Fold seam and cut formation for insulation for boxes

Abstract

Foldable insulation systems may comprise recyclable materials fabricated for ease of insertion into a typical box. Disclosed embodiments include the use of polyester fill encased or covered with a clear membrane or other surface material. Disclosed embodiments eschew the current trend of using biodegradable materials. The use of biodegradable materials represents a new found shortfall in the art as few useful insulation materials are biodegradable within a reasonable period of time. The disclosed insulation systems overcome shortfalls in the art by using polyester type materials that often achieve a number “1” value for recycling. Disclosed embodiments may be comprised of virgin resin or more common material such as recycled bottles and other recycled polymers, polyesters, polypropylenes and similar materials. Disclosed systems include a relatively flat insulation member that may be disposed or attached to the top of a box or other container.

Claims

1. A shipping sleeve system comprising: a) a sleeve structure configured to be inserted into a container, the sleeve structure comprising a lower fold assembly; b) the sleeve structure having a first end comprising upper edges with the upper edges defining an upper void; c) the sleeve structure having a second end comprising a bottom fold; d) the second end of the sleeve structure defining two box wing voids to form two box wings; wherein in a self-supporting position of the sleeve structure, the two box wings are configured to be disposed in a flat position in a plane perpendicular to a main body, thereby making a leak-proof sleeve structure with the upper void.

2. The shipping sleeve system of claim 1, wherein the two box wings, in a folded position of the sleeve structure when inserted into the container, are folded upwardly toward the first end of the sleeve structure.

3. The shipping sleeve system of claim 1, comprising a polyester fill encased in a clear membrane.

4. The shipping sleeve system of claim 1, comprising polyester that achieves a number “1” value in recycling.

5. The shipping sleeve system of claim 1, comprising virgin polyester.

6. The shipping sleeve system of claim 1, comprising a virgin polyester fill encased in a clear membrane, the clear membrane comprising virgin polyester.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a disclosed embodiment in a flat or sleeve configuration

(2) FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of a disclosed embodiment in a partially open position

(3) FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of a disclosed embodiment in a partially open position

(4) FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view of a disclosed embodiment in a free standing position with box wings in a flat position

(5) FIG. 5 depicts an isometric view of a disclosed embodiment in a free standing position with box wings in a flat position

(6) FIG. 6 depicts an isometric view of a disclosed embodiment in a free standing position with box wings in a flat position

(7) FIG. 7 depicts an isometric view of a disclosed embodiment with box wings retracted and the embodiment partially disposed within a box

(8) FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of a disclosed embodiment with box wings retracted and fully disposed within a box

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

(9) 100 disclosed embodiment in general 110 box wing void 120 lower fold assembly 125 bottom fold 130 box wing 140 upper fixed seam 150 upper edges 160 upper void defined by the upper edges 150 200 container

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(10) The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

(11) Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

(12) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

(13) The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

(14) Any and all the above references and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

(15) FIG. 1 depicts a disclosed embodiment 100 disposed in a compact or folded position and having a pair of box wing voids 110 or cuts. The box wing voids 110 are defined by lower sections of the embodiment. The lower sections of the embodiment may include a bottom fold. In an unfolded position, the bottom fold flattens and may be disposed in the bottom of a container or box.

(16) FIG. 2 depicts a disclosed embodiment comprising a lower fold assembly 120 with the lower fold assembly comprising a bottom fold 125. The bottom fold assembly in conjunction with the bottom fold 125 and box wing void 110 (shown in FIG. 1) may comprise a pair of box wings 130 (as shown in FIG. 4)

(17) FIG. 3 depicts a disclosed embodiment comprising a partially opened box wing 130 and an upper fixed seam.

(18) FIG. 4 depicts a disclosed embodiment comprising an upper void 160 defined by upper edges 150. The upper void 160 expands as the embodiment is expanded from a sleeve position to a box configuration. A disclosed embodiment may have two upper seams 140 that may span from the upper edges 140 to the box wing void. In a self supporting position, two box wings 130 may be disposed in a flat position in a plane perpendicular to the main body or upper seams of the device.

(19) FIG. 5 depicts a rotated view of FIG. 4 and further depicts two box wings 130 in an opened or expanded position, prior to insertion into a container.

(20) FIG. 6 depicts a disclosed embodiment showing two box wings 130 on either side with the box wings ready to be folded into a box or other container.

(21) FIG. 6 depicts a box 200 or other container receiving a disclosed embodiment having two folded box wings 130 and an open upper void 160.

(22) FIG. 7 depicts a disclosed embodiment fully inserted into a box.

(23) With respect to the void that helps to define the box wing, the slot may be half of the width of the box. Since a 5 inch slot will equal a 10 inch wing, the approximate size of the box. If cut shorter, a gusset may be formed that will allow the sleeve to hold a small amount of fluid. Such fluid would remain in the box so long as the box is approximately level. The thickness of the insulation may be made of any thickness. Other proportions are subject to change to comport with the needs of the shipper and/or container.