Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
PACKAGING SYSTEMS FOR MULTIPLE POTTED
PLANTS AND ASSOCIATED BLANKS AND PACKAGING
METHODS
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to product packaging and
shipping and, more
particularly, to packaging systems that are configurable for packing and
shipping a plurality of
potted plants and associated blanks for constructing the packaging systems and
methods of
packaging.
BACKGROUND
[0002] With the advent of ecommerce, consumers have grown accustomed to
purchasing
various products over the Internet or by other electronic means. A wide
variety of products now
move through ecommerce, including live potted plants and the like. Such potted
plants are
typically shipped, whether by the United States Postal Service or by private
courier, directly to
the consumer.
[0003] Manufacturers and distributors engaged in ecommerce continue to look
for ways to
improve packaging and shipping efficiency, as well as reduce overall costs and
damage to
products during shipment. Parcels (e.g., corrugated boxes) are attractive
options for shipping
live potted because they are durable, they can contain relatively large
volumes, and they are
relatively easy to load. However, live potted plants may become damaged due to
reorientation of
the parcel during shipment.
[0004] Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and
development efforts in
the field of product packaging and shipping.
SUMMARY
[0005] Disclosed are packaging systems, blanks for assembling the disclosed
packaging
systems, and methods of packaging product using the disclosed packaging
systems. The
- -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be
claimed, of the subject
matter according to the present disclosure.
[0006] In an example, the disclosed packaging system includes a packaging
container
including a lower wall and an opposed pair of sidewalls. The packaging system
also includes a
brace configured to extend between and to be coupled to the opposed pair of
sidewalls.
[0007] In an example, the disclosed packaging system includes a packaging
container,
including a lower wall, an upper wall, and a plurality of sidewalls and
defining an internal
volume. The packaging system also includes a strap configured to extend
between and be
coupled to a first opposed pair of the plurality of sidewalls within the
internal volume.
[0008] In an example, the disclosed packaging system includes a packaging
container,
including a lower wall, an upper wall, and a plurality of sidewalls and
defining an internal
volume. The packaging system also includes a potted plant located within the
internal volume
and supported by the lower wall. The packaging system further includes a strap
extending
between and coupled to a first opposed pair of the plurality of sidewalls
within the internal
volume. The strap engages a portion of the potted plant opposite the lower
wall.
[0009] In an example, the disclosed packaging system includes an insert
including a lower
wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall. The
packaging system
also includes a brace configured to extend between and to be coupled to the
first sidewall and the
second sidewall.
[0010] In an example, the disclosed packaging system includes an insert
including a lower
wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall. The
packaging system
also includes potted plants supported by the lower wall of the insert. The
packaging system
further includes a brace extending between and coupled to the first sidewall
and the second
sidewall. The brace engages a portion of the potted plants opposite the lower
wall of the insert.
[0011] In an example, the disclosed method of packaging includes steps of: (1)
configuring a
packaging container in a loading configuration; (2) loading the plurality of
potted plants within
the packaging container; (3) positioning a brace between an opposed pair of
sidewalls of the
packaging container; (4) coupling the brace to each one of the opposed pair of
sidewalls, and (5)
- 2 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
retaining at least one of the potted plants between a lower wall of the
packaging container and
the brace.
[0012] Other examples of the disclosed packaging systems, packaging
containers, associated
blanks, and methods of packaging will become apparent from the following
detailed description,
the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Fig. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of a packaging
system, shown in
a loading configuration;
[0014] Fig. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system, shown
in the loading configuration;
[0015] Fig. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of the packaging system of Fig.
1, shown in a
loaded configuration;
[0016] Fig. 4 is a schematic, perspective view of the packaging system of Fig.
2, shown in the
loaded configuration;
[0017] Fig. 5 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system in the
loaded configuration;
[0018] Fig. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system in the
loaded configuration;
[0019] Fig. 7 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system in the
loaded configuration;
[0020] Fig. 8 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system in the
loaded configuration;
- 3 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[0021] Fig. 9 is a schematic, sectional elevation view of an example of a
portion of a sidewall
of a packaging container and a brace, coupled to the sidewall, of the
packaging container;
[0022] Fig. 10 is a schematic, sectional top plan view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0023] Fig. 11 is a schematic, sectional elevation view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0024] Fig. 12 is a schematic, sectional top plan view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0025] Fig. 13 is a schematic, sectional elevation view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0026] Fig. 14 is a schematic, sectional top plan view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0027] Fig. 15 is a schematic, sectional top plan view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0028] Fig. 16 is a schematic, sectional top plan view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0029] Fig. 17 is a schematic, sectional top plan view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0030] Fig. 18 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
the brace of
the packaging system;
[0031] Fig. 19 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
a tray of the
packaging container of the packaging system shown in Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7;
[0032] Fig. 20 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
a carton of the
packaging container of the packaging system shown in Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7;
[0033] Fig. 21 is a schematic, plan view of an example of the blank used to
make the carton of
the packaging container of the packaging system shown in Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7;
[0034] Fig. 22 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
the packaging
container of the packaging system shown in Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8;
[0035] Fig. 23 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
a carton of the
packaging container of the packaging system similar to the one shown in Figs.
1, 3, 5 and 7, but
with triangular-shaped push-in panels;
- 4 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[0036] Figs. 24 and 25 are schematic side elevational views showing techniques
for securing
potted plants to be packaged as disclosed herein;
[0037] Fig. 26 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system;
[0038] Fig. 27 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system;
[0039] Fig. 28 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system shown
in Fig. 26;
[0040] Fig. 29 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system shown
in Fig. 27;
[0041] Fig. 30 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system;
[0042] Fig. 31 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system;
[0043] Fig. 32 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system;
[0044] Fig. 33 is a is a schematic, perspective view of an example of portion
of the packaging
system in a partially constructed configuration;
[0045] Fig. 34 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system in a
partially constructed configuration;
[0046] Fig. 35 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system;
[0047] Fig. 36 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the packaging
system;
[0048] Fig. 37 is a schematic, sectional elevation view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0049] Fig. 38 is a schematic, sectional elevation view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0050] Fig. 39 is a schematic, sectional elevation view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0051] Fig. 40 is a schematic, sectional elevation view of an example of the
packaging system;
[0052] Fig. 41 is a schematic, sectional elevation view of an example of the
packaging system;
- 5 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[0053] Figs. 42-47, in combination, schematically illustrate an example of a
process for
constructing the packaging system;
[0054] Fig. 48 is a schematic, plan view of an example of the blank used to
make the brace of
the packaging system;
[0055] Fig. 49 is a schematic, plan view of an example of the blank used to
make the brace of
the packaging system;
[0056] Fig. 50 is a schematic, plan view of an example of the blank used to
make the brace of
the packaging system;
[0057] Fig 51 is a schematic, plan view of an example of the blank used to
make the brace of
the packaging system;
[0058] Fig 52 is a schematic, plan view of an example of the blank used to
make the brace of
the packaging system;
[0059] Fig. 53 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
the packaging
container of the packaging system;
[0060] Fig. 54 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
the packaging
container of the packaging system;
[0061] Fig. 55 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
the packaging
container of the packaging system;
[0062] Fig. 56 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
the packaging
container of the packaging system;
[0063] Fig. 57 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
a shipping
container of the packaging system; and
[0064] Fig. 58 is a schematic, plan view of an example of a blank used to make
the shipping
container of the packaging system.
- 6 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0065] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings,
which
illustrate specific examples described by the present disclosure. Other
examples having different
features, elements, components, structures and operations do not depart from
the scope of the
present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature,
element, component
or structure in the different drawings. Throughout the present disclosure, any
one of a plurality
of items may generally be referred to individually as the item and a plurality
of items may
generally be referred to collectively as the items.
[0066] Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not
necessarily, claimed,
of the subject matter according the present disclosure are provided below.
Reference herein to
-example" means that one or more feature, structure, element, component,
characteristic, and/or
operational step described in connection with the example is included in at
least one aspect,
embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the
present disclosure.
Thus, the phrases "an example," "another example," "one or more examples," and
similar
language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer
to the same
example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but
does not
necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example.
Moreover, the subject
matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined
with the subject
matter characterizing any other example.
[0067] Referring generally to Figs. 1-57, by way of examples, the present
disclosure is
directed to a packaging system 100. The packaging system 100 is configured to
facilitate
packaging and shipping of at least one potted plant 200. Generally, the potted
plant 200 includes
a live plant 202 that is potted in an associated pot 204. In some figures
(e.g., Figs. 1, 2 and
10-17), certain ones of the plurality of potted plants 200 may be shown with
only the pot 204
(e.g., without the plant 202) for simplicity of illustration. The packaging
system 100 may be
loaded with at least one potted plant 200 such that the pot 204 is secured
within the packaging
system 100 to prevent movement of the pot 204 and, thus, to prevent damage to
plant 202 due to
movement of the pot 204 when the packaging system 100 is reoriented during
shipment.
- 7 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[0068] The potted plant 200 generally includes the pot 204, soil 203 (Figs. 24
and 25) and at
least one plant 202. In one or more examples, the pot 204 may be a generally
cylindrical potting
container configured to contain one associated plant 202. In such examples,
the pot 204 may
have a tapered shape in which a diameter of the pot at its base is smaller
than a diameter of the
pot at its open end. In one or more examples, the pot 204 may be a tray
container, also known as
a flat, that includes a plurality of cells in which each cell is configured to
contain one associated
plant 202. In such examples, the pot 204 (e.g., the tray) may have a generally
rectangular shape.
[0069] In one or more examples, packaging system 100 includes a packaging
container 102.
The packaging container 102 includes a lower wall 104 and an opposed pair of
sidewalls 108.
The packaging system 100 also includes a brace 112. The brace 112 is
configured to extend
between and to be coupled to the opposed pair of sidewalls 108. The brace 112
is configured to
retain the potted plant 200 within the packaging container 102. In one or more
examples, the
packaging system 100 includes a plurality of braces 130. Each one of the
plurality of braces 130
is configured to extend between and be coupled to the opposed pair of
sidewalls 108 of the
packaging container 102.
[0070] As illustrated in Figs. 1-17, in one or more examples, the brace 112 is
substantially
planar. In such examples, the brace 112 may also be referred to as a strap.
With the brace 112
coupled to the opposed pair of the sidewalls 108, the brace 112 is
substantially parallel to the
lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102.
[0071] As illustrated in Figs. 26, 28, 30, 32, 37, 38 and 41, in one or more
examples, the brace
112 has an inverted V-shape. For examples, the brace 112 includes a first side
220 and a second
side 222 coupled to the first side 220 and oblique to the first side 220. With
the brace 112
coupled to the opposed pair of the sidewalls 108, the first side 220 and the
second side 222 are
oblique to the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102.
[0072] As illustrated in Figs 27, 29, 31, 39 and 42-47, in one or more
examples, the brace
112 has a triangular shape. For example, the brace 112 includes a first side
220, a second side
222 oblique to the first side 220, and a third side 224 coupled to the first
side 220 and to the
second side 222 and oblique to the first side 220 and to the second side 222.
With the brace 112
coupled to the opposed pair of the sidewalls 108, the first side 220 and the
second side are
- 8 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
oblique to the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102 and the third
side 224 is parallel to
the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102.
[0073] As illustrated in Figs. 34-36 and 40, in one or more examples, the
brace 112 has a T-
shape. For example, the brace 112 includes a web 226, a first flange 228
coupled to the web
226, and a second flange 230 coupled to the web 226 opposite the first flange
228. With the
brace 112 coupled to the opposed pair of the sidewalls 108, the web 226 is
perpendicular to the
lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102 and the first flange 228 and the
second flange 230
are parallel to the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102.
[0074] As illustrated in Figs. 32-36 and 41, in one or more examples, the
packaging container
102 includes a second opposed pair of the sidewalls 108 coupled to the lower
wall 104. The
packaging container 102 also includes a first wall-flange 260 coupled to a
first one of the second
opposed pair of the sidewalls 108 and parallel to the lower wall 104 of the
packaging container
102. The packaging container 102 further includes a second wall-flange 262
coupled to a second
one of the second opposed pair of the sidewalls 108 and parallel to the lower
wall 104 of the
packaging container 102. The first wall-flange 260 and the second wall-flange
262 are
configured to retain the potted plants 200 within the packaging container 102
in conjunction with
the brace 112 or the plurality of braces 130.
[0075] As illustrated in Figs. 30-47, in one or more examples, the packaging
system 100
includes a shipping container 198. The shipping container 198 includes a lower
wall 234, an
upper wall 236, and a plurality of sidewalls 238 and defines an internal
volume 240. In these
examples, the packaging container 102 includes, or takes the form of, an
insert 196. The insert
196 is configured to be positioned within the internal volume 240 of the
shipping container 198.
[0076] As illustrated in Figs. 1,2,9-17,26-32 and 34-41, in one or more
examples, the
brace 112, or each one of the plurality of braces 130, includes a retainer
portion 158, a first
extension portion 160 extending from the retainer portion 158, and a second
extension portion
162 extending from the retainer portion 158 opposite to the first extension
portion 160.
[0077] In one or more examples, with the brace 112 coupled to the opposed pair
of the
sidewalls 108 of the insert 196 and the insert 196 positioned within the
internal volume 240 of
- 9 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
the shipping container 198, the retainer portion 158 of the brace 112 extends
between the
opposed pair of the sidewalls 108 of the insert 196, the first extension
portion 160 extends
between a first one of the opposed pair of the sidewalls 108 of the insert 196
and a first one of
the plurality of sidewalls 238 of the shipping container 198, and the second
extension portion
162 of the brace 112 extends between a second one of the opposed pair of the
sidewalls 108 of
the insert 196 and a second one of the plurality of sidewalls 238 of the
shipping container 198.
[0078] As illustrated in Figs. 1-17, in one or more examples, the packaging
container 102
includes an upper wall 106 and a plurality of the sidewalls 108 and defines an
internal volume
110. In these examples, the packaging container 102 serves as a shipping
container.
[0079] Referring now to Figs. 1-17, in one or more examples, the packaging
container 102
defines the internal volume 110 and is configured to be loaded with one or
more potted plants
200 for shipping. The packaging system 100 also includes the brace 112. The
brace 112 is a
retaining brace configured to retain or secure one or more potted plants 200
within the packaging
container 102. In one or more examples, the packaging system 100 also includes
one or more
potted plants 200, located within the internal volume 110 of the packaging
container 102 and
secured by the brace 112.
[0080] In one or more examples, as illustrated in Figs. 1-8, the packaging
container 102 is a
three-dimensional, multi-sided container, or box, that is configured to hold
at least one potted
plant 200 for shipping. In the illustrated examples, the packaging container
102 is a six-sided
cube or cuboid. However, the packaging container 102 is not limited to six
sides. In other
examples, the packaging container 102 may have more than six sides or may be a
different
polyhedron. In one or more examples, each one of the sides of the packaging
container 102 is
planar. In other examples, one or more of the sides of the packaging container
102 may be non-
planar (e.g., curved or including a contour along one or more axes). The
packaging container
102 may have any suitable dimensions (e.g., length, width, and height). It can
be appreciated
that the dimensions of the packaging container 102 may depend on the type,
size, arrangement
and/or number of the potted plants 200 loaded into the packaging container 102
and shipped
using the packaging system 100.
-10 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[0081] In one or more examples, the brace 112 is coupled to the packaging
container 102
within the internal volume 110 or is otherwise secured within the internal
volume 110 such that a
portion (e.g., the retainer portion 158) of the brace 112 contacts a portion
of at least one potted
plant 200. The brace 112 may have any one of various structural configurations
or may be made
of any one of various materials. The brace 112 may have any suitable
dimensions (e.g., length,
width, and thickness). It can be appreciated that the dimensions of the brace
112 may depend on
the dimensions of the packaging container 102 and the type, size, arrangement
and/or number of
the potted plants 200 loaded into the packaging container 102 and shipped
using the packaging
system 100.
[0082] Figs. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate examples of the packaging system
100 in a
loading configuration. As used herein, the phrase "loading configuration"
refers to a condition
or arrangement of the packaging system 100 in which the packaging container
102 is open such
that one or more potted plants 200 may be loaded within the packaging
container 102 and
secured by the brace 112. Figs. 3-8 and 10-17 schematically illustrate
examples of the
packaging system 100 in a loaded configuration. As used herein, the phrase
"loaded
configuration" refers to a condition or arrangement of the packaging system
100 in which the
packaging container 102 is loaded with at least one potted plant 200, the
brace 112 is coupled to
the packaging container 102 in contact with at least one potted plant 200, and
the packaging
container 102 is closed (e.g., sealed) for shipping.
[0083] Figs. 1-8 and 10-17 schematically illustrate various examples of the
packaging system
100 used to pack and ship different numbers of potted plants 200. Figs. 10-14
illustrate
examples of the packaging system 100 used to pack and ship four potted plants
200. Fig. 15
illustrates an example of the packaging system 100 used to pack and ship one
potted plant 200.
Figs. 1-8,16 and 17 illustrate examples of the packaging system 100 used to
pack and ship six
potted plants 200. In other examples, the packaging system 100 may be used to
pack and ship
any number of potted plants 200 (e.g., three potted plants 200, five potted
plants 200, or more
than six potted plants 200).
[0084] As best illustrated in Figs. 10-17, with at least one potted plant 200
loaded within the
internal volume 110 of the packaging container 102 and the brace 112 secured
to the packaging
-11 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
container 102 within the internal volume 110, a portion of the brace 112
overlaps and is in
contact with a portion of the pot 204 of the potted plant 200 in its loaded
position such that
movement of the potted plant 200 relative to the packaging container 102 is
restricted or
prevented. As an example, the brace 112 prevents the potted plant 200 from
moving laterally
(e.g., side-to-side and front-to-back) within the packaging container 102. As
another example,
the brace 112 prevents the potted plant 200 from moving up-and-down within the
packaging
container 102. As such, the potted plant 200 remains in a relatively fixed
position relative to the
packaging container 102 when the packaging container 102 is moved and/or
reoriented during
shipping. For example, when the packaging container 102 is tilted, turned, or
flipped during
shipment, the potted plant 200 remains stationary within the packaging
container 102, which
prevents damage to the pot 204 and to the plant 202.
[0085] Referring now to Figs. 1-8 and 10-17, in one or more examples, the
packaging
container 102 includes the lower wall 104, the upper wall 106, and the
plurality of sidewalls 108.
The lower wall 104, the upper wall 106, and the plurality of sidewalls 108
form the sides of the
packaging container 102 and define the internal volume 110.
[0086] In one or more examples, the plurality of sidewalls 108 includes a
first (e.g., left)
sidewall 144, a second (e.g., right) sidewall 146, a third (e.g., front)
sidewall 148 and a fourth
(e.g., rear) sidewall 150. The second sidewall 146 and the fourth sidewall 150
are not visible in
Fig. 1. The second sidewall 146, the fourth sidewall 150 and the lower wall
104 are not visible
in Figs. 2-8. The upper wall 106 is not shown in Figs. 10,12 and 14-17. The
third sidewall 148
is not shown in Figs. 11 and 13
[0087] In one or more examples, the first sidewall 144 and the second sidewall
146 are spaced
apart and are parallel to each other. The first sidewall 144 and the second
sidewall 146
interconnect the lower wall 104 and the upper wall 106. The first sidewall 144
and the second
sidewall 146 are approximately perpendicular to the lower wall 104 and the
upper wall 106. The
third sidewall 148 and the fourth sidewall 150 are spaced apart and are
parallel to each other.
The third sidewall 148 and the fourth sidewall 150 interconnect the lower wall
104 and the upper
wall 106. The third sidewall 148 and the fourth sidewall 150 interconnect the
first sidewall 144
and the second sidewall 146. The third sidewall 148 and the fourth sidewall
150 are
- 12 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
approximately perpendicular to the lower wall 104, the upper wall 106, the
first sidewall 144 and
the second sidewall 146.
[0088] Throughout the present disclosure, any two of the plurality of
sidewalls 108 that are
opposite and generally parallel to each other may be referred to as an opposed
pair of the
plurality of sidewalls 108. In one or more examples, the third sidewall 148
and the fourth
sidewall 150 form a first opposed pair of the plurality of sidewalls 108 and
the first sidewall 144
and the second sidewall 146 form a second opposed pair of the plurality of
sidewalls 108. In one
or more examples, the first sidewall 144 and the second sidewall 146 form the
first opposed pair
of the plurality of sidewalls 108 and the third sidewall 148 and the fourth
sidewall 150 form the
second opposed pair of the plurality of sidewalls 108. In examples of the
packaging container
102 having more than four sidewalls 108, the packaging container 102 may have
more than two
opposed pairs of sidewalls 108 and the brace 112 may extend between and be
coupled to any
opposed pair of the sidewalls 108.
[0089] Referring to Figs. 1-8, in one or more examples, the packaging
container 102 includes
a plurality of side corners 134, a plurality of upper corners 152 and a
plurality of lower corners
154. Each one of the plurality of sidewalls 108 is joined to a directly
adjacent one of the
plurality of sidewalls 108 along a corresponding one of the plurality of side
corners 134. Each
one of the plurality of sidewalls 108 is joined to the upper wall 106 along a
corresponding one of
the plurality of upper corners 152. Each one of the plurality of sidewalls 108
is joined to the
lower wall 104 along a corresponding one of the plurality of lower corners
154.
[0090] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, in the loading configuration, the
brace 112 is configured
to extend between and be coupled to the first opposed pair of the plurality of
sidewalls 108 (e.g.,
the third sidewall 148 and the fourth sidewall 150) within the internal volume
110. As illustrated
in Figs. 3-8 and 10-17, in the loaded configuration, the brace 112 extends
between and is
coupled to the first opposed pair of the plurality of sidewalls 108 within the
internal volume 110.
As illustrated in Figs. 10-17, in the loaded configuration, the brace 112
engages a portion of the
potted plant 200 opposite the lower wall 104.
[0091] As illustrated in Figs. 1-8 and 12-16, in one or more examples, the
packaging system
100 includes a plurality of braces 130. Each one of the plurality of braces
130 is configured to
- 13 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
be coupled to select ones of the plurality of sidewalls 108 (e.g., an opposed
pair of the sidewalls
108) of the packaging container 102. In one or more examples, the brace 112 is
a first one of the
plurality of braces 130 and, thus, may also be referred to herein as a first
brace 112.
[0092] As illustrated in Figs. 1-6, 14, 15, and 16, in one or more examples,
the plurality of
braces 130 also includes a second one, also referred to herein as a second
brace 156. As
illustrated in Figs. 7, 8, 12 and 13, in one or more examples, the plurality
of braces 130 also
includes a third one, also referred to herein as a third brace 176. As
illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8,
in one or more examples, the plurality of braces 130 also includes a fourth
one, also referred to
as a fourth brace 178.
[0093] In other examples, the packaging system 100 may include any number of
braces 130
(e.g., more than four braces 130). It can be appreciated that the number of
braces 130 may
depend on the dimensions and shape of the packaging container 102 and the
type, size,
arrangement and/or number of the potted plants 200 loaded into the packaging
container 102 and
shipped using the packaging system 100.
[0094] Generally, each one of the plurality of braces 130 used with a given
packaging system
100 to retain the potted plants 200 is the same. Therefore, throughout the
present disclosure,
reference to the braces 130 may include two or more of the first brace 112,
the second brace 156,
the third brace 176, the fourth brace 178, and any additional braces 130.
Further, reference to the
brace 130 may include any one of the first brace 112, the second brace 156,
the third brace 176,
the fourth brace 178, and any additional braces 130.
[0095] As illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 10-14, 16 and 17, in one or more
examples, the packaging
system 100 also includes the plurality of potted plants 200 located within the
internal volume
110 of the packaging container 102 and supported by the lower wall 104. The
plurality of potted
plants 200 may be arranged in any one of various ways within the internal
volume 110 of the
packaging container 102 Tn one or more examples, two or more of the potted
plants 200 may be
arranged in a linear row. In one or more examples, four or more of the potted
plants 200 may be
arranged in two or more linear rows.
- 14 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[0096] As illustrated in Figs. 10, 11 and 17, in one or more examples, the
brace 130 (e.g., the
brace 112) engages a portion of the pot 204 of each one of the potted plants
200 opposite the
lower wall 104. As illustrated in Figs. 12-14 and 16, in one or more examples,
each one of the
braces 130 (e.g., the first brace 112, the second brace 156, and the third
brace 176) engages a
portion of the pot 204 of at least two of the plurality of potted plants 200
opposite the lower wall
104. As illustrated in Fig. 15, in one or more examples, each one of the
braces 130 (e.g., the first
brace 112 and the second brace 156) engages a portion of the pot 204 of the
potted plant 200
opposite the lower wall 104. In one or more examples, each one of the braces
130 engages a
portion of the pot 204 of each one of the plurality of potted plants 200
opposite the lower wall
104.
[0097] Generally, when coupled to the packaging container 102, the brace 130
is
approximately parallel to the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102.
When coupled to
the packaging container 102, the brace 130 is suitably located such that a
portion of each the
brace 130 overlaps a portion of at least one pot 204 such that the pot 204 is
secured between the
brace 130 and the lower wall 104.
[0098] When coupled to the packaging container 102, the brace 130 is also
suitably located
such that the plant 202 is avoided (e.g., the brace 130 is not in contact with
the plant 202 of any
one of the potted plants 200). In one or more examples, as illustrated in
Figs. 10-14, 16 and 17,
the brace 130 is located between the plant 202 of one of the potted plants 200
and the plant 202
of a directly adjacent one of the potted plants 200. In one or more examples,
as illustrated in
Figs. 12, 13 and 15, the brace 130 is located between the plant 202 of one of
the potted plants
200 and one of the sidewalls 108.
[0099] In one or more examples, the brace 130 is suitably located and sized
such that a portion
of the brace 130 engages an upper perimeter edge of the pot 204 to which the
brace 130 is in
contact. In one or more examples, the brace 130 is suitably located and sized
such that a portion
of the brace 130 extends over and covers a portion of an opening of the pot
204 to which the
brace 130 is in contact such that the portion of the brace 130 retains soil
203 and the plant 202
within the pot 204.
- 15 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00100] In an example, the brace 130 covers at least ten percent of the
opening of the pot 204.
In another example, the brace 130 covers at least twenty-five percent of the
opening of the pot
204. In another example, the brace 130 covers at least thirty-five percent of
the opening of the
pot 204. In another example, the brace 130 covers at least forty-five percent
of the opening of
the pot 204.
[00101] As illustrated in Figs. 1-8, 12, 13, 15 and 16, in one or more
examples, a second one
of the braces 130 is configured to extend between and be coupled to the first
opposed pair of the
sidewalls 108 within the internal volume 110. In one or more examples, with
the first one of the
braces 130 (e.g., first brace 112) and the second one of the braces 130 (e.g.,
second brace 156)
coupled to the first opposed pair of the sidewalls 108 (e.g., third sidewall
148 and fourth sidewall
150), the first one of the braces 130 and the second one of the braces 130 are
spaced apart and
parallel to each other.
[00102] As illustrated in Fig. 14, in one or more examples, the second one of
the braces 130 is
configured to extend between and be coupled to the second opposed pair of the
of sidewalls 108
within the internal volume 110. In one or more examples, with the first one of
the braces 130
(e.g., first brace 112) coupled to the first opposed pair of the sidewalls 108
(e.g., third sidewall
148 and fourth sidewall 150) and with the second one of the braces 130 (e.g.,
second brace 156)
coupled to the second opposed pair of the sidewalls 108 (e.g., first sidewall
144 and second
sidewall 146), the first one of the braces 130 and the second one of the
braces 130 cross over
each other. In other words, a portion of the first one of the braces 130 and a
portion of the
second one of the braces 130 overlap each other.
[00103] As illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, in one or more examples, two or more
of the braces
130 (e.g., first brace 112 and second brace 156) are configured to extend
between and be coupled
to the first opposed pair of sidewalls 108 and two or more of the braces 130
(e.g., third brace 176
and fourth brace 178) are configured to extend between and be coupled to the
second opposed
pair of sidewalls 108.
[00104] While various examples of different numbers and arrangements of the
braces 130
have been described and illustrated, the disclosed packaging system 100 is not
limited to the
explicitly disclosed examples. It can be appreciated that the arrangement of
the braces 130 may
- 16 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
depend on the dimensions and shape of the packaging container 102 and the
type, size,
arrangement and/or number of the potted plants 200 loaded into the packaging
container 102 and
shipped using the packaging system 100. Furthermore, it can be appreciated
that the number and
arrangement of the braces 130 described and illustrated in any one example may
be combined
with the number and arrangement of braces 130 described and illustrated in any
other example.
[00105] As illustrated in Figs. 1-4, 10, 11, 16 and 17, in one or more
examples, the packaging
container 102 includes a plurality of push-in panels 132. Each one of the
plurality of push-in
panels 132 is configured to extend into the internal volume 110 of the
packaging container 102.
For example, in the loaded configuration, each one of the push-in panels 132
extends into the
internal volume 110 and engages a portion of the potted plant 200 opposite the
lower wall 104.
[00106] As illustrated in Figs. 10, 16 and 17, in one or more examples, each
one of the push-
in panels 132 is located along one of the plurality of side corners 134 of the
packaging container
102 formed between directly adject ones of the sidewalls 108. As illustrated
in Fig. 17, in one or
more examples, one of the push-in panels 132 is located along one of the
sidewalls 108.
[00107] In one or more examples, each one of the push-in panels 132 is
suitably located and
sized such that a portion of the push-in panel 132 engages the upper perimeter
edge of the pot
204 to which the push-in panel 132 is in contact. In one or more examples, the
push-in panel
132 is suitably located and sized such that a portion of the push-in panel 132
extends over and
covers a portion of the opening of the pot 204 to which the push-in panel 132
is in contact such
that the portion of the push-in panel 132 retains the dirt within the pot 204.
[00108] In one or more examples, the push-in panel 132 includes a first
portion 188 and a
second portion 190. The first portion 188 and the second portion 190 are
connected together and
extend into the internal volume 110 of the packaging container 102 to engage
the pot 204 of the
potted plant 200. As illustrated in Figs. 10, 16 and 17, in one or more
examples, the first portion
188 is connected to one of the sidewalls 108 and the second portion 190 is
connected to a
directly adjacent one of the sidewalls 108 such that the first portion 188 and
the second portion
190 are approximately perpendicular to each other and the associated sidewall
108. As
illustrated in Fig. 17, in one or more examples, the first portion 188 and the
second portion 190
- 17 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
are connected to one of the sidewalls 108 such that the first portion 188 and
the second portion
190 are approximately oblique to each other and the sidewall 108.
[00109] While the first portion 188 and the second portion 190 of the push-in
panel 132 are
shown as being generally rectangular (or square) portions in Figs. 1-4,
various alternative
configurations are also contemplated and such alternative configurations of
the push-in panel 132
will not result in a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, as shown in
Fig. 23, the first portion 188 may be generally triangular and the second
portion 190 may be
generally triangular.
[00110] In one or more examples, each one of the push-in panels 132 is an over
center toggle
action tab that enables the push-in panel 132 to be pushed into the internal
volume 110 of the
packaging container 102, such as by a fingertip. The push-in panels 132 may be
extended into
the internal volume 110 of the packaging container 102 before the potted
plants 200 are loaded
into the packaging container 102 or after the potted plants 200 are loaded
into the packaging
container 102.
[00111] While various examples of different numbers and arrangements of the
push-in panels
132 have been described and illustrated, the disclosed packaging system 100 is
not limited to the
explicitly disclosed examples. It can be appreciated that the number and
arrangement of the
push-in panels 132 may depend on the dimensions and shape of the packaging
container 102, the
number and arrangement of the braces 130 used to secure the potted plants 200,
and the type,
size, arrangement and/or number of the potted plants 200 loaded into the
packaging container
102 and shipped using the packaging system 100. Furthermore, it can be
appreciated that the
number and arrangement of the braces 130 and the number and arrangement of the
push-in
panels 132 described and illustrated in any one example may be combined with
the number and
arrangement of braces 130 and the number and arrangement of the push-in panels
132 described
and illustrated in any other example.
[00112] As illustrated in Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7, in one or more examples, the
packaging container
102 includes a tray 136 and a carton 138. The carton 138 is configured to be
removably
connected to the tray 136. In one or more examples, the upper wall 106 and the
plurality of
sidewalls 108 are defined by the carton 138 and the lower wall 104 is defined
by the tray 136. In
- 18 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
the loading configuration, the plurality of potted plants 200 are loaded into
the tray 136. The
carton 138 is then positioned over and connected to the tray 136 to close the
packaging container
102.
[00113] As illustrated in Fig. 1, in one or more examples, the tray 136
includes a tray bottom
168 that defines the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102. The tray
136 may also
include a plurality of tray lips 170 that are coupled to and extend upward
from the tray bottom
168. In one or more examples, in the loaded configuration, lower ends of the
plurality of
sidewalls 108, formed by the carton 138, are positioned inside of the tray
lips 170, as illustrated
in Figs. 3, 5 and 7.
[00114] As illustrated in Fig. 6, in one or more examples, the packaging
container 102
includes a tear-away portion 140. The tear-away portion 140 is formed in, or
forms a portion of,
one of the sidewalls 108. The tear-away portion 140 is separable from the
sidewall 108 to
facilitate access within the internal volume 110 of the packaging container
102 for unloading of
the potted plants 200 from a side of the packaging container 102 without
removal of the braces
130.
[00115] In one or more examples, the packaging container 102 includes the tear-
away portion
140 on one of the sidewalls 108 that does not have the brace 130. In one or
more examples, the
packaging container 102 includes the tear-away portion 140 on each one of the
opposed pair of
sidewalls 108 that does not have the brace HO.
[00116] In one or more examples, the tear-away portion 140 defines at least
fifty percent of
the sidewall 108. In one or more examples, the tear-away portion 140 defines
at least seventy-
five percent of the sidewall 108. The tear-away portion 140 may have any
suitable dimensions
(e.g., width and height) and any suitable two-dimensional shape (e.g.,
geometry). It can be
appreciated that number, arrangement, dimensions and shape of the tear-away
portion 140 may
depend on dimensions of the packaging container 102, the number and
arrangement of the braces
130, and the type, size, arrangement and/or number of the potted plants 200
loaded into the
packaging container 102 and shipped using the packaging system 100.
- 19 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00117] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, in one or more examples, the brace
130 includes a first
brace-end 118 and a second brace-end 120 that is opposite the first brace-end
118. The brace
130 also includes a first connecting tab 164, located at the first brace-end
118, and a second
connecting tab 166, locate at the second brace-end 120. The brace 130 also
includes the retainer
portion 158 (or hold-down portion) that extends between the first connecting
tab 164 and the
second connecting tab 166. The retainer portion 158 is configured to extend
between the
opposed pair of sidewalls 108 and engage the pot 204 of the potted plant 200.
The first
connecting tab 164 is configured to engage a first one of the opposed pair of
the sidewalls 108 to
connect the brace 130 to the first one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108.
The second
connecting tab 166 is configured to engage the second one of the opposed pair
of the sidewalls
108 to connect the brace 130 to the second one of the opposed pair of
sidewalls 108.
[00118] As illustrated in Figs. 1-8,11, and 13, in one or more examples, the
packaging
container 102 includes a brace-receiving aperture 114 formed through each one
of the opposed
pair of the sidewalls 108. The brace-receiving aperture 114 is an opening
formed through an
entirety of the sidewall 108 (i.e., extends between an exterior surface of the
sidewall 108 and an
interior surface of the sidewall 108). The brace-receiving aperture 114 is
configured to receive a
portion of the brace 112 (e.g., one of the braces 130) to facilitate insertion
of the brace 112
within the internal volume 110 of the packaging container 102 and connection
of the brace 112
to the opposed pair of sidewalls 108.
[00119] In the examples illustrated in Figs. 1-8, the packaging container 102
includes the
brace-receiving aperture 114 formed through the third sidewall 148 and the
brace-receiving
aperture 114 formed the fourth sidewall 150 (e.g., first opposed pair of
sidewalls 108) associated
with the brace 112. In other examples, the packaging container 102 includes
the brace-receiving
aperture 114 formed through the first sidewall 144 and the brace-receiving
aperture 114 formed
through the second sidewall 146 (e.g., the second opposed pair of sidewalls
108) associated with
the first brace 112. Thus, it can be appreciated that packaging container 102
includes an opposed
pair of brace-receiving apertures 114 that is associated with the first brace
112. Generally, the
brace-receiving apertures 114 of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108 are aligned
along a transverse
axis that passes through and that is perpendicular to each one of the opposed
pair of sidewalls
108.
- 20 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00120] As illustrated in Figs. 1-7 and 12-16, in one or more examples, the
packaging
container 102 includes a plurality of brace-receiving apertures 192,
configured to receive and
facilitate connection of the plurality of braces 130. The brace-receiving
aperture 114 is a first
one of the plurality of brace-receiving apertures 192 and, thus, may also be
referred to as a first
brace-receiving aperture 114.
[00121] As illustrated in Figs. 1-8, 12, 13, 15 and 16, in one or more
examples, the packaging
container 102 includes a second one of the brace-receiving apertures 192, also
referred to herein
as a second brace-receiving aperture 116, formed through each one of the first
opposed pair of
sidewalls 108 to receive and facilitate connection of the second brace 156. As
illustrated in Fig.
14, in one or more examples, the second brace-receiving aperture 116 is formed
through each
one of the second opposed pair of sidewalls 108 to receive and facilitate
connection of the
second brace 156.
[00122] As illustrated in Figs. 1-8, 12, 13, 15 and 16, in one or more
examples, the packaging
container 102 includes a third one of the brace-receiving apertures 192, also
referred to herein as
a third brace-receiving aperture 180, formed through each one of the second
opposed pair of
sidewalls 108 to receive and facilitate connection of the third brace 176. As
illustrated in Figs.
1-8, 12, 13, 15 and 16, in one or more examples, the packaging container 102
includes a fourth
one of the brace-receiving apertures 192, also referred to herein as a fourth
brace-receiving
aperture 182, formed through each one of the second opposed pair of sidewalls
108 to receive
and facilitate connection of the fourth brace 178.
[00123] In other examples, the packaging container 102 may include any number
of brace-
receiving apertures 192. It can be appreciated that the arrangement and number
of the brace-
receiving apertures 192 may depend on the dimensions and shape of the
packaging container
102, the arrangement and number of the braces 130, and the type, size,
arrangement and/or
number of the potted plants 200 loaded into the packaging container 102 and
shipped using the
packaging system 100.
[00124] Generally, each one of the plurality of brace-receiving apertures 192
used with a
given packaging system 100 to receive an associated one of the braces 130 is
the same.
Therefore, throughout the present disclosure, reference to the brace-receiving
apertures 192 may
- 21 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
include two or more of the first brace-receiving aperture 114, the second
brace-receiving aperture
116, the third brace-receiving aperture 180, the fourth brace-receiving
aperture 182, and any
additional brace-receiving apertures 192. Further reference to the brace-
receiving aperture 192
may include any one of the first brace-receiving aperture 114, the second
brace-receiving
aperture 116, the third brace-receiving aperture 180, the fourth brace-
receiving aperture 182, and
any additional brace-receiving apertures 192.
[00125] As illustrated in Figs, 1-8,11 and 13, in one or more examples, the
packaging
container 102 includes a brace-locking aperture 126 formed through each one of
the opposed pair
of the plurality of sidewalls 108. The brace-locking aperture 126 is an
opening formed through
an entirety of the sidewall 108 (i.e., extends between an exterior surface of
the sidewall 108 and
an interior surface of the sidewall 108). The brace-locking aperture 126 of
the first one of the
first opposed pair of the plurality of sidewalls 108 is configured to receive
and engage the first
connecting tab 164 of the brace 112 (e.g., one of the braces 130) to
facilitate connection of the
brace 112 to the first one of the first opposed pair of sidewalls 108. The
brace-locking aperture
126 of the second one of the first opposed pair of the plurality of sidewall
108 is configured to
receive the second connecting tab 166 of the brace 112 to facilitate
connection of the brace 112
to the second one of the first opposed pair of sidewalls 108.
[00126] In the examples illustrated in Figs. 1-8, the packaging container 102
includes the
brace-locking aperture 126 formed through the third sidewall 148 and the brace-
locking aperture
126 formed the fourth sidewall 150 (e.g., first opposed pair of sidewalls 108)
associated with the
brace 112. In other examples, the packaging container 102 includes the brace-
locking aperture
126 formed through the first sidewall 144 and the brace-locking aperture 126
formed through the
second sidewall 146 (e.g., the second opposed pair of sidewalls 108)
associated with the brace
112 Thus, it can be appreciated that packaging container 102 includes
an opposed pair of brace-
locking apertures 126 that is associated with the brace 112. Generally, the
brace-locking
apertures 126 of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108 are aligned along a
transverse axis that passes
through and that is perpendicular to each one of the opposed pair of sidewalls
108.
[00127] As illustrated in Figs. 1-7 and 12-16, in one or more examples, the
packaging
container 102 includes a plurality of brace-locking apertures 194, configured
to receive and
- 22 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
facilitate connection of the plurality of braces 130. The brace-locking
aperture 126 is a first one
of the plurality of brace-locking apertures 194 and, thus, may also be
referred to as a first brace-
locking aperture 126.
[00128] As illustrated in Figs. 1-8, 12, 13, 15 and 16, in one or more
examples, the packaging
container 102 includes a second one of the brace-locking apertures 194, also
referred to herein as
a second brace-locking aperture 128, formed through each one of the first
opposed pair of
sidewalls 108 to receive and facilitate connection of the second brace 156. As
illustrated in Fig.
14, in one or more examples, the second brace-locking aperture 128 is formed
through each one
of the second opposed pair of sidewalls 108 to receive and facilitate
connection of the second
brace 156.
[00129] As illustrated in Figs. 1-8, 12, 13, 15 and 16, in one or more
examples, the packaging
container 102 includes a third one of the brace-locking apertures 194, also
referred to herein as a
third brace-locking aperture 184, formed through each one of the second
opposed pair of
sidewalls 108 to receive and facilitate connection of the third brace 176. As
illustrated in Figs.
1-8, 12, 13, 15 and 16, in one or more examples, the packaging container 102
includes a fourth
one of the brace-locking apertures 194, also referred to herein as a fourth
brace-locking aperture
186, formed through each one of the second opposed pair of sidewalls 108 to
receive and
facilitate connection of the fourth brace 178.
[00130] In other examples, the packaging container 102 may include any number
of brace-
locking apertures 194. It can be appreciated that the arrangement and number
of the brace-
locking apertures 194 may depend on the dimensions and shape of the packaging
container 102,
the arrangement and number of the braces 130, the number and arrangement of
the brace-
receiving apertures 192, and the type, size, arrangement and/or number of the
potted plants 200
loaded into the packaging container 102 and shipped using the packaging system
100.
[00131] Generally, each one of the plurality of brace-locking apertures 194
used with a given
packaging system 100 to connect an associated one of the braces 130 is the
same. Therefore,
throughout the present disclosure, reference to the brace-locking apertures
194 may include two
or more of the first brace-locking aperture 126, the second brace-locking
aperture 128, the third
brace-locking aperture 184, the fourth brace-locking aperture 186, and any
additional brace-
- 23 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
locking apertures 194. Further reference to the brace-locking aperture 194 may
include any one
of the first brace-locking aperture 126, the second brace-locking aperture
128, the third brace-
locking aperture 184, the fourth brace-locking aperture 186, and any
additional brace-locking
apertures 194.
[00132] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, in one or more examples, the brace
130 includes a first
extension portion 160 that extends between the retainer portion 158 and the
first connecting tab
164. The brace 130 also includes a second extension portion 162 that extends
between the
retainer portion 158 and the second connecting tab 166.
[00133] In one or more examples, the first extension portion 160 enables a
first end portion of
the brace 130 to pass through the brace-receiving aperture 192 and the brace-
locking aperture
194 of the first one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108 to facilitate
insertion of the brace 130
within the internal volume 110 of the packaging container 102 and connection
of the brace 130
to the first one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108. The second extension
portion 162 enables a
second end portion of the brace 130 to pass through the brace-receiving
aperture 192 and the
brace-locking aperture 194 of the second one of the opposed pair of sidewalls
108 to facilitate
insertion of the brace 130 within the internal volume 110 of the packaging
container 102 and
connection of the brace 130 to the second one of the opposed pair of sidewalls
108.
[00134] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an example of a connection interface
between an end
portion of the brace 130 and one of the sidewalls 108. The example shown in
Fig. 9 illustrates
and describes the connection interface between the first end portion of the
brace 130, which
includes the first extension portion 160 and the first connecting tab 164, and
the first one of the
opposed pair of sidewalls 108. However, the example illustrated and described
with respect to
Fig. 9 equally represents the connection interface between the second end
portion of the brace
130, which includes the second extension portion 162 and second connecting tab
166, and the
second one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108.
[00135] As illustrated in Fig. 9, in one or more examples, the first end
portion of the brace
130 (e.g., the first extension portion 160 and the first connecting tab 164)
extends though the
brace-receiving aperture 192 of the first one of the opposed pair of the
sidewalls 108. The
retainer portion 158 of the brace 130 is located within the internal volume
110, extends between
- 24 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
the opposed pair of the sidewalls 108, and engages the pot 204 of at least one
potted plant 200.
The extension portion 160 of the brace 130 is located outside of the packaging
container 102.
The extension portion 160 is folded (e.g., perpendicularly) relative to the
retainer portion 158
such that the extension portion 160 extends along and is parallel to the first
one of the opposed
pair of the sidewalls 108. The first connecting tab 164 is folded (e.g.,
perpendicularly) relative to
the first extension portion 160 such that the first connecting tab 164 extends
through the brace-
locking aperture 194. This connection interface connects the first end portion
of the brace 130 to
the first one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108. A substantially similar
connection interface
connects the opposing second end portion of the brace 130 to the second one of
the opposed pair
of sidewalls 108.
[00136] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, in one or more examples, the brace
130 includes a first
locking head 122 located at the first connecting tab 164. The first locking
head 122 is configured
(e.g., shaped) to engage the first one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108 to
lock. The brace 130
also includes a second locking head 124 located at the second connecting tab
166. The second
locking head 124 is configured (e.g., shaped) to engage the second one of the
opposed pair of
sidewalls 108.
[00137] As illustrated in Fig. 9, in one or more examples, the first
connecting tab 164 extends
through an entirety of the brace-locking aperture 194 such that the first
locking head 122 is
located within the internal volume 110 of the packaging container 102. The
first one of the
opposed pair of sidewalls 108 is captured and secured between the first
connecting tab 164 and
the first locking head 122. This connection interface secures (e.g., locks)
the first end portion of
the brace 130 to the first one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108. A
substantially similar
connection interface secures (e.g., locks) the opposing second end portion of
the brace 130 to the
second one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108
[00138] In one or more examples, the brace-locking aperture 126 of the first
one of the
opposed pair of sidewalls 108 is configured to receive the first connecting
tab 164 such that the
first locking head 122 engages the first one of the opposed pair of sidewalls
108 from inside of
the packaging container 102 to lock the first connecting tab 164 within the
brace-locking
aperture 126. The brace-locking aperture 126 of the second one of the opposed
pair of sidewalls
- 25 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
108 is configured to receive the second connecting tab 166 such that the
second locking head 124
engages the second one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108 from inside the
packaging container
102 to lock the second connecting tab 166 within the brace-locking aperture
126.
[00139] Each one of the first locking head 122 and the second locking head 124
may have any
suitable size and shape that enables passage of the first locking head 122 and
the second locking
head 124 through an associated brace-locking aperture 194 in one direction
(e.g., into the internal
volume 110 of the packaging container 102) but impedes passage of the first
locking head 122
and the second locking head 124 through the associated brace-locking aperture
194 in the
opposite direction (e.g., out from the internal volume 110 of the packaging
container 102) In
one or more examples, each one of the first locking head 122 and the second
locking head 124
may have a truncated arrowhead shape.
[00140] In one or more examples, the brace 130 has a brace width (e.g., width
dimension) in a
direction perpendicular to a longitudinal (e.g., lengthwise) axis of the brace
130. The brace-
receiving aperture 192 has a receiving-aperture width (e.g., width dimension)
that is slightly
larger than the brace width to enable the brace 130 to pass through the brace-
receiving aperture
192. In one or more examples, the brace width of the brace 130 and the
receiving-aperture width
of the brace-receiving aperture 192 are suitably sized such that the brace 130
is held within the
brace-receiving aperture 192 by an interference fit.
[00141] In one or more examples, a portion of each one of the first connecting
tab 164 and the
second connecting tab 166 of the brace 130 has a second brace width. The
second brace width is
less than the brace width of the remaining portions of the brace 130. In one
or more examples,
the second brace width of the first connecting tab 164 defines a base of the
first locking head
122. The second brace width of the second connecting tab 166 defines a base of
the second
locking head 124. The brace-locking aperture 194 has a locking-aperture width
(e.g., width
dimension) that is slightly larger than the second brace width to enable each
one of the first
locking head 122 and the second locking head 124 of the brace 130 to pass
through an associated
brace-locking aperture 194.
[00142] In one or more examples, the first one of the opposed pair of
sidewalls 108 is secured
between the first connecting tab 164 and the first locking head 122 (as
illustrated in Fig. 9) and
- 26 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
the second one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108 is secured between the
second connecting
tab 166 and the second locking head 124. In one or more examples, the second
brace width of
each one of the first connecting tab 164 and the second connecting tab 166 and
the locking-
aperture width of the brace-receiving aperture 192 are suitably sized such
that the first
connecting tab 164 and the second connecting tab 166 are held within the
associated brace-
locking aperture 194 by an interference fit.
[00143] As illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 10-17, in one or more examples, the
brace 130 is
substantially planar. In one or more examples, each one of the brace-receiving
apertures 192 and
the brace-locking aperture 194 is a slot that has a generally rectangular
shape. The brace 130 is
an elongated strip of material that has a generally rectangular cross-
sectional shape, viewed
along its longitudinal axis. In these examples, the brace 130 may also be
referred to as a
retaining strap. In one or more examples, the brace-receiving aperture 192 and
the brace-locking
aperture 194 are spaced apart and approximately parallel to each other.
[00144] In other examples, the brace 130 may have any other suitable cross-
sectional shape.
The brace-receiving aperture 192 and the brace-locking aperture 194 may have
any other suitable
shape configured to receive associated portions of the brace 130. It can be
appreciated that the
shapes of the brace 130 and the associated brace-receiving aperture 192 and
brace-locking
aperture 194 may depend on the material and construction of the brace 130.
[00145] In other examples, the packaging system 100 may have various other
configurations
to facilitate connection of the brace 130 to the packaging container 102. In
one or more
examples, in addition to or as an alternative to use of the first locking head
122 and the second
locking head 124, opposing end portions of the brace 130 (e.g., first
extension portion 160 and
second extension portion 162) may be sealed (e.g., taped or adhesively bonded)
or mechanically
coupled (e.g., stapled) to an associated sidewall 108.
[00146] Tn other examples, the packaging container 102 and the brace 130 may
be suitably
configured such that the first locking head 122 engages the first one of the
opposed pair of
sidewalls 108 within the corresponding brace-receiving aperture 192 and the
second locking
head 124 engages the second one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108 within
the corresponding
brace-receiving aperture 192. In such examples, the first connecting tab 164
and the second
- 27 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
connecting tab 166 may be connected directly to and extend from the retainer
portion 158 (e.g.,
the brace 130 does not include the first extension portion 160 and the second
extension portion
162.)
[00147] In one or more examples, the brace-receiving aperture 114 of the first
one of the
opposed pair of sidewalls 108 is configured to receive the first connecting
tab 164 such that the
first locking head 122 engages the first one of the opposed pair of sidewalls
108 from outside of
the packaging container 102 to lock the first connecting tab 164 within the
brace-receiving
aperture 114. The brace-receiving aperture 114 of the second one of the
opposed pair of
sidewalls 108 is configured to receive the second connecting tab 166 such that
the second
locking head 124 engages the second one of the opposed pair of sidewalls 108
from outside the
packaging container 102 to lock the second connecting tab 166 within the brace-
receiving
aperture 114.
[00148] As illustrated in Figs. 3-8, in one or more examples, the packaging
container 102
also includes a carrying aperture 172 formed through each one of an opposed
pair of the plurality
of sidewalls 108. The carrying aperture 172 is configured to receive fingers
to facilitate carrying
or other manual manipulation of the packaging system 100 when in the loaded
configuration.
[00149] In one or more examples, the packaging container 102 is made of
cardboard or other
suitable heavy-duty paper-based material. In one or more examples, the
packaging container 102
is made of corrugated board, such as corrugated board that includes two liner
sheets and an inner
fluted corrugated material sandwiched between and coupled to the liner sheets.
[00150] In one or more examples, the brace 130 is made of cardboard or other
suitable heavy-
duty paper-based material. In one or more examples, the brace 130 is made of
corrugated board.
Use of corrugated board advantageously provides beneficial durability other
mechanical
attributed, such as rigidity and foldability, to the brace 130. In one or more
examples, the brace
130 is made of fabric or other suitable textile material Tn one or more
examples, the brace 130
is made of plastic or other suitably polymeric material.
[00151] In one or more examples, at least one surface of the brace 130 is
coated with a
waterproof coating. For example, at least a portion of the surface of the
brace 130 that faces and
- 28 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
contacts the potted plant 200 may be coated with the waterproof coating. In
one or more
examples, at least one surface of the packaging container 102 is coated with
the waterproof
coating. For example, at an interior surface of the lower wall 104 may be
coated with the
waterproof coating. The waterproof coating protects the brace 130 and the
packaging container
102 from damage due to exposure to water from the potted plant 200.
Additionally, the
waterproof coating prevents the brace 130 and the packaging container 102 from
wicking
moisture away from the potted plant 200. The waterproof coating may be any
suitable coating
material, such as a water-based coating, a polymer-based coating, and the
like.
[00152] Referring now to Figs. 18-22, in one or more examples, the packaging
system 100
(e.g., each one of the packaging container 102 and the brace 130) may be
constructed from or
otherwise erected using a corresponding one of a plurality of generally planar
blanks. In one or
more examples, the blank is formed from a die-cut piece of corrugated sheet
material, such as
corrugated board. Each one of the blanks may have a generally rectangular
shape having a
length that is somewhat greater than its width. Generally, the blank is
appropriately creased,
crushed, or scored to form a plurality of preformed weaknesses that transform
the blank into a
plurality of separate but integral panels. The blank may be folded about such
lines of preformed
weakness to erect the packaging system 100. Accordingly, throughout the
present disclosure,
such lines of preformed weakness may be referred to herein as fold lines of
the blank.
[00153] Fig. 18 schematically illustrates an example of a brace blank 300 used
to construct
the brace 130. Fig. 19 schematically illustrates an example of a tray blank
400 used to construct
the tray 136 of the packaging container 102. Figs. 20 and 21 schematically
illustrate examples of
a carton blank 500 used to construct the carton 138 of the packaging container
102. Fig. 22
schematically illustrates an example of a container blank 600 used to
construct the packaging
container 102. For clarity, it should be appreciated that one surface,
projecting towards the
viewer, is shown in Figs. 18-22. For example, the exposed surface of the brace
blank 300
becomes an upper surface of the brace 130, the exposed surface of the tray
blank 400 becomes
the interior surface of the tray 136, the exposed surface of the carton blank
500 becomes the
interior surface of the carton 138, and the exposed surface of the container
blank 600 becomes
the interior surface of the packaging container 102. The various panels and
portions of panels
exposed in Figs. 18-22 have a corresponding undersurface that is not seen
until folding occurs.
- 29 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00154] Referring to Fig. 18, in one or more examples, the brace blank 300
includes a central
panel 302 that forms the retainer portion 158 of the brace 130. The brace
blank 300 includes a
first extension panel 304 that forms the first extension portion 160 of the
brace 130. The brace
blank 300 includes a second extension panel 306, opposite the first extension
panel 304, that
forms the second extension portion 162 of the brace 130. The brace blank 300
includes a first
connecting panel 316 that forms the first connecting tab 164 of the brace 130.
The brace blank
300 includes a second connecting panel 318, opposite the first connecting
panel 316, that forms
the second connecting tab 166 of the brace 130.
[00155] In one or more examples, the central panel 302 is integral with the
first extension
panel 304 and with the second extension panel 306. A first fold line 308
extends the width of the
brace blank 300 between a first edge 312 and an opposing second edge 314 and
separates first
extension panel 304 from the central panel 302. The first extension panel 304
is hingedly
movable (e.g., foldable) about the first fold line 308 relative to the central
panel 302 such that it
can move from the orientation shown in a flat configuration (Figs. 1, 2, and
18) to the orientation
shown in a constructed configuration (Figs. 2-9). A second fold line 310
extends the width of
the brace blank 300 between the first edge 312 and the second edge 314 and
separates second
extension panel 306 from the central panel 302. The second extension panel 306
is hingedly
movable (e.g., foldable) about the second fold line 310 relative to the
central panel 302 such that
is can move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration (Figs. 1, 2,
and 18) to the
orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 2-9).
[00156] In one or more examples, the first connecting panel 316 is integral
with the first
extension panel 304. A third fold line 320 extends the width of the brace
blank 300 between the
first edge 312 and the second edge 314 and separates first connecting panel
316 from the first
extension panel 304 The first connecting panel 316 is hingedly movable (e.g ,
foldable) about
the third fold line 320 relative to the first extension panel 304 such that it
can move from the
orientation shown in the flat configuration (Figs. 1, 2, and 18) to the
orientation shown in the
constructed configuration (Figs. 2-9). The second connecting panel 318 is
integral with the
second extension panel 306. A fourth fold line 322 extends the width of the
brace blank 300
between the strap first edge 312 and the strap second edge 314 and separates
second connecting
panel 318 from the second extension panel 306. The second connecting panel 318
is hingedly
- 30 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
movable (e.g., foldable) about the fourth fold line 322 relative to the second
extension panel 306
such that it can move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration
(Figs. 1, 2, and 18) to
the orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 2-9).
[00157] In one or more examples, the central panel 302 is bounded by the first
edge 312, the
second edge 314, the first fold line 308, and the second fold line 310. The
first extension panel
304 is bounded by the first edge 312, the second edge 314, the first fold line
308 and the third
fold line 320. The second extension panel 306 is bounded by the first edge
312, the second edge
314, the second fold line 310 and the fourth fold line 322. The first
connecting panel 316 is
bounded by the third fold line 320 and a first end edge 326 of the brace blank
300. The second
connecting panel 318 is bounded by the fourth fold line 322 and a second end
edge 328 of the
brace blank 300.
[00158] In one or more examples, the first connecting panel 316 includes a
notch 324, or
other recess, formed (e.g., cut) in the brace blank 300 along the first edge
312 and the second
edge 314. The opposed pair of notches 324 of the first connecting panel 316
define the second
brace width of the brace 130 and define the base of the first locking head 122
of the brace 130.
The second connecting panel 318 includes the notch 324, or other recess,
formed in the brace
blank 300 along the first edge 312 and the second edge 314. The opposed pair
of notches 324 of
the second connecting panel 318 define the second brace width of the brace 130
and define the
base of the second locking head 124 of the brace 130. Generally, the notch 324
has a suitable
size and shape configured to receive a portion of the sidewall 108 along a
perimeter of the brace-
locking aperture 194 to lock the brace 130 to the sidewall 108 when the
packaging system 100 is
in the loaded configuration (Figs. 3-17).
[00159] Referring to Fig. 19, in one or more examples, the tray blank 400
includes a central
bottom panel 402 that forms the tray bottom 168 of the tray 136. The tray
blank 400 includes a
first lip panel 404 that forms a first one of the tray lips 170 of the tray
136. The tray blank 400
includes a second lip panel 406 that forms a second one of the tray lips 170
of the tray 136. The
tray blank 400 includes a third lip panel 408 that forms a third one of the
tray lips 170 of the tray
136. The tray blank 400 includes a fourth lip panel 410 that forms a fourth
one of the tray lips
170 of the tray 136.
- 31 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00160] The bottom panel 402 is integral with the first lip panel 404, the
second lip panel 406,
the third lip panel 408, and the fourth lip panel 410. A first fold line 450
separates the first lip
panel 404 from the bottom panel 402. The first lip panel 404 is hingedly
movable (e.g., foldable)
about the first fold line 450 relative to the bottom panel 402 such that it
can move from the
orientation shown in a flat configuration (Fig. 19) to the orientation shown
in a constructed
configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7). A second fold line 448 separates the
second lip panel 406
from the bottom panel 402. The second lip panel 406 is hingedly movable (e.g.,
foldable) about
the second fold line 448 relative to the bottom panel 402 such that it can
move from the
orientation shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 19) to the orientation shown
in the constructed
configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7). A third fold line 424 separates the third
lip panel 408 from
the bottom panel 402. The third lip panel 408 is hingedly movable (e.g.,
foldable) about the third
fold line 424 relative to the bottom panel 402 such that it can move from the
orientation shown in
the flat configuration (Fig. 19) to the orientation shown in the constructed
configuration (Figs. 1,
3, 5 and 7). A fourth fold line 426 separates the fourth lip panel 410 from
the bottom panel 402.
The fourth lip panel 410 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fourth
fold line 426
relative to the bottom panel 402 such that it can move from the orientation
shown in the flat
configuration (Fig. 19) to the orientation shown in the constructed
configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5
and 7).
[00161] In one or more examples, the first fold line 450, the second fold line
448, the third
fold line 424, and the fourth fold line 426 define the plurality of lower
corners of the packaging
container 102.
[00162] In one or more examples, the tray blank 400 includes a first lip flap
416 that is
integral with the first lip panel 404 and a second lip flap 418 that is
integral with the first lip
panel 404, opposite the first lip flap 416 The tray blank 400 includes a third
lip flap 420 that is
integral with the second lip panel 406 and a fourth lip flap 422 that is
integral with the second lip
panel 406, opposite the third lip flap 420. The tray blank 400 includes a
fifth lip flap 412 that is
integral with the third lip panel 408. The tray blank 400 includes a sixth lip
flap 414 that is
integral with the fourth lip panel 410.
- 32 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00163] In one or more examples, a fifth fold line 436 separates the first lip
flap 416 from the
first lip panel 404. The fifth lip flap 412 is hingedly movable (e.g.,
foldable) about the fifth fold
line 436 relative to the first lip panel 404 such that it can move from the
orientation shown in the
flat configuration (Fig. 19) to the orientation shown in the constnicted
configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5
and 7). A sixth fold line 438 separates the second lip flap 418 from the first
lip panel 404. The
second lip flap 418 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the sixth fold
line 438 relative to
the first lip panel 404 such that it can move from the orientation shown in
the flat configuration
(Fig. 19) to the orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 1,
3, 5 and 7).
[00164] In one or more examples, a seventh fold line 440 separates the third
lip flap 420 from
the second lip panel 406. The third lip flap 420 is hingedly movable (e.g.,
foldable) about the
seventh fold line 440 relative to the second lip panel 406 such that it can
move from the
orientation shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 19) to the orientation shown
in the constructed
configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7). An eighth fold line 442 separates the
fourth lip flap 422 from
the second lip panel 406. The fourth lip flap 422 is hingedly movable (e.g.,
foldable) about the
eighth fold line 442 relative to the second lip panel 406 such that it can
move from the
orientation shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 19) to the orientation shown
in the constructed
configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7).
[00165] In one or more examples, a parallel pair of ninth fold lines 428 and
430 separates the
fifth lip flap 412 from the third lip panel 408. The fifth lip flap 412 is
hingedly movable (e.g.,
foldable) about the ninth fold lines 428 and 430 such that it can move from
the orientation shown
in the flat configuration (Fig. 19) to the orientation shown in the
constructed configuration (Figs.
1, 3, 5 and 7). A parallel pair of tenth fold lines 432 and 4334 separates the
sixth lip flap 414
from the fourth lip panel 410. The sixth lip flap 414 is hingedly movable
(e.g., foldable) about
the tenth fold lines 432 and 434 such that it can move from the orientation
shown in the flat
configuration (Fig. 19) to the orientation shown in the constructed
configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5
and 7).
[00166] In one or more examples, in the constructed configuration, the fifth
lip flap 412 is
oriented approximately parallel to the third lip panel 408 such that the third
lip panel 408 and the
fifth lip flap 412 form a double-walled structure for one of the plurality of
tray lips 170. In the
-33 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
constructed configuration, the sixth lip flap 414 is oriented approximately
parallel to the fourth
lip panel 410 such that the fourth lip panel 410 and the sixth lip flap 414
form a double-walled
structure for one of the plurality of tray lips 170.
[00167] In one or more examples, in the constructed configuration, the first
lip flap 416 and
the third lip flap 420 are oriented approximately parallel to and are located
between the third lip
panel 408 and the fifth lip flap 412. In the constructed configuration, the
second lip flap 418 and
the fourth lip flap 422 are oriented approximately parallel to and are located
between the fourth
lip panel 410 and the sixth lip flap 414.
[00168] In one or more examples, the fifth lip flap 412 includes at least one
flap catch 444
located along an edge opposite the ninth fold lines 428 and 430. The sixth lip
flap 414 includes
at least one flap catch 444 located along an edge opposite the tenth fold
lines 432 and 434. The
bottom panel 402 includes at least one bottom catch 446 located along the
third fold line 424 and
at least one bottom catch 446 located along the fourth fold line 426. In the
constructed
configuration, the flap catches 444 are configured to engage the bottom
catches 446 to connect
and secure the fifth lip flap 412 and the sixth lip flap 414 to the bottom
panel 402.
[00169] The configuration described above enables the first lip panel 404, the
second lip
panel 406, the third lip panel 408, and the fourth lip panel 410 to be secured
together and secured
to the bottom panel 402 to form the plurality of tray lips 170.
[00170] Referring to Figs. 20 and 21, in one or more examples, the carton
blank 500 includes
a first sidewall panel 502 that forms the first sidewall 144 of the carton 138
(e.g., of the
packaging container 102). The carton blank 500 includes a second sidewall
panel 504 that forms
the second sidewall 146 of the carton 138 (e.g., of the packaging container
102). The carton
blank 500 includes a third sidewall panel 506 that forms the third sidewall
148 of the carton 138
(e.g., of the packaging container 102). The carton blank 500 includes a fourth
sidewall panel 508
that forms the fourth sidewall 150 of the carton 138 (e.g., of the packaging
container 102). The
carton blank 500 includes a first upper wall panel 510, a second upper wall
panel 512, a third
upper wall panel 514, and a fourth upper wall panel 516 that, in combination,
form the upper
wall 106 of the carton 138 (e.g., of the packaging container 102).
- 34 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00171] In one or more examples, the first sidewall panel 502 is integral with
the third
sidewall panel 506. The first sidewall panel 502 is integral with the fourth
sidewall panel 508,
opposite the third sidewall panel 506. The second sidewall panel 504 is
integral with the third
sidewall panel 506, opposite the first sidewall panel 502. A first fold line
518 separates the first
sidewall panel 502 from the fourth sidewall panel 508. The first sidewall
panel 502 and the
fourth sidewall panel 508 are hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the
first fold line 518
relative to each other such that they can move from the orientation shown in a
flat configuration
(Figs. 20 and 21) to the orientation shown in the constructed configuration
(Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7).
A second fold line 520 separates the first sidewall panel 502 from the third
sidewall panel 506.
The first sidewall panel 502 and the third sidewall panel 506 are hingedly
movable (e.g.,
foldable) about the second fold line 520 relative to each other such that they
can move from the
orientation shown in the flat configuration (Figs. 20 and 21) to the
orientation shown in the
constructed configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7). A third fold line 522
separates the third sidewall
panel 506 from the second sidewall panel 504. The second sidewall panel 504
and the third
sidewall panel 506 are hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the third fold
line 522 relative to
each other such that they can move from the orientation shown in a flat
configuration (Figs. 20
and 21) to the orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 1, 3,
5 and 7).
[00172] In one or more examples, the first upper wall panel 510 is integral
with the first
sidewall panel 502. A fourth fold line 524 separates the first sidewall panel
502 from the first
upper wall panel 510. The first upper wall panel 510 is hingedly movable
(e.g., foldable) about
the fourth fold line 524 relative to the first sidewall panel 502 such that is
can move from the
orientation shown in a flat configuration (Figs 20 and 21) to the orientation
shown in the
constructed configuration (Figs. 1,3, 5 and 7). The second upper wall panel
512 is integral with
the second sidewall panel 504. A fifth fold line 526 separates the second
sidewall panel 504
from the second upper wall panel 512. The second upper wall panel 512 is
hingedly movable
(e.g., foldable) about the fifth fold line 526 relative to the second sidewall
panel 504 such that is
can move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration (Figs. 20 and
21) to the orientation
shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7). The third upper
wall panel 514 is
integral with the third sidewall panel 506. A sixth fold line 528 separates
the third sidewall panel
506 from the third upper wall panel 514. The third upper wall panel 514 is
hingedly movable
(e.g., foldable) about the sixth fold line 528 relative to the third sidewall
panel 506 such that is
-35 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
can move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration (Figs. 20 and
21) to the orientation
shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7). The fourth upper
wall panel 516 is
integral with the fourth sidewall panel 508. A seventh fold line 530 separates
the fourth sidewall
panel 508 from the fourth upper wall panel 516. The fourth upper wall panel
516 is hingedly
movable (e.g., foldable) about the seventh fold line 530 relative to the
fourth sidewall panel 508
such that is can move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration
(Figs. 20 and 21) to
the orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7).
[00173] In one or more examples, the carton blank 500 includes a sealing flap
532. The
sealing flap 532 is integral with the fourth sidewall panel 508. An eighth
fold line 534 separates
the sealing flap 532 from the fourth sidewall panel 508. The sealing flap 532
is hingedly
movable (e.g., foldable) about the eighth fold line 534 relative to the fourth
sidewall panel 508
such that is can move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration
(Figs. 20 and 21) to
the orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 7).
In the constructed
configuration, the sealing flap 532 is sealed or is otherwise secured (e.g.,
via tape, adhesive
bonding, and the like) to the second sidewall panel 504.
[00174] In one or more examples, the first fold line 518, the second fold line
520, the third
fold line 522, and the eighth fold line 534 define the plurality of side
corners 134 of the carton
138 (e.g., the packaging container 102). The fourth fold line 524, the fifth
fold line 526, the sixth
fold line 528, and the seventh fold line 530 define the plurality of upper
corners 152 of the carton
138 (e.g., the packaging container 102).
[00175] In one or more examples, the brace-receiving aperture 192 is formed in
at least two of
the first sidewall panel 502, the second sidewall panel 504, the third
sidewall panel 506, and the
fourth sidewall panel 508. As illustrated in Fig. 20, in one or more examples,
the brace-receiving
aperture 192 is formed in each one of the third sidewall panel 506 and the
fourth sidewall panel
508 such that, in the loaded configuration, the brace 130 extends between and
is coupled to the
long front sidewall and the rear sidewall of the packaging container 102. As
illustrated in Fig.
21, in one or more examples, the brace-receiving aperture 192 is formed in
each one of the first
sidewall panel 502 and the second sidewall panel 504 such that, in the loaded
configuration, the
- 36 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
brace 130 extends between and is coupled to the short right sidewall and the
left sidewall of the
packaging container 102.
[00176] In one or more examples, the brace-locking aperture 194 is formed in
at least two of
the first sidewall panel 502, the second sidewall panel 504, the third
sidewall panel 506, and the
fourth sidewall panel 508. In one or more examples, the brace-locking aperture
194 is associated
with and is formed in the same sidewall panels as the brace-receiving aperture
192.
[00177] In one or more examples, the brace-receiving aperture 192 and the
brace-locking
aperture 194 are cut out during formation of the carton blank 500. In one or
more examples, the
carton blank 500 is selectively cut during formation to form a receiving-
aperture punch-out 536
and a locking-aperture punch-out 538. In one or more examples, a receiving-
aperture perforation
540 and a locking-aperture perforation 542 are formed through the associated
sidewall panel 502,
504, 506, and 508. The receiving-aperture perforation 540 defines the
receiving-aperture punch-
out 536 and the locking-aperture perforation 542 defines the locking-aperture
punch-out 538.
Thus, each one of the receiving-aperture punch-out 536 and the locking-
aperture punch-out 538
can be pushed inwardly or outwardly to separate the receiving-aperture punch-
out 536 and the
locking-aperture punch-out 538 from the associated sidewall panel 502, 504,
506, and 508 and
form the corresponding brace-receiving aperture 192 and brace-locking aperture
194.
[00178] Referring to Fig. 20, in one or more examples, the push-in panel 132
is formed in at
two of the sidewall panels 502, 504, 506, and 508. In one or more examples,
the push-in panel
132 is formed during formation of the carton blank 500. In one or more
examples, the carton
blank 500 is selectively creased and cut during formation to form the push-in
panel 132.
[00179] In one or more examples, the push-in panel 132 is partially defined by
a parallel pair
of push-in panel perforations 550 and 552 formed through the associated
sidewall panel 502,
504, 506, and 508 and the sealing flap 532. The push-in panel 132 is partially
defined by a
parallel pair of outer push-in panel fold lines 556 and 558. The push-in panel
132 also has a
central push-in panel fold line 554 that is parallel to and located between
the pair of outer push-
in panel fold lines 556 and 558. The central push-in panel fold line 554
separates the first
portion 188 and the second portion 190 (Figs. 10, 16 and 17), which are
integral with each other.
- 37 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00180] In one or more examples, the push-in panel 132 is integral with the
associated
sidewall panels 502, 504, 506, and 508 and the associated sealing flap 532.
The push-in panel
132 is separated from the respective sidewall panel 502, 504, 506, and 508 and
the respective
sealing flap 532 along the pair of outer push-in panel fold lines 556 and 558.
The push-in panel
132 is severed from the respective sidewall panel 502, 504, 506, and 508 and
the respective
sealing flap 532 along the pair of push-in panel perforations 550 and 552. The
push-in panel 132
is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the pair of outer push-in panel
fold lines 556 and 558
relative to the respective sidewall panel 502, 504, 506, and 508 and the
respective sealing flap
532 and is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the central push-in panel
fold line 554 such
that it can move from the orientation shown in a flat configuration (Figs. 20
and 21) to the
orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 1-4, 10, 11, 16 and
17).
[00181] In one or more examples, the pair of outer push-in panel fold lines
556 and 558 are
approximately parallel with a respective of the first fold line 518, the
second fold line 520, the
third fold line 522, and the eighth fold line 534. The central push-in panel
fold line 554 is
approximately collinear with a respective one of the first fold line 518, the
second fold line 520,
the third fold line 522, and the eighth fold line 534. The pair of push-in
panel perforations 550
and 552 are approximately perpendicular to a respective one of the first fold
line 518, the second
fold line 520, the third fold line 522, and the eighth fold line 534.
[00182] In one or more examples, the carrying aperture 172 is cut out during
formation of the
carton blank 500. In one or more examples, the carton blank 500 is selectively
cut and creased
during formation to form a carrying aperture flap 544. In one or more
examples, a carrying
aperture perforation 546 is formed through the associated sidewall panel 502,
504, 506, and 508.
The carrying aperture perforation 546 defines the carrying aperture flap 544.
A carrying aperture
fold line 548 separates the carrying aperture flap 544 from the associated
sidewall panel 502,
504, 506, and 508. The carrying aperture flap 544 is hingedly movable (e.g.,
foldable) along the
carrying aperture fold line 548 relative to the associated sidewall panel 502,
504, 506, and 508.
Thus, the carrying aperture flap 544 can be pushed inwardly to partially sever
the carrying
aperture flap 544 from the associated sidewall panel 502, 504, 506, and 508
and form the
carrying aperture 172.
- 38 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00183] Referring to Fig. 22, in one or more examples, the container blank 600
includes a first
sidewall panel 602 that forms the first sidewall 144 of the packaging
container 102. The
container blank 600 includes a second sidewall panel 604 that forms the second
sidewall 146 of
the packaging container 102. The container blank 600 includes a third sidewall
panel 606 that
forms the third sidewall 148 of the packaging container 102. The container
blank 600 includes a
fourth sidewall panel 608 that forms the fourth sidewall 150 of the packaging
container 102. The
container blank 600 includes a first upper wall panel 610, a second upper wall
panel 612, a third
upper wall panel 614, and a fourth upper wall panel 616 that, in combination,
form the upper
wall 106 of the packaging container 102. The container blank 600 includes a
first lower wall
panel 618, a second lower wall panel 620, a third lower wall panel 622, and a
fourth lower wall
panel 624 that, in combination, form the lower wall 104 of the packaging
container 102.
[00184] In one or more examples, the first sidewall panel 602 is integral with
the third
sidewall panel 606. The first sidewall panel 602 is integral with the fourth
sidewall panel 608,
opposite the third sidewall panel 606. The second sidewall panel 604 is
integral with the third
sidewall panel 606, opposite the first sidewall panel 602. A first fold line
626 separates the first
sidewall panel 602 from the fourth sidewall panel 608. The first sidewall
panel 602 and the
fourth sidewall panel 608 are hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the
first fold line 626
relative to each other such that they can move from the orientation shown in a
flat configuration
(Fig. 22) to the orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 2,
4, 6 and 8). A
second fold line 628 separates the first sidewall panel 602 from the third
sidewall panel 606. The
first sidewall panel 602 and the third sidewall panel 606 are hingedly movable
(e.g., foldable)
about the second fold line 628 relative to each other such that they can move
from the orientation
shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 22) to the orientation shown in the
constructed
configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8). A third fold line 630 separates the third
sidewall panel 606
from the second sidewall panel 604. The second sidewall panel 604 and the
third sidewall panel
606 are hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the third fold line 630
relative to each other such
that they can move from the orientation shown in a flat configuration (Fig.
22) to the orientation
shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8).
[00185] In one or more examples, the first upper wall panel 610 is integral
with the first
sidewall panel 602. A fourth fold line 632 separates the first sidewall panel
602 from the first
- 39 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
upper wall panel 610. The first upper wall panel 610 is hingedly movable
(e.g., foldable) about
the fourth fold line 632 relative to the first sidewall panel 602 such that is
can move from the
orientation shown in a flat configuration (Fig. 22) to the orientation shown
in the constructed
configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8). The second upper wall panel 612 is
integral with the second
sidewall panel 604. A fifth fold line 634 separates the second sidewall panel
604 from the
second upper wall panel 612. The second upper wall panel 612 is hingedly
movable (e.g.,
foldable) about the fifth fold line 634 relative to the second sidewall panel
604 such that is can
move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 22) to the
orientation shown in
the constructed configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8). The third upper wall
panel 614 is integral
with the third sidewall panel 606. A sixth fold line 636 separates the third
sidewall panel 606
from the third upper wall panel 614. The third upper wall panel 614 is
hingedly movable (e.g.,
foldable) about the sixth fold line 636 relative to the third sidewall panel
606 such that is can
move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 22) to the
orientation shown in
the constructed configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8). The fourth upper wall
panel 616 is integral
with the fourth sidewall panel 608. A seventh fold line 638 separates the
fourth sidewall panel
508 from the fourth upper wall panel 616. The fourth upper wall panel 616 is
hingedly movable
(e.g., foldable) about the seventh fold line 638 relative to the fourth
sidewall panel 608 such that
is can move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 22) to
the orientation
shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8).
[00186] In one or more examples, the first lower wall panel 618 is integral
with the first
sidewall panel 602. An eighth fold line 640 separates the first sidewall panel
602 from the first
lower wall panel 618. The first lower wall panel 618 is hingedly movable
(e.g., foldable) about
the eighth fold line 640 relative to the first sidewall panel 602 such that is
can move from the
orientation shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 22) to the orientation shown
in the constructed
configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8). The second lower wall panel 620 is
integral with the second
sidewall panel 604. A ninth fold line 642 separates the second sidewall panel
604 from the
second lower wall panel 620. The second lower wall panel 620 is hingedly
movable (e.g.,
foldable) about the ninth fold line 642 relative to the second sidewall panel
604 such that is can
move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 22) to the
orientation shown in
the constructed configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8). The third lower wall
panel 622 is integral
with the third sidewall panel 606. A tenth fold line 644 separates the third
sidewall panel 606
- 40 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
from the third lower wall panel 622. The third lower wall panel 622 is
hingedly movable (e.g.,
foldable) about the tenth fold line 644 relative to the third sidewall panel
606 such that is can
move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 22) to the
orientation shown in
the constructed configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8). The fourth lower wall
panel 624 is integral
with the fourth sidewall panel 608. An eleventh fold line 646 separates the
fourth sidewall panel
608 from the fourth lower wall panel 624. The fourth lower wall panel 624 is
hingedly movable
(e.g., foldable) about the eleventh fold line 646 relative to the fourth
sidewall panel 608 such that
is can move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration (Fig. 22) to
the orientation
shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8).
[00187] In one or more examples, the container blank 600 includes a sealing
flap 648. The
sealing flap 648 is integral with the fourth sidewall panel 608. A twelfth
fold line 650 separates
the sealing flap 648 from the fourth sidewall panel 608. The sealing flap 648
is hingedly
movable (e.g., foldable) about the twelfth fold line 650 relative to the
fourth sidewall panel 608
such that is can move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration
(Fig. 20) to the
orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 2, 4, 6 and 8). In
the constructed
configuration, the sealing flap 648 is sealed or is otherwise secured (e.g.,
via tape, adhesive
bonding, and the like) to the second sidewall panel 604.
[00188] In one or more examples, the first fold line 626, the second fold line
628, the third
fold line 630, and the twelfth fold line 650 define the plurality of side
corners 134 of the
packaging container 102. The fourth fold line 632, the fifth fold line 634,
the sixth fold line 636,
and the seventh fold line 638 define the plurality of upper corners 152 of the
packaging container
102. The eighth fold line 640, the ninth fold line 642, the tenth fold line
644, and the eleventh
fold line 646 define the plurality of lower corners 154 of the packaging
container 102.
[00189] In one or more examples, the brace-receiving aperture 192 is formed in
at least two of
the first sidewall panel 602, the second sidewall panel 604, the third
sidewall panel 606, and the
fourth sidewall panel 608. As illustrated in Fig. 22, in one or more examples,
the brace-receiving
aperture 192 is formed in each one of the first sidewall panel 602 and the
second sidewall panel
604 such that, in the loaded configuration, the brace 130 extends between and
is coupled to the
short right sidewall and the left sidewall of the packaging container 102. In
one or more
- 41 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
examples, the brace-receiving aperture 192 is formed in each one of the third
sidewall panel 606
and the fourth sidewall panel 608 such that, in the loaded configuration, the
brace 130 extends
between and is coupled to the long front sidewall and the rear sidewall of the
packaging
container 102.
[00190] In one or more examples, the brace-locking aperture 194 is formed in
at least two of
the first sidewall panel 602, the second sidewall panel 604, the third
sidewall panel 606, and the
fourth sidewall panel 608. In one or more examples, the brace-locking aperture
194 is associated
with and is formed in the same sidewall panels as the brace-receiving aperture
192.
[00191] In one or more examples, the brace-receiving aperture 192 and the
brace-locking
aperture 194 are cut out during formation of the container blank 600. In one
or more examples,
the container blank 600 is selectively cut during formation to form a
receiving aperture punch-
out 652 and a locking aperture punch-out 654. In one or more examples, a
receiving aperture
perforation 656 and a locking aperture perforation 658 are Rimed through the
associated
sidewall panel 602, 604, 606, and 608. The receiving aperture perforation 656
defines the
receiving aperture punch-out 652 and the locking aperture perforation 658
defines the locking
aperture punch-out 654. Thus, each one of the receiving aperture punch-out 652
and the locking
aperture punch-out 654 can be pushed inwardly or outwardly to separate the
receiving aperture
punch-out 652 and the locking aperture punch-out 654 from the associated
sidewall panel 602,
604, 606, and 608 and form the corresponding brace-receiving aperture 192 and
brace-locking
aperture 194.
[00192] While not explicitly illustrated, in one or more examples, the push-in
panel 132 is
formed in at two of the sidewall panels 602, 604, 606, and 608 and the sealing
flap 648. In one
or more examples, the push-in panel 132 is formed during formation of the
container blank 600.
In one or more examples, the container blank 600 is selectively creased and
cut during formation
to form the push-in panel 132 in substantially the same way as described above
with respect to
the carton blank 500 and illustrated in Fig. 20.
[00193] In one or more examples, the tear-away portion 140i s formed during
formation of the
container blank 600. In one or more examples, the container blank 600 is
selectively cut and
creased during formation to form the tear-away portion 140 in at least one of
the sidewall panels
- 42 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
602, 604, 606, and 608. As illustrated in Fig. 20, the tear-away portion 140
is formed in the third
sidewall panel 606 and the fourth sidewall panel 608 such that, in the loaded
configuration, the
tear-away portion 140 is located on the long front sidewall and the rear
sidewall of the packaging
container 102 for access within the internal volume 110.
[00194] In one or more examples, a tear-away perforation 668 is formed through
the
associated sidewall panel 602, 604, 606, and 608. The tear-away perforation
668 defines the
tear-away portion 140 and enables the tear-away portion 140 to be severed from
the remaining
portion of the associated sidewall panel 602, 604, 606, and 608 along the tear-
away perforation
668. The tear-away portion 140 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) along the
associated fold
line 640, 642, 644, and 646 (e.g., an associated lower wall fold line of the
container blank 600)
relative to the remaining portion of the associated sidewall panel 602, 604,
606, and 608. Thus,
the tear-away portion 140 can be pulled outwardly to partially sever the tear-
away portion 140
from the associated sidewall panel 602, 604, 606, and 608 and provide access
to the internal
volume 110 of the packaging container 102.
[00195] In other examples, the tear-away portion 140 may be formed by any
other suitable
method. For example, the tear-away portion 140 may be defined by zippering
formed in the
associated sidewall panel 602, 604, 606, and 608.
[00196] The tear-away perforation 668 may have any suitable configuration.
Generally, in
one or more examples, the tear-away perforation 668 extends between opposing
ones of the fold
lines 632 and 640, 634 and 642, 636 and 644, and 638 and 646 (e.g., an opposed
lower wall fold
line and upper wall fold line of the container blank 600). In one or more
examples, the tear-away
perforation 668 also extends between opposing ones of the fold lines 626 and
650, 626 and 628,
628 and 630, and 630 and a side edge of the second sidewall panel 604 (e.g.,
an opposed pair of
sidewall fold lines of the container blank 600).
[00197] As illustrated in Fig. 20, in one or more examples, the tear-away
perforation 668 that
forms the tear-away portion 140 of the fourth sidewall panel 608 has a first
segment that extends
from the eleventh fold line 646 to the twelfth fold line 650. The tear-away
perforation 668 has a
second segment that is connected to the first segment and that extends from
the twelfth fold line
650 to the seventh fold line 638. The tear-away perforation 668 has a third
segment that is
¨ 43 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
connected to the second segment and that extends along (e.g., is approximately
collinear with)
the seventh fold line 638. The tear-away perforation 668 has a fourth segment
that is connected
to the third segment and that extends from the seventh fold line 638 to the
first fold line 626.
The tear-away perforation 668 has a fifth segment that is connected to the
fourth segment and
that extends from the first fold line 626 to the eleventh fold line 646. In
one or more examples,
the tear-away perforation 668 that forms the tear-away portion 140 of any
other one of the first
sidewall panel 602, the second sidewall panel 604, and the third sidewall
panel 606 may be
formed in substantially the same way as described above.
[00198] In one or more examples, the tear-away aperture 174 is cut out during
formation of
the container blank 600. In one or more examples, the container blank 600 is
selectively cut and
creased during formation to form a tear-away aperture flap 670. In one or more
examples, a tear-
away aperture perforation 672 is formed through the tear-away portion 140 of
the associated
sidewall panel 602, 604, 606, and 608. The tear-away aperture perforation 672
defines the tear-
away aperture flap 670. The tear-away aperture flap 670 is hingedly movable
(e.g., foldable)
along a tear-away fold line 674 relative to the tear-away portion 140. Thus,
the tear-away
aperture flap 670 can be pushed inwardly to partially sever the tear-away
aperture flap 670 from
the tear-away portion 140 and enable the tear-away portion 140 to be pulled
away from the
remaining portion of the associated sidewall panel 602, 604, 606, and 608.
[00199] In one or more examples, the carrying aperture 172 is cut out during
formation of the
container blank 600. In one or more examples, the container blank 600 is
selectively cut and
creased during formation to form a carrying-aperture flap 660. In one or more
examples, a
carrying-aperture perforation 662 is formed through the associated sidewall
panel 602, 604, 606,
and 608. The carrying-aperture perforation 662 defines the carrying-aperture
flap 660. A
carrying-aperture fold line 664 separates the carrying-aperture flap 660 from
the associated
sidewall panel 602, 604, 606, and 608. The carrying-aperture flap 660 is
hingedly movable (e.g.,
foldable) along the carrying-aperture fold line 664 relative to the associated
sidewall panel 602,
604, 606, and 608. Thus, the carrying-aperture flap 660 can be pushed inwardly
to partially
sever the carrying-aperture flap 660 from the associated sidewall panel 602,
604, 606, and 608
and form the carrying aperture 172.
- 44 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00200] Referring now to Figs. 26-47, in one or more examples, the packaging
container 102
includes, or takes the form of, the insert 196. The insert 196 includes the
lower wall 104 and the
opposed pair of sidewalls 108 (the first sidewall 144 and the second sidewall
146 opposite the
first sidewall 144. In one or more examples, the first sidewall 144 and the
second sidewall 146
arc spaced apart and are parallel to each other. The first sidewall 144 and
the second sidewall
146 interconnect the lower wall 104. The first sidewall 144 and the second
sidewall 146 are
approximately perpendicular to the lower wall 104.
[00201] The brace 112 is configured to extend between and to be coupled to the
first sidewall
144 and the second sidewall 146. The brace 112 is a retaining brace configured
to retain or
secure one or more potted plants 200 within the insert 196. As illustrated in
Figs. 37-41, with
the brace 112 coupled to the insert 196, the brace 112 engages a portion of
the potted plant 200
opposite the lower wall 104.
[00202] In one or more examples, the packaging system 100 also includes one or
more potted
plants 200, located within the insert 196, supported by the lower wall 104 and
secured by the
brace 112. The potted plants 200 may be arranged in any one of various ways
within the insert
196.
[00203] In one or more examples, as illustrated in Figs. 26-36, the insert 196
is a three-
dimensional, multi-sided container that is configured to hold at least one
potted plant 200 for
shipping. As illustrated in Figs. 26,28 and 30, the insert 196 is a three-
sided insert, also referred
to as a U-pad insert. However, the insert 196 is not limited to three sides.
In other examples, as
illustrated in Figs. 27,29 and 31-36, may have five or more sides.
[00204] In one or more examples, the brace 112 is coupled to the insert 196 or
is otherwise
secured between the first sidewall 142 and the second sidewall 144 such that a
portion (e.g., the
retainer portion 158) of the brace 112 contacts a portion of at least one
potted plant 200. The
brace 112 may have any one of various stnictural configurations or may be made
of any one of
various materials. The brace 112 may have any suitable dimensions (e.g.,
length, width, and
thickness). It can be appreciated that the dimensions of the brace 112 may
depend on the
dimensions of the packaging container 102 and the type, size, arrangement
and/or number of the
- 45 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
potted plants 200 loaded into the packaging container 102 and shipped using
the packaging
system 100.
[00205] Generally, the brace 130 (e.g., brace 112) engages a portion of the
pot 204 of each
one of the potted plants 200 opposite the lower wall 104. When coupled to the
insert 196, a
portion of the brace 130 is approximately parallel to the lower wall 104 of
the packaging
container 102. When coupled to the insert 196, the brace 130 is suitably
located such that a
portion of the brace 130 overlaps a portion of at least one pot 204 such that
the pot 204 is secured
between the brace 130 and the lower wall 104.
[00206] Additionally, when coupled to the insert 196, the brace 130 is
suitably located such
that the plant 202 is avoided (e.g., the brace 130 is not in contact with the
plant 202 of any one of
the potted plants 200). As examples, as illustrated in Figs. 37-41, the brace
130 (e.g., brace 112)
is located between the plant 202 of one of the potted plants 200 and the plant
202 of a directly
adjacent one of the potted plants 200. In one or more examples, the brace 130
is suitably located
and sized such that a portion of the brace 130 engages an upper perimeter edge
of the pot 204 to
which the brace 130 is in contact. In one or more examples, the brace 130 is
suitably located and
sized such that a portion of the brace 130 extends over and covers a portion
of an opening of the
pot 204 to which the brace 130 is in contact such that the portion of the
brace 130 retains the soil
203 and the plant 202 within the pot 204.
[00207] Figs. 26-41 schematically illustrate various examples of the packaging
system 100
used to pack and ship different numbers of and different types of potted
plants 200. As an
example, the insert 196 may be used to pack and ship between two and eight
plants 202 potted in
individual pots 204 in which the pots 204 are arranged in rows. As another
example, the insert
196 may be used to pack and ship one or more rectangular trays 214 (e.g.,
flats) of plants 202 in
which each tray 214 includes ten to twenty-four plants 202 potted in
individual cells of the tray
214 and arranged in rows.
[00208] As illustrated in Figs. 30,31 and 37-47, in one or more examples, the
packaging
system 100 includes the shipping container 198. The shipping container 198
includes the lower
wall 234, the upper wall 236, and the plurality of sidewalls 238 and defines
the internal volume
- 46 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
240. The insert 196 is configured to be positioned within the internal volume
240 of the shipping
container 198.
[00209] The lower wall 234, the upper wall 236, and the plurality of sidewalls
238 form the
sides of the shipping container 198 and define the internal volume 240. In one
or more
examples, the plurality of sidewalls 238 of the shipping container 198
includes a first (e.g., left)
sidewall 242, a second (e.g., right) sidewall 244, a third (e.g., front)
sidewall 246 and a fourth
(e.g., rear) sidewall 248. In one or more examples, the first sidewall 242 and
the second sidewall
244 are spaced apart and are parallel to each other. The first sidewall 242
and the second
sidewall 244 interconnect the lower wall 234 and the upper wall 236. The first
sidewall 242 and
the second sidewall 244 are approximately perpendicular to the lower wall 234
and the upper
wall 236. The third sidewall 246 and the fourth sidewall 248 are spaced apart
and are parallel to
each other. The third sidewall 246 and the fourth sidewall 248 interconnect
the lower wall 234
and the upper wall 236. The third sidewall 246 and the fourth sidewall 248
interconnect the first
sidewall 242 and the second sidewall 244. The third sidewall 246 and the
fourth sidewall 248
are approximately perpendicular to the lower wall 234, the upper wall 236, the
first sidewall 242
and the second sidewall 244.
[00210] Throughout the present disclosure, any two of the plurality of
sidewalls 238 of the
shipping container 198 that are opposite and generally parallel to each other
may be referred to
as an opposed pair of the plurality of sidewalls 238. In one or more examples,
the first sidewall
242 and the second sidewall 244 form a first opposed pair of the sidewalls 238
and the third
sidewall 246 and the fourth sidewall 248 form a second opposed pair of the
sidewalls 238.
[00211] As best illustrated in Figs. 37-41, with at least one potted plant 200
loaded within the
insert 196 and the brace 130 (e.g., brace 112) secured to the insert 196, a
portion of the brace 130
overlaps and is in contact with a portion of the pot 204 of the potted plant
200 in its loaded
position such that movement of the potted plant 200 relative to the insert 196
is restricted or
prevented. With the insert 196 loaded within the shipping container 198, a
portion of the insert
196 and/or a portion of the brace 130 is in contact with the sidewalls 238 of
the shipping
container 198 such that movement of the insert 196 and, thus, the potted plant
200 relative to the
shipping container 198 is restricted or prevented. As an example, the brace
130 prevents the
- 47 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
potted plant 200 from moving laterally (e.g., side-to-side and front-to-back)
within the insert
196. As another example, the brace 130 prevents the potted plant 200 from
moving up-and-
down within the insert 196. As another example, the insert 196 is prevented
from moving
laterally (e.g., side-to-side and front-to-back) and from moving up-and-down
within the shipping
container 198. As such, the potted plant 200 remains in a relatively fixed
position relative to the
insert 196 and the insert 196 remains in a relatively fixed position relative
to the shipping
container 198 when the shipping container 198 is moved and/or reoriented
during shipping. For
example, when the shipping container 198 is tilted, turned, or flipped during
shipment, the potted
plant 200 remains stationary within the shipping container 198, which prevents
damage to the
pot 204 and to the plant 202.
[00212] As illustrated in Figs. 26, 28, 30 and 38, in one or more examples,
the packaging
system 100 includes the plurality of braces 130. Each one of the plurality of
braces 130 is
configured to extend between and be coupled to the first sidewall 144 and the
second sidewall
146 of the insert 196. In one or more examples, the brace 112 is a first one
of the plurality of
braces 130 and, thus, may also be referred to herein as the first brace 112.
[00213] In one or more examples, the plurality of braces 130 also includes a
second one, also
referred to herein as the second brace 156. In other examples, the packaging
system 100 may
include any number of braces 130 (e.g., more than two braces 130). It can be
appreciated that
the number of braces 130 may depend on the dimensions and shape of the insert
196 and the
type, size, arrangement and/or number of the potted plants 200 loaded onto the
insert 196 and
shipped using the packaging system 100.
[00214] In other examples, the insert 196 may include any number of brace-
receiving
apertures 192. It can be appreciated that the arrangement and number of the
brace-receiving
apertures 192 may depend on the dimensions and shape of the insert 196, the
arrangement and
number of the braces 130, and the type, size, arrangement and/or number of the
potted plants 200
loaded into the packaging container 102 and shipped using the packaging system
100.
[00215] As illustrated in Figs. 26, 28, 30, 32 and 38, in one or more
examples, the second one
of the braces 130 (e.g., second brace 156) is configured to extend between and
be coupled to the
first sidewall 144 and the second sidewall 146 of the insert 196. In one or
more examples, with
- 48 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
the first one of the braces 130 (e.g., first brace 112) and the second one of
the braces 130 (e.g.,
second brace 156) coupled to the first sidewall 144 and the second sidewall
146, the first one of
the braces 130 and the second one of the braces 130 are spaced apart and
approximately parallel
to each other.
[00216] As best illustrated in Figs. 26-29, in one or more examples, the
insert 196 includes
the brace-receiving aperture 114 formed through each one of the first sidewall
144 and the
second sidewall 146. The brace-receiving aperture 114 is configured to receive
a portion of the
brace 112. In examples in which the packaging system 100 includes the
plurality of braces 130
(e.g., Figs. 26 and 28), the insert 196 includes the plurality of brace-
receiving apertures 192 (e.g.,
first brace-receiving aperture 114 and second brace-receiving aperture 116)
formed through each
one of the first sidewall 144 and the second sidewall 146. Each one of the
brace-receiving
apertures 192 is configured to receive a portion of an associated one of the
braces 130. Each one
of the brace-receiving apertures 192 has a size and shape suitable to receive
and secure a portion
of an associated one of the braces 130.
[00217] In one or more examples, the brace 130 (e.g., first brace 112 or
second brace 156)
includes the retainer portion 158, the first extension portion 160 and the
second extension portion
162. The retainer portion 158 is configured to extend between the first
sidewall 144 and the
second sidewall 146. The first extension portion 160 extends from the retainer
portion 158 and
is configured to be inserted through the brace-receiving aperture 192 (e.g.,
first brace-receiving
aperture 114 or second brace-receiving aperture 116) of the first sidewall
144. The second
extension portion 162 extends from the retainer portion 158, opposite the
first extension portion
160, and is configured to be inserted through the brace-receiving aperture 192
of the second
sidewall 146.
[00218] As illustrated in Figs. 26, 28, 30, 32,37 and 38, in one or more
examples, the brace
130 (e.g., first brace 112) includes the first side 220 and the second side
222. The first side 220
and the second side 222 are coupled together and oblique to each other. With
the brace 130
coupled to the insert 196, the first side 220 and the second side 222 are
configured to be oblique
to the lower wall 104 of the insert 196. In these examples, the brace 130 has
a generally inverted
V-shape in cross section. An edge of the first side 220 and an edge of the
second side 222 (e.g.,
- 49 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
lower edges of the inverted V-shaped brace opposite an apex of the inverted V-
shaped brace) are
configured to be approximately parallel to the lower wall 104 and extend
across and contact a
portion of the pots 204 of the potted plants 200.
[00219] In one or more examples, the brace 130 is configured (e.g., shaped) to
engage and
interlock with the first sidewall 144 and the second sidewall 146 of the
insert 196 within the
brace-receiving apertures 192. In one or more examples, the first extension
portion 160 extends
through the brace-locking aperture 194 such that the first sidewall 144 is
captured and secured
between the retainer portion 158 and the first extension portion 160. This
connection interface
secures (e.g., locks) the first end portion of the brace 130 to the first
sidewall 144 A
substantially similar connection interface between the retainer portion 158
and the second
extension portion 162 secures (e.g., locks) the opposing second end portion of
the brace 130 to
the second sidewall 146. Thus, in one or more examples, the first extension
portion 160 of the
brace 130 may include, or form, the first locking head 122 and the second
extension portion 162
of the brace 130 may include, or form, the second locking head 124.
[00220] The brace-receiving apertures 192 are configured (e.g., shaped) to be
complementary
to the brace 130. In one or more examples, the brace width of the brace 130
and the receiving-
aperture width of the brace-receiving aperture 192 are suitably sized such
that the brace 130 is
held within the brace-receiving aperture 192 by an interference fit. In one or
more examples, the
brace-receiving apertures 192 have a generally triangular shape (e.g., takes
the form of a
generally triangular opening) configured to receive and retain the extension
portions 160 and 162
of the brace 130, as illustrated in Fig. 26. In one or more examples, the
brace-receiving apertures
192 may have an inverted V-shape (e.g., takes the form of an inverted V-shaped
slot or opening).
[00221] As illustrated in Figs. 27, 29, 31, 39 and 42-47, in one or more
examples, the brace
130 (e.g., first brace 112) includes the first side 220, the second side 222
and the third side 224.
The first side 220 and the second side 222 are oblique to each other. The
third side 224 is
coupled to the first side 220 and to the second side 222 and is oblique to the
first side 220 and to
the second side 222. With the brace 130 coupled to the insert 196, the first
side 220 and the
second side are configured to be oblique to the lower wall 104 of the
packaging container 102.
With the brace 130 coupled to the insert 196, the third side 224 is configured
to be parallel to the
- 50 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102. In these examples, the brace
130 has generally
triangular shape in cross section. The third side 224 of the brace 130
(opposite an apex of the
triangular shaped brace) is configured to extend across and contact a portion
of the pots 204 of
the potted plants 200.
[00222] The brace-receiving apertures 192 are configured (e.g., shaped) to be
complementary
to the brace 130. In one or more examples, the brace width of the brace 130
and the receiving-
aperture width of the brace-receiving aperture 192 are suitably sized such
that the brace 130 is
held within the brace-receiving aperture 192 by an interference fit. In one or
more examples, the
brace-receiving apertures 192 have a generally triangular shape (e.g., takes
the form of a
generally triangular opening) configured to receive and retain the extension
portions 160 and 162
of the brace 130, as illustrated in Fig. 27..
[00223] In one or more examples, the brace 130 includes a first extension tab
254 extending
from a portion of the first side 220 of the brace 112. For example, the first
extension tab 254
may extend from an approximate center of the retainer portion 158 of the brace
130 to a junction
between the retainer portion 158 and the first extension portion 160. The
brace 112 also includes
a second extension tab 256 extending from a portion of the second side 220 of
the brace 112.
For example, the second extension tab 256 may extend from the approximate
center of the
retainer portion 158 of the brace 130 to a junction between the retainer
portion 158 and the
second extension portion 162.
[00224] In one or more examples, the first extension tab 254 and the second
extension tab 256
are configured to engage each other. For example, a portion of a first edge of
the first extension
tab 254 and a portion of a first edge of the second extension tab 256 are
configured to contact
each other and hold the first side 220 and the second side 222 in position
relative to the third side
224, for example, via a friction interface. In one or more examples,
engagement between the
first extension tab 254 and the second extension tab 256 assist with retaining
the brace 130 in the
generally triangular shape.
[00225] In one or more examples, the first extension tab 254 is configured to
engage the first
sidewall 144 of the insert 196. The second extension tab 256 is configured to
engage the second
sidewall 146 of the insert 196. For example, a second edge of the first
extension tab 254,
- 51 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
opposite the first edge, is configured to contact an interior surface of the
first sidewall 144. A
second edge of the second extension tab 256, opposite the first edge, is
configured to contact an
interior surface of the second sidewall 146. In one or more examples,
engagement between the
first extension tab 254 and the first sidewall 144 and engagement between the
second extension
tab 256 and the second sidewall 146 maintain the brace 130 between the first
sidewall 144 and
the second sidewall 146 of the insert 196 and prevents (e.g., limits) lateral
movement of the
brace 130 between the first sidewall 144 and the second sidewall 146.
[00226] As illustrated in Figs. 34-36 and 40, in one or more examples, the
brace 112 includes
the web 226, the first flange 228 and the second flange 230. The first flange
228 is coupled to an
end of the web 226. The second flange 230 is coupled to the end of the web 226
opposite the
first flange 228. With the brace 130 coupled to the insert 196, the web 226 is
configured to be
perpendicular to the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102. With the
brace 130 coupled
to the insert 196, the first flange 228 and the second flange 230 are
configured to be parallel to
the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102. In these examples, the
brace 130 has
generally T-shape in cross section. The first flange 228 and the second flange
230 of the brace
130 are configured to extend across and contact a portion of the pots 204 of
the potted plants
200.
[00227] The brace-receiving apertures 192 are configured (e.g., shaped) to be
complementary
to the brace 130. In one or more examples, the brace width of the brace 130
and the receiving-
aperture width of the brace-receiving aperture 192 are suitably sized such
that the brace 130 is
held within the brace-receiving aperture 192 by an interference fit. In one or
more examples, the
brace-receiving apertures 192 have a generally T-shape (e.g., takes the form
of a generally T-
shaped slot or opening) configured to receive and retain the extension
portions 160 and 162 of
the brace 130, as best illustrated in Fig 36
[00228] While various examples of different numbers, types and arrangements of
the braces
130 have been described and illustrated, the disclosed packaging system 100 is
not limited to the
explicitly disclosed examples. It can be appreciated that the arrangement of
the braces 130 may
depend on the dimensions and shape of the insert 196 and the type, size,
arrangement and/or
number of the potted plants 200 loaded onto the insert 196 and shipped using
the packaging
- 52 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
system 100. Furthermore, it can be appreciated that the number and arrangement
of the braces
130 described and illustrated in any one example may be combined with the
number and
arrangement of braces 130 described and illustrated in any other example.
[00229] As illustrated in Figs. 27, 29, 31, 32-36 and 41-47, in one or more
examples, the
insert 196 further includes the third sidewall 148 and the fourth sidewall 150
opposite the third
sidewall 148. The third sidewall 148 and the fourth sidewall 150 are spaced
apart and are
parallel to each other. The third sidewall 148 and the fourth sidewall 150
interconnect the lower
wall 104. The third sidewall 148 and the fourth sidewall 150 are approximately
perpendicular to
the lower wall 104, the first sidewall 144 and the second sidewall 146.
[00230] As illustrated in Figs. 27, 29, 31 and 42-47, in one or more examples,
the third
sidewall 148 is configured to be coupled to the first sidewall 144 and to the
second sidewall 146.
The fourth sidewall 150 is configured to be coupled to the first sidewall 144
and to the second
sidewall 146.
[00231] As illustrated in Figs. 32-36, in one or more examples, the insert 196
includes the
first wall-flange 260 and the second wall-flange 262. The first wall-flange
260 is coupled to the
third sidewall 148 and is configured to be parallel to the lower wall 104 of
the insert 196. The
second wall-flange 262 is coupled to the fourth sidewall 150 and is configured
to be parallel to
the lower wall 104 of the insert 196. The first wall-flange 260 and the second
wall-flange 262
are configured to retain the potted plants 200 within the packaging container
102 in conjunction
with the brace 112 or the plurality of braces 130. In one or more examples,
the first wall-flange
260 is configured to extend across and contact a portion of the pots 204 of
ones of potted plants
200 opposite the brace 130 and the second wall-flange 262 is configured to
extend across and
contact a portion of the pots 204 of other ones of the potted plants 200
opposite the brace 130, as
best illustrated in Figs. 35 and 41.
[00232] Tn one or more examples, the first wall-flange 260 is configured to be
coupled to the
first sidewall 144 and to the second sidewall 146. The second wall-flange 262
is configured to
be coupled to the first sidewall 144 and to the second sidewall 146.
- 53 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00233] As illustrated in Figs. 28-31 and 34-36, in one or more examples, the
first extension
portion 160 of the brace 130 extends from the retainer portion 158 beyond the
first sidewall 144
of the insert 196. With the brace 130 coupled to the insert 196 and the insert
196 loaded within
the shipping container 198, the first extension portion 160 is positioned
between the first
sidewall 144 of the insert 196 and a first one of an opposing pair of the
sidewalls 238 of the
shipping container 198 (e.g., the first sidewall 242) and is in contact with
the first sidewall 242 of
the shipping container 198. The second extension portion 162 extends from the
retainer portion
158, opposite the first extension portion 160, beyond the second sidewall 146
of the insert 196.
The second extension portion 162 is positioned between the second sidewall 146
of the insert
196 and a second one of the opposing pair of the sidewalls 238 of the shipping
container 198
(e.g. the second sidewall 244) and is in contact with the second sidewall 244
of the shipping
container 198. Thus, in one or more examples, with the brace 130 coupled to
the insert 196 and
the insert 196 loaded within the shipping container 198, the brace 130 is
configured to extend
between and contact with the opposing pair of the sidewalls 238 (e.g. first
sidewall 242 and
second sidewall 244) of the shipping container 198 and prevent lateral
movement of the insert
196 between the first sidewall 242 and second sidewall 244 of the shipping
container 198.
[00234] In one or more examples, the first extension portion 160 and the
second extension
portion 162 may also space the first sidewall 144 and the second sidewall 146
of the insert 196
away from the respectively first sidewall 242 and the second sidewall 244 of
the shipping
container 198 such that the insert 196 may be easily loaded into and unloaded
from the shipping
container 198, for example, using the carrying aperture 172 formed through
each one of the first
sidewall 144 and the second sidewall 146 of the insert 196.
[00235] In one or more examples, the first sidewall 144 and the second
sidewall 146 of the
insert 196 each has a width approximately equal to a width of each of the
first sidewall 242 and
the second sidewall 244 of the shipping container 198 such that side edges of
the first sidewall
144 and the second sidewall 146 extend between and are in contact with the
third sidewall 246
and the fourth sidewall 248 of the shipping container 198. Thus, in one or
more examples, with
the insert 196 loaded within the shipping container 198, the first sidewall
144 and the second
sidewall 146 of the insert 196 prevent lateral movement of the insert 196
between the third
sidewall 246 and the fourth sidewall 248 of the shipping container 198.
- 54 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00236] As illustrated in Figs. 26, 28 and 30, in one or more examples, the
insert 196 includes
an opposed pair of lower tabs 250 extending from the lower wall 104 of the
insert 196. The
opposed pair of lower tabs 250 is configured to engage an opposing pair of the
sidewalls 238 of
the shipping container 198.
[00237] In one or more examples, a first one of the lower tabs 250 is
configured to extend
beyond the first sidewall 144 of the insert 196 and be positioned between the
lower wall 104 of
the insert 196 and the first one of an opposing pair of the sidewalls 238 of
the shipping container
198 (e.g., first sidewall 242). The second one of the lower tabs 250 is
configured to extend
beyond the second sidewall 146 of the insert 196 and be positioned between the
lower wall 104
of the insert 196 and the second one of an opposing pair of the sidewalls 238
of the shipping
container 198 (e.g., second sidewall 244). Thus, in one or more examples, with
the insert 196
loaded within the shipping container 198, the lower tabs 250 are configured to
contact with the
opposing pair of the sidewalls 238 (e.g. first sidewall 242 and second
sidewall 244) of the
shipping container 198 and prevent lateral movement of the insert 196 between
the first sidewall
242 and second sidewall 244 of the shipping container 198.
[00238] As illustrated in Figs. 27, 29, 31 and 45-47, in one or more examples,
the insert 196
includes an opposed pair of upper tabs 252. A first one of the opposed pair of
upper tabs 252
extends from the first sidewall 144 of the insert 196. A second one of the
opposed pair of upper
tabs 252 extends from the second sidewall 146 of the insert 196. The opposed
pair of upper tabs
252 is configured to engage an opposing pair of the sidewalls 238 of the
shipping container 198.
[00239] In one or more examples, the first one of the upper tabs 252 is
configured to extend
between the first sidewall 144 of the insert 196 and the first sidewall 242 of
the shipping
container 198. The second one of the upper tabs 252 is configured to extend
between the second
sidewall 146 of the insert 196 and the second sidewall 244 of the shipping
container 198. Thus,
in one or more examples, with the insert 196 loaded within the shipping
container 198, the upper
tabs 252 are configured to contact with the opposing pair of the sidewalls 238
(e.g. first sidewall
242 and second sidewall 244) of the shipping container 198 and prevent lateral
movement of the
insert 196 between the first sidewall 242 and second sidewall 244 of the
shipping container 198.
- 55 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00240] In one or more examples, each one of the upper tabs 252 extends from a
portion of a
perimeter edge of corresponding one of the brace-receiving apertures 192
formed in the opposed
sidewalls 108 of the insert 196. In one or more examples, with the brace 130
coupled to the
insert 196, the first one of the upper tabs 252 is in contact with the first
extension portion 160 of
the brace 130 (e.g., the third side 224 of the brace 130 or lower edges of the
first side 220 and
second side 222 of the brace 130) and the opposed second one of the upper tabs
252 is in contact
with the second extension portion 162 of the brace 130.
[00241] As illustrated in Figs. 27, 29, 31 and 32-36, in one or more examples,
the third
sidewall 148 and the fourth sidewall 150 each includes an opposed pair of wall-
extensions 258.
The opposed pair of wall-extensions 258 is configured to engage an opposing
pair of the
sidewalls 238 of the shipping container 198.
[00242] In one or more examples, a first one of the wall-extensions 258 is
configured to
extend beyond the first sidewall 144 of the insert 196 and be positioned
between the first
sidewall 144 of the insert 196 and the first one of an opposing pair of the
sidewalls 238 of the
shipping container 198 (e.g., first sidewall 242). The second one of the wall-
extensions 258 is
configured to extend beyond the second sidewall 146 of the insert 196 and be
positioned between
the second sidewall 146 of the insert 196 and the second one of an opposing
pair of the sidewalls
238 of the shipping container 198 (e.g., second sidewall 244). Thus, in one or
more examples,
with the insert 196 loaded within the shipping container 198, the wall-
extensions 258 are
configured to contact with the opposing pair of the sidewalls 238 (e.g. first
sidewall 242 and
second sidewall 244) of the shipping container 198 and prevent lateral
movement of the insert
196 between the first sidewall 242 and second sidewall 244 of the shipping
container 198.
[00243] Referring now to Figs. 48-58, in one or more examples, the packaging
system 100
(e.g., each one of the insert 196, the brace 130 and the shipping container
198) may be
constnicted from or otherwise erected using a corresponding one of a plurality
of generally
planar blanks. In one or more examples, the blank is formed from a die-cut
piece of corrugated
sheet material, such as corrugated board. Each one of the blanks may have a
generally
rectangular shape having a length that is somewhat greater than its width.
Generally, the blank is
appropriately creased, crushed, or scored to form a plurality of preformed
weaknesses that
- 56 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
transform the blank into a plurality of separate but integral panels. The
blank may be folded
about such lines of preformed weakness to erect the packaging system 100.
Accordingly,
throughout the present disclosure, such lines of preformed weakness may be
referred to herein as
fold lines of the blank.
[00244] Figs. 48-52 schematically illustrate examples of the brace blank 300
used to
construct the brace 130. Figs. 53-56 schematically illustrate examples of an
insert blank 700
used to construct the insert 196. Figs. 57 and 58 schematically illustrate
examples of a container
blank 800 used to construct the shipping container 198. For clarity, it should
be appreciated that
one surface, projecting towards the viewer, is shown in Figs. 48-58. For
example, the exposed
surface of the brace blank 300 becomes an interior surface of the brace 130,
the exposed surface
of the insert blank 700 becomes the interior surface of the insert 196, and
the exposed surface of
the container blank 800 becomes the interior surface of the shipping container
198. The various
panels and portions of panels exposed in Figs. 48-58 have a corresponding
undersurface that is
not seen until folding occurs.
[00245] Figs. 48 and 49 schematically illustrate examples of the brace blank
300 used to
construct the brace 130 having a generally triangular cross section, such as
the brace 130
illustrated in Figs. 27, 28, 31, 39 and 42-47. In one or more examples, the
brace blank 300
includes the central panel 302 that forms the third side 224 of the brace 130.
The brace blank
300 includes a first side panel 330 that forms the first side 220 of the brace
130. The brace blank
300 includes a second side panel 332, opposite the first side panel 330, that
forms the second
side 222 of the brace 130.
[00246] In one or more examples, the central panel 302 is integral with the
first side panel 330
and with the second side panel 332. A fold line 334 extends the length of the
brace blank 300
and separates the first side panel 330 from the central panel 302. The first
side panel 330 is
hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fold line 334 relative to the
central panel 302 such
that it can move from the orientation shown in a flat configuration (Figs. 48
and 49) to the
oblique orientation shown in a constructed configuration (Figs. 27, 28, 31 and
39). A fold line
336 extends the width of the brace blank 300, parallel to the first fold line
334, and separates
second side panel 332 from the central panel 302. The second side panel 332 is
hingedly
- 57 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
movable (e.g., foldable) about the second fold line 336 relative to the
central panel 302 such that
is can move from the orientation shown in the flat configuration (Figs. 48 and
49) to the
orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 27, 28, 31 and 39).
[00247] In one or more examples, the brace blank 300 includes a first
extension panel 338
that forms the first extension tab 254 of the brace 130. The brace blank 300
also includes second
extension panel 340 that forms the second extension tab 256 of the brace 130.
The first
extension panel 338 is integral with the first side panel 330 and extends from
a portion of edge
342 of the first side panel 330. The second extension panel 340 is integral
with the second side
panel 332 and extends from a portion of edge 344 of the second side panel 332.
[00248] In one or more examples, when constructed to form the brace 130, edge
346 of the
first extension panel 338 and edge 348 of the second extension panel 340
engage each other to
hold the first side panel 330 and the second side panel 332 in a proper folded
position relative to
the central panel 302 (e.g., in the generally triangular shape). With the
brace 130 constructed
and coupled to the insert 196, edge 350 of the first extension panel 338
contacts the interior
surface of the first sidewall 144 of the insert 196 and edge 352 of the second
extension panel 33
contacts the interior surface of the second sidewall 146 of the insert 196.
With the brace 130
constructed and coupled to the insert 196, edge 342 of the first side panel
330 and edge 344 of
the second side panel 332 extend across and contact the pots 204 to retain the
potted plants 200
within the insert 196.
[00249] Figs. 50 and 51 schematically illustrate examples of the brace blank
300 used to
construct the brace 130 having a generally inverted V-shape in cross section,
such as the brace
130 illustrated in Figs. 26, 28, 30, 32, 37, 38 and 41. In one or more
examples, the brace blank
300 includes the first side panel 330 that forms the first side 220 of the
brace 130_ The brace
blank 300 includes the second side panel 332 that forms the second side 222 of
the brace 130.
[00250] Tn one or more examples, the first side panel 330 is integral with the
second side
panel 332. A fold line 354 extends the length of the brace blank 300 and
separates the first side
panel 330 from the second side panel 332. The first side panel 330 and the
second side panel
332 are hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fold line 354 relative to
each other such that
- 58 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
they can move from the orientation shown in a flat configuration (Figs. 50 and
51) to the oblique
orientation shown in a constructed configuration (Figs. 26, 28, 30, 32, 37, 38
and 41).
[00251] In one or more examples, with the brace 130 constructed and coupled to
the insert
196, edge 356 of the first side panel 330 and edge 358 of the second side
panel 332 extend across
and contact the pots 204 to retain the potted plants 200 within the insert
196. In one or more
examples, as illustrated in Fig. 50, edge 356 of the first side panel 330 and
edge 358 of the
second side panel 332 are linear (e.g., straight). In one or more examples, as
illustrated in Fig.
51, edge 356 of the first side panel 330 and edge 358 of the second side panel
332 are non-linear.
For example, edge 356 of the first side panel 330 and edge 358 of the second
side panel 332 may
each include a plurality of curved recesses that are configured to accommodate
the plants 202
when the brace 130 is positioned to retain the potted plants 200 within the
insert 196.
[00252] In one or more examples, the first side panel 330 includes an opposed
pair of notches
360, or other recess, formed (e.g., cut) in the brace blank 300 along edge
356. The second side
panel 332 includes an opposed pair of notches 360 formed in the brace blank
300 along edge
358. An associated pair of notches 360 define the junction between the
retainer portion 158 of
the brace 130 and a respective extension portion 160 and 162 (e.g., define the
base of a
respective first locking head 122 and second locking head 124 of the brace
130). Generally, each
notch 360 has a suitable size and shape configured to receive a portion of an
associated sidewall
108 of the insert 196 along a perimeter of the brace-receiving aperture 192 to
lock the brace 130
to the sidewall 108.
[00253] Fig. 52 schematically illustrates an example of the brace blank 300
used to construct
the brace 130 having the T-shape in cross section, such as the brace 130
illustrated in Figs.
34-36 and 40. In one or more examples, the brace blank 300 includes a first
web panel 362 that
forms a first portion (e.g., a first side) of the web 226 of the brace 130.
The brace blank 300
includes a second web panel 364 that forms a second portion (e.g., a second
side) of the web 226
of the brace 130. The brace blank 300 includes a first flange panel 366 that
forms the first flange
228 of the brace 130. The brace blank 300 includes a second flange panel 368
that forms the
second flange 230 of the brace 130.
-59 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00254] In one or more examples, the first web panel 362 is integral with the
second web
panel 364. A fold line 370 extends the length of the brace blank 300 and
separates the first web
panel 362 from the second web panel 364. The first web panel 362 and the
second web panel
364 are hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fold line 370 relative to
each other such that
they can move from the orientation shown in a flat configuration (Fig. 52) to
the parallel
orientation shown in a constructed configuration (Figs. 34-36 and 40). The
first web panel 362
is integral with the first flange panel 366. A fold line 372 extends the
length of the brace blank
300 and separates the first web panel 362 from the first flange panel 366. The
first flange panel
366 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fold line 372 relative to
the first web panel 362
such that is can move from the orientation shown in a flat configuration (Fig.
52) to the
perpendicular orientation shown in a constructed configuration (Figs. 34-36
and 40). The
second web panel 364 is integral with the second flange panel 368. A fold line
374 extends the
length of the brace blank 300 and separates the second web panel 364 from the
second flange
panel 368. The second flange panel 368 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable)
about the fold line
374 relative to the second web panel 364 such that is can move from the
orientation shown in a
flat configuration (Fig. 52) to the perpendicular orientation shown in a
constructed configuration
(Figs. 34-36 and 40).
[00255] Fig. 53 schematically illustrates an example of the insert blank 700
used to construct
the insert 196, such as the insert 196 illustrated in Figs. 26,28 and 30. Fig.
54 schematically
illustrates an example of the insert blank 700 used to construct the insert
196, such as the insert
196 illustrated in Figs. 27,29,31 and 42-47. Fig. 54 schematically illustrates
an example of the
insert blank 700 used to construct the insert 196, such as the insert 196
illustrated in Fig. 32 Fig
54 schematically illustrates an example of the insert blank 700 used to
construct the insert 196,
such as the insert 196 illustrated in Figs. 34-36.
[00256] Referring to Figs. 53-56, in one or more examples, the insert blank
700 includes a
lower wall panel 702 that forms the lower wall 104 of the insert 196. The
insert blank 700
includes a first sidewall panel 704 that forms the first sidewall 144 of the
insert 196. The insert
blank 700 includes a second sidewall panel 706, opposite the first sidewall
panel 704, that forms
the second sidewall 146 of the insert 196.
- 60 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00257] In one or more examples, the first sidewall panel 704 is integral with
the lower wall
panel 702. The second sidewall panel 706 is integral with the lower wall panel
702. A fold line
708 separates the lower wall panel 702 from the first sidewall panel 704. The
first sidewall panel
704 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fold line 708 relative to
the lower wall panel
702 such that it can move from the orientation shown in a flat configuration
(Figs. 53-56) to the
orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 26-32, 35 and 36). A
fold line 710
separates the lower wall panel 702 from the second sidewall panel 706. The
second sidewall
panel 706 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fold line 710
relative to the lower wall
panel 702 such that it can move from the orientation shown in a flat
configuration (Figs. 53-56)
to the orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 26-32, 35 and
36).
[00258] In one or more examples, the brace-receiving aperture 192 is formed in
each of the
first sidewall panel 704 and the second sidewall panel 706. In one or more
examples, the brace-
receiving aperture 192 is cut out during formation of the insert blank 700. In
one or more
examples, the insert blank 700 is selectively cut during formation to form a
receiving aperture
flap 712.
[00259] Referring to Figs. 53-55, in one or more examples, a receiving
aperture perforation
714 is formed through the first sidewall panel 704 and the second sidewall
panel 706. The
receiving aperture perforation 714 is formed through the associated sidewall
panel 704 and 706.
The receiving aperture perforation 714 defines the receiving aperture flap
712. A fold line 716
separates the receiving aperture flap 712 from the associated sidewall panel
704 and 706. The
receiving aperture flap 712 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) along the
fold line 716 relative to
the associated sidewall panel 704 and 706. Thus, the receiving aperture flap
712 can be pushed
outwardly to partially sever the receiving aperture flap 712 from the
associated sidewall panel
704 and 706 and form the brace-receiving aperture 192 Tn one or more examples,
the receiving
aperture flap 712 of each of the sidewall panels 704 and 706 form the upper
tabs 252 of the first
sidewall 144 and the second sidewall 146 of the insert 196.
[00260] As illustrated in Fig. 53, in one or more examples, the insert blank
700 is selectively
cut and creased during formation such that a portion of the lower wall panel
702 extends into the
- 61 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
associated sidewall panel 704 and 706 and is separated from the associated
sidewall panel 704
and 706 to form the lower tabs 250.
[00261] Referring to Figs. 54-56, in one or more examples, the insert blank
700 includes a
third sidewall panel 718 that forms the third sidewall 148 of the insert 196.
The insert blank 700
also includes a fourth sidewall panel 720 that forms the fourth sidewall 150
of the insert 196.
[00262] In one or more examples, the third sidewall panel 718 is integral with
the lower wall
panel 702. The fourth sidewall panel 720 is integral with the lower wall panel
702. A fold line
722 separates the lower wall panel 702 from the third sidewall panel 718. The
third sidewall
panel 718 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fold line 722
relative to the lower wall
panel 702 such that it can move from the orientation shown in a flat
configuration (Figs. 54-56)
to the orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs. 27, 28, 31,
32, 35 and 36). A
fold line 724 separates the lower wall panel 702 from the fourth sidewall
panel 720. The fourth
sidewall panel 720 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fold line
724 relative to the
lower wall panel 702 such that it can move from the orientation shown in a
flat configuration
(Figs. 54-56) to the orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs.
27, 28, 31, 32, 35
and 36).
[00263] As illustrated in Figs. 54-56, in one or more examples, the insert
blank 700 is
selectively cut and creased during formation such that a portion of the first
sidewall panel 704
and a portion of the second sidewall panel 706 extend into the lower wall
panel 702 is separated
from the lower wall panel 702 to form the wall-extensions 258 of the third
sidewall 148 and the
fourth sidewall 150.
[00264] As illustrated in Fig. 54, in one or more examples, the third sidewall
panel 718
includes a pair of notches 726 formed in edge 728 of the third sidewall panel
718. The fourth
sidewall panel 720 includes the pair of notches 726 formed in edge 730 of the
fourth sidewall
panel 720. The notches 726 receive and engage a portion of the first sidewall
panel 704 and a
portion of the second sidewall panel 706 to connect the third and fourth
sidewalls 148 and 150 of
the insert 196 to the first and second sidewalls 144 and 146 of the insert 196
when constructed.
- 62 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00265] Referring to Figs. 55 and 56, in one or more examples, the insert
blank 700 includes a
first flange panel 732 that forms the first wall-flange 260 of the insert 196.
The insert blank 700
also includes a second flange panel 734 that forms the second wall-flange 230
of the insert 196.
[00266] In one or more examples, the first flange panel 732 is integral with
the third sidewall
panel 718. The second flange panel 734 is integral with the fourth sidewall
panel 720. A fold
line 736 separates the first flange panel 732 from the third sidewall panel
718. The first flange
panel 732 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fold line 736
relative to the third
sidewall panel 718 such that it can move from the orientation shown in a flat
configuration (Figs.
55 and 56) to the orientation shown in the constructed configuration (Figs.
32, 35 and 36). A
fold line 738 separates the second flange panel 734 from the fourth sidewall
panel 720. The
second flange panel 734 is hingedly movable (e.g., foldable) about the fold
line 738 relative to
the fourth sidewall panel 720 such that it can move from the orientation shown
in a flat
configuration (Figs. 55 and 56) to the orientation shown in the constructed
configuration (Figs.
32, 35 and 36).
[00267] As illustrated in Figs. 55 and 56, in one or more examples, the first
flange panel 732
includes a pair of notches 726 formed in edge 740 of the first flange panel
732. The second
flange panel 734 includes a pair of notches 726 formed in edge 742 of the
second flange panel
734. The first sidewall panel 704 includes an opposed pair of notches 726
formed in opposed
edges 744 and 746 of the first sidewall panel 704. The second sidewall panel
706 includes an
opposed pair of notches 726 formed in opposed edges 748 and 750 of the second
sidewall panel
706. The notches 726 of the first and second flange panels 732 and 734 mate
with and engage
corresponding notches 726 of the first and second sidewall panels 704 and706
to connect the first
and second wall-flanges 230 and 232 of the insert 196 to the first and second
sidewalls 144 and
146 of the insert 196 when con stnicted
[00268] Referring to Figs. 57 and 58, in one or more examples, the container
blank 800
includes a first sidewall panel 802 that forms the first sidewall 242 of the
shipping container 198_
The container blank 800 includes a second sidewall panel 804 that forms the
second sidewall 244
of the shipping container 198. The container blank 800 includes a third
sidewall panel 806 that
forms the third sidewall 246 of the shipping container 198. The container
blank 800 includes a
- 63 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
fourth sidewall panel 808 that forms the fourth sidewall 248 of the shipping
container 198. The
container blank 600 also includes a first upper wall panel 810, a second upper
wall panel 812, a
third upper wall panel 814, and a fourth upper wall panel 816 that, in
combination, form the
upper wall 236 of the shipping container 198. The container blank 600 includes
a first lower
wall panel 818, a second lower wall panel 820, a third lower wall panel 822,
and a fourth lower
wall panel 824 that, in combination, form the lower wall 234 of the shipping
container 198. In
one or more examples, the container blank 800 includes a sealing flap 826.
[00269] In one or more examples, the container blank 800 used to construct the
shipping
container 198 (e.g., illustrated in Figs. 57 and 58) is similar in
construction and erection to the
container blank 600 used to construct the packaging container 102 (e.g.,
illustrated in Fig. 22).
[00270] Figs. 42-47 schematically illustrate an example of a method of
erecting the
packaging system 100 (e.g., the insert 196 and the brace 130), constructing
the packaging system
100 (e.g., coupling the brace 130 to the insert 196), loading the insert 196
with the potted plants
200 such that the potted plants 200 are retained by the brace 130 and loading
the insert 196 into
the shipping container 198 for shipment.
[00271] The present disclosure is also directed to a method of packaging the
plurality of
potted plants 200. In one or more examples, the method includes a step of
configuring the
packaging system 100, including the packaging container 102 and one or more
braces 130, in the
loading configuration. In one or more examples, configuring the packaging
container 102
includes erecting the packaging container 102 from a corresponding blank, such
as using the tray
blank 400 and the carton blank 500 or using the container blank 600 or using
the insert blank
700. In one or more examples, configuring the brace 130 includes erecting the
brace 130 from a
corresponding blank, such as using the brace blank 300. In one or more
examples, the method
also includes a step of configuring the shipping container 198 by erecting the
shipping container
198 from a corresponding blank, such as using the container blank 800.
[00272] In one or more examples, the method includes loading the plurality of
potted plants
200 within the packaging container 102. In one or more examples, the potted
plants 200 are
loaded within the internal volume 110 of the packaging container 102 (e.g.,
the box) and
supported by the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102. In one or more
examples, the
- 64 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
potted plants 200 are loaded within the insert 196 and supported by the lower
wall 104 of the
insert 196.
[00273] The plurality of potted plants 200 may be loaded within the packaging
container 102
in any one of various arrangements. In one or more examples, the plurality of
potted plants 200
are loaded on the tray 136 and then covered by the carton 138. In one or more
examples, the
plurality of potted plants 200 are loaded on the lower wall 104 of the
packaging container 102
through a top opening before formation (e.g., closure) of the upper wall 106.
In one or more
examples, the plurality of potted plants 200 are loaded on the lower wall 104
of the insert 196
before loading the insert 196 within the shipping container 198.
[00274] In one or more examples, the method includes a step of positioning the
brace 130
between an opposed pair of the plurality of sidewalls 108 of the packaging
container 102 and a
step of coupling the brace 130 to each one of the opposed pair of the
plurality of sidewalls 108.
The method also includes a step of retaining or securing at least one of the
plurality of potted
plants 200 between the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102 and the
brace 130.
[00275] In one or more examples, the brace 130 may be coupled to the sidewalls
108 of the
packaging container 102 before the potted plants 200 are loaded into the
packaging container
102. In one or more examples, the brace 130 may be coupled to the sidewalls
108 of the
packaging container 102 after the potted plants 200 are loaded into the
packaging container 102.
[00276] In one or more examples, the method includes a step of extending each
one of the
plurality of push-in panels 132 of the packaging container 102 into the
internal volume 110 and a
step of retaining or securing each one of the plurality of potted plants 200
between the lower wall
104 and one of the plurality of push-in panels 132.
[00277] In one or more examples, the method includes a step of retaining at
least one of the
potted plants 200 between the lower wall 104 of the packaging container 102
and the first wall-
flange 260 of the packaging container 102. The method also includes a step of
retaining at least
one of the potted plants 200 between the lower wall 104 of the packaging
container 102 and the
second wall-flange 262 of the packaging container 102.
- 65 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00278] Referring now to Figs. 24 and 25, various techniques may be used to
secure the
potted plants 200. Each potted plant 200 may include a pot 204, soil 203, and
a plant 202. The
pot 204 may be generally tapered in shape. As shown in Fig. 25, paper 205 or
the like may be
placed on top of the soil 203 such that the paper 205 helps ensure the soil
203 stays in the pot
204 and does not move about the packaging container during transport.
Furthermore, one or
more elastic bands 207 that may be located on and wrapped around the potted
plant 200 to
stabilize the soil 203 and the plant 202 in the pot 204 during transport. Fig.
24 illustrates an
example of a sleeve 210. Sleeve 210 may be generally tapered such that it may
fit around the
potted plant 200. Sleeve 210 may be of plastic, paper, or any other material
suitable for
protecting potted plant 200 from losing soil 203 or encountering damage during
transport.
Sleeve 210 may be secured by a clamp 212. Clamp 212 may be a twist tie, band,
string, tape or
any other apparatus suitable for securing sleeve 210 closed above potted plant
200.
[00279] As used herein, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article,
element, component, or
hardware "configured to" perform a specified function is indeed capable of
performing the
specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential
to perform the
specified function after further modification. In other words, the system,
apparatus, device,
structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a
specified function
is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or
designed for the
purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, "configured to"
denotes existing
characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element,
component, or hardware that
enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or
hardware to perform the
specified function without further modification For purposes of this
disclosure, a system,
apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware
described as being
"configured to" perform a particular function may additionally or
alternatively be described as
being "adapted to" and/or as being "operative to" perform that function.
[00280] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," "third,- etc.
are used herein
merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or
hierarchical requirements
on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a
"second" item does not
require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a "first- or lower-numbered item,
and/or, e.g., a "third"
or higher-numbered item.
- 66 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
[00281] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of', when used with a list of
items, means
different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only
one of each item
in the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and
item C" may
include, without limitation, item A or item A and item B. This example also
may include item
A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. In other examples, "at least one
of' may be, for
example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C;
four of item B and
seven of item C; and other suitable combinations.
[00282] For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms "coupled," "coupling,"
and similar terms
refer to two or more elements that are joined, linked, fastened, attached,
connected, put in
communication, or otherwise associated (e.g., mechanically, electrically,
fluidly, optically,
electromagnetically) with one another. In various examples, the elements may
be associated
directly or indirectly. As an example, element A may be directly associated
with element B. As
another example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, for
example, via
another element C. It will be understood that not all associations among the
various disclosed
elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those
depicted in the
figures may also exist.
[00283] As used herein, the term "approximately" refers to or represent a
condition that is
close to, but not exactly, the stated condition that still performs the
desired function or achieves
the desired result. As an example, the term "approximately" refers to a
condition that is within
an acceptable predetermined tolerance or accuracy, such as to a condition that
is within 10% of
the stated condition. However, the term "approximately" does not exclude a
condition that is
exactly the stated condition. As used herein, the term -substantially" refers
to a condition that is
essentially the stated condition that performs the desired function or
achieves the desired result.
[00284] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements
described and illustrated
in Figs. 1-25, referred to above, need be included in every example and not
all elements
described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example. Unless
otherwise
explicitly stated, the schematic illustrations of the examples depicted in
Figs. 1-25, referred to
above, are not meant to imply structural limitations with respect to the
illustrative example.
Rather, although one illustrative structure is indicated, it is to be
understood that the structure
- 67 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
WO 2022/006222
PCT/US2021/039803
may be modified when appropriate. Additionally, modifications, additions
and/or omissions may
be made to the illustrated structure.
[00285] Further, references throughout the present specification to features,
advantages, or
similar language used herein do not imply that all of the features and
advantages that may be
realized with the examples disclosed herein should be, or are in, any single
example. Rather,
language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a
specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is
included in at least one
example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages, and similar language used
throughout the
present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.
[00286] The described features, advantages, and characteristics of one example
may be
combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples. One skilled in
the relevant art
will recognize that the examples described herein may be practiced without one
or more of the
specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other instances,
additional features
and advantages may be recognized in certain examples that may not be present
in all examples.
Furthermore, although various examples of the packaging system 100,
corresponding blanks 300,
400, 500, and 600 and methods 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.
- 68 -
CA 03184730 2022- 12-30
