The described embodiments relate generally to packaging. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to packaging that raises a product during when opening, and has panels that stay open and unfold when the user wants to recycle the packaging. The packaging may be made of paper or other recyclable materials that may be otherwise cellulose-fiber based.
The described embodiments relate generally to packaging, including packaging that includes an interesting interactive product display element when opening, while maintaining recyclability. Product packaging is an integral part of a customer's experience. It introduces the customer to their product, and can affect the customer's feelings toward the product and the company that created it.
In some situations, such as direct-to-customer shipping, a shipping packaging such as a shipper box may be used to ship a finished goods package containing a product. Certain current shipping packaging may use retention systems using a polymeric film to retain the finished goods package within the shipper. Other shipping packaging may use expanded polystyrene cushions, or other less environmentally friendly cushioning systems. In many cases, shipping packaging does no more than hold a finished goods package, such that an opportunity to further enhance customer experience may be missed. Moreover, many current shipping packaging contains elements that are not single stream recyclable friendly, must instead be broken down into the constituent parts prior to recycling, rather than simply be unfolded to a flat and easy to recycle configuration.
What is needed is a packaging paradigm that can maintain packaging integrity prior to being received by an end user, but both increase recyclability of the packaging while improving the customer experience in receiving products or finished goods packaging containing a product when opening the shipping packaging.
Some embodiments are directed to packaging having a base box having a cavity to receive a product, and a lid configured to close the base box and enclose the product within the packaging. A first rollover structure extending inward from a first sidewall of the base box is provided in some embodiments, wherein the first rollover structure is continuous with the first sidewall. A second rollover structure extending inward from a second sidewall of the base box is provided in some embodiments, wherein the second rollover structure is continuous with the second sidewall. In some embodiments, the packaging includes a product support panel, wherein the interior of the second sidewall faces the interior of the first sidewall, wherein the first and second rollover structures are configured to hold the product within the cavity, and wherein when the first rollover structure rotates away from the cavity, the product support panel raises, thereby raising the product within the packaging.
In some embodiments, the product support panel is continuous with the first and second rollover structures. The packaging may include, for example, a third rollover structure extending inward from a third sidewall of the base box, wherein the third rollover structure is continuous with the third sidewall, and a fourth rollover structure extending inward from a fourth sidewall of the base box, wherein the fourth rollover structure is continuous with the fourth sidewall, wherein the first and second, and third and fourth rollover structures, respectively, form the cavity to receive the product when the packaging is in a closed configuration.
The product support panel may include a disassembly feature, such that in a single motion the product support panel may release a locking tab such that the packaging may be unfolded to a flat configuration. The disassembly feature may include a die cut hole. The product support panel is debossed around the die cut hole in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the packaging is formed from a single, continuous cardboard blank.
Some embodiments are directed to a packaged product including the packaging and the product, wherein the product is a finished goods package containing an electronic device.
Some embodiments are directed to packaging having a product support panel to receive a product, first and second cushioning cells providing interior side panels, and third and fourth cushioning cells providing interior side panels. In some embodiments, the third and fourth cushioning cells are positioned perpendicular to the first and second cushioning cells such that a rectangular cavity is formed, wherein the product is disposed within the cavity. In response to a force applied to one or more of the cushioning cells in a direction outward from the cavity, one or more of the cushioning cells folds away from the cavity, and raises the product support panel to elevate the product.
The packaging may include a lid configured to close the packaging. In some embodiments, the lid, first and second cushioning cells, and product support panel are formed from the same blank. In some embodiments, the third and fourth cushioning cells are formed from the same blank. In some embodiments, the entire packaging is formed from a single blank of cardboard. The packaging may include a locking tab configured to be folded inward and be tucked within one of the first or second cushioning cells such that the first and second, and third and fourth cushioning cells are held generally perpendicular to each other, respectively, in a shipping configuration. In some embodiments, the third and fourth cushioning cells further include tabs spacing an interior side panel of the cushioning cell from the sidewall of the packaging such as to maintain perpendicularity when the packaging is in a closed configuration.
Some embodiments are directed to a packaged product, including the packaging and the product, wherein the product is a finished goods package containing an electronic device.
In some embodiments, the packaging includes a disassembly feature such that a user may actuate the feature to release a locking mechanism and unfold the packaging to an unfolded state. In some embodiments, no panel of the packaging is adhered to another panel of the packaging.
Some embodiments are directed to packaging having cardboard cushioning cells retaining a product in a first configuration, a cardboard lid, and a cardboard base panel, coacting with the cardboard cushioning cells to form a cavity to receive a product. In some embodiments, when the lid is opened, a subset of the cardboard cushioning cells move away from the product, thereby releasing it from the packaging. In some embodiments, the lid opening further causes a product support panel coupled to a cardboard cushioning cell to lift upward, thereby lifting the product upward. In some embodiments, the packaging is formed from a single blank.
The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.
The packaging described herein provides a packaging solution utilizing environmentally friendly materials and allows for a packaging solution that includes an integrated, lay-flat construction that may be unfolded flat for recyclability, while simultaneously providing a lifting effect when a customer opens the packaging, lifting the product or finished goods box contained in the packaging upwards toward the customer. Elements are described that achieve a structurally sound package, while allowing an end user to easily recycle the package, while providing sufficient cushioning and support during transport and enhancing an unboxing experience at the same time.
Some embodiments include packaging including a base box formed of cardboard, e.g., paperboard or cardboard corrugate (other environmentally friendly recyclable materials are also envisioned). In some embodiments, each of the base box or lid or both may be formed from a continuous sheet (e.g., a cardboard blank). In an illustrated embodiment, a single blank is used to fold the entire packaging into a usable configuration, and when the customer wishes to dispose of the packaging they are able to easily unfold the packaging into a flat blank again. Further, the unfolding of the packaging into a flat blank is possible in some embodiments without the need to tear or separate adhered portions. The respective elements may be formed of the same material or different materials that are recyclable in the same fiber-recycling stream. Advantageously, this improves upon prior systems having, for example, plastic film retention elements, adhesive, or plastic.
Companies may be sensitive to the cost of packaging and may wish to promote packaging that is eco-friendly. Packaging made out of recyclable and/or biodegradable materials, such as paper (e.g., cardboard) can reduce environmental impact, especially when it replaces a plastic film component or an expanded polystyrene component, for example. Packaging that is interesting in character and well-executed may boost a product's or a brand's reputation, thereby attracting new customers and retaining previous customers. For example, interactive elements that present a product in an interesting way when packaging is opened, e.g., lifting the product up toward the customer, welcoming the customer to their product, may enhance the customer experience. Packaging described in this document achieves these and other beneficial characteristics by balancing structural robustness, eco-friendly materials, and aesthetic elements. A product contained by the packaging may be, for example, an electronic device such as, for example, a desktop computer, monitor, laptop, tablet computer, smartphone, or smart watch, or it may be a non-electronic device. The product may also be within finished goods packaging.
In some embodiments, the packaging may be shipping packaging (e.g., packaging used for shipping a finished packaging for containing and conveying a product to a user such as may be used in a retail setting).
As described above, the packaging described herein provides a shipping packaging solution utilizing environmentally friendly materials, specifically cardboard (or other cellulose-based material). Retention and cushioning is provided by rollover structures, e.g., folded panels that are folded onto themselves to provide cushioning cells. Additional retention and cushioning features are also described herein and contemplated. Rollover structures may be further configured to be pushed out by the customer, which lifts the product upwards. While locking tabs hold the packaging together, while in use as packaging, a single motion disassembly configuration enhances recyclability.
These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.
In some embodiments lid 100 may close over sidewalls 104 such that lid 100 does not extend past sidewalls 104, thereby keeping the edge of lid 100 flush with the outer surface of sidewalls 104. As shown in
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Lid 100 may be folded outward, allowing side tabs 106 to be removed from slots 110. Slots 110 are formed such that side tabs 106 may be inserted to an inner side of sidewalls 104, while retention panel 108 folds inward towards the interior of packaging 10, thereby holding lid 100 and sidewalls 104 together when the packaging is in a closed configuration. Side tabs 106 cooperate with closure panel 102 to keep packaging 10 in a closed position (e.g., during shipping). Retention panels 108 fold inward from sidewalls 104, and on top of upper rollover panel 120, thereby positioning and retaining both upper rollover panel 120 along with front wall 122 in position when packaging 10 is in a closed configuration. Similarly, on the back side of packaging 10 proximate the extension of lid 100, upper rollover panel 120 is positioned and retained and held in position. Interior side panels 116 and 118, respectively, are shown in a paired, generally perpendicular relationship (e.g., two interior side panels 116 are parallel to each other, two interior side panels 118 are parallel to each other, and the side panels 116 are perpendicular to the side panels 118), thereby providing a generally rectangular cavity for product 40 to be received within.
Lid 100, along with the base panel 5 of packaging 10 and the cushioning cells such as rollover structures 101 and 103 coact to form a cavity to receive and maintain product 40 in a position within packaging 10 during shipping. As shown in
While lid 100 is shown to extend over the entire top portion of packaging 10, in some embodiments, multiple lids may be provided, such as doors that open to either side of a packaging. In this way, each lid may be separately coupled or extend from a respective rollover structure, such that the articulation of each lid opening may raise product 40.
A product support panel 112 is shown at the bottom of the cavity where product 40 is placed. A first interior side panel 118 closest to and parallel to front wall 122, along with upper rollover panel 120, are received in a space formed by interior side panel 116, retention panel 108, and sidewall 104. In this way, the rollover structure may be tucked into position such that packaging 100 may be closed. As shown in
Disassembly feature 114 may be, for example, a hole cut through product support panel 112 such that a user may grasp the feature and pull upward. In some embodiments, the hole formed may be dimensioned so as to accommodate a user's finger diameter such that pulling the feature (along with product support panel 112) is made easy for the user. Other features such as debossing, embossing, texture, etc., may be provided to enhance the customer experience and function of disassembling packaging 10. Further, in some embodiments, the surface of disassembly feature may be configured in a way, such as debossing, so as to increase consumer comfort when grabbing the feature. Additionally, by debossing disassembly feature 112, a lower surface of product 40 (e.g., a finished-goods box or product itself) is protected from a potentially sharp corrugate edge (such as may be formed when corrugate is die-cut), thereby protecting the cosmetic appearance of product 40.
In some embodiments, disassembly feature 114 may include an indicator, such as a recycling icon that visually communicates to a consumer the purpose of disassembly feature 114. In some embodiments, the indicator may be embossed or debossed, or be in the form of a sticker, either on the disassembly feature itself or on the lower panel visible through disassembly feature 114. In a single pulling motion, product support panel 112 (connected to rollover structure 101 closest to lid 100) may be pulled up and away, thereby releasing locking tab 107 and allowing retention panels 108 to further pivot away from the cavity. As retention panels 108 pivot away, they release upper rollover panels 120, such that the entirety of rollover structures 101 and product support panel 112 may be folded outward in the direction opposite of the opening direction of lid 100. This configuration allows packaging 10 to be unfolded to a flat configuration easily, enhancing recyclability. This configuration provides for packaging that can be disassembled into a flat blank-without the need to tear or crush any portion of the packaging, and without needing to separate any adhered parts. This improves upon packaging that requires such actions a consumer might need to do when breaking down a box for recycling.
As discussed herein, components of the packaging described may be formed from one or more blanks, e.g., cardboard or paper blanks. In some embodiments, the blank is formed of a single continuous substrate, such as, for example cellulose-based material like cardboard corrugate. Other cellulose-based materials are contemplated, such as paperboard, certain molded fiber components of sufficient construction, or grayboard.
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Each of the components may be composed of recyclable materials including the shipping packaging, finished packaging, seals, and other related components. Thus, if and when the customer opts to dispose of the packaging, the packaging may simply be recycled without requiring material separation (e.g., in a single-stream recycling program). Advantageously, this improves upon prior systems having, for example, retention film shipping systems or polystyrene cushioning.
Each of the components and their constituent parts, and other variations described herein may include corresponding features described with reference to each of the other components and features described without limitation.
In some embodiments, any surface finishing may take place after the components are cut from the blank, or alternatively prior to the blank being cut into separate sheets for assembling to a final product. Additionally, some operations may be performed concurrently. All or some of the surfaces of the packaging may be coated, or laminated, which may increase structural strength properties such as rigidity and which may protect a product within the packaging, or avoid scratching.
Additionally, the packaging may be manufactured in a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way. In some embodiments, the packaging components may be constructed of a single integrally-formed piece of material. The single integrally-formed piece of material may be a foldable material that is folded into a configuration that holds and secures a product, either alone or within a cavity of a packaging container. In some embodiments, the foldable material may be a single piece of material that is cut by a single operation (e.g., a single die-cutting operation). In some embodiments, the foldable material may be die cut from a stock material (e.g., a sheet of cardboard corrugate, or roll of material), or other fiber or cellulose based material. Single integrally-formed pieces of material that are cut by a single cutting operation may facilitate efficient and reproducible manufacturing. Moreover, such manufacturing may reduce waste by reducing waste material during manufacturing.
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/243,356, filed Sep. 13, 2021, titled “Packaging With Raising Platform And Lay-Flat Construction,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63243356 | Sep 2021 | US |