WO2015151100A1

WO2015151100A1 - Sleeve for formation of container

Info

Publication number: WO2015151100A1
Application number: PCT/IL2015/050351
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronen SHANY; Amos Nudler
Original assignee: Ducart Packaging Industries Ltd.
Priority date: 2014-04-02
Filing date: 2015-04-01
Publication date: 2015-10-08

Abstract

A sleeve for formation of a container includes a flat first layer that includes a top panel and an adjacent first side panel, and a flat second layer that includes a bottom panel and an adjacent second side panel. Each pair of adjacent panels is connected at a pre-creased fold line. The top panel includes openings and adheres at a seam to one of the side panels. Pre-creased fold lines between the first layer and second layer are folded such that concurrent application of inward force to the folded pre-creased fold lines opens the sleeve to acquire a quadrilateral cross section and open ends. Each open end includes an end section that is contiguous with the bottom panel and with the side panels, and which is foldable upward and inward to close the open ends to form a container whose bottom is contiguous with side and end walls.

Description

SLEEVE FOR FORMATION OF CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sleeve for formation of a container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Potted plants are often used to decorate homes, offices, businesses, courtyards, and balconies. A typical flowerpot or plant pot is provided with a hole in its bottom, or may otherwise be made porous, to enable outflow of excess water. When the pot is placed in many indoor or outdoor settings, the outflow of water could damage or mar the surrounding surface or other objects that are placed on the surface, or could present a slipping hazard to people walking nearby. Thus, in many such settings, wetting of a floor or other surface near the pot is to be avoided. Therefore, it is often the practice to place a suitably sized plate or dish under the pot in order to collect the outflowing water and to prevent the water from reaching the surface. The water that is collected may reenter the pot through the hole as the soil, or other planting medium, in the pot dries. Thus, the plant may be watered at longer intervals than would otherwise be required. Often, the plate itself is design to serve an ornamental function.

[0003] In plant nurseries, where plants are sold, disposable pots are often used. For example, many plants are sold in small square or round disposable plastic pots. Houseplants or other plants may be sold in gift packs or in sets of multiple plants, e.g., with an appropriate discount for promotional purposes. A set may include various groupings of plants (e.g., a variety of herbal plants) whose sale is being promoted. Packaging may be adapted to such sets, e.g., by providing a carrying handle or by being printed with decorative (e.g., suitable for a gift or other purpose) or informative (e.g., use or care instructions) content.

[0004] Packaging may be adapted to facilitate transporting of the plants from a nursery where the plants are grown to a store, stand, or other point of sale. The packaging may be designed to prevent or limit damage to the plants during transport, to facilitate efficient handling, to facilitate care of the plants along the supply chain, or otherwise facilitate transport and handling of the plants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] There is thus provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a sleeve for formation of a container, the sleeve, when collapsed, including a substantially flat first layer that includes a top panel and an adjacent first side panel, and a substantially flat second layer that includes a bottom panel and an adjacent second side panel, the top panel further being adjacent to the second side panel and the bottom panel being further adjacent to the first side panel, each pair of adjacent panels being connected at a pre-creased fold line, the top panel including one or a plurality of openings and adheres at a seam to the first side panel or to the second side panel, wherein the pre-creased fold lines between the first layer and second layer are folded such that concurrent application of inward force to the folded pre-creased fold lines opens the sleeve to acquire a quadrilateral cross section and open ends, each of the open ends of the opened sleeve further including an end section that is contiguous with the bottom panel and with the first and second side panels, and which is foldable upward and inward to close the open ends to form the container in which the bottom of the container that is formed by the bottom panel is contiguous with side and end walls of the container..

[0006] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the end section includes an end panel that is connected to an end of the bottom panel at a pre-creased fold line such that the end panel is upwardly foldable to close the open end.

[0007] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the end section further includes at least two corner panels, each of the at least two corner panels with a vertex at a meeting of the bottom panel, the end panel, and of the first side panel or of the second side panel, the at least two corner panels being contiguous with one another, with the bottom panel, with the end panel, and with the first side panel and the second side panel, adjacent panels of the at least two corner panels, the bottom panel, the end panel, the first side panel and the second side panel being connected at pre-creased fold lines, the at least two corner panels being upwardly foldable to close a bottom corner of the container.

[0008] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a contiguous section of the sleeve that includes the bottom panel and at least part of first side panel, the second side panel and the end section is fluid resistant.

[0009] There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a holder for holding a potted plant formable from a sleeve, the holder including: a substantially flat bottom; two side walls formable by opening the sleeve from a collapsed configuration to an opened configuration having a substantially quadrilateral cross section and open ends; two end walls each of the end walls being formable by upward folding of an end section of the opened sleeve to close each open end of the sleeve, the bottom, side walls and end walls being contiguous, each bottom corner of the holder being closed by the end section when the end is closed; and a top formable by the opening of the sleeve, the top being contiguous with one of the side walls and adhered at a seam to the other side wall, the top panel including at least one opening to hold a plant pot.

[0010] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the top of the holder longitudinally extends outward beyond the end walls.

[0011] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a cover that is closable over the top extends from one of said two side walls.

[0012] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a contiguous section of the holder that includes the bottom and least a region of each of the side and end walls that is adjacent to the bottom is fluid resistant.

[0013] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a flap extends from the top panel, the flap being foldable over a side panel or end panel of the holder.

[0014] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the flap includes a tab that is insertable into a slot in the side panel or end panel.

[0015] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the end walls are substantially vertical or sloped with respect to the vertical. [0016] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an end panel of the end section includes a lateral tab that is configured to engage a notch in a corner panel of the end section.

[0017] There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a blank for forming a sleeve that is formable into a holder for holding a potted plant, the blank including: a bottom panel; two side panels that are contiguous with the bottom panel; two end sections that are contiguous with the bottom panel and with the side panels; a top panel that is contiguous with one of the side panels and is adherable to the other side panel to form a seam, the top panel including at least one opening, a plurality of pre-creased fold lines that connect each pair of adjacent panels of the blank; wherein the blank is foldable to form a sleeve such that when the sleeve is collapsed, the sleeve includes a substantially flat first layer that includes the top panel and one of the side panels, and a substantially flat second layer that includes the bottom panel and the other side panel, the sleeve when opened having a quadrilateral cross section and open ends, each open end being closable by inward and upward folding of the end sections to form the holder, the holder having a bottom that is contiguous with side and end walls of the holder.

[0018] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the end section includes an end panel that is adjacent to the bottom panel.

[0019] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the end section further includes at least two corner panels, each of the at least two corner panels with a vertex at a meeting of the bottom panel, the end panel, and one of the side panels, the at least two corner panels being contiguous with one another, with the bottom panel, with the end panel, and with the side panels, the at least two corner panels being upwardly foldable to close a bottom corner of the container.

[0020] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the end panel comprises a lateral tab that is configured to engage a notch in a corner panel of said at least two corner panels.

[0021] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a contiguous section of the blank that includes the bottom panel and at least a region of each of the side panels and of the end sections that is adjacent to the bottom panel is fluid resistant.

[0022] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a flap extends from the top panel.

[0023] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the flap includes a tab that is insertable into a slot in the side panel or in the end panel.

[0024] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one opening is substantially circular or oval.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order for the present invention, to be better understood and for its practical applications to be appreciated, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0026] Fig. 1 A schematically illustrates a foldable blank for formation of a potted plant holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. IB schematically illustrates a collapsed sleeve formed from the foldable blank shown in Fig. 1A.

[0028] Fig. 1C schematically illustrates opening the collapsed sleeve shown in Fig. IB.

[0029] Fig. 2 A schematically illustrates the collapsed sleeve of Fig. 1C formed into an open sleeve.

[0030] Fig. 2B schematically illustrates the open sleeve shown in Fig. 2A with one end partially closed.

[0031] Fig. 2C schematically illustrates a completed potted plant holder after closing the ends of the sleeve shown in Fig. 2B.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of formation of foldable blank into a potted plant holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0033] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a foldable blank for formation of a variant of a potted plant holder with a sloping closed end, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 5A schematically illustrates the foldable blank of Fig. 4 after folding to form a sleeve.

[0035] Fig. 5B schematically illustrates the sleeve shown in Fig. 5A with one end partially closed.

[0036] Fig. 5C schematically illustrates a completed potted plant holder after closing the ends of the sleeve shown in Fig. 5B.

[0037] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a foldable blank for formation of a variant of a potted plant holder with a vertical closed end, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 7A schematically illustrates the foldable blank of Fig. 6 after folding to form a sleeve.

[0039] Fig. 7B schematically illustrates the sleeve shown in Fig. 7A with one end partially closed.

[0040] Fig. 7C schematically illustrates a completed potted plant holder after closing the ends of the sleeve shown in Fig. 7B.

[0041] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a variant of the sleeve shown in Fig. 2B, with an end panel that includes laterally extending tabs.

[0042] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a container formed as a variant of the potted plant holder shown in Fig. 5C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. [0044] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms "plurality" and "a plurality" as used herein may include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more". The terms "plurality" or "a plurality" may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently. Unless otherwise indicated, us of the conjunction "or" as used herein is to be understood as inclusive (any or all of the stated options).

[0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a sleeve is configured to unfold to form a container, such as a potted plant holder. The sleeve may be formed of a marked or pre-creased blank. The blank is foldable along fold lines that are pre-creased (e.g., scored, grooved, or otherwise prepared to facilitate folding along the fold line). A top panel is sealable to a side panel to form a sleeve that may be stored in collapsed form (e.g., as a pile or stack of substantially flat collapsed sleeves) until opened for formation into a container, such as a potted plant holder. Such a potted plant holder may be useful for holding or transporting one or more plants in pots. Although specific reference is made herein to plant holders, plant holders should be understood as representative of any similarly structured container or holder that may be used to hold, or may be intended to hold, other types of articles (e.g., food or beverages).

[0046] At least part of one side of the blank is made fluid-resistant (e.g., waterproof, oil resistant, or resistant to another fluid). For example, the blank may be made of a nonporous, or water- or fluid-impermeable, plastic or other material. When the blank is constructed of a porous material (e.g., paper, cardboard, or another porous material), a surface on at least one side of the porous material may be coated or laminated to render that surface impermeable to water or another fluid. When only one side is made fluid- resistant, the side that is fluid-resistant forms the inner surface of the potted plant holder when the blank is folded to form the potted plant holder. Reference herein to waterproofing or to waterproof materials, should be understood as representative of any type of fluid resistance. Similarly, water should be understood as representative of other fluids.

[0047] The creases of the blank are arranged such that when the blank is folded to form a potted plant holder in the form of a box, the bottom of the box and adjacent side and end walls are formed from a single unfolded contiguous section of the blank. As used herein, a section is considered to be contiguous when the section does not include any openings, or any seams that are formed by juxtaposition of different edges of the blank, whether or not the juxtaposed edges are sealed or otherwise adhere to one another. Two panels or sides are considered to be adjacent when they are continuous with one another or adhere to one another at a seam. Thus, the edges and corners at the bottom of the box include only upward folds and corner pleats, with no unattached edges. Thus, a bottom section (including the bottom and at least section near the bottom section of each side and end wall) of the potted plant holder does not include any holes, slits, or edges through which fluid may flow or seep out of the potted plant holder. Thus, when at least the inside surface of the bottom section of the box is constructed of a fluid-resistant material, the potted plant holder may retain fluid.

[0048] A top panel of the box includes one or more pot openings that are each shaped and sized so as to hold one a plant pot. For example, each of the pot openings may be substantially round or square. The size of the opening may match the outer diameter of a pot that is to be held by the potted plant holder. In some cases, the perimeter of the opening may be provided with slits, tabs, or other structure that enables to opening to accommodate pots having a range of sizes. Although reference is made herein to pot openings, it should be understood that the openings may be used to hold, or to enable insertion or removal of, other types of objects (e.g., food or beverage packages or containers).

[0049] As used herein, directional terms such as ""top"", ""bottom", "side", "up", "down", "upward", "downward", or similar directional terms refer herein to directions of a potted plant holder when placed on a horizontal surface for use in holding potted plants. In particular, a surface or panel of the potted plant holder that includes openings for placement of plant pots is herein referred to as the top of the holder and as facing upward, and is formed by a corresponding top panel of the holder blank. Other directions, dimensions, and panels may be understood with reference to their position relative to the top of the potted plant holder.

[0050] For example, the blank may be folded to form a sleeve with a quadrilateral or other cross section. One side of the sleeve includes the pot openings. When the sleeve is placed such that the pot openings face upward, and end section at the open ends of the sleeve may be folded inward and upward to close the ends and corners at the bottom of the resulting container or potted plant holder. For example, the end section may include end panels at the ends of the bottom of the sleeve that may be folded inward (toward one another) and upward (toward the side with the pot openings) to close the ends of the sleeve. As the end panels are folded inward and upward, corner panels at either side of the end panel fold inward and upward toward each other to forming a corner pleat (e.g., in the form of a fan of diagonal pleats) that folds inward (toward the hollow space within the sleeve) with a closed vertex at each bottom corner. For example, the corner panels at each corner may include two (or another even number of) corner panels, one adjacent to a side panel, one adjacent to the end panel, and adjacent to one another. Each corner panel has a vertex (described by and acute angle) at a point of meeting of the bottom panel, a side of one of the end panel, and a mutually adjacent side panel. The upward fold seals the bottom ends of the potted plant holder against outward seepage of water. The inward pleats close the bottom corners of the potted plant holder, such that the bottom corners do not have any seams or openings that could enable outward seepage of water.

[0051] A plant pot may be placed into one of the openings of the folded potted plant holder. The potted plant may be watered in the usual manner. When, as is typical, the bottom of the plant pot includes an opening, excess water from watering the potted plant escapes from the pot. The waterproof bottom portion of the folded potted plant holder may retain the escaped water inside the potted plant holder. Thus, potted plants that are held in the folded potted plant holder may be watered without wetting the surface on which the potted plant holder is placed. Retention of water may enable the plants to be kept longer than otherwise (e.g., on a store shelf, in a vehicle during transport, by an end consumer prior to replanting, or elsewhere) without, or with a reduced, need for watering. Thus, shelf life of the potted plants may be maximized or increased. [0052] Fig. 1 A schematically illustrates a foldable blank for formation of a potted plant holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Potted plant holder blank 10 may be constructed of, or may include, a semi-rigid sheet of a suitable material that is foldable. Such materials may include, for example, plastic sheet (e.g., polypropylene, or another suitable plastic), paper board, cardboard, wood, metal foil, or another. If the material of potted plant holder blank 10 is porous or permeable to water, at least a contiguous section of potted plant holder blank 10 may be waterproofed. A waterproofed contiguous section may include all of bottom panel 12, and at least a region of each of the adjacent panels that is adjacent to bottom panel 12. The adjacent panels include side panels 18 and 20, end panels 22, and corner panels 30 and 34. For example, the waterproofed parts may be covered, coated, laminated, impregnated, or otherwise treated with a waterproofing (or other fluid resistant) material. The waterproofing material may include a non-permeable or water-repellent plastic, wax, oil, hydrocarbon, metal foil, or other non-permeable or water-repellent material.

[0054] Bottom panel 12 is contiguous with all adjacent panels of potted plant holder blank 10. Panels of potted plant holder blank 10 that are adjacent to bottom panel 12 include side panels 18 and 20, end panels 22, and corner panels 30 and 34. Panels are contiguous since the connections between adjacent panels (e.g., at sleeve formation fold lines 26a-26d, end panel fold lines 27, end formation fold lines 28, and corner formation fold lines 32) does not include any seams, slits, gaps, or openings, either in the material of potted plant holder blank 10 itself, or in making the material waterproof or fluid resistant.

[0055] Corner panels 30 and 34 are substantially triangular. Each of corner panels 30 and 34 has a vertex at a common point (corresponding to bottom corner 36) where bottom panel 12, one of side panels 18 or 20, and one of end panels 22 all meet.

[0056] Top panel 14 includes one or more pot openings 16. In the example shown, two pot openings 16 are shown. In other examples, a top panel 14 may include more or fewer than two pot openings 16.

[0057] Pot openings 16 may be sized and shaped to match the outer perimeter of a plant pot. When top panel 14 includes a plurality of pot openings 16, different pot openings 16 may have different sizes or shapes. For example, some or all of pot openings 16 may have a substantially circular, square, rectangular (or other polygonal), or oval (or other curved) shape.

[0058] In some cases, the outer rim of a pot opening 16 may be configured to accommodate plant pots having a range of sizes. For example, the outer rim may include a plurality of radial slits that divide the rim into bendable tabs. Thus, that pot opening 16 may accommodate any pot whose outer perimeter ranges from the size of the pot opening when the tabs are unbent (e.g., an opening formed by the distal ends of the tabs) to the size of the pot opening when all tabs are fully bent (e.g., an opening formed by the proximal ends of the tabs). Other arrangements for accommodating a range of sizes (e.g., elastic rims, rims with accordion folds, or other arrangements) may be used.

[0059] Adjacent panels of potted plant holder blank 10 may be folded along fold lines. The fold lines include sleeve formation fold lines 26a-26d, end panel fold lines 27, end formation fold lines 28, and corner formation fold lines 32. When viewed from the side of potted plant holder blank 10 that forms the inner surface of the potted plant holder, the folds along sleeve formation fold lines 26a-26d, end panel fold lines 27, and end formation fold lines 28 are inward or concave, while the folds along corner formation fold lines 32 are outward or convex. As a result of the folding, bottom corners 36 are folded inward or concave.

[0060] One or more of sleeve formation fold lines 26a-26d, end panel fold lines 27, end formation fold lines 28, corner formation fold lines 32 may be pre-creased, scored with a groove, or otherwise constructed to facilitate folding along the fold line in a direction that enables formation of a potted plant holder. Alternatively or in addition, one or more of sleeve formation fold lines 26a-26d, end panel fold lines 27, end formation fold lines 28, and corner formation fold lines 32 may be visibly marked, e.g., with a printed solid, dashed, or dotted line, or with an arrow or other indication, to indicate where or in which direction the blank is to be folded. The markings may indicate a recommended order for folding along the indicated fold lines. In some cases, one or more of the fold lines may be neither marked nor constructed for facilitated folding. [0061] One or more panels of potted plant holder blank 10 may be configured with structure (not shown) that enables retention of the shape of the potted plant holder after its formation. For example, the outer or inner surface of flap 24 may be configured to adhere to the inner or outer surface, respectively, of side panel 20 in a manner that maintains attachment of flap 24 to side panel 20. For example, an appropriate sealing machine or apparatus may apply heat to seal flap 24 to side panel 20 to form an adhered seam. Flap 24, side panel 20, or both, may be provided with one or more adhesive strips or pads that enables flap 24 to adhere to side panel 20 after folding. The adhesive strips or pads may include a suitable glue, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnet, or other adhesive material or mechanism. Alternatively or in addition, flap 24 may be configured with one or more tabs that are insertable into corresponding slits in side panel 20. Alternatively or in addition, adhesive tape, application of glue, an elastic band, a latch, strap, belt, or other externally applied adhesion technique or material, may be used to hold flap 24 to side panel 20.

[0062] Once flap 24 has been caused to adhere to side panel 20 to form a sealed seam, top panel 14 and side panel 20 may be connected along sleeve formation fold line 26a. Alternatively or in addition, a sealed seam may be formed between top panel 14 and side panel 18 (e.g., via a similar flap or other structure). Positioning of a single seam adjacent to top panel 14 may enable bottom panel 12 to be seamlessly contiguous with adjacent side panels 18 and 20, end panels 22, and with corner panels 30 and 34.

[0063] Fig. 3 A is a flowchart illustrating a method of formation of foldable blank into a sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] It should be understood with respect to any flowchart referenced herein that the division of the illustrated method into discrete operations represented by blocks of the flowchart has been selected for convenience and clarity only. Alternative division of the illustrated method into discrete operations is possible with equivalent results. Such alternative division of the illustrated method into discrete operations should be understood as representing other embodiments of the illustrated method.

[0065] Similarly, it should be understood that, unless indicated otherwise, the illustrated order of execution of the operations represented by blocks of any flowchart referenced herein has been selected for convenience and clarity only. Operations of the illustrated method may be executed in an alternative order, or concurrently, with equivalent results. Such reordering of operations of the illustrated method should be understood as representing other embodiments of the illustrated method.

[0066] Sleeve formation method 100 may be performed on a foldable blank for formation of a potted plant holder (block 102), such as potted plant holder blank 10 (Fig. 1). Potted plant holder formation method 100 may be performed manually (e.g., by a person who manually folds, bends, inserts, or otherwise performs operations of sleeve formation method 100), automatically by an appropriately configured machine (e.g., such as a variation of a machine for formation of sealed cartons), or by a combination of manual and automatic operations (e.g., by a person who operates a machine or apparatus to perform some operations of sleeve formation method 100). Parts of sleeve formation method 100 may be performed by a manufacturer, e.g., that prepares collapsed sleeves for providing to retailers (e.g., florist or garden store) or wholesalers (e.g., a plant nursery).

[0067] Potted plant holder blank 10 may be folded along sleeve formation fold lines 26 to form a sleeve (block 104).

[0068] For simplicity of the description, let us assume that the surface of potted plant holder blank 10 that is visible in Fig. 1 is the inner surface that is formed into the inward-facing surface of the completed potted plant holder. In this case, all of sleeve formation fold lines 26a and 26c are folded inward as viewed in Fig. 1 so as to form concave folds. (When viewed from the opposite, outer side, the folds are outward and convex.)

[0069] Fig. IB schematically illustrates a collapsed sleeve formed from the foldable blank shown in Fig. 1A.

[0070] As shown in Fig. IB, collapsed sleeve 11 has been formed from potted plant holder blank 10 by folding inward sleeve formation fold lines 26c and 26a. After folding sleeve formation fold line 26a, flap 24 may be sealed to, or otherwise attached to, side panel 20. Thus, collapsed sleeve 11 includes a top layer 11a formed of top panel 14 and side panel 18, and bottom layer l ib formed of bottom panel 12 and side panel 20. Both top layer 11a and bottom layer l ib are substantially flat, sleeve formation fold lines 26b and 26d not having been folded. Top layer 11a and bottom layer l ib are connected to one another at sleeve formation fold lines 26c and 26a, which serve as folds of collapsed sleeve 11.

[0071] Concurrent application of inward force to the folds of collapsed sleeve 11 (e.g., to sleeve formation fold lines 26c and 26a) may open collapsed sleeve 11.

[0072] Figs. 1C and 2A to 2C schematically illustrate stages in a method of formation of potted plant holder blank 10 and collapsed sleeve 11 into a potted plant holder 42 (Fig. 2C). Fig. 3B is a flowchart illustrating a method of formation of a collapsed sleeve into a potted plant holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Potted plant holder formation method 101 may be performed on a collapsed sleeve 11 for formation of a potted plant holder (block 110), such as collapsed sleeve 11 (Fig. IB). Potted plant holder formation method 101 may be performed manually (e.g., by a person who manually folds, bends, inserts, or otherwise performs operations of potted plant holder formation method 101), automatically by an appropriately configured machine, or by a combination of manual and automatic operations (e.g., by a person who operates a machine or apparatus to perform some operations of potted plant holder formation method 101).

[0074] A collapsed sleeve 11 may be opened (block 120). Fig. 1C schematically illustrates opening the collapsed sleeve shown in Fig. IB.

[0075] For example, inward force may be applied concurrently to opposite folds of collapsed sleeve 11, e.g., to sleeve formation fold lines 26c and 26a. Application of the inward force pushes sleeve formation fold lines 26c and 26a toward one another. The movement of sleeve formation fold lines 26c and 26a toward one another may concurrently open the folds at sleeve formation fold lines 26c and 26a and inwardly bend (e.g., to form concave folds when viewed from within collapsed sleeve 11) sleeve formation fold lines 26b and 26d. Top panel 14 becomes separated from bottom panel 12 such that collapsed sleeve 11 acquires a quadrilateral cross section (e.g., parallelogram, or other quadrilateral shape).

[0076] Continued application of the force opens collapsed sleeve 11 completely.

[0077] Fig. 2 A schematically illustrates the collapsed sleeve of Fig. 1C formed into an open sleeve. [0078] Collapsed sleeve 11 has been completely opened to form open holder sleeve 40. The bottom of open holder sleeve 40 is formed by bottom panel 12, its top by top panel 14, and its lateral sides by side panels 18 and 20. Pot openings 16 open upward. The ends (e.g., at the ends of a longitudinal axis) of open holder sleeve 40 are open.

[0079] The end sections 21 of open holder sleeve 40 may be closed (block 130). End sections 21 may be folded inward and upward to close the open ends 19 of open holder sleeve 40. Each end section 21 includes end panel 22 adjacent to bottom panel 12, corner panel 34 adjacent to end panel 22 and to corner panel 30, and corner panel 30 adjacent to corner panel 34 and to side panel 18 or 20. Corner panels 30 and 34 each have an acute angle vertex at a bottom corner 36. Each end section 21 is contiguous together with bottom panel 12 and with side panels 18 and 20.

[0080] For example, each end panel 22 may be folded inward and upward along end panel fold line 27, concurrently folding corner panels 30 and 34 along end formation fold lines 28 and corner formation fold lines 32. The folding of corner panels 30 and 34 along end formation fold lines 28 and corner formation fold lines 32 forms corner pleats 33. Corner pleat 33 is an upward corner pleat with a vertex at bottom corner 36.

[0081] Although two corner panels 30 and 34 are shown, additional corner panels (e.g., an even number at each corner) may be used to form a corner pleat. For example, multiple corner panels may be configured to fold with multiple accordion folds to form a corner pleat.

[0082] Fig. 2B schematically illustrates the open sleeve shown in Fig. 2A with one end partially closed.

[0083] End panel 22 folds inward along end panel fold line 27 to form partially closed end 19'. Similarly, corner panels 34 and 30 fold inward (e.g., with respect to adjacent end panel 22 and side panel 18, respectively) along end formation fold lines 28. Adjacent corner panels 30 and 34 form an outward fold relative to one another along corner formation fold lines 32. As a result, bottom corner 36 is closed, forming a vertex of corner pleat 33, in a manner that does not enable water to escape.

[0084] Closing of end panels 22 is completed to complete the potted plant holder (block 140). When closed, end panels 22 may be substantially vertical or sloping at some angle (e.g., an acute angle) relative to the vertical. [0085] Fig. 2C schematically illustrates a completed potted plant holder after closing the ends of the sleeve shown in Fig. 2B.

[0086] The bottom of potted plant holder 42 is formed by bottom panel 12. Side walls of potted plant holder 42 are formed by side panels 18 and 20 folding upward from bottom panel 12. End walls are formed by end panels 22 folding upward from bottom panel 22. Bottom corners 36 are closed by corner pleats 33.

[0087] End panel 22 may include structure for holding itself in place. For example, end panel 22 may include structure that is configured to engage cooperating structure on one or more adjacent panels (e.g., top panel 14, side panel 18 or 20, corner panel 30, or another component of potted plant holder 42) to hold end panel 22 in place after folding. For example, end panel 22 may include one or more tabs that may engage a slit or notch in one or more adjacent corner panels 30. Alternatively or in addition, a tab or other structure may engage a cooperating slit or other structure in top panel 14, side panel 18 or 20, corner panel 34, or other structure.

[0088] Top panel end 14a of top panel 14 may extend longitudinally outward beyond end panel 22, thus overhanging end panel 22, in potted plant holder 42. Similarly, side panel end 18a of side panel 18 (and a similar section of side panel 20, Fig. 2 A) may extend longitudinally outward beyond end panel 22. Top panel end 14a, reinforced by side panel end 18a, may be utilized as a handle for carrying potted plant holder 42.

[0089] Dimensions of potted plant holder 42 may be determined at least in part by the size (e.g., length, width, height), shape, and maximum number of plant pots that are to be held in pot openings 16. For example, a length of potted plant holder 42 may be sufficiently long to accommodate a desired or required number of pot openings 16. A size and shape of pot opening 16 may be designed to confine lateral movement (e.g., during transport) of a pot of a particular size and shape that is held in pot opening 16. In some cases, a height of potted plant holder 42 may be designed to enable a pot that is placed in pot opening 16 to rest on bottom panel 12 while extending upward to or above top panel 14. In some cases, a height of potted plant holder 42 may be designed to enable the bottom of pot whose sides are held by pot opening 16 (e.g., where the sides of the pot taper upward and outward such that the top of the pot is larger than pot opening 16) to be suspended above bottom panel 12 (e.g., with a wick or similar structure to conduct water to the pot from water that is held at the bottom of potted plant holder 42).

[0090] Outer surfaces of potted plant holder 42 may be marked or decorated as appropriate for one or more intended users or uses (e.g., gift packaging, transport, sales promotion, or other uses). An outer surface may include a slot or pocket to hold a card or paper (e.g., that includes a greeting, an invoice or receipt, or care or delivery instructions).

[0091] Potted plant holder 42 may be used for purposes other than holding plant pots. For example, potted plant holder 42 may be utilized advantageously to hold cups or bottles, food containers, medical samples, or other items, especially where spillage or seepage of liquids onto an external surface is to be avoided.

[0092] Variants of potted plant holder 42, and corresponding variants of potted plant holder blank 10, may be utilized or applied.

[0093] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a foldable blank for formation of a variant of a potted plant holder with a sloping closed end, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Potted plant holder blank 50 may be constructed of materials or may be waterproofed as described above in connection with potted plant holder blank 10 (Fig. 1)·

[0095] Top panel 14 of potted plant holder blank 50 includes one or more pot openings 16. In the example shown, three pot openings 16 are shown. In other examples, a top panel 14 may include more or fewer than two pot openings 16. Pot openings 16 of potted plant holder blank 50 may be constructed similarly to pot openings 16 of potted plant holder blank 10.

[0096] Adjacent panels of potted plant holder blank 50 may be folded along fold lines. The fold lines include sleeve formation fold lines 26, end panel fold lines 27, end formation fold lines 28, and corner formation fold lines 32. When viewed from the side of potted plant holder blank 50 that forms the inner surface of the potted plant holder, the folds along sleeve formation fold lines 26, end panel fold lines 27, and end formation fold lines 28 are inward or concave, while the folds along corner formation fold lines 32 are outward or convex. As a result of the folding, bottom corners 36 are folded inward or concave. The fold lines of potted plant holder blank 50 may be prepared or marked similarly to the fold lines of potted plant holder blank 10.

[0097] Top panel 14 is provided with end flaps 52. Each end flap 52 is provided with end flap tab 54. Each end flap tab 54 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) for insertion into tab slot 56 of corresponding end panel 68.

[0098] Operations of potted plant holder formation method 100 (Fig. 3) may be performed on potted plant holder blank 50.

[0099] Potted plant holder blank 50 may be folded along sleeve formation fold lines 26 to form a sleeve.

[00100] Fig. 5 A schematically illustrates the foldable blank of Fig. 4 after folding to form a sleeve.

[00101] Potted plant holder blank 50 has been folded to form holder sleeve 60.

The bottom of holder sleeve 60 is formed by bottom panel 12, its top by top panel 14, and its sides by side panels 18 and 20. Pot openings 16 open upward. The ends of holder sleeve 60 are open. Potted plant holder blank 50 may include structure (e.g., similar to that of flap 24 of potted plant holder blank 10) that may be attached (e.g., to side panel 20) to maintain holder sleeve 60 in the form of a sleeve.

[00102] Holder sleeve 60 may produced and stored in flattened form as discussed above in connection with collapsed sleeve 11 (Fig. IB) and open holder sleeve 40 (Fig. 2A).

[00103] The ends of holder sleeve 60 may be closed by folding each end panel 68 inward and upward along end panel fold line 27. Concurrently corner panels 66 and 64 may be folded along end formation fold lines 28 and corner formation fold lines 32.

[00104] Fig. 5B schematically illustrates the sleeve shown in Fig. 5A with one end partially closed.

[00105] End panel 68 folds inward along end panel fold line 27. Similarly, corner panels 64 and 66 fold inward (e.g., with respect to adjacent end panel 64 and side panel 18, respectively) along end formation fold lines 28. Adjacent corner panels 66 and 64 form an outward fold relative to one another along corner formation fold lines 32. The folding of corner panels 66 and 64 along end formation fold lines 28 and corner formation fold lines 32 forms corner pleats 33. As a result, bottom corner 36 is closed in a manner that does not enable water to escape.

[00106] Fig. 5C schematically illustrates a completed potted plant holder after closing the ends of the sleeve shown in Fig. 5B.

[00107] In potted plant holder 62, end panel 68 is in its closed position (e.g., aligned with ends of side panels 18 and 20). When end panel 68 is closed, end flap 52 may be folded downward along end flap fold line 58. When end flap 52 is folded down, end flap tab 54 of end flap 52 may be inserted into tab slot 56 on end panel 68. Thus, end flap tab 54 and tab slot 58 may engage one another to hold end panel 68 closed. Alternatively or in addition, other structure may be provided to hold closed an end of potted plant holder 62.

[00108] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a foldable blank for formation of a variant of a potted plant holder with a vertical closed end, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00109] Potted plant holder blank 70 may be constructed of materials or may be waterproofed as described above in connection with potted plant holder blank 10 (Fig. 1)·

[00110] Top panel 14 of potted plant holder blank 70 includes one or more pot openings 16. In the example shown, a single pot opening 16 is shown. In other examples, a top panel 14 may include two or more pot openings 16. Pot opening 16 of potted plant holder blank 70 may be constructed similarly to pot openings 16 of potted plant holder blank 10.

[00111] Adjacent panels of potted plant holder blank 70 may be folded along fold lines. The fold lines include sleeve formation fold lines 26, end panel fold lines 27, end formation fold lines 28, and corner formation fold lines 32. When viewed from the side of potted plant holder blank 70 that forms the inner surface of the potted plant holder, the folds along sleeve formation fold lines 26, end panel fold lines 27, and end formation fold lines 28 are inward or concave, while the folds along corner formation fold lines 32 are outward or convex. As a result of the folding, bottom corners 36 are folded inward or concave. The fold lines of potted plant holder blank 50 may be prepared or marked similarly to the fold lines of potted plant holder blank 10. [00112] Top panel 14 is provided with end flaps 52. Each end flap 52 is provided with end flap tab 54. Each end flap tab 54 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) for insertion into tab slot 56 of corresponding end panel 68. Each end flap tab 54 may be folded relative to its attached end flap 52 along end flap tab fold line 74.

[00113] Operations of potted plant holder formation method 100 (Fig. 3) may be performed on potted plant holder blank 70. Potted plant holder blank 70 may be folded along sleeve formation fold lines 26 to form a sleeve.

[00114] Fig. 7A schematically illustrates the foldable blank of Fig. 6 after folding to form a sleeve.

[00115] Potted plant holder blank 70 has been folded to form holder sleeve 80.

The bottom of holder sleeve 80 is formed by bottom panel 12, its top by top panel 14, and its sides by side panels 18 and 20. Pot opening 16 opens upward. The ends of holder sleeve 80 are open.

[00116] One or more panels of potted plant holder blank 70 may be configured with structure (not shown) that enables retention of the shape of the potted plant holder after its formation. For example, the outer or inner surface of flap 24 may be configured for attachment to the inner or outer surface, respectively, of side panel 20 in a manner that maintains the attachment.

[00117] Holder sleeve 80 may be produced and stored in flattened form as discussed above in connection with collapsed sleeve 11 (Fig. IB) and open holder sleeve 40 (Fig. 2A).

[00118] The ends of holder sleeve 80 may be closed by folding each end panel 68 inward and upward along end panel fold line 27, concurrently folding corner panels 66 and 64 along end formation fold lines 28 and corner formation fold lines 32.

[00119] Fig. 7B schematically illustrates the sleeve shown in Fig. 7A with one end partially closed.

[00120] End panel 68 folds inward along end panel fold line 27. Similarly, corner panels 64 and 66 fold inward (e.g., with respect to adjacent end panel 64 and side panel 18, respectively) along end formation fold lines 28. Adjacent corner panels 66 and 64 form an outward fold relative to one another along corner formation fold lines 32. The folding of corner panels 66 and 64 along end formation fold lines 28 and corner formation fold lines 32 forms corner pleats 33. As a result, bottom corner 36 is closed in a manner that does not enable water to escape.

[00121] Fig. 7C schematically illustrates a completed potted plant holder after closing the ends of the sleeve shown in Fig. 7B.

[00122] In potted plant holder 82, end panel 68 is in its closed position (e.g., aligned with ends of side panels 18 and 20). When end panel 68 is closed, end flap 52 may be folded downward along end flap fold line 58. When end flap 52 is folded down, end flap tab 54 of end flap 52 may be inserted into tab slot 56 on end panel 68. Insertion of end flap tab 54 into tab slot 56 may be facilitated by bending along end flap tab fold line 74. Thus, end flap tab 54 and tab slot 58 may engage one another to hold end panel 68 closed. Alternatively or in addition, other structure may be provided to hold closed an end of potted plant holder 82.

[00123] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a variant of the sleeve shown in Fig. 2B, with an end panel that includes laterally extending tabs.

[00124] End panel 22 of holder sleeve 90 includes lateral tabs 90. When end panel 22 is closed, lateral tabs 90 may engage notches 94 in corner panels 30 to hold end panel 22 closed.

[00125] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a container formed as a variant of the potted plant holder shown in Fig. 5C.

[00126] Container 96 includes oval opening 16' (which may be suitable for insertion or removal of various items that are provided by a food stand or kiosk or by a vendor of fast food). Cover panel 84 extends from side panel 20 of container 96 and is configured to close over top panel 14 so as to close oval opening 16'. Cover tab 86 may be inserted into tab slot 88 to hold cover panel 84 closed.

[00127] A potted plant holder, such as potted plant holder 42, 62, or 82, may include additional features not discussed above. For example, a potted plant holder may include one or more cover panels for closing above a held potted plant, e.g., to provide protection from the environment (e.g., wind or direct sunlight), slots for attachment of a handle, one or more sensors or indicators (e.g., for sensing or indicating a temperature, humidity level, pH, or other relevant sensible quality), pocket or sleeve to hold paper or card (e.g., that includes an invoice, greeting, care information, or other content), or other features.

[00128] Different embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of certain embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; thus certain embodiments may be combinations of features of multiple embodiments.

[00129] In particular, modifications of embodiments shown herein that include, or that do not include, a handle formed by folding a holder blank may be modified to form a handle when folded. Flaps and tabs may extend from any of the top panel, side panels, or end panels. The flaps may be foldable over an adjacent panel (top, side, or end). The tabs may be insertable into slots on the adjacent panel.

[00130] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teaching. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[00131] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A sleeve for formation of a container, the sleeve, when collapsed, comprising a substantially flat first layer that includes a top panel and an adjacent first side panel, and a substantially flat second layer that includes a bottom panel and an adjacent second side panel, the top panel further being adjacent to the second side panel and the bottom panel being further adjacent to the first side panel, each pair of adjacent panels being connected at a pre-creased fold line, the top panel including one or a plurality of openings and adheres at a seam to the first side panel or to the second side panel, wherein the pre-creased fold lines between the first layer and second layer are folded such that concurrent application of inward force to the folded pre-creased fold lines opens the sleeve to acquire a quadrilateral cross section and open ends, each of the open ends of the opened sleeve further including an end section that is contiguous with the bottom panel and with the first and second side panels, and which is foldable upward and inward to close the open ends to form the container in which a bottom of the container that is formed by the bottom panel is contiguous with side and end walls of the container.

2. The sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the end section comprises an end panel that is connected to an end of the bottom panel at a pre-creased fold line such that the end panel is upwardly foldable to close the open end.

3. The sleeve of claim 2, wherein the end section further includes at least two corner panels, each of said at least two corner panels with a vertex at a meeting of the bottom panel, the end panel, and of the first side panel or of the second side panel, said at least two corner panels being contiguous with one another, with the bottom panel, with the end panel, and with the first side panel and the second side panel, adjacent panels of said at least two corner panels, the bottom panel, the end panel, the first side panel and the second side panel being connected at pre-creased fold lines, said at least two corner panels being upwardly foldable to close a bottom corner of the container.

4. The sleeve of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a contiguous section of the sleeve that includes the bottom panel and at least part of first side panel, the second side panel and the end section is fluid resistant.

5. A holder for holding a potted plant formable from a sleeve, the holder comprising:

a substantially flat bottom;

two side walls formable by opening the sleeve from a collapsed configuration to an opened configuration having a substantially quadrilateral cross section and open ends;

two end walls each of the end walls being formable by upward folding of an end section of the opened sleeve to close each open end of the sleeve, the bottom, side walls and end walls being contiguous, each bottom corner of the holder being closed by the end section when the end is closed; and

a top formable by the opening of the sleeve, the top being contiguous with one of the side walls and adhered at a seam to the other side wall, the top panel including at least one opening to hold a plant pot.

6. The holder of claim 5, wherein the top of the holder longitudinally extends outward beyond the end walls.

7. The holder of claim 5 or 6, wherein a cover that is closable over the top extends from one of said two side walls.

8. The holder of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein a contiguous section of the holder that includes the bottom and least a region of each of the side and end walls that is adjacent to the bottom is fluid resistant.

9. The holder of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein a flap extends from the top panel, the flap being foldable over a side panel or end panel of the holder.

10. The holder of claim 9, wherein the flap includes a tab that is insertable into a slot in the side panel or end panel.

11. The holder of any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the end walls are substantially vertical or sloped with respect to the vertical.

12. The holder of any of claims 5 to 11, wherein an end panel of the end section includes a lateral tab that is configured to engage a notch in a corner panel of the end section.

13. A blank for forming a sleeve that is formable into a holder for holding a potted plant, the blank comprising:

a bottom panel;

two side panels that are contiguous with the bottom panel;

two end sections that are contiguous with the bottom panel and with the side panels;

a top panel that is contiguous with one of the side panels and is adherable to the other side panel to form a seam, the top panel including at least one opening; and

a plurality of pre-creased fold lines that connect each pair of adjacent panels of the blank,

wherein the blank is foldable to form a sleeve such that when the sleeve is collapsed, the sleeve includes a substantially flat first layer that includes the top panel and one of the side panels, and a substantially flat second layer that includes the bottom panel and the other side panel, the sleeve when opened having a quadrilateral cross section and open ends, each open end being closable by inward and upward folding of the end sections to form the holder, the holder having a bottom that is contiguous with side and end walls of the holder.

14. The blank of claim 13, wherein the end section comprises an end panel that is adjacent to the bottom panel.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the end section further includes at least two corner panels, each of said at least two corner panels with a vertex at a meeting of the bottom panel, the end panel, and one of the side panels, said at least two corner panels being contiguous with one another, with the bottom panel, with the end panel, and with the side panels, said at least two corner panels being upwardly foldable to close a bottom corner of the container.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the end panel comprises a lateral tab that is configured to engage a notch in a corner panel of said at least two corner panels.

17. The blank of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein a contiguous section of the blank that includes the bottom panel and at least a region of each of the side panels and of the end sections that is adjacent to the bottom panel is fluid resistant.

18. The blank of any of claims 13 to 17, wherein a flap extends from the top panel.

19. The blank of claim 18, wherein the flap includes a tab that is insertable into a slot in the side panel or in the end panel.

20. The blank of any of claims 13 to 19, wherein said at least one opening is substantially circular or oval.