Shipping container and packaging cushion assembly

Abstract

A shipping assembly is described. The assembly includes a shipping container, a bottom structure, and a top structure. The bottom and top structures retain objects in a spaced-apart arrangement within the shipping container. A paperboard sheet is folded into three horizontal layers to form the bottom structure. A first layer has apertures to retain the objects. A second layer is below and spaced apart from the first layer with a substantially flat surface below the first apertures. A third layer is below and spaced apart from the second layer. Another paperboard sheet is folded into two horizontal layers to form the top structure. A fourth layer has another set of apertures to retain the objects. A fifth layer is above and spaced apart from the fourth layer. The apertures are align to position the objects in the shipping container.

Claims

1. Packaging for a shipping container comprising: a first paperboard sheet configured to be folded into a bottom structure for objects placed in the shipping container, the first paperboard sheet comprising: a first region comprising a plurality of first apertures; a pair of first sidewall regions, each of the first sidewall regions coupled to an opposite side of the first region and separated therefrom by a first set of perforations; a pair of second regions, each of the second regions coupled to different ones of the first sidewall regions and separated therefrom by a second set of perforations; a pair of second sidewall regions, each of the second sidewall regions coupled to different ones of the second regions and separated therefrom by a third set of perforations; a pair of third regions, each of the third regions coupled to different ones of the second sidewall regions and separated therefrom by a fourth set of perforations; and a pair of third sidewall regions, each of the third sidewall regions coupled to different ones of the third regions and separated therefrom by a fifth set of perforations, wherein each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sets of perforations form lines between a first common edge and a second common edge, the first common edge and the second common edge each being common to the first region, the second regions, and the third regions, and wherein the second sidewall regions comprise retaining tab structures formed at each of the first common edge and the second common edge.

2. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 1, wherein the first region comprise six first apertures.

3. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 1, wherein the retaining tab structures comprise a dove-tail shape.

4. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 1, wherein the first paperboard sheet comprises a corrugated board sheet.

5. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 1, wherein the pair of second sidewall regions each comprise a support structure that extends past respective ones of the fourth set of perforations and partially into respective ones of the third regions.

6. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 5, wherein each support structure comprises a height extending from the respective one of the fourth set of perforations, and wherein the combination of the height with a distance between a third perforation and a fourth perforation is substantially equal to a height of one of the first sidewall regions that extends between a first perforation and a second perforation.

7. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 5, wherein the support structure comprises a semi-circular shape.

8. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 1, wherein the pair of third sidewall regions each comprise a support structure that extends past respective ones of the fifth set of perforations and partially into respective ones of the third regions.

9. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 8, wherein each support structure comprises a height extending from the respective one of the fifth set of perforations, and wherein the combination of the height with a distance between an outer edge of the first paperboard sheet and a fifth perforation is substantially equal to a height of one of the first sidewall regions that extends between a first perforation and a second perforation.

10. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 8, wherein the support structure comprises a semi-circular shape.

11. Packaging for a shipping container comprising: a first paperboard sheet configured to be folded into a bottom structure for objects placed in the shipping container, the first paperboard sheet comprising: a first region comprising a plurality of first apertures, a pair of first sidewall regions, each of the first sidewall regions coupled to an opposite side of the first region and separated therefrom by a first set of perforations, a pair of second regions, each of the second regions coupled to different ones of the first sidewall regions and separated therefrom by a second set of perforations, a pair of second sidewall regions, each of the second sidewall regions coupled to different ones of the second regions and separated therefrom by a third set of perforations, a pair of third regions, each of the third regions coupled to different ones of the second sidewall regions and separated therefrom by a fourth set of perforations, and a pair of third sidewall regions, each of the third sidewall regions coupled to different ones of the third regions and separated therefrom by a fifth set of perforations; and a second paperboard sheet configured to be folded into a top structure for the objects, the second paperboard sheet comprising: a fourth region comprising a plurality of second apertures, a pair of fourth sidewall regions, each of the fourth sidewall regions coupled to an opposite side of the fourth region and separated therefrom by a sixth set of perforations, a pair of fifth regions, each of the fifth regions coupled to different ones of the fourth sidewall regions and separated therefrom by a seventh set of perforations, and a pair of fifth sidewall regions, each of the fifth sidewall regions coupled to an opposite side of the fourth region and separated therefrom by an eighth set of perforations.

12. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 11, wherein each of the sixth, seventh, and eighth sets of perforations form lines between a third common edge and a fourth common edge, the third common edge and the fourth common edge each being common to the fourth region and the fifth regions.

13. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 12, wherein the fifth sidewall regions comprise retaining tab structures formed at each of the third common edge and the fourth common edge.

14. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 11, wherein a diameter of the first apertures is greater than a diameter of the second apertures.

15. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 11, wherein the fourth region comprise six second apertures.

16. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 11, wherein second apertures are positioned within the second paperboard sheet so as to align concentrically with the first apertures when the first paperboard sheet and the second paperboard sheet are folded and positioned atop one another within a shipping container.

17. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 13, wherein the retaining tab structures comprise a dove-tail shape.

18. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 11, wherein the second paperboard sheet comprises a corrugated board sheet.

19. Packaging for a shipping container comprising: a first paperboard sheet configured to be folded into a bottom structure for objects placed in the shipping container, the first paperboard sheet comprising: a first region comprising a plurality of first apertures; a pair of first sidewall regions, each of the first sidewall regions coupled to an opposite side of the first region and separated therefrom by a first set of perforations; a pair of second regions, each of the second regions coupled to different ones of the first sidewall regions and separated therefrom by a second set of perforations; a pair of second sidewall regions, each of the second sidewall regions coupled to different ones of the second regions and separated therefrom by a third set of perforations; a pair of third regions, each of the third regions coupled to different ones of the second sidewall regions and separated therefrom by a fourth set of perforations; and a pair of third sidewall regions, each of the third sidewall regions coupled to different ones of the third regions and separated therefrom by a fifth set of perforations, wherein each sidewall region in the pair of second sidewall regions or in the pair of third sidewall regions comprises a support structure that extends past respective ones of the fourth set of perforations or respective ones of the fifth set of perforations and partially into respective ones of the third regions.

20. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 19, wherein the support structure is in each sidewall region in the pair of second sidewall regions and extends past respective ones of the fourth set of perforations, and wherein each support structure comprises a height extending from the respective one of the fourth set of perforations, and wherein the combination of the height with a distance between a third perforation and a fourth perforation is substantially equal to a height of one of the first sidewall regions that extends between a first perforation and a second perforation.

21. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 19, wherein the support structure is in each sidewall region in the pair of third sidewall regions and extends past respective ones of the fifth set of perforations, and wherein each support structure comprises a height extending from the respective one of the fifth set of perforations, and wherein the combination of the height with a distance between an outer edge of the first paperboard sheet and a fifth perforation is substantially equal to a height of one of the first sidewall regions that extends between a first perforation and a second perforation.

22. The packaging for the shipping container of claim 19, wherein the support structure comprises a semi-circular shape.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shipping container and packaging cushion assembly.

(2) FIG. 2A is a top view an example unfolded bottom cushion support structure of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 2B is a side view an example folded bottom cushion support structure of FIG. 1.

(4) FIGS. 2C-2G illustrate the steps of folding the bottom cushion support structure of FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 3A is a top view an example unfolded top cushion support structure of FIG. 1.

(6) FIG. 3B is a side view an example folded top cushion support structure of FIG. 1.

(7) FIGS. 3C-3G illustrate the steps of folding the top cushion support structure of FIG. 1.

(8) FIGS. 4A-4J illustrate steps of a method of assembling the shipping container and packaging cushion assembly of FIG. 1.

(9) Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) A distribution channel for sending and receiving shipments generally employs shipping containers and packaging cushions to protect the shipped objects. The objects can include breakable objects. Breakable objects can crack, fracture, or shatter when a threshold force or repetitive threshold force is transmitted to the breakable object. The breakable objects can be glass. Some breakable objects can be filled with liquid. When the threshold force or the repetitive threshold force breakable object cracks, fractures, or shatters, the breakable object cracks, fractures, or shatters and the contents (e.g., liquid, powder, gas) can flow out of the breakable object and contaminate other breakable objects. Additionally, pieces of broken objects or the contents of the broken objects can harm the user.

(11) While most shipping containers for breakable objects are made of recyclable corrugated boards, some of the traditional shipping containers for breakable objects are made of plastic or wood which make recycling shipping containers difficult and costly. If not recycled, those plastic or wood shipping containers may be sent to land-fills directly, end up at land-fills, or are dumped into the ocean where they remain and do not be decomposed, polluting the land or ocean. Additionally, these plastic materials may contaminate water and/or injure fish or other marine animals.

(12) The present disclosure describes a shipping assembly (e.g., packaging) that can be made from flat sheets of paperboard or corrugated board. The paperboard or corrugated board is cut and perforated according to unique patters that permit it to be folded into top and bottom cushion support structures that provide shock absorption for breakable objects placed in a shipping container.

(13) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary shipping assembly 100. The shipping assembly 100 includes a shipping container 102, a bottom cushion support structure 112, and a top cushion support structure 114. One or more objects 110a-110f can be placed in the shipping container 102 for shipment.

(14) The shipping container 102 can be a box. The shipping container 102 is defined by six surfaces. A first surface (not shown) is a bottom to the box. A second surface 104a, a third surface 104b, a fourth surface 104c, and a fifth surface 104d define the sides of the box. A top surface 106 of the shipping container is defined by four top panels 108a-108d which fold together to create the top surface. Two or more of the top panels 108a-108d are fastened together to seal the shipping container 102 shut. For example, top panels 108a and 108c can be folded toward an interior of the shipping container 102 and then the top panels 108b and 108d can be folded toward each other and taped together with a packing tape (not shown) by the user.

(15) The shipping container 102 can be rectangular (as shown). Alternatively, the shipping container 102 can be square, triangular, or circular. The shipping container 102 can be paperboard, corrugated board. The corrugated board can be single walled or double walled. The corrugated board can be paper or plastic.

(16) The shipping assembly 100 includes the bottom cushion support structure 112 and the top cushion support structure 114. The cushion support structures 112, 114 retain the objects 110a-110f in a spaced-apart arrangement within the shipping container 102 and provides shock absorption for the objects 110a-110f.

(17) FIG. 2A is a top view an example unfolded bottom cushion support structure 112 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2B is a side view an example folded bottom cushion support structure of FIG. 1. The unfolded bottom cushion support structure 112 is a paperboard sheet 202 which can be folded to form a folded bottom cushion support structure 112 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2C-2G). Alternatively, the paperboard sheet 202 can be a corrugated board sheet. The sheet 202 is formed into multiple regions 206, 228a, 228b, 226a, 226b, 230a, 230b, 218a, 218b, 230c, and 230d each separated by perforations 244. The regions, when folded at the perforations 244, form multiple layers (e.g., first or top layer 206, second or middle layer 212, and third or bottom layer 220). The center region forms the first or top layer 206. The top layer 206 includes multiple apertures 208. A pair of sidewall regions 228a, 228b border the center region (e.g., layer 206) on opposite sides. When folded, the sidewall regions 228a, 228b will form outer sidewalls 228 of the bottom cushion support structure 112. A pair of second regions 226a, 226b border each of the two sidewall regions 228a, 228b. When folded, the second regions 226a, 226b will form the bottom layer 220 of the bottom cushion support structure 112. A second pair of sidewall regions 230a, 230b border the second regions 226a, 226b. When folded, the second pair of sidewall regions 230a, 230b will from a first set of sidewalls 228 that support the middle layer 212 and separate the middle layer 212 from the bottom layer 220. A pair of third regions 218a, 218b, border the second set of sidewall regions 230a, 230b. When folded the third pair of regions 218a, 218b will form the middle layer 212 of the support structure. A third pair of sidewall regions 230c, 230d border the third regions 218a, 218b. When folded the third pair of sidewall regions will form a second set of sidewalls 228 that support the middle layer 212 and separate the middle layer 212 from the bottom layer 220.

(18) In some implementations, one or both of the second and third pairs of sidewall regions 230a-230d can include support tabs 236. The support tabs 236 are sized such that when the bottom cushion support structure is folded, the support tabs 236 provide additional structural support to the bottom of the top layer 206. As shown in FIG. 2B, the support tabs 236 extend between the middle layer 212 and the top layer 206 and act as pillars to support the top layer 206 above the middle layer 212.

(19) In some implementations, the second pair of sidewall regions 230a, 230b can include interlocking tabs 234a-234d. The interlocking tabs 234a-234d can be used to retain the bottom cushion support structure 112 in the folded configuration, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2G.

(20) FIGS. 2C-2G illustrate the steps of folding the bottom cushion support structure 112 of FIG. 1. The first paperboard sheet 202 is folded to form a first set of layers 206, 212, 220. The first set of layers 206, 212, 220 includes a first horizontal layer 206. The horizontal layer 206 includes multiple first apertures 208. Each of the first apertures 208 are sized to retain first ends 210a-210f of each of the shipping objects 110a-110f, respectively.

(21) Each of the first apertures 208 can be the shape of a circle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A), a square, or a rectangle. Each of the first apertures 208 can be the same shape. Alternatively, one or more of first apertures 208 can be different shapes. Each of the first apertures 208 are sized to form a friction fit with the respective first ends 210a-210f of the shipping objects 110a-110f.

(22) The first set of layers 206, 212, 220 includes a second horizontal layer 212. The second horizontal layer 212 is below the first horizontal layer 206. The second horizontal layer 212 is spaced apart from the first horizontal layer 206 by a height 216. The second horizontal layer 212 serves as a floor upon which the objects 110 sit when place in the apertures 208 of the bottom cushion support structure 112. The second horizontal layer 212 is a substantially flat surface below the multiple first apertures 208. The second horizontal layer 212 is formed by a pair of second regions 218a and 218b.

(23) The first set of layers 206, 212, 220 includes a third horizontal layer 220. The third horizontal layer 220 is below the second horizontal layer 212. The third horizontal layer 220 is spaced apart from the second horizontal layer 212 by a distance 224. This distance 224 provides separation between the objects 110 and the outer packaging of a shipping box in which the objects 110 are contained. The distance 224 between layers 212 and 220 also absorbs shock and provides some protection for the objects 110 against impact to the shipping container 102. The third horizontal layer 220 is a substantially flat surface below the second horizontal layer 212. The third horizontal layer 220 is formed by a pair of third regions 226a and 226b.

(24) The bottom cushion support structure 112 includes sidewalls coupling each of the three horizontal layers 206, 212, and 220. For instance, a first set of sidewalls 228 couple the first horizontal layer 206 to the third horizontal layer 220. A second set of sidewalls 230 couple each of the pair of the third regions 226a and 226b which make up the third horizontal layer 220 to each of the pair of second regions 218a and 218b which make up the second horizontal layer 212.

(25) A height 232 of the first sidewalls 228 is greater than the height 224. The height 224 also corresponds to the height of the second sidewalls 230. In the illustrated example, the first sidewalls 228 are sized to maintain the first horizontal layer 206 spaced apart from the third horizontal layer 220 and from the second horizontal layer 212. The second sidewalls 230 are sized to maintain the second horizontal layer 212 spaced apart from the third horizontal layer 220.

(26) Bottom cushion support structure 112 includes a first retaining tab 234a on one of the second sidewalls 230. The first retaining tab 234a creates a friction fit with the opposing/adjoining other second sidewall 230 to retain the bottom cushion support structure 112 in a folded form. The first retaining tab 234a can engage a second retaining tab 234b on the other second sidewall 230, substantially similar to the first retaining tab 234a to create the friction fit. The first retaining tab 234a and the second retaining tab 234b form a pair of retaining tabs. Another pair of retaining tabs 234c and 234d can be positioned on an opposite side of the second sidewalls 230 to create another friction fit to retain the bottom cushion support structure 112 in the folded form.

(27) The second sidewalls 230 can include two pair of sidewalls 230 supporting and extending between the second horizontal layer 212 and the third horizontal layer 220. One pair of sidewalls 230 are located at opposite outer edges (e.g., 238a, 238b shown in FIG. 2A, respectively, of the second horizontal layer 212. The other pair of sidewalls 230 are located approximately midway between the first pair of sidewalls 230. This second pair of sidewalls 230 are adjacent to each other, when the bottom cushion support structure 112 is in a folded configuration, and can include retaining tabs 234a-234d.

(28) The second pair of sidewalls 230 can include the pair of retaining tabs 234c and 234d previously described. The pair of retaining tabs 234c and 234d are positioned on an opposite side of the second sidewalls 230 from the sidewalls 230 to create another friction fit to retain the bottom cushion support structure 112 in the folded form.

(29) In some cases, each sidewall 230 of both the first pair and the second pair of sidewalls 230 include at least one of support tabs 236 extending between the second horizontal layer 212 and the first horizontal layer 206.

(30) Bottom cushion support structure 112 includes support tabs 236. In some examples, the support tabs 236 are coupled to and extend from one of the pair of second regions 218a which make up the second horizontal layer 212. The support tabs 236 are coupled to and extend from the other of the pair of second regions 218b which make up the second horizontal layer 212. In some examples, the support tabs 236 are coupled to and extend from the sidewall regions (e.g., 230a-230d shown in FIG. 2A) that form the second sidewalls 230. In either example, the support tabs 236 extend between the second horizontal layer 212 and the first horizontal layer 206. The support tabs 236 support and space the first horizontal layer 206 from the second horizontal layer 212. The height of at least one of the support tabs 236, which is the same as height 216, can be substantially the same as a distance by which the second horizontal layer 212 is spaced apart from the first horizontal layer 206.

(31) Each of the portions of the bottom cushion support structure 112 (the first horizontal layer 206, the first sidewalls 228, the pair of the third regions 226a and 226b, the second sidewalls 230, the pair of second regions 218a and 218b, and the second pair of sidewalls 230) have two common edges 246a and 246b. Referring to FIG. 2A, each of the regions of the bottom cushion support structure 112 are separated from each other by perforations 244. The regions of the unfolded bottom cushion support structure 112 are folded along the perforations 244 to form the folded bottom cushion support structure 112. The perforations 244 extend from the common edge 246a to the common edge 246b.

(32) Referring to FIG. 1, the shipping assembly 100 includes the top cushion support structure 114. The top cushion support structure 114 retains the one or more shipping objects 110a-110f in a spaced-apart arrangement within the shipping container 102. The top cushion support structure 114 is generally similar to the bottom cushion support structure 112 previously described.

(33) FIG. 3A is a top view an example unfolded top cushion support structure 114 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3B is a side view an example folded top cushion support structure 114 of FIG. 1. The unfolded top cushion support structure 114 is a paperboard sheet 200 which can be folded to form a folded top cushion support structure 114 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3C-3G). The paperboard sheet 200 can be a corrugated board sheet. The sheet 200 is formed into multiple regions 304, 322a, 322b, 320a, 320b, 322c, and 322d each separated by perforations 326. The regions, when folded at the perforations 326, form multiple layers (e.g., fourth or bottom layer 304, and fifth or top layer 312) and sidewalls. The center region forms the fourth or bottom layer 304 of the top cushion support structure 114. The bottom layer 304 includes multiple apertures 306. A pair of sidewall regions 322a, 322b border the center region (e.g., layer 304) on opposite sides. When folded, the sidewall regions 322a, 322b will form outer sidewalls 318 of the top cushion support structure 114. A pair of second regions 320a, 320b border each of the two sidewall regions 322a, 322b. When folded, the second regions 320a, 320b will form the top layer 312 of the top cushion support structure 114. A second pair of sidewall regions 322c, 322d border the second regions 320a, 320b. When folded, the second pair of sidewall regions 322c, 322d will from a second set of sidewalls 318 that support the top layer 312 and separate the top layer 312 from the bottom layer 304.

(34) In some implementations, the second pair of sidewall regions 322c, 322d can include interlocking tabs 324a-324d. The interlocking tabs 324a-324d can be used to retain the top cushion support structure 114 in the folded configuration, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3G.

(35) FIGS. 3C-3G illustrate the steps of folding the top cushion support structure of FIG. 1. As explained in reference to FIG. 3A above, the top cushion support structure 114 includes a second paperboard sheet 200 folded to form a second set of layers 302 (shown in FIGS. 3D-3G) to retain the one or more shipping objects 110a-110f in a spaced-apart arrangement within the shipping container 102.

(36) Referring to FIGS. 3C-3G, the second set of layers 302 includes a fourth horizontal layer 304. The fourth horizontal layer 304 includes multiple second apertures 306. The second aperture 306 is sized to retain a second end 308a of the first shipping object 110a. Likewise, each of the second apertures 306 are sized to retain second ends 308b-308f of each of the objects 110b-110f, respectively. Each of the second apertures 306 are arranged to align with one of the first apertures 208 of the bottom cushion support structure 112 when the bottom cushion support structure 112 the top cushion support structure 114 are positioned in the shipping container 102.

(37) Each of the second apertures 306 can be the shape of a circle (as shown in FIGS. 3A-3G), a square, or a rectangle. Each of the second apertures 306 can be the same shape. Alternatively, one or more of second apertures 306 can be different shapes. Each of the second apertures 306 are sized to form a friction fit with the respective second ends 308a-308f of the shipping objects 110a-110f.

(38) In some cases, the first apertures 208 and the second apertures 306 are the same shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2G and 3G, the shipping object is a circular glass bottle and both the first apertures 208 and the second apertures 306 are round. In other cases, the first apertures 208 and the second apertures 306 are the different shapes. For example, the first ends 210a-210f of the shipping objects 110a-110f can be square (not shown), while the respective second ends 308a-308f of the shipping objects 110a-110f are circular, such as shown in FIG. 3G with a cap 310a covering an opening (not shown) of the shipping object 110a for pouring the contents out of the shipping object 110a.

(39) In some cases, the second apertures 306 are smaller than the first apertures 208. For example, a diameter 308 (shown in FIG. 3A) of the second aperture 306 can be smaller than a diameter 242 (shown in FIG. 2A) of the first aperture 208a. Sometimes, the second apertures 306 are larger than the first apertures 208. For example, a diameter 308 (shown in FIG. 3A) of the second aperture 306 can be larger than the diameter 242 (shown in FIG. 2A) of the first aperture 208. Still in other examples, the second apertures 306 are the same size as the first apertures 208. For example, a diameter 308 (shown in FIG. 3A) of the second aperture 306 is the same as the diameter 242 (shown in FIG. 2A) of the first aperture 208.

(40) As shown in FIGS. 3D-3G, the second set of layers 302 includes a fifth horizontal layer 312. The fifth horizontal layer 312 is above fourth horizontal layer 304. The fifth horizontal layer 312 is spaced apart from the fourth horizontal layer 304 by a height 316 (shown in FIGS. 3E and 3G). In some cases, the fifth horizontal layer 312 includes two separate regions 320a and 320b.

(41) The top cushion support structure 114 includes third sidewalls 318. The third sidewalls 318 couple the fourth horizontal layer 304 to the fifth horizontal layer 312. The third sidewalls 318 are sized to maintain the fourth horizontal layer 304 spaced apart from the fifth horizontal layer 312. In some implementations, the third sidewalls comprise at least four sidewalls. In some cases, all of the third sidewalls 318 (e.g., sidewall regions 322a-322d) are all of substantially equal height.

(42) The top cushion support structure 114 includes a retaining tab 324a. The retaining tab 324a is mechanically coupled to the third sidewall 318. The retaining tab 324a creates a friction fit with the third sidewalls 318. When the retaining tab 324a is engaged to the middle two sidewalls 218, the retaining tab 324a retains the top cushion support structure 114 in a folded form. The top cushion support structure 114 includes retraining tabs 324b-324d, substantially similar to retaining tab 324a. Referring to FIGS. 3D-3E and 3G, retaining tabs 324a and 324b engage to retain the top cushion support structure 114 in a folded form. Likewise, retaining tabs 324c and 324d engage to retain the top cushion support structure 114 in a folded form.

(43) As shown in FIG. 1, a width 116 and a length 118 of the bottom cushion support structure 112 substantially match inner dimensions of the shipping container 102. A width 120 and a length 122 of the top cushion support structure 114 substantially match the inner dimensions of the shipping container 102.

(44) Each of the portions of the top cushion support structure 114 (the fourth horizontal layer 304, the sidewall portions 322a-322d of the third sidewall 318, and the two regions 320a and 320b of the fifth horizontal layer 312) have two common edges 328a and 328b. Referring to FIG. 3A, each of the regions of the top cushion support structure 114 are separated from each other by perforations 326. The regions of the unfolded top cushion support structure 114 are folded along the perforations 326 to form the folded top cushion support structure 114. The perforations 326 extend from the common edge 328a to the common edge 328b.

(45) FIGS. 2C-2G illustrate a method of folding the unfolded paperboard sheet bottom cushion support structure 112 (shown in FIG. 2A) into the folded paperboard sheet bottom cushion support structure 112 (shown in FIG. 2G). FIGS. 2B-2D progressively show the second pair of sidewalls 230 folded over the pair of second regions 218a and 218b, which then continue to fold over the second sidewalls 230 to contact the pair of the third regions 226a and 226b and fully expose the support tabs 236. The folding continues until the support tabs 236 contact the first horizontal layer 206 and the first sidewalls 228 contact. Finally, the retaining tab 234a is engaged to the retaining tab 234b and the retaining tab 234c is engaged to the retaining tab 234d to retain the bottom cushion support structure 112 in a folded form.

(46) FIGS. 3C-3G illustrate a method of folding the unfolded paperboard sheet top cushion support structure 114 (shown in FIG. 3A) into the folded paperboard sheet top cushion support structure 114 (shown in FIG. 3F). FIGS. 3B-3D progressively show the first portion 322c and a second portion 322d (the third sidewall 318) folded inward over two separate regions 320a and 320b of the fifth horizontal layer 312, respectively. These are then folded over the third sidewalls 318a and 318b until the sidewall region 322c and the sidewall region 322d contact (shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E). Finally, in FIGS. 3F and 3G, the retaining tab 324a is engaged to the retaining tab 324b and the retaining tab 324c is engaged to the retaining tab 324d to retain the top cushion support structure 114 in a folded form.

(47) FIGS. 4A-4I illustrate steps of a method of assembling the shipping assembly of FIG. 1. FIGS. 4A-4I progressively show the shipping objects 110a-110f being coupled to the folded bottom cushion support structure 112 and the folded top cushion support structure 114 without a shipping container 102 for illustrative purposes. Referring to FIG. 4A, the folded bottom cushion support structure 112 and the folded top cushion support structure 114 are shown. The first apertures 208 are visible on the first horizontal layer 206. The second horizontal layer 212 is visible through the first apertures 208.

(48) Referring to FIG. 4B, the shipping objects 110a-110f are placed in the first apertures 208. The shipping objects 110a-110f are pressed through the first apertures 208 until the shipping objects 110a-110f contact the second horizontal layer 212.

(49) Referring to FIGS. 4C and 4D, the second apertures 306 are placed over the shipping objects 110a-110f and couple to the shipping objects 110a-110f.

(50) FIG. 4E shows the second ends 308e and 308f of two shipping objects 110e and 110f inside the top cushion support structure 114. FIG. 4F show the first ends 210e and 210f of two shipping objects 110e and 110f inside the bottom cushion support structure 112.

(51) FIGS. 4G-4J progressively show the shipping objects 110a-110f being coupled to the folded bottom cushion support structure 112 and the folded top cushion support structure 114 into the shipping container 102. FIG. 4G shows the folded bottom cushion support structure 112, the folded top cushion support structure 114, and the shipping container 102 prepared for loading the shipping objects 110a-110f. FIG. 4H shows the folded bottom cushion support structure 112 placed inside the shipping container 102. FIG. 4I shows the shipping objects 110a-110f placed into the folded bottom cushion support structure 112 inside the shipping container 102. FIG. 4J shows the folded top cushion support structure 114 placed onto the shipping objects 110a-110f (no longer seen) inside the shipping container 102.

(52) While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub-combination.

(53) While this document contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular implementations or embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.