Spring Biased Box Clip
Described herein is a packaging clip for releasably securing overlapping packaging panels to one another. The packaging clip includes a biasing element that helps restrain relative movement of the panels in a first configuration, and in a second configuration encourages their release and indicates such to a user. In an implementation, the biasing element is associated with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a rigid portion that is engageable with each overlapping panel for limiting their relative movement in the first configuration. The locking mechanism is turnable or otherwise manipulateable to release the first and second panels. The biasing element can exert a biasing force that encourages exit of the locking structure, allowing the locking structure to protrude from the panels and provide a visual indication of the released state.
This patent application is a non-provisional patent application of, and claims the benefit of priority to each of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/870,416 entitled “Spring Biased Box Clip,” filed Jul. 3, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/814,273 entitled “Spring Biased Box Clip,” filed Mar. 5, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/815,343 entitled “Spring Biased Box Clip,” filed Mar. 7, 2019, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELDThe described embodiments relate generally to packaging systems, and more particularly, to mechanisms and techniques for reliably securing packaging components to one another.
BACKGROUNDCorrugated packaging can be used to ship appliances of various sizes and purposes. In many traditional applications, flaps or panels of the packaging can be tape- or glue-closed. This can provide a difficult or messy consumer-opening experience that can require the use of tools, such as a sharp knives or box cutters, and generally complicate the un-boxing of the appliance. Many traditional packaging systems suffer from significant drawbacks that can contribute to wasted time and user frustration. As such, the need continues for systems and techniques that facilitate the un-boxing of an appliance.
SUMMARYEmbodiments of the present invention are directed to a packaging clip. The packaging clip can be a biased packaging clip, including a spring biased box clip that is used to releasably secure components of a packaging to one another. For example, a packaging can include an outer box and an inner box arranged substantially within the outer box, such as being positioned within a boundary or perimeter of the outer box. The inner and outer boxes can be formed from a corrugated material, and can be adapted for holding products, such as a beverage machine, and/or components or accessories thereof. The boxes can generally be used to provide a protective barrier around the inner box, such as that used for shipping and/or presentation to a consumer or a retailer. Additionally or alternatively, the packaging can include overlapping panels of the same box.
The packaging clip generally operates to releasably secure the inner and outer boxes to one another, or other substantially adjacent packaging components. In this regard, the packaging clip can be a multi-component assembly that is integrated with packaging panels, such as any sidewall or otherwise designated portions of the boxes. As an illustration, a first attachment mechanism of the clip can be integrated with a first panel or first box portion and a second attachment mechanism can be integrated with a second panel or second box portion. A locking mechanism of the clip is engageable with the first and second attachment mechanisms to arrange the first and second panels in a secured configuration. In the secured configuration, a biasing mechanism including a helical spring can be compressed. The locking structure can generally be turnable by a user, such as by a quarter, half, or other turn, in order to release the first and second panels from one another. Upon the release from the secured configuration the compressed biasing element can release stored energy, causing the locking structure to be biased outward, proud from the panels, helping indicate the released configuration, as described herein.
Several embodiments are contemplated and described herein. For example, in an embodiment, a packaging system is disclosed. The packaging systems can include an inner box and an outer box. The packaging system can further include a packaging clip integrated with each of the inner and outer boxes. The packaging clip can be configured to, in a first mode, secure the inner and outer boxes to one another in a closed configuration. The packaging clip can be further configured to, in a second mode, release the inner and outer boxes from the closed configuration using a biasing structure.
In another embodiment, the packaging clip can include a locking mechanism including the biasing structure. The locking mechanism can be manipulateable to transition the packaging clip from the first mode to the second mode. The locking mechanism can further include a turnable locking structure engaged with the biasing structure, the turnable locking structure being configured to rotate from a first position to a second position. In this regard, a rotation of the turnable locking structure to the second position transitions the packaging clip to the second mode.
In another embodiment, in the first mode, the turnable locking structure can generally be arranged at the first position and the biasing structure can be compressed, having potential energy. Further, in the second mode, the turnable locking structure can generally be arranged at the second position and the spring can be substantially uncompressed, the potential energy being released and the turnable locking structure arranged proud with respect to an exterior-facing surface of the outer box. This can provide a visual indication of release of the inner box from the outer box. In some examples, the second position of the turnable locking structure can be a rotational quarter turn from the first position.
In another embodiment, one or both of the inner or outer boxes can be formed from a corrugated material. The corrugated material can be configured to structurally support an appliance for shipment, the appliance including a beverage machine. In some examples, at least a portion of the packaging clip attached to the packaging is formed from a plastic material.
In another embodiment, a packaging clip is disclosed. The packaging clip includes a first panel attachment mechanism configured for attachment to a first packaging panel. The packaging clip further includes a second panel attachment mechanism configured for attachment to a second packaging panel. The packaging clip further includes a locking mechanism engaged with the first and second attachment mechanisms for releasable coupling of the first and second packaging panels. The locking mechanism includes a biasing structure configured to bias the locking mechanism proud from the first panel attachment mechanism, indicating release of the first and second packaging panels from a secured configuration.
In another embodiment, the first panel attachment mechanism can include a first panel fastener base and a first panel fastener top. The first panel fastener base and the first panel fastener top can be configured to attach to opposing sides of the first packaging panel. Further, each of the first panel fastener base and the first panel fastener top can define an opening configured to receive the locking mechanism therethough. The locking mechanism can include a rim configured to engage one or both of the first panel fastener base and the first panel fastener top at the opening.
In another embodiment, the biasing structure can include a spring arranged substantially between the first panel fastener base and the rim of the locking mechanism. The biasing mechanism can be configured to bias the rim of the locking mechanism toward the first panel fastener top. The second panel attachment mechanism can include a second panel fastener base and a second panel fastener top. The second panel fastener base and the second panel fastener top can be configured to attach to opposing sides of the second packaging panel.
In another embodiment, the locking mechanism can include a turnable locking structure having an engagement portion configured to be received by at least one of the second panel fastener base or the second panel fastener top. In this regard, the turnable locking structure can be turnable relative to the second panel attachment mechanism in order to restrain movement of the locking mechanism away from the second panel attachment mechanism.
In another embodiment, the turnable locking structure can further be turnable relative to the second panel attachment mechanism in order to allow movement of the locking mechanism away from the second panel attachment mechanism. The biasing structure can include a spring engaged with the turnable locking structure to bias the turnable locking structure to a proud position relative to an exterior of the first and second packaging panels. Further, the second panel fastener top can define an elongated through portion. The engagement portion of the turnable locking structure can include a radial tongue arranged substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the turnable locking structure and configured to extend fully through the elongated through portion when aligned with the elongated through portion. In this regard, when the radial tongue is position fully through the elongated through portion, and when the turnable locking structure is rotated to misalign the radial tongue with the elongated through portion, movement of the turnable locking structure away from the second panel fastener top can be restricted.
In another embodiment, the first packaging panel can be a panel of an outer box. And the second packaging panel can be a panel of an inner box, with the inner box being arranged substantially within the outer box. In some examples, one or both of the first packaging panel or the second packaging panel can be formed from a corrugated material.
In another embodiment, a method for releasably securing a product packaging using a packaging clip is disclosed. The method includes attaching a first panel attachment structure to a first packaging panel. The method further includes attaching a second panel attachment structure to a second packaging panel, the second packaging panel arranged substantially adjacent the first packaging panel. The method further includes securing the first and second packaging panels to one another using a locking mechanism including a biasing structure configured to bias the locking mechanism proud from the first panel attachment mechanism for indication of a release of the first and second packaging panels from a secured configuration.
In another embodiment, the operation of securing further includes inserting a radial tongue of an engagement portion of the locking mechanism at least partially into the second panel attachment structure and compressing the biasing structure. In some examples, the operation of securing further includes inserting the radial tongue into an elongated opening of the second panel attachment structure, and misaligning the radial tongue with respect to the elongated opening when the radial tongue is inserted through the elongated opening.
The method can further include rotating the locking mechanism a quarter turn, thereby aligning the radial tongue for the release the first and second packaging panels from the secured configuration. The operation of rotation further includes generating a tactile output in response to a release of the first and second packaging panels.
In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description.
The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures.
Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.
The following disclosure describes systems, devices, and techniques related to securely and reliable releasably securing packaging components. Packaging components can include corrugated materials that are used to box a product for presentation and delivery to a consumer or retailer. The product can be an appliance, such as a beverage machine, or another appliance engaged in the production of beverages. The packaging can include a first box for enclosing the appliance (or components thereof), and a second box, which can form a base supporting the appliance in the packaging. The first and second boxes can be arranged relative to one another in order to fully enclose the appliance within the boxes for shipping, retail presentation, or the like. In some examples, the first box can be an upper box that is nested inside of the second box, and which defines a lower box or base of the packaging. In other cases, the second box can be nested within the first box. For example, the second box can define the lower box or base of the packaging, and the first box can be an upper box fitted around the lower box.
Packaging can also include overlapping panels of a single box, an interface between multiple packaging elements, including multiple protective packaging elements, and so on. Glues, tapes, twine, and other techniques for restraining movement of the boxes or other corrugated panels, relative to one another can detract from a user “un-boxing” experience, due to at least mess, time, and possible need for unavailable tools. Such adhesive-based techniques also fail to provide a satisfactory indication to the user that the boxes are released, or pending release, from one another and thus are not necessarily communicative of the configuration of the boxes or likelihood of ready separation.
The packaging system of the present disclosure can mitigate such hindrances, thereby allowing for releasably coupling packaging components, such as an inner and an outer box, without the need for specialized tools or sharp instruments. Adhesives and glues can also be reduced or eliminated. In one example, the packaging system includes a packaging clip having a biasing mechanism. The packaging clip is generally used to releasably secure at least a first panel (e.g., of an outer box) and second panel (e.g., of an inner box) of the packaging system to one another, in a first mode. In a second mode, the packaging clip can be manipulated to release the panels from one another facilitated by the biasing structure.
In the transition to the second mode, the packaging clip can produce an audible, tactile, and/or visual indication of the released configuration of the panels. For example, the biasing structure can move a portion of the locking mechanism to a proud position relative to the outermost surface of the packing, thereby indicating a released configuration. The multi-component assembly of the packaging clip being connected in various manners to the respective panels of the packaging, the clip can remain with the product packaging in the released configuration, allowing for easy disposal.
To facilitate the foregoing, the packaging clip can generally include at least a first panel attachment mechanism and a second panel attachment mechanism. The first panel attachment mechanism and the second panel attachment mechanism can each attach to respective panels or portions of the packaging. The packing clip can further include a locking mechanism for engagement with each of the first and second attachment mechanisms. The packaging clip can be at least partially be inserted into or through the first and second attachment mechanisms and substantially prevent movement of each attachment mechanism relative to one another.
While many constructions are contemplated herein, the locking mechanism can generally include a turnable locking structure and the biasing structure. The turnable locking structure can include an engagement portion that is configured to extend at least partially into the second panel attachment mechanism for retaining the locking mechanism relative to the second panel attachment mechanism. For example, the second panel attachment mechanism can include an elongated through portion and the engagement portion can define a radial tongue that is receivable by the elongated through portion when aligned. When the radial tongue is received through the elongated through portion and the radial tongue is misaligned with the elongated through portion, the radial tongue is prevented from exit, thereby preventing movement of the locking mechanism away from the second packaging panel. The locking mechanism can also be engaged with the first panel attachment mechanism. For example, the turnable locking structure can define a rim that is engageable with an opening defined by the first panel attachment mechanism, thereby constraining movement relative to the first packaging panel.
The biasing structure can generally be arranged to bias the locking structure toward an outermost exterior of the product packaging. For example, the biasing structure can be a helical spring that is seated about the engagement portion of the turnable locking structure. When the turnable locking structure is engaged with the second panel attachment mechanism, as described herein, the biasing structure can be substantially compressed. For example, the radial tongue of the engagement portion being fully received through the elongated opening and misaligned therewith can substantially prevent the turnable locking structure from moving substantially away from the second panel attachment mechanism, notwithstanding the compressed spring.
The turnable locking structure also can define a user interface surface that is manipulateable in order to release the engagement portion from the second panel attachment mechanism. For example, the user interface surface can have a grooved handle that can be engaged by a user and turned. In some examples, a quarter turn can cause the radial tongue and the elongated through portion to substantially align. Once substantially aligned, the stored energy of the compressed biasing structure is released, thereby causing the radial tongue to exit the second panel attachment mechanism. With this release, the locking mechanism can then be biased out from an outermost surface of the product packaging, indicating the product packaging being in a released configuration and the panels therefore being separable by a user in order to remove an appliance.
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating various features of the present disclosure. The following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventive aspects to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present inventive aspects.
With reference to
The first box 104a and the second box 104b can cooperate to conceal a beverage machine or other appliance or consumer good. Thus, the release of the first and second boxes 104b, 104a relative to one another can permit the unboxing of the beverage machine without the accompanying mess of glues, tapes, adhesive and/or the use of auxiliary tools. One or both of the first box 104a or the second box 104b (or portions thereof) can be formed from a corrugated material and be of sufficient strength and character to structurally support an appliance, such as supporting an appliance for shipment and delivery to a consumer or retailer. Sample appliances include beverage machines, such as those used to produce single-serve beverages, including single-serve alcoholic beverages; however, it will be appreciated that the first box 104a and the second box 104b are merely illustrative and that other packages are contemplated herein for use with the packaging clip 120, such as that shown with respect to
By way of particular example,
The second box 104b shown in
The first and second boxes 104a, 104b can generally be constructed of panels 106. As shown in the example of
In this regard, as shown in
While the overlapping portion 107 can generally be arranged at any appropriate location within the packaging system 100, in the sample of
Turning to
As shown in
Upon release, the first and second boxes 104a, 104b can be separated from one another to reveal a beverage machine 101 or other appliance of contents, as shown in
For purposes of illustration, the packaging system 100 is shown in
In other examples, the packing system 100 can be arranged so that the first box 104a is arranged substantially within the second box 104b, as illustrated in
As described herein, the packaging clip 120 can be used in a variety of systems, helping releasably secure two overlapping or partially overlapping portions of material. In this regard,
With reference to
The second box 104b (or multiple inner boxes) can be inserted into the first box 104a, which too can serve multiple functions, illustrated herein. For example, the first box 104a can be a box that is used for shipping or warehousing and thus has can have different structural characteristic from that of the second box 104b. Additionally or alternatively, the first box 104a can be configured to hold an entire appliance and the second box 104b (or multiple inner boxes) can be individual components of the appliance system (e.g., a beverage machine, beverage pods, accessories, and so on). In this regard, it will be appreciated that the packaging system 100′ is presented for purposes of illustration and that the packaging clip 120 can be used to releasably secure a variety of packaging components, such as those illustrated herein. In other examples, the first and second boxes 104a, 104b can serve a variety of other purposes.
In the example of
With reference to
The packaging clip 120 can generally be used to releasably secure the overlapping panels 106a, 106b to one another. For example, the first panel attachment mechanism 150 can be attached to the panel 106a and the second panel attachment mechanism 170 can be attached to the panel 106b. As described above, the locking mechanism 130 can be rotated in order to release the panels from a secure configuration. With reference to
In the closed or secure configuration shown in
With reference to
The first panel fastener base 158 can include an opening 504. The opening 504 can have a width or other dimension for receiving some or all of the locking structure 130 and allowing the locking structure 130 to rotate therein. The opening 504 is generally alignable with an opening in a respective panel of a packaging system and with an opening or other features of a corresponding attachment mechanism for another panel.
The first panel attachment base 158 can implement a variety of structures to facilitate attachment to a panel. In the embodiment of
The first panel fastener base 158 can also include a fastener engagement feature 512. The fastener engagement feature 512 can be a lip or other feature that is configured to contact and engage first panel fastener top 152. As such, the first panel fastener base 158 and the first panel fastener top 152 can be fixed relative to one another. The first panel fastener base 158 can also include a shelf 516. The shelf 516 can be defined by an annular portion substantially surrounding the opening 504. The shelf 516 is configured to receive a portion of the biasing element 162, proving a landing or seat for the biasing element within the first panel attachment mechanism 150.
The first panel fastener top 152 can include an opening 604. The opening 604 can have a width or other dimension for receiving some or all of the locking structure 130 and allowing the locking structure 130 to rotate therein. The opening 604 is generally alignable with an opening in a respective panel of a packaging system and with an opening or other features of a corresponding attachment mechanism for another panel.
The first panel attachment top 152 can implement a variety of structures to facilitate attachment to a panel. In the embodiment of
The first panel fastener top 152 can also include a fastener engagement feature 612. The fastener engagement feature 612 can be a lip or other feature that is configured to contact and engagement first panel fastener base 158. As such, the first panel fastener top 152 and the first panel fastener base 158 can be fixed relative to one another.
The second panel fastener base 178 also provide a structural backstop for the locking mechanism 130. For example,
The second panel attachment base 178 can implement a variety of structures to facilitate attachment to a panel. In the embodiment of
The second panel fastener base 178 can also include a fastener engagement feature 712. The fastener engagement feature 712 can be a lip or other feature that is configured to contact and engage the second panel fastener top 172. As such, the second panel fastener base 178 and the second panel fastener top 172 can be fixed relative to one another.
The second panel fastener top 172 also provides a structure for receiving and retaining the locking mechanism 130 in a secured configuration. For example,
The second panel attachment top 172 can implement a variety of structures to facilitate attachment to a panel. In the embodiment of
The second panel fastener top 172 can also include a fastener engagement feature 812. The fastener engagement feature 820 can be a lip or other feature that is configured to contact and engage the second panel fastener base 178. As such, the second panel fastener base 178 and the second panel fastener top 172 can be fixed relative to one another.
To facilitate the foregoing, the turnable locking structure 132 is shown having the engagement portion 134 and the radial tongue, described above with respect to
The turnable locking structure 132 can also include a rim 908. The rim 908 can define an engagement surface for the biasing element 162. In this regard, and with return reference to
The first panel attachment mechanism 150 and the second panel attachment mechanism 170 are described above as sample attachment structures for the packaging clip 120. The attachment mechanisms broadly are used to establish a fixed structural connection to a respective one of the packaging panels. In other embodiments, other attachment mechanisms can be used.
In this regard,
The attachment mechanism 1050 allows for attachment to a packaging system from a single side of a panel. This can simplify installation of the attachment mechanism 1050, and packaging clip 120 more broadly, by integrating the attachment mechanism 1050 with an exterior of a fully assembled and packaged product. That is, the outermost box or panel of the packaging system need only have an opening or hole for insertion of the attachment mechanism, expanding the variety of panels and boxes that can be used for secure attachment to an inner panel enclosing the packaging contents.
In the illustration of
The locking mechanism 1050 can be associated with a locking mechanism 1060. The locking mechanism 1060 can be substantially analogous to the locking structure 130 described above in relation to
In the pre-installed state of
In the embodiment of
In this regard,
The fastener top 1020 can include an opening 1022. The opening 1022 can have a width or other dimension for receiving some or all of the locking structure 130 and allowing the locking structure to rotate therein. The opening 1022 is generally alignable with an opening in a respective panel of a packaging system and with an opening or other features of a corresponding attachment mechanism for another panel, such as the panel opening 1008 of
In addition to the tabs 1024, the fastener top 1020 can implement other structures to facilitate attachment to a panel of a packaging system. In the embodiment of
The panel fastener top 1020 can also include a fastener engagement feature 1032. The fastener engagement feature 1032 can be a lip or other feature that is configured to contact and engage panel fastener base 1040. As such, the panel fastener top 1020 and the panel fastener base 1040 can be fixed relative to one another.
The fastener bottom 1040 can include an opening 1042. The opening 1042 can have a width or other dimension for receiving some or all of the locking structure 130 and allowing the locking structure to rotate therein. The opening 1042 is generally alignable with an opening in a respective panel of a packaging system and with an opening or other features of a corresponding attachment mechanism for another panel, such as the panel opening 1008 of
In addition to the wings 1044, the fastener bottom 1040 can implement other structures to facilitate attachment to a panel of a packaging system. In the embodiment of
The panel fastener top 1020 can also include a fastener engagement feature 1046. The fastener engagement feature 1046 can be a tab or other feature that is configured to contact and engage panel fastener top 1020. As such, the panel fastener top 1020 and the panel fastener base 1040 can be fixed relative to one another.
To facilitate the reader's understanding of the various functionalities of the embodiments discussed herein, reference is now made to the flow diagram in
In this regard, with reference to
At operation 1304, a first panel attachment structure can be attached to a first packaging panel. For example and with reference to
At operation 1308, a second panel attachment structure can be attached to a second packaging panel. For example, with reference to
At operation 1312, the first and second packaging panels can be secured to one another using a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can include a biasing structure that is configured to bias the locking mechanism proud from the first panel attachment mechanism. For example and reference to
Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, features implementing functions can also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Further, the term “exemplary” does not mean that the described example is preferred or better than other examples.
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
Claims
1. A packaging system, comprising:
- a packaging including an inner box and an outer box; and
- a packaging clip integrated with each of the inner and outer boxes, the packaging clip configured to: in a first mode, secure the inner and outer boxes to one another in a closed configuration; and in a second mode, release the inner and outer boxes from the closed configuration using a biasing structure.
2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the packaging clip comprises a locking mechanism including the biasing structure, the locking mechanism being manipulatable to transition the packaging clip from the first mode to the second mode.
3. The packaging system of claim 2, wherein:
- the locking mechanism further includes a turnable locking structure engaged with the biasing structure, the turnable locking structure configured to rotate from a first position to a second position; and
- a rotation of the turnable locking structure to the second position transitions the packaging clip to the second mode.
4. The packaging system of claim 3, wherein:
- in the first mode, the turnable locking structure is generally arranged at the first position and the biasing structure is compressed, having potential energy; and
- in the second mode, the turnable locking structure is generally arranged at the second position and the biasing structure is substantially uncompressed, the potential energy being released and the turnable locking structure arranged proud with respect to an exterior-facing surface of the outer box, providing a visual indication of release of the inner box from the outer box.
5. The packaging system of claim 4, wherein the second position of the turnable locking structure is a rotational quarter turn from the first position.
6. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein one or both of the inner or outer boxes is formed from a corrugated material.
7. The packaging system of claim 6, wherein the corrugated material is configured to structurally support an appliance for shipment, the appliance comprising a beverage machine.
8. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the packaging clip attached to the packaging is formed from a plastic material.
9. A packaging clip, comprising:
- a first panel attachment mechanism configured for attachment to a first packaging panel;
- a second panel attachment mechanism configured for attachment to a second packaging panel; and
- a locking mechanism engaged with the first and second attachment mechanisms for releasable coupling of the first and second packaging panels and comprising a biasing structure configured to bias the locking mechanism proud from the first panel attachment mechanism, indicating release of the first and second packaging panels from a secured configuration.
10. The packaging clip of claim 9, wherein the first panel attachment mechanism comprises a first panel fastener base and a first panel fastener top, the first panel fastener base and the first panel fastener top are configured to attach to opposing sides of the first packaging panel.
11. The packaging clip of claim 10, wherein:
- each of the first panel fastener base and the first panel fastener top define an opening configured to receive the locking mechanism therethough; and
- the locking mechanism comprises a rim configured to engage one or both of the first panel fastener base and the first panel fastener top at the opening.
12. The packaging clip of claim 11, wherein the biasing structure comprises a spring arranged substantially between the first panel fastener base and the rim of the locking mechanism and configured to bias the rim of the locking mechanism toward the first panel fastener top.
13. The packaging clip of claim 9, wherein the second panel attachment mechanism comprises a second panel fastener base and a second panel fastener top, the second panel fastener base and the second panel fastener top configured to attach to opposing sides of the second packaging panel.
14. The packaging clip of claim 13, wherein:
- the locking mechanism comprises a turnable locking structure having an engagement portion configured to be received by at least one of the second panel fastener base or the second panel fastener top; and
- the turnable locking structure is turnable relative to the second panel attachment mechanism in order to restrain movement of the locking mechanism away from the second panel attachment mechanism.
15. The packaging clip of claim 14, wherein:
- the turnable locking structure is further turnable relative to the second panel attachment mechanism in order to allow movement of the locking mechanism away from the second panel attachment mechanism; and
- the biasing structure comprises a spring engaged with the turnable locking structure to bias the turnable locking structure to a proud position relative to an exterior of the first and second packaging panels.
16. The packaging clip of claim 15, wherein:
- the second panel fastener top defines an elongated through portion;
- the engagement portion of the turnable locking structure comprises a radial tongue arranged substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the turnable locking structure and configured to extend fully through the elongated through portion when aligned with the elongated through portion; and
- when the radial tongue is positioned fully through the elongated through portion, and when the turnable locking structure is rotated to misalign the radial tongue with the elongated through portion, movement of the turnable locking structure away from the second panel fastener top is restricted.
17. The packaging clip of claim 9, wherein:
- the first packaging panel is a panel of an outer box; and
- the second packaging panel is a panel of an inner box, the inner box arranged substantially within the outer box.
18. The packaging clip of claim 17, wherein one or both of the first packaging panel or the second packaging panel is formed from a corrugated material.
19. A method for releasably securing a product packaging using a packaging clip, comprising:
- attaching a first panel attachment structure to a first packaging panel;
- attaching a second panel attachment structure to a second packaging panel, the second packaging panel arranged substantially adjacent the first packaging panel; and
- securing the first and second packaging panels to one another using a locking mechanism comprising a biasing structure configured to bias the locking mechanism proud from the first panel attachment structure for indication of a release of the first and second packaging panels from a secured configuration.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the operation of securing further comprises inserting a radial tongue of an engagement portion of the locking mechanism at least partially into the second panel attachment structure and compressing the biasing structure.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the operation of securing further comprises inserting the radial tongue into an elongated opening of the second panel attachment structure and misaligning the radial tongue with respect to the elongated opening when the radial tongue is inserted through the elongated opening.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising rotating the locking mechanism a quarter turn, thereby aligning the radial tongue for the release of the first and second packaging panels from the secured configuration.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the operation of rotation further comprises generating a tactile output in response to a release of the first and second packaging panels.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 5, 2020
Publication Date: Sep 10, 2020
Inventors: Richard M. Estabrook (Shelburne, VT), Matthew Elmer (Lafayette Hill, PA), Tso Hua Chao (San Jose, CA), Aysegul Kacar (Sunnyvale, CA), Kyle Albert Paulus (Medford, MA), Marc Drucker (Waltham, MA), Aaron Christopher Penn (Brooklyn, NY), Andrew Franzone, JR. (Bayshore, NY), Eric S. Seger (Wantagh, NY), Robert Ahearn (Massapequa, NY)
Application Number: 16/810,533