

In some embodiments, the corner protector placement mechanism comprises a repository configured to hold a stock of corner protectors.

In some embodiments, the repository comprises a conveyor mechanism configured to advance the corner protectors therethrough.

In some embodiments, the corner protector placement mechanism comprises a gripper configured to retrieve a corner protector from the repository and place the corner protector on the box blank.

In some embodiments, the gripper is movable between a retrieval position and a placement position.

In some embodiments, the gripper comprises a securing mechanism for selectively securing to a corner protector.

In another embodiment, a corner protector comprises: a primary panel; a first leg panel separated from the primary panel by a first crease; and a second leg panel separated from the primary panel by a second crease, with the first crease and the second crease being oriented non-parallel to one another such that the primary panel, the first leg panel, and the second leg panel are arranged in a non-linear configuration.

In some embodiments, the first leg panel comprises a first edge and the second leg panel comprises a second edge, the first and second edges defining an interior corner of the corner protector.

In some embodiments, the first edge is colinear or parallel to the second crease and the second edge is colinear or parallel to the first crease.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A product packaging, comprising: a box blank comprising a plurality of panels, a plurality of flaps, a plurality of creases, and a plurality of cuts, with an intersection of multiple creases and a cut defining an unfolded corner; anda corner protector attachable to the box blank adjacent to the unfolded corner, the corner protector comprising a primary panel, a first leg panel, and a second leg panel, the primary panel, the first leg panel, and the second leg panel being arranged in a non-linear configuration.

2. The product packaging of claim 1, wherein the corner protector has an L-shape.

3. The product packaging of claim 1, wherein the corner protector comprises a crease formed between the primary panel and the first leg panel.

4. The product packaging of claim 3, wherein the corner protector comprises a crease formed between the primary panel and the second leg panel.

5. The product packaging of claim 4, wherein the creases formed between the primary panel and the first and second leg panels are oriented at a right angle relative to one another.

6. The product packaging of claim 4, wherein the creases formed between the primary panel and the first and second leg panels are offset from the plurality of creases.

7. The product packaging of claim 4, wherein the creases formed between the primary panel and the first and second leg panels are parallel to the plurality of creases.

8. The product packaging of claim 1, wherein the primary panel of the corner protector is attachable to a first panel of the plurality of panels of the box blank, with the first leg panel extending from the primary panel and onto a second panel of the plurality of panels.

9. The product packaging of claim 1, wherein the primary panel of the corner protector is attachable to a first panel of the plurality of panels of the box blank, with the second leg panel extending from the primary panel and onto a first flaps of the plurality of flaps.

10. A packaging system, comprising: a conveyor system configured to transport a box blank there along, the conveyor system having a gap formed therein;a corner protector placement mechanism configured to place corner protectors on the box blank; anda transfer mechanism configured to position a to-be-packaged item onto a portion of the box blank that is positioned over the gap in the conveyor system, such that the box blank and the to-be-packaged item pass at least partially through the gap and the box blank folds at least partially around the to-be-packaged item.

11. The packaging system of claim 10, further comprising a second conveyor system, the second conveyor system having a portion positioned below the gap in the conveyor system.

12. The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the transfer mechanism comprises a movable arm and a clamp, the clamp being configured to clamp onto the to-be-packaged item and the arm being configured to move the to-be-packaged item onto the box blank.

13. The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the corner protector placement mechanism comprises a repository configured to hold a stock of corner protectors.

14. The packaging system of claim 13, wherein the repository comprises a conveyor mechanism configured to advance the corner protectors therethrough.

15. The packaging system of claim 13, wherein the corner protector placement mechanism comprises a gripper configured to retrieve a corner protector from the repository and place the corner protector on the box blank.

16. The packaging system of claim 15, wherein the gripper is movable between a retrieval position and a placement position.

17. The packaging system of claim 15, wherein the gripper comprises a securing mechanism for selectively securing to a corner protector.

18. A corner protector, comprising: a primary panel;a first leg panel separated from the primary panel by a first crease; anda second leg panel separated from the primary panel by a second crease,the first crease and the second crease being oriented non-parallel to one another such that the primary panel, the first leg panel, and the second leg panel are arranged in a non-linear configuration.

19. The corner protector of claim 18, wherein the first leg panel comprises a first edge and the second leg panel comprises a second edge, the first and second edges defining an interior corner of the corner protector.

20. The corner protector of claim 19, wherein the first edge is colinear or parallel to the second crease and the second edge is colinear or parallel to the first crease.