PLANT PACKAGING SYSTEM AND PARTS THEREOF

Abstract

A modular plant package assembly including a housing box defining an interior space, a root system assembly positioned in a first region of the interior space, and a shoot system assembly positioned in a second region of the interior space is described. The root system assembly includes a retention member having one or more members at least partially defining an open space sized to receive a plant pot and/or plant roots therein. The shoot system assembly includes two panel walls angling towards one another and including a bottom edge positioned in the interior region to interface or engage with at least one of the retention member or the plant pot when the plant pot is received in the open space of the root system assembly.

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to shipping boxes. More specifically, the present disclosure is a modular plant packaging and parts thereof that preserve the structure and integrity of a plant and\or plant pots.

The present disclosure is directed to a plant packaging system and parts thereof.

The term plant as used hereinafter in the specification and claims is used in its broad meaning, and includes potted plants (i.e., a container with growing media with a plant growing therein), pot-less root/bulb-plants (i.e., a bouquet of plants, e.g., flowers, with their roots/bulbs however not planted in a container), and flowers with a vase. The term plant pots refers to containers for holding plants such as traditional plant pots, vases, or any other type of receptacle/container configured to hold the plant root system therein.

BACKGROUND

Plants are often shipped from one location to another. There is a need for improved plant packaging assembly to better protect plants during shipping, particularly from a retailer to an individual consumer.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein include plant packaging systems and parts thereof. In an embodiment, a modular plant package includes a package housing, a root system assembly, and a shoot system assembly. The package housing is made of board material and defines a package space therewithin. The package housing, when in a folded closed position, includes a base wall, a top wall opposite the base wall, two opposite side walls, a back wall and an opposite front wall. The root system assembly and the shoot system assembly are positionable within the package space of the package housing. The root system assembly is configured with a bottom base configured to support a plant thereon and comprising a retention member being configured to support a root system of the plant in a plant pot and prevent at least lateral displacement thereof. In accordance with an embodiment, the base is part of the packaging housing or the insulation material. The shoot system assembly includes at least two panel walls configured to accommodate a shoot system of the plant. The free bottom edges of the at least two panel walls of the shoot system assembly partially rest against top edges of said root system assembly and/or the plant pot, and the top edges rest against a top wall of the package housing. This positioning arrests the root system assembly and/or the plant pot within the root system assembly and prevent at least axial displacement thereof.

In an embodiment, a modular plant package assembly includes a housing box, a root system assembly, and a shoot system assembly. The housing box defines an interior space. The root system assembly is positioned or positionable in a first region of the interior space of the housing box. The root system assembly includes a retention member having one or more members at least partially defining an open space sized to receive a plant pot and/or plant roots therein. The shoot system assembly is positioned or positionable in a second region of the interior space of the housing assembly adjacent to the first region of the interior space. The shoot system includes two panel walls angling towards one another and including a bottom edge positioned or positionable in the interior region to interface or engage with at least one of the retention member or the plant pot when the plant pot is received in the open space of the root system assembly.

Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1A is a perspective front view of a plant package in accordance with one example of the disclosed subject matter, the package being shown at an open position containing a plant with a plant pot therewithin for illustration purposes.

FIG. 1B is a perspective top view of a plant package in accordance with one example of the disclosed subject matter, the package being shown at an open position containing a plant pot therewithin for illustration purposes.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an outer box shown, folded and forming a packaging box in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1D illustrates a top planar view of a development of sheet material used for erecting the outer box shown in FIG. 1C of the plant package, in an unfolded state.

FIG. 1E is a perspective view illustrating erected plant root system retaining assembly, in a folded position.

FIG. 1F is a top planar view of a development of sheet material used for folding into the position shown in FIG. 1E and erecting a plant root system retaining assembly according to an example of the disclosed subject matter shown in FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 1G-1J are various views and cross sections of the plant root system retaining assembly illustrated in FIG. 1E.

FIGS. 1K and 1L are a perspective front view of the plant root system erected therefrom and a top planar view of a development of sheet material used for erecting a plant root system retaining assembly according to an example of the disclosed subject matter, respectively.

FIG. 1M is a perspective top view of a plant package in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, the package being shown at an open position containing a plant pot therewithin for illustration purposes.

FIG. 1N is a planar view of a development of sheet material used for erecting a plant shoot support assembly according to an example.

FIG. 1O is a perspective front view of a plant shoot support assembly, in a folded position, as shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1P is a top planar view of a development of sheet material used for erecting a plant shoot system retaining assembly according to an example of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2A is a perspective front view of a plant package in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter, the package being shown at an open position and fitted with an insulating material.

FIG. 2B is a perspective top view of a plant package in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter, the package being shown at an open position and fitted with an insulating material.

FIG. 2C is a perspective top view of a plant package in accordance with yet another example of the disclosed subject matter, the package being shown at an open position containing an insulation material therewithin for illustration purposes.

FIG. 2D is a top planar view of a development of sheet material used for erecting a plant shoot system retaining assembly according to an example of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2E is a perspective front view of the plant shoot system erected from sheet in FIG. 2D.

FIG. 2F illustrates a perspective front view of a plant root system assembly in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter as seen in FIG. 2A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is directed to a plant package and parts thereof designed for easy packing the plant whilst adequately protecting the plants and its receptacle (if present) it and eliminating or substantially reducing potential damage to the plant and plant pot while being transported in any orientation, and yet easily unpacking.

Among variables that may dictate whether the shipping is a success are the amount of time between packaging of the plant and its delivery, temperature within the shipment container often dictated by the insulation that maintains a desired temperature, shock absorption to maintain the integrity and preservation of the plant and its pot or a vase if used for shipment etc.

The disclosed subject matter relates to protecting plants and fragile objects often used to ship the plant, such as ceramic ware and glass ware, from the damaging effects of physical impact, shock and jarring unavoidably inherent in any shipping operation. The modular system of the disclosed subject matter allows for cushioning and absorbing any mechanical shocks or impacts imparted to the package and dampen their effects on the contents of the package. The modular system is further configured to regulate the effects of the environment surrounding the package, e.g. temperature control, humidity, etc.

The disclosed subject matter is directed to a modular packaging that is configured to ensure the plants and plant pots may be effectively protected throughout a shipment process while minimizing the amount packing material required to protect these.

The disclosed subject matter may accommodate a variety of plants (including flower arrangements) with or without pots and vases and varying sizes thereof. The disclosed subject matter further allows additional items to be included with the package without compromising the safety of the plant.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a modular plant package comprising: a package housing made of board material and defining a package space therewithin, the package housing when in a folded closed position comprising a base wall, a top wall opposite the base wall, two opposite side walls, a back wall and an opposite front wall; a root system assembly; a shoot system assembly; wherein the root system assembly and the shoot system assembly being positionable within the package space of the package housing; wherein said root system assembly being configured with an impact resistant bottom base configured to support the plant thereon and comprising a retention member being configured to snuggly support the plant root system and prevent at least lateral displacement thereof; wherein said shoot system assembly comprises at least two panel walls configured to accommodate the shoot system of the plant; and wherein free bottom edges of the at least two panel walls of the shoot system assembly partially rest against top edges of said root system assembly and the free top edges rest against a top wall of the housing thereby arresting the root system container within the root system portion and prevent at least axial displacement thereof.

In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the present disclosed subject matter relates to a packaging for plant pots. The packaging comprises a housing made of board material and defining a package space therewithin, the package housing when in a folded closed position comprising a base wall, a top wall opposite the base wall, two opposite side walls, a back wall and an opposite front wall; a plant pot assembly positionable within the package space of the package housing; wherein said plant pot assembly being configured with an impact resistant bottom base configured to support the plant pot thereon and comprising a retention member being configured to snuggly support the plant root system and prevent at least lateral displacement thereof.

It will be appreciated that in the description terms plant pot assembly and root system assembly are used interchangeably to describe the features and function of the assembly directed to protect the receptacles with or without the plant.

Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations may be applied to a plant package according to the present disclosure, separately or in various combinations thereof: the base member and the retention member may be integrally formed; the plant package may be configured with thermal insulation; the root system container may be configured for accommodating a plant's root system with or without a pot/container; the board material of the package housing and the root system container may be made of solid sheet material or multi-sheet material; the board material of the package housing and the root system container may be made of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, carton, plastic materials, laminated materials, and various combinations of materials; the package housing may be erected out of a single development sheet of board material; the root system assembly may be erected out of a single development sheet of board material; at least some of one or both of the package housing and root system assembly may be made of transparent or translucent material (that is advantageous for plant photosynthesis, for reviewing the contents of the plant package, and have an eye pleasing effect); at least some of one or both of the package housing and root system assembly may be made of, or coated with, liquid impermeable/liquid repelling/hydrophobic material; the package housing may be configured with one or more carrying handle; the root system assembly may be configured with a shock absorbing assembly at least at the bottom base thereof; the root system assembly may be configured with pot cradling liner; the side wall portions of the root system may be configured for at least partially embracing side wall portions of a plant pot received therein; the shoot system portion may be configured with shoot system support, such as paper wrap, shrink wrap, inflatable media, fibrous material, etc., so as to keep the shoot system intact while in the plant package; a shoot system of a plant received in the plant package may be wrapped or received in a protective sleeve; a wall of the package housing may be configured as an information board, such as a greeting card, user instructions, plant care instructions, etc.; a package space may be configured to accommodate a container with a plant growing additive; the package space may be configured to accommodate a plant stand; the package housing may have a tubular polygonal cross section shape, or a cylindrical cross section shape; the root system may have a shape corresponding with that of the package housing, or have a shape with a cross section having an inscribed polygon snugly supported by inside wall surfaces of the package housing; the root system portion may be configured for arresting a root system container of different sizes; the shoot system assembly may be provided with ventilation openings; the shoot system assembly may be provided with an arrangement for holding accessories; and/or the shoot system assembly may be provided with foldable flabs configures to rest on the top edge of the root system assembly.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter a modular plant package is disclosed herein. In the following detailed description, terms of orientation such as “upper,” “lower,” “top”, “bottom”, “longitudinal,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “lateral,” “midpoint,” and “end” are used here to simplify the description in the context of the illustrated examples. Because other orientations are possible, however, the present subject matter should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other orientations of the various components described above are possible.

The present disclosed subject matter is a modular plant package and parts thereof that securely positions a plant (or e.g. a plant receptacle such as a pot) within the package for transportation. In accordance with an example, the plant package of the present disclosed subject matter accommodates a variety of potted plants. However, it will be appreciated that only a plant receptacle of a pot may accommodated in the package with appropriate adjustments as will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow. More specifically, the present disclosed subject matter prevents the plant (with or without a vase or a pot) or just the plant receptacle from sliding and moving within the package and without damaging the plant and\or the plant pot if present. The present disclosed subject matter preserves the integrity and structure of the plant and\or the plant pot.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 1A. In order for the present disclosed subject matter to maintain a desired position of a plant within a package, a plant package assembly in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, generally designated as 100 comprises a package housing box 120, a root system assembly 140 and a shoot system assembly 160.

The housing (in whole or parts thereof) may be made of any rigid board material e.g., paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, carton, plastic materials, laminated materials, and various combinations of materials. The chosen material for constructing the various elements may be any substantially rigid material. It will be appreciated that, although denominated as rigid, the chosen material would preferably have a certain amount of flexibility in the cases of extreme physical impact. In the present embodiment, the material is a single wall corrugated C-flute cardboard.

The board may be singly-ply or multi-ply and may be made of transparent or translucent material or comprise transparent or translucent portions.

As used herein the “board material” may be processed paperboard material, organic material, non-organic material or composite material.

Package Housing Box

FIGS. 1A and 2A illustrate a modular plant package, where the plant package in FIG. 2A is provided with an insulation material I as will be discussed hereinbelow.

The package housing box 120 protects and houses the root system assembly 140 and the shoot system assembly 160, and a plant P (shown here with a plant pot PP) received within the housing space S defined by the package housing box 120 made of board material. Although shown as a rectangular box in the drawings, the housing box 120 may include other shapes and configurations having circular, triangular, square, or other polygonal cross-sectional shapes.

The box 120 in accordance with the example is in the form of a rectangular prism, made of any rigid board material e.g., paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, carton, plastic materials, laminated materials, and various combinations of materials. The chosen material for constructing the housing box 120 may be any substantially rigid material. It will be appreciated that, although denominated as rigid, the chosen material may have a certain amount of flexibility in the cases of extreme physical impact. In the present embodiment, the material is a single wall corrugated C-flute cardboard.

The board may be singly-ply or multi-ply and may be made of transparent or translucent material or comprise transparent or translucent portions. Further, the package housing may be made of, or be coated with, liquid impermeable/liquid repelling/hydrophobic material. Furthermore, the package housing may be at least in part thermally insulated either by choice of material or by an add-on layer of thermally insulating arrangement (e.g., a layer of insulating material on the inner or outer side of the package or parts thereof).

The plant package has a base wall 122A, a top wall 122B opposite the base wall 122A, two opposite side walls 124A and 124B, a back wall 126A (not seen) and opposite front wall 126B (seen here in an open position as comprising four flaps respectively extending from the base, top and side walls, while configured to fold to close the opening between said walls to form a confined housing space S). One example of such a housing box 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 1C-1D.

FIG. 1D illustrates a top plan view of the housing box 120, prior to folding, having a plurality of panels separated by fold lines (illustrated by dashed lines) and cuts (illustrated by solid lines). The fold lines may be crushed portions of the material forming the housing. It will be appreciated that, depending on the material used to construct the housing box 120 (e.g., frame member), the fold lines may be formed as mechanical hinges, thinned portions of the development sheet material, a kiss cut, a score, a crease, a perforation, a notch, a thin cross-section, or any other feature suitable for providing a lower resistance to folding\bending as compared to an area of the planar sheet without a deformation. It will be appreciated that any other appropriate mechanical connection which would allow various portions of the housing box 120 (e.g., housing member) to be folded with respect to each other.

The development sheet of the housing box 120 has a generally rectangular shape. However, it will be appreciated that the shape of the development sheet of the housing box 120 is determined in accordance with the desired overall shape of the packaging assembly. The appropriate shape and size of the housing box 120 may be tailored to suit a particular application. For example, the product to be packaged may dictate the final size and shape of the packaging assembly.

In the present example, the development sheet comprises the side wall panels 124A and 124B, top wall and bottom wall panels 122A and 122B, closing panels forming the back wall 126A and the front wall 126B, seen here as comprising four flaps respectively extending from the base, top and side wall panels. In the presently exemplified box, the development sheet is further provided with an extension flap 128 configured to connect the opposite sides of the sheet so as to form a closed structure having four walls defining the space of the box as seen in the erected configuration in FIG. 1C.

With reference to FIGS. 1C and 1D, the fold lines allow the development sheet to be folded between the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1D and a folded state shown in FIG. 1C.

It will be appreciated that any type of housing box may be used in conjuncture with the packaging parts as will be described hereinafter and fitted in shape and dimensions to the desired overall structure.

A Root System Assembly

The root system assembly is configured to protect a plant root system or a plant receptacle such as a vase or a plant pot. The root system assembly may be used in conjuncture with the shoot system assembly when transporting a plat or separately therefrom in which case the packaging pox will we adjusted in size and shape to snuggly receive the root system assembly with the receptacle therein (not shown).

As seen in FIGS. 1A, 1E, and IF a root system assembly 140 in accordance with one example of the disclosed subject matter is illustrated. The root system assembly is positionable within the package space S of the package housing box 120 and is configured to snuggly support the root part PP of the plant P. The root part of the plant may be received in a plant pot PP or a vase or securely enclosed in any type of suitable receptacle receivable in the root system assembly.

The root system assembly 140 is configured with a bottom base 142 (FIG. 1F) configured to support the plant P thereon and a retention member 144 being configured to snuggly support the plant root system and/or the plant pot PP, and prevent at least lateral displacement thereof. The retention member 144 includes one or more components that at least partially interface the plant pot PP to snuggly support the plant pot PP. The base 142 and the retention member 144 may be a single integral structure erected from a development sheet as will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1E and 1F. Alternatively, the base 142 and the retention member 144 may be two separate parts (not shown). Such parts may be either separate or interconnected or integrally formed as shown in the illustrated example. The base 142 is configured to support the plant P thereon and further absorb impact energy e.g. as imparted by movement of the plant P during transportation, absorb energy imparted by vertical forces applied over the plant P and in particular the plant root system (e.g. the pot) thus prevent mechanical damage to the plant P and the plant root system such as a pot.

The retention member 144 is configured to snugly enclose the plant root system (e.g. plant pot PP) and prevent unintentional movement of the plant P received therewithin and prevent mechanical damage, e.g. from lateral impact. It will be also appreciated that the retention member 144, when snuggly enclosing the plant pot PP, spreads the impact energy thereby reducing the impact to the plant pot PP. The root system assembly 140 is thus configured to protect the plant root system by dampening any impact imposed thereupon whether from vertical direction or lateral direction.

One example of the root system assembly is shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F. The root system assembly 140 is positionable within the package space S of the package housing box 120.

The root system assembly 140 is configured with a bottom base 142 configured to resist at least vertical impact and support the plant thereon and comprises a retention member 144 which is configured to snuggly support the plant root system and prevent at least lateral damage thereof. The retention member 144 as will be discussed herein is configured to absorb lateral impact forces while maintaining the plant in a substantially vertical configuration. The retention member 144 allows for a lateral displacement of the retaining structure while securely retaining the plant P therewithin. In the illustrated example the retention member 144 is integrally extending from the bottom base 142.

The root system assembly 140 (e.g., retention system) as seen in FIG. 1A (as well as FIG. 2A) houses a plant P. In FIG. 1A, a plant P is potted in the plant pot PP such that the plant pot PP is snuggly received within the receptacle erected by the retention member 144. In some embodiments, the plant pot PP may be shrink wrapped to further protect the plate pot PP and/or retain dirt in the plant pot PP in case the housing box 120 is turned upside down. In order for the retention member 144 to secure the plant root system (e.g. a pot) within the housing box and allow a plant P (e.g. its shoot, leaves etc.) to freely extend past the root system assembly 140, the structure has an open end 145 at least to allow the shoot of the plant P to pass therethrough.

As seen in FIGS. 1E and 1n cross sections in FIGS. 1G and 1J, the root system assembly (e.g., retention system) forms a cage like structure having a central back wall 146 connected to the bottom base 142 (e.g., base member) at its bottom edge with two bellows like side members 148 extending from the sides thereof (best seen in FIGS. 1E, 1G, and 1J). As best seen in FIG. 1G, which is a cross section B-B of in FIG. 1I, the bellows-like structure comprises four panels folded in a sigma-like structure (E). The structure is such that when folded the rear panels 147 are inwardly folded and may move between a position in which they extend substantially and movably parallel the central back wall 146 and at an angled respective position, and the front panels 149 are folded outwardly so as to abut the front wall 126B of the housing when received therein and in a closed configuration. The inner panels are angled outwardly so as to create a polygonal receptacle space configured to snugly hold the plant root system (e.g., a plant pot). Due to the bellows-like structure the polygonal receptacle space conforms to the dimensions of the received plant root system (e.g., a pot) by expanding or contracting such that at its most contracted state the polygonal space may be a quadrangle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B) and at its most expanded state the polygonal space may be a hexagon (e.g. as shown in FIG. 1G) while the inner panels are configured to contract and expand with respect to the central wall to accommodate for a lateral displacement of the receptacle space (and the plant when contained thereby).

The bottom base 142 of the root system assembly 140 fits snuggly within the housing box 120 when received therein and prevents the root system assembly 140 from sliding within the housing box 120, and the retention member 144 maintains the desired position of the plant root system within the housing box 120 (as seen in FIG. 1A) over the bottom base 142 (e.g., base member). Moreover, the root system assembly 140 (e.g., retention system assembly) allows a plant to remain erect within the housing box 120.

The bottom base 142 may be in the form of impact resistant structure (e.g., shock absorbing assembly) and comprises a structure having a cage-like reinforced support truss with a central load-bearing element L configured to bear at least vertical loads.

The impact resistant structure is provided with the top base plate T extending over the load-bearing element at a substantially horizontal configuration. In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, the support truss is configured to bear loads at various impact angles, e.g. vertical loads from the top or the bottom sides of the structure, loads applied at an angle to the cage-like reinforced support truss etc.

The arrangement being such that at the event of an impact applied thereto, such as from above or from the bottom, the support truss and the central load-bearing element L are configured to withstand the load (e.g. vertical load) applied thereto, whilst at least the top base plate T is supported in a configuration availing it to collapse slopingly downwards from the central load-bearing element L towards any one or both side edges thereof. The collapsing base plate T is supported from below to prevent it from complete collapsing into the cage base 142, thus the plant root system (e.g. the plant pot) when received thereon continues to be supported at least on the base plate T portion extending over the central load-bearing element L. It will be appreciated that the bottom panels of the bottom base 142 (e.g., base member) are supported in a configuration availing it to collapse to collapse inwards into the cage to absorb the vertical impact if applied respectively from the bottom side.

The cage-like support truss of the bottom base 142 comprises a top base plate, two side walls extending downwards from the base plate, a load-bearing assembly having a vertical load-bearing element (e.g., central load-bearing element L) spaced apart from the side walls, a horizontal load-bearing element (e.g., top base plate T) extending over the vertical load bearing element, two load-bearing surfaces substantially extending from the horizontal load-bearing element towards the bottom edge of the at least two side walls. As seen in FIGS. 1H and 1I, the support truss of the bottom base 142 further comprises two bottom plates, each extending between the side wall and the vertical load-bearing element. The arrangement is such that the height of the vertical load-bearing element (e.g., central load-bearing element L) is shorter than that of the sidewalls of the cage like support but higher than half the height thereof. As seen in FIGS. 1E and 1I, the load bearing surfaces are inclined such that their free edge extends toward the side walls. It will be appreciated that the two bottom plates are supported in a configuration availing it to incline inwards upon impact if such is received at the base of the housing box 120 during transportation. Due to such arrangement, upon impact, at least the height difference between the vertical load-bearing element (e.g., central load-bearing element L) and the side walls of the cage allows dampening and lessening the impact to the plant supported thereon and preventing the collapse of the cage formed at the bottom base 142 of the root system assembly 140 (e.g., plant root retaining assembly).

The overall configuration of the aforementioned components allows a potted plant to be safely and securely contained within a shipping box and configured to absorb lateral and vertical impact that might be applied during shipping and transportation.

FIG. 1F illustrates a top plan view of the root system assembly 140 having a plurality of panels separated by fold lines (illustrated by dashed lines) and cuts (illustrated by solid lines). The fold lines may be crushed portions of the material forming the housing (e.g. cardboard as discussed herein with respect to the housing box 120). Of course, depending on the material used to construct the assembly, the fold lines may be formed as mechanical hinges, thinned portions of the development sheet material, a kiss cut, a score, a crease, a perforation, a notch, a thin cross-section, or any other feature suitable for providing a lower resistance to folding/bending as compared to an area of the planar sheet without a deformation. It will be appreciated that any other appropriate mechanical connection which would allow various portions of the assembly to be folded with respect to each other.

In the present example, the development sheet comprises the retention member and integrally formed base member, such that the sheet comprises a central panel provided with a fold line and interconnecting the retention member and the base member, with the retention member comprising eight panels including a central back wall panel, side panels and front closing panels. The bottom base 142 integrally extends through the central panel, respective portion of which forms the top base panel (e.g. when folded) and is further provided with the panels forming the cage like impact resistant structure discussed herein (e.g. with reference to FIGS. 1E and 1G-1J). In the present example, the development sheet is further provided with extension flaps 143 configured to fold and extend the surface area of the edges of the panels when resting on the base plate and further arrest the respective movement of the panels of the retention member 142. The extension flaps 143 further provide a support to the sidewalls extending therefrom upwards so as to prevent their collapse and disperse the impact energy if received. The bottom base 142 is further provided with a locking arrangement seen here as a cut out section C and a flap F, configured to releasably lock when in the folded configuration, connecting the opposite sides of the sheet so as to form a closed cage like structure as seen in the erected configuration in FIGS. 1A, 1E, and H.

With reference to FIGS. 1E and 1F, the fold lines shown in dashed lines allow the development sheet to be folded between the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1F and a folded state shown in FIG. 1E.

FIGS. 1K and 1L illustrate yet another example of the root system assembly 500 in accordance with disclosed subject matter. As in the previous example, the root system assembly 500 comprises a base 520 and a retention member 540. In this example, as also seen in use in FIG. 1M, the retention member 540 is in the form of triangular columns 545 supported over the base 520 and extending therefrom to create a space S′ configured to receive the pot. The base 520 is in the form of a hollow cage, having a top plate 525, a base plate 527 and two opposite side walls 526 connecting the base and the top plates. Upon impact, the base 520 allows the energy to be absorbed thereby while maintaining the integrity of the structure.

A Shoot System Assembly

As seen for example in FIGS. 1A, 1N, and 1O, the shoot system assembly 160 comprises two rectangular panels 162 angled one with respect to the other having a longitudinal back support 163 hingedly interconnecting the panels, according to an embodiment. The back support 163 may be in a form of a fold line (not shown) or an elongated panel 163 forming a central back wall configured to rest against the back wall of the housing box 120. The angular space created by the panels 162 (e.g., walls) in the shoot system assembly 160 is configured to accommodate the shoot system of the plant (e.g. as seen in FIG. 1A).

The panels 162 each have a top edge 166, a bottom edge 168 and a front edge 169. The top edge 166 of the panels 162 is configured to rest against the underside of the top wall 122B of the housing box 120, the front edges 169 are configured to rest against the fold between the respective side wall 124A, 124B and the front wall 126B of the housing box 120, while the bottom edge 168 of each panel 162 is configured to rest over the top edge of the walls of retention member 144 and/or the plant pot PP.

When assembled and received within the housing box 120 (e.g., as seen in FIG. 1A) the shoot system assembly 160 (e.g., shoot retaining assembly) and the root system assembly (e.g., root retaining assembly) snugly fit therewithin and prevent at least axial displacement thereof. As seen for example in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1M the bottom edge 168 of the panels 162 of the shoot system assembly 160 rests over the plant pot received within the shoot system assembly 160 and/or the retention member 144. This configuration allows ensures that the plant remains in a desired position, even if the housing box 120 is turned upside down. For example, the panels 162 may extend substantially from the underside of the top wall 122B of the housing box 120 to the retention member 144. The panels 162, then, may hold the root system assembly 140 in position at the bottom region of the housing box 120, and also may hold the plant pot PP in place within the space S of the retention member 142 (shown in FIG. 1B).

In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, at least the bottom edge 168 of the panels 162 is provided with a foldable flap 164, which, when assembled, may be folded so as to provide for a surface area larger than the perimeter of the edge 168. The flap 164 may be folded away from the angular space configured to accommodate the shoot system of the plant and to rest over the top edges of the retention member 144 and/or the plant pot (as seen in FIG. 1A).

With reference to FIGS. 1N and 1O, the fold lines allow the shoot system assembly 160 (e.g., shoot system member) to be folded between the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1N and a folded state shown in FIG. 1O. In some embodiments, ventilation openings 165 may be present (as shown in FIG. 1N), and in some embodiments, the ventilation opening 165 may be absent (as shown in FIG. 1O). Such ventilation openings 165 provide for temperature and humidity control in the assembled packaging, in particular when used with insulating material (e.g., as seen in FIG. 1B). It will be appreciated that the packaging in the disclosed subject matter is modular with respect to the different root system assembly 140 and shoot system assembly 160 used accommodating different sizes and shaped of plants and plant pots and further modular to receive accessories and add-ons such as insulating layers provided at the inner space S of the housing box 120. It will be appreciated that the insulating layers I may be a single layer or multiple layers and may be provided to cover the entire periphery of the packaging box space or parts thereof.

FIG. 1P is a top planar view of a development of sheet material 800 used for erecting a plant shoot system retaining assembly according to an example of the disclosed subject matter. Similar to the shoot system assembly 160, the sheet material 800 may include fold lines to form two rectangular panels 862 angled one with respect to the other having a longitudinal back support 863 hingedly interconnecting the panels, according to an embodiment. The back support 863 may be in a form of an elongated panel 863 forming a central back wall configured to rest against the back wall of the housing box 120 and that is wider than the elongated panel 163 of the shoot system assembly 160. Once folded to erect the plant shoot system, the sheet material 800 may, for example, be used with the root assembly 500, described above. For example, after forming the shoot system assembly from the sheet material 800, the resulting shoot system assembly may be utilized with the root system assembly 500 to accommodate larger plants.

FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate various views and components of another embodiment of a plant package assembly 200, according to an embodiment. Unless otherwise noted, the plant package assembly 200 may include any aspect of the plant package assembly 100. For example, the plant package assembly 200 may include a housing box 220, a base wall 222A, a top wall 222B, a front wall 226B, a root system assembly 240, and/or a shoot assembly 260 that, unless otherwise noted, may include any aspect of the housing box 120, the base wall 122A, the top wall 122B, the front wall 126B, the root system assembly 140, and/or a shoot assembly 160 of the plant package assembly 100.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, as discussed above, in some embodiments of the plant package 200, the housing box may be provided with insulation material I. Such a material may for example enclose the shoot and the root system assemblies or parts thereof. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the housing box and or at least parts of the disclosed herein assemblies may be adjusted to accommodate for the presence of the insulating materials. One such example is illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2C with insulating material designated I. In this example the root system is modified to include a structure having a base and four extending therefrom walls as the insulating material is further configured to absorb any impact applied to the housing box or at least the root system.

FIG. 2A may include a root system assembly 700 of a different configuration that other root system assemblies described herein. In this example, the packaging is provided with the layer of insulating material I surrounding the inner side thereof. The shoot system assembly 700 in this example (shown in detail in FIG. 2F), is provided with a base plate 720 and four walls 740 extending upwardly therefrom creating a space configured to receive a plant pot PP therein (as seen in FIG. 1B). As further seen in FIG. 2A it is shaped and dimensioned to receive a plant pot therein. The root system assembly 700 in accordance with this example allows for dispersion of the impact energy across the structure thereby protecting the plant pot and\or the plant root system received therein. In some embodiments for accommodating larger plants, the root system assembly 700 may be replaced with multiple (e.g., four) triangular columns.

The shoot system assembly may be provided with ventilation opening(s) e.g., designated 930 in FIGS. 2D and 2E. In accordance with another example the shoot system may be provided with an arrangement for supporting other types of accessories, such as a plant pot holder.

In accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter the shoot system designated 900 in FIGS. 2C and 2E may be further provided with front panels which when folded enclose the shoot part of the plant as seen in FIGS. 2C-2E. In addition, in yet an example, the shoot system may be provided with areas configured to hold accessories, e.g., heat or cooling packs to control the temperature within the housing box (e.g. indents 920 seen e.g., in FIG. 2C). Accessories may also be in the form of plant pot holding stands shipped in the packaging box. It will be appreciated that appropriate adjustments will be made to the size and shape of the shoot retaining system assembly, e.g., by providing a notch to hold the bars thereof. Any of the shoot systems assemblies disclosed herein may be combined with any of the root system assemblies described herein in a package housing box.

As used herein, the term “about” or “substantially” refers to an allowable variance of the term modified by “about” by ±10% or ±5%. Further, the terms “less than,” “or less,” “greater than”, “more than,” or “or more” include as an endpoint, the value that is modified by the terms “less than,” “or less,” “greater than,” “more than,” or “or more.”

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiment disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A modular plant package, comprising: a package housing made of board material and defining a package space therewithin, the package housing, when in a folded closed position, comprising a base wall, a top wall opposite the base wall, two opposite side walls, a back wall and an opposite front wall;a root system assembly; anda shoot system assembly;wherein the root system assembly and the shoot system assembly are positionable within the package space of the package housing;wherein said root system assembly is configured to support a plant thereon and comprises a retention member being configured to support a root system of the plant in a plant pot and prevent at least lateral displacement thereof;wherein said shoot system assembly comprises at least two panel walls configured to accommodate a shoot system of the plant; andwherein free bottom edges of the at least two panel walls of the shoot system assembly partially rest against top edges of said root system assembly and/or the plant pot and the top edges rest against a top wall of the package housing, thereby arresting the root system assembly and/or the plant pot within the root system assembly and prevent at least axial displacement thereof.

2. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the root system assembly includes a bottom based that is configured to support the plant thereon and includes a shock absorbing assembly.

3. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the root system assembly is configured for accommodating a plant's root system with or without the plant pot.

4. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein side members of the root system assembly are configured for at least partially embracing side wall portions of the plant pot received therein.

5. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the root system assembly includes board material, and the board material of one or both of the package housing and/or the root system assembly is made of solid sheet material or multi-sheet material.

6. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the root system assembly includes board material, and the board material of one or both of the package housing and/or the root system assembly is made of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, carton, plastic materials, laminated materials, and various combinations of materials.

7. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein one or both of the package housing and the root system assembly is erected out of a single development sheet of board material.

8. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein at least portions of one or both of the package housing and root system assembly are made of transparent or translucent material.

9. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein at least portions of one or both of the package housing and root system assembly are made of, or coated with, liquid impermeable or liquid repelling or hydrophobic material.

10. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the package housing is configured with one or more carrying handles.

11. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the root system assembly is configured with pot cradling liner.

12. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the shoot system assembly is configured with a longitudinal back support.

13. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the shoot system of a plant receivable in the plant package is wrapped or received in a protective sleeve.

14. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the root system assembly has a shape corresponding with that of the package housing, or has a shape with a cross section having an inscribed polygon supported by inside wall surfaces of the package housing.

15. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the root system assembly has a shape corresponding with that of the package housing, or has a shape with a cross section having an inscribed circle supported by inside wall surfaces of the package housing.

16. The modular plant package of claim 1, wherein the root system assembly has a shape at least partially corresponding with that of the plant pot, or has a shape with a cross section supporting the walls of the plant pot.

17. A modular plant package assembly, comprising: a housing box defining an interior space;a root system assembly positioned or positionable in a first region of the interior space of the housing box, the root system assembly including a retention member having one or more members at least partially defining an open space sized to receive a plant pot and/or plant roots therein;a shoot system assembly positioned or positionable in a second region of the interior space of the housing assembly adjacent to the first region of the interior space, the shoot system including two panel walls angling towards one another and including a bottom edge positioned or positionable in the interior region to interface or engage with at least one of the retention member or the plant pot when the plant pot is received in the open space of the root system assembly.

18. The modular package assembly of claim 17, wherein: the two panel walls of the shoot system assembly include a top edge interfacing a top wall of the housing box;the root system assembly includes a bottom base interfacing a base wall of the housing box, the bottom base including a top plate positioned to at least partially define open space to receive the plant pot, one or more bottom plates spaced from the top plate, and one or more walls extending between the top plate and the one or more bottom plates.

19. The modular package assembly of claim 18, wherein the retention member includes multiple columns or multiple side members extending between the bottom edge of the two panel walls and the bottom base, the multiple columns or the multiple side members positioned to interface a portion of the plant pot when the plant pot is received in the open space.

20. The modular package assembly of claim 17, further comprising an insulating material disposed between a top wall of the housing box and a top edge of the two panel walls, a bottom wall of the housing box and the root system assembly, and between sidewalls of the housing box and the root system assembly and the shoot system assembly, the insulating material including a front flap sized to be positioned over the root system assembly and the shoot system assembly.