PACKAGE WITH A BASE AND AN ENGAGING RETAINING FRAME

A package includes a base, an object, and a retaining frame that retains the object to the base. The base has a main panel, end panels, side panels, and flaps on the side panels. The base is foldable so that the end and side panels are perpendicular to the main panel and the flaps can be adhered to the end panels. The retaining frame includes a main panel, a retention web spanning a gap in a main panel of the frame, and end panels on opposite ends of the main panel. The retaining frame has engaging features that that engage engagement features on the four flaps of the base. The retaining frame can be inserted into the base until the retention web retains the object against the base and the engaging features engage the engagement features to hold the retaining frame in place within the base.

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Description
BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is in the technical field of protective packaging. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to retention packaging having a base with an interlocking retention packaging frame that can be used to retain objects to the base.

Protective packaging structures may be used to help protect a product during transport, for example, from physical shock, dust, and other contaminants. For example, a product may be enclosed in a box with additional packing materials (e.g., crumpled paper, air-filled plastic cushions, molded foam) to restrain the product movement inside the box and to cushion the product.

One type of packaging system is known as “retention packaging.” In typical retention packaging, a product is retained between a sheet and a rigid backing frame, which is sometimes the frame to which the sheet is attached. Another type of packaging system is known as “suspension packaging.” In typical suspension packaging, the packaged product is suspended between two sheets each attached to opposing frames sized to fit within a corresponding box. Examples of retention and suspension packaging are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,852,743; 4,923,065; 5,071,009; 5,287,968; 5,388,701; 5,678,695; 5,893,462; 6,010,006; 6,148,590; 6,148,591; 6,289,655; 6,302,274; 6,311,844; 6,899,229; 6,913,147; 7,086,534; 9,828,160; 10,683,154; 10,947,007; 11,247,831; 11,338,956; and 11,352,189, and in International Application PCT/US2022/0025860, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In a first embodiment, a package includes a base, at least one object, and a retaining frame. The base includes a main panel, first and second end panels, first and second side panels, first and second flaps, and third and fourth flaps. Each of the first and second end panels is foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel. Each of the first and second side panels is foldably coupled to opposite sides the main panel. The first and second flaps are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the first side panel (116, 416). The third and fourth flaps are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the second side panel. The base is foldable into a folded configuration in which each of the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are substantially perpendicular to the main panel. The first and third flaps are arranged to be adhered to the first end panel. The second and fourth flaps are arranged to be attached to the second end panel. The at least one object is located on the main panel of the base. The retaining frame is configured to retain the at least one object to the main panel of the base. The retaining frame includes a main panel having a gap, a retention web spanning the gap of the main panel of the retaining frame, and first and second end panels. Each of the first and second end panels of the retaining frame is foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel of the retaining frame. The retaining frame further includes a first engaging feature configured to engage a first engagement feature on one or both of the first and third flaps. The retaining frame further includes a second engaging feature configured to engage a second engagement feature on one or both of the second and fourth flaps. When the base is in the folded configuration, the retaining frame is configured to be inserted into the base until: (i) the retention web of the retaining frame retains the at least one object against the main panel of the base, and (ii) the first engaging feature engages the first engagement feature and the second engaging feature engages the second engagement feature to hold the retaining frame in place within the base.

In a second embodiment, the first engaging feature of the preceding embodiment is a first tab on the first end panel of the retaining frame and the second engaging feature is a second tab on the second end panel of the retaining frame.

In a third embodiment, the package of the preceding embodiment is configured such that the first engagement feature comprises a sawtooth pattern on each of the first and third flaps and the second engagement feature comprises a sawtooth pattern on each of the second and fourth flaps.

In a fourth embodiment, the package of the preceding embodiment is configured such that each of the first tab of the first engaging feature and the second tab of the second engaging feature has a trapezoidal shape, the trapezoidal shape of the first tab is configured to engage the sawtooth pattern on each of the first and third flaps, and the trapezoidal shape of the second tab is configured to engage the sawtooth pattern on each of the second and fourth flaps.

In a fifth embodiment, the first engaging feature of the first embodiment includes first and second tabs that extend from a first edge of the main panel of the retaining frame and the second engaging feature includes third and fourth tabs that extend from a second edge of the main panel of the retaining frame.

In a sixth embodiment, the package of the preceding embodiment is configured such that the first engagement feature comprises a slot pattern on each of the first and third flaps, and the second engagement feature comprises a slot pattern on each of the second and fourth flaps.

In a seventh embodiment, the package of the preceding embodiment is configured such that the first and second tabs of the first engaging feature are configured to engage one of the slots in the slot pattern of each of the first and third flaps, and the third and fourth tabs of the second engaging feature are configured to engage one of the slots in the slot pattern of each of the second and fourth flaps.

In an eighth embodiment, the main panel of the retaining frame of any of the preceding embodiment includes a first slot panel foldably coupled to the first end panel of the retaining frame and a second slot panel foldably coupled to the second end panel of the retaining frame.

In a ninth embodiment, the retention frame of the preceding embodiment includes a sheet that is coupled to the main panel of the retaining frame such that the sheet is attached to a lower side of the main panel of the retaining frame that does not include the first and second slot panels and the first and second slot panels are positioned such that the sheet is above at least a portion of each of the first and second slot panels.

In a tenth embodiment, the retaining frame of any of the preceding embodiments further comprises first and second side panels.

In an eleventh embodiment, the retaining frame of the preceding embodiment further comprises at least one folding panel that is coupled between one of the first and second ends panels of the retaining frame and one of the first and second side panels of the retaining frame.

In a twelfth embodiment, the at least one folding panel of the preceding embodiment includes: a first folding panel coupled between the first end panel of the retaining frame and the first side panel of the retaining frame; a second folding panel coupled between the second end panel of the retaining frame and the first side panel of the retaining frame; a third folding panel coupled between the first end panel of the retaining frame and the second side panel of the retaining frame; and a fourth folding panel coupled between the second end panel of the retaining frame and the second side panel of the retaining frame.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the retention web of any of the preceding embodiments is integrally formed with the main panel of the retaining frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a base in an unfolded configuration, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the base shown in FIG. 1 in a folded configuration, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of a retaining frame in an unfolded configuration, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the retaining frame shown in FIG. 3 in a folded configuration, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a package that includes the base shown in FIG. 2 and the retaining frame shown in FIG. 4 before the package is fully formed, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict instances of cross-sectional side views as the package shown in FIG. 5 is being formed, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of a base in an unfolded configuration, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the base shown in FIG. 7 in a folded configuration, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of a retaining frame in an unfolded configuration, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of the retaining frame shown in FIG. 9 in a folded configuration, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of a package that includes the base shown in FIG. 8 and the retaining frame shown in FIG. 10 before the package is fully formed, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict instances of cross-sectional side views as the package shown in FIG. 11 is being formed, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 13A-13D depict top views of embodiments of retention frames that have retention webs that are integrally formed with the frame, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 14 depict a top view of an embodiment of a retention frame, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

FIG. 15A depicts a top view of an embodiment of a base in an unfolded configuration, in accordance with the embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 15B depicts a perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 15A in a folded configuration, in accordance with the embodiments described herein.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are embodiments of packages that include a base and a retention frame. The embodiments of bases and retention frames described herein may comprise substantially rigid, lightweight, foldable material. In some examples, a base, a frame, or any portion thereof that are described herein may be formed of one or more of any of the following materials: cellulosic-based materials (e.g., cardboard, corrugated cardboard, paperboard), plastic, and compressed foam. In one example, a base or a frame may comprise corrugated cardboard, such as any of single-wall B-flute, C-flute, and/or E-flute corrugated cardboard, B/C double-wall corrugated cardboard, E/B double-wall corrugated cardboard, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the material of a base or a frame has a predetermined average thickness. In some examples, the average thickness of the material of a base or a frame, for example, at most about, and/or at least about, any of the following thicknesses: 0.03, 0.06, 0.12, 0.18, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 inches.

In some embodiments, a base or a frame may have panels that are foldably coupled to each other. In some cases, the panels are separated by a fold line that permits the panels to be folded with respect to each other at the fold line between them. A “fold line,” as used herein, represents a line along which a panel, frame, or other material has been creased, crimped, embossed, perforated, scored, or otherwise weakened so as to enhance the foldability of the panel, frame, or other material along the fold line. In the figures provided herein, fold lines are represented by lines of short dashes. In some cases, the panels on either side of a fold line are arranged to be folded to the point that the two panels are substantially perpendicular to each other.

The embodiments of retention frames described herein include a sheet configured to retain objects to a base. Any of the sheets of the various embodiments described herein, may comprise any of the materials, compositions, and polymers set forth herein with respect to sheets, and may have any thickness, properties, treatments, additives, and other characteristics (e.g., flexibility, elasticity, optics, strength, elastic recovery, transparency, load tear resistance, puncture resistance) as set forth herein with respect to sheets.

In some embodiments, a sheet has a composition and thickness providing acceptable performance properties (e.g., flexibility, elasticity, optics, strength) for the given packaging application of expected use. In some examples, the sheet has a thickness of at most any of the following: 10 mils, 6 mils, 5 mils, 4 mils, 3 mils, 2 mils, 1.5 mils, and 1 mil. (A “mil” is equal to 0.001 inch.) In some examples, the sheet has a thickness of at least any of the following: 0.5 mils, 1 mil, 1.5 mils, 2 mils, and 3 mils.

In some embodiments, a sheet has an elastic recovery in either or both of the transverse and longitudinal directions of at least any of the following values: 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, and 85%, measured according to ASTM D5459 at 100% strain, 30 seconds relaxation time, and 60 second recovery time.

In some embodiments, a sheet has a maximum load tear resistance in either or both of the transverse and longitudinal directions of at least any of the following values: 400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 grams force, measured according to ASTM D1004.

In some embodiments, a sheet has a slow puncture maximum load of at least any of the following values: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, and 7 pounds force, measured according to ASTM F1306 using a crosshead speed of 5 inches per minute.

In some embodiments, a sheet has a Young's modulus sufficient to withstand the expected handling and use conditions, yet may provide a “soft” feel that may be desirable for a packaging application. The sheet may have a Young's modulus of at least any of the following values: 2,000; 2,500; 3,000; 3,500; and 4,000 pounds/square inch. The sheet may have a Young's modulus of no more than about any of the following values: 8,000; 10,000; 15,000; 20,000; 30,000; and 40,000 pounds/square inch. The Young's modulus is measured in accordance with ASTM D882, measured at a temperature of 73° F.

In some embodiments, a sheet is transparent so that a packaged article is visible through the sheet. As used herein, “transparent” means that the material transmits incident light with negligible scattering and little absorption, enabling objects to be seen clearly through the material under typical unaided viewing conditions (i.e., the expected use conditions of the material). The transparency (i.e., clarity) of the retention sheet may be at least any of the following values: 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, and 90%, measured in accordance with ASTM D1746.

In some embodiments, a sheet has a heat-shrink attribute. In some examples, the sheet has any of a free shrink in at least one direction (i.e., machine or transverse directions), in each of at least two directions (i.e., machine and transverse directions), measured at any of 160° F. and 180° F. of at least any of the following: 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60% and 65%. In other embodiments, the sheet is non-heat shrinkable (i.e., has a total free shrink of less than 5% measured at 160° F.). Unless otherwise indicated, each reference to free shrink in this application means a free shrink determined by measuring the percent dimensional change in a 10 cmx 10 cm specimen when subjected to selected heat (i.e., at a certain temperature exposure) according to ASTM D 2732.

In some embodiments, a sheet includes one or more fabrics. For example, in some embodiments, the sheet includes one or more of the following: wovens, knits, nonwovens, and openwork meshes (e.g., netting), spandex, including Lycra®. Brand spandex, and elastic fabrics.

In some embodiments, a sheet includes one or more polymers. In some examples, a sheet includes one or more of any of the following polymers: thermoplastic polymers, polyolefins, polyethylene homopolymers (e.g., low density polyethylene), polyethylene copolymers (e.g., ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers (“EAOs”), ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymers, and ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid), polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, various types of natural or synthetic rubber (e.g., styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, neoprene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polysiloxane, nitrile rubber, and butyl rubber), and polyurethane (i.e., any one or more of polyurethane, polyether polyurethane, polyester polyurethane, and polycarbonate polyurethane, any of which may be aliphatic and/or aromatic). In some embodiments, a sheet includes thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPOs), which are two-component elastomer systems comprising an elastomer (such as EPDM) finely dispersed in a thermoplastic polyolefin (such as polypropylene or polyethylene). As used in this application, “copolymer” means a polymer derived from two or more types of monomers, and includes terpolymers, etc.

In some embodiments, a sheet includes polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene), polyvinyl chloride, and/or polyurethane. In some examples, such embodiments of the sheet have a thickness of from 2 to 4 mils. Such embodiments of the sheet may be useful for lightweight applications. In some examples, a sheet including polyurethane may provide desirable elastomeric, puncture resistance, temperature resistance, and tackiness characteristics.

In some embodiments, a sheet includes effective amounts of one or more of tackifiers, antiblocking agents, and slip agents—or may be essentially free of any of these components. Tackifiers, antiblocking agents, and slip agents, and their effective amounts, are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, a sheet is manufactured by thermoplastic film-forming processes known in the art (e.g., tubular or blown-film extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion coating, flat or cast film extrusion). In some embodiments, a combination of these processes is also employed to manufacture a sheet.

In some embodiments, at least one side of a sheet is corona and/or plasma treated to change the surface energy of a sheet. In one example, the change in surface energy increases the ability of a sheet to adhere to a panel or frame.

Films that may be useful as sheets are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,147, issued Jul. 5, 2005, and entitled “Packaging Structure Having a Frame and Film,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

In the embodiments of retention frames described herein, a sheet is connected to a frame. In some cases, the sheet is attached to the frame across a gap in the frame. In some embodiments, a sheet is attached to a frame by one or more of any of the following: adhering (e.g., with hot melt adhesive), gluing, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, stapling, tacking, fastening, clipping (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,744 to Jones, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference), tab/slot engagement (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,761 to Jones, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference), anchoring, retaining and/or securing (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0108239 A1 to McDonald et al. published Jun. 10, 2004, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, and which discloses a sleeve having pockets or pouches for receiving a flap as shown in FIGS. 24-25 and related discussion therein). The sheets of any embodiments described herein may be attached by one or more of any of the attachment ways described herein. Useful types of adhesives for attaching sheets to frames are known to those of skill in the art and may depend on the composition of the materials to be adhered. For example, a polyurethane-based sheet may be adhered with a polyurethane-based adhesive, such as a water-borne aliphatic polyurethane dispersion.

The embodiments of bases and frames described herein may be formed using types of machinery well known to those of skill in the field. For example, a base or a frame may be cut to the desired shapes and provided with fold lines or lines of detachability using the known types of machinery, for example, to slit, crease, crimp, emboss, perforate, scored, or otherwise weaken the panel in desired regions. In some embodiments, attachment zones (e.g., areas with adhesive) are applied to the base or the frame in selected areas, for example, attachment zones used to attach a sheet to a frame. In some embodiments, the material of the sheet is provided in roll form or unrolled form, and then cut to the desired length and width either before or after attachment to the frame.

In some embodiments, a base or a frame can be is provided in an unfolded (or “lay-flat”) configuration. In the unfolded or lay-flat configuration, the base or the frame is substantially two-dimensional and is capable of being stacked with similar bases or frames. Such configurations may facilitate the provision of multiple retention packing assemblies in a convenient stacked or bundled arrangement (not illustrated) for shipment, storage, and the like. The base or the frame can be folded from the unfolded configuration into a folded configuration that is three-dimensional. In some embodiments, a base and a frame are retrieved from stacks of bases and frames an unfolded configuration and then folded into a folded configuration before formation of the package.

FIG. 1 depicts atop view of a base 100 in an unfolded configuration. The base 100 includes a main panel 110. The base 100 further includes end panels 112 and 114 that are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel 110. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 1, the main panel 110 and the end panel 112 are separated by a fold line on the left end of the main panel 110. Similarly, the main panel 110 and the end panel 114 are separated by a fold line on the right end of the main panel 110. The base 100 further includes side panels 116 and 118 that are foldably coupled to opposite sides of the main panel 110. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 1, the main panel 110 and the side panel 116 are separated by a fold line on the bottom side of the main panel 110. Similarly, the main panel 110 and the side panel 118 are separated by a fold line on the bottom side of the main panel 110.

In the depicted embodiment, the left and right ends of the main panel 110 are shorter in length than the top and bottom sides of the main panel 110. It will be understood that, in other embodiments, the left and right ends of the main panel 110 could be longer in length than the top and bottom sides of the main panel 110. It will also be understood that, in other embodiments, the left and right ends of the main panel 110 could be the same length as the top and bottom sides of the main panel 110.

The base 100 further includes flaps 120, 122, 124, and 126. The flaps 120 and 122 are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the side panel 116. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 1, each of the flaps 120 and 122 is separated from the side panel 116 by a fold line with the flap 120 foldably coupled to the left end of the side panel 116 and the flap 122 foldably coupled to the right end of the side panel 116. The flaps 124 and 126 are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the side panel 118. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 1, each of the flaps 124 and 126 is separated from the side panel 118 by a fold line with the flap 124 foldably coupled to the left end of the side panel 118 and the flap 126 foldably coupled to the right end of the side panel 118.

The base 100 further includes engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136. In the depicted embodiment, the engagement feature 130 is on the flap 120, the engagement feature 132 is on the flap 122, the engagement feature 134 is on the flap 124, and the engagement feature 136 is on the flap 126. In the depicted embodiment, each of the engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136 is a sawtooth pattern on an edge of one of the flaps 120, 122, 124, and 126. The engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136 are configured to interact with engaging features of a retaining frame, as discussed in greater detail below. It will be apparent that the sawtooth pattern of the engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136 is one example of an engagement feature, but the engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136 could have any number of other patterns that could interact with engaging features of a retaining frame.

The base 100 can be folded from the unfolded configuration shown in FIG. 1 to a folded configuration. FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the base 100 in a folded configuration. In the depicted embodiment, each of the end panels 112 and 114 and the side panels 116 and 118 have been folded with respect to the main panel 110 about the fold lines such that the end panels 112 and 114 and the side panels 116 and 118 are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 110. In this arrangement, the main panel 110 forms a bottom of a box and the end panels 112 and 114 and the side panels 116 and 118 form sides of the box.

In FIG. 2, the flaps 120, 122, 124, and 126 have also been folded with respect to the side panels 116 and 118 about their respective fold lines. In the depicted embodiment, the flaps 120, 122, 124, and 126 have been folded so that they are substantially perpendicular to the side panels 116 and 118 and substantially parallel to the end panels 112 and 114. In the depicted embodiment, the flaps 120 and 124 are attached (e.g., adhered, glued) to the end panel 112 with the engagement features 130 and 134 facing each other. Similarly, the flaps 122 and 126 are attached (e.g., adhered, glued) to the end panel 114 with the engagement features 132 and 136 facing each other. The attachment of the flaps 120, 122, 124, and 126 to the end panels 112 and 114 holds the base 100 in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of a retaining frame 200 in an unfolded configuration. The retaining frame 200 includes a main panel 210. The retaining frame 200 further includes end panels 212 and 214 that are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel 210. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 3, the main panel 210 and the end panel 212 are separated by a fold line on the left end of the main panel 210. Similarly, the main panel 210 and the end panel 214 are separated by a fold line on the right end of the main panel 210. The retaining frame 200 further includes side panels 216 and 218 that are foldably coupled to opposite sides of the main panel 210. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 3, the main panel 210 and the side panel 216 are separated by a fold line on the bottom side of the main panel 210. Similarly, the main panel 210 and the side panel 218 are separated by a fold line on the bottom side of the main panel 210.

The main panel 210 of the retaining frame 200 includes a gap. In the depicted embodiment, the gap in the main panel 210 is in the shape of a rounded rectangle that is centered on the main panel 210. The retaining frame 200 further includes a sheet 202 that spans the gap in the main panel 210. The sheet 202 is one form of a retention web. In the depicted embodiment, the sheet 202 spans the gap in the main panel 210 in two dimensions (i.e., across both the length and the width of the gap). In other embodiments, the sheet 202 can span the gap in the main panel 210 in just one direction (e.g., across just the length of the gap, or across just the width of the gap). In the depicted embodiment, the sheet 202 is attached (e.g., adhered, glued, etc.) to the lower side of the main panel 210 on all four sides of the main panel 210.

The retaining frame 200 further includes engaging features 232 and 234 that are configured to engage the engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136 of the base 100. In the depicted embodiment, the engaging feature 232 is a tab on the end panel 212 of the retaining frame 200 and the engagement feature 234 is a tab on the end panel 214 of the retaining frame 200. In the depicted embodiment, each of the engagement features 232 and 234 has a trapezoidal shape with a fold line forming one side of the trapezoidal shape and slits forming the other three sides of the trapezoidal shape. As discussed in greater detail below, the engagement feature 232 is configured to engage the sawtooth pattern of the engagement features 130 and 134 on the flaps 120 and 124 of the base 100 and the engagement feature 234 is configured to engage the sawtooth pattern of the engagement features 132 and 136 on the flaps 122 and 126 of the base 100.

The retaining frame 200 can be folded from the unfolded configuration shown in FIG. 3 to a folded configuration. FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the retaining frame 200 in a folded configuration. In the depicted embodiment, each of the end panels 212 and 214 and the side panels 216 and 218 have been folded with respect to the main panel 110 about the fold lines. In particular, each of the end panels 212 and 214 and the side panels 216 and 218 have been folded upward, although the end panels 212 and 214 and the side panels 216 and 218 have not yet been folded to the point that the end panels 212 and 214 and the side panels 216 and 218 are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 210. The engaging features 232 and 234 have also been folded outward with respect to the end panels 212 and 214. In some embodiments, the main panel 210 of the retaining frame 200 is sized so that, when the retaining frame 200 is in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 4, the retaining frame 200 can be pushed down into the base 100 when the base is in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 2.

The base 100 and the retaining frame 200 can be used together to form a package. FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a package 300 that includes the base 100 and the retaining frame 200 before the package 300 is fully formed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the base 100 and the retaining frame 200 are in the folded configurations shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, respectively. As also shown in the embodiment in FIG. 5, objects 302 and 304 have been placed on the main panel 110 of the base 100. The retaining frame 200 is held above the open end of the base 100. For example, the retaining frame 200 can be held above the open end of the base 100 manually by a person (not shown) or automatically by a packaging machine (not shown). It is also apparent in FIG. 5 that the sheet 202 is substantially transparent and the remainder of the retaining frame 200 is substantially opaque. In other embodiments, the sheet 202 can be partially transparent or substantially opaque.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict instances of cross-sectional side views as the package 300 is being formed. FIG. 6A depicts the instance shown in FIG. 5 with the objects 302 and 304 located on the main panel 110 of the base 100 and the retaining frame 200 held above the open end of the base 100. In the depicted embodiment, the base 100 and the retaining frame 200 are in the folded configurations shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, respectively. In particular, the base 100 is in a folded configuration where the end panels 112 and 114 and the side panels 116 and 118 are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 110 and the retaining frame 200 is in a folded configuration where the end panels 212 and 214 and the side panels 216 and 218 are folded but are not substantially perpendicular to the main panel 210. The sheet 202 spans the gap in the main panel 210 with the sheet 202 attached to the lower side of the main panel 210.

From the position shown in FIG. 6A, the retaining frame 200 can be inserted into the base 100 in a downward direction, as indicted by the arrow in FIG. 6A. In particular, the retaining frame 200 can be pushed downward manually by a person or pushed downward automatically by a machine. The main panel 210 is sized so that the main panel 210 can remain substantially parallel to the main panel 110 as the retaining frame 200 is pushed down into the base 100. As the retaining frame 200 is pushed down into the base 100, the sides of the base 100 will contact the end panels 212 and 214 and the side panels 216 and 218 of the retaining frame 200 to cause the end panels 212 and 214 and the side panels 216 and 218 to fold upward until each of the end panels 212 and 214 and the side panels 216 and 218 are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 210.

As the retaining frame 200 moves downward through the base 100, the engaging features 232 and 234 contact the engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136. In particular, the engaging feature 232 contacts the engagement features 130 and 134 on the flaps 120 and 124 and the engaging feature 234 contacts the engagement features 132 and 136 on the flaps 122 and 126. In the depicted embodiment, each of the engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136 has a sawtooth pattern and the engaging features 232 and 234 can engage the sawtooth pattern at a number of different locations as the retaining frame 200 is pushed downward. In this way, the sawtooth pattern of the engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136 acts as a ratcheting mechanism so that the retaining frame 200 can be easily inserted downward into the base 100 but the retaining frame 200 cannot be easily lifted out from the base 100. This arrangement allows the base 100 and the retaining frame 200 to be used in many situations, including with a wide range of numbers, shapes, and sizes of objects.

The retaining frame 200 can be inserted into the base 100 until the sheet 202 of the retaining frame 200 retains the objects against the main panel 110 of the base 100 and the engaging feature 232 engages the engagement features 130 and 134 and the engaging feature 234 engages the engagement features 132 and 136 to hold the retaining frame 200 in place within the base 100. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 6B with the sheet 202 stretched against the objects 302 and 304 so that the sheet 202 retains the objects 302 and 304 against the main panel 110. The engaging features 232 and 234 engage one ridge of the sawtooth patterns of each of the engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136 to hold the retaining frame 200 in place within the base 100. In some embodiments, a predetermined amount of downward force is applied to the retaining frame 200 in the downward direction the retaining frame 200 is inserted into the base 100. The retaining frame 200 continues downward until the objects 302 and 304 provide sufficient resistance to the downward force to prevent further movement of the retaining frame 200. The engaging features 232 and 234 engage whichever of the ridges of the sawtooth pattern of the engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136 are at the location where the downward motion of the retaining frame 200 stops.

One benefit of the arrangement of the base 100 and retaining frame 200 is that the package 300 can be easily and quickly formed by simply inserting the retaining frame 200 downward into the base regardless of the number, shape, and size of the object or objects inside of the base 100. After the package 300 is formed with the retaining frame 200 inserted into the base 100, the package 300 can be closed for storage and/or shipment of the package 300. In some embodiments, a lid is placed on top of the base 100 to close the open top side of the package 300. In some embodiments, the sides of the base are folded inward to close the open top side of the package 300.

FIG. 7 depicts atop view of a base 400 in an unfolded configuration. The base 400 includes a main panel 410. The base 400 further includes end panels 412 and 414 that are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel 410. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 7, the main panel 410 and the end panel 412 are separated by a fold line on the left end of the main panel 410. Similarly, the main panel 410 and the end panel 414 are separated by a fold line on the right end of the main panel 410. The base 400 further includes side panels 416 and 418 that are foldably coupled to opposite sides of the main panel 410. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 7, the main panel 410 and the side panel 416 are separated by a fold line on the bottom side of the main panel 410. Similarly, the main panel 410 and the side panel 418 are separated by a fold line on the bottom side of the main panel 410.

In the depicted embodiment, the left and right ends of the main panel 410 are shorter in length than the top and bottom sides of the main panel 410. It will be understood that, in other embodiments, the left and right ends of the main panel 410 could be longer in length than the top and bottom sides of the main panel 410. It will also be understood that, in other embodiments, the left and right ends of the main panel 410 could be the same length as the top and bottom sides of the main panel 410.

The base 400 further includes flaps 420, 422, 424, and 426. The flaps 420 and 422 are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the side panel 416. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 7, each of the flaps 420 and 422 is separated from the side panel 416 by a fold line with the flap 420 foldably coupled to the left end of the side panel 416 and the flap 422 foldably coupled to the right end of the side panel 416. The flaps 424 and 426 are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the side panel 418. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 7, each of the flaps 424 and 426 is separated from the side panel 418 by a fold line with the flap 424 foldably coupled to the left end of the side panel 418 and the flap 426 foldably coupled to the right end of the side panel 418.

The base 400 further includes engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436. In the depicted embodiment, the engagement feature 430 is on the flap 420, the engagement feature 432 is on the flap 422, the engagement feature 434 is on the flap 424, and the engagement feature 436 is on the flap 426. In the depicted embodiment, each of the engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436 is a slot pattern on an edge of one of the flaps 420, 422, 424, and 426. The engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436 are configured to interact with engaging features of a retaining frame, as discussed in greater detail below. It will be apparent that the slot pattern of the engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436 is one example of an engagement feature, but the engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436 could have any number of other patterns that could interact with engaging features of a retaining frame.

The base 400 can be folded from the unfolded configuration shown in FIG. 7 to a folded configuration. FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the base 400 in a folded configuration. In the depicted embodiment, each of the end panels 412 and 414 and the side panels 416 and 418 have been folded with respect to the main panel 410 about the fold lines such that the end panels 412 and 414 and the side panels 416 and 418 are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 410. In this arrangement, the main panel 410 forms a bottom of a box and the end panels 412 and 414 and the side panels 416 and 418 form sides of the box.

In FIG. 8, the flaps 420, 422, 424, and 426 have also been folded with respect to the side panels 416 and 418 about their respective fold lines. In the depicted embodiment, the flaps 420, 422, 424, and 426 have been folded so that they are substantially perpendicular to the side panels 416 and 418 and substantially parallel to the end panels 412 and 414. In the depicted embodiment, the flaps 420 and 424 are attached (e.g., adhered, glued) to the end panel 412 with the engagement features 430 and 434 facing each other. Similarly, the flaps 422 and 426 are attached (e.g., adhered, glued) to the end panel 414 with the engagement features 432 and 436 facing each other. The attachment of the flaps 420, 422, 424, and 426 to the end panels 412 and 414 holds the base 400 in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of a retaining frame 500 in an unfolded configuration. The retaining frame 500 includes a main panel 510. The retaining frame 500 further includes end panels 512 and 514 that are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel 510. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 9, the main panel 510 and the end panel 512 are separated by a fold line on the left end of the main panel 510. Similarly, the main panel 510 and the end panel 514 are separated by a fold line on the right end of the main panel 510. The retaining frame 500 further includes side panels 516 and 518 that are foldably coupled to opposite sides of the main panel 510. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 9, the main panel 510 and the side panel 516 are separated by a fold line on the bottom side of the main panel 510. Similarly, the main panel 510 and the side panel 518 are separated by a fold line on the bottom side of the main panel 510.

The main panel 510 of the retaining frame 500 includes a gap. In the depicted embodiment, the gap in the main panel 510 is in the shape of an irregular hexagon that is centered on the main panel 510. The retaining frame 500 further includes a sheet 502 that spans the gap in the main panel 510. The sheet 502 is one form of a retention web. In the depicted embodiment, the sheet 502 spans the gap in the main panel 510 in two dimensions (i.e., across both the length and the width of the gap). In other embodiments, the sheet 502 can span the gap in the main panel 510 in just one direction (e.g., across just the length of the gap, or across just the width of the gap). In the depicted embodiment, the sheet 502 is attached (e.g., adhered, glued, etc.) to the lower side of the main panel 510 on all sides of the main panel 510.

The main panel 510 of the retaining frame 500 further includes slot panels 504 and 506. The slot panel 504 is foldably coupled to the end panel 512 and the slot panel 506 is foldably coupled to the end panel 514. The sheet 502 is attached to the lower side of the main panel 510 of the retaining frame 500 that does not include the slot panels 504 and 506. The slot panels 504 and 506 are positioned such that the sheet 202 is above at least a portion of each of the slot panels 504 and 506. In this way, portions of the slot panels 504 and 506 are located below the sheet 502 and portions of the main panel 510 that do not include the slot panels 504 and 506 are above the sheet 502.

The retaining frame 500 further includes engaging features 532 and 534 that are configured to engage the engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436 of the base 400. In the depicted embodiment, the engaging feature 532 includes two tabs that extend from main panel 510 of the retaining frame 500 and the engagement feature 534 includes two tabs that extend from main panel 510 of the retaining frame 500. In the depicted embodiment, each of the engaging features 532 and 534 is coplanar with the main panel 510 and there are no fold lines between the main panel 510 and the engaging features 532 and 534. As discussed in greater detail below, the engaging feature 532 is configured to engage the slot pattern of the engagement features 430 and 434 on the flaps 420 and 424 of the base 400 and the engagement feature 534 is configured to engage the slot pattern of the engagement features 432 and 436 on the flaps 422 and 426 of the base 400.

The retaining frame 500 further includes folding panels 542, 544, 546, and 548. The folding panel 542 is coupled between the end panel 512 and the side panel 516, with a fold line between the folding panel 542 and the end panel 512 and a fold line between the folding panel 542 and the side panel 516. The folding panel 542 also includes another fold line substantially centered between the end panel 512 and the side panel 516. The folding panel 544 is coupled between the end panel 514 and the side panel 516, with a fold line between the folding panel 544 and the end panel 514 and a fold line between the folding panel 544 and the side panel 516. The folding panel 544 also includes another fold line substantially centered between the end panel 514 and the side panel 516. The folding panel 546 is coupled between the end panel 512 and the side panel 518, with a fold line between the folding panel 542 and the end panel 512 and a fold line between the folding panel 542 and the side panel 518. The folding panel 542 also includes another fold line substantially centered between the end panel 512 and the side panel 518. The folding panel 548 is coupled between the end panel 514 and the side panel 518, with a fold line between the folding panel 548 and the end panel 514 and a fold line between the folding panel 548 and the side panel 518. The folding panel 548 also includes another fold line substantially centered between the end panel 514 and the side panel 518.

The retaining frame 500 can be folded from the unfolded configuration shown in FIG. 9 to a folded configuration. FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of the retaining frame 500 in a folded configuration. In the depicted embodiment, each of the end panels 512 and 514 and the side panels 516 and 518 have been folded with respect to the main panel 410 about the fold lines. In particular, each of the end panels 512 and 514 and the side panels 516 and 518 have been folded upward, although the end panels 512 and 514 and the side panels 516 and 518 have not yet been folded to the point that the end panels 512 and 514 and the side panels 516 and 518 are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 510. The engaging features 532 and 534 remain unfolded and substantially coplanar with the main panel 510. Each of the folding panels 542, 544, 546, and 548 is folded inward between the end panels 512 and 514 and the side panels 516 and 518. When folded inward in this manner, the folding panels 542, 544, 546, and 548 provide structural stability and integrity to the retaining frame 500. In some embodiments, the main panel 510 of the retaining frame 500 is sized so that, when the retaining frame 500 is in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 10, the retaining frame 500 can be pushed down into the base 400 when the base is in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 8.

The base 400 and the retaining frame 500 can be used together to form a package.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of a package 600 that includes the base 400 and the retaining frame 500 before the package 600 is fully formed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the base 400 and the retaining frame 500 are in the folded configurations shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, respectively. As also shown in the embodiment in FIG. 11, an object 602 has been placed on the main panel 410 of the base 400. The retaining frame 500 is held above the open end of the base 400. For example, the retaining frame 500 can be held above the open end of the base 400 manually by a person (not shown) or automatically by a packaging machine (not shown). It is also apparent in FIG. 11 that the sheet 502 is substantially transparent and the remainder of the retaining frame 500 is substantially opaque. In other embodiments, the sheet 502 can be partially transparent or substantially opaque.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show instances of cross-sectional side views as the package 600 is being formed. FIG. 12A depicts the instance shown in FIG. 11 with the object 602 located on the main panel 410 of the base 400 and the retaining frame 500 held above the open end of the base 400. In the depicted embodiment, the base 400 and the retaining frame 500 are in the folded configurations shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, respectively. In particular, the base 400 is in a folded configuration where the end panels 412 and 414 and the side panels 416 and 418 are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 410 and the retaining frame 500 is in a folded configuration where the end panels 512 and 514 and the side panels 516 and 518 are folded but are not substantially perpendicular to the main panel 510. The sheet 502 spans the gap in the main panel 510 with the sheet 502 attached to the lower side of the main panel 510.

From the position shown in FIG. 12A, the retaining frame 500 can be inserted into the base 400 in a downward direction, as indicted by the arrow in FIG. 12A. In particular, the retaining frame 500 can be pushed downward manually by a person or pushed downward automatically by a machine. The main panel 510 is sized so that the main panel 510 can remain substantially parallel to the main panel 410 as the retaining frame 500 is pushed down into the base 400. As the retaining frame 500 is pushed down into the base 400, the sides of the base 400 will contact the end panels 512 and 514 and the side panels 516 and 518 of the retaining frame 500 to cause the end panels 512 and 514 and the side panels 516 and 518 to fold upward until each of the end panels 512 and 514 and the side panels 516 and 518 are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 510.

As the retaining frame 500 moves downward through the base 400, the engaging features 532 and 534 contact the engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436. In particular, the engaging feature 532 contacts the engagement features 430 and 434 on the flaps 420 and 424 and the engaging feature 534 contacts the engagement features 432 and 436 on the flaps 422 and 426. In the depicted embodiment, each of the engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436 has a slot pattern and the engaging features 532 and 534 can engage the slot pattern at a number of different slots as the retaining frame 500 is pushed downward. In this way, the slot pattern of the engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436 acts as a ratcheting mechanism so that the retaining frame 500 can be easily inserted downward into the base 400 but the retaining frame 500 cannot be easily lifted out from the base 400. This arrangement allows the base 400 and the retaining frame 500 to be used in many situations, including with a wide range of numbers, shapes, and sizes of objects.

The retaining frame 500 can be inserted into the base 400 until the sheet 502 of the retaining frame 500 retains the objects against the main panel 410 of the base 400 and the engaging feature 532 engages the engagement features 430 and 434 and the engaging feature 534 engages the engagement features 432 and 436 to hold the retaining frame 500 in place within the base 400. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 12B with the sheet 502 stretched against the object 602 so that the sheet 502 retains the object 602 against the main panel 410.

The engaging features 532 and 534 engage one slot of the slot patterns of each of the engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436 to hold the retaining frame 500 in place within the base 400. In some embodiments, a predetermined amount of downward force is applied to the retaining frame 500 in the downward direction the retaining frame 500 is inserted into the base 400. The retaining frame 500 continues downward until the object 602 provides sufficient resistance to the downward force to prevent further movement of the retaining frame 500. The engaging features 532 and 534 engage whichever of the slots of the slot pattern of the engagement features 430, 432, 434, and 436 are at the location where the downward motion of the retaining frame 500 stops.

One benefit of the arrangement of the base 400 and retaining frame 500 is that the package 600 can be easily and quickly formed by simply inserting the retaining frame 500 downward into the base regardless of the number, shape, and size of the object or objects inside of the base 400. After the package 600 is formed with the retaining frame 500 inserted into the base 400, the package 600 can be closed for storage and/or shipment of the package 600. In some embodiments, a lid is placed on top of the base 400 to close the open top side of the package 600. In some embodiments, the sides of the base are folded inward to close the open top side of the package 600.

It will be understood that any feature of any of the bases and retaining frames described herein can be used with any other of the bases and retraining frames described herein. For example, the retaining frame 200 can include folding panels, similar to the folding panels 542, 544, 546, and 548 of the retaining frame 500. Similarly, the base 400 can include the engagement features 130, 132, 134, and 136 shown with respect to the base 100 and the retaining frame 500 can include the engaging features 232 and 234 shown with respect to the retaining frame 200. Any other combinations, substitutions, or variations of the features described herein are possible.

In the embodiments shown above, the retention frames had retention webs in the form of the sheets 202 and 502. In other embodiments, retention frames can take other forms. For example, retention frames can have retention webs that are integrally formed with the frame. Depicted in FIGS. 13A-13D are embodiments of retention frames 7001, 7002, 8001, 8002 that have retention webs that are integrally formed with the frame. It will be apparent that any of the retention frames described herein can have any form of retention webs.

FIG. 13A depicts a top view of the retaining frame 7001 in an unfolded configuration. The retaining frame 7001 includes a main panel 710. The retaining frame 7001 further includes end panels 712 and 714 that are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel 710. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 13A, the main panel 710 and the end panel 712 are separated by a fold line on the top end of the main panel 710. Similarly, the main panel 710 and the end panel 714 are separated by a fold line on the bottom end of the main panel 710. The retaining frame 7001 further includes side panels 716 and 718 that are foldably coupled to opposite sides of the main panel 710. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 13A, the main panel 710 and the side panel 716 are separated by a fold line on the right side of the main panel 710. Similarly, the main panel 710 and the side panel 718 are separated by a fold line on the left side of the main panel 710.

The main panel 710 of the retaining frame 7001 includes a gap. In the depicted embodiment, the gap in the main panel 710 is in the shape of a rounded rectangle that is centered on the main panel 710. The retaining frame 7001 further includes a retention web 7021 that spans the gap in the main panel 710. The retention web 7021 is integrally formed with the main panel 710. For example, the main panel 710 and the retention web 7021 can be cut from the same piece of material (e.g., corrugated cardboard). In the depicted embodiment, the retention web 7021 spans the gap in the main panel 710 in one dimension (i.e., from the left to the right sides of the gap in the main panel 710). In the depicted embodiment, the retention web 7021 includes connectors 760 and a central section 762. The connectors 760 are relatively narrow compared to the central section 762. As the retention frame 7001 is used to retain an object to a base, the connectors 760 are able to bend, twist, or otherwise deform to accommodate a shape of the object. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the central section 762 can have a logo (e.g., a logo of a seller or manufacturer of the object being retained) printed thereon. In other embodiments, any other information can be printed on the central section 762.

The retaining frame 7001 further includes engaging features 732 and 734 that are configured to engage the engagement features of a base. In the depicted embodiment, the engaging feature 732 is a tab on the end panel 712 of the retaining frame 7001 and the engagement feature 734 is a tab on the end panel 714 of the retaining frame 7001. In the depicted embodiment, each of the engagement features 732 and 734 has a trapezoidal shape with a fold line forming one side of the trapezoidal shape and slits forming the other three sides of the trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, the engagement features 732 and 734 are configured to engage the sawtooth pattern of the engagement features on the flaps of a base (e.g., the engagement features 130, 132, 134, 136 on the flaps 120, 122, 124, 126 of the base 100).

FIG. 13B depicts a top view of the retaining frame 7002 in an unfolded configuration. The retaining frame 7002 is similar to the retaining frame 7001 with similar features having the same reference numbers as in FIG. 13A. The main panel 710 of the retaining frame 7002 includes a gap. In the depicted embodiment, the gap in the main panel 710 is in the shape of a rounded rectangle that is centered on the main panel 710. The retaining frame 7002 further includes a retention web 7022 that spans the gap in the main panel 710. The retention web 7022 is integrally formed with the main panel 710. For example, the main panel 710 and the retention web 7022 can be cut from the same piece of material (e.g., corrugated cardboard). In the depicted embodiment, the retention web 7022 spans the gap in the main panel 710 in two dimensions (i.e., from the left to the right sides of the gap in the main panel 710 and from the top to the bottom sides of the gap in the main panel 710). In the depicted embodiment, the retention web 7022 includes connectors that are arranged in a particular pattern. The connectors are relatively narrow so that the retention web 7022 is able to bend, twist, or otherwise deform to accommodate a shape of the object.

FIG. 13C depicts atop view of the retaining frame 8001 in an unfolded configuration. The retaining frame 8001 includes a main panel 810. The retaining frame 8001 further includes end panels 812 and 814 that are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel 810. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 13C, the main panel 810 and the end panel 812 are separated by a fold line on the top end of the main panel 810. Similarly, the main panel 810 and the end panel 814 are separated by a fold line on the bottom end of the main panel 810. The retaining frame 8001 further includes side panels 816 and 818 that are foldably coupled to opposite sides of the main panel 810. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 13C, the main panel 810 and the side panel 816 are separated by a fold line on the right side of the main panel 810. Similarly, the main panel 810 and the side panel 818 are separated by a fold line on the left side of the main panel 810.

The main panel 810 of the retaining frame 8001 includes a gap. In the depicted embodiment, the gap in the main panel 810 is in the shape of a rounded rectangle that is centered on the main panel 810. The retaining frame 8001 further includes a retention web 8021 that spans the gap in the main panel 810. The retention web 8021 is integrally formed with the main panel 810. For example, the main panel 810 and the retention web 8021 can be cut from the same piece of material (e.g., corrugated cardboard). In the depicted embodiment, the retention web 8021 spans the gap in the main panel 810 in two dimensions (i.e., from the left to the right sides of the gap in the main panel 810 and from the top to the bottom of the gap in the main panel 810). In the depicted embodiment, the retention web 8021 includes connectors 860 and a central section 862. The connectors 860 are relatively narrow compared to the central section 862. As the retention frame 8001 is used to retain an object to a base, the connectors 860 are able to bend, twist, or otherwise deform to accommodate a shape of the object. As shown in the depicted embodiment, the central section 862 can have a decorative features (e.g., a flower) printed thereon. In other embodiments, any other information can be printed on the central section 862. The retention web 8021 also includes decorative features 864 (e.g., leaves) that may not have an effect on the functionality of the retention web 8021 but may add to a customer's experience when viewing an object packaged using the retaining frame 8001.

The retaining frame 8001 further includes engaging features 832 and 834 that are configured to engage the engagement features of a base. In the depicted embodiment, the engaging feature 832 includes two tabs that extend from main panel 810 of the retaining frame 8001 and the engagement feature 834 includes two tabs that extend from main panel 810 of the retaining frame 8001. In the depicted embodiment, each of the engaging features 832 and 834 is coplanar with the main panel 810 and there are no fold lines between the main panel 810 and the engaging features 832 and 834. The engaging features 832 and 834 are configured to engage the slot pattern of engagement features on flaps of a base (e.g., the engagement features 430, 432, 434, 436 on the flaps 420, 422, 424, 426 of the base 400).

FIG. 13D depicts a top view of the retaining frame 8002 in an unfolded configuration. The retaining frame 8002 is similar to the retaining frame 8001 with similar features having the same reference numbers as in FIG. 13C. The main panel 810 of the retaining frame 8002 includes a gap. In the depicted embodiment, the gap in the main panel 810 is in the shape of a rounded rectangle that is centered on the main panel 810. The retaining frame 8002 further includes a retention web 8022 that spans the gap in the main panel 810. The retention web 8022 is integrally formed with the main panel 810. For example, the main panel 810 and the retention web 8022 can be cut from the same piece of material (e.g., corrugated cardboard). In the depicted embodiment, the retention web 8022 spans the gap in the main panel 810 in two dimensions (i.e., from the left to the right sides of the gap in the main panel 810 and from the top to the bottom sides of the gap in the main panel 810). In the depicted embodiment, the retention web 8022 includes connectors that are arranged in a particular pattern. The connectors are relatively narrow so that the retention web 8022 is able to bend, twist, or otherwise deform to accommodate a shape of the object.

FIG. 14 depicts a top view of a retaining frame 900 in an unfolded configuration. The retaining frame 900 includes a main panel 910. The retaining frame 9001 further includes end panels 912 and 914 that are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel 910. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 900, the main panel 910 and the end panel 912 are separated by a fold line on the top end of the main panel 910. Similarly, the main panel 910 and the end panel 914 are separated by a fold line on the bottom end of the main panel 910. The retaining frame 9001 further includes side panels 916 and 918 that are foldably coupled to opposite sides of the main panel 910. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 14, the main panel 910 and the side panel 916 are separated by a fold line on the right side of the main panel 910. Similarly, the main panel 910 and the side panel 918 are separated by a fold line on the left side of the main panel 910.

The main panel 910 of the retaining frame 9001 includes a gap. In the depicted embodiment, the gap in the main panel 910 is in the shape of a rounded rectangle that is centered on the main panel 910. The entirety of the gap is not shown, but the gap in the main panel 910 can be any form of a gap, such as the gaps in the main panels depicted herein. Although not depicted in FIG. 14, the retaining frame 900 can also include a retention web that spans the gap in the main panel 910. For example, the retaining frame 900 can have a retention web integrally formed with the main panel or a retention web that is in the form of a sheet.

The retaining frame 900 further includes engaging features 932 and 934 that are configured to engage the engagement features of a base. In the depicted embodiment, the engaging feature 932 includes two tabs that extend from main panel 910 of the retaining frame 900 and the engagement feature 934 includes two tabs that extend from main panel 910 of the retaining frame 900. In the depicted embodiment, each of the engaging features 932 and 934 is coplanar with the main panel 910 and there are no fold lines between the main panel 910 and the engaging features 932 and 934. The engaging features 932 and 934 are configured to engage the slot pattern of engagement features on flaps of a base (e.g., the engagement features 430, 432, 434, 436 on the flaps 420, 422, 424, 426 of the base 400).

The retaining frame 900 further includes a second set of engaging features 933 and 935 that are configured to engage the engagement features of a base. In the depicted embodiment, the engaging feature 933 includes two tabs that extend from the end panel 912 of the retaining frame 900 and the engagement feature 934 includes two tabs that extend from the end panel 914 of the retaining frame 900. In the depicted embodiment, the engaging feature 933 is coplanar with the end panel 912 and there are no fold lines between the end panel 912 and the engaging feature 933. Similarly, the engaging feature 935 is coplanar with the end panel 914 and there are no fold lines between the end panel 914 and the engaging feature 935. The engaging features 933 and 935 are configured to engage the slot pattern of engagement features on flaps of a base (e.g., the engagement features 430, 432, 434, 436 on the flaps 420, 422, 424, 426 of the base 400). In this way, the retaining frame 900 provides two sets of engaging features that can engage two of the engagement features on each flap of a base.

The retaining frame 900 further includes centering tabs 913 and 915 that are configured to aid in centering the retaining frame 900 as the retaining frame 900 is inserted into a base. The centering tabs 913 are located on the sides of the end panel 912 and the centering tabs 915 are located on the sides of the end panel 914. The centering tabs 913 and 915 are shaped to contact the sides of the base the retaining frame 900 is inserted into a base and cause the retaining frame 900 to be substantially centered between the sides of the base. Such an alignment of the retaining frame 900 can also cause the engaging features 932, 933, 934, and 935 to align with engagement features on the flaps of the base to ensure proper engagement of the engaging features 932, 933, 934, and 935 of the retaining frame 900 with the engagement features on the flaps of the base.

FIG. 15A depicts a top view of an embodiment of a base 950 in an unfolded configuration. The base 950 includes a main panel 960. The base 950 further includes end panels 962 and 964 that are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel 960. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 15A, the main panel 960 and the end panel 962 are separated by a fold line on the left end of the main panel 960. Similarly, the main panel 960 and the end panel 964 are separated by a fold line on the right end of the main panel 960. The base 950 further includes side panels 966 and 968 that are foldably coupled to opposite sides of the main panel 960. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 15A, the main panel 960 and the side panel 966 are separated by a fold line on the bottom side of the main panel 960. Similarly, the main panel 960 and the side panel 968 are separated by a fold line on the bottom side of the main panel 960.

In the depicted embodiment, the left and right ends of the main panel 960 are shorter in length than the top and bottom sides of the main panel 960. It will be understood that, in other embodiments, the left and right ends of the main panel 960 could be longer in length than the top and bottom sides of the main panel 960. It will also be understood that, in other embodiments, the left and right ends of the main panel 960 could be the same length as the top and bottom sides of the main panel 960.

The base 950 further includes flaps 970, 972, 974, and 976. The flaps 970 and 972 are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the side panel 966. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 15A, each of the flaps 970 and 972 is separated from the side panel 966 by a fold line with the flap 970 foldably coupled to the left end of the side panel 966 and the flap 972 foldably coupled to the right end of the side panel 966. The flaps 974 and 976 are foldably coupled to opposite ends of the side panel 968. When viewing the embodiment in FIG. 15A, each of the flaps 974 and 976 is separated from the side panel 968 by a fold line with the flap 974 foldably coupled to the left end of the side panel 968 and the flap 976 foldably coupled to the right end of the side panel 968.

The base 950 further includes engagement features 980, 982, 984, and 986. In the depicted embodiment, the engagement feature 980 is on the flap 970, the engagement feature 982 is on the flap 972, the engagement feature 984 is on the flap 974, and the engagement feature 986 is on the flap 976. In the depicted embodiment, each of the engagement features 980, 982, 984, and 986 is a hole pattern on one of the flaps 970, 972, 974, and 976. The engagement features 980, 982, 984, and 986 are configured to interact with engaging features of a retaining frame. It will be apparent that the hole pattern of the engagement features 980, 982, 984, and 986 is one example of an engagement feature, but the engagement features 980, 982, 984, and 986 could have any number of other patterns that could interact with engaging features of a retaining frame.

The base 950 can be folded from the unfolded configuration shown in FIG. 15A to a folded configuration. FIG. 15B depicts a perspective view of the base 950 in a folded configuration. In the depicted embodiment, each of the end panels 962 and 964 and the side panels 966 and 968 have been folded with respect to the main panel 960 about the fold lines such that the end panels 962 and 964 and the side panels 966 and 968 are substantially perpendicular to the main panel 960. In this arrangement, the main panel 960 forms a bottom of a box and the end panels 962 and 964 and the side panels 966 and 968 form sides of the box.

In FIG. 15B, the flaps 970, 972, 974, and 976 have also been folded with respect to the side panels 966 and 968 about their respective fold lines. In the depicted embodiment, the flaps 970, 972, 974, and 976 have been folded so that they are substantially perpendicular to the side panels 966 and 968 and substantially parallel to the end panels 962 and 964. In the depicted embodiment, the flaps 970 and 974 are attached (e.g., adhered, glued) to the end panel 962 with the engagement features 980 and 984 facing each other. Similarly, the flaps 972 and 976 are attached (e.g., adhered, glued) to the end panel 964 with the engagement features 982 and 986 facing each other. The attachment of the flaps 970, 972, 974, and 976 to the end panels 962 and 964 holds the base 950 in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 15B.

For purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” and the like, should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. Unless stated otherwise, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like are used to mean within 5% of a target value.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.

Claims

1. A package, comprising:

a base having: a main panel, first and second end panels, each of which is foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel, first and second side panels each of which is foldably coupled to opposite sides the main panel, first and second flaps foldably coupled to opposite ends of the first side panel, and third and fourth flaps foldably coupled to opposite ends of the second side panel, wherein the base is foldable into a folded configuration in which each of the first and second end panels and the first and second side panels are substantially perpendicular to the main panel, the first and third flaps are arranged to be adhered to the first end panel, and the second and fourth flaps are arranged to be attached to the second end panel;
at least one object located on the main panel of the base; and
a retaining frame configured to retain the at least one object to the main panel of the base, the retaining frame comprising: a main panel having a gap, a retention web spanning the gap of the main panel of the retaining frame, and first and second end panels, each of which is foldably coupled to opposite ends of the main panel of the retaining frame;
wherein the retaining frame includes: a first engaging feature configured to engage a first engagement feature on one or both of the first and third flaps; and a second engaging feature configured to engage a second engagement feature on one or both of the second and fourth flaps; and
wherein, when the base is in the folded configuration, the retaining frame is configured to be inserted into the base until: the retention web of the retaining frame retains the at least one object against the main panel of the base, and the first engaging feature engages the first engagement feature and the second engaging feature engages the second engagement feature, to hold the retaining frame in place within the base.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first engaging feature is a first tab on the first end panel of the retaining frame and the second engaging feature is a second tab on the second end panel of the retaining frame.

3. The package of claim 2, wherein:

the first engagement feature comprises a sawtooth pattern on each of the first and third flaps; and
the second engagement feature comprises a sawtooth pattern on each of the second and fourth flaps.

4. The package of claim 3, wherein:

each of the first tab of the first engaging feature and the second tab of the second engaging feature has a trapezoidal shape;
the trapezoidal shape of the first tab is configured to engage the sawtooth pattern on each of the first and third flaps; and
the trapezoidal shape of the second tab is configured to engage the sawtooth pattern on each of the second and fourth flaps.

5. The package of claim 1, wherein the first engaging feature includes first and second tabs that extend from a first edge of the main panel of the retaining frame and the second engaging feature includes third and fourth tabs that extend from a second edge of the main panel of the retaining frame.

6. The package of claim 5, wherein:

the first engagement feature comprises a slot pattern on each of the first and third flaps; and
the second engagement feature comprises a slot pattern on each of the second and fourth flaps.

7. The package of the preceding claim, wherein:

the first and second tabs of the first engaging feature are configured to engage one of the slots in the slot pattern of each of the first and third flaps; and
the third and fourth tabs of the second engaging feature are configured to engage one of the slots in the slot pattern of each of the second and fourth flaps.

8. The package of claim 1, wherein the main panel of the retaining frame comprises:

a first slot panel foldably coupled to the first end panel of the retaining frame; and
a second slot panel foldably coupled to the second end panel of the retaining frame.

9. The package of claim 8, wherein the retention web includes a sheet that is coupled to the main panel of the retaining frame such that:

the sheet is attached to a lower side of the main panel of the retaining frame that does not include the first and second slot panels; and
the first and second slot panels are positioned such that the sheet is above at least a portion of each of the first and second slot panels.

10. The package of claim 1, wherein the retaining frame further comprises first and second side panels.

11. The package of claim 12, wherein the retaining frame (500) further comprises at least one folding panel that is coupled between one of the first and second ends panels of the retaining frame and one of the first and second side panels of the retaining frame.

12. The package of claim 11, wherein the at least one folding panel comprises:

a first folding panel coupled between the first end panel of the retaining frame and the first side panel of the retaining frame;
a second folding panel coupled between the second end panel of the retaining frame and the first side panel of the retaining frame;
a third folding panel coupled between the first end panel of the retaining frame and the second side panel of the retaining frame; and
a fourth folding panel coupled between the second end panel of the retaining frame and the second side panel of the retaining frame.

13. The package of claim 1, wherein the retention web is integrally formed with the main panel of the retaining frame.

Patent History
Publication number: 20260200629
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 21, 2023
Publication Date: Jul 16, 2026
Inventors: David Masa (Bessancourt), Cedric Goze (Joigny)
Application Number: 19/131,258
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 5/50 (20060101);