Abstract: A packing insert includes a panel that defines a periphery, a location inward of the periphery, and a plurality of flaps each defining an outer end and an inner end such that each flap extends inwardly from its outer end to its inner end. Each of the flaps is foldable about its outer end so that the flaps collectively define a void. A first one of the flaps has a second outer end spaced outwardly from the outer end of the first flap. The panel defines at least one frangible portion between the outer end and the second outer end of the first flap. The first flap is selectively foldable about 1) its outer end so as to at least partially define the void, and 2) its second outer end, after breaking the at least one frangible portion, so as to increase a size of the void.

Abstract: A padded mailer includes ribs that provide stiffness, especially in the transverse direction. The increased stiffness helps prevent the mailer from flipping over during conveying, which would put a label on the underside of the mailer.

Abstract: A beverage ingredient pod for releasing beverage ingredients into a bottle to create a mixed beverage includes a liquid-ingredient chamber, a solid-ingredient chamber, a frangible membrane between and separating the liquid-ingredient chamber and the solid-ingredient chamber, and a rigid piercer that extends to a point toward the frangible membrane. Upon a force applied to the beverage ingredient pod, a portion of the pod collapses and drives the rigid piercer through the frangible membrane. This mixes contents of the liquid-ingredient chamber with contents of the solid-ingredient chamber and releases the mixed contents from the beverage ingredient pod into a bottle below that is filled with a liquid, creating a mixed beverage.

Abstract: A packing insert includes a panel that defines a periphery, a location inward of the periphery, and a plurality of flaps each defining an outer end and an inner end such that each flap extends inwardly from its outer end to its inner end. Each of the flaps is foldable about its outer end so that the flaps collectively define a void. A first one of the flaps has a second outer end spaced outwardly from the outer end of the first flap. The panel defines at least one frangible portion between the outer end and the second outer end of the first flap. The first flap is selectively foldable about 1) its outer end so as to at least partially define the void, and 2) its second outer end, after breaking the at least one frangible portion, so as to increase a size of the void.

Abstract: A single piece of material that changes from a cuboid to a wedge includes a central panel bounded by four creases and four sidewall panels extending therefrom, respectively. A fold-over panel extends from the second sidewall panel. The third and fourth sidewall panels each define first and second portions sharing a crease angled from the respective third or fourth crease. The central panel, fold-over panel, and sidewall panels define the top, bottom, and sides of the cuboid, respectively, with an interior label. In the wedge: the second sidewall panel and the first portions extend downward from the central panel, the second portions are folded inward from the first portions, the central panel overlies and is inclined at the angle with respect to the fold-over panel, which is attached to the first sidewall panel, and the label is exterior. Each crease is pre-formed in the piece.

Abstract: A container includes a single piece of material having panels that are foldable about pre-formed crease lines into an enclosed configuration. The panels include a first base panel for supporting a garment and an insert panel extending from the first base panel and configured to be inserted within the garment. The insert panel is foldable to position the garment over the first base panel. The panels include sidewall panels, a second base panel, and a closure panel. The sidewall panels are foldable relative to the first base panel to form sidewalls of the container. The second base panel extends from one of the sidewall panels and is foldable over the first base panel. The closure panel extends from one of the panels, is foldable relative to the sidewall panels, and carries a fastener for fastening to another one of the panels to maintain the container in the enclosed configuration.

Abstract: A beverage ingredient pod for releasing beverage ingredients into a bottle to create a mixed beverage includes a liquid-ingredient chamber, a solid-ingredient chamber, a frangible membrane between and separating the liquid-ingredient chamber and the solid-ingredient chamber, and a rigid piercer that extends to a point toward the frangible membrane. Upon a force applied to the beverage ingredient pod, a portion of the pod collapses and drives the rigid piercer through the frangible membrane. This mixes contents of the liquid-ingredient chamber with contents of the solid-ingredient chamber and releases the mixed contents from the beverage ingredient pod into a bottle below that is filled with a liquid, creating a mixed beverage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a packaging material wraps around an object so as to protect the object from damage. The material has a substrate and a plurality of adhesive members adhered to the substrate, each having a plurality of microspheres. The adhesive members are arranged on the surface in a pattern so as to define first and second pluralities of pairs of linear arrays of the adhesive members. The linear arrays of the first plurality are elongate along a first direction and are spaced from one another so as to define a first bending gap between the linear arrays in each pair of the first plurality. The linear arrays of the second plurality are elongate along a second direction, angularly offset from the first direction, and are spaced from one another so as to define a second bending gap between the linear arrays of each pair of the second plurality.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprises a container, an attachment mechanism, and a cartridge. The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism is generally located within the container. The attachment mechanism may comprise an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive the cartridge within the attachment mechanism. The piercing portion may generally pierce the cartridge, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge with the attachment mechanism. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge to be dispensed into the container, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge with the liquid within the container to create a drinkable beverage.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprises a container, an attachment mechanism, and a cartridge. The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism is generally located within the container. The attachment mechanism may comprise an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive the cartridge within the attachment mechanism. The piercing portion may generally pierce the cartridge, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge with the attachment mechanism. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge to be dispensed into the container, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge with the liquid within the container to create a drinkable beverage.

Abstract: Containers made of metal wires of different gauges including upper and lower support wires connected by a sidewall, the sidewall being made up of a plurality of wires bent to form delicate, recognizable, decorative items. The items and support wires are connected such that a plurality of mutually supporting triangular frames are formed to brace, rigidify, and stabilize the shape of the wire container.

Abstract: Containers made of metal wires of different gauges including upper and lower support wires connected by a sidewall, the sidewall being made up of a plurality of wires bent to form delicate, recognizable, decorative items. The items and support wires are connected such that a plurality of mutually supporting triangular frames are formed to brace, rigidify, and stabilize the shape of the wire container.