EP3288837B1 - Packaging assembly - Google Patents

Packaging assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3288837B1
EP3288837B1 EP16721569.8A EP16721569A EP3288837B1 EP 3288837 B1 EP3288837 B1 EP 3288837B1 EP 16721569 A EP16721569 A EP 16721569A EP 3288837 B1 EP3288837 B1 EP 3288837B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
panel
flap
closure
box
sheet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16721569.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3288837A1 (en
Inventor
Devin Ridgeway
Christof Hammerschmidt
Stephan Roesel
Ian M. Donegan
Robert J. O'dowd
Michael Metta
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sealed Air Corp
Original Assignee
Sealed Air Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sealed Air Corp filed Critical Sealed Air Corp
Publication of EP3288837A1 publication Critical patent/EP3288837A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3288837B1 publication Critical patent/EP3288837B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
    • B65D5/50—Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
    • B65D5/5028—Elements formed separately from the container body
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/14—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form
    • B65B25/141—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form packaging flat articles in boxes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/38—Opening hinged lids
    • B65B43/39—Opening-out closure flaps clear of bag, box, or carton mouth
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/52—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using roller-ways or endless conveyors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/02—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
    • B65B5/024—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles for making containers from preformed blanks
    • B65B5/028—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles for making containers from preformed blanks for making containers from two or more blanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/02—Applying adhesives or sealing liquids
    • B65B51/023—Applying adhesives or sealing liquids using applicator nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/20—Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/20—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents
    • B65B61/207—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents for inserting partitions between package contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
    • B65D81/07—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B31B50/74—Auxiliary operations
    • B31B50/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings

Definitions

  • Various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter relate to packaging assemblies for retaining a product in a box, and to the packaging assemblies incorporating frames, for example, packaging assemblies used to protect a packaged product during shipment by retaining the product within a box.
  • Protective packaging structures may be used to help protect a product during transport, for example, from physical shock, dust, and other contaminants.
  • 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.
  • additional packing materials e.g., crumpled paper, air-filled plastic cushions, molded foam
  • 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.
  • retention packaging Another type of packaging assembly is known as retention packaging. In typical retention packaging, a product is retained between a sheet and a rigid backing frame to which the sheet is attached.
  • US 6 206 194 B1 discloses a packaging assembly comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • While existing retention structures provide a level of protection for the packaged object, there is room for improvement, for example, by any of enhancing the protective qualities, reducing the cost of the structure, and providing a frame design more conducive to automated installation in a packaging system.
  • a packaging assembly according to the present invention comprises the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the packaging assembly are set out in dependent claims 2 to 10, and methods of using such packaging assemblies in claims 11 to 15.
  • the presently disclosed subject matter includes packaging assemblies having a frame and a box.
  • Exemplary frames include frame 10 ( Figures 1 to 2 ), frame 110 ( Figures 33 to 34 ), frame 210 ( Figures 19 to 21 ), frame 310 ( Figures 37 to 39 ), frame 509 ( Figure 40 ); frame 510 ( Figures 42 to 43 ), frame 610 ( Figure 48 ), frame 710 ( Figure 49 ), and frame 810 ( Figure 50 ).
  • Exemplary packaging assemblies include packaging assembly 12 ( Figures 3 to 8 ), packaging assembly 112 ( Figures 35 to 36 ), packaging assembly 212 ( Figs. 22 to 24 ), packaging assembly 312 ( Fig. 38 ), packaging assembly 362 ( Fig. 39 ), packaging assembly 513 ( Figs. 13-18 ), and packaging assembly 512 ( Figures 44 to 46 ), all as described herein in more detail.
  • Frames of the various disclosed embodiments include a panel (e.g., panel 16 of Fig. 1 , panel 116 of Fig.
  • a frame (e.g., frames 10, 110, 210, 310, 509, 510, 610, 710, and 810) comprises a panel (e.g., panel 16, 116, 216, 316, 515, 516, 616, 716, and 816, respectively) having a panel width W1 measured from the outermost of front edge 22 of the panel to the corresponding outermost of rear edge 24 of the panel. (See, e.g., Figures 1 , 19 , 33 , 40 .) The panels have a panel length L1 measured from the outermost of left edge 19 of the panel to the corresponding outermost of right edge 20 of the panel.
  • the W1 and L1 measurements are made generally perpendicular to the front and rear edges, and the left and right edges, respectively.
  • the term “generally” when used in conjunction with terms such as “parallel” or “perpendicular” or “coplanar” or “size” is meant to indicate that the parallel or perpendicular or coplanar orientation does not require mathematical precision, but rather indicates a moderate range of deviation from absolute parallel or perpendicular or coplanar that is commonly acceptable as a level of accuracy for these terms within the container-folding field.
  • the panel width W1 of the panel may be greater than the box width W2 (described herein) of the box for which the frame may be useful as part of a packaging assembly for retaining a product with the box.
  • Panels 16 and 216 have a front panel flap fold zone 26 extending generally perpendicularly from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of the panel and comprising one front panel flap fold line 28. ( Figs. 1 , 19 .)
  • the front panel flap fold line 28 may extend generally perpendicularly from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of the panel.
  • Panels 16 and 216 have a rear panel flap fold zone 30 extending generally perpendicularly from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of the panel and comprising one rear panel flap fold line 32.
  • the rear panel flap fold line 32 may extend generally perpendicularly from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of the panel.
  • Panels 116, 316, 515, 516, 616, 716, and 816 have a front panel flap fold zone 26 extending generally perpendicularly from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of the panel and comprising a plurality of front panel flap fold lines 28.
  • panel 116 has a front panel flap fold zone 26 comprising five front panel flap fold lines 28.
  • Each front panel flap fold line 28 may extend generally perpendicularly from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of the panel.
  • Panels 116, 316, 515, 516, 616, 716, and 816 have a rear panel flap fold zone 30 extending generally perpendicularly from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of the panel and comprising a plurality of rear panel flap fold lines 32.
  • panel 116 has a rear panel flap fold zone 30 comprising five rear panel flap fold lines 32.
  • Each rear panel flap fold line 32 may extend generally perpendicularly from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of the panel.
  • the front panel flap fold zone may correspond to the front closure flap fold line (described herein) of the box for which the frame may be useful as part of a packaging assembly for retaining a product with the box.
  • the rear panel flap fold zone may correspond to the rear closure flap fold line (described herein) of the box for which the frame may be useful as part of a packaging assembly for retaining a product with the box.
  • the front panel flap fold zone may "correspond to" the front closure flap fold line of a box if the panel is installable on the box to align the front panel flap fold zone with the front closure flap fold line such that the pivoting or folding of the front closure flap of the box along the front closure flap fold line also pivots or folds the panel of the frame along the front panel flap fold zone.
  • the rear panel flap fold zone may "correspond to" the rear closure flap fold line of a box if the panel is installable on the box to align the rear panel flap fold zone with the rear closure flap fold line of the box such that the pivoting or folding of the rear closure flap of the box along the rear closure flap fold line also pivots or folds the panel of the frame along the rear panel flap fold zone.
  • the front and rear panel flap fold zones may correspond to the respective front and rear closure flap fold lines of a box if the distance from at least one of the front panel flap fold lines in the front panel flap fold zone to another of the rear panel flap fold lines in the rear panel flap fold zone is generally equal to the box width.
  • a "fold line” as used herein represents a line along which a panel, frame, or other material may be creased, crimped, embossed, perforated, scored, crushed or otherwise weakened so as to enhance the foldability of the panel, frame, or other material along the fold line.
  • front panel flap fold line 28 may include one or more through slits (not shown) extending partially along its length, leaving a sufficient portion of the fold line intact to securely join front panel flap 36 to the central panel portion 34 so that the front panel flap 36 is foldably connected to the central panel portion 34.
  • the use of slits through a fold line may facilitate folding by reducing the amount of panel material that has to be folded.
  • a "fold zone” as used herein is a region of the panel comprising one fold line or one or more fold lines, for example, a plurality of fold lines.
  • front fold zone 26, as illustrated in Figure 1 comprises only one fold line, namely, front panel flap fold line 28.
  • front fold zone 26, as illustrated in Figure 33 comprises five fold lines, namely five front panel flap fold lines 28.
  • Front fold zone 26, as illustrated in Figure 40 comprises ten fold lines, namely ten front panel flap fold lines 28.
  • a fold zone extends between the outermost fold lines of the zone. If there is only one fold line in the fold zone, then the zone is the line.
  • a fold zone for example, any of the front panel flap fold zone and/or the rear panel flap fold zone, may comprise at least any of 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10 panel flap fold lines; and/or at most 25, 20, 18, 15, 10, and 8 panel flap fold lines.
  • the spacing between any two directly adjacent panel flap folds lines in a fold zone may be, for example, from 1 mm to 15 mm, from 2 mm to 4 mm, and for example, a spacing of at least any of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 4mm; and/or at most any of 12 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm, and 5 mm.
  • front panel flap fold zone or the rear panel flap fold zone may comprise a gap region that lacks any panel flap fold lines.
  • front panel flap fold zone 26 of Figure 40 comprises front gap region 427, which lacks any of the front panel flap fold lines 28.
  • a panel flap fold zone has a given width W4; and a gap region of the panel flap fold zone may have a width W5 that is at least any of 25%, 30%, and 40%; and/or at most any of 50%, 40%, and 30%, of the corresponding panel flap fold zone width. ( Figure 40 .)
  • the panel may define one or more windows in the front panel flap fold zone or the rear panel flap fold zone.
  • panels 516, 616, 716, and 816 respectively, define one or more windows 529 in the front panel flap fold zone 26 and in the rear panel flap fold zone 30.
  • the presence of windows 529 may allow easier alignment of the front panel fold zone 26 with the front closure flap fold line 71 of a box, and alignment of the rear panel flap fold zone 30 with the rear closure flap fold line 75 of a box, when positioning the frame of a packaging assembly in the installed position (discussed below), because the fold line of the box may be visible through a window in the fold zone when positioning the frame on the box.
  • one or more windows in the fold zone may facilitate the folding of the front and rear central panel portions and/or or the front and rear panel flaps. (See, e.g., Figs. 45 , 47 .)
  • Each of panels 16, 116, 216, 316, 515, 516, 616, 716, and 816 comprises a central panel portion 34 extending between the front panel flap fold zone 26 and the rear panel flap fold zone 30.
  • Front panel flap 36 extends from the front panel flap fold zone 26 to the front edge 22 of the panel 16.
  • Rear panel flap 38 extends from the rear panel flap fold zone 30 to the rear edge 24 of the panel 16. ( Figures 1 , 33 , 38-39 , 40 , 42-43 , and 48-50 .)
  • the panel has a central panel portion width W3 extending from the front panel flap fold zone to the rear panel flap fold zone.
  • the front panel flap 36 is foldably connected to the central panel portion 34 along the front panel flap fold zone 26, for example, foldably connected along a front panel flap fold line 28.
  • the rear panel flap 38 is foldably connected to the central panel portion 34 along the rear panel flap fold zone 30, for example, foldably connected along a rear panel flap fold line 32.
  • a detachment line extends from the left edge to the right edge of the panel in the central panel portion.
  • the detachment line delineates a front central panel portion 42 between the detachment line and the front panel flap fold zone 26.
  • the detachment line also delineates a rear central panel portion 44 between the detachment line and the rear panel flap fold zone 30.
  • detachment line 40 extends from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of panels 16, 116, 216, 316, and 515 in the central panel portion 34. (See Figs. 1 , 19 , 33 , 37 , and 40 .)
  • Detachment lines 540, 640, 740, and 840 extend from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of panels 516, 616, 716, and 816, respectively, in the central panel portion 34.
  • a "detachment line” as used herein represents a line or path along which a panel, frame, or other material has been cut or otherwise weakened or configured so as to enhance the manual detachability of one portion of the panel, frame, or other material from another portion along the detachment line.
  • a detachment line e.g., detachment line 40
  • the detachment line may extend generally perpendicularly from the left edge to the right edge of the panel as illustrated in figures 1 , 19 , 33 , 37 , 40 , 42 , 49 , and 50 .
  • the detachment line may be "skewed" or not extend generally perpendicularly from the left edge to the right edge of the panel as illustrated in figure 48 .
  • the detachment line may extend generally linearly, as illustrated in figures 1 , 19 , 33 , 37 , and 40 .
  • the detachment line may extend generally non-linearly, as illustrated in figures 42 and 48 to 50 .
  • This non-linear configuration may help to avoid detachment along the detachment line before desired.
  • the detachment line 540 comprises a central portion 541 that is offset from the end portions 543, 545 of the detachment line.
  • Detachment line 540 also defines one or more tab portions 547. ( Figs. 42-43 .)
  • Detachment line 640 comprises a central portion 641 that is offset from the end portions 643, 645.
  • Detachment line 640 defines one or more tab portions 647.
  • Detachment line 740 defines one or more arcuate portions 741.
  • the detachment line 840 has a curved configuration. ( Fig. 50 .)
  • the detachment line may be off-centered between the front and rear central panel portions 42, 44, in which case the front and rear central panel portions 42, 44 may be of unequal size, for example, as illustrated in Figure 1 .
  • the detachment line 40 may be centered (i.e., equidistant) between the front and rear panel flaps 36, 38, in which case the front and rear central panel portions may be of generally equal size. (Not illustrated.)
  • the central panel portion 34 may define one or more apertures, indents, or cutaway portions as finger holds, for example, finger hold 46, which may be incorporated or aligned with detachment line 40, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 33 .
  • the frame 210 embodiment ( Figures 19 to 21 ) comprises panel 216 having a central panel portion 234 extending between the front panel flap fold zone 26 and the rear panel flap fold zone 30.
  • Front panel flap 236 extends from the front panel flap fold zone 26 to the front edge 22 of the panel.
  • Rear panel flap 38 extends from the rear panel flap fold zone 30 to the rear edge 24 of the panel 216.
  • the front panel flap 36 is foldably connected to the central panel portion 234 along the front panel flap fold zone 26, for example, foldably connected along a front panel flap fold line 28.
  • the rear panel flap 38 is foldably connected to the central panel portion 34 along the rear panel flap fold zone 30, for example, foldably connected along a rear panel flap fold line 32.
  • a detachment line 40 extends generally perpendicularly from the left edge 19 to the right edge 20 of the panel 216 in the central panel portion 234.
  • the detachment line 40 delineates a front central panel portion 242 between the detachment line 40 and the front panel flap fold zone 26.
  • the detachment line 40 also delineates a rear central panel portion 244 between the detachment line 40 and the rear panel flap fold zone 30.
  • the front central panel portion 242 delimits a left front cutaway opening 248 at the left front extent of the front central panel portion 242 adjacent the front panel flap fold zone 26.
  • the front central panel portion 242 also delimits a right front cutaway opening 250 at the right front extent of the front central panel portion 242 adjacent the front panel flap fold zone 26.
  • the rear central panel portion 244 of panel 216 delimits a left rear cutaway opening 252 at the left rear extent of the rear central panel portion 244 adjacent the rear panel flap fold zone 30.
  • the rear central panel portion 244 also delimits a right rear cutaway opening 254 at the right rear extent of the rear central panel portion 244 adjacent the rear panel flap fold zone 30.
  • At least one edge of these cutaway openings 248, 250, 252, 254 may have an arcuate configuration ( Fig. 19 ), which may be configured and sized to accommodate the closing of the left and right closure flaps of the box while the front and rear central panel portions 242, 244 are in an upward orientation during packaging operation, as discussed in more detail below.
  • Panel 216 has one or more of a left front tab 256, a right front tab 258, a left rear tab 260, and a right rear tab 262.
  • Left front tab 256 is foldably connected to the front panel flap 36 along the front panel flap fold zone 26, and extends from the front panel flap fold zone 26 into the left front cutaway opening 248.
  • Right front tab 258 is foldably connected to the front panel flap 36 along the front panel flap fold zone 26, and extends from the front panel flap fold zone 26 into the right front cutaway opening 250.
  • Left rear tab 260 is foldably connected to the rear panel flap 38 along the rear panel flap fold zone 30, and extends from the rear panel flap fold zone 30 into the left rear cutaway opening 252.
  • Right rear tab 262 is foldably connected to the rear panel flap 38 along the rear panel flap fold zone 30, and extends from the rear panel flap fold zone 30 into the right rear cutaway opening 254. ( Figures 19 to 21 .)
  • Panel 16 and any of the panels and/or boxes of the various embodiments described herein may comprise a substantially rigid, lightweight, foldable material, for example, the panels, or any of the portions of the panels described herein, may be formed of one or more of any of the following materials: cellulosic-based materials (e.g., cardboard, corrugated cardboard, paperboard, chipboard), plastic, and compressed foam.
  • cellulosic-based materials e.g., cardboard, corrugated cardboard, paperboard, chipboard
  • any of the panels and boxes described herein may comprise corrugated cardboard, for example, any of single-wall B-flute, C-flute, and/or E-flute corrugated cardboard, B/C double-wall corrugated cardboard, and/or E/B double-wall corrugated cardboard; and for example having the minimum bursting strength (per Mullen Bursting Test) of any of non-test, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.7, 1.9 and 2.4 MPa (150, 175, 200, 250, 275 and 350 psi).
  • the panel, and any of the panels and frames of the various embodiments described herein, may have an average thickness of, for example, at most, and/or at least, any of the following thicknesses: 0.76, 1.5, 3.0, 4.6, 6.4, 7.6, 10 13 mm (0.03, 0.06, 0.12, 0.18, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 inches).
  • the frame 10, 110, 210, 310, 509, 510, 610, 710, and 810 embodiments comprise sheet 18 extending across (i.e., over) the central panel portion and attached to the panel at opposing ends of the panel outside of the central panel portion.
  • the sheet 18 may be attached to the front panel flap 36 and the rear panel flap 38 of the panel, and extend across (i.e., over) the central panel portion.
  • Figures 2 , 20 , 34 , 43 . Further, sheet 18 may not be attached to the central panel portion that it extends across.
  • sheet 18 is shown completely covering the central panel portion 34 or 234; in alternative embodiments the sheet may extend over the central panel portion and only partially cover the central panel portion (not illustrated). Also, one or more sheets, such as a total of any of one, two, three, or four may be used to extend across the central panel portion and attach to the front and rear panel flaps.
  • the sheet 18 has a sheet width W6 from the front edge 15 to the rear edge 17 of the sheet. ( Fig. 2 .)
  • the sheet width may be greater than the box width W2 (described herein) of the box for which the frame comprising the sheet may be useful as part of a packaging assembly for retaining a product with the box.
  • Sheet 18 may be attached to the panel, for example to the front and rear panel flaps 36, 38 by any of the ways described herein.
  • the sheet may be continuously attached as described herein.
  • sheet 18 is discontinuously attached by adhesive 56 to the front panel flap 36 through the use of multiple attachment zones.
  • sheet 18 is attached to the panel by adhesive 56 in the left attachment zone 48 corresponding to the left edge of the front panel flap 36, and in the right attachment zone 50 corresponding to the right edge of the front panel flap 36.
  • Sheet 18 is attached to the panel by adhesive 56 in the left attachment zone 52 corresponding to the left edge of the rear panel flap 38 and in the right attachment zone 54 corresponding to the right edge of the rear panel flap 38.
  • Sheet 18 may be continuously attached (not illustrated) to the front and rear panel flaps, for example, by an attachment zone extending continuously across the length of front panel flap 36 and rear panel flap 38.
  • the sheet 18 may have a first side 78 attached to the front and rear panel flaps 36, 38.
  • the second side 80 of the sheet opposes the first side 78 of the sheet.
  • An adhesive may be on the second side of the sheet in the region corresponding to the front and rear panel flaps (not illustrated), which may be useful to adhere the frame to a box.
  • the sheet 18 may be attached to the front panel flap 36 in a sheet-covered portion 82 of the front panel flap to leave a sheet-uncovered portion 84 of the front panel flap on the same side as the sheet-covered portion 82.
  • the sheet 18 may be attached to the rear panel flap 38 in a sheet-covered portion 86 of the front panel flap to leave a sheet-uncovered portion 88 of the front panel flap on the same side as the sheet-covered portion 86.
  • the frame may further have an adhesive 56 on the sheet-uncovered portion 84 of the front panel flap 36 and on the sheet-uncovered portion 88. Such adhesive may be useful to attach the frame to a box. Such adhesive may be covered by peelable cover 90, which may be removed before using the adhesive to attach the frame to a box. ( Figures 21 , 43 .)
  • sheet 18 is shown attached to the panel by adhering with adhesive 56; however, the sheet may be attached to the panel, for example, 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., US 5 694 744 B1 ), tab/slot engagement (see, e.g., US 6 073 761 B1 ), anchoring, retaining and/or securing (see, e.g., US 2004/0108239 A1 which discloses a sleeve having pockets or pouches for receiving a flap as shown in Figures 24-25 and related discussion therein).
  • adhering e.g., with hot melt adhesive
  • gluing e.g., heat welding, ultrasonic welding, stapling, tacking, fastening, clipping
  • tab/slot engagement see, e.g., US 6 073 7
  • a polyurethane-based sheet may be adhered with a polyurethane-based adhesive, such as a water-borne aliphatic polyurethane dispersion.
  • a polyurethane-based adhesive such as a water-borne aliphatic polyurethane dispersion.
  • adhesives of the pressure-sensitive adhesive class in particular to attach corrugated cardboard of the frame to the box.
  • Sheet 18 and any of the sheets of the various embodiments described herein 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.
  • any thickness, properties, treatments, additives, and other characteristics e.g., flexibility, elasticity, optics, strength, elastic recovery, transparency, load tear resistance, puncture resistance
  • Sheet 18 may have a composition and thickness providing acceptable performance properties (e.g., flexibility, elasticity, optics, strength) for the given packaging application of expected use.
  • the sheet may have a thickness of at most any of the following: 0.25, 0.15, 0.13, 0.10, 0.076, 0.051, 0.038, and 0.025 mm (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.))
  • the sheet may also have a thickness of at least any of the following: 0.013, 0.025, 0.038, 0.051, and 0.076 mm (0.5 mils, 1 mil, 1.5 mils, 2 mils, and 3 mils).
  • the sheet may 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.
  • the sheet may have a maximum load tear resistance in either or both of the transverse and longitudinal directions of at least any of the following values: 3.9, 4.4, 4.9, 5.4 and 5.9 N (400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 grams force), measured according to ASTM D1004.
  • the sheet may have a slow puncture maximum load of at least any of the following values: 18, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 and 31 N (4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, and 7 pounds force), measured according to ASTM F1306 using a crosshead speed of 0.13 m (5 inches) per minute.
  • the sheet may 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 sheet may have a Young's modulus of at least any of the following values: 14, 17, 21, 24 and 28 MPa (2,000; 2,500; 3,000; 3,500; and 4,000 pounds/square inch).
  • the sheet may have a Young's modulus of no more than about any of the following values: 55, 69, 103 138, 207, and 276 MPa (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 23°C (73°F).
  • the sheet may be transparent so that the packaged article (e.g., product 28) may be visible through the sheet.
  • Transparent as used herein 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.
  • the sheet may have a heat-shrink attribute.
  • the sheet may have any of a free shrink in at least one direction (i.e., machine or transverse directions), in each of at least two directions (i.e., machine and transverse directions), measured at any of 72°C and 82°C (160°F and 180°F) of at least any of the following: 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65%.
  • the sheet may be non-heat shrinkable (i.e., has a total free shrink of less than 5% measured at 71°C (160°F)).
  • each reference to free shrink in this application means a free shrink determined by measuring the percent dimensional change in a 10 cm x 10 cm specimen when subjected to selected heat (i.e., at a certain temperature exposure) according to ASTM D 2732.
  • the sheet may comprise, for example, one or more fabrics, such as one or more of the following: wovens, knits, nonwovens, and openwork meshes (e.g., netting), spandex, including Lycra® brand spandex, and elastic fabrics.
  • fabrics such as one or more of the following: wovens, knits, nonwovens, and openwork meshes (e.g., netting), spandex, including Lycra® brand spandex, and elastic fabrics.
  • the sheet may comprise one or more polymers, for example, 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
  • the sheet may also comprise 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).
  • TPOs thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers
  • EPDM elastomer
  • thermoplastic polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene
  • a sheet comprising polyolefin e.g., polyethylene
  • polyvinyl chloride e.g., polyvinyl chloride
  • polyurethane may be useful for lightweight applications, for example, where a sheet thickness of from 0.05 to 0.10 mm (2 to 4 mils) may be desirable.
  • a sheet comprising polyurethane may provide desirable elastomeric, puncture resistance, temperature resistance, and tackiness characteristics.
  • the sheet may comprise 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.
  • the sheet may be 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). A combination of these processes may also be employed.
  • thermoplastic film-forming processes known in the art (e.g., tubular or blown-film extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion coating, flat or cast film extrusion). A combination of these processes may also be employed.
  • At least one side of the sheet may be corona and/or plasma treated to change the surface energy of the sheet, for example, to increase the ability of the sheet to adhere to a panel or frame.
  • a packaging assembly may comprise a box and any of the various embodiments of frames of the disclosed subject matter herein.
  • Box 14 (as illustrated in the drawings, e.g., Figures 3 , 22 , 44 ) and boxes 314, 364 ( Figures 37-39 ) each comprise a polyhedron-shaped storage compartment, in which the side walls, bottom, and closure flaps are polygon-shaped (e.g., rectangular).
  • Useful box types are known to those of skill in the field, and include containers of the RSC (regular slotted container) type, AFM (all flaps meet) type, FWF (full width flaps) type, POL (partial overlap) type, and FOL (full overlap) type.
  • Each of boxes 14, 314, 364 comprises a left wall 60 and a left closure flap 62 foldably connected to the top of the left wall 60.
  • Right wall 64 opposes the left wall 60.
  • a right closure flap 66 is foldably connected to the top of the right wall 64.
  • a front wall 68 extends from the left wall 60 to the right wall 64.
  • Front closure flap 70 is foldably connected to the top of the front wall 68 along front closure flap fold line 71.
  • Rear wall 72 opposes the front wall 68 and extends from the left wall 60 to the right wall 64.
  • Rear closure flap 74 is foldably connected to the top of the rear wall 72 along rear closure flap fold line 75.
  • the left and right closure flaps of the box are moveable to a closed position.
  • the left and right closure flaps may cooperate to span the box opening or "meet" in the middle of the box opening.
  • the front and rear closure flaps of the box are moveable to a closed position. In the closed position, for example, the front and rear closure flaps may cooperate to span the box opening or "meet" in the middle. ( Figures 6-7 , 10-11 , 16-17 , 47 .)
  • Box 14 has a given box length (i.e., internal length) L2 from the interior of the left wall 60 to the interior of the right wall 64. (See, e.g., Figs. 8 , 12 , 19 .)
  • the panel length L1 (discussed above) may be less than or equal to the box length L2.
  • Box 14 has a given box width (i.e., internal width) W2 from the interior of the front wall 68 to the interior of the rear wall 72.
  • the central panel portion width W3 (discussed above) of the panel may be less than ( Fig. 38 ) or equal to ( Fig. 39 ) the box width W2.
  • packaging assembly 12 ( Fig. 3 ), packaging assembly 112 ( Figure 35 ), packaging assembly 212 ( Figs. 22-24 ), packaging assembly 312 ( Fig. 38 ), packaging assembly 362 ( Fig. 39 ), packaging assembly 513 ( Figs. 13-18 ), and packaging assembly 512 ( Figs.
  • the frame e.g., frames 10, 110, 210, 310, 509, 510, 610, 710, and 810 is positionable (i.e., is configured relative the box to be positioned) in an installed position ( Figures 3-12 , 13-18 , 22-23 , 35-36 , 38-39 , and 44-47 ) having (i) the front panel flap 36 of the frame attached to the front closure flap 70 of the box to align the front panel flap fold zone 26 with the front closure flap fold line 71 of the box, and (ii) the rear panel flap 38 of the frame attached to the rear closure flap 74 of the box to align the rear panel flap fold zone 30 with the rear closure flap fold line 75.
  • the frame e.g., frames 10, 110, 210, 310, 509, 510, 610, 710, and 810 is positionable (i.e., is configured relative the box to be positioned) in an installed position ( Figures 3-12 , 13-18 , 22-23 , 35-36 , 38
  • align when used in this context herein means that the fold zone of the panel of the frame is adjacent to and corresponds with the closure flap fold line of the box, such that the folding of the closure flap along the closure flap fold line also folds the panel flap along the panel flap fold zone.
  • the front and rear panel flaps of the frame may be attached to the closure flaps of the box by one or more of any of the ways discussed herein for attaching the sheet to the frame.
  • an adhesive may be used to attach by adhering the frame to the box.
  • the sheet in the installed position, may be between (i) the front panel flap 36 of the panel and (ii) the front closure flap 70 of the box; also, the sheet may be between (iii) the rear panel flap 38 of the panel and (iv) the rear closure flap 74 of the box.
  • packaging assembly 12 of Figures 3-5 , 7 , 9-11 packaging assembly 112 of Figures 35-36 ; packaging assembly 212 of Figs. 22-23 ; packaging assembly 512 of Figures 44-47 .
  • the front panel flap 36 of the panel may be between (i) a first sheet portion 21 that is directly attached to front panel flap 36 and (ii) the front closure flap 70 of the box; also, the rear panel flap 38 of the panel may be between (iii) a second sheet portion 23 that is directly attached to rear panel flap 38 and (iv) the rear closure flap 74 of the box.
  • FIG. 13-18 Packaging assembly 513 of Figures 13-18 .
  • the packaging assembly of the disclosed subject matter for example, any of packaging assembly 12 ( Figure 3 ), packaging assembly 112 ( Figure 35 ), packaging assembly 212 ( Figure 22 ), packaging assembly 312 ( Fig. 38 ), packaging assembly 362 ( Fig. 39 ), packaging assembly 513 ( Figure 13 ), and packaging assembly 512 ( Figure 44 ) -- is positionable (i.e., is configured so that the frame and box may be positioned) in a retained position ( Figures 6-8 , 10-12 , 16-18 , 47 ), which has (i) the frame in the installed position (described above) and (ii) the frame/box in at least the following configuration, which for clarity is further described here as a series of steps to place the packaging system in the retained position (e.g., Figures 6-8 , 10-12 , 16-18 , 47 ):
  • a product 76 for example, a book or an electronic device that has been placed on (i.e., positioned on) the sheet 18 is retainable between the sheet 18 and one or more of the left, right, front, and rear closure flaps 62, 66, 70, 74 of the box.
  • the packaging assembly 12 has the frame 10 in the installed position that also has (i) the sheet 18 between the front panel flap 36 of the panel and the front closure flap 70 of the box 14 and (ii) the sheet 18 between the rear panel flap 38 of the panel and the rear closure flap 74 of the box. And the packaging assembly 12 is positionable and is positioned in the retained position that also has:
  • the packaging assembly 12 has the frame 10 in the installed position that also has (i) the sheet 18 between the front panel flap 36 of the panel and the front closure flap 70 of the box 14 and (ii) the sheet 18 between the rear panel flap 38 of the panel and the rear closure flap 74 of the box.
  • the packaging assembly 12 is positionable and is positioned in the retained position that also has:
  • the packaging assembly 513 has the frame 10 in the installed position that also has (i) the front panel flap 36 of the panel between the first sheet portion 21 that is directly attached to front panel flap 36 and the front closure flap 70 of the box and (ii) the rear panel flap 38 of the panel is between the second sheet portion 23 that is directly attached to rear panel flap 38 sheet and the rear closure flap 74 of the box.
  • the packaging assembly is positionable and is positioned in the retained position that also has:
  • packaging assembly 513 in the retained position may have the frame in the installed position such that the front and rear central panel portions 42, 44 extend beneath the sheet 18. (See Figure 17 .)
  • a packaging assembly in the retained position may have the front and rear central panel portions 42, 44 extending between (a) the sheet 18 and (b) the left and right closure flaps 62, 66.
  • the box may be secured to maintain the packaging assembly in the retained position (and, e.g., the box in the closed configuration).
  • the box may be taped, stapled, or otherwise secured closed by methods known in the art.
  • box 14 is secured in the closed position using tape 92. ( Figures 6 , 10 , 16 , 47 .)
  • panel 16 may be cut to the desired shapes and provided with slots, openings, fold lines or detachment lines, using the known types of machinery, for example, to slit, crease, crimp, emboss, perforate, scored, cut or otherwise weaken the panel in desired regions.
  • Adhesive 56 may be applied to the panel 16 in selected areas, for example, the attachment zones 48, 50, 52, 54.
  • the sheet 18 may be attached to the panel 16 to make the frame by laminating or adhering the sheet with adhesive 56 to the panel.
  • the sheet material may be provided in roll form, unrolled, and then cut to the desired length and width either before or after attachment to the panel.
  • the packaging assembly comprising the frame and box may be provided or shipped having both configured in a lay flat arrangement. Such configurations may facilitate the provision of multiple frames in a convenient stacked or bundled arrangement (not illustrated). Box 14 may also be provided in a lay-flat configuration, and for example, finally assemble completed after shipment to the location for packaging.
  • a product (e.g., product 76) may be packaged using any of the packaging assemblies disclosed herein.
  • the packaging assembly comprising a box and frame is provided.
  • the frame is then be positioned in the installed position relative the box.
  • a product 76 is placed on the sheet 18.
  • the packaging assembly is positioned in the retained position, as described herein. As a result, the product 76 is retained between the sheet 18 and one or more of the left, right, front, and rear closure flaps.
  • any one of the packaging assemblies 12, 112, 212, 312, 362, 512, and 513 may be provided.
  • the frame e.g., frame 10, 110, 210, 310, 509, 510, 610, 710, or 810) is positioned in the installed position relative the box. ( Figs. 3 , 9 , 22 , 35 , 41D , 44 .) This aligns the front and rear panel flap fold zones with the respective front and rear closure flap fold lines of the box, so that when the closure flap is folded closed along its closure flap fold line, the panel flap of the frame is also folded along the panel flap fold zone, for example along one or more of the fold lines within the respective panel flap fold zone.
  • the attachment of the frame in the installed position can be accomplished by any of the attachment ways described herein.
  • an adhesive may be applied to an area of the front and rear closure flaps of the box ( Fig. 41C ), followed by applying the front and rear panel flaps of the frame in the same area in which the adhesive was applied to adhere the frame to the box ( Fig. 41D ).
  • an adhesive may be applied to the front and rear panel flaps 36, 38, for example, in the sheet-uncovered portions 84, 88, respectively, followed by applying the front panel flap to the front closure flap, and the rear panel flap to the rear closure flap of the box, to attach these together by adhesion. (See, e.g., Fig.
  • the adhesive 56 may be applied in the sheet-uncovered portions 84, 88 of the panel flap and covered by a peelable cover 90 ( Fig. 21 ), which may be removed, for example manually removed, before adhesively attaching the panel flaps to the closure flaps.
  • the front and rear closure flaps of the box may be maintained in a generally horizontal position ( Figs., 38, 39 , 41C , 41D ) so that the frame may be installed in a generally flat configuration.
  • the frame may be manually positioned or installed in the installed position on the box.
  • the frame may be "machine" or “automatically” positioned or installed in the installed position on the box in an automated manner, for example as illustrated in Figures 41A to 41E .
  • the frame may be installed on the box with the sheet-side of the frame facing "down” or generally oriented toward the box opening as in Figures 3 and 44 .
  • the frame may be installed on the box with the sheet-side facing "up” or generally facing away from the box opening as in Figure 13 .
  • the detachment of the panel along the frame's detachment line e.g., detachment line 40 or 540
  • detachment line 40 or 540 separates the panel. This separation may occur after the frame is in the installed position on the box, such that the unified nature of the frame during placement in the installed position facilitates its installation on the box, for example when automatically installed on a box.
  • the detachment of along detachment line to separate the panel may occur before positioning the frame in an installed position on the box, in which case the frame may be positioned in the installed position on a box to provide slack or tension in the sheet by varying the distance between the detached pieces of the panel.
  • the front and rear central panel portions of the installed frame may be lifted by pivoting them along their respective front and rear panel flap fold zones, for example by pivoting them along one or more of the panel flap fold lines in the respective fold zones.
  • the front and rear central panel portions may be detached along the detachment line 40, 540 before or during the lifting step. The detachment and lifting may occur manually, for example, assisted by finger hold 46.
  • the detachment of the front and rear central panel portions (42, 44 or 242, 244) reveals or exposes sheet 18.
  • One or more products to be packaged are placed on the revealed sheet 18. (See, e.g., Figs. 4 , 22 , 45 .)
  • the front and rear central panel portions may then be folded inwardly (along front and rear fold zones 26, 30) over the product 76.
  • the left and right closure flaps 62, 66 may be folded inwardly to place them on top of the central panel portion 34 (made up of the front and rear central panel portions 42, 44).
  • Front and rear closure flaps 70, 74 may be folded inwardly on top of the central panel portion 34, as well as on top of the left and right closure flaps, to close the box.
  • front and rear closure flaps are folded inwardly along the front and rear closure flap fold lines 71, 75, which also folds the front and rear panel flaps of the frame inwardly along the front and rear panel flap fold zones that correspond to the front and rear closure flap fold lines of the box.
  • the left and right closure flaps 62, 64 are between the central panel portion 34 and the front closure flap 70, (ii) the left and right closure flaps 62, 64 are between the central panel portion 34 and the rear closure flap 74, (iii) the front panel flap 36 is between the front closure flap 70 and the left closure flap 62, (iv) the front panel flap 36 is between the front closure flap 70 and the right closure flap 66, (v) the rear panel flap 38 is between the rear closure flap 74 and the left closure flap 62, and (vi) the rear panel flap 38 is between the rear closure flap 74 and the right closure flap 66. (See, e.g., Figs. 6-8 ).
  • the sheet 18 may be tensioned to retain the one or more products 76 between the sheet and the central panel portion of the frame. ( Figs. 7-8 .)
  • the left and right closure flaps 62, 66 are folded inwardly to place one or more of the left and right panel flaps on top of the product.
  • the front and rear central panel portions (42, 44 or 242, 244) may be folded inwardly over the left and right closure flaps.
  • the front and rear closure flaps 70, 74 are folded inwardly on top of the central panel portion 34, 234 (made up of the front and rear central panel portions 42, 44 or 242, 244).
  • front and rear closure flaps are folded inwardly along the front and rear closure flap fold lines 71, 75, which also folds the front and rear panel flaps of the frame inwardly along the front and rear panel flap fold zones that correspond to the front and rear closure flap fold lines of the box.
  • the left and right closure flaps 62, 66 are between the product and the central panel portion
  • the front central panel portion 42, 242 is between (a) the front closure flap 70 and (b) the left and right closure flaps 62, 66
  • the rear central panel portion 44, 244 is between (a) the rear closure flap 74 and (b) the left and right closure flaps 62, 66.
  • the sheet 18 may be tensioned to retain the one or more products 76 between the sheet and the central panel portion of the frame. ( Figs. 11-12 .)
  • the panel has a detachment line off-centered between the front and rear central panel portions 42, 44 (e.g., Figure 1 ), then the front and rear central panel portions will meet off-centered in the packaging assembly in the retained position. In this case, one of the central panel portions will be beneath the line where the front and rear closure flaps of the box meet in the middle of the box.
  • This provides an advantage in that the central panel portion may provide additional protection to the retained product from a box cutter that may be used to open the box along the line where the front and rear closure flaps meet in the middle.
  • the front and rear central panel portions When detached along the detachment line, the front and rear central panel portions may descend into the box, where they may serve as struts (e.g., braces or other support), for example to add sidewall strength to the box, or may provide other cushioning advantage. ( Fig. 17 .) To facilitate the use as a strut, the front and rear central panel portions may be scored to set the desire angle of the strut relative the bottom of the box.
  • struts e.g., braces or other support
  • the left and right closure flaps 62, 66 are folded inwardly to place one or more of the left and right panel flaps on top of the product.
  • the left and right closure flaps may be sized to span the box opening or meet in the middle in order to provide additional protection for the packaged products.
  • the front and rear closure flaps 70, 74 are folded inwardly over the left and right closure flaps. In doing so, the front and rear closure flaps are folded inwardly along the front and rear closure flap fold lines 71, 75, which also folds the front and rear panel flaps of the frame inwardly along the front and rear panel flap fold zones that correspond to the front and rear closure flap fold lines of the box.
  • the sheet 18 may be tensioned to retain the one or more products 76 between the sheet and one or more of the front, rear, left, and right closure flaps of the box. ( Figs. 17-18 .)
  • the resulting packaging assembly of any of the methods described above may be secured in the retained position, and the box in the closed position, for example by taping the box using tape 92.
  • Other methods of securing the box closed include applying adhesive to secure the box flaps or tying the box closed.
  • one frame may be positionable in an installed position on more than one size of box.
  • frame 310 has front and rear panel flap fold zones 26, 30 adapted or sized to correspond to the front and rear closure flap fold lines, respectively, of more than one box.
  • frame 310 has front panel flap fold zone 26 that corresponds to both front closure flap fold line 71 of box 314 and also to front closure flap fold line 71 of box 364.
  • frame 310 has rear panel flap fold zone 38 that corresponds to both rear closure flap fold line 75 of box 314 and also to rear closure flap fold line 75 of box 364.
  • Packaging assembly 312 ( Fig. 38 ) has frame 310 in the installed position on the relatively large box 314; and packaging assembly 362 ( Fig. 39 ) has frame 310 in the installed position on the relatively small box 364.
  • the width W3 of the central panel portion 34 may be at most as wide as the box width W2; and for example, the width W7 between the outmost fold lines of the front and rear panel flap fold zones may be at least as wide as the box width W2.
  • Figure 40 illustrates another frame that is adapted to be positionable in an installed position on more than one size of box.
  • Frame 509 has front and rear panel flap folds zones 26, 30 of differing widths and spacing.
  • the frames of the presently disclosed subject matter may be useful in making the packaging assemblies described herein using an automated assembly system.
  • the packaging assemblies may be assembled in sequential fashion using automated assembly system 410.
  • Automated assembly system 410 includes a conveyor 412 to convey boxes 14 from a source (not shown) to a box closure flap spreader 416, then to assembly area 414, and finally to packing area 424.
  • the box flap spreader 416 includes two driven, counter-rotating bats 418 for spreading open the front and rear closure flaps 70, 74 of box 14.
  • the assembly area includes front and rear closure flap guides 426, 428 and front and rear adhesive applicators 420, 422.
  • the front and rear closure flap guides 426, 428 receive the front and rear closure flaps to guide and maintain the closure flaps in a desired (e.g., horizontal) position at the assembly area 414.
  • the front and rear adhesive applicators 420, 422 apply adhesive to the front and rear closure flaps 70, 74, respectively, for example by spray application. ( Fig. 41C .)
  • the lifter 430 obtains a frame 10 (i.e., any of the frames described herein) from the source of frames 434 (e.g., a stack of frames 10).
  • the lifter may include suction elements 436 adapted to engage and hold frame 10 while transporting it from the frame source 432 to the assembly area 414.
  • the suction elements may utilize vacuum functionality having on/off capability to selectively engage and disengage the frame at desired times.
  • the lifter 430 utilizes one or more telescoping arms 438 to position the frame 10 over the front and rear closure flaps 70, 74, which are held by the front and rear closure flap guides 426, 428, respectively, and to which the adhesive applicators 420, 422 have applied adhesive.
  • the lifter 430 applies the frame 10 to the box 14 to position the frame in the installed position relative the box (as described herein).
  • the lifter 430 may extend telescoping arms 438 to apply the frame onto the adhesive that had previously been applied on the front and rear closure flaps, thereby making packaging assembly 12. ( Fig. 41D .)
  • the suction elements 436 may disengage to release the frame 10 from the lifter 430.
  • Conveyor 412 conveys the packaging assembly 12 from the assembly area 414 to the packing area 424.
  • a worker 440 may place a product 76 on sheet 18, and place the packaging assembly 12 in the retained position (as described herein) to retain the product between the sheet and one or more of the left, right, front, and rear closure flaps of the box.
  • any numerical value ranges recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value.
  • the amount of a component or a value of a process variable e.g., temperature, pressure, time
  • the amount of a component or a value of a process variable may range from any of 1 to 90, 20 to 80, or 30 to 70, or be any of at least 1, 20, or 30 and/or at most 90, 80, or 70, then it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, and 30 to 32, as well as at least 15, at least 22, and at most 32, are expressly enumerated in this specification.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
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US201562153202P 2015-04-27 2015-04-27
US201562166285P 2015-05-26 2015-05-26
PCT/US2016/028758 WO2016176115A1 (en) 2015-04-27 2016-04-22 Packaging assembly

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JP7340730B2 (ja) * 2018-07-20 2023-09-08 株式会社フジシール 包材及び梱包体
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CN108064211A (zh) 2018-05-22
EP3288837A1 (en) 2018-03-07
WO2016176115A1 (en) 2016-11-03

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