PACKAGING

Abstract

A packaging including a container and an insert configured to be received into the container. The insert includes a first object securing structure and a second object securing structure. Both of the object securing structures are vertically aligned along an axis when the insert is received into the container. Each of first object securing structure and the second object securing structure are adapted to support the object.

Description

FIELD

These teachings relate to a packaging, and more particularly to a container and an insert.

BACKGROUND

Various packaging is available for protecting and displaying objects. However, there remains a need to improve the state of the art of packaging to adequately protect, display, and/or transport objects.

For example, it may be desirable to have a packaging where assembly of the packaging is simplified, while still providing sufficient protection of the object in the packaging. It may be desirable to have a packaging where an object in the packaging can be quickly and easily accessed and viewed. It may be desirable to have a single packaging that can accommodate various sized objects. That is, it may be desirable to have a packaging that can accommodate objects of various heights and/or widths or circumferences. It may be desirable to have a packaging that is made from a blank that can be quickly assembled, and then disassembled if needed.

Some examples of packaging are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,297,289 and 5,590,776, and in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0321817, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides solutions to one or more of the aforementioned needs. That is, these teachings provide a packaging where assembly of the packaging is simplified, yet still provides sufficient protection of the object in the packaging. These teachings advantageously provide a packaging where an object in the packaging can be quickly and easily accessed and viewed, while simultaneously providing sufficient protection of the object in the packaging. These teachings also provide a packaging that can accommodate various sized objects. That is, these teachings advantageously provide a packaging that can accommodate objects of various heights and/or widths or circumferences. These teachings further provide a packaging made from a blank that can be quickly assembled, and then later disassembled if needed.

These teachings also provide a packaging including a container, and an insert configured to be received into the container. The insert includes a first object securing structure and a second object securing structure. Both of the object securing structures are vertically aligned along an axis when the insert is received into the container. Each of first object securing structure and the second object securing structure are adapted to support the object.

These teachings further provide a blank for forming an insert. The blank comprising a first panel; a second panel adjacent the first panel; a third panel adjacent the second panel; a fourth panel adjacent the third panel; and a fifth panel adjacent the fourth panel. The second panel and the fourth panel each comprise an object securing structure having a center cutout. After the blank is folded into the insert, the center cutouts are aligned along a common axis. An object is received into the center cutouts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming the container of the packaging.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the interlocking sections of the blank of FIG. 1

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a step of folding the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of a step of folding the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3D is a bottom view of a step of folding the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3E is a bottom view of a step of folding the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3F is a perspective view of a step of folding the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3G is a perspective view of a step of folding the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of the container formed from the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of a corner of the container of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a blank for forming the insert of the packaging.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a step of folding the blank of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a step of folding the blank of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of the packaging comprising the container and the insert.

FIG. 9 is a section view of the packaging comprising the container, the insert, and an object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. 62/488,128 filed on Apr. 21, 2017, the entire disclose of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

This disclosure is directed toward a packaging, a container, an insert, or a combination thereof. This disclosure is directed to a method or steps of forming a packaging, a container, an insert, or a combination thereof. This disclosure is directed to using a packaging, a container, an insert, or a combination thereof.

The packaging may be used to protect, display, ship, and/or transport one or more objects. For example, the packaging may be used to protect, display, ship, and/or transport one or more objects such as a vase; a vase containing flowers; a flower pot; a glass; a mug; a candle; a fragile object or structure; the like, or a combination thereof.

After the object is placed into the packaging, the object may extend out of an end of the container. For example, after the object is placed into the packaging, an upper edge or portion of the object may project or extend out of the open end of the packaging. After the object is placed into the packaging, the object may be contained within the container such that an upper edge of the object does not project or is free from projecting or extending out of the open end of the container.

The packaging may comprise one or more containers. The container may receive one or more inserts and/or objects. For example, the container may be sized to accommodate one or more inserts, two or more inserts, three or more inserts, four or more inserts, etc. For example, the container may be sized so that one insert is received in the interior region of the container. Alternatively, the container may be sized so that two or more inserts can be placed into the interior region of the container adjacent one another for transporting. The plurality of inserts may be arranged size by size inside the container so that one container can accommodate more than one insert and thus more than one object.

The container may have a first flat and one-dimensional configuration and a second, folded three-dimensional configuration. The container may transition from the first configuration to the second configuration and back to the first configuration through folding and then unfolding a blank, respectively. The container may be free of adhesives or fasteners to maintain the container in the second, folded three-dimensional configuration. Therefore, folding and unfolding, and folding the container again between the three-dimensional and one-dimensional configuration is feasible.

In the three-dimensional folded configuration, the container may have an open end (or upper end) that provides access to an interior region of the container and/or the object(s) in the container. The open end may advantageously provide for tall or long object(s) to at least partially extend out of the container. The open end may advantageously provide for access to the interior region of the container, including the one or more inserts, the one or more objects supported by the one or more inserts, or a combination thereof. The upper or closed end can also be closed with one or more flaps or panels to protect and/or conceal the inside of the container, the object(s) received in the container, or both. The upper or closed end can be closed with a separate lid or other cover to protect or conceal the inside of the container, the object(s) received in the container, or both. The lid or cover may be an additional component that is not connected to or part of any of the blanks. In other words, the lid or cover may be another discrete component of the packaging. The lid or covering may be attached or connected to the container blank or insert blank and through folding, the lid can be formed.

In the three-dimensional folded configuration, the container may have a closed end (or a lower end). The closed end may provide support for the insert and/or object(s) when placed inside the container. The closed end may be closed by folding one or more panels or flaps. When the blank of the container is folded to form the closed end, the closed end may have sufficient strength to support the one or more objects supported by the one or more inserts without requiring tape or other adhesives or fasteners to maintain the panels of the closed end together. However, tape other adhesives may be applied to maintain the closed end and provide additional strength to support heavy objects inside the container, for example.

The packaging may comprise one or more inserts. The insert may be used to hold, maintain, secure, protect, guard, grip, and/or retain one or more objects. The insert may be used to hold, maintain, secure, protect, guard, grip, and/or retain one or more objects at one or more points or locations of the outer surface of the object(s). The insert may be used to restrain or prevent movement of the insert and/or object before and/or after the insert and object is placed into or received into the container.

The insert may have a first flat and one-dimensional configuration and a second three-dimensional configuration. The insert may transition from the first configuration to the second configuration and back to the first configuration through folding and unfolding a blank, respectively.

The following description of a blank may refer to the blank for forming the container, the blank for forming the insert, or both. The container and/or insert may be formed from one or more blanks that are initially flat or generally planar. The blank, prior to folding, may be considered the container's and/or insert's one-dimensional configuration.

The blank of the container, the insert, or both may include one or more panels or flaps that are separated from one another via one or more fold lines, cut lines, or a combination thereof. It is understood that the use of panels and flaps throughout this disclosure may be used interchangeably. It is understood that the use of folds or fold lines throughout this disclosure can be used interchangeably. It is understood that the use of cuts or cut lines throughout this disclosure can be used interchangeably. It is understood that folds, fold lines, cuts, cut lines, can be used interchangeably in this disclosure. The blank for forming the container and/or the insert may be folded along the fold lines and/or cut lines to form the container's and/or insert's three-dimensional configuration.

The panels and/or flaps of the blank for forming the container and/or insert can have virtually any shape. That is, while some panels or flaps are illustrated in the figures as being generally square-shaped or rectangular-shaped, it is within the scope of these teachings that the square-shaped panels or flaps can be rectangular-shaped, and the rectangular-shaped panels or flaps can be square-shaped. However, it is also understood that the panels need not be only square or rectangular shaped—they can be virtually any shape; such as, for example, circular-shaped, triangular-shaped, etc.

A fold or fold line of a blank for forming the container and/or insert may be an area along which two adjacent panels, flaps, and/or flaps and panels are separated. A fold or fold line may provide for adjacent panels and/or flaps to be folded, bent, or moved relative to one another. A fold or fold line may be a perforated area or section; a thinner or thinned-out area or section relative to an adjacent section; a creased area or section; or a combination thereof. A fold or fold line may be or act as a living hinge.

While the blank of the container is described as having at least one double fold, it is understood that one or more “individual” folds can be replaced or substituted by a double fold, and one or more of the double folds can be substituted with a single fold. As the name suggests, a double fold may be an area where two adjacent folds are located. A flap or panel or other portion of material may be defined between the adjacent folds of the double fold. A double fold may be desirable where a panel or flap is to be folded 180 degrees onto an adjacent panel or flap such that the panels or flaps are in direct planar contact with one another. The area or section between the double flaps may be approximately the same as the material thickness of the corresponding panel or flap. The foregoing statements regarding double folds may also apply to the insert as well.

The blank of the insert may comprise one or more cuts or cut lines. A cut or cut line may be a perforated area or section; an absence of material; a slit or a slot; an area having reduced thickness, or a combination thereof. The cut or cut lines may function to define a slot for one or more tabs to engage or be inserted into to maintain the structure of the insert. The cut or cut lines may function to define a tab when the corresponding panels or flaps are folded to engage another panel, flap or end thereof to maintain the structure of the corresponding insert. The cut or cut lines may function to define a tab on the insert when the corresponding panels or flaps are folded to form the insert. These tabs may engage an inner wall of container with an interference fit to take up any movement or gaps between the insert and the inner walls of the container to prevent movement of the insert relative to the container. While the following description is silent regarding the blank of the container including cuts or cut lines, it is understood that the blank of the container may include one or more cuts or cut lines.

At least one or more surfaces of the blank for forming the container and/or the insert may be adapted or printing directly on a surface. For example, at least one of the exterior surfaces of the blank of the container and/or insert is adapted for printing directly on its surface. However, at least one of the interior surfaces of the container (i.e., surfaces facing an inner region of the container or facing the insert) may also be adapted for printing directly on its surface.

The blank for forming the container and/or the insert may be formed by die cutting a sheet stock material. The blank for forming the container and/or the insert may be of sufficient thickness to sustain the weight of the object(s). The blank may include one or more layers of one or more materials. The blank may be die cut preform for a container. Any material suitable for folding, die cutting, or both may be employed. The blank may be a single layered material or may have multiple layers. For example, the blank may include a layer of a polymer, a layer of a paper, a corrugated medium, or any combination. A particularly preferred material is a paperboard. Another particularly preferred material is cardboard. Any paperboard or cardboard may be employed. A combination of two or more materials may be employed.

The blank for forming the container and/or the insert may be comprised of the same material, or may be comprised of different materials. For example, both blanks may be formed of cardboard or paperboard. The thickness of the material is preferably sufficiently high so that the container and/or insert can be assembled without having to fold an excessive number of layers of the base portion. As an example, if the blank material includes a paperboard, the paperboard may be characterized as about 8 point, 10 point, about 12 point, about 14 point, about 16 point, about 18 point, about 20 point, about 22 point, about 24 point, or about 26 point, about 28 point, about 30 point, or about 32 point. As another example, if the blank material includes a cardboard, the cardboard may be characterized as single face board, single wall board, double wall board, or even triple wall board. If the blank material includes a cardboard, the cardboard may be characterized as C-Flute, B-Flute, E-Flute, F-Flute, or R-Flute. The material of one or both of the blanks may be 35-200# E #3 White Outside.

The container may comprise one or more interlocking sections. The interlocking sections may function to define a corner of the container. An interlocking section may comprise a male section and an adjacent female section that mate or abut or engage one another when the corresponding panel or flaps are folded. The adjacent mating, abutting, or engaging male and female sections may then abut or engage another mating, abutting, or engaging male and female sections located above or below.

An adhesive or fastener may be used to maintain the position of the one or more flaps, panels, tabs, slots, interlocking sections or a combination thereof or the insert, the container or both. An adhesive or fastener may be used to secure the insert to the container. An example of a fastener may be a staple, a magnet, hook and loop, such as Velcro®, magnets, rivets, a tab and an opening, and the like.

The container, the insert, or both may be free of any adhesives or fasteners securing the panels or flaps of the container together. Instead, the structure of the container, the insert, or both may be maintained by virtue of the folds and placement of flaps and panels relative to one another. For example, the tongue received through the notched section may prevent the container from unfolding. For example, the tabs received through the corresponding slots may prevent the insert from unfolding.

FIG. 1 illustrates a blank 100. The blank 100 is used to construct the container 10 discussed and illustrated throughout this disclosure.

The blank 100 comprises panels 102, 104, 106, and 108. Panels 102 and 104 are separated by fold line 110; panels 104 and 106 are separated by fold line 112; and panels 106 and 108 are separated by fold line 114.

The blank 100 comprises flaps 116, 120, 124, 128, and 132. Flap 116 is separated from panel 102 by fold line 118; flap 120 is separated from panel 104 by fold line 122; flap 124 is separated from panel 106 by fold line 126; flap 128 is separated from panel 108 by fold line 130; and flap 132 is separated from panel 108 by fold line 134. Flap 120 comprises a tongue 176. Flap 128 comprises a notched portion 174.

The blank 100 comprises flaps 160, 162, 164, and 166. Flap 160 is separated from panel 102 by double fold lines 136, 138; flap 162 is separated from panel 104 by double fold lines 140, 142; flap 164 is separated from panel 106 by double fold lines 144, 146; and flap 166 is separated from panel 108 by double fold lines 148, 150.

The blank comprises interlocking sections 168, 170, 172, and 173. Interlocking section 168 is defined between flaps 160, 162; interlocking section 170 is defined between flaps 162, 164; interlocking section 172 is defined between panels 164, 166, and interlocking section 173 is defined between panels 160,166, which will become more apparent after the blank 100 is folded, as will be described and shown in the description and figures that follow.

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the interlocking sections 168, 170, 172, 173. Each interlocking section 168, 170, 172, 173 may be defined as a notched area that includes mating first and second sections 186, 188, and mating third and fourth sections 190, 192. The first and fourth sections 186, 192 may be male sections or projections, and the second and third sections 188, 190 may be female sections or notches. As shown, the first and third sections 186, 190 are located on the same or on a common flap, and the second and fourth sections 188, 192 are located on the same or on a common flap. As will be discussed further below and illustrated in FIG. 5, the sections 186, 188, 190, 192 cooperate to form each of the corners of the container 10.

FIG. 3A illustrates a step of folding the blank 100. The blank 100 is folded along fold lines 110, 112, 114, and 134 to form an open-ended structure that includes a first end 182 and a second end 184.

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of FIG. 3A. As illustrated, panels 102 and 106 are in a generally parallel relationship relative to one another, and panels 104 and 108 are in a generally parallel relationship relative to one another. The flap 132 is located on an inner surface of panel 102. An adhesive may be applied between flap 132 and panel 102, and/or a suitable fastener may be used to maintain the relationship of flap 132 and panel 102 so that the open-ended structure is maintained. While the flap 132 is illustrated to be located on an inner surface of panel 102, it is understood in some configurations it may be desirable to have the flap 132 positioned on an outer surface of panel 102.

FIG. 3C illustrates a step of folding the blank 100. Flap 120 is folded along fold line 122 towards the inside region 154 of the structure 152 as shown by the arrow 156.

FIG. 3D illustrates a step of folding the blank 100. Flap 116 is folded along fold line 118 towards the inside region 154 of the structure as shown by the arrow 158a such that flap 116 partially overlaps 120. Flap 124 is folded along fold line 126 towards the inside region 154 of the structure as shown by the arrow 158b such that flap 124 also partially overlaps flap 120.

FIG. 3E illustrates a step of folding the blank 100. Flap 128 is folded along fold line 130 as shown by the arrow 178 such that the flap 128 partially overlaps flaps 116 and 124. The tongue 176 of flap 120 is then brought through the notched portion 174 of flap 128 so that the tongue 176 is in contact with an outside surface of flap 128. The first end 182 is this formed. The first end 182 may be the bottom side of the structure 152, which is a closed end. In some configurations, it may be desirable to include an adhesive or fastener between one or more of the overlapping portions of the flaps.

FIG. 3F illustrates the second end 184 of the structure. As shown, flaps 160, 162, 164, 166 all extend vertically.

FIG. 3G illustrates a step of folding the blank 100. With additional reference back to FIG. 3F, flap 160 is folded inwardly towards the inside region 154 of the structure along double fold lines 136,138. Flap 162 is folded inwardly towards the inside region 154 of the structure along double fold lines 140,142 in direction of arrow 180. Flap 166 is folded inwardly towards the inside region 154 of the structure along double fold lines 148, 150. Flap 164 is folded along double fold lines 144, 146 towards the inside region 154 of the structure. The second end 184 of the structure may be the top side, which is an open end.

It is understood, however, that rather than folding the flaps 160, 162, 164, 166, 166 all the way inwardly to be in direct planar contact with the corresponding panels 102, 104, 106, 108, the flaps may remain generally vertical as illustrated in FIG. 3F. This may advantageously provide support for a rather tall or long object to be placed into the container. Alternatively, after the object is placed into the container the flaps 160, 162, 164, 166 can be configured into a closed position by folding the flaps approximately 90 degrees, or less to be generally perpendicular, or angularly arranged relative to the panels 102, 104, 106, 108. An adhesive, such as tape, for example, can be used to maintain the flaps 160, 162, 164, 166 in a closed position.

FIG. 4 illustrates the container 10 after both ends 182, 184 are formed according to the previous description and figures. As can be imagined, an open end 184 (FIGS. 3F and 3G) may advantageously provide for an object received into the container 10 to be viewed without obstruction. As can be imagined, an open end may advantageously provide for an object to be quickly and easily inserted into and/or removed from the container 10 without obstruction. As can be imagined, an open end may advantageously provide for objects with various heights to be placed into the container 10 as a tall or long object can extend through the open end of the container 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates one of the corners of the second end 184 of the container 10. The interlocking section 168, 170, 172, 173 mates to form each of the corners. The first or male section 186 mates with second or female section 188, and the third or female section 190 mates with the fourth or male section 192. The mating sections 186, 188 then abut the mating sections 190, 192 to form each of the corners.

It is understood that the aforementioned steps of folding the blank 100 into the container 10 may be performed in virtually any other. Some of the aforementioned steps may be omitted, combined, and for performed in different orders. Moreover, the aforementioned steps may be performed in reverse to unfold the container 10 back into the blank 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a blank 200. The blank 200 is used to construct the insert 20 discussed and illustrated throughout this disclosure.

The blank 200 comprises panels 202, 204, 206, 208, 210. Panels 202 and 204 are separated by fold lines 212a, 212b, and cut line 212c. Panels 204 and 206 are separated by fold lines 214a, 214b, and cut line 214c. Panels 206 and 208 are separated by fold lines 216a, 216b, 216c and cut lines 216d, 216e. Panels 208 and 210 are separated by fold lines 218a, 218b, 218c and cut lines 218d, 218e. Tabs 220, 222 extend from panel 202 at corresponding fold lines 224, 226, and tab 228 extends from panel 210 at fold line 230.

Panel 204 includes an object securing structure 248, and panel 208 includes an object securing structure 250. The object securing structure 248 includes a circular boundary 252 from with a plurality of perforations 254 extend towards a center cutout 256. Between each pair of adjacent perforations 254, the objection securing structure 248 includes fingers 280. The object securing structure 250 includes a circular boundary 258 from which a plurality of perforations 260 extends towards a center cutout 262. Between each pair of adjacent perforations 260, the objection securing structure 250 includes fingers 282.

The blank 200 comprises flaps 232, 234, 236, and 238. Flap 232 is separated from panel 204 by fold lines 240a, 240b, and cut line 240c. Flap 234 is separated from panel 208 by fold lines 242a, 242b, 242c, and cut lines 242d, 242e. Flap 236 is separated from panel 208 by fold lines 244a, 244b, 244c, and cut lines 244d, 244e. Flap 238 is separated from panel 204 by fold lines 246a, 246b, and cut line 246c. Each flap 232, 234, 236, and 238 comprises a corresponding end 266, 272, 278, and 276.

FIG. 7A illustrates a step of folding the blank 200. With additional reference to FIG. 6, panels 202 and 204 are folded along fold lines 212a, 212b; panels 204 and 206 are folded along fold lines 214a, 214b; panels 206 and 208 are folded along fold lines 216a, 216b and 216c (FIG. 6); and panels 208 and 210 are folded along fold lines 218a, 218b, and 218c to form the structure illustrated in FIG. 7A. Panels 204 and 208 are generally parallel relative to one another. Panels 202 and 206 are generally parallel relative to one another. The center openings 256, 262 are generally aligned along a common axis 284. Panel 202 overlaps panel 210 such that panel 202 is exposed and panel 210 is behind panel 202. This allows tab 228 to be inserted into the slot defined by cut line 212c. This also allows tabs 220 and 222 are inserted into the respective slots defined by cut lines 218d and 218e.

It is understood, however, that in some configurations, panels 210 and 202 may be folded such that panel 210 overlaps panel 202 such that panel 210 is exposed and panel 202 is behind panel 210. In configuration, tab 228 is still configured to be inserted into the slot defined by cut line 212c, and tables 220, 222 are still configured to be inserted into the respective slots defined by cut lines 218d, 218e.

FIG. 7B illustrates a step of folding the blank 200. With additional reference to FIGS. 6 and 7A, flap 234 is folded along fold lines 242a, 242b, and 242c, and flap 232 is folded along fold lines 240a, 240b. Panel 232 overlaps panel 234 such that panel 232 is exposed and panel 234 is located behind panel 232. A tab 264 is formed at cut line 240c when panel 232 is folded. The tab 264 may contact the inside of the container 10 when the insert 20 is loaded into the container to take up any free space between the insert 20 and the container 10. Tabs 268 and 270 are formed at cut lines 242d and 242e. The tabs 268, 270 engage the end 266 of panel 232 and maintain panel 232 in the folded position. The tabs 268, 270 may also contact the inside of the container 10 when the insert 20 is loaded into the container to take up any free space between the insert 20 and the container 10.

In some configurations, panels 232 and 234 may be folded such that panel 234 overlaps panel 232 such that panel 234 is exposed and panel 232 is behind panel 234. In this configuration, the tab 264 formed at cut line 240c may engage the end 272 of panel 234, and may also contact the inside of the container 10 to take up any free space between the insert 20 and the container 10. Likewise, tabs 268, 270 may also contact the inside of the container 10 when the insert 20 is loaded into the container to take up any free space between the insert 20 and the container 10.

Similarly, panel 236 is folded along fold lines 244a, 244b, and 244c, and panel 238 is folded along fold lines 246a and 246b. Panel 238 overlaps panel 236 such that panel 238 is exposed and panel 236 is behind panel 238. When panel 238 is folded, a tab 274 is formed at cut line 246c. The tab 274 may contact the inside of the container 10 when the insert 20 is loaded into the container to take up any free space between the insert 20 and the container 10.

Similarly, a pair of tabs (not illustrated) are formed at cut lines 244d, 244e when panel 236 is folded along fold lines 244a, 244b, 244c. The pair of tabs engage the end 276 of panel 238 when panel 238 is folded along fold lines 246a, 246b and thus maintain panel 238 in the folded position. The tabs 246a, 246b may also contact the inside of the container 10 when the insert 20 is loaded into the container to take up any free space between the insert 20 and the container 10. Tab 228 may be bent or folded to be generally parallel to panel 204. The insert 20 is thus formed.

In some configurations, panels 236 and 238 may be folded such that panel 236 overlaps panel 238 such that panel 236 is exposed and panel 238 is behind panel 236. In this configuration, the tab 274 formed at cut line 246c may engage the end 278 of panel 236, and may also contact the inside of the container 10 to take up any free space between the insert 20 and the container 10. Likewise, tabs formed at cut lines 244d, 244e may also contact the inside of the container 10 when the insert 20 is loaded into the container to take up any free space between the insert 20 and the container 10.

The aforementioned steps of folding the blank 200 into the insert 20 may be performed in virtually any other. Some of the aforementioned steps may be omitted, combined, and for performed in different orders. Moreover, the aforementioned steps may be performed in reverse to unfold the insert 20 back into the blank 200.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the packaging 40, which comprises the container 10 and the insert 20. The insert 20 is received into the packaging. The overall size of the insert 20 (i.e., the length and width of the insert 20) is generally the same size as the inside region 154 of the container 10 so that the insert 20 can be inserted into the container 10.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the packaging 40. The insert 20 is received in the container 10. The insert 20 supports an item 30.

Before the insert 20 and the item 30 are inserted into or received in the container 10, the object 30 may be inserted into the insert 20. That is, an upper edge 32 of the object 30 may be inserted through the opening 262 of the object securing structure 250 so that the fingers 282 deflect and confirm to an outer surface 34 of the object 30 as shown. The object 30 may then be inserted through the insert 20 until the upper edge 32 extends through the opening 256 in the object securing structure 248 so that the fingers 280 deflect and conform to the outer surface 34 of the object 30 as shown. The fingers 280, 282 maintain contact with the outer surface 34 of the object. The insert 20 and the object may then be inserted into the container 10. As shown, the upper edge 32 of the object 30 may extend through the opening of the container 10. Alternatively, the object 30 may be of the type that its height is contained within the container 10.

Advantageously, the fingers 280, 282 can accommodate objects 30 having various sizes or circumferences by deflecting the corresponding amount after the object 30 is received into or through the object securing structures 248, 250.

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.

Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to this description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided into separate plural elements or steps.

The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements or steps.

While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

Claims

1) A packaging comprising:

a container, and

an insert configured to be received into the container;

wherein the insert comprises a first object securing structure and a second object securing structure that are both vertically aligned along a common axis when the insert is received into the container; and

wherein both of the object securing structure are adapted to support an object inside the container.

2) The packaging of claim 1, wherein each of the object securing structures comprise a center opening through which the object is received, and each of the object securing structures comprise a plurality of fingers that are configured to deflect to conform to an outer surface of the object to support the object inside the container.

3) The packaging of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a closed end comprising:

a first flap;

a second and a third flap that are both folded onto the first flap; and

a fourth flap that is folded onto the second and third flap;

wherein the fourth flap comprises a notched portion through which a tongue of the first flap is received to form the closed end.

4) The packaging of claim 3, wherein the second and third flaps are free from contacting each other.

5) The packaging of claim 1, wherein the container comprises at least one interlocking section; and

wherein the at least one interlocking section comprises first and second mating adjacent sections that abut third and fourth mating adjacent sections.

6) The packaging of claim 5, wherein the first section is a male section and the second section is a female section, and the third section is a female section and the fourth section is a male section.

7) The packaging of claim 6, wherein the first section and the third sections are located on a common flap, and the second section and the fourth sections are located on another common flap.

8) The packaging of claim 1, wherein the container comprises an open end, and the insert is received into the container such that an upper edge of the object extends out of the open end of the container.

9) The packaging of claim 1, wherein the container and the insert are free of adhesives.

10) The packaging of claim 2, wherein the object is a vase.

11) A blank for forming the insert of the packaging of claim 1, the blank comprising:

a first panel;

a second panel adjacent the first panel;

a third panel adjacent the second panel;

a fourth panel adjacent the third panel;

a fifth panel adjacent the fourth panel;

wherein the second panel comprises the first object securing structure, and the fourth panel comprises the second object securing structure;

wherein after the blank is folded into the insert, the center cutouts are aligned along the common axis.

12) The blank of claim 11, wherein:

i) a pair of fold lines and a cut line are disposed between the first panel and the second panel; and/or

ii) a pair of fold lines and a cut line are disposed between the second panel and the third panel; and/or

iii) at least a pair of fold lines and at least a pair of cut lines are disposed between the third panel and the fourth panel; and/or

iv) at least a pair of fold lines and at least a pair of cut lines are disposed between the fourth panel and the fifth panel.

13) The blank of claim 11, wherein a pair of tabs extend from the first panel, the pair of tabs are inserted into slots defined by a pair of cut lines disposed between the fourth panel and the fifth panel.

14) The blank of claim 11, wherein a tab extends from the fifth panel, the tab is inserted into a slot defined by a cut line disposed between the first panel and the second panel.

15) The blank of claim 11, wherein a pair of flaps extend from opposing sides of the second panel, and a pair of flaps extend from opposing sides of the fourth panel, and

wherein a pair of fold lines and a cut line are disposed between each of the two flaps and the second panel.

16) A method of forming the packaging of claim 1, the method comprising:

a) forming a closed end of the container by: i) folding a first flap along a fold line towards an inside region of the container; ii) folding a second flap along a fold line towards the inside region of the container so that the second flap partially overlaps the first flap; iii) folding a third flap along a fold line towards the inside region of the container so that the third flap partially overlaps the first flap; and iv) folding a fourth flap along a fold line towards the inside region of the container so that the forth flap at least partially overlaps the second and third flaps;

b) forming an open end of the container by: i) folding a first flap, a second flap, a third flap, and a fourth flap all located at an opposing end of the container inwardly into the inside region of the container so that corners of each of the flaps mate with one another at corresponding interlocking sections.

17) The method of claim 16, wherein during the step of iii), the third flap is free from contacting the second flap.

18) The method of claim 16, wherein after the step of iv), a tongue of the first flap is brought through a notched portion of the fourth flap such that the tongue is in contact with an outside surface of the fourth flap.

19) A packaging comprising:

a container comprising an open end and a closed end; and

an insert configured to be received into the container;

wherein the insert comprises a first object securing structure and a second object securing structure,

wherein each of the object securing structures comprise a center opening through which a vase is received, and each of the object securing structures comprise a plurality of fingers that are configured to deflect to conform to an outer surface of the vase to support the vase inside the container.

20) The packaging according to claim 19, wherein the packaging is free of any adhesives.