Box with insertable retention member and methods for making and using the same

Abstract

A box for transporting items such as cut plants includes a retention member that is easily, quickly and safely inserted into one or more retention slits formed in a first side and a second side of the box, and that retains the plants within the box and prevents the one or more plants from crushing their flowers against an end or side of the box. The retention member includes a contact portion that presses one or more stems of the plants against a bottom side of the box when ends of the retention member are inserted into the appropriate retention slits. The retention member is retained in the box by the plant stems that force the ends against a top portion of the retention slits. A blank that includes a plurality of sections connected to each other can be easily formed into the box. To receive and retain the retention member once formed, the blanks includes a first and second section that includes an arrangement of retention slits.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/063,875, filed on May 21, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to boxes/containers and more particularly, to a box/container having an insertable retention member that prevents items in the box/container from moving inside the box/container during transportation.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Fresh flowers smell wonderful and are very special to the person who receives them. To make fresh flowers conveniently available, retail shops purchase flowers from wholesalers who typically cut the plants bearing flowers at the plants stems, place them such as in individualized bunches in cellophane or plastic sleeves in a box and ship them. Fresh or so-called “cut flowers”, however, can easily damage during shipment because they are fragile. The individual cut plants or bunches can move within the box and crush their flowers against one or more sides of the box. Once damaged the cut plants cannot be revived and are discarded because they loose their appeal and value.

[0004] To combat this common problem, wholesalers and retailers typically package the cut plants by placing them in a box and then placing a piece of wood (a cleat) across the stems. Next, the wholesalers or retailers nail or staple the piece of wood to two opposite or adjoining sides of the box. This compresses the stems against each other and the bottom of the box and consequently keeps the plants from moving within the box and crushing their flowers against one of the sides of the box.

[0005] Unfortunately, the nailing or stapling operation is dangerous and time consuming. First the wholesaler or retailer has to hold the cleat against the stems until the cleat is nailed or stapled to the box. Then, to nail or staple the cleat inside the box, the wholesaler or retailer has to determine where to place his/her nail or staple gun on the outside surface of a side of the box or container, and often the hinged box lid will raise up and be in the way. To determine this quickly, the wholesaler or retailer must guess the location. Then, once the location is determined the wholesaler or retailer fires the nail or staple gun.

[0006] This operation is dangerous because the wholesaler or retailer can very easily nail or staple his/her hand that holds the cleat in place; especially when the location of the cleat is guessed. In addition, by repeatedly holding the cleat in place and operating the nail or staple gun, the wholesalers or retailers can sometimes suffer pain in the carpals of his/her wrists. This operation is time consuming because being safe requires measuring the distance of the cleat from an edge along the inside surface of a side and then measuring the same distance from the same edge along the outside surface of the side.

[0007] Thus there is a need for a box or container that includes a cleat that can be easily and safely inserted into the box or container to retain one or more plants contained inside. Furthermore, there is a need for a box or container that allows the cleat to be located at various locations to retain a variety of one or more cut plants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is generally directed to a box or container, with hinged lid, wherein one or more items are compressively held to a bottom portion thereof by a retention member that interfaces with the box or container. The retention member is preferably retained in the box by retention slits formed in two or more sides of the box. When inserted in the box and engaged with the retention slits, the retention member presses against one or more items placed in the box to prevent them from moving.

[0009] In one aspect of the invention, the box includes a plurality of sides formed into a box having a longitudinal axis. A pair of sides includes a first side having at least one retention slit and a second side, preferably but not necessarily opposite the first side, having at least one retention slit that are preferably symmetrical with the first side. In this manner the retention member can be parallel or substantially parallel with the bottom side of the box and preferably aligned perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the box. If the box is used for holding cut plants with flowers, the retention member can then be compressively applied to the plant stems so as to hold the cut plants against the bottom side of the box.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the retention member includes a body having a longitudinal axis, a first end extending from the body and a second end extending from the body opposite the first end. The ends preferably extend away from a longitudinal axis of the body in the same or substantially the same direction. Thus, when the respective ends of the retention member are inserted into the respective side walls' retention slits, so as to cause the retention member to compress against any items in the box, such ends are then forced against the top portion of the respective retention slits; the ends also preferably contact the outer surfaces of the box to prevent the retention member from sliding out of the retention slit.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the invention, a box blank includes a plurality of sections, including a hinged lid section, that can be pivoted relative to each other to easily form the box. The plurality of sections of the box includes a first section and a second section, each having an arrangement of retention slits that can receive the first or second end of the retention member. Thus, the box can be easily transported or stored flat when not being used (either before an initial use or in between uses) to transport cut plants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a box according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the box in FIG. 1 showing a method of inserting the retention member into the box according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of the box in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing an arrangement of retention slits according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the box in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing how the retention member is retained in the box according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the retention member in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a blank that can be easily formed into the box in FIGS. 1-4, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 6A is a plan view of an alternative pair of box blanks, for a box with a separate lid, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross section of the box of FIG. 1, viewed along lines 7-7 of FIG. 1, and additionally showing shipping strap structure according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a retention slit with portions broken away showing an alignment of the corrugations for the side walls of the box adjacent the retention bar according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the retention member of FIG. 5, viewed along lines 9-9, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0022] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the retention member in FIG. 1, with the center section removed for better viewing depicting the difference in length of the respective bent-up ends.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] All terms used herein, including those specifically described below in this section, are used in accordance with their ordinary meanings unless the context or definition indicates otherwise. Also, unless indicated otherwise, except within the claims, the use of “or” includes “and” and vice versa. Non limiting terms are not to be construed as limiting unless expressly stated (for example, “including” and “comprising” mean “including without limitation” unless expressly stated otherwise).

[0024] The invention provides a box that can prevent the flowers of the cut plants contained within the box from being crushed against one or more sides of the box during transportation. The box includes a lid, a plurality of sides that define an interior and a retention member that can be inserted into the box and retained in the interior to contact and prevent the plants in the box from moving during transportation. The plurality of sides typically includes one or more sides that receive the retention member and retain it in the interior of the box. To prevent the plants from moving in the interior, the retention member includes a contact portion that contacts the stems of one or more of the plants and presses the stems against each other and a side or bottom of the box. Thus, the plants are prevented from moving and hence from crushing their flowers against an end or side of the box during transportation.

[0025] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a box 20 that includes a retention member 22. FIG. 1 illustrates a retention member 22 retained in the box 20 while FIG. 2 illustrates a method of inserting the retention member 22 into the box 20. In this and certain other embodiments, the box 20 is a rectangular box made of any desirable material, such as corrugated cardboard, paper, particle board, plastic, metal, or composites and includes five sides 24a-24e, and a sixth or lid side 25F. These sides 24a-24f can be integrally connected to each other and folded relative to each other to form the box 20 or they can be attached by conventional techniques such as gluing, stapling, stitching or any other desired technique to form the box 20. Once the box 20 is formed, the sides 24a-24f define an interior 26 and include a first side 24a and a second side 24b that each include retention slits 30. The first and second sides 24a and 24b are typically located parallel or substantially parallel and opposite each other but can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular and can extend from each other, or they can be located relative to each other in any desired configuration so that when the retention member 22 is installed and retained in the box 20, the member 22 can prevent the plants 28 from moving in the box 20. The lid portion 24f now is hinged along line H to side 24b, to close off box 20 when finally ready to ship.

[0026] Still referring to FIG. 1, in this and certain other embodiments, the first and second sides 24a and 24b each contain twelve retention slits 30, i.e. three groups of four, that are each sized to receive either the first or second ends 32a and 32b of the retention member 22. The retention slits 30 in each side 24a or 24b are located in various positions in the sides 24a and 24b to accommodate different plant sizes, different amounts of plant fill levels in the box 20 and different plant or stem lengths. For example, one or more plants 28 that have many flowers located up and down the stem would most likely be retained in the box 20 by a retention member 22 inserted into the groups of retention slits 30 that are closest to the side or end 24d.

[0027] Alternatively, one or more plants 28 that have most of their flowers at the end of their stems may be retained in the box 20 by a retention member 22 inserted into retention slits 30 that are approximately in the middle of the sides 24a and 24b. And in those cases where flowers of the plants 28 are so oriented that there are bunches of flowers directed towards each of the two end walls 24c and 24d, with respective stems of such oppositely-directed bunches all generally residing in the middle area of the length of the box 20, then the respective ends of preferably two different retention members 22 are inserted i.e., in retention slits within groups 38b and 38c respectively (see FIG. 3).

[0028] Still referring to FIG. 1, in this and certain other embodiments, the retention member 22 is retained in the interior 26 by inserting the first and second ends 32a and 32b into an appropriate retention slit 30 in one of the respective sides 24a and 24b. The appropriate retention slit 30 is the retention slit 30 that allows the retention member 22 to press one or more stems of the plants 28 toward the bottom side 24e once the retention member 22 is inserted. Consequently, the stems force the first and second ends 32a and 32b against the top sides 34 of the retention slits 30 where movement across the stems is prevented by one of the ends 32a or 32b contacting the side 24a or 24b respectively. In other embodiments, the retention member 22 can be retained in the interior 26 by snaps, Velcro® or any desired technique that safely, quickly and easily removably attaches the first and second ends 32a and 32b to one or more sides 24a-24e of the box 20.

[0029] Still referring to FIG. 1, in this and certain other embodiments, the retention member 22 is aligned perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the stems of the one or more plants 28 that are contained in the box 20. This alignment permits retention of one or more plants 28 with a minimal amount of contact between the contact portion 36 of retention member 22 and the stems to minimize possible damage to the stems during transportation and handling. In other embodiments, the retention member 22 can be aligned relative to the stems of the plants 28 at any desired angle.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, in this and certain other embodiments, the retention member 22 can be inserted and retained by methods much easier, safer and quicker than nailing or stapling a retention member from the outside of the box 20. For example, one can first push the stems of the one or more plants 28 against the bottom side 24e to lower their level in the box 20. Then, one can determine the appropriate retention slits 30 in the respective sides 24a and 24b to receive the retention member 22. Then, one can insert the first bent-up end 32a into the appropriate retention slit 30 in one of the sides 24b or 24a and then insert the second bent-up end 32b into a retention slit in the other side 24a or 24b. Once the ends 32a and 32b are inserted, one can remove his/her hand from the stems of the plants 28. This permits the group of stems to slightly expand toward their original level in the box 20 and contact the lower or contact portion 36 of the retention member 22. As the group expands, the group of stems forces the retention member 22 up against the top edges or sides 34 of the retention slits 30. Once forced against the top side 34, the retention member 22 prevents the stems from expanding fully back to their original non-restrained level in box 20. With the ability to insert the retention member 22 into the box 20 in this manner, the wholesaler or retailer does not risk damaging his wrists or hands by stapling or nailing them or by repetitively maneuvering a staple or nail gun. In addition, the retention member can be reused in other boxes, and the boxes themselves can be reused as desired. If desired, crumpled newspaper or other suitable generally flat packing material (none shown) can be laid over plants 28 in the box before insertion of the retention member 22, so as to further protect the plants stems. Further, before being placed in the box 20, the respective bunches of cut plants 28 can be inserted within generally cone-shaped clear plastic sleeves, if desired.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a side view of the box 20 in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing an arrangement 37 of retention slits 30 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this and certain other embodiments, the arrangement 37 of the retention slits 30 in side 24a are identical or substantially identical and symmetric to the retention slits 30 in opposite side 24b (not shown), but in other embodiments, the arrangements do not have to be. Thus, although the arrangement 36 shown in FIG. 3 refers to the first side 24a, it is understood that the arrangement 36 also applies to the second side 24b.

[0032] In this and certain other embodiments, the first side 24a includes three groups 38a, 38b and 38c of four retention slits 30 located adjacent each other to accommodate a variety of different plants. The group 38a of retention holes 30 is aligned along a center axis 40 while the group 38b is aligned along a second axis 42 and the group 38c is aligned along a third axis 44. Each retention slit 30 in the first side 24a corresponds with a retention slit 30 in the second side 24b that is directly opposite the retention slit 30 in the first side 24a. Thus, when a retention member 22 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is inserted into corresponding retention slits 30, the retention member 22 is parallel or substantially parallel with the bottom side 24e of the box 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2). In other embodiments, the corresponding retention slits 30 in the first and second sides 24a and 24b do not have to locate the retention member 22 substantially parallel to the bottom side 24e of the box 20, but may incline the retention member 22 relative to the side 24e or other sides 24a-24d of the box 20 as desired. Furthermore, the retention member 22 can be constructed to be inserted into retention slits 30 in the first side 24a and the second side 24b that do not correspond with each other or are not directly opposite each other. Further yet, the various retention slits 30 within a given group of slits need not be located at the same respective heights off bottom side 24e as the corresponding heights of the retention slits 30 within the next adjacent group of slits. In yet another embodiments, instead of 3 groups of slits (such as shown in FIG. 3), there can be 4 groups of slits, with each of the four groups being located in generally each quarter of the box sides 24a and 24b along the respective lengths thereof. Further, boxes of different sizes can have different placements and number of retention slits, as desired.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the box 20 showing the first bent-up end 32a of the retention member 22 inserted into a retention slit 30 in the first side 24a according to an embodiment of the invention. Inserted in this manner, the retention member 22 is retained in the interior of the box 20, as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1, and the box 20 keeps the flowers clean and humid during transportation. Although FIG. 4 only shows the first bent-up end 32a inserted into a retention slit 30 in side 24a, it is understood that the second bent-up end 32b is similarly inserted into a retention slit 30 in opposite side 24b. Also, the one or more plants and bunches of plants have been omitted for clarity even though the second end 32b of retention member 22 is shown forced against the topside 34 of the retention slit 30.

[0034] In this and certain other embodiments, each retention slit 30 has a corresponding flap 52 that is made by cutting a portion of the side 24a and can pivot about a bottom side 54 of a respective retention slit 30. The retention member 22 is inserted into a retention slit 30 by pivoting a corresponding flap 52 outwardly away from the side 24a and inserting the first end 32a into the opened retention slit 30. The flaps 52 of the retention slits 30 that do not receive the first end 32a remain un pivoted, and thus, these retention slits 30 remain closed. By only pivoting the appropriate corresponding flap 52, the box 20 protects the flowers of the plants in the box 20 by retaining humid air in the interior 26 and preventing dirt, debris or other contaminants from entering the interior 26.

[0035] In other embodiments, the flap 52 can pivot about other portions of the retention slit 30. For example, the flap 52 can pivot about the top side 34 of the retention slit 30, or any other desired side of the retention slit 30. If it is formed to pivot about the top side 34 of a slit 30, there will be added strength to box side 24a at that top side 34 to best support against the forces applied thereto by the bent-up ends 32a, 32b of retention member 22.

[0036] Still referring to FIG. 4, in this and certain other embodiments, each retention slit 30 and corresponding flap 52 are typically generated by stamping the sides with a die cutter to form one continuous slit 30. But each slit 30 and corresponding flap 52 can be generated by perforating the side 24a to form a discontinuous slit 30. If generated in this way, one can punch or pull the flap 52 away from the corresponding side 24a or 24b with the retention member 22 or his/her hands to generate a retention slit that can receive an end 32a or 32b of the retention member 22. By perforating the sides 24a, the flaps 52 corresponding to retention slits 30 that do not receive the retention member 22 keep the retention slits 30 securely closed. Thus, branches on the stems cannot inadvertently open the unused retention slits 30 and allow the humid environment in the interior 26 of the box 20 to escape or dirt, debris or other contaminants to enter.

[0037] As best seen in FIG. 8, walls 24a, 24b of the box 20, when it is preferably formed as a corrugated container, are so formed that the corrugations 31 of such walls run generally vertical when those walls are placed in their operational position. That is, the corrugations 31 are preferably transversely aligned to the retention slits 30, rather than aligned parallel thereto. Advantageously, such transverse corrugation alignment allows the forces placed on top side 34 of each slit 30 to be engaged by the strong ends of the corrugations 31, rather than by the somewhat weaker parallel sides of such corrugations. This provides yet further strength to the retention slits 30.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, and FIG. 9a cross-section view, of the retention member 22 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. As previously discussed the retention member 22 retains plants in a box (20 in FIG. 1) by pressing with a generally flat contact portion 36 the stems of the plants against each other and a side of the box.

[0039] In this and certain other embodiments of the retention member 22, the retention member 22 can be a cleat and includes a body 56 that defines a longitudinal axis 58, a first bent-up end 32a connected to the body 56 and a second bent-up end 32b connected to the body 56 opposite the first end 32a. The bent-up ends 32a and 32b are typically integral with the body 56 and sized to be insertable into retention slits in a box (not shown), but can also be attached to the body 56 using conventional fastening techniques such as gluing, stitching, mechanically fastening with rivets, screws, or bolts, snapping in place, or any other desired technique. The bent-up ends 32a and 32b typically extend from the body 56 in the same or substantially the same direction relative to the longitudinal axis 58. For example, the ends 32a and 32b can extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 58, as shown in FIG. 5. Preferably the ends 32a, 32b extend at a slight angle in the rage of approximately 850 to 1100 relative to contact surface 36, and more preferably approximately 1000, so that the ends 32a, 32b are slightly tilted outwardly and can be easily inserted into the respective slits 30. In other embodiments, the ends 32a and 32b can extend in any desired direction from the longitudinal axis 58 that permits the ends 32a and 32b to retain the retention member 22 once they are inserted into retention slits 30. In addition, the ends 32a and 32b can extend in different directions.

[0040] Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, the body 56 is made of any conventional material such as metal, plastic, fabric composites, a stiff folded and glued reinforced cardboard material, or any material sufficiently stiff or resilient to maintain the shape of the body 56 when the retention member 22 presses against one or more plants in a box. In this and certain other embodiments, the body 56 is formed into the general shape of a shallow “W” when viewed in a cross section (see FIG. 9) taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 58, with two outer raised walls 57a, 57b, and an intermediate raised portion 59. In this form, the contact portion 36 includes two distinct generally planar contact regions 60a and 60b of the body 56 that do not have a sharp edge or corner and that have a large contact surface area. The absence of any sharp edges or corners reduces the possibility of retention member 22 bruising the stems during contact, which can damage the stems and flowers. The large contact surface areas making up contact portion 36 spreads the pressing force of retention member 22 over a large area of the one or more stems to also reduce the possibility of bruising the stems. The contact portion 36 can be smooth, rough, or include any material attached to one or both contact regions 60a and 60b that increases friction between the contact portion 36 and the stems. By increasing the friction between the stems and the contact portion 36, less force on the stems is needed to retain them, reducing the possibility of bruising the stems. Further, the body 56, when made of formed up thin sheet metal, can preferably have a folded and turned back lip 61 (best seen in FIG. 9) so that the operator's hand does not encounter sharp metal edges.

[0041] In other embodiments the body 56 can be in the shape of a shallow “U” or shallow “V” or any desired shape when viewed in a cross section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 58. Furthermore, the contact portion 36 or even body 56 may be curved (from side-to-side or end-to-end) as desired to accommodate different plants or box packing operations.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a blank 62 that can be formed into the box 20 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this and certain other embodiments, the blank 62 includes a plurality of sections 64a-64f that can be connected to each other by any conventional technique such as forming them together from one blank so that they are integrally connected to each other, or fastening them with stitches, conventional adhesive, staples, or any other desired technique. More specifically, a first section 64a and a second section 64b are connected to opposite ends 66 of a third section 64e such that when the first and second sections 64a and 64b are pivoted with the other sections 64c and 64d to form the box 20 in FIG. 1, the first and second sections 64a and 64b are opposite each other. Thus, when the blank 62 is formed into the box 20 in FIG. 1, the first section 64a corresponds to the first side 24a, the second section 64b corresponds to the second side 24b and the third section 64e corresponds to the side 24e. In addition, the first and second sections 64a and 64b each include an arrangement 37 of retention slits 30, as previously discussed elsewhere herein, where the retention slits in the first section 64a are directly opposite the retention slits 30 in the second section 64b. Preferably, blank 62 can also include a hinged lid portion 24f which is hinged along crease line H to one or the other of side panels 24a, 24b, and have edge closure flaps 24g. Alternatively, the box 20 can have a separate lid member (see separate lid shown in phantom in FIG. 6A).

[0043] If desired, binding straps formed of plastic, metal, or other material can be securely attached around the flower-filled, cleated, lidded, and closed box 20 to help assure the box will remain closed during shipment. More preferably, as seen in FIG. 7, a strapping band 65 is securely fastened about the closed box 20 at the location of retention member 22. In this fashion, band 65 extends across lid 24f and down across the lid flap 24g and exterior of side panel 24b (and down the opposite side 24a, but not shown in this Figure) and across the box bottom side 24e. Band 65 also bears against bent-up end 32b. In this manner, besides closing and retaining the lidded box 20, the band 65 also acts to lock in place and prevent the bent-up ends 32a, 32b from being dislodged from their respective retention slits 30. In one embodiment, the band 65 can take the form of a plastic strapping band. In another embodiment, the band 65 can take the form of an elastic cord member.

[0044] In one embodiment made in accordance with the invention, the retention member 22 had an overall length in the range of approximately 6 inches to 24 inches, and preferably approximately 9 inches; an overall width across the contact portion 36 in the range of approximately 0.5 inch to 3 inches, and preferably approximately 1 inch; and the bent-up ends 32a, 32b had a length in the range of approximately 0.75 inch to 2.5 inches, and preferably approximately 1.68 inches for bent-up end 32a and approximately 1.12 inches for bent-up end 326. Of course, the retention member's length is primarily a function of the overall width of the specific box 20 being used, and with the box's overall dimensions being primarily dictated by the size, quantity, and type of cut plants being shipped.

[0045] FIG. 10 shows the preferred form of the bent-up ends 32a, 32b of retention member 22. That is, it will be noted that bent-up end 32a is somewhat larger, i.e., by distance d, than the length of bent-up end 32b. That extra length d can be in the range from some 40 to 60% of the length of the shorter bent-up end 32b. In this manner, the longer bent-up end 32a is first inserted into position in a retention slit 30, and then the other bent-up end 32b, being somewhat shorter, is more easily inserted into position in a retention slit 30 on the other side of box 20. Further, the extra length of bent-up end 32a helps better retain retention member 22 to box 20.

[0046] Although the box and insertable retention member have been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments for purposes of illustration, other embodiments are possible. Therefore the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the above description of the embodiments; the present invention includes suitable modifications as well as all permutations and combinations of the subject matter set forth herein.

Claims

1. A box having a removable retention member for transporting items comprising:

a plurality of box sides an bottom defining an interior and an exterior, and including a first side having one or more retention slits and a second side having one or more retention slits; and

a removable retention member retainable in the interior and having a first end insertable into a retention slit formed in one of the first or second sides for engaging the exterior of the box, and a second end inserted into a retention slit in the other side for engaging the exterior of the box, and operable to compressively retain one or more items disposed in the interior.

2. The box of claim 1 wherein the retention member is locatable at various positions along a longitudinal axis of the box.

3. The box of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sides form a rectangular box.

4. The box of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sides form a rectangular box having the first and second sides opposite each other and parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

5. The box of claim 1 wherein at least one of the retention slits in the first side and one of the retention slits in the second side are directly opposite each other.

6. The box of claim 1 wherein the retention member is a cleat.

7. The box of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second sides includes a flap that can pivot away from a respective side and is formed by cutting a retention slit in the one or more sides.

8. The box of claim 1 wherein the first and second sides each have center axis and a plurality of retention slits aligned on the center axis such that the retention slits in the first side are directly opposite the retention slits in the second side.

9. The box of claim 8 wherein the plurality of retention slits comprises four retention slits.

10. The box of claim 1 wherein the first and second side each have a center axis and a second and third axes adjacent the center axis, and each side has a plurality of retention slits aligned on each axis such that the retention slits in the first side are directly opposite the retention slits in the second side.

11. The box of claim 1 wherein the box is formed of corrugated cardboard material, and the corrugation in the box sides having retention slits is aligned substantially transverse to the retention slits.

12. The box of claim 7 wherein the flap is formed so as to pivot away from the respective side at a location along the retention slit closest to the box bottom.

13. The box of claim 1 and a lid to cover off the box, and a retention strap member holding the lid in place on the box and secured about the box generally at the location of the removable retention member to thereby retain the retention member in its position.

14. The box of claim 13 wherein the retention strap member is a flexible strap.

15. The box of claim 14 wherein the flexible extension straps member is a stretchable cord member.

16. The box of claim 13 wherein the lid is integrally attached to one side wall of the box.

17. The box of claim 16, and a face flap extending from the free longitudinal edge of the lid and operable to cover off a side wall of the box and the retention slits formed therein.

18. The box of claim 1 wherein the first end of the retention member comprises a bent-up end having a first length, and the second end of the retention member comprises a bent-up end having a second length which is shorter than the first length.

19. A retention member for use in a box having a first and second side, each having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein each side defines at least one retention slit, the retention member comprising:

a body having longitudinal axis and a contact portion operable to compressively retain one or more items when the retention member is inserted into the box;

a first end extending from the body and insertable into a first retention slit wherein the first end comprises a portion for contacting the exterior surface of the first side; and

a second end opposite the first end, and extending from the body and insertable into a second retention slit wherein the second end comprises a portion for contacting the exterior surface of the second side.

20. The retention member of claim 19 wherein the first and second ends extend away from the longitudinal axis in the same or substantially the same direction.

21. The retention member of claim 20, wherein the first and second ends respectively extend away from the longitudinal axis at an angle in the range of approximately 850 to 1100.

22. The retention member of claim 21, wherein the extension angle is approximately 1000.

23. The retention member of claim 19 wherein the first and second ends are integral to the body.

24. The retention member of claim 19 wherein the body is substantially “W”-shaped in a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

25. The retention member of claim 24 wherein the substantially “W”-shaped body has two respective outer raised side walls, and the contact portion extends there between.

26. The retention member of claim 25 wherein the contact portion is formed of two generally planar contact regions.

27. The retention elongated member of claim 26 wherein each of the two planar contact regions have a face which extends in a direction substantially opposite to that of the first and second ends.

28. The retention member of claim 19, wherein the retention member is an integral unit formed of metal.

29. The retention member of claim 19 wherein the first end comprises a bent-up end having a first length and the second end comprises a bent-up end having a second length which is shorter than the first length.

30. A method of protecting one or more flowers on one or more plants contained in a box, comprising:

placing the one or more plants in an interior of the box that includes a first and second side each having at least one retention slit;

placing a contact portion of a retention member against one or more stems of the one or more plants; and

retaining the contact portion against the one or more stems by engaging the retention member with a pair of retention slits.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein placing a contact portion of a retention member against the one or more plants includes placing a body of the retention member perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the stems of the one or more plants.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein retaining the contact portion against one or more stems includes:

inserting a first end of the retention member into one of the retention slits in the first side of the box; and

inserting a second end of the retention member into one of the retention slits in the second side of the box.

33. The method of claim 32, and placing a lid on the box; and attaching a strap member across the lid and across the first and second ends of the retention member to hold the lid and retention member securely in place to the box.

34. The method of claim 30, and forming a plurality of retention slits on each of the first and second side to permit engaging of the retention member at different heights within the box.

35. A method of forming a box to restrain movement of contents shipped therein, comprising:

defining an interior with a plurality of sides that includes a first side having a plurality of retention slits and a second side having a plurality of retention slits;

determining a retention slit in the first and second sides to receive a retention member; and

inserting a first end of a retention member into one of the determined retention slits and inserting a second end of the retention member into other determined retention slit.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein inserting the first and second ends include pivoting a flap corresponding to a determined retention slit away from a respective side.

37. The method of claim 35, including forming two or more groups of slits on respective substantially vertical axis in both the first and second box sides.

38. The method of claim 36, and forming the plurality of retention slits so that the flap pivots away from the respective side at a location along the lowest part of the retention slit.

39. A blank that can be formed into a box, comprising:

a plurality of sections connected to each other and operable to form the box when pivoted relative to each other, and wherein the plurality of sections includes a first section and a second section that each include an arrangement of retention slits wherein the retention slits are operable to receive a first or second end of a retention member placed therein.

40. The blank of claim 39 wherein the first and second sections extend from opposite ends of a third section.

41. The blank of claim 39 wherein the arrangement of retention slits in each of the first and second sections include a center axis and a second and third axes adjacent the center axis, wherein a plurality of retention slits are aligned on each axis such that the retention slits in the first section are directly opposite the retention slits in the second section.

42. The blank of claim 41 wherein the retention slits in the respective first and second sections are so formed that each slit is positioned at a different height from the lower edge of the side.

43. The blank of claim 39, and a cover section connected to one of the first and second sections.

44. The blank of claim 39, and an additional face flap section connected to the cover section and operable to cover off the retention slits in one of the first and second sections.