WO2022192221A1 - Reusable package wrapping - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure is directed to package wrapping assemblies. In some embodiments, a reusable package wrapping assembly comprises a flexible sleeve that is configured to be wrapped around a package and remain wrapped around the package without needing to be fastened itself and/or to be fastened with a separate fastening mechanism. For example, the flexible sleeve may comprise one or more seams that are configured to ensure that the flexible sleeve stays snugly and securely wrapped around a package all on its own. In some examples, edge portions of the flexible sleeve that define and/or form an opening of the flexible sleeve that is configured to receive the package may overlap with one another to further ensure that flexible sleeve completely covers the package.

Description

REUSABLE PACKAGE WRAPPING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/158,535, filed March 9, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[002] This disclosure relates generally to reusable package wrapping.

BACKGROUND

[003] Package wrapping, such as gift wrap, can be used to cover envelopes, boxes, and/or other packages for various reasons, such as to protect, conceal, and/or decorate a package. However, most conventional package wrappings are wasteful (because they can only be used once) and difficult to use (because they must first be measured and cut to fit a particular package, and then folded and fastened around the package using a fastener (e.g., adhesive tape)). For example, gift wrap is typically made of a paper product that must be thrown out after a single use and that must be carefully measured, cut, folded around a gift, and fastened to the gift using an adhesive tape. Because conventional package wrapping is typically made of a non-flexible material that has little to no stretch, the package wrapping cannot be reused on larger and/or differently shaped packages, even if the package wrapping survives a first wrapping. Such single-use package wrappings can be expensive long-term if a user wraps a lot of packages because the user may have to repeatedly repurchase additional package wrapping to meet their wrapping needs.

[004] Thus, some reusable fabric package wrappings have been developed that do not suffer from some of the drawbacks of the conventional, paper-based package wrappings discussed above. For example, some fabric package wrappings can be reused on different packages and can stretch to accommodate packages of different sizes and/or shapes. However, even such reusable package wrappings still require the use of fasteners to secure the wrappings around a package. For example, the ends of some reusable package wrappings must be tied together in a knot to ensure the wrapping stays in place and keeps the package covered. Such fasteners (e.g., knots) can make the wrapping process more involved and/or time consuming, can negatively impact the aesthetics of the package, and/or can undesirably add bulk to the package.

[005] Thus, slimmer, sleeker, and/or easier-to-use reusable package wrappings are desired. SUMMARY

[006] Aspects and advantages of the disclosed technology will be set forth in part in the following description, or can be obvious from the description, or can be learned through practice of the technology disclosed in the description.

[007] Disclosed herein are reusable package wrappings that do not need to be fastened to stay wrapped around a package. Thus, the package wrappings disclosed herein not only can be repeatedly reused on different packages (including packages of various sizes and/or shapes) like some existing fabric package wrappings, but they also keep a package completely covered without needing to be fastened. For example, the package wrappings disclosed herein may comprise a flexible (e.g., fabric) sleeve that can remain wrapped around a package all on its own, without needing to be tied or otherwise secured, such as with a separate fastener. This fastener-free design can provide several benefits over existing reusable package wrappings. First, the package wrappings disclosed herein are easier to use than existing reusable package wrappings, making for a faster and/or simpler wrapping process. For example, the flexible sleeves disclosed herein can be wrapped around the package in a single step, by just stretching the sleeve around the package. The flexible sleeves do not need to be subsequently fastened (e.g., tied in a knot) like other reusable package wrappings. Second, the package wrappings disclosed herein may be slimmer, sleeker, and/or more attractive than other reusable package wrappings. Specifically, the fasteners of other reusable package wrappings can be significant eyesores that add unnecessary bulk to the package. Eliminating these fasteners therefore can make the packages sleeker and/or more attractive. Third, doing away with fasteners can reduce the cost and/or environmental impact of the package wrappings.

[008] In some embodiments, a reusable package wrapping assembly comprises a flexible sleeve that is configured to be wrapped around a package. The flexible sleeve comprises one or more seams that are configured to ensure that the sleeve remains wrapped around the package without a fastener.

[009] In other embodiments, a flexible sleeve for a reusable package wrapping assembly is configured to be wrapped around a package and is movable between an unwrapped state and a wrapped state, wherein the fabric sleeve completely covers the package in the wrapped state. The flexible sleeve comprises a first edge portion opposite a second edge portion that together define an opening in the fabric sleeve that is configured to receive the package. The first edge portion overlaps the second edge portion when the fabric sleeve is in the wrapped state.

[010] In yet further embodiments, a method for forming a flexible sleeve of a package wrapping assembly comprises: folding the flexible sleeve over itself such that opposite edge portions of the sleeve overlap with one another; and forming an end seam and/or four comer seams at each of two opposite ends of the flexible sleeve to form an opening in the flexible sleeve that is configured to receive a package.

[011] These and other features, aspects, and/or advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and the claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosed technology and, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[012] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a package wrapping assembly, according to the present disclosure. [013] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a sleeve of the package wrapping assembly of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure.

[014] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 2 in a closed state.

[015] FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of the sleeve of FIGS. 2-3.

[016] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the sleeve of FIGS. 2-4 in an open state.

[017] FIGS. 6A-6F depict a flowchart showing an exemplary method for forming the sleeve of FIGS. 2-5.

[018] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of a sleeve of the package wrapping assembly of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure.

[019] FIG. 8 is an end perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 7.

[020] FIGS. 9A-9I depict a flowchart showing an exemplary method for forming the sleeve of FIGS. 7-8.

[021] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a sleeve of the package wrapping assembly of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure.

[022] FIGS. 11 A-l 1G depict a flowchart showing an exemplary method for forming the sleeve of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

General Considerations

[023] The apparatuses and devices described herein, and individual components thereof, should not be construed as being limited to the particular uses or systems described herein in any way. Instead, this disclosure is directed toward all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and subcombinations with one another. For example, any features or aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be used in various combinations and subcombinations with one another, as will be recognized by an ordinarily skilled artisan in the relevant field(s) in view of the information disclosed herein. In addition, the disclosed systems, methods, and components thereof are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combinations thereof, nor do the disclosed things and methods require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

[024] As used in this application, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Further, the terms “coupled” or “secured” encompass mechanical and chemical couplings, as well as other practical ways of coupling or linking items together, and do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items unless otherwise indicated, such as by referring to elements, or surfaces thereof, being “directly” coupled or secured. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “and/or” means any one item or combination of items in the phrase.

[025] As used herein, the term “exemplary” means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms “e.g.,” and “for example,” introduce a list of one or more non-limiting embodiments, examples, instances, and/or illustrations.

[026] As used herein, the terms “attached” and “coupled” generally mean physically connected or linked, which includes items that are directly attached/coupled and items that are attached/coupled with intermediate elements between the attached/coupled items, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[027] As used herein, the terms “fixedly attached” and “fixedly coupled” refer to two components joined in a manner such that the components cannot be readily separated from one another without destroying and/or damaging one or both of the components. Exemplary modalities of fixed attachment can include joining with permanent adhesive, stitches, welding or other thermal bonding, and/or other joining techniques. In addition, two components can be “fixedly attached” or “fixedly coupled” by virtue of being integrally formed, for example, in a molding process.

[028] In contrast, the terms “removably attached” or “removably coupled” refer to two components joined in a manner such that the components can be readily separated from one another to return to their separate, discrete forms without destroying and/or damaging either component. Exemplary modalities of temporary attachment can include mating-type connections, releasable fasteners, removable stitches, screw or threaded connections, snap-fit connections, and/or other temporary joining techniques. [029] Unless explained otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Other features of the disclosure are apparent from the detailed description, abstract, and drawings.

The Disclosed Technology and Exemplary Embodiments

[030] Disclosed herein are reusable package wrapping assemblies that are slimmer, sleeker, and easier to use than conventional reusable package wrappings. The wrapping assemblies include a flexible (e.g., fabric) sleeve that can be formed from a single piece of material (e.g., a single sheet of fabric) by folding and sewing/stitching the piece of material. In some embodiments, the wrapping assemblies also can include a decorative member (e.g., a ribbon) that can be purely decorative and/or that can provide some additional support to help ensure the sleeve remains closed around the package.

[031] Because the flexible sleeves can stay wrapped around a package all on their own (without needing to be fastened), a user can wrap a package in a single step, by just stretching and/or pulling the sleeve over the package. The user does not have to subsequently fasten the flexible sleeve like in conventional package wrappings, making the wrapping process faster and simpler. Further, this fastener-free design may be slimmer, sleeker, and/or more attractive than other reusable package wrappings since the fasteners of other reusable package wrappings can be significant eyesores that add unnecessary bulk to the package. Doing away with fasteners also can reduce the cost and/or environmental impact of the package wrappings.

[032] Additional information and examples are provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[033] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic of an exemplary package wrapping assembly. FIGS. 2-5 show a first embodiment of a flexible sleeve of the exemplary package wrapping assembly of FIG. 1, while FIGS. 6A-6F show an exemplary method for forming the flexible sleeve of FIGS. 2-5. FIGS. 7-8 show a second embodiment of a flexible sleeve of the exemplary package wrapping assembly of FIG. 1, while FIGS. 9A-9I show an exemplary method for forming the flexible sleeve of FIGS. 7-8. FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of a flexible sleeve of the exemplary package wrapping assembly of FIG. 1, while FIGS 11A-11G show an exemplary method for forming the flexible sleeve of FIG. 10. [034] As shown in FIG. 1, a reusable package wrapping assembly 10 includes a sleeve 12 (which also may be referred to herein as “flexible sleeve 12” and/or “fabric sleeve 12”) that is configured to be wrapped around a package 13. The sleeve 12 is movable (e.g., stretchable) between an unwrapped state (which also may be referred to herein as an “unstretched state”) in which the sleeve 12 is not wrapped around the package 13, and a wrapped state (which also may be referred to herein as a “stretched state”) in which the sleeve 12 is wrapped around the package 13. When wrapped around the package 13 in the wrapped state, the sleeve 12 can have and/or define a top 14 opposite a bottom 16, a first side 18 opposite a second side 20 (which also may be referred to herein as “front 18” and “back 20”), and a first end 22 opposite a second end 24. The sleeve 12 can further have a first surface 26 (which also may be referred to herein as “inside surface 26,” “inner side 26,” and/or “wrong side 26”) opposite a second surface 28 (which also may be referred to herein as “outside surface 28,” “outer side 28,” and/or “right side 28”). When the sleeve 12 is wrapped around the package 13, the first surface 26 is configured to face and/or directly contact the package 13, while the second surface 28 is configured to face outwards (away from the package 13) and form and/or define the exterior of the wrapping assembly 10.

[035] The sleeve 12 can have an opening 30 that is configured to receive the package 13. Thus, the package 13 can be inserted into the sleeve 12 via the opening 30. The opening 30 can be formed between a first edge portion 32 and a second edge portion 34 (which also may be referred to herein as “first flap 32” and “second flap 34,” respectively) of the sleeve 12. In some examples, the opening 30 extends between opposite end seams 36 of the sleeve 12 located at each of the ends 22, 24 of the sleeve 12. The end seams 36 may each comprise a row of stitches (as will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 6A-6F, 9A-9I, and 11A-11G) that form and/or define the ends of the opening 30. In some examples, the edge portions 32, 34 may overlap with one another over the package 13. For example, the first edge portion 32 may lie over the second edge portion 34 such that the second edge portion lies underneath (and thus is covered by) the first edge portion 32 when the sleeve 12 is wrapped around the package 13 in the wrapped state. This overlap between the edge portions 32, 34 can ensure that the sleeve 12 completely covers the package 13 and helps prevent the package 13 from becoming exposed. However, in other examples, the edge portions 32, 34 can still completely cover the package 13 without overlapping with one another.

For example, the edge portions 32, 34 can directly abut one another when the sleeve is wrapped around the package 13. Thus, unlike some existing reusable sleeves that must be tied in a knot to stay wrapped around a package, the sleeve 12 can completely cover the package 13 without the use of any fasteners (e.g., knots, ribbons, etc.). [036] Because the sleeve 12 does not need to be tied together or otherwise secured with a fastener, the bottom 16 of the sleeve 12 can be placed on a flat surface, such as a table or the floor, to conceal the opening 30 from view. Hiding the opening 30 greatly improves the aesthetics of the package wrapping assembly 10 as compared to existing sleeves where the opening has to be at the top of the package (directly visible to a user). Specifically, existing sleeves have to be tied in a knot or otherwise secured with a fastener to keep the opening closed and ensure the sleeve does not fall off the package. However, because of the bulk of the knots and/or fasteners, existing sleeves cannot lie flat on a surface and thus must be oriented so that the opening directly faces a user. On the other hand, the seamless, continuous surface of the top 14 of the sleeve of the present disclosure can be presented to a user while the opening 30 remains hidden from view on the bottom of the package 13. In some embodiments, decorations such as ribbons, bows, etc., can be added to further enhance the aesthetics of the top 14 of the sleeve 12.

[037] The sleeve 12 can be constructed and/or formed from a flexible, stretchable fabric. As examples, the sleeve 12 can be constructed and/or formed from one or more of a polyester knit, a performance fabric, and latex. The sleeve 12 may be configured to stretch at least 150% in at least one direction. For example, the sleeve 12 may be configured to stretch at least 150% outward in a direction perpendicular to the ends 122, 124 (as best shown in FIG. 6A). In some examples, the sleeve 12 may be configured to stretch both with the grain and against the grain (i.e., it may have four-way stretch).

[038] As best shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 7-8, the sleeve 12 also can include a decorative and/or ornamental design to improve the aesthetics of the package wrapping assembly 10. The sleeve 12 may be configured to be opaque enough to completely conceal the package 13 when wrapped around the package 13. Thus, in such examples, when the sleeve 12 covers the package 13, a user is not able to see the package 13.

[039] In some examples, the package wrapping assembly 10 also can include a decorative member 80 to further enhance the aesthetics of the wrapping assembly 10. The decorative member 80 can comprise a ribbon, bow, and/or other type of decoration that adds to the aesthetics of the package wrapping assembly 10. The decorative member 80 can additionally help keep the opening 30 of the sleeve 12 closed (by holding and/or otherwise fastening the edge portions 32, 34 together), to help ensure that the sleeve 12 completely covers, and remains fully wrapped around, the package 13. In such examples, the decorative member 80 can help prevent the package 13 from becoming exposed and/or can help prevent the sleeve 12 from becoming unwrapped from the package 13. However, in other examples, the decorative member 80 is purely decorative and does not help keep the package 13 fully covered by the sleeve 12.

[040] Turning to FIGS. 2-11G, they show three different embodiments of the sleeve 12 of the package wrapping assembly 10. Specifically, FIGS. 2-6F show a sleeve 112, FIGS. 7-91 show a sleeve 212, and FIGS. 10-llF show a sleeve 312. For conciseness, components of the sleeves 112, 212, and 312 that are generally similar to and/or the same as one or more components of the sleeve 12 are labeled similarly and may not include additional description. For example, the sleeves 112, 212, and 312 may include tops 114, 214, and 314, respectively, opposite bottoms 116, 216, and 316, respectively, first sides 118, 218, and 318, respectively, opposite second sides 120, 220, and 320, respectively, first ends 122, 222, and 322, respectively, and opposite second ends 124, 224, and 324, respectively (corresponding to the top 14, bottom 16, first side 18, second side 20, first end 22, and second end 24, respectively, of the sleeve 12).

[041] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the sleeve 112, FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the sleeve 12, FIG. 4 shows an end perspective view of the sleeve 112, and FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the sleeve 112 where the sleeve 112 is only partially covering the package 13. FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the sleeve 212 and FIG. 8 shows an end perspective view of the sleeve 212. FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of the sleeve 312.

[042] The sleeves 112, 212, and 312 are different in that they may be configured to accommodate/fit packages of different shapes and/or sizes. For example, sleeve 112 may be better suited for accommodating/fitting substantially thin and/or flat packages such as envelopes, books, and digital media storage devices (e.g., DVDs). Sleeve 212 may be better suited for accommodating/fitting somewhat thicker packages, such as shirt boxes, that have a rectangular cross-section taken along a cutting plane parallel to ends 222, 224. Sleeve 312 may be better suited for accommodating even thicker packages, such as packages that have a square cross-section taken along a cutting plane parallel to ends 322, 324.

[043] The sleeves 112, 212, and 312 may be configured to accommodate/fit packages of different shapes and/or sizes by virtue of how they are formed (e.g., their stitching). For example, the sleeve 112 may include only the end seams 136, while the sleeve 212 may include the end seams 136 as well as corner seams 138. Sleeve 312 may not include the end seams 136 and may include only the corner seams 138. As will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 6A-6F, 9A- 91, and 11A-11G, the sleeves 112, 212, and 312 may be formed (e.g., stitched) slightly differently from one another to create these different seam patterns. [044] The sleeves 112, 212, and 312 all may include an edge seam 140, 240, and 340, respectively, that is formed along the first edge portion 132, 232, and 332 of the respective sleeves 112, 212, and 312. The edge seams 140, 240, and 340 may extend along the entire length of the respective first edge portions 132, 232, and 332 and may help make the edge seams 140, 240, and 340 thicker and easier to grip, allowing a user to more easily remove the sleeves 112, 212, and 312 from their respective packages. In some examples, the edge seams 140, 240, and 340 may extend between the respective end seams 136, 236, and 336 of the sleeves 112, 212, and 312.

[045] As shown in FIG. 4-5, the end seams 136 of the sleeve 112 may extend between the sides 118, 120. However, as show in FIG. 8, the end seams 236 of the sleeve 212 may extend between the comer seams 238. Each of the comer seams 238 may extend between a corner 242 of the sleeve 212 and one of the end seams 236. The corner seams 338 of the sleeve 312 may extend from the comers 342 and may meet at a central point at the ends 322, 324, of the sleeve 312, as shown in FIG. 10.

[046] One or more (e.g., all) of the seams 136, 236, 238, 338, 140, 240, 340 may be narrow zig zag seams formed from a zig-zag stitch. However, in some examples, one or more of the seams 136, 236, 238, 338, 140, 240, 340 may comprise a different kind of seam and/or may comprise a different kind of stitch such as one or more of a cross-stitch, backstitch, blanket stitch, standard forward stitch, mnning stitch, etc. In yet further examples, the seams 136, 236, 238, 338, 140, 240, 340 may not be formed via stitches and may be formed via an alternative fastening means such as one or more of other types of mechanical fasteners, adhesives, resins, heat treatments and/or chemical bonding (e.g., curing), etc.

[047] Turning to FIGS. 6A-6F, an exemplary method for forming the sleeve 112 is shown. FIGS. 6A-6B show how the first edge portion 132 may be formed. Specifically, the right side 128 of the first edge portion 132 may be folded over the wrong side 126 along fold line 150 (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 6A) and the overlapping layers of fabric may be stitched together to form the edge seam 140. Opposite ends of the sleeve 112 may then be folded along fold lines 152 and 154 (as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 6B and 6C) so that the second edge portion 134 overlies and overlaps with the first edge portion 132, and so that the wrong side 126 completely covers the right side 128, hiding the right side 128 from view (FIG. 6D). The resulting layers of fabric may be stitched together at the ends 122, 124 of the sleeve 112 to form the end seams 136. In regions of the end seams 136 where the edge portions 132, 134 do not overlap, only two layers of fabric may exist. However, in the regions where the edge portions 132, 134 overlap with one another, the stitches may extend through three layers of fabric. Once the end seams 136 have been formed, the sleeve 112 is complete and ready to be wrapped around packages. A user can optionally turn the sleeve 112 right-side out (FIG. 6F) before wrapping a package.

[048] Turning to FIGS. 9A-9I, an exemplary method for forming the sleeve 212 is shown. Sleeve 212 is formed in the same manner as sleeve 112 up to the point where the end seams 236 are stitched (FIG. 6E). Thus, the steps shown in FIGS. 9A-9D may the same as and/or similar to the steps shown in FIGS. 6A-6D (e.g., edge seam 240 is stitched (after folding the sleeve 212 about fold line 250) before folding the wrong side 226 over the right side 228 along fold lines 252, 254 to completely cover the right side 228) and are not described again. Instead of just stitching the end seams 236 together as is done to form the sleeve 112 (see FIG. 6E), to form the sleeve 212, opposite sides 218, 220 of the sleeve 212 may pushed inwardly (as shown by arrows 258 in FIG. 9E) and/or folded along fold lines 256 to form the comers 242 (FIG. 9F). The corner seams 238 and the end seams 236 may then be stitched. Specifically, the corner seams 238 may be stitched from the comers 242 to the end seams 236 and the end seams 236 may be stitched along the ends 222, 224, between the corners 242 of the opposite sides 218, 220 of the sleeve 212 (FIGS. 9G-9H). Once the seams 236 and 238 have been stitched, the sleeve 212 is complete and ready to be wrapped around packages. A user can optionally turn the sleeve 212 right-side out (FIG. 91) before wrapping a package.

[049] Turning to FIGS. 11A-11G, an exemplary method for forming the sleeve 312 is shown. Sleeve 312 is formed similarly to sleeves 112 and 212 in that the first edge portion 332 is formed by folding the right side 328 over the wrong side 326 about fold line 350 and stitching the resulting two layers of fabric together along the edge seam 340. However, either before or immediately after forming the first edge portion 332 (FIG. 11C), the ends 322, 324 of the sleeve 312 may be cut in a zig-zag manner as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B. After cutting the ends 322, 324 and stitching the seam 340 of the first edge portion 332, the wrong side 326 is folded over the right side 328 along fold line 360 and then the resulting layers of fabric are stitched together to form two of the comer seams 338 (i.e., between corners B-A and D-C shown in FIG. 11D), one at each end of the sleeve 312. This process is repeated two more times about fold lines 362 and 364 (first along fold line 362 and then subsequently along fold line 364). Specifically, the wrong side 326 may be folded over the right side 328 along fold line 362 and then edges 3-4 and 13-14 may be stitched together to form two more of the corner seams 338 (one at each end of the sleeve 312). Then, the wrong side 326 may be folded over the right side 328 again along fold line 364 and edges 5-6 and 15-16 may be stitched together to form two more of the comer seams 338 (one at each end of the sleeve 312). The wrong side 326 of end “E” of the sleeve 112 may then be wrapped all of the way around to the wrong side 326 of the end “F” (as shown by the arrow 366 in FIG. 1 IE) and the final two corner seams 338 may be stitched at comers “K” and “L,” as shown in FIG. 1 IF. After stitching the final two comer seams 338, the sleeve 312 is complete and ready to be wrapped around packages. A user can optionally turn the sleeve 312 right-side out (FIG. 11G) before wrapping a package.

[050] The different seam and/or stitching patterns described above for the sleeves 112, 212, and 312 helps tailor the sleeves 112, 212, 312 to more snugly and securely fit packages of different shapes, so that the sleeves 112, 212, 312 can remain wrapped around their respective packages all on their own, without needing to be fastened themselves and/or without needing the help of additional fastening mechanisms (e.g., separate mechanical fasteners, adhesives (e.g., glue), etc.). Specifically, the end seams 136, 236, corner seams 338, and/or the edge seams 140, 240, 340 may help ensure that the first edge portions 132, 232, 332 lie over and overlap with the second edge portions 134, 234, 334, respectively to ensure that the package 13 remains completely covered. Further, the end seams 136, 236 and/or comer seams 238, 338 help tailor the sleeves 112, 212, 312 to fit packages of particular shapes, thereby providing a more snug fit between the sleeves 112, 212, 312 and the packages, and thus ensuring that the sleeves 112, 212, 312 do not come loose from the packages they are wrapped around. For example, the omission of the comer seams 238, 338 on the sleeve 112 helps ensure that the sleeve 112 fits snugly and securely around thin packages, such as envelopes. The inclusion of both the ends seams 236 and the corner seams 238 on the sleeve 212 helps ensure that the sleeve 212 fits snugly and securely around a rectangular box such as a shirt box. The omission of the end seams 136, 236 and the zig-zag cut-outs at the ends 322, 324 of the sleeve 312 (which are used to form the corner seams 338) helps ensure a snug and secure fit for the sleeve 212 on a box with a more square cross-section. Thus, because of the seam and/or stitching patterns described herein, the sleeves of the present disclosure may be able to completely and securely cover a package all on their own.

[051] Any feature(s) of any example(s) disclosed herein can be combined with or isolated from any feature(s) of any example(s) disclosed herein, unless otherwise stated.

[052] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention can be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A reusable package wrapping assembly, comprising: a flexible sleeve that is configured to be wrapped around a package, the flexible sleeve comprising one or more seams that are configured to ensure that the sleeve remains wrapped around the package without a fastener.

2. The reusable package wrapping assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more seams comprise two end seams, one on each end of the flexible sleeve, that extend between opposite sides of the flexible sleeve.

3. The reusable package wrapping assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more seams comprise two end seams, one on each end of the flexible sleeve, and eight corner seams, four on each of the ends of the flexible sleeve, wherein the comer seams each extend from a respective comer of the flexible sleeve to one of the end seams, and wherein each of the end seams extends between the corner seams on opposite ends of the flexible sleeve.

4. The reusable package wrapping assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more seams comprise eight comer seams, four on each end of the flexible sleeve, wherein the corner seams extend from respective corners of the flexible sleeve and meet at a central point at each of the ends of the flexible sleeve.

5. The reusable package wrapping assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the flexible sleeve has an opening formed between a first edge portion and a second edge portion of the flexible sleeve that is configured to receive a package.

6. The reusable package wrapping assembly of claim 5, wherein the one or more seams further comprise an edge seam located at the first edge portion, and wherein the first edge portion is thicker than the second edge portion due to the edge seam.

7. The reusable package wrapping assembly of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a decorative member that is configured to be wrapped over the flexible sleeve.

8. The reusable package wrapping assembly of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the flexible sleeve comprises a stretchable knit material that is configured to stretch at least 150% in one direction.

9. A method for forming a flexible sleeve of a package wrapping assembly, the method comprising: folding the flexible sleeve over itself such that opposite edge portions of the sleeve overlap with one another; and forming an end seam and/or four comer seams at each of two opposite ends of the flexible sleeve to form an opening in the flexible sleeve that is configured to receive a package.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising folding the flexible sleeve over itself at one of the edge portions and forming a seam along this folded section of the edge portion.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, where the seams are formed via zig-zag stitches.

12. A flexible sleeve for a reusable package wrapping assembly that is configured to be wrapped around a package, wherein the flexible sleeve is movable between an unwrapped state and a wrapped state, wherein the fabric sleeve completely covers the package in the wrapped state, wherein the fabric sleeve comprises a first edge portion opposite a second edge portion that together define an opening in the fabric sleeve that is configured to receive the package, and wherein the first edge portion overlaps the second edge portion when the fabric sleeve is in the wrapped state.