The present disclosure is in the technical field of protective packaging. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to retention packaging.
Protective packaging structures may be used to help protect a product during transport, for example, from physical shock, dust, and other contaminants. For example, a product may be enclosed in a box with additional packing materials (e.g., crumpled paper, air-filled plastic cushions, molded foam) to restrain the product movement inside the box and to cushion the product.
One type of packaging system is known as “retention packaging.” In typical retention packaging, a product is retained between a sheet and a rigid backing frame, which is sometimes the frame to which the sheet is attached. Another type of packaging system is known as suspension packaging. In typical suspension packaging, the packaged product is suspended between two sheets each attached to opposing frames sized to fit within a corresponding box. Examples of retention and suspension packaging are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,852,743; 4,923,065; 5,071,009; 5,287,968; 5,388,701; 5,678,695; 5,893,462; 6,010,006; 6,148,590; 6,148,591; 6,289,655; 6,302,274; and 6,311,844, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/782,208, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
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 of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In a first embodiment, a retention packaging assembly includes a frame, a first sheet assembly, and a second sheet assembly. The frame includes a central panel, a first end panel foldably coupled to the central panel, a second end panel foldably coupled to the central panel, a first set of wing panels, a second set of wing panels, a first sheet assembly, and a second sheet assembly. Each of the first set of wing panels is foldably coupled to the central panel and to the first end panel. Each of the second set of wing panels is foldably coupled to the central panel and to the second end panel. The first sheet assembly includes first slot panels and a first sheet. Ends of the first sheet are attached to the first slot panels. The first sheet spans between the first slot panels. Each of the first slot panels is selectively couplable to one of the first set of wing panels. The second sheet assembly includes second slot panels and a second sheet. Ends of the second sheet are attached to the second slot panels. The second sheet spans between the second slot panels. Each of the second slot panels is selectively couplable to one of the second set of wing panels. After the first slot panels are coupled to the first set of wing panels, the second slot panels are coupled to the second set of wing panels, and an object is placed on a front of the central panel, the first set of wing panels are configured to be folded to a back of the frame to cause the first sheet to retain a first side of the object to the central panel and the second set of wing panels are configured to be folded to the back of the frame to cause the second sheet to retain a second side of the object to the central panel. The first and second end panels are configured to be folded into a folded configuration. The frame further includes a first securing mechanism configured to hold the first end panel in the folded configuration with respect to the central panel and a second securing mechanism configured to hold the second end panel in the folded configuration with respect to the central panel.
In a second embodiment, each of the first set of wing panels of the first embodiment includes a tab. Each of the first slot panels includes a first slot. The first slot panels are selectively couplable to the first set of wing panels by inserting the tabs of the first set of wing panels through the first slots of the first slot panels.
In a third embodiment, each of the first slot panels of the second embodiment includes a first section that includes the first slot and a second section that includes a second slot. Each of the first slot panels is configured to be folded to place the first and second sections in an overlapping orientation. Each of the tabs of the first set of wing panels is configured to be inserted through both of the first and second slots of one of the first slot panels.
In a fourth embodiment, when one of the first slot panels of the third embodiment is folded with the first and second sections in the overlapping orientation, the first and second slots are in an offset position.
In a fifth embodiment, each of the second set of wing panels of any of the second to fourth embodiments includes a tab. Each of the second slot panels includes a slot. The second slot panels are selectively couplable to the second set of wing panels by inserting the tabs of the second set of wing panels through the slots of the second slot panels.
In a sixth embodiment, the first end panel of any of the preceding embodiments is configured to be folded into the folded configuration after the first set of wing panels are folded to the back of the frame. The second end panel is configured to be folded into the folded configuration after the second set of wing panels are folded to the back of the frame.
In a seventh embodiment, each of the first and second end panels of the sixth embodiment includes a first section and second section. When the first end panel is in the folded configuration, the first and second sections of the first end panel extend away from the front of the central panel. When the second end panel is in the folded configuration, the first and second sections of the first end panel extend away from the front of the central panel.
In an eighth embodiment, when the first end panel of the seventh embodiment is in the folded configuration, the first and second sections of the first end panel extend away from the front of the central panel a distance that is further than the object extends away from the central panel. When the second end panel is in the folded configuration, the first and second sections of the second end panel extend away from the front of the central panel a distance that is further than the object extends away from the central panel.
In a ninth embodiment, each of the first and second end panels of any of the seventh or eighth embodiments further includes a third section. When the first end panel is in the folded configuration, the third section of the first end panel is substantially parallel with the central panel. When the second end panel is in the folded configuration, the third section of the second end panel is substantially parallel with the central panel.
In a tenth embodiment, the second section of the first end panel of any of the seventh to ninth embodiments includes a first slot and the second section of the second end panel includes a second slot. The first securing mechanism is a first dovetail tab foldably coupled to the central panel and the second securing mechanism is a second dovetail tab foldably coupled to the central panel.
In an eleventh embodiment, the first dovetail tab of the tenth embodiment is configured to be secured to the first slot to hold the second section of the first end panel with respect to the central panel. The second dovetail tab is configured to be secured to the second slot to hold the second section of the second end panel with respect to the central panel.
In a twelfth embodiment, the frame of any of the preceding embodiments further includes a first handle panel foldably coupled to a top of the central panel.
In a thirteenth embodiment, the first handle panel of the twelfth embodiment includes one or more slots configured to accommodate a hand of a user to enable the user to lift the retention packaging assembly.
In a fourteenth embodiment, the first handle panel of any of the twelfth or thirteenth embodiments extends between the first and second sheets when the first and second sheets retain the first and second sides of the object to the central panel. The first handle panel is substantially centered between the first and second end panels.
In a fifteenth embodiment, the first sheet assembly of any of the preceding embodiments includes a first side panel that is fixed to a longitudinal side of the first sheet and extends beyond the longitudinal side of the first sheet. The second sheet assembly includes a second side panel that is fixed to a longitudinal side of the second sheet and extends beyond the longitudinal side of the second sheet.
In a sixteenth embodiment, the first side panel of the fifteenth embodiment is configured to be folded around a first lateral side of the object after the first set of wing panels are folded to the back of the frame. The second side panel is configured to be folded around a second lateral side of the object after the second set of wing panels are folded to the back of the frame.
In a seventeenth embodiment, when the first side panel of the sixteenth embodiment is folded around the first lateral side of the object, a portion of the first side panel that is not fixed to the first sheet is between the central panel and the object. When the second side panel is folded around the second lateral side of the object, a portion of the second side panel that is not fixed to the second sheet is between the central panel and the object.
In an eighteenth embodiment, the object of any of the preceding embodiments is a flat-screen television.
In a nineteenth embodiment, a system includes the retention packaging assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, an object configured to be retained to the central panel of the frame of the retention packaging assembly by the first and second sheets, and a container. The retention packaging assembly is configured to be placed inside the container when the object is retained to the central panel by the first and second sheets.
In a twentieth embodiment, the system of nineteenth embodiment further includes at least one peripheral container configured to hold one or more peripheral items.
In a twenty first embodiment, the peripheral container of the twentieth embodiment is formed from a container portion removed from one of the first and second sheet assemblies.
In a twenty second embodiment, the frame of the retention packaging assembly of any of the twentieth or twenty first embodiments further includes a handle panel foldably coupled to a top of the central panel.
In a twenty third embodiment, the at least one peripheral container of the twenty second embodiment includes a slot, and wherein the at least one peripheral container is placed in the container with a portion of the central panel inserted into the slot of the at least one peripheral container. The at least one peripheral container is located below a fold line between the central panel and the handle panel.
In a twenty fourth embodiment, the handle panel of the twenty third embodiment is configured to be folded with respect to the central panel about the fold line so that a portion of the handle panel covers an end of the at least one peripheral container.
In a twenty fifth embodiment, when the handle panel of the twenty fourth embodiment is folded with respect to the central panel about the fold line, the handle panel extends across an opening of the container.
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The present disclosure describes embodiments of retention packaging assemblies. In particular, the embodiments disclosed herein are directed to embodiments of retention packaging assemblies for large objects, such as flat screen televisions. It will be noted that, while the embodiments disclosed herein use flat screen televisions as an exemplary object for packaging in the retention packaging assemblies, any other object could be packaged in the retention packaging assemblies. For example, the retention packaging assemblies described herein could also be used to package computer monitors, picture frames, works of art (e.g., paintings and portraits), display cases, plaques, signs, computers, other electronics, white boards, chalk boards, building materials (e.g., wall paneling), or any other objects.
Various embodiments of retention package assemblies described herein utilize a combination of at least one frame and at least one sheet. In some embodiments, a frame, or any portion thereof, comprises a substantially rigid, lightweight, foldable material. In some examples, a frame, or any portions of the frame, are formed of one or more of the following materials: cellulosic-based materials (e.g., cardboard, corrugated cardboard, paperboard), plastic, and compressed foam. In one example, a frame may comprise corrugated cardboard, such as any of single-wall B-flute, C-flute, and/or E-flute corrugated cardboard, B/C double-wall corrugated cardboard, E/B double-wall corrugated cardboard, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a frame has a predetermined average thickness. In some examples, the average thickness of the frame may be at most about, and/or at least about, any of the following thicknesses: 0.03, 0.06, 0.12, 0.18, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 inches.
In some cases, a frame, or any portion thereof, may be configured to be folded. In some embodiments, a fold line is located between two panels and the two panels are configured to be folded with respect to each other along the fold line. A “fold line,” as used herein, represents a line along which a panel, frame, or other material has been creased, crimped, embossed, perforated, scored, or otherwise weakened so as to enhance the foldability of the panel, frame, or other material along the fold line. In some embodiments, a fold line may permit two panels on either side of the fold line to be folded at any angle less than 180° (i.e., less than an unfolded (“lay-flat”) configuration of the panels) including, but not limited to, an angle of approximately 90°.
Sheets used in combination with frames may be used to retain objects against the frames. Any of the sheets in the various embodiments described herein (collectively, “the sheets”) may comprise any of the materials, compositions, and polymers set forth herein with respect to sheets, and may have any thickness, properties, treatments, additives, and other characteristics (e.g., flexibility, elasticity, optics, strength, elastic recovery, transparency, load tear resistance, puncture resistance) as set forth herein with respect to sheets.
In some embodiments, the sheet has a composition and thickness providing acceptable performance properties (e.g., flexibility, elasticity, optics, strength) for the given packaging application of expected use. In some examples, the sheets have a thickness of at most any of the following: 10 mils, 6 mils, 5 mils, 4 mils, 3 mils, 2 mils, 1.5 mils, and 1 mil. (A “mil” is equal to 0.001 inch.) In some examples, the sheets have a thickness of at least any of the following: 0.5 mils, 1 mil, 1.5 mils, 2 mils, and 3 mils.
In some embodiments, the sheets have an elastic recovery in either or both of the transverse and longitudinal directions of at least any of the following values: 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, and 85%, measured according to ASTM D5459 at 100% strain, 30 seconds relaxation time, and 60 second recovery time.
In some embodiments, the sheets have a maximum load tear resistance in either or both of the transverse and longitudinal directions of at least any of the following values: 400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 grams force, measured according to ASTM D1004.
In some embodiments, the sheets have a slow puncture maximum load of at least any of the following values: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, and 7 pounds force, measured according to ASTM F1306 using a crosshead speed of 5 inches per minute.
In some embodiments, the sheets have a Young's modulus sufficient to withstand the expected handling and use conditions, yet may provide a “soft” feel that may be desirable for a packaging application. The sheets may have a Young's modulus of at least any of the following values: 2,000; 2,500; 3,000; 3,500; and 4,000 pounds/square inch. The sheets may have a Young's modulus of no more than about any of the following values: 8,000; 10,000; 15,000; 20,000; 30,000; and 40,000 pounds/square inch. The Young's modulus is measured in accordance with ASTM D882, measured at a temperature of 73° F.
In some embodiments, the sheets are transparent so that a packaged article is visible through the sheet. As used herein, “transparent” means that the material transmits incident light with negligible scattering and little absorption, enabling objects to be seen clearly through the material under typical unaided viewing conditions (i.e., the expected use conditions of the material). The transparency (i.e., clarity) of the retention sheet may be at least any of the following values: 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, and 90%, measured in accordance with ASTM D1746.
In some embodiments, the sheets have a heat-shrink attribute. In some examples, the sheets have any one of: a free shrink in at least one direction (i.e., machine or transverse directions), a free shrink in each of at least two directions (i.e., machine and transverse directions), measured at any of 160° F. and 180° F. of at least any of the following: 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65%. In other embodiments, the sheets are non-heat shrinkable (i.e., has a total free shrink of less than 5% measured at 160° F.). Unless otherwise indicated, each reference to free shrink in this application means a free shrink determined by measuring the percent dimensional change in a 10 cm×10 cm specimen when subjected to selected heat (i.e., at a certain temperature exposure) according to ASTM D 2732.
In some embodiments, the sheets include one or more fabrics. For example, in some embodiments, the sheets include one or more of the following: wovens, knits, nonwovens, and openwork meshes (e.g., netting), spandex, including Lycra® brand spandex, and elastic fabrics.
In some embodiments, the sheets include one or more polymers. In some examples, the sheets include one or more of any of the following polymers: thermoplastic polymers, polyolefins, polyethylene homopolymers (e.g., low density polyethylene), polyethylene copolymers (e.g., ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers (“EAOs”), ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymers, and ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid), polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, various types of natural or synthetic rubber (e.g., styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, neoprene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polysiloxane, nitrile rubber, and butyl rubber), and polyurethane (i.e., any one or more of polyurethane, polyether polyurethane, polyester polyurethane, and polycarbonate polyurethane, any of which may be aliphatic and/or aromatic). In some embodiments, the sheets include thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPOs), which are two-component elastomer systems comprising an elastomer (such as EPDM) finely dispersed in a thermoplastic polyolefin (such as polypropylene or polyethylene). As used in this application, “copolymer” means a polymer derived from two or more types of monomers, and includes terpolymers, etc.
In some embodiments, the sheets include polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene), polyvinyl chloride, and/or polyurethane. In some examples, such embodiments of the sheets have a thickness of from 2 to 4 mils. Such embodiments of the sheets may be useful for lightweight applications. In some examples, the sheets that include polyurethane may provide desirable elastomeric, puncture resistance, temperature resistance, and tackiness characteristics.
In some embodiments, the sheets include effective amounts of one or more of tackifiers, antiblocking agents, and slip agents—or may be essentially free of any of these components. Tackifiers, antiblocking agents, and slip agents, and their effective amounts, are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In some embodiments, the sheets are manufactured by thermoplastic film-forming processes known in the art (e.g., tubular or blown-film extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion coating, flat or cast film extrusion). In some embodiments, a combination of these processes is also employed to manufacture the sheets.
In some embodiments, at least one side of the sheets is corona and/or plasma treated to change the surface energy of the sheets. In one example, the change in surface energy increases the ability of the sheets to adhere to a panel or frame.
Films that may be useful as the sheets are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,147, issued Jul. 5, 2005, and entitled “Packaging Structure Having a Frame and Film,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
By using types of machinery well known to those of skill in the field, frames may be cut to the desired shapes and provided with fold lines or lines of detachability, using the known types of machinery, for example, to slit, crease, crimp, emboss, perforate, scored, or otherwise weaken the panel in desired regions. In some embodiments, films may be adhered to frames in one or more selected areas. In some embodiments, the sheets are attached to frames by laminating or adhering the sheets with adhesive to the frames. In some embodiments, the material of the sheets is provided in roll form or unrolled form, and then cut to the desired length and width either before or after attachment to the frames.
In some examples, descriptions herein of attaching a sheet to a frame and/or a frame to a frame may include attaching using an adhesive. However, in other embodiments, attaching a sheet to a frame and/or a frame to a frame may be accomplished by one or more of any of the following: adhering (e.g., with hot melt adhesive), gluing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, stapling, tacking, fastening, clipping (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,744 to Jones, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference), tab/slot engagement (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,761 to Jones, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference), anchoring, retaining and/or securing (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0108239 A1 to McDonald et al. published Jun. 10, 2004, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, and which discloses a sleeve having pockets or pouches for receiving a flap as shown in FIGS. 24-25 and related discussion therein). The sheets of any embodiments described herein may be attached by one or more of any of the attachment ways described herein. Useful types of adhesives for attaching sheets to frames are known to those of skill in the art, and of course depend on the composition of the materials to be adhered. For example, a polyurethane-based sheet may be adhered with a polyurethane-based adhesive, such as a water-borne aliphatic polyurethane dispersion.
Depicted in
The frame 100 also includes an end panel 104 that is rotatably coupled to the central panel 102 by fold lines. In the depicted embodiment, the end panel 104 has a first section 1041, a second section 1042, and a third section 1043. In the depicted embodiment, the first section 1041 of the end panel 104 is located between (i) the fold lines between the central panel 102 and the end panel 104 and (ii) the fold lines between the first section 1041 and the second section 1042; the second section 1042 of the end panel 104 is located between (i) the fold lines between the first section 1041 and the second section 1042 and (ii) the fold lines between the second section 1042 and the third section 1043; and the third section 1043 of the end panel 104 is located between (i) the fold lines between the second section 1042 and the third section 1043 and (ii) the left end of the frame 100. In the depicted embodiment, the frame 100 includes a combination of crimped lines (dashed lines) and slits (solid lines) between the set of the first and second sections 1041 and 1042 and between the second and third sections 1042 and 1043.
The frame 100 also includes an end panel 106 that is rotatably coupled to the central panel 102 by fold lines. In the depicted embodiment, the end panels 104 and 106 are rotatably coupled to opposite ends of the central panel 102. In the depicted embodiment, the end panel 106 has a first section 1061, a second section 1062, and a third section 1063. In the depicted embodiment, the first section 1061 of the end panel 106 is located between (i) the fold lines between the central panel 102 and the end panel 106 and (ii) the fold lines between the first section 1061 and the second section 1062; the second section 1062 of the end panel 106 is located between (i) the fold lines between the first section 1061 and the second section 1062 and (ii) the fold lines between the second section 1062 and the third section 1063; and the third section 1063 of the end panel 106 is located between (i) the fold lines between the second section 1062 and the third section 1063 and (ii) the left end of the frame 100. In the depicted embodiment, the frame 100 includes a combination of crimped lines (dashed lines) and slits (solid lines) between the set of the first and second sections 1061 and 1062 and between the second and third sections 1062 and 1063.
The frame 100 includes a wing panel 108 and a wing panel 110 that form a first set of wing panels. The wing panel 108 is rotatably coupled to each of the central panel 102 and the end panel 104. In the depicted embodiment, the wing panel 108 is rotatably coupled to each of the central panel 102 and the second section 1042 of the end panel 104. The wing panel 110 is rotatably coupled to each of the central panel 102 and the end panel 104. In the depicted embodiment, the wing panel 110 is rotatably coupled to each of the central panel 102 and the second section 1042 of the end panel 104. In the depicted embodiment, the wing panels 108 and 110 are rotatably coupled to oppose sides of the central panel 102 and the end panel 104. In some embodiments, the wing panels 108 and 110 are couplable to a sheet assembly. In the depicted embodiment, the wing panel 108 includes a tab 112 and the wing panel 110 includes a tab 114, and the tabs 112 and 114 are couplable to a sheet assembly.
The frame 100 also includes a wing panel 116 and a wing panel 118 that form a second set of wing panels. The wing panel 116 is rotatably coupled to each of the central panel 102 and the end panel 104. In the depicted embodiment, the wing panel 116 is rotatably coupled to each of the central panel 102 and the second section 1062 of the end panel 106. The wing panel 118 is rotatably coupled to each of the central panel 102 and the end panel 106. In the depicted embodiment, the wing panel 118 is rotatably coupled to each of the central panel 102 and the second section 1062 of the end panel 106. In the depicted embodiment, the wing panels 116 and 118 are rotatably coupled to oppose sides of the central panel 102 and the end panel 106. In some embodiments, the wing panels 116 and 118 are couplable to a sheet assembly. In the depicted embodiment, the wing panel 116 includes a tab 120 and the wing panel 118 includes a tab 122, and the tabs 120 and 122 are couplable to a sheet assembly.
The frame 100 also includes a handle panel 124. The handle panel 124 includes slots 126. In some embodiments, the slots 126 are configured to accommodate a hand of a user to enable the user to lift the frame 100 when the frame 100 is formed into a retention packaging assembly. The frame 100 also includes a bottom panel 136. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom panel 136 extends away from a portion of the lower edge of the central panel 102. In addition, in the depicted embodiment, there is no folding line between the bottom panel 136 and the central panel 102 and there is no folding line on the bottom panel 136 itself.
In the depicted embodiment, the frame 100 also includes a dovetail tab 128 that is rotatably coupled to the central panel 102 by a fold line. Aside from the fold line between the dovetail tab 128 and the central panel 102, the rest of the sides of the dovetail tab 128 are cut through the thickness of the frame 100. In this way, the dovetail tab 128 can be removed from the lay-flat configuration by a user manually rotating the dovetail tab 128 from plane of the central panel 102 about the fold line between the central panel 102 and the dovetail tab 128. The frame 100 also includes a slot 130 in the end panel 104. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 130 is in the second section 1042 of the end panel 104. In some embodiments, the slot 130 is aligned with the dovetail tab 128 so that the dovetail tab 128 can be secured to the slot 130 to hold the end panel 104 in a folded configuration with respect to the central panel 102. In some embodiments, the dovetail tab 128 includes one or more fold lines to enable the dovetail tab 128 to be inserted into the slot 130 to secure the dovetail tab 128 to the slot 130. An example of the dovetail tab 128 secured to the slot 130 to hold the end panel 104 in a folded configuration with respect to the central panel 102 is described below.
In the depicted embodiment, the frame 100 also includes a dovetail tab 132 that is rotatably coupled to the central panel 102 by a fold line. Aside from the fold line between the dovetail tab 132 and the central panel 102, the rest of the sides of the dovetail tab 132 are cut through the thickness of the frame 100. In this way, the dovetail tab 132 can be removed from the lay-flat configuration by a user manually rotating the dovetail tab 132 from plane of the central panel 102 about the fold line between the central panel 102 and the dovetail tab 132. The frame 100 also includes a slot 134 in the end panel 106. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 134 is in the second section 1062 of the end panel 106. In some embodiments, the slot 134 is aligned with the dovetail tab 132 so that the dovetail tab 132 can be secured to the slot 134 to hold the end panel 106 in a folded configuration with respect to the central panel 102. In some embodiments, the dovetail tab 132 includes one or more fold lines to enable the dovetail tab 132 to be inserted into the slot 134 to secure the dovetail tab 132 to the slot 134. An example of the dovetail tab 132 secured to the slot 134 to hold the end panel 106 in a folded configuration with respect to the central panel 102 is described below.
When viewing the frame 100 in
Depicted in
In the depicted embodiment, the slot panel 204 includes a first section 210 and a second section 212. In the depicted embodiment, the first section 210 of the slot panel 204 is located between (i) the weakened portion between the removable panel 202 and the slot panel 204, and (ii) fold lines between the first section 210 and the second section 212; and the second section 212 of the slot panel 204 is located between (i) the fold lines between the first section 210 and the second section 212 and (ii) the left end of the slot panel 204. The slot panel 204 also includes a slot 214 in the first section 210 and a slot 216 in the second section 212. In some embodiments, the slots 214 and 216 are arranged such that one of the tabs 112 and 114 can be inserted through both of the slots 214 and 216. An example of the tab 112 passing through both of the slots 214 and 216 is described below.
In the depicted embodiment, the slot panel 206 includes a first section 218 and a second section 220. In the depicted embodiment, the first section 218 of the slot panel 206 is located between (i) the weakened portion between the removable panel 202 and the slot panel 206, and (ii) fold lines between the first section 218 and the second section 220; and the second section 220 of the slot panel 206 is located between (i) the fold lines between the first section 218 and the second section 220 and (ii) the right end of the slot panel 206. The slot panel 206 also includes a slot 222 in the first section 218 and a slot 224 in the second section 220. In some embodiments, the slots 222 and 224 are arranged such that one of the tabs 112 and 114 can be inserted through both of the slots 222 and 224. An example of the tab 114 passing through both of the slots 222 and 224 is described below.
The frame of the sheet assembly 200 also includes a side panel 226. In some embodiments, the side panel 226 is affixed to the sheet 208 on a longitudinal side of the sheet 208 and the side panel 226 extends beyond the longitudinal side of the sheet 208. The longitudinal side of the sheet 208 is located at the top of the sheet 208 in the depiction shown in
In in some embodiments, the removable panel 202 includes a container portion 228. In the depicted embodiment, the container portion 228 is bordered by (i) the weakened portion between the removable panel 202 and the slot panel 204, (ii) a weakened portion between the container portion 228 and a disposable portion 230, (iii) the weakened portion between the removable panel 202 and the slot panel 206, and (iv) a weakened portion between the container portion 228 and a disposable portion 232. As is also shown in the depicted embodiment, the weakened between the removable panel 202 and the side panel 226 is between the disposable portion 232 and the side panel 226.
Depicted in
In the depicted embodiment, the slot panel 304 includes a first section 310 and a second section 312. In the depicted embodiment, the first section 310 of the slot panel 304 is located between (i) the weakened portion between the removable panel 302 and the slot panel 304, and (ii) fold lines between the first section 310 and the second section 312; and the second section 312 of the slot panel 304 is located between (i) the fold lines between the first section 310 and the second section 312 and (ii) the left end of the slot panel 304. The slot panel 304 also includes a slot 314 in the first section 310 and a slot 316 in the second section 312. In some embodiments, the slots 314 and 316 are arranged such that one of the tabs 120 and 122 can be inserted through both of the slots 314 and 316. An example of the tab 120 passing through both of the slots 314 and 316 is described below.
In the depicted embodiment, the slot panel 306 includes a first section 318 and a second section 320. In the depicted embodiment, the first section 318 of the slot panel 306 is located between (i) the weakened portion between the removable panel 302 and the slot panel 306, and (ii) fold lines between the first section 318 and the second section 320; and the second section 320 of the slot panel 306 is located between (i) the fold lines between the first section 318 and the second section 320 and (ii) the right end of the slot panel 306. The slot panel 306 also includes a slot 322 in the first section 318 and a slot 324 in the second section 320. In some embodiments, the slots 322 and 324 are arranged such that one of the tabs 120 and 122 can be inserted through both of the slots 322 and 324. An example of the tab 122 passing through both of the slots 322 and 324 is described below.
The frame of the sheet assembly 300 also includes a side panel 326. In some embodiments, the side panel 326 is affixed to the sheet 308 on a longitudinal side of the sheet 308 and the side panel 326 extends beyond the longitudinal side of the sheet 308. The longitudinal side of the sheet 308 is located at the top of the sheet 308 in the depiction shown in
In in some embodiments, the removable panel 302 includes a container portion 328. In the depicted embodiment, the container portion 328 is bordered by (i) the weakened portion between the removable panel 302 and the slot panel 304, (ii) a weakened portion between the container portion 328 and a disposable portion 330, (iii) the weakened portion between the removable panel 302 and the slot panel 306, and (iv) a weakened portion between the container portion 328 and a disposable portion 332. As is also shown in the depicted embodiment, the weakened between the removable panel 302 and the side panel 326 is between the disposable portion 332 and the side panel 326.
One embodiment of packaging an object, such as a flat screen television, can be packaged using a retention packaging assembly that includes a frame is depicted in a series of instances shown in
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This rotation of the wing panels 108 and 110 to the orientation shown in
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This rotation of the wing panels 116 and 118 to the orientation shown in
In the embodiment depicted in
With the sheets 208 and 308 locked into place and the end panels 104 and 106 secured in the folded configuration, as shown in
In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in
With the container 400 closed, as shown in
Returning to the entire process shown in
For purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” and the like, should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. Unless stated otherwise, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like are used to mean within 5% of a target value.
The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2019/046599 | 8/15/2019 | WO | 00 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2020/037096 | 2/20/2020 | WO | A |
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