PARTITION INSERT AND ASSOCIATED CONTAINER SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

Provided is a container system comprising a container and a partition insert. The container has a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. The bottom wall and the side walls define an internal volume. The partition insert is connected to the container and is within the internal volume. The partition insert has a partition panel selectively movable between at least a stowed configuration and a raised configuration. In the raised configuration the partition panel divides the internal volume into at least two compartments.

Description

FIELD

The present patent application relates to product containers, container partitions, and forming same. More particularly the present patent application relates to container blanks and partition insert blanks that are engaged to one another and are selectably reconfigurable to provide a container with zero, one or more partitions.

BACKGROUND

Product containers having partitions are known in the art. Making such product containers that are less expensive, or weigh less, or are stronger, or are more adaptable to a variety of product container requirements, continues to be desirable.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of product containers and container partitions.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are partition inserts, which may be used with containers.

In one example, the partition insert includes a partition panel selectively movable between at least a stowed configuration and a raised configuration, wherein, when in the raised configuration, the partition panel divides an internal volume of a container into at least two compartments.

Also disclosed are container systems having a container and a partition insert.

In one example, the disclosed container system includes a container having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls that define an internal volume. The partition insert is connected to the container and is within the internal volume. The partition insert has a partition panel selectively movable between at least a stowed configuration and a raised configuration. In the raised configuration, the partition panel divides the internal volume into at least two compartments.

In another example, the disclosed container system includes a container that is reconfigurable between a container flat configuration and a container structure configuration. The container has a bottom wall and a side wall selectively movable with respect to the bottom wall. The partition insert is reconfigurable between a partition flat configuration and at least one partition structure configuration. The partition insert has a base panel connected to the bottom wall, a side panel connected to the side wall, and a selectively movable partition panel.

Also disclosed are methods for configuring a container having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, wherein the bottom wall and the plurality of side walls define an internal volume.

In one example, the disclosed method includes (1) connecting to the container a partition insert having a partition panel and (2) moving the partition panel from a stowed configuration to a raised configuration, wherein, in the raised configuration, the partition panel divides the internal volume into at least two compartments.

Other examples of the disclosed partition insert and associated container system and method will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one example of the disclosed container system shown in a flat configuration.

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the of the disclosed container system shown in FIG. 1A reconfigured into a structure.

FIG. 2B is another perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the of the disclosed container system shown in FIG. 1A reconfigured into a structure.

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the of the disclosed container system shown in FIG. 1A reconfigured into a structure.

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a partition insert (shown as a blank) in the flat configuration showing one example of a pattern of preformed weaknesses thereon.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a container (shown as a blank) in the flat configuration showing one example of a pattern of preformed weaknesses thereon.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the container in the flat configuration of FIG. 6 assembled with the partition insert in the flat configuration of FIG. 5 and showing a connection region between the them.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are partition inserts 300, container systems 100, and methods for configuring a container 200. The container system 100 can be reconfigured from a container system flat configuration 170, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 5-7, to one of several structure configurations as shown in FIGS. 2A-4B.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 5-7 show the container system 100 in the container system flat configuration 170 in which the container 200 is in the container flat configuration 270 and the attached partition insert 300 is in the partition flat configuration 370. In the container flat configuration 270, all component parts of the container 200, which will be discussed below in detail, are substantially coplanar. In the partition flat configuration 370, all component parts of the partition insert 300, which will be discussed below in detail, are substantially coplanar. By substantially coplanar, it is meant that all relevant component parts are within manufacturing tolerance of coplanar. The container system flat configuration 170 promotes ease of manufacturing, shipment, and storage. It should be understood that in the container system flat configuration 170, the container system 100 may be stacked with other like container systems in reduced or minimized volume as compared to the other configurations discussed below.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the container 200 is shown in the container flat configuration 270 and the component parts of the container 200 can be clearly seen. The container 200 comprises a bottom wall 210. The bottom wall 210 is bounded at a bottom wall first edge 241 by the first side wall 222. The bottom wall 210 is bounded at a bottom wall second edge 242 by a third side wall 224. The bottom wall 210 is bounded at a bottom wall third edge 243 by a second side wall 226. The bottom wall 210 is bounded at a bottom wall fourth edge 244 by a fourth side wall 228.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, each of the side walls 222, 224, 226, 228 is hingedly movable relative to the bottom wall 210. The first side wall 222 is hingedly movable relative to the bottom wall 210 about the bottom wall first edge 241 such that it can move from the orientation shown in flat configuration 270 to the orientation shown in container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B). The third side wall 224 is hingedly movable relative to the bottom wall 210 about the bottom wall second edge 242 such that it can move from the orientation shown in flat configuration 270 to the orientation shown in container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B). The second side wall 226 is hingedly movable relative to the bottom wall 210 about the bottom wall third edge 243 such that it can move from the orientation shown in flat configuration 270 to the orientation shown in container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B). The fourth side wall 228 is hingedly movable relative to the bottom wall 210 about the bottom wall fourth edge 244 such that it can move from the orientation shown in flat configuration 270 to the orientation shown in container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B).

With continued reference to FIG. 6, each side wall is bounded by a set of wall gussets. The first side wall 222 is bounded on a first side wall first edge 251 by a first wall gusset 261. The third side wall 224 is bounded on a third side wall first edge 252 by the first wall gusset 261. The third side wall 224 is bounded on a third side wall second edge 253 by a second wall gusset 263. The second side wall 226 is bounded on a second side wall first edge 254 by the second wall gusset 263. The second side wall 226 is bounded on a second side wall second edge 255 by a third wall gusset 265. The fourth side wall 228 is bounded on a fourth side wall first edge 256 by the third wall gusset 265. The fourth side wall 228 is bounded on a fourth side wall second edge 257 by a fourth wall gusset 267. The first side wall 222 is bounded on a first side wall second edge 258 by the fourth wall gusset 267.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, each side wall is further bounded by an optional lid. It should be understood that there are other equally acceptable examples of the present subject matter in which the lids are omitted. The first side wall 222 is bounded at a first side wall top edge 246 by a first side wall lid 292. The first side wall lid 292 is hingedly movable relative to the first side wall 222 about the first side wall top edge 246 such that it can be moved between an open position (see FIGS. 2A-4B) and a closed position (not shown). The third side wall 224 is bounded at a third side wall top edge 247 by a third side wall lid 294. The third side wall lid 294 is hingedly movable relative to the third side wall 224 about the third side wall top edge 247 such that it can be moved between an open position (see FIGS. 2A-4B) and a closed position (not shown). The second side wall 226 is bounded at a second side wall top edge 248 by a second side wall lid 296. The second side wall lid 296 is hingedly movable relative to the second side wall 226 about the second side wall top edge 248 such that it can be moved between an open position (see FIGS. 2A-4B) and a closed position (not shown). The fourth side wall 228 is bounded at a fourth side wall top edge 249 by a fourth side wall lid 298. The fourth side wall lid 298 is hingedly movable relative to the fourth side wall 228 about the fourth side wall top edge 249 such that it can be moved between an open position (see FIGS. 2A-4B) and a closed position (not shown).

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the container 200 has a set of catches adapted to selectably engage one another and thereby selectably facilitate holding the lids closed. It should be understood that there are other equally acceptable examples of the present subject matter in which the catches are omitted. The first side wall lid 292 further comprises a first side wall lid catch 293. The second side wall lid 296 further comprises a second side wall lid catch 297. The second side wall lid catch 297 is adapted to selectably engage the first side wall lid catch 293.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, similar to the plurality of side walls 220 described above with respect to the bottom wall 210, each of the wall gussets 261, 263, 265, 267 is hingedly movable with respect to each respective bordering side wall 222, 224, 226, 228. Each wall gusset 261, 263, 265, 267 borders each side wall 222, 224, 226, 228 at a preformed weakness 104. Each wall gusset is further divided by a preformed weakness 104. The preformed weaknesses 104 will be discussed in detail below.

The container 200, particularly the container 200 in the flat configuration 270 shown in FIG. 6, may be cut (e.g., die cut) from a sheet of stock material to define an outer periphery 201. In one particular construction, the stock material may be a cellulosic material, such as paperboard (e.g., solid bleached sulfate paperboard), which may include a water and/or oil barrier coating on a first major surface thereof. The second major surface of the stock material may optionally also include a water and/or oil barrier coating. As one non-limiting example, the stock material may be 18 point single-side coated ENSHIELD® NATURAL KRAFT paperboard, which is commercially available from WestRock Company of Atlanta, Ga.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the partition insert 300 is shown in the partition flat configuration 370 and the component parts of the partition insert 300 can be clearly seen. The partition insert 300 comprises a base panel 310. The base panel 310 is bounded on a base panel first edge 341 by the first partition panel 322. The base panel 310 is bounded on a base panel second edge 342 by the first side panel 332. The base panel 310 is bounded on a base panel third edge 343 by the second partition panel 326. The base panel 310 is bounded on a base panel fourth edge 344 by the second side panel 336.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, each of the partition panels 322, 326 and each of the side panels 332, 336 is hingedly movable relative to the base panel 310. The first partition panel 322 is hingedly movable relative to the base panel 310 about the base panel first edge 341 such that it can move from the orientation in partition flat configuration 370 and in the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) and in the third partition structure configuration 386 (see FIG. 3B), which is also the stowed configuration 324, to the raised orientation in the second partition structure configuration 384 (see FIG. 3A) and the fourth partition structure configuration 388 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), which is also the raised configuration 325. The second partition panel 326 is hingedly movable relative to the base panel 310 about the base panel third edge 343 such that it can move from the orientation in partition flat configuration 370 and in the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) and in the second partition structure configuration 384 (see FIG. 3A), which is also the stowed configuration 327, to the raised orientation in the third partition structure configuration 386 (see FIG. 3B) and the fourth partition structure configuration 388 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), which is also the raised configuration 328. The first side panel 332 is hingedly movable relative to the base panel 310 about the base panel second edge 342 such that it can move from the orientation shown in flat configuration 370 to the orientation shown in the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) and in the second partition structure configuration 384 (see FIG. 3A) and in the third partition structure configuration 386 (see FIG. 3B) and in the fourth partition structure configuration 388 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). The second side panel 336 is hingedly movable relative to the base panel 310 about the base panel fourth edge 344 such that it can move from the orientation shown in flat configuration 370 to the orientation shown in the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) and in the second partition structure configuration 384 (see FIG. 3A) and in the third partition structure configuration 386 (see FIG. 3B) and in the fourth partition structure configuration 388 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B).

With continued reference to FIG. 5, each of the partition panels 322, 326 and each of the side panels 332, 336 is bounded by a set of panel gussets. The first partition panel 322 is bounded on a first partition panel first edge 351 by a first panel gusset 361. The first side panel 332 is bounded on a first side panel first edge 352 by the first panel gusset 361. The first side panel 332 is bounded on a first side panel second edge 353 by a second panel gusset 363. The second partition panel 326 is bounded on a second partition panel first edge 354 by the second panel gusset 363. The second partition panel 326 is bounded on a second partition panel second edge 355 by a third panel gusset 365. The second side panel 336 is bounded on a second side panel first edge 356 by the third panel gusset 365. The second side panel 336 is bounded on a second side panel second edge 357 by a fourth panel gusset 367. The first partition panel 322 is bounded on a first partition panel second edge 358 by the fourth panel gusset 367.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, similar to the partition panels 322, 326 and the side panels 332, 336 described above with respect to the base panel 310, each of the panel gussets 361, 363, 365, 367 is hingedly movable with respect to one of the partition panels 322, 326 and with respect to one of the side panels 332, 336. Each panel gusset 361, 363, 365, 367 borders one of the partition panels 322, 326 at a preformed weakness 104. Each panel gusset 361, 363, 365, 367 borders one of the side panels 332, 336 at a preformed weakness 104. Each panel gusset 361, 363, 365, 367 is further divided by a preformed weakness 104. The preformed weaknesses 104 will be discussed in detail below.

The partition insert 300, particularly the partition insert 300 in the flat configuration 370 shown in FIG. 5, may be cut (e.g., die cut) from a sheet of stock material to define an outer periphery 301. In one particular construction, the stock material may be a cellulosic material, such as paperboard (e.g., solid bleached sulfate paperboard), which may include a water and/or oil barrier coating on a first major surface thereof and a water and/or oil barrier coating on a second major surface. As one non-limiting example, the stock material may be 18 point double-side coated ENSHIELD® NATURAL KRAFT paperboard, which is commercially available from WestRock Company of Atlanta, Ga.

Referring now to both FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, each of the above-referenced edges 241, 242, 243, 244, 246, 247, 248, 249, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 341, 342, 343 344, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358 may be defined by a performed weakness 104. The preformed weaknesses 104 will be discussed in detail below.

Each preformed weakness 104 is a region where the material forming the container 200 (or, as discussed below, the material forming the partition insert 300) is substantially weaker than the rest of the material. By substantially weaker, it is meant that the weakness is sufficiently greater that the preformed weakness 104 is preferentially bendable at the location defined thereby such that the preformed weakness 104 is adapted to function as a living hinge. In the examples shown, a preformed weakness 104 is at least one of a score, a crease, and a perforation. It should be understood that the weakness here is relative to the rest of the material, so that it is also acceptable in some examples to create a preformed weakness 104 by strengthening or reinforcing the rest of the material in a manner chosen with good engineering judgment. Each of the above-referenced edges 241, 242, 243, 244, 246, 247, 248, 249, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 341, 342, 343 344, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358 is adapted to function as a living hinge and, as mentioned above, each of the above-referenced edges 241, 242, 243, 244, 246, 247, 248, 249, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 341, 342, 343 344, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358 may be defined by a performed weakness 104. Similarly, each of the above-referenced wall gussets 261, 263, 265, 267 and each of the above-referenced panel gussets 361, 363, 2365, 367 is divided by a preformed weakness 104 and each such dividing preformed weakness 104 is adapted to function as a living hinge.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the container system 100 is shown in the container system flat configuration 170. The container 200 is in the container flat configuration 270 and the partition insert 300, which is in the partition flat configuration 370, is connected to the container 200. FIG. 7 shows a connection region 110, corresponding to a first region 112 between first side wall 222 and first side panel 332, a second region 114 between bottom wall 210 and base panel 310, and a third region 116 between second side wall 226 and second side panel 336. The connection region 110 is collectively the first region 112, the second region 114, and the third region 116. In the first region 112, the first side wall 222 is connected to the first side panel 332 by at least one of an adhesive and a heat-seal. In the second region 114, the bottom wall 210 is connected to the base panel 310 by at least one of an adhesive and a heat-seal. In the third region 116, the second side wall 226 is connected to the second side panel 336 by at least one of an adhesive and a heat-seal. As used herein adhesive may include any adhesive chosen with good engineering judgment. In some examples, an adhesive will be water resistant, or waterproof or otherwise able to resist or prevent liquid communication therethrough. As used herein a heat-seal may include a polymer molten bond or other seal chosen with good engineering judgment. In some examples, the heal-seal will be water resistant, or waterproof or otherwise able to resist or prevent liquid communication therethrough.

With further reference to FIG. 7, some of the edges of the partition insert 300 are aligned with the some of the edges of the container 200. Base panel second edge 342 overlies the bottom wall first edge 241. This overlay between the base panel second edge 342 and the bottom wall first edge 241 permits the connected region 112 to simultaneously rotate about the base panel second edge 342 and the bottom wall first edge 241 with respect to the connected region 114. Similarly, base panel fourth edge 344 overlies bottom wall third edge 243. This overlay between the base panel fourth edge 344 and the bottom wall third edge 243 permits the connected region 116 to simultaneously rotate about the base panel fourth edge 344 and the bottom wall third edge 243 with respect to the connected region 114.

As referenced above, the container system 100 can be reconfigured from the container system flat configuration 170, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 5-7, to one of several structure configurations as shown in FIGS. 2A-4B. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the container system 100 in the first container system structure configuration 182. FIG. 3A shows the container system 100 in the second container system structure configuration 184. FIG. 3B shows the container system 100 in the third container system structure configuration 186. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the container system 100 in the fourth container system structure configuration 188. Each of these latter structure configurations of the container system 100 will be discussed in detail below.

The first container system structure configuration 182 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In the first container system structure configuration 182, the container 200 is in container structure configuration 280 and the partition insert 300 is in first partition structure configuration 382. When in the first container system structure configuration 182, the internal volume 202 is not divided by either first partition panel 332 or by second partition panel 327.

When in the container structure configuration 280, the container 200 is configured such that the plurality of side walls 220 and the bottom wall 210 define an internal volume 202. For the purposes of describing the container structure configuration 280, the position of any or all of the optional first side wall lid 292, the optional third side wall lid 294, the optional second side wall lid 296 and the optional fourth side wall lid 298 is immaterial. The first side wall lid 292, the third side wall lid 294, the second side wall lid 296 and the fourth side wall lid 298 are each shown open in each of FIGS. 2A-4B, but this is for purpose of clarity and is not limiting.

Reconfiguring the container 200 from the container flat configuration 270 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B and 5-7) to the container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B) includes operations in which the first side wall 222 is folded upwardly about the bottom wall first edge 241, the third side wall 224 is folded upwardly about the bottom wall second edge 242, the second side wall 226 is folded upwardly about the bottom wall third edge 243, and the fourth side wall 228 is folded upwardly about the bottom wall fourth edge 244. Reconfiguring the container 200 from the container flat configuration 270 (see FIG. 6) to the container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B) further includes an operation in which the first wall gusset 261 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together first side wall first edge 251 and third side wall first edge 252. Reconfiguring the container 200 from the container flat configuration 270 (see FIG. 6) to the container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B) further includes an operation in which the second wall gusset 263 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together third side wall second edge 253 and second side wall first edge 254. Reconfiguring the container 200 from the container flat configuration 270 (see FIG. 6) to the container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B) further includes an operation in which the third wall gusset 265 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together second side wall second edge 255 and fourth side wall first edge 256. Reconfiguring the container 200 from the container flat configuration 270 (see FIG. 6) to the container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B) further includes an operation in which the fourth wall gusset 267 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together fourth side wall second edge 257 and first side wall second edge 258.

When in the first partition structure configuration 382, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the first side panel 332 and the second side panel 336 are both upright relative to the base panel 310 and are facing one another. Further, when in the first partition structure configuration 382, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the first partition panel 322 is in the stowed configuration 324, wherein the first partition panel 322 is substantially coplanar with the base panel 310 and does not divide the internal volume 202. Further, when in the first partition structure configuration 382, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the second partition panel 326 is in the stowed configuration 327, wherein the second partition panel 326 is substantially coplanar with the base panel 310 and does not divide the internal volume 202.

The second container system structure configuration 184 is shown in FIGS. 3A. In the second container system structure configuration 184, the container 200 is in container structure configuration 280 and the partition insert 300 is in second partition structure configuration 384. When in the second container system structure configuration 184, the internal volume 202 is divided by the first partition panel 322 into two compartments: compartment 203 and compartment 206. It should be understood that the connection region 110 does not permit fluid communication through internal volume 202 between compartment 203 and compartment 206.

The container structure configuration 280 in second container system structure configuration 184 is the same as the container structure configuration 280 described above with respect to first container system structure configuration 182. Similarly, reconfiguring the container 200 from the container flat configuration 270 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B and 5-7) to the container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B) uses the same operations for the second container system structure configuration 184 as those described above with respect to first container system structure configuration 182.

When in the second partition structure configuration 384, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the first side panel 332 and the second side panel 336 are both upright relative to the base panel 310 and are facing one another. Further, when in the second partition structure configuration 384, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the first partition panel 322 is in the raised configuration 325, wherein the first partition panel 322 is substantially upright with respect to the base panel 310 and divides the internal volume 202. Further, when in the second partition structure configuration 384, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the second partition panel 326 is in the stowed configuration 327, wherein the second partition panel 326 is substantially coplanar with the base panel 310 and does not divide the internal volume 202. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the second partition structure configuration 384 (see FIG. 3A) includes an operation in which the first partition panel 322 is folded upwardly about the base panel first edge 341. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the second partition structure configuration 384 (see FIG. 3A) further includes an operation in which the first panel gusset 361 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together first partition panel first edge 351 and first side panel first edge 352. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the second partition structure configuration 384 (see FIG. 3A) further includes an operation in which the fourth panel gusset 367 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together second side panel second edge 357 and first partition panel second edge 358.

The third container system structure configuration 186 is shown in FIG. 3B. In the third container system structure configuration 186, the container 200 is in container structure configuration 280 and the partition insert 300 is in third partition structure configuration 386. When in the third container system structure configuration 186, the internal volume 202 is divided by the second partition panel 326 into two compartments: compartment 207 and compartment 204. It should be understood that the connection region 110 does not permit fluid communication through internal volume 202 between compartment 204 and compartment 207.

The container structure configuration 280 in third container system structure configuration 186 is the same as the container structure configuration 280 described above with respect to first container system structure configuration 182. Similarly, reconfiguring the container 200 from the container flat configuration 270 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B and 5-7) to the container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B) uses the same operations for the third container system structure configuration 186 as those described above with respect to first container system structure configuration 182.

When in the third partition structure configuration 386, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the first side panel 332 and the second side panel 336 are both upright relative to the base panel 310 and are facing one another. Further, when in the third partition structure configuration 386, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the first partition panel 322 is in the stowed configuration 324, wherein the first partition panel 322 is substantially coplanar with the base panel 310 and does not divide the internal volume 202. Further, when in the third partition structure configuration 386, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the second partition panel 326 is substantially upright with respect to the base panel 310 and divides the internal volume 202. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the third partition structure configuration 386 (see FIG. 3B) includes an operation in which the second partition panel 326 is folded upwardly about the base panel third edge 343. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the third partition structure configuration 386 (see FIG. 3B) further includes an operation in which the second panel gusset 363 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together first side panel second edge 353 and second partition panel first edge 354. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the third partition structure configuration 386 (see FIG. 3B) further includes an operation in which the third panel gusset 365 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together second partition panel second edge 355 and first side panel first edge 356.

The fourth container system structure configuration 188 is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In the fourth container system structure configuration 188, the container 200 is in container structure configuration 280 and the partition insert 300 is in fourth partition structure configuration 388. When in the fourth container system structure configuration 188, the internal volume 202 is divided by the first partition panel 322 and the second partition panel 326 into three compartments: compartment 203, compartment 204, and compartment 205. It should be understood that the connection region 110 does not permit fluid communication through internal volume 202 between compartment 203, compartment 204 and compartment 205.

The container structure configuration 280 in fourth container system structure configuration 188 is the same as the container structure configuration 280 described above with respect to first container system structure configuration 182. Similarly, reconfiguring the container 200 from the container flat configuration 270 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B and 5-7) to the container structure configuration 280 (see FIGS. 2A-4B) uses the same operations for the fourth container system structure configuration 188 as those described above with respect to first container system structure configuration 182.

When in the fourth partition structure configuration 388, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the first side panel 332 and the second side panel 336 are both upright relative to the base panel 310 and are facing one another. Further, when in the fourth partition structure configuration 388, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the first partition panel 322 is in the raised configuration 325, wherein the first partition panel 322 is substantially upright with respect to the base panel 310 and divides the internal volume 202. Further, when in the fourth partition structure configuration 388, the partition insert 300 is configured such that the second partition panel 326 is substantially upright with respect to the base panel 310 and divides the internal volume 202. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the fourth partition structure configuration 388 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) includes an operation in which the first partition panel 322 is folded upwardly about the base panel first edge 341. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the fourth partition structure configuration 388 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) further includes an operation in which the first panel gusset 361 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together first partition panel first edge 351 and first side panel first edge 352. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the fourth partition structure configuration 388 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) further includes an operation in which the fourth panel gusset 367 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together second side panel second edge 357 and first partition panel second edge 358. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the fourth partition structure configuration 388 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) includes an operation in which the second partition panel 326 is folded upwardly about the base panel third edge 343. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the fourth partition structure configuration 388 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) further includes an operation in which the second panel gusset 363 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together first side panel second edge 353 and second partition panel first edge 354. Reconfiguring the partition insert 300 from the first partition structure configuration 382 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the fourth partition structure configuration 388 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) further includes an operation in which the third panel gusset 365 is folded onto itself along its respective dividing preformed weakness 104 thereby bringing together second partition panel second edge 355 and first side panel first edge 356.

Although various examples of the disclosed partition insert and associated container system and method have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A container system comprising:

a container comprising a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls wherein the bottom wall and the plurality of side walls define an internal volume (202); and

a partition insert connected to the container within the internal volume the partition insert comprising a partition panel selectively movable between at least a stowed configuration and a raised configuration wherein, when in the raised configuration the partition panel divides the internal volume into at least two compartments.

2. The container system of claim 1 wherein, when in the stowed configuration the partition panel does not divide the internal volume into the at least two compartments.

3. The container system of claim 1 wherein the partition insert is connected to the container by at least one of an adhesive and a heat-seal.

4. The container system of claim 1 wherein the partition insert is connected to the bottom wall.

5. The container system of claim 1 wherein the partition insert is connected to the bottom wall and to at least one side wall of the plurality of side walls.

6. (canceled)

7. The container system of claim 1 wherein the partition panel is a first partition panel and wherein the partition insert further comprises a base panel adjacent the first partition panel a second partition panel adjacent the base panel a first side panel adjacent the base panel, and a second side panel adjacent the base panel.

8. The container system of claim 7 wherein the second partition panel is selectively movable between at least a stowed configuration and a raised configuration wherein, in the raised configuration the second partition panel divides the internal volume into at least two compartments, and wherein, in the stowed configuration the second partition panel does not divide the internal volume into the at least two compartments.

9. The container system of claim 7 wherein the base panel is connected to the bottom wall the first side panel is connected to a first side wall of the plurality of side walls and the second side panel is connected to a second side wall of the plurality of side walls.

10. The container system of claim 7 wherein:

the base panel is bounded on a base panel first edge by the first partition panel the base panel first edge being defined at least in part by a preformed weakness

the base panel is bounded on a base panel second edge by the first side panel the base panel second edge being defined at least in part by a preformed weakness

the base panel is bounded on a base panel third edge by the second partition panel the base panel third edge being defined at least in part by a preformed weakness and

the base panel is bounded on a base panel fourth edge by the second side panel the base panel fourth edge being defined at least in part by a preformed weakness.

11. (canceled)

12. The container system of claim 7 wherein:

the first partition panel is bounded on a first partition panel first edge by a first panel gusset

the first side panel is bounded on a first side panel first edge by the first panel gusset

the first side panel is bounded on a first side panel second edge by a second panel gusset

the second partition panel is bounded on a second partition panel first edge by the second panel gusset

the second partition panel is bounded on a second partition panel second edge by a third panel gusset

the second side panel is bounded on a second side panel first edge by the third panel gusset

the second side panel is bounded on a second side panel second edge by a fourth panel gusset and

the first partition panel is bounded on a first partition panel second edge by the fourth panel gusset.

13. (canceled)

14. The container system of claim 12 wherein:

the first panel gusset is divided by a preformed weakness

the second panel gusset is divided by a preformed weakness

the third panel gusset is divided by a preformed weakness and

the fourth panel gusset is divided by a preformed weakness.

15. (canceled)

16. The container system of claim 7 wherein the base panel is substantially rectangular.

17. A container system comprising:

a container reconfigurable between a container flat configuration and a container structure configuration the container comprising a bottom wall and a side wall selectively movable with respect to the bottom wall (210); and

a partition insert reconfigurable between a partition flat configuration and at least one partition structure configuration the partition insert comprising a base panel connected to the bottom wall a side panel connected to the side wall and a selectively movable partition panel.

18. The container system of claim 17 wherein:

the side wall is a first side wall

the bottom wall is bounded at a bottom wall first edge by the first side wall

the first side wall is hingedly movable relative to the bottom wall about the bottom wall first edge

the bottom wall is bounded at a bottom wall second edge by a third side wall

the third side wall is hingedly movable relative to the bottom wall about the bottom wall second edge

the bottom wall is bounded at a bottom wall third edge by a second side wall

the second side wall is hingedly movable relative to the bottom wall about the bottom wall third edge

the bottom wall is bounded at a bottom wall fourth edge by a fourth side wall and

the fourth side wall is hingedly movable relative to the bottom wall about the bottom wall fourth edge.

19. (canceled)

20. The container system of claim 18 wherein:

the first side wall is bounded on a first side wall first edge by a first wall gusset

the third side wall is bounded on a third side wall first edge by the first wall gusset

the third side wall is bounded on a third side wall second edge by a second wall gusset

the second side wall is bounded on a second side wall first edge by the second wall gusset

the second side wall is bounded on a second side wall second edge by a third wall gusset

the fourth side wall is bounded on a fourth side wall first edge by the third wall gusset

the fourth side wall is bounded on a fourth side wall second edge by a fourth wall gusset and

the first side wall is bounded on a first side wall second edge by the fourth wall gusset.

21. (canceled)

22. The container system of claim 20 wherein

the first wall gusset is divided by a preformed weakness

the second wall gusset is divided by a preformed weakness

the third wall gusset is divided by a preformed weakness and

the fourth wall gusset is divided by a preformed weakness.

23. The container system of claim 18 wherein, when in the container flat configuration the bottom wall the first side wall the third side wall the second side wall the fourth side wall first wall gusset second wall gusset third wall gusset and fourth wall gusset are substantially coplanar.

24. The container system of claim 18 wherein, when in the container structure configuration the bottom wall first side wall the second side wall the third side wall and the fourth side wall define an internal volume.

25. The container system of claim 18 wherein:

the first side wall is bounded at a first side wall top edge by a first side wall lid that is hingedly movable relative to the first side wall about the first side wall top edge

the third side wall is bounded at a third side wall top edge by a third side wall lid that is hingedly movable relative to the third side wall about the third side wall top edge

the second side wall is bounded at a second side wall top edge by a second side wall lid that is hingedly movable relative to the second side wall about the second side wall top edge and

the fourth side wall is bounded at a fourth side wall top edge by a fourth side wall lid that is hingedly movable relative to the fourth side wall about the fourth side wall top edge.

26. The container system of claim 25 wherein:

the first side wall lid further comprises a first side wall lid catch

the second side wall lid further comprises a second side wall lid catch and

the second side wall lid catch is adapted to engage the first side wall lid catch.

27-31. (canceled)