RECONFIGURABLE CONTAINER PARTITIONS AND THEIR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A reconfigurable partition set for use in containers retains multiple objects, having a first and a second periphery. Multiple first lateral panels and second lateral panels, each having slits, form a wall for the first periphery of the object. The second lateral panels have more slits than the first lateral panels. Multiple longitudinal panels having slots provide the second wall for the second periphery of the object. The partition set being formed by sliding multiple slots of the longitudinal panel into slits of first lateral panel, the second lateral panel or a combination of both. The selection of slits determine the dimensions the first wall and the second wall of receiving areas to receive first periphery and second periphery of the object. Using two or three panels enables the partition set to handle different objects, such as glasses and plates, in the same container.

Description

CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is non provisional of provisional application Ser. No. 62/099,739 filed Jan. 5, 2015.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This relates to partition system for containers or boxes, more specifically, to partitions for dinner plates or the like and glass stemware or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the storage, shipment or display of parts or merchandise, it is a common practice to divide the interior of a box or container into a plurality of individual cells. The interior of a box or container is typically separated by a series of dividers, one set of parallel dividers being orthogonal to a second set of dividers. The dividers separate the interior of the container into a plurality of individual holding cells, each of which is intended to hold a separate item for display and/or shipment. The division of the interior of the box or container helps prevent the items therein from contacting one another and breaking during shipping. The division or partitioning of the container also aids in the loading and unloading of the items therein, as well as inventorying the contents of each box or container.

The dividers typically are slotted and arranged in an orthogonal relationship to divide the interior of the box or container into a desired number of holding cells. The dividers are slotted in a manner that enables the dividers to engage with one another at the location of the slots so that the dividers form an orthogonal grid or matrix. Typically, the dividers are made of the same material as the material of the box or container, plastic or paperboard. However, the dividers may be constructed of any suitable material with sufficient rigidity to prevent the contents of the container from contacting one another and being damaged.

Prior art dividers, however, do not provide a predeterminable adjustability. A problem with prior art divided packing boxes is the lack of configurability. Boxes configured to receive water glasses cannot conveniently be used for any item other than one having the same, or smaller, diameter. Removal of partitions will result in excessively large receiving areas and frequently compromise the integrity of the partitions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the present partition system is to provide slotted interchangeable sheets that can be assembled to receive objects having two or more peripheries, such as plates and glasses.

Another object of the present partition system is to reduce the storage space and fabrication material otherwise required for separate partition sets.

The disclosed reconfigurable partition set for use in containers retains multiple objects, each having a first periphery and a second periphery. Multiple first lateral panels have a width, with a width first edge and a width second edge and a first height, a first base and a first top. A first predetermined number of slits extend from the base a portion of the first height and are spaced from one another to create a first wall of receiving areas dimensioned to receive the first periphery of each object. The distal and proximal slits can be the same distance from the width first and second edges or have different spacing to provide differing peripheries. In some embodiments a notch is placed in the first top for ease of grasping the contents.

Multiple second lateral panels have a second width, with a second width first edge and a second width second edge and a second height, a second base and a second top. A second predetermined number of slits, greater in number than the first predetermined number of slits, extend from the base a portion of the first height and are spaced from one another to create a first wall of receiving areas dimensioned to receive the first periphery of each object. The distal and proximal slits can be the same distance from the width first and second edges or have different spacing to provide differing peripheries. In some embodiments a notch is placed in the fiat top for ease of grasping the contents.

Multiple longitudinal panels having a length, a length first edge and a length second edge, and a third height, with a third base and a third top. Multiple slots within the second panels are a predetermined multiple of at least two of the at least two slits and extend a portion of the second height. The multiple slots are spaced, consistently or inconsistently, to create a second wall to the receiving areas and are dimensioned to receive the second periphery of the objects. The distal and proximal slots can be the same distance from the length first and second edges or have different spacing.

The partition set is formed by sliding each of the slits of a predetermined number of multiple first lateral panels and/or multiple second lateral panels into at least two slots of each of a predetermined number of multiple longitudinal panels. Selection of the slots for insertion determine the dimension the second wall of the receiving areas that receives the second periphery the objects. Assembled, four sided receiving areas are formed dimensioned to receive each of the objects.

The objects can have different peripheries and configuration from one another and the multiple first lateral panels and/or multiple second lateral panels are inserted into slots that enable the second periphery of each object to be proximate a second wall.

The multiple first lateral panels and multiple second lateral panels can have a length greater than, equal to or less than the length of each of the multiple longitudinal panels. In some embodiments the length of one or more of the multiple first lateral panels and/or multiple second lateral panels can be the same as one or more of the longitudinal panels. The slits can extend from the base of the first and second lateral panels and the slots from the base of the longitudinal panels the same predetermined distance to enable the top of the first and second lateral panels to be on the same plane as the longitudinal base. Alternatively the slits or slots can have a different predetermined to permit the first and second lateral panel top to be on a different plane from the longitudinal panel base.

As an example partition set, each of the multiple first lateral panels contain two slits, each of the multiple second lateral panels contain four slits and each of the multiple longitudinal panels each contain at least twelve slots. The two slits within a first group of first lateral panels are positioned within the six slots forming a first second periphery and the four slits within a group of second lateral panels are spaced with the twelve slots forming a second second periphery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is perspective views of the partition sets assembled into an example configuration using panels as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective views of the partition sets assembled into another example configuration using panels as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a lateral partition panel in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a longitudinal partition panel in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an example partition set configured to receive glasses and set inside a container in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an example partition set configured to receive dishes and set inside a container in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a partition set using the panels as illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 3 in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a partition set assembled into an additional example configuration using the panels as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 3 in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 5c is a perspective view of a partition set assembled into another example configuration using panels such as those illustrated in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 3 in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of a lateral partition panel in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternate lateral partition panel in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an alternate lateral partition panel in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9A a perspective view of a partition set assembled into an additional example configuration using panels as illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 9B a perspective view of a partition set assembled into a an alternate example configuration using panels as illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an alternate lateral partition panel in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an alternate longitudinal partition panel in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of an alternate example partition set using two different widths of lateral panels, in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of an, additional example partition set having different size storage spaces, in accordance with the disclosed invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view of an alternative example partition set having a square configuration, in accordance with the disclosed invention; and

FIG. 15 is a side view of another example partition set having one set of panels with a higher profile than the second set, in accordance with the disclosed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Glossary

10a-10d longitudinal panels (FIG. 3)

12-46 longitudinal panel slots (FIG. 3)

48a-48q lateral panels—(FIG. 2)

52-58 lateral panel slots—(FIG. 2)

50 notch

60 partition set—(FIG. 2/3)

62 partition set—(FIG. 2/3)

64 partition set—alternative embodiment

66 partition set—alternative embodiment

68 receiving space

70 receiving space

80a-80e lateral panels—alternative embodiment

82a-82q lateral panels—alternative embodiment

84-86 lateral panel slots—alternative embodiment

90-96 lateral panel slots—alternative embodiment

98 partition set—alternative embodiment

100 partition set—alternative embodiment

102 partition set—alternative embodiment

104 lateral panel—alternative embodiment

106 longitudinal panel—alternative embodiment

108 lateral panel—alternative embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

As used herein the term “about” means a range of +/−15%.

As used herein the term “egg crate configuration” refers to lateral and longitudinal panels that cross one another to divide a container into polygons, or receiving areas, having four sides with each corner being a right angles.

As used herein the term “longitudinal”, or “first” panel, refers to panels that are illustrated in the examples here extending the long dimension, or length, of a rectangular box. The term is used for identification purposes and for ease of description and not indicative of a specific direction or length. The longitudinal, or first, panel and the lateral, or second panel, can be of the same length thereby forming a square partition set.

As used herein the term “lateral”, or “second” panel, refers to panels that are illustrated in the examples here extending the short dimension, or width, of a rectangular box. The term is used for identification purposes and for ease of description and not indicative of a specific direction or length. The longitudinal, or first, panel and the lateral, or second panel, can be of the same length thereby forming a square partition set.

As used herein the term “partition set” refers to multiple longitudinal and lateral panels interlocked to form a divider, or partition, which can be placed into a container.

As used herein the term “container” and “box” shall be used interchangeably refer to any object that can be used to hold or transport something.

As used herein the term “notch” shall refer to a recess of any configuration into a lateral panel. For ease of description and clarity, all notches illustrated herein are semi-circular and referred to as element “50”. This is in no way intended as a limitation to the size or configuration of the notches.

As used herein the term “object” shall refer to an item or article having three dimensions with the partition set contacting two dimensions, a first periphery and a second periphery, while the height of the box accommodates the third.

As used herein the term “receiving area” and “receiving space” are used interchangeably and shall refer to the area available to receive an object and enclosed by panels or a combination of panels and container.

As used herein the term “slots” and “slits” shall refer to the aperture dimensioned to receive a panel.

A problem with prior art divided packing boxes is the lack of configurability, with the more rigid the material of manufacture, the less the divider material, the less distortion possible to receive slightly larger items. Boxes configured to receive water glasses cannot conveniently be used for any item other than one having the same, or smaller, diameter. To place an item that is smaller than the original intent into a prior art packing box that packing material be paced around the item to compensate for the extra space. Alternatively if the diameter of the item is larger than the intended object, the dividers are distorted and not every space can be filled. In prior art boxes, the removal of a divider only creates a larger, randomly sized rectangular space.

To have to provide boxes for every anticipated item size is an expense that manufacturers do not want to carry. Further, partitions are only designed to handle one shape or size requiring numerous boxes when items of more than one configuration are being packed.

The disclosed invention overcomes the problems of matching dimensions and enables customization of packing boxes containing dividers. Although glasses and dishes are referred to herein as article to be retained within the partition sets, it should be understood that they are for ease of reference and that the partition sets can be dimensioned to retain a predetermined range of object shapes and sizes.

The panels illustrated herein are made of corrugated plastic but can be fabricated of other material such as paperboard, chipboard, fiberboard or solid extruded plastic. The placement of the slots, which extend through the panels, provides the unique versatility, enabling multiple partition set configurations. All partition sets, once assembled, for an egg crate configuration that permits the partition set to be free-standing.

Although the examples and illustrations herein have referred to glasses having a diameter of 2-5 inches, in particular 4 inches, and plates/dishes having a length of 12 inches and a width of 1-3 inches, in particular 1.3-2.6, it should be noted that these are convenient examples. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to change dimensions accommodate water glasses, champagne flutes, red or white wine glasses, desert or appetizer plates, bowls, etc. The teachings herein can be modified to accommodate a variety of combinations and it is versatility and reduction of production cost and materials that is novel.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the example partition set 60 is constructed using five of the lateral panels 48a-e (hereinafter 48) illustrated in FIG. 2 and four of the longitudinal panels 10a-d (hereinafter 10) as illustrated in FIG. 3. The lateral panels 48 intersect longitudinal panels 10. The assembly is formed by inserting the slots 58, 56, 54 and 52 of each lateral panel 48 opening downwardly into the slots 12-46 of the longitudinal panels 10. In this example, every third slot, 16, 22, 28, 34, and 40, of the longitudinal panels 10 is used. For easiest assembly the longitudinal panels 10 are inverted so that the slots 12-48 open upwardly, the lateral panels 48 are then placed so that the slots 52-58 interact with the slots 12-46 of the longitudinal panel 80. The created partition set 60 is then inverted and placed into a box, or container, with that the notch 50 adjacent to the bottom of the container. This configuration creates 18 spacers exemplify by partition set 60 that can be used to receive typical stemware, bottles or the like, as illustrated in FIG. 4A.

To increase the ease of use as well as the stability of the partition set, the open or unused slots should be placed toward the base of the container. This positioning makes it easier to place items into the receiving areas as all edges at the point of entry are solid and smooth. Therefore, when plates or glasses are inserted into the receiving area, they are less likely interact with the top of the partition sets. Further, stability is increased with all open slots adjacent the base, minimizing any slipping or bending of the material. From an aesthetic standpoint, once inside the box, the partition sets appear to have been specifically designed for the object being held.

As stated, this is an example of a configuration that can be created using the longitudinal panels 10 and lateral panels 48. For other dimensioning, additional lateral panels 48 can be inserted into the longitudinal panels 10 to create smaller receiving spaces, or areas.

The lateral panel 48 in FIG. 2 is, for most applications, typically about 2 mm ( 5/64 in) to about 5 mm ( 13/64 in) in thickness. The slots on the lateral panel are half the height H1 and H2 of the panels. The partitions herein must fit within a container and therefore the actual length L, height H1 and H2 and width W will vary from container to container. In most applications the H1 and H2 will be the same; however in some instances it might be advantageous to vary the heights. Examples are provided below but are not to be considered as limitations but rather as teachings for those skilled in the art.

The following example dimensions for the partition set 60 are to be considered instructional and in no way limit the dimensioning of the panels disclosed herein. The lateral panel has overall dimensions of roughly from 300 mm (11 13/16 in)×260 (10 15/64 in) mm to 350 (13 25/32 in)×320 mm (12 19/32 in) and the slits are typically spaced about 85 mm to about 100 mm apart from each other.

The longitudinal panel in FIG. 3 is, for most applications, typically about 2 mm to about 5 mm in thickness and has overall dimensions of roughly from 540 mm×260 mm to 600 mm×320 mm. The slots on the panel are half the length of the panel and are typically spaced about 27 mm to 31 mm apart from each other.

FIG. 1B shows another partition set 62 constructed also using the lateral panels 48 and longitudinal panels 10 as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The partition set 62 compromises seventeen of the lateral panels 48 intersecting two of the longitudinal panels 10. The assembly is formed by inserting the slots 52 and 58 of the lateral panels 48 opening downwardly into the slots 12-46 of the longitudinal panels 10 opening upwardly. This embodiment, placed inside a container, creates 18 receiving spaces 68 that can be used to receive typical dinner plates in upright position, picture frames or the like, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. The notch 50 at the top of lateral panels 48 provides for easier removal of the receiving item. The lateral panels 48 can be arranged to create larger receiving spaces 68, for example in slots 48a and 48c, etc.

The lateral panel can have other possibilities. In FIG. 6, the panel 80 has 4 slots 90,92,94,96 and no notch; in FIG. 7, the panel has 2 slots 84,86; in FIG. 8, the panel has 2 slots at the top and a notch; and in FIG. 10, the panel has 8 slots and no notch. It should be noted that these are examples of the potential variations and are not to be considered slot or not placement or number. Partition set 64 in FIG. 5A is constructed in the same manner as FIG. 1A but using the lateral panels 80a-e (hereinafter 80) in FIG. 6 rather than the lateral panel 48 of FIG. 2. The partition set 64 compromises lateral panels 80 intersecting longitudinal panels 10. The assembly is formed by inserting the slots 90, 92, 94, 96 of the lateral panels 80 opening downwardly into every third slot, 16, 22, 28, 34, 40 in this example, of the longitudinal panels 10 that are opening upwardly. The partition set 64 is then inverted. This embodiment, placed inside a container, creates 18 receiving spaces that can be used to receive typical stemware, bottles or the like. Additional lateral 80 panels can be inserted into the longitudinal panels to create smaller spacers. When inserted into the container illustrated in FIG. 4A, the appearance and construction is similar to partition set 60, with the difference being the absence of the notch 50.

Partition set 66 in FIG. 5B is constructed in the same manner as FIG. 1B but using the lateral panel 82 in FIG. 7 rather than FIG. 2. Partition set 66 compromises lateral panels 82 intersecting longitudinal panels 10. The assembly is formed by inserting the slots 84 and 86 of the lateral panels 82, opening downward, into the slots 12-46 of the longitudinal panels 10. The notch 50 is maintained at the top of the partition set 66 for easy removal of the contents. This embodiment, placed inside a container, creates 18 receiving spaces 68 that can be used to receive typical dinner plates in upright position, picture frames or the like, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B.

To illustrate the versatility and interchangeability of the disclosed panels, a partition set similar to the partition set, 66 in FIG. 5B can be constructed using lateral panel 108 in FIG. 8 rather than 82 in FIG. 7. If lateral panel 108 is used in the assembly, the slots of the lateral panels are inserted opening upwardly into the longitudinal panel 10 opening downwardly. Aesthetically and functionally, both panels produce the same partition set, however in some applications one panels can be preferable for assembly purposes.

The notch at the top of lateral panels 50 provides for easier removal of the receiving item. The lateral panels can be removed to create larger spacers.

Additional flexibility to the disclosed partition sets is illustrated by partition set 98 in FIG. 5C that is constructed using lateral panels 80, 82 and longitudinal panels 10. The assembly is formed by inserting slots 90-96 of the lateral panels 80e and 80f, opening downwardly, into the slots 92 and 94 of lateral panels 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d that are opening upwardly. Slots 90 and 96 of lateral panels 80a, 80b, 80c and 80d are then inserted into slots 26, 32,38,46 of the longitudinal panels 10 opening upwardly. Slots 84 and 86 of lateral panels 82 are then inserted into slots 12-24 of the longitudinal panels 10. This forms a partition set 98 that can, for example, accommodate plates and glasses or cups.

Partition set 98 in FIG. 5C can also be constructed using lateral panels 108 in lieu of lateral panel 82. If lateral panel 108 is used, the longitudinal panels would open downwardly.

Partition set 100 in FIG. 9A is constructed using lateral panels 104 in FIG. 10 and the longitudinal panels 106 in FIG. 11. The assembly is formed by inserting every third slots of lateral panels 104 opening downwardly into the slots of longitudinal panels 106 opening upwardly. The configuration forms rectangular receiving areas.

The partition set 102 in FIG. 9B is constructed using lateral panels 104 in FIG. 10 and longitudinal panels 106 in FIG. 11. The assembly is formed by inserting the first, fourth and 7^th slots of longitudinal panels 106 opening downwardly into the slots of lateral panels 104 opening upwardly. FIG. 9B shows 5 longitudinal panels 106 are used in the assembly but up to 9 longitudinal panels 106 maybe used.

FIGS. 12-15 are examples of other configurations that can be obtained using the disclosed panels. It should be noted that these are for example purposes and additional combinations and configurations will be obvious to a person skilled in the art. In FIG. 12, two different width lateral panels 124 and 126 are placed on the longitudinal panels 10. Further, the lateral panels 126 are not evenly spaced from one another. This serves as an example of how the disclosed panels can be varied to accommodate a number of different sized objects in the same container.

In the example of FIG. 13, partition set/container combination 130 has longitudinal panels 10 spanning the length of the container positioned to divide the container approximately in half with an additional longitudinal panel 10 added to one side. The lateral panels 132 are spaced to provide support for the longitudinal panels 10 and divide the receiving spaces to receive the objects to be protected.

In FIG. 14 the panels 142 are the same length to be used in a square box. Although this figure illustrates the receiving spaces as squares, it should be noted that the panels 142 can be moved to form rectangular receiving areas.

In the partition set 150 illustrated FIG. 15 the longitudinal panels 10 have a height greater than the lateral panels 154. The lateral panel 154 is illustrated designed to receive 5 longitudinal panels 10, however any number can be used that provide the desired spacing.

The distance between the slots is not as critical, as long as structural integrity is maintained, as the slot placement and ratio between the longitudinal and lateral panels. The container will provide the length and width dimensions of the panels. Within that length and width, the slots of all lateral panels must be positioned to line up with any slot in the longitudinal panel. For example and using lateral panel 48 and longitudinal panel 10, every third slot (16, 22, 28, 34, 40) is bisected by each slot of the lateral panel 48 (52, 54, 56 and 58) and provides the configuration of FIG. 1A. Movement of the lateral panels 48 to other longitudinal slots would reduce or increase the size of the receiving space. The movement of the lateral panels 48 is only possible if the slots on the longitudinal and lateral panels are properly aligned and maintained in a ratio of at least two to one. The increase or decrease in the slots will determine the versatility of the partition sizing.

The placement of the lateral panels is determined by the periphery of the objects being placed within the specific portion of the partition set. To provide protection to the objects, the first and second peripheries should be in contact, either directly or with wrapping, with the objects. The versatility achieved by moving the lateral and longitudinal panels to achieve different configuration areas within the same partition set enables both the first and second peripheries to be in contact with either a panel or box wall.

The maximum number of slots that can be added before the integrity is affected is dependent upon the material of manufacture. The greater the thickness and material rigidity, the more the slots. Therefore rigid plastic can have more slots than thick cardboard, which can have more slots than thin cardboard or paperboard. The number of slots that can be used in a specific material to prevent compromising structural integrity will be known to those skilled in the art.

The disclosed, partitions can be custom made for a specific industry such as glasses and plates being shipped together or cups and saucers. Alternatively, partition set are manufactured having set size ranges with the user using the partition set into which their product would fall.

The illustrated examples allow most plates of today's standard fit inside the spacers in FIG. 1B and most glass of today's standard fits inside spacers in FIG. 1A. The length between slot 52 and 54 of the lateral panel (diameter of most today's glasses) is roughly the length between every third slots of the longitudinal panel (e.g., space between slots from 16-22 or 22-28).

To design for thicker plates in FIG. 5C while keeping the same spacer for glasses, at the time of manufacture slot 18 can be eliminated and slot 20 positioned midway between slots 16 and 22. This would allow for 2 thicker dishes instead of 3 dishes between 16 and 22 while still maintain the same size for the glasses.

As another example is to accommodate larger glasses while maintaining standard spacing for dishes. The slot 54 of panel would be eliminated and slot 56 centered between slots 52 and 58. Slot 54 would then be inserted into every 4^th slot of the longitudinal panel 10, effectively increases the spacer length and width.

As can be seen from the examples above, there are a number of variations not only at the time of manufacture but as well as at the time of use. To make the partitions reconfigurable, dimensions of 2 items must be considered. For example the space between two slots of the lateral panel has to captured at least one dimension (length, width, diameter or depth) of one 1 item and the slots of the other longitudinal has to captured at least one dimension of the other item. The ratio between the lateral panel slots and the longitudinal panel slots would be in the range of about 0.15:10.

Plate and Glass Examples

Object 1—Dish 12″ long and 1.3″ wide

Object 2—Glass 4″ inch round

Lateral Panels: Length of Object 1/Length of Object 2=3 as only a maximum of 3.4 inch glasses can fit within a plate length. To accommodate the above dimensions the distance between each 2 slots is 4″ (last end pieces are not counted). The distance between 52 and 58 (FIG. 1B) is approximately 12″ plus the slot spaces, capturing both the length of Object 1 and length of Object 2.

Longitudinal Panel: Width of Object 1/Width of Object 2: 0.33 (only fit 0.33 glass fit for each dish depth). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the distance between each 2 slots is 1.3″ and the distance between every third slots (16, 22, 28, 34, 40) is 4″ (1.3″×3 plus slot spaces). This captures both the width of Object 1 and Width of Object 2.

Partition Spacer Ratios for FIG. 1B: Amount of space between two slots for lateral piece divided by the number of spaces between two slots of longitudinal panel=3 (2 slots of lateral panels do not intersect).

Partition Spacer Ratios for FIG. 1A: Amount of space between two slots for lateral piece divided by the number of spaces between two slots of longitudinal panel=0.333 (2 slots of longitudinal panels do not intersect)

Variation A uses two lateral panels: one to capture the length of Object 1 and one to capture the length of Object 2. Variation B use a single lateral panel and one longitudinal panel as the single lateral panel captures the length of both Object 1 and Object 2.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. For example, the notch can have other shapes, such as triangular, rectangular, square, oval, etc.; the longitudinal panels maybe shorten so that 15, 12 or 9 spacers are created rather than 18 spacers.

While in the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in considerable detail, it will understood by those skilled in the art that many of these details may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and the and similar references in the context of this disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as preferred, preferably) provided herein, is intended merely to further illustrate the content of the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the present disclosure.

Multiple embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for practicing the claimed invention. Of these, variations of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing disclosure The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate (e.g., altering or combining features or embodiments), and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The use of individual numerical values are stated as approximations as though the values were preceded by the word “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately.” Similarly, the numerical values in the various ranges specified in this application, unless expressly indicated otherwise, are stated as approximations as though the minimum and maximum values within the stated ranges were both preceded by the word “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately”. In this manner, variations above and below the stated ranges can be used to achieve substantially the same results as values within the ranges. As used herein, the terms “about”, “substantially”, and “approximately” when referring to a numerical value shall have their plain and ordinary meanings to a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed subject matter is most closely related or the art relevant to the range or element at issue. The amount of broadening from the strict numerical boundary depends upon many factors. For example, some of the factors which may be considered include the criticality of the element and/or the effect a given amount of variation will have on the performance of the claimed subject matter, as well as other considerations known to those of skill in the art. As used herein, the use of differing amounts of significant digits for different numerical values is not meant to limit how the use of the words “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately” will serve to broaden a particular numerical value or range. Thus, as a general matter, “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately” broaden the numerical value. Also, the disclosure of ranges is intended as a continuous range including every value between the minimum and maximum values plus the broadening of the range afforded by the use of the term “about”, “substantially”, or “approximately”. Thus, recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. To the extent that determining a given amount of variation of some the factors such as the criticality of the slot patterns, paper width differential pre- and post-expansion, paper weights and type, as well as other considerations known to those of skill in the art to which the disclosed subject matter is most closely related or the art relevant to the range or element at issue will have on the performance of the claimed subject matter, is not considered to be within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art, or is not explicitly stated in the claims, then the terms “about”, “substantially”, and “approximately” should be understood to mean the numerical value, plus or minus 10%.

It is to be understood that any ranges, ratios and ranges of ratios that can be formed by, or derived from, any of the data disclosed herein represent further embodiments of the present disclosure and are included as part of the disclosure as though they were explicitly set forth. This includes ranges that can be formed that do or do not include a finite upper and/or lower boundary. Accordingly, a person of ordinary skill in the art most closely related to a particular range, ratio or range of ratios will appreciate that such values are unambiguously derivable from the data presented herein.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable partition, set to retain at least one object, each of said at least one object having an object first periphery and an object second periphery, for use in a container, said partition set comprising:

multiple first lateral panels, each of said multiple first lateral panels having: a width, said width having a width first edge and a width second edge, a first height, said first height having a first base and a first top, a number of first predetermined slits, said first predetermined slits extending from said base a portion of said first height toward said first top and spaced to create a first wall for receiving areas dimensioned to receive said first periphery of each of said at least one object, multiple second lateral panels, each of said multiple second lateral panels having: a second width, said second width having a second width first edge and a second width second edge, a second height, said second height having a second base and a second top, a number of second predetermined slits, said number of said second predetermined slits being greater than said number of first predetermined slits and extending from said second base a portion of said second height and spaced to create a first wall for receiving areas dimensioned to receive said first periphery of each said at least one object, multiple longitudinal panels, each of said multiple longitudinal panels having: a length, said length having a length first edge and a length second edge, a third height, said third height having a third base and a third top, multiple slots, said multiple slots extending a portion of said third height, said multiple slots spaced to create a second wall for said receiving areas dimensioned to receive said second periphery of each of said at least one object,

said partition set being formed by sliding said multiple slots of said longitudinal panel into said predetermined slits of said first lateral panel, said predetermined slits of said second lateral panel or a combination of said first lateral panel and said second lateral panel, selection of said slits for insertion being determined to dimension said first wall and said second wall of said receiving areas to receive said first periphery and said second periphery of said at least one object, thereby forming four sided receiving areas dimensioned to receive each of said at least one object.

2. The partition set of claim 1 wherein a first of said at least one object has a different periphery from another of said at least one object and said slots of said multiple longitudinal panels are inserted into slits of said first lateral panels to provide receiving area for said first of said at least one object and said slots of said multiple longitudinal panels are inserted into slits of said second, lateral panels to provide receiving area for said another of said at least one object.

3. The partition set of claim 1 wherein said width of each of said first lateral panels and said second width of said second lateral panels is less than said length of each of said multiple longitudinal panels.

4. The partition set of claim 1 wherein said width of at least one of said first lateral panels or at least one of said second width of said second lateral panels is less than said length of other of said first lateral panels or said second lateral panels.

5. The partition set of claim 1 wherein said width of at least one of said multiple first lateral panels or said second width of said multiple second lateral panels is equal to said length of each of said multiple longitudinal panels.

6. The partition set of claim 1 wherein each of said number of first predetermined slits extend from said first base a predetermined distance and each of said number of second predetermined slits extend from said second base said predetermined distance and each of said multiple slots extend from said third base said predetermined distance to permit said first top and/or said second top to be on the same plane as said third base.

7. The partition set of claim 1 wherein said first lateral panels have proximal slits a predetermined distance from said width first edge and distal slits a predetermined distance from said width second edge and said second lateral panels each panels have proximal slits a predetermined distance from said second width first edge and said second width second edge and distal slits a predetermined distance from said second width second edge and said second width second edge and said longitudinal panels have a distal slot a predetermine distance from a length first edge of and a proximal slot a predetermined distance from a length second edge.

8. The partition set of claim 6 wherein said predetermine distance is consistent.

9. The partition set of claim wherein at least one of said predetermined distance is greater than the other of said predetermined distance.

10. The partition set of claim 1 wherein further comprising a notch in said fiat top and/or said second top.

11. The partition set of claim 1 wherein each of said first lateral panels contain taro slits and each of said second lateral panels contain four slits and each of said longitudinal panels contain at least six slots, and a first number of said multiple lateral first panels, forming a first first object periphery, are positioned within said six slots forming a first second object periphery and a second number of said multiple second lateral panels, forming a second first object periphery, are spaced with said twelve slots remaining forming a second second periphery.

12. The partition set of claim 1 wherein each of said second lateral panels contain four slits, and each of said longitudinal panels each contain at least six slots and said slits in said multiple first panels is positioned within every third slot to form receiving areas.

13. The partition set of claim 1 wherein said receiving area configuration is determined by the placement of said slits in said first lateral panels or said slits in said second lateral panels or a combination thereof into said slots of said multiple longitudinal panels.

14. The partition set of claim 1 wherein a ratio of said slits to said slits is about 0.15 to 10.

15. The partition set of claim 1 wherein said first predetermined slits are spaced about 2 to about 5 inches from subsequent slits.

16. The partition set of claim 1 wherein said first predetermined slits are spaced about 8 to about 14 inches from subsequent slits.

17. The partition set of claim 1 wherein said multiple slots are spaced about 1 to about 4 inches apart from subsequent slots.

18. The partition sets of claim 1 wherein unused slots are positioned adjacent a base of said container.

19. A reconfigurable partition set to retain at least one object, each of said at least one object having an object first periphery and an object second periphery, for use in containers, said partition set comprising:

multiple first lateral panels, each of said multiple first lateral panels having: a width, said width having a width first edge and a width second edge, a first height, said first height having a first base and a first top, said first top containing a notch, a number of first predetermined slits, said first predetermined slits being space from one another from about 8 to about 14 inches, extending from said first base a portion of said first height toward said first top to create a first wall of receiving areas dimensioned to receive said first periphery of said at least one object,

multiple second lateral panels, each of said multiple second lateral panels having: a second width, said second width having a second width first edge and a second width second edge, a second height, said second height having a second base and a second top, a number of second predetermined slits, said second predetermined slits being spaced from one another about 2 to about 5 inches and being greater in number than said first predetermined slits and extending from said second base a portion of said second height to create a first wall of receiving areas dimensioned to receive said first periphery of each said at least one object,

multiple longitudinal panels, each of said multiple longitudinal panels having: a length, said length having a length first edge and a length second edge, a third height, said third height having a third base and a third top, multiple slots, said multiple slots spaced about 1 to about 4 inches from subsequent slots and extending a portion of said third height, said multiple slots spaced to create a second wall of said receiving areas dimensioned to receive said second periphery of each of said at least one object,

said partition set being formed by sliding said multiple slots of said longitudinal panels into said predetermined slits of said first lateral panels, said predetermined slits of said second lateral panel or a combination of said first lateral panel and said second lateral panel, selection of said predetermined slits for insertion being determined to dimension said first wall and said second wall of said receiving areas to receive said first periphery and said second periphery of said at least one object, thereby forming four sided receiving areas dimensioned to receive each of said at least one object.

20. The partition set of claim 16 wherein said width of said first lateral panels and said second lateral panels are each selected from at least one from the group comprising: less than said length of each of said multiple second panels; equal to said length of each of said multiple second panels; at least one of said multiple first panel is less than said length of other of said multiple second panels.

21. The partition set of claim 16 wherein a ratio of said slits to said slits is about 0.15 to 10.

22. The partition set of claim 16 wherein each of said number of first predetermined slits extend from said first base a predetermined distance and each of said number of second predetermined slits extend from said second base said predetermined distance and each of said multiple slots extend from said third base said predetermined distance to permit said first top and/or said second top to be on the same plane as said third base.

23. The method of forming a reconfigurable partition set to retain at least one object, each of said at least one object having an object first periphery and, an object second periphery, for use in containers, comprising the steps of:

determining a first periphery and a second periphery of said at least one object,

selecting lateral panels having a width, a height, and at least two slits extending from a base a portion of said height and spaced to create a first wall of receiving areas dimensioned to receive said first periphery of each of said at least one object,

selecting longitudinal panels having a length, a height, and multiple slots, said multiple slots being greater in number than said at least two slits and extending a portion of said second height, and spaced to create a second wall of said receiving areas dimensioned to receive said second periphery of each of said at least one object,

selecting said at least two slots for insertion into said at least two slits to dimension said second wall of said receiving areas to receive said second periphery of said at least one object,

selecting said at least two slits for insertion into said at least two slots to dimension said first wall of said receiving areas to receive said first periphery of said at least one object,

sliding each of said at least two slits selected of a predetermined number of said multiple first panels into at least two slots selected of each of a predetermined number of said multiple second panels,

forming four sided receiving areas dimensioned to receive each of said at least one object,

positioning said partition set to place open slots adjacent a base of said container;

placing said partition set into said container.