Packaging Assembly

This disclosure relates to packaging. More specifically, this disclosure relates to packaging for large and heavy items.

Packaging elements can be designed for a variety of applications and purposes. Various packaging elements need to be loaded from the top, side, or bottom in various applications. In some cases, access locations can be different from loading locations. Such requirements can cause challenges if the packaged elements are particularly heavy. Additionally, stacking of such packaging elements can require additional structural elements that can require additional parts and assembly.

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.

Disclosed is a blank formable into a tray that can include a bottom panel, the bottom panel can be rectangular in shape; a first side panel can be connected to the bottom panel by a first side panel line; at least one support assembly panel can be connected to the first side panel by a first support assembly line; a second side panel can be connected to the bottom panel by a second side panel line; at least one support assembly panel can be connected to the second side panel by a second support assembly line; and, at least one end panel can be connected to the bottom panel by an end panel line.

Also disclosed is a packaging assembly that can include a tray, the tray can be formed from a blank and can include a bottom panel; a first side panel can be connected to the bottom panel; a second side panel can be connected to the bottom panel; at least one support assembly can be releasably connected to the first side panel; at least one support assembly can be releasably connected to the second side panel; at least one end panel can be releasably connected to the bottom panel; and each end panel can be secured to two support assemblies, wherein the tray can define an opening between the first side panel, the second side panel, and each end panel; and a sleeve that can be sized to shroud the tray, the sleeve can thereby covering the opening.

Also disclosed is a method of forming a tray that can include obtaining a blank that can be formable into a tray, the blank can include a bottom panel, the bottom panel can be rectangular in shape; a first side panel can be connected to the bottom panel by a first side panel line; at least one support assembly panel can be connected to the first side panel by a first support assembly line; a second side panel can be connected to the bottom panel by a second side panel line; at least one support assembly panel can be connected to the second side panel by a second support assembly line; and, at least one end panel can be connected to the bottom panel by an end panel line; wherein each end panel can include at least one snap, and wherein each support assembly panel can define at least one snap receiver; each support assembly panel can be bent to form a support assembly from each support assembly panel; each side panel can be bent with respect to the bottom panel along each side panel line such that each side panel can be arranged orthogonally with respect to the bottom panel; each end panel can be bent with respect to the bottom along each end panel line such that each end panel can be arranged orthogonally with respect to the bottom panel and in contact with at least two support assemblies; each end panel can be secured to at least two support assemblies by connected at least one snap into each snap receiver.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may comprise additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects described herein while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a quantity of one of a particular element can comprise two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. In addition, any of the elements described herein can be a first such element, a second such element, and so forth (e.g., a first widget and a second widget, even if only a “widget” is referenced).

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes, and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur and that the description comprises instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also comprises any combination of members of that list. The phrase “at least one of A and B” as used herein means “only A, only B, or both A and B”; while the phrase “one of A and B” means “A or B.”

As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term “monolithic” in the description of a component means that the component is formed as a singular component that constitutes a single material without joints or seams. Unless otherwise specified herein, any structure disclosed in the drawings or in the written description as being so formed can be monolithic whether or not such an explicit description of the structure is included herein.

To simplify the description of various elements disclosed herein, the conventions of “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inside,” “outside,” “inboard,” “outboard,” “horizontal,” and/or “vertical” may be referenced. Unless stated otherwise, “front” describes that end of a break check valve nearest to an outlet of the valve, and “rear” is the end of the break check valve which can be opposite or distal the front. “Horizontal” or “horizontal orientation” describes that which is in a plane extending from left to right and aligned with the horizon. “Vertical” or “vertical orientation” describes that which is in a plane which can be angled at 90 degrees to the horizontal.

Disclosed is a packaging assembly and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. The packaging assembly can be formed of various blanks. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed packaging assembly is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

One embodiment of a blankis disclosed and described with reference to. In various aspects, the blankcan be comprised of corrugated cardboard. In various aspects, the blankcan be made of varying materials including various paperboards, fiberboards, cardboards, card stock, various plastics, and various other materials that would be understood by one of skill in the art to be applicable for the uses described herein. No particular material should be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosure herein.

The blankcan comprise an assortment of panels. The blankcan be formable into a tray in the current aspect. A bottom panelcan be seen at the center of the blank. The bottom panelcan be rectangular in shape in various aspects. A side panelcan be connected to the bottom panelby a line.

In various aspects, a “line” or a plurality of “lines” can refer to bends, perforations, cuts, creases, or combinations of bends, cuts, perforations, and creases. In various aspects, perforations can be ⅜ inches; in various aspects, perforations can be ¼ inches; in various aspects, cuts can be ½ inches; in various aspects, perforations and cuts can be of variant sizes. If not specified in the disclosure, one of skill in the art would understand that various lines described herein can be interchangeable between various aspects of the current disclosure, and one of skill in the art would not understand any particular embodiment of “line” or “lines” to be limiting on the scope of the disclosure.

A side panelcan be connected to the bottom panelby a line. In various aspects, lines,can be bend lines. In various aspects, each side panel,can be rectangular in shape. In various aspects, each side panel,can be about the same size as the other side panel,and can be of a length that is about the same as the bottom panel.

An end panelcan be connected to the bottom panelby a line. The end panelcan be about rectangular in shape and can be of about the same width as the bottom panel. An end panelcan be connected to the bottom panelby a line. The end panelcan be about rectangular in shape and can be of about the same width as the bottom panel. In various aspects, each end panel,can be about the same size as the other side panel,.

One of skill in the art would understand that the lines,can be of various compositions in various aspects of the current disclosure. In the current aspect, each of the lines,can be a perforated line. The perforated line can be arranged such that each end panel,can be separated from the bottom panelby sufficient force applied as will be discussed in further depth elsewhere in this disclosure.

A support assembly panelcan be connected to the sideby a line. A support assembly panelcan be connected to the sideby a line. A support assembly panelcan be connected to the sideby a line. A support assembly panelcan be connected to the sideby a line. One of skill in the art would understand that the lines,,,can be of various compositions in various aspects of the current disclosure. In the current aspect, each of the lines,,,can be a perforated line. The perforated line can be arranged such that each end panel support assembly panel,,,can be separated from the sides,by sufficient force applied as will be discussed in further depth elsewhere in this disclosure.

The support assembly panelcan comprise a first snap panel, a first boxing panel, an internal panel, a second boxing panel, and a second snap panel. The first snap panelcan be connected to the first boxing panelby a line. The first boxing panelcan be connected to the internal panelby a line. The internal panelcan be connected to the second boxing panelby a line. The second boxing panelcan be connected to the second snap panelby a line. In the current aspect, the lines,,,can be bend lines. The first snap panelcan define a first snap receiverand a second snap receiver. Each snap receiver,can be a void defined in the first snap panel. Similarly, the second snap panelcan define a first snap receiverand a second snap receiver. Each snap receiver,can be a void defined in the second snap panel. In the current aspect, each snap receiver,,,can be rectangular in shape. In various aspects, various shapes can be utilized in accordance with knowledge of one of skill in the art.

The support assembly panelcan comprise a first snap panel, a first boxing panel, an internal panel, a second boxing panel, and a second snap panel. The first snap panelcan be connected to the first boxing panel by a line. The first boxing panelcan be connected to the internal panelby a line. The internal panelcan be connected to the second boxing panelby a line. The second boxing panelcan be connected to the second snap panelby a line. In the current aspect, the lines,,,can be bend lines. The first snap panelcan define a first snap receiverand a second snap receiver. Each snap receiver,can be a void defined in the first snap panel. Similarly, the second snap panelcan define a first snap receiverand a second snap receiver. Each snap receiver,can be a void defined in the second snap panel. In the current aspect, each snap receiver,,,can be rectangular in shape. In various aspects, various shapes can be utilized in accordance with knowledge of one of skill in the art.

The support assembly panelcan comprise a first snap panel, a first boxing panel, an internal panel, a second boxing panel, and a second snap panel. The first snap panelcan be connected to the first boxing panelby a line. The first boxing panelcan be connected to the internal panelby a line. The internal panelcan be connected to the second boxing panelby a line. The second boxing panelcan be connected to the second snap panelby a line. In the current aspect, the lines,,,can be bend lines. The first snap panelcan define a first snap receiverand a second snap receiver. Each snap receiver,can be a void defined in the first snap panel. Similarly, the second snap panelcan define a first snap receiverand a second snap receiver. Each snap receiver,can be a void defined in the second snap panel. In the current aspect, each snap receiver,,,can be rectangular in shape. In various aspects, various shapes can be utilized in accordance with knowledge of one of skill in the art.

The support assembly panelcan comprise a first snap panel, a first boxing panel, an internal panel, a second boxing panel, and a second snap panel. The first snap panelcan be connected to the first boxing panel by a line. The first boxing panelcan be connected to the internal panelby a line. The internal panelcan be connected to the second boxing panelby a line. The second boxing panelcan be connected to the second snap panelby a line. In the current aspect, the lines,,,can be bend lines. The first snap panelcan define a first snap receiverand a second snap receiver. Each snap receiver,can be a void defined in the first snap panel. Similarly, the second snap panelcan define a first snap receiverand a second snap receiver. Each snap receiver,can be a void defined in the second snap panel. In the current aspect, each snap receiver,,,can be rectangular in shape. In various aspects, various shapes can be utilized in accordance with knowledge of one of skill in the art.

In various aspects, the blankcan be comprised of corrugated cardboard, as previously noted. In some aspects, the corrugation direction of the cardboard can be aligned with a particular direction to increase strength in that direction. As such, in various aspects, the corrugation direction can be aligned with lines,,,,, and, among others. Such arrangement need not be present in all aspects of the current disclosure.

Various dimensions can be utilized in various aspects of the current disclosure. The bottom panelcan be of a widthof about 47 and 11/16 inches. The bottom panelcan be of a lengthof about 21 and 1/16 inches. Each end panel,can be of a widthof about 14 and ⅛ inches. An overall widthof the blankcan be about 75 and 15/16 inches. An overall lengthof the blankcan be about 49 and 5/16 inches.

As previously mentioned, the corrugation direction can be aligned with the “length” direction, generally being parallel to lengthand length. In assembly, such a corrugation direction can assist with structural integrity when stacking the resultant packaging.

The end panelcan comprise a plurality of snaps(labeled asand). The end panelcan comprise a plurality of snaps(labeled asand). A view of the snapthat is representative of all snaps,can be seen with reference to. Although snapis shown with respect to, the snapin the current aspect can be representative of all the snapsandin the current aspect. In the current aspect, the snapcan comprise a plurality of bend lines and a plurality of cut lines. Cut lines represent locations of separation of the varying elements shown touching the cut line, such that the elements can be movable in space with respect to one another. Bend lines, as previously described, can be locations where the elements are not separated from one another and are simply bent with respect to one another.

The snapof the current aspect can be designed to be inserted in the snap receivers (,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,). Each snapcan comprise a stubconnected to the end panelby bend line. Cut lines,can be arranged on sides of the stub. The stubcan be connected to a central portionby a bend line. The stubcan be rectangular in the current aspect and defined by bend lines,and cut lines,. In various aspects, various shapes can be utilized as would be understood by one of skill in the art.

The central portionof the snapcan be about triangular in shape. The central portioncan be connected to a first side portionby a bend line. The central portioncan be connected to a second side portionby a bend line. Each side portion,can be shaped and arranged extending away from the central portionand outside of a width of the stub. A cut linecan extend around the perimeter of the first side portionto define a separable border with the end panel. Similarly, a cut linecan extend around the perimeter of the first side portionto define a separable border with the end panel.

Because of the triangular shape of the central portion, bend lines,can allow the side portions,to be bent inwardly toward the central portionand stub. Shape memory in the material of the blankcan bias the side portions,toward opening. As such, each snap(and) of the current aspect can be utilized as a way of connecting the end panels,to the snap receivers (,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,).

Assembly and use steps can be followed with reference to the following discussion. As seen with reference to, the blankcan be laid out and prepared for assembly. With reference to, the first step of assembly can comprise forming support assemblies′,′,′,′ from support assembly panels,,,, respectively. The support assembly panels,can be rolled up into support assemblies′,′ as an initial step. Each line,,,in support assembly panelcan be used to bend the various panels,,,,of the support assembly panelwith respect to one another. Simultaneously, each line,,,in support assembly panelcan be used to bend the various panels,,,,of the support assembly panelwith respect to one another. The support assembly panelcan be bent such that the first snap panelcan be in contact with the second snap panelsuch that an inner surface of the first snap panelcan be in contact with an outer surface of the second snap panel. Similarly, the support assembly panelcan be bent such that the first snap panelcan be in contact with the second snap panelsuch that an inner surface of the first snap panelcan be in contact with an outer surface of the second snap panel. In assembly, similar steps can be performed with the support assembly panels,at the initial stage or later in the assembly process.

As seen with reference to, the support assemblies′,′,′,′ can be seen in full formation. Each side panel,can then be seen being bent along lines,, respectively. The formed support assembly′ can define a top endand a bottom end. The formed support assembly′ can define a top endand a bottom end. The formed support assembly′ can define a top endand a bottom end. The formed support assembly′ can define a top endand a bottom end. When the side panels,are bent along lines,, the bottom ends,,,can become in contact with the bottom panel.

As seen with reference to, the side panels,can be arranged orthogonally to the bottom panelwith the bottom ends,,,(not shown in the current view) in contact with the bottom panel. The next assembly step can be bending the end panels,with respect to the bottomalong lines,, respectively. In doing so, an inner surface of the end panelcan become in contact with an outer surface of snap panels,. If arranged correctly, the snaps,can be aligned with the snap receivers,, respectively, and the snapscan be aligned with the snap receivers,, respectively. Similarly, an inner surface of the end panelcan become in contact with an outer surface of snap panels,(not shown in the current view). If arranged correctly, the snapscan be aligned with the snap receivers,(not shown in the current view), respectively, and the snapscan be aligned with the snap receivers,(not shown in the current view), respectively.

It should also be noted that the second snap panels,,,can be aligned with and in contact with the first snap panels,,,. As such, the snap receivers,can be aligned with the snap receivers,, respectively. The snap receivers,can be aligned with the snap receivers,, respectively. The snap receivers,can be aligned with the snap receivers,, respectively. The snap receivers,can be aligned with the snap receivers,, respectively. As such, each of the snapsandcan be aligned with two snap receivers (,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,) at the same time.

As seen with reference to, a completed tray′ can be formed by arranging the packaging from the blankas described herein. Each side panel,can be arranged orthogonally to the bottom panel. Each support assembly′,′,′,′ can be formed from one support assembly panel,,,to provide structural support at corners of the resultant tray′. As previously mentioned, the corrugation direction can be aligned along the length direction (as previously noted, being parallel to lengthand length). As such, the corrugations can be arranged to run with the long direction of each support assembly′,′,′,′. As such, the corrugations can provide additional structural support in the corners of the tray′. The end panelcan be secured to the support assemblies′,′ by forcing portions of the snaps,,through snap receivers,,,, respectively. Additionally, be cause of the aligned of the snap receivers (,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,) as previously discussed, each of the snaps,,,can also be forced through the snap receivers,,,, respectively, in addition to the snap receivers,,,, respectively. The side portions,(shown with reference to) can be bent inwardly to be forced through the various snap receivers (,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,). Once inserted, each side portion,can be allowed to expand, thereby trapping each snapwithin the snap receiver (,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,) associated with that snap,,,,,,,Connections between the various snaps,and the snap receivers (,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,) can be termed snap connections in accord with the current disclosure. As such, the end panels,can be secured to the remaining portions of the tray′ thereby providing a secure packaging element with structural support. The formed tray′ can define an opening. The opening can be defined by the ends of each side panel,and each end panel,.

As seen with reference to, a sleeve blankcan be seen. The sleeve blankcan have a first side panelconnected to a second side panelby a line. The second side panelcan be connected to a third side panelby a line. The third side panelcan be connected to a fourth side panelby a line. The fourth side panelcan be connected to a connection panelby a line. The connection panelcan be side and arranged to be affixed to or connected to the first side panelduring assembly. The second side panelcan define a pair of handle cutoutsThe fourth side panelcan define a pair of handle cutouts

In various aspects, the various panels,,,,can be of various sizes. One of skill in the art would understand that dimensions of various panels need not be particular lengths and that various lengths cited herein are provided for exemplary purposes only. In the current aspect, all of the panels,,,,can be of the same width. In the current aspect, the widthcan be about 48 inches. An overall lengthcan define the overall dimension of the sleeve blank. In the current aspect, the overall lengthcan be about 74 and 11/16 inches. Lengths of the various panels can be of various sizes. In the current aspect, similarity of size between the first side paneland the third side panelalong with the similarity of size between the second side paneland the fourth side panelcan lead to a roughly rectangular cross-sectional shape of the packaging element formed from the sleeve blank. A lengthof the first side panelcan be about 14 and one half inches. A lengthof the second side panelcan be about 21 and 11/16 inches. A lengthof the third side panelcan be about 14 and 11/16 inches. A lengthof the fourth side panelcan be about 21 and 13/16 inches. A lengthof the connection panelcan be about two inches. In the current aspect, the direction of the corrugations can be parallel to the direction in which lengths (such as overall length) are measured. Having the corrugations pointed in the direction cited can aid in providing structural integrity for stacking when assembled.

As seen with reference to, a sleeve′ can be formed from the sleeve blank. The sleeve′ can be arranged by affixing the connection panelto the first side panel. In various aspects, tape or adhesive can be used to affix the connection panelto the first side panel. The sleeve′ can be arranged also by receiving a flattened sleeve′ from a manufacturer wherein the connection panelcan already be attached to the first side panel. In such situations, the sleeve′ can be arranged in a flattened position, wherein the first side panelcan be coplanar with the second side paneland no bend along line; similarly, the third side panelcan be coplanar with the fourth side panelwith no bend along line. The second side panelcan be bent with respect to the third side panelalong line; similarly, the first side panelcan be bent with respect to the fourth side panel, the first side panelbeing affixed to the connection panelwith a bend along line. A customer can receive the sleeve′ in such a collapsed arrangement and can expand the sleeve′ into the shape seen in

The tray′ can be arranged inside a sleeve′. Together, the tray′ and the

sleeve′ can combine to form a packaging assembly. The sleeve′ can provide a cover to the tray′ such that the openingcan be covered.

As seen with reference to, multiple packaging assembliescan be stacked for ease of storage or movement. In the current view, packaging assembliescan be stacked on a pallet. The palletcan then be moved by a pallet jack (not shown) as would be understood by one of skill in the art, thereby allowing movement of multiple items contained within the various packaging assemblies.

In the current view, one tray′ can be seen telescoping out of one sleeve′ as part of the packaging assembly. A feature that can be included as part of the packaging assemblycan allow the tray′ can be pulled away from the sleeve′ as one would open a drawer.

In various aspects, the tray′ can allow packing or unpacking through the opening. In various aspects, however, the tray′ can be utilized for top load and side unloading, as seen with reference to.

As seen with specific reference to, contents of the tray′ can be accessed by permanent removal of one of the end panels,and various of the support assemblies′,′,′,′. As mentioned previously, the lines,connecting each end panel,, respectively, to the bottom panelcan be perforated in various aspects. Additionally, lines,,,can also be perforated in various aspects. Each line,,,can be the connection line between one of the support assemblies′,′,′,′ and one of the side panels,. As previously discussed, perforations such as those noted herein can be arranged such that the elements connected by the perforations can be separated with sufficient force applied. When forceis applied to the end panel, the end panelcan be separated from the tray′. In various aspects, the forcecan separate the end panelconnections along lines,initially, as shown with reference to. In various aspects, forcecan separate the end panelas well as the support assemblies′,′, as shown with reference to. In this way, contents of the packaging assembly—and, specifically, of the tray′—can be accessed from the side, meaning that heavier components in the packaging need not be lifted out of the opening.

Because of the support structure afforded by the design described herein, heavy elements can be top loaded into the trays′. The trays′ can then be arranged with the sleeves′ to form packaging assemblies. Because of support assemblies′,′,′,′, multiple packaging assembliescan be stacked, even when the contents of the packaging assembliesare heavy. Additional support elements such as corner braces or wood brackets can be omitted entirely in various aspects—such as those shown and described herein—or can be minimized in other aspects. As such, the blankcan be utilized to form a structurally secure packaging assemblywithout added fasteners or structural elements other than the sleeve′. Such packaging assemblycan be low production cost with minimal assembly steps and supplies while maintaining the structural integrity needed to stack heavy elements that can be contained within such packaging assembly.