PACKAGING SYSTEM

Abstract

A packaging or container system can include a cradle portion and/or a handle engaging portion. The cradle portion can include a plurality of panel configured to form a cradle for an article to be packaged. The cradle portion can be made monolithically with an outer container portion from a single piece of corrugated cardboard. The handle engaging portion can be formed of a foldable panel with at least one aperture configured to engage a protruding portion of an article to be packaged, such as the handle of a coffee mug. The handle engaging portion can also be made monolithically with an outer container portion from a single piece of corrugated cardboard.

Claims

1. A packaging system for packaging an article and maintaining the article therein, the packaging system comprising: a first article comprising a generally cylindrical outer shape having a first height, a second article comprising a generally cylindrical outer shape having a second height that is less than the first height, and a third article comprising a generally cylindrical outer shape having a third height that is less than the first and second heights; a monolithic member configured to be folded into a container, the monolithic member comprising: a top, a bottom, and first, second, third and fourth sidewalls and an interior member; wherein the top is configured to be moved between opened and closed positions; wherein in the closed position, the top, bottom, first sidewall, second sidewall, third sidewall, and fourth sidewall form an enclosed interior space and in the opened position form an open interior space; wherein the top comprises a first panel, a second panel and a latch panel that are foldable between the opened and closed positions; wherein the bottom comprises a first, second, third and fourth bottom panels that are configured to fold into a predetermined bottom wall configuration; and an M-shaped cradle member comprising: a first angled panel portion connected to the first sidewall along a first fold so as to be foldable between a first unfolded orientation in which the first angled portion is generally parallel to the first sidewall and a second folded position in which the first angled portion extends into the open interior space at an angle relative to the first sidewall; a central panel portion connected to the first angled portion along a second fold and configured to be foldable into an orientation in which the central panel portion is approximately parallel to the bottom of the enclosed interior space; a second angled portion connected to the central portion and folded along a third fold and configured to be foldable into an orientation in which the second angled portion extends at an angle relative to the central panel portion and the second sidewall of the enclosed interior space; and a first leg panel portion connected to the second angled portion along a fourth fold and configured to be foldable into an orientation in which the first leg panel portion abuts the second sidewall of the enclosed interior space and contacts the bottom of the enclosed interior space; wherein the first angled panel portion, the central panel portion, and the second angled panel portion form a cradle configured to support the article, and wherein the first leg panel portion and the first sidewall support the first angled panel portion, the central panel portion, and the second angled panel portion at a position spaced above the bottom of the enclosed interior space so as to support the article at a position spaced above the bottom of the enclosed interior space, in use; wherein the top comprises: a first foldable top panel portion connected to the third sidewall, the first foldable top panel having at least two first spacer folds configured to allow the first foldable top panel to be folded into a first spacer having a first thickness, wherein the first spacer is spaced at a first spacing from the central panel portion by a first height, in use; a second foldable top panel portion connected to the fourth sidewall, the second foldable top panel having at least two second spacer folds configured to allow the second foldable top panel to be folded into a second spacer having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness, wherein the second spacer is spaced at a second spacing from the central panel portion by a second height that is shorter than the first height, in use; wherein the first and second foldable top panels, when they are not folded into the first and second spacers, are spaced from the central panel portion by a third height that is greater than the first and second height; wherein the at least two first spacer folds and the at least two second spacer folds are configured to cradle articles having three different heights by using the first and second foldable top panels in an unfolded state to cradle a first article having the first height, using the first foldable top panel folded to form the first spacer for cradling the second article having the second height that is less than the first height, and using the second top panel folded to form the second spacer for cradling the third article having the third height that is less than the first and second heights; a second foldable top panel portion connected to the fourth sidewall; wherein the first and second leg panel is sized and configured such that, when the M-shaped cradle is folded into the open interior space, an air gap is created between the central portion of the M-shaped cradle portion and the bottom; wherein the first leg panel portion is configured to deflect individually or in tandem without allowing the central portion of the M-shaped cradle to contact the bottom when the container is mishandled during transport.

2. The packaging system of claim 1 wherein the first foldable top panel portion comprises a slot configured to engage a handle of a coffee mug.

3. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a viewing hole located on a sidewall.

4. A packaging system for packaging an article and maintaining the article therein, the packaging system comprising: an outer container portion comprising a top, a bottom, and first, second, third and fourth sidewalls; wherein the top is configured to be moved between opened and closed positions; wherein in the closed position, the top, bottom, first sidewall, second sidewall, third sidewall, and fourth sidewall form an enclosed interior space and in the opened position form an open interior space; and a cradle portion comprising: a first angled panel portion connected to the first sidewall foldable between into an orientation in which the first angled portion extends into the open interior space at an angle relative to the first sidewall; a central panel portion connected to the first angled portion and configured to be foldable into an orientation in which the central panel portion is approximately parallel to the bottom of the enclosed interior space, in use; a second angled portion connected to the central portion and configured to be foldable into an orientation in which the second angled portion extends at an angle relative to the central panel portion and the second sidewall of the enclosed interior space; and a first leg panel portion connected to the second angled portion and configured to be foldable into an orientation in which the first leg panel portion abuts the second sidewall of the enclosed interior space and contacts the bottom of the enclosed interior space, in use; wherein the cradle portion is configured to support an article in a position spaced from the bottom, in use.

5. The packaging system of claim 4 wherein the top is configured to be foldable into three different configurations which limit the enclosed interior space to three different heights, respectively.

6. The packaging system of claim 4 wherein the outer container portion and the cradle portion are made from a single monolithic piece of corrugated cardboard.

7. The packaging system of claim 4 wherein the top comprises a first foldable top panel portion connected to the third sidewall, the first foldable top panel having at least two first spacer folds configured to allow the first foldable top panel to be folded into a first spacer having a first thickness, wherein the first spacer is spaced at a first spacing from the central panel portion by a first height, in use.

8. The packaging system of claim 7 wherein the top further comprises a second foldable top panel portion connected to the fourth sidewall, the second foldable top panel having at least two second spacer folds configured to allow the second foldable top panel to be folded into a second spacer having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness, wherein the second spacer is spaced at a second spacing from the central panel portion by a second height that is shorter than the first height, in use.

9. The packaging system of claim 8 wherein the first and second foldable top panels, when they are not folded into the first and second spacers, are spaced from the central panel portion by a third height that is greater than the first and second height, in use.

10. The packaging system of claim 9 wherein the at least two first spacer folds and the at least two second spacer folds are configured to cradle articles having three different heights by using the first and second foldable top panels in an unfolded state to cradle a first article having the first height, using the first foldable top panel folded to form the first spacer for cradling the second article having the second height that is less than the first height, and using the second top panel folded to form the second spacer for cradling the third article having the third height that is less than the first and second heights.

11. The packaging system of claim 10 additionally comprising a first article comprising a generally cylindrical outer shape having a first height, a second article comprising a generally cylindrical outer shape having a second height that is less than the first height, and a third article comprising a generally cylindrical outer shape having a third height that is less than the first and second heights.

12. The packaging system of claim 4 wherein the first leg panel portion and the first sidewall support the first angled panel portion, the central panel portion, and the second angled panel portion at a position spaced above the bottom of the enclosed interior space so as to support the article at a position spaced above the bottom of the enclosed interior space, in use.

13. The packaging system of claim 4 wherein the top comprises at least one handle engaging panel connected to the third sidewall and including at least one aperture configured to engage a handle of a mug, in use.

14. The packaging system of claim 13 wherein the at least one handle engaging panel is configured to engage an upper end and a lower end of the handle of a mug, in use.

15. A packaging system for packaging an article, the packaging system comprising: an outer container portion comprising a top, a bottom, and first, second, third and fourth sidewalls; a cradle portion comprising: a first panel portion connected to the first sidewall; a central panel portion connected to the first panel portion; a second panel portion connected to the central portion; and a first leg panel portion connected to the second panel portion and configured to be foldable into an orientation in which the first leg panel portion abuts the second sidewall and contacts the bottom, in use; wherein the first panel portion, the central panel portion and the second panel portion are configured to form a cradle and to support an article in a position spaced from the bottom, in use.

16. The packaging system of claim 15, wherein the top is configured to be moved between opened and closed positions and wherein in the closed position, the top, bottom, first sidewall, second sidewall, third sidewall, and fourth sidewall form an enclosed interior space and in the opened position form an open interior space.

17. The packaging system of claim 15 wherein the top is configured to be foldable into three different configurations which limit an interior space of the outer container portion to three different heights, respectively.

18. The packaging system of claim 15 wherein the outer container portion and the cradle portion are made from a single monolithic piece of corrugated cardboard.

19. The packaging system of claim 15 wherein the top comprises a first foldable top panel portion connected to the third sidewall, the first foldable top panel having at least two first spacer folds configured to allow the first foldable top panel to be folded into a first spacer having a first thickness, wherein the first spacer is spaced at a first spacing from the central panel portion by a first height, in use.

20. The packaging system of claim 19 wherein the top further comprises a second foldable top panel portion connected to the fourth sidewall, the second foldable top panel having at least two second spacer folds configured to allow the second foldable top panel to be folded into a second spacer having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness, wherein the second spacer is spaced at a second spacing from the central panel portion by a second height that is shorter than the first height, in use.

21. The packaging system of claim 20 wherein the first and second foldable top panels, when they are not folded into the first and second spacers, are spaced from the central panel portion by a third height that is greater than the first and second height, in use.

22. The packaging system of claim 21 wherein the at least two first spacer folds and the at least two second spacer folds are configured to cradle articles having three different heights by using the first and second foldable top panels in an unfolded state to cradle a first article having the first height, using the first foldable top panel folded to form the first spacer for cradling the second article having the second height that is less than the first height, and using the second top panel folded to form the second spacer for cradling the third article having the third height that is less than the first and second heights.

23. The packaging system of claim 15 wherein the top comprises at least one handle engaging panel connected to the third sidewall and including at least one aperture configured to engage a handle of a mug, in use.

24. The packaging system of claim 23 wherein the at least one handle engaging panel is configured to engage an upper end and a lower end of the handle of a mug, in use.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] These and other features of the inventions disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of several embodiments of the present packaging assembly kits which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures:

[0053] FIG. 1 is an exaggerated perspective, schematic view of an embodiment of a package and container included two L-shaped structures for constraining movement of an article within the container.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a schematic end view of an embodiment of a shipping container with an M-shaped support structure supporting an article package within a container.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a schematic layout view another embodiment, including a single piece of cardboard shaped to form an outer container, two L-shape structures in the form of a modification of those illustrated in FIG. 1 and an M-shaped structure in the form of a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a further view of the embodiment of FIG. 3, having been partially folded for assembly.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a further view of the embodiment of FIG. 4, having been further folded into a partially assembled state.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 with a bottom portion closed and a top portion remaining open.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6, with the L-shaped structures being further folded toward a closed state.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 with the L-shaped structures fully folded into an assembled state but with the remaining top flaps open.

[0061] FIG. 9 is an exaggerated perspective view and partial cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 illustrating the L-shaped structures engaging a handle of a coffee mug.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 taken along line 10.-10. of FIG. 9, except with the top in a closed position.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 10, taken along line 11.-11. of FIG. 10.

[0064] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 3 including an auto bottom and a tabbed closure device for the top thereof.

[0065] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 in a partially folded state.

[0066] FIGS. 14 and 15 are a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 13 illustrating directions of movement of the bottom flaps for closing the bottom.

[0067] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 12, in a partially folded state.

[0068] FIG. 17 is a further perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 16, with a coffee mug supported within the container, with the M-shaped structure folded within the container (not shown) in the L-shaped structures engaged with the handle of the coffee mug.

[0069] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the bottom of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

[0070] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the container including the M-shaped structure and a U-shaped structure with an aperture, and in a partially unassembled state.

[0071] FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 19, with the coffee mug supported within the container, with the M-shaped structure folded within the container (not shown) and the U-shaped structure engaged with the handle of the coffee mug.

[0072] FIG. 21 is a plan view of an embodiment of the cradle portion.

[0073] FIG. 22 is a side view of an embodiment of the cradle portion in the fully folded state.

[0074] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cradle portion, taken along line 12.-12. of FIG. 22.

[0075] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment with a wine bottle supported in the bottom cradle, in an assembled state and disposed within an outer container.

[0076] FIG. 25 is a schematic end and partial cutaway view of an outer container enclosing two cradle portions in the fully deployed state and supporting a wine bottle.

[0077] FIG. 26 is perspective view of an embodiment of FIG. 19 including an M-shaped structure and two U-shaped structures in a partially assembled state.

[0078] FIG. 27 is a top plan view of an embodiment with the outer container fully deployed.

[0079] FIG. 28 is cross-sectional view of an embodiment with a large sized modem support in the bottom cradle and U-shaped structures unfolded in an optional shipping state with the outer container fully deployed, taken along line 13.-13. of FIG. 27.

[0080] FIG. 29 is cross-sectional view of an embodiment with a medium sized modem support in the bottom cradle and a U-shaped structure folded in the deployed state in an optional shipping state with the outer container fully deployed, taken along line 13.-13. of FIG. 27.

[0081] FIG. 30 is cross-sectional view of an embodiment with a small sized modem support in the bottom cradle and a U-shaped structure folded in the deployed state in an optional shipping state with the outer container fully deployed, taken along line 13.-13. of FIG. 27.

[0082] FIG. 31 is cross-sectional view of an embodiment with a large sized modem support in the bottom cradle and U-shaped structures unfolded with optional support tabs from the M-support structure with the outer container fully deployed, taken along line 14.-14. of FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0083] Embodiments of improved packaging systems are disclosed herein. The packaging systems include various combinations of one or more improved structures which can provide new alternatives to and advantages over known packaging systems.

[0084] In the following detailed description, terms of orientation such as top, bottom, front, upper, lower, longitudinal, horizontal, vertical, lateral, midpoint, and end may be used here to simplify the description in the context of the illustrated embodiments. Because other orientations are possible, however, the present inventions should not be limited to the illustrated orientations. Additionally, the term suspension is not intended to require that anything, such as an article to be packaged, is suspended above anything. Rather, the terms suspended as used herein, is only intended to reflect that such an article is held in a position spaced from another member, such as at least some of the walls of a container or box. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other orientations of various components described herein are possible.

[0085] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of packaging system 100 that is configured for packaging of an article 110. The article 110 could have any size or shape and is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 as a generic rectangular cube having six outer surfaces. The article 110 includes end surfaces 112, 114, side surfaces 116, 118, bottom surface 120, and top surface 122.

[0086] The packaging system 100 includes an outer container 130. The outer container 130 can include inner surfaces such as end surfaces 132, 134, side surface 138, an additional side surface (not shown), a bottom surface 140, and a top surface 142 formed by one or more top panel portion(s) 101.

[0087] The packaging system 100 also includes at least one L-shaped structure. The illustrated embodiment includes two L-shaped structures 150A, 150B. Parts, components, and features, and functions of the L-shaped portions 150A and 150B are described below what reference only to L-shaped structure 150A, but the descriptions apply to both L-shaped structures 150A, 150B.

[0088] The L-shaped structure 150A can be considered as including a first wall portion 152, a second wall portion 154 extending from the first wall portion 152, and a slot 160 extending through both the first wall portion 152 and the second wall portion 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 160 is a single continuous opening extending through the thickness of both first and second wall portions 152, 154, however, other configurations can also be used.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, with the slot 160 spanning the first and second wall portions 152, 154, the slot 160 can be considered as including a first slot portion on the first wall portion 152 and a second slot portion on the second wall portion 154. In this configuration, the first slot portion includes three edges, top edge 161 and first and second lateral edges 162, 163.

[0090] The second slot portion 166 includes an end edge 156 and first and second lateral side edges 168, 169. Thus, when folded into the deployed state illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second wall portions 152, 154 capture a portion of the article 110 with the first and second slot portions. As such, the L-shaped structure 150A constrains movement of the article 110 within the outer container 130. For example, the top edge 161 of the first slot portion 160 prevents movement of the article 110 in the upward direction (as viewed in FIG. 1) thereby maintaining a gap between the upper surface 122 of the article 110 and the inner surface 142 of the outer container 130 (when the top of the container 130 is closed). Similarly, the end edge 156 of the second slot portion prevents movement of the article 110 in the leftward direction (as viewed in FIG. 1) thereby maintaining a gap between the end surface 112 of the article 110 and the inner end surface 132 of the container 130. Additionally, the lateral edges 162, 163, 168, 169 of the first and second slot portions prevent lateral movements of the article 110, thereby maintaining a gap between the lateral surfaces 116, 118 of the article 110 and the inner surfaces 138 and the additional unillustrated inner lateral surface of the outer container 130. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the L-shaped structures 150A, 150B can be formed monolithically with the same material used to form the outer container 130.

[0091] In some embodiments, the packaging system 100 can include additional cushioning structures for maintaining a gap between the bottom surface 120 of the article 110 and the bottom inner surface 140 of the container 130. For example, in some embodiments, the system 100 could include one or more additional L-shaped structures such as L-shaped structures 150A, 150B described above and optionally, monolithically formed with the material forming the outer container 130. Alternatively, other cushioning structures can also be used.

[0092] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a packaging system 200 which includes an outer container 230 and an M-shaped cradle structure 270 which can be used for cushioning or shock absorption for an article 210 contained within the outer container 230. The outer container 230 includes lateral sidewall inner surfaces 238, 239 and bottom inner surface 240.

[0093] With reference to FIG. 2, the M-shaped cradle structure 270 includes a central portion that generally defines a V-shaped cradle for the article 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the M-shaped structure 270 is formed of end wall portions 271, 272 and a middle portion 273 including first and second middle walls 274, 276. The first and second middle walls 274, 276 can be considered as serving as first and second angled panel portions, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the middle portion 273 is configured in a full height configuration in which the lowermost point of the middle portion 273 extends down to the bottom inner surface 240. In this configuration, the middle portion 273 has the same height, as measured from the bottom inner surface 240 to the full height of the end walls 271, 272.

[0094] Optionally, the walls 274, 276 can be sized with a suspended middle portion such that the lowermost extent of the middle portion 273 does not contact the bottom inner surface 240 thereby maintaining a gap between the lowermost portion of the middle portion 273 and the bottom inner surface 240. The suspended middle portion can be considered as forming a hammock. Optionally, additional wall portions, for example, a wall portion defined between middle walls 274, 276 can also be used.

[0095] With the generally V-shaped configuration of the middle portion 273, the contact patches 278, 279 between the article 210 and the middle walls 274, 276, respectively, are located along portions of the middle walls 274, 276 that are spaced away from the inner surfaces 238, 239, 240 such that an air gap is maintained there between. As such, shocks or loads imparted onto to the outer container 230 are not directly transmitted to the article 210 through piled-up material. This allows for bending or flexing of the middle wall portions 274, 276 during such shocks and thereby can provide optional additional shock absorption benefits.

[0096] In some embodiments, one or both of the end walls 271, 272 can be fixed to the outer container 230. In some embodiments, one of the end walls 271, 272 is fixed to the container 230 while the other can be left free. Where one of the end walls 271, 272 is not attached to the outer container 230, the article 210 itself and the structural configuration of the middle portion 273 presses outwardly against the end walls 271, 272, maintaining the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0097] Optionally, the M-shaped structure 270 can be formed monolithically with the outer container 230. In some embodiments, the L-shaped structures of the packaging system 100 can be combined with the M-shaped structure 270 of the embodiment 200.

[0098] FIGS. 3-11 illustrate a further modification of the embodiments of the packaging system 100, 200 described above, identified generally by the reference numeral 300. Parts, components, features, and benefits of the packaging system 300 are identified or referred to below using the same reference numerals as those in packaging systems 100, 200 except that the hundreds digit is changed to a 3.

[0099] With reference to FIG. 3, the packaging system 300 includes a modified version of the L-shaped structures 150A, 150B of the packaging system 100 and a modified version of the M-shaped cradle structure 270 of the packaging system 200. Optionally, as in the packaging system 300, the L-shaped structures and the M-shaped structure are formed monolithically from a single piece of material, along with the outer container 330. In this case, the single piece of material forming the packaging system 300 is a corrugated cardboard, although other materials can also be used. Where the packaging system is made from corrugated cardboard, such corrugated cardboard structure would normally have an inner layer, an outer layer, and an internal, corrugated structure, including, but not limited to, A-flute, B-flute, C-flute, D-flute, and E-flute cardboard. Other types of corrugated structures using cardboard packaging similar devices can also be used.

[0100] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the packaging system 300 includes lateral sidewall portions 301, 302, end portions 303, 304, and a connector portion 305. The sidewall portion 301 is connected to the end wall portion 303 along a fold line 306. The end wall portion 303 is connected to the sidewall portion 302 along a fold line 307. The sidewall portion 302 is connected to the end wall portion 304 along a fold line 308. Additionally, the end wall portion 304 is connected to the connector portion 305 along a fold line 309.

[0101] Fold lines 306-309, as well as any other fold line described herein below can be made through a number of different techniques. One common technique is to crush the material, such as corrugated cardboard, with a standard cardboard processing machine. The crushed portion is a localized area of compromised the rigidity of the material, that provides the end user with preformed fold lines about which the material preferentially bends and folds for assembly. Score lines can also be used, for example, cuts that extent through only one of the outer layers, an outer layer and the corrugated middle layer, and/or completely through the material. Additionally, score lines can be made continuously or broken. The configuration of such fold lines can be chosen to provide the desired amount of remaining bias in the material, for example, bias towards a flat shape thereby providing some spring action, or more relief so that the material is easier to bend. Such different configurations of fold lines can also generate different amounts of shock absorption in the final product. Thus, such configurations of fold lines can also be chosen to provide the desired shock absorption which can be fine-tuned with well-known drop testing techniques in this art.

[0102] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the sidewall portion 301 includes a central sidewall portion 301a, a top panel portion 301b, and a bottom panel portion 301c. The central sidewall portion 301a forms a lateral sidewall of the outer container, formed when the system 300 is assembled. As such, the central sidewall portion 301a includes an inner sidewall surface 338. The top and bottom panel portions 301b, 301c are attached to the central sidewall portion 301a with additional fold lines.

[0103] Similar to the sidewall portion 301, the sidewall portion 302 includes a central sidewall portion 302a, a top panel portion 302b, and a bottom panel portion 302c. The central sidewall portion 302a includes an inner sidewall surface 339.

[0104] The top panel portions 301b, 302b are configured to be folded so as to form an outermost wall of the container 330. Similarly, the bottom panel portions 301c, 302c are configured to be folded so as to form an outermost bottom wall of the container 330, when fully assembled.

[0105] The end wall portion 303 includes a central end wall portion 303a, an upper panel portion 303b, and a lower panel portion 303c. The central end wall portion 303a includes a surface 332 which forms an inner end wall surface 332 of the container 330, when assembled.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper panel portion 303b includes a portion that is configured to form an L-shaped structure 350A. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper panel portion 303b includes a first panel portion 351 attached to the central end wall portion 303a along the fold line. The L-shaped structured portion 350A includes a first wall portion 352 and a second wall portion 353 connected to each other along a fold line 355. A slot 360 is included in the first wall portion 352 and second wall portion 353. The L-shaped structure 350A can serve as a spacer, the dimension of which is defined by the spacing of the folds about which the panels 351, 352, 353 are folded. The fold lines, such as fold line 355 and other fold lines, can serve as spacer folds. In some embodiments, the slot 360 extends continuously across the fold line between the first and second wall portions 352, 353.

[0107] In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 360 is configured to fit over the handle of a coffee mug, illustrated in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 9-11. As such, the edge 356 of the slot 360 and the edge 361 of the slot 360 are spaced from adjacent fold lines and the distal end of the second wall portion 353 so as to capture the handle and thereby assist in maintaining a position of the attached coffee mug away from internal wall surfaces of the outer container 330.

[0108] The end wall portion 304 includes a central wall portion 304a, upper wall portion 304b, and a lower wall portion 304c. Additionally, the end wall portion 304 includes an L-shaped structure portion 350B that is constructed essentially the same or similar to the construction of the L-shaped structure 350A.

[0109] The connector portion 305 includes a mounting portion 305a, and a cradle portion 370. The cradle portion 370 includes a first end wall portion 371, a second end wall portion 372, a first middle wall portion 374, and a second middle wall portion 376. The first end wall portion 371 and the second end wall portion 372 can be considered as serving as first and second leg panel portions of the cradle portion 370, which support the cradle above the bottom 340. In the illustrated embodiment, the cradle portion 370 includes an additional, optional middle wall portion 375. The first middle wall portion 374 and the second middle wall portion 376 can be considered as serving as first and second angled panel portions which extend into the interior space at an angle relative to the sidewalls. The optional middle wall portion 375 can be approximately parallel to the bottom 340. The wall portions 371-376 are connected to each other along fold lines, as shown in FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, a side portion 370a of the cradle portion is fully cut through as a cut line, with the wall portions 372, 374, 375, 376 remaining attached to the wall portion 371 along a fold line 370b.

[0110] With reference to FIG. 4, in use, the packaging system 300 can be folded along fold lines 306, 307, 308, and 309 into the general configuration of a cylinder with the connector portion 305 overlapping onto the inner surface 338 of the sidewall portion 301. As is commonly used in this art, glue can be used to secure the connector portion 305a to a portion of the inner sidewall surface 338.

[0111] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cradle portion 370 can then be folded downwardly into the interior of the outer container 330 so as to form an M-shaped cradle.

[0112] FIG. 6 illustrates the bottom panels 301c, 302c, 303c, 304c having been folded to form a closed bottom of the container 330. Additionally, a coffee mug M has been inserted into the container 330 with a barcode shown as being viewable through an aperture 303d formed in the central end wall portion 303a. In this configuration, the handle of the coffee mug would be extended upwardly.

[0113] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the L-shaped structures 350A, 350B can be folded downwardly so as to engage the slots 360 around the handle H of the coffee mug.

[0114] FIG. 9 is an exaggerated perspective view for illustrating the engagement of the L-shaped structures 350A, 350B with the handle H and the interaction with an outer surface of the mug M.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 9, with the illustrated, assembled position first and second wall portions 352, 353 of the L-shaped structure 350A, the slot 360 extends over two portions of the handle H. Additionally, the second wall portion 353 makes contact with an outer surface of the mug M in an area of the second wall portion 353 near the fold line 355.

[0116] In this configuration, the upper edge 361 of the slot 360 can be positioned so as to provide a space between the outer surface of the handle H and the upper edge 361. This allows the area near the fold line 355 of the second wall portion 353 to define the primary constraint of movement of the mug M in an upward direction (as viewed in FIG. 9). This has the advantage of a longer span of the first wall portion 352 maintaining the gap between the outer surface of the mug M and the inner surface 342 of the uppermost wall of the outer container 330. This provides more shock absorption due to buckling or bending of the first wall portion 352, as well as the compromised or reduced rigidity of the second wall portion 353 in the vicinity of the fold line 355. Similarly, the position of the edge 356 of the slot 360 in the second wall portion 353 can be chosen so as to make contact with the axial end of the end of the handle H where it is mated with the outer surface of the mug M to maintain the gap G between the axial end of the mug M in the inner surface 332 of the outer container 330. The L-shaped structure 350B can have a similar configuration. Optionally, the L-shaped structure 350A, 350B can serve as spacers that define a height of the interior spaced of the packing system. Optionally, the L-shaped structures 350A, 350B can have different dimensions for defining different heights of the interior space.

[0117] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, as noted above, the sizes of spacings S1 and S2 can be sized such that the second wall portion 354 of the L-shaped structure 350A makes contact with the outer surface of the mug M during use which can provide further shock absorbing advantages, as described above. This can be accomplished by adjusting the size S1 of the gap between the handle and the upper edge 361 of the slot 360 and the length S2 of the first wall portion 352.

[0118] Additionally, the sizes of the end wall portion 371, 372 and middle wall portions 374, 375, 376 of the cradle portion 370 can be sized such that the contact patches P between the outer surface of the mug M and the surfaces of the middle wall portion 374, 376 are in locations such that an air gap is maintained between the outer surfaces of the mug M and the inner surfaces of the container 330. As such, together, the L-shaped structures 350A, 350B and the cradle portion 370 can maintain the mug M in a location within the interior of the outer container 330 and spaced away from the internal surfaces of the outer container 330, and additionally, both of the L-shaped portions 350A, 350B and the cradle portion 370 can be made monolithically with the outer container 330 from a single piece of material.

[0119] FIGS. 12-15 illustrate another modification of the packaging systems 100, 200, 300, identified generally by the reference numeral 400. Parts, components, features, and advantages are of the packaging system 400 that are similar or the same as those described above with reference to packaging systems 100, 200, 300, are identified with the same reference numerals, except that the 100 digit is changed from 1, 2, or 3 to a 4.

[0120] FIG. 12 illustrates a plan view of a single piece of material, such as corrugated cardboard, used to form a packaging system having a cradle portion 470 and two L-shaped structures 450A, 450B. Additionally, in the packaging system 400, the bottom closure of the exterior container 430 is in the form of a snap lock base, a structure that is well-known in the art. Additionally, the packaging system 400 includes a tabbed upper cover portion including a tab member 490 and an upper panel portion 402b including a tab slot 491 which are configured to engage with each other for forming a closed top of the exterior container 430, when assembled.

[0121] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate yet another modification of the packaging systems 100, 200, 300, 400 identified generally by the reference numeral 500. Parts, components, features, and advantages of the packaging system 500 that are the same or similar to those of the packaging systems 100, 200, 300, or 400 are identified with the same reference numeral except that the 100 digit is changed from a 1, 2, 3, or 4, to a 5.

[0122] The packaging system 500, like the other packaging systems, includes a top panel portion 501, two L-shaped structures 550A, 550B, as well as a cradle portion 570, all three of which are formed monolithically with the same material used for forming the exterior container 530. In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging system 500 includes an elongated top panel portion 493 including multiple panels attached by a fold line and a closure tab 494 configured to engage a closure slot 495. In the illustrated embodiment, the cradle portion 570 is cut from a portion of the sidewall panel 501a. As such, when folded into the assembled state, the cradle portion 570 leaves an open window W in the side panel 501a, thereby allowing the external container 530 to be side loaded.

[0123] Additionally, the packaging system 500 includes an auto bottom portion 596 which can be constructed monolithically with the L-shaped structures 550A, 550B, the cradle portion 570, and the other portions of the outer container 530, in a manner well-known in the art.

[0124] FIGS. 19-20 illustrate yet another modification of the packaging systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 identified generally by the reference numeral 600. Parts, components, features, and advantages of the packaging system 600 that are the same or similar to those of the packaging systems 100, 200, 300, or 400 are identified with the same reference numeral except that the 100 digit is changed from a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, to a 6. Reference number 700 and on are to be considered as new references.

[0125] The packaging system 600, includes a M-shaped structure 670 and a U-shaped structure 696 which are formed monolithically with the same material used for forming the exterior container 630. In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging system 600 includes a U-shaped structure 696 constructed of side panel 697, handle support panel 698, and side support 699 panel. The handle support panel 698 can optionally include an aperture 698A.

[0126] In use, the U-shaped structure 696 can be folded into the exterior container 630, with the handle support slot 698A extending over and capturing the outer surfaces of handle H which can constrain the movement of the mug M.

[0127] FIGS. 21-23 illustrate yet another modification of the packaging systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 identified generally by the reference numeral 800. Parts, components, features, and advantages of the cradle portion 870 that are the same or similar to those of the cradle portion 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 or 600 are identified with the same reference numeral except that the 100 digit is changed from a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 to an 8.

[0128] FIG. 21 is a plan view of an embodiment of the cradle portion 870, in an unfolded state. The illustrated embodiment of the cradle portion 870 includes optional end stops 900a and 900b which can be configured to restrain movement of more generically shaped articles, such as a wine bottle, candle, or other cylindrical-shaped objects, for example, restrained against movement along the longitudinal axis of the article.

[0129] The end stops 900a and 900b can be in the form of angle supports 901a, 901b, 902a and 902b. For example, the end stops 900a and 900b can be formed with score lines 903a and 903b, which allow the end stops to be folded partially independently from the panels 871, 872. When the cradle portion 870 is folded for engagement, the end stops 900a and 900b can be deployed by folding the angle supports 901a, 901b, 902a and 902b along the fold lines 904a, 904b, 905a, 905b, 906a and 906b. When deployed as such, the score lines 903a and 903b form edges that face inwardly along a longitudinal direction and are spaced away from the panels 871, 872, and 875 and thus be used to constrain movement of an article supported on the panels 821, 872, 875, in use. Further, the angle supports 901a, 901b, 902a and 902b can be configured to provide shock absorption, for example, by crushing, bending, or buckling of the material forming the angle supports 901a, 901b, 902a and 902b, which can be corrugated cardboard or other materials. Such crushing, bending, or buckling and thus the desired amount of shock absorption can be adjusted by changing the size of the angle supports 901a, 901b, 902a and 902b or by further compromising the material so as to crush, being or buckle more easily.

[0130] FIGS. 21-23 also illustrate optional wall stiffeners 904c and 904d which can be created from the middle wall portion 875. When the cradle portion 870 is folded for engagement, wall stiffeners 904c and 904d can be created from score lines 903a, 903b, 907a, 907b, 908a, 908b, 909a and 909b. When the cradle portion 870 is fully folded, the wall stiffeners 904c and 904d may be angled downwardly (as viewed in FIG. 23). This angled orientation can create shock absorbing properties for the middle wall portion 875, for example, by providing additional resistance to creasing or folding in the middle wall portion.

[0131] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the cradle portion 870 which is folded for engagement and use, with a wine bottle supported therein. The first middle wall portion 874, the middle wall portion 875 and the second middle wall 876 can add shock absorbing properties in the direction perpendicular to the wall when the article experiences forces in the direction of external force BF1 and BF2. The end stops 900a and 900b add optional movement constraints for more generically shaped articles, such as a wine bottle or other cylindrically shaped objects, to be restrained from movement along the cylindrical axis of the article, as mentioned above. The end stops 900a and 900b can also provide optional shock absorbing properties when the article experiences forces in the direction of external forces BF3 and BF4.

[0132] FIG. 25 is a schematic end and partial cutaway view of the packaging system 600 including an outer container 830 and opposing cradle portions 870 supporting a wine bottle. In this optional configuration, the opposing cradles can further absorb impact energy and help to maintain a gap between the outer surfaces of the bottle and all of the inner sides of the outer container 830.

[0133] FIGS. 26-31 illustrate yet another modification of the packaging systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800 identified generally by the reference numeral 1000. Parts, components, features, and advantages of the outer container 1030 and the cradle portion 1070 that are the same or similar to those of the cradle portion 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 or 800 are identified with the same reference numeral except that the 100 digit is changed from a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 to a 0 and a 1000 digit of 1 is added thereto.

[0134] FIG. 26 illustrates the packaging system 800, which includes the M-shaped structure 870 and two U-shaped structures 1001a and 1001b which are optionally formed monolithically with the same material used for forming the exterior container 830. In the view of FIG. 26, the top panel portion 801 is not visible as it is positioned behind the M-shaped structure. The top panel portion 801 is illustrated in FIGS. 28-31 as forming the outermost portion of the system 800, extending over a top thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging system 800 includes a U-shaped structure 1001a constructed of angled panel 1002a, impact support panel 1003a, and tab support panel 1004a, which can be bounded by score lines 1006a and 1007a respectively. Optionally, support tab 1005a can be added to support panel 1004a with the addition of cutline 1008a.

[0135] The opposing U-shaped structure 1001b can be constructed of angled panel 1002b, impact support panel 1003b, and tab support panel 1004b which can be bound by score lines 1006b and 1007b respectively. Optionally, support tab 1005b can be added to support panel 1004a with the addition of cutline 1008b.

[0136] The embodiments of FIGS. 26-30 can optionally employ the same features and performance of the packaging system 800 described above. Additionally, the embodiments of FIGS. 26-30 can also, optionally, be re-configurable for packaging three different articles, for example, by adjusting the U-shaped structures 1001a and 1001b.

[0137] FIG. 28 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the packaging system 800 with a larger size article packaged within. In the embodiment, the M-shaped structure includes an optional jack cutout 1011 which accommodates a protruding portion of the article. The U-shaped structure 1001a and 1001b are illustrated in a first configuration, in which they remain flat or unfolded. As the article experiences load AF1, the U-shaped structures 1001a and 1001b may utilize the corrugated material properties to absorb forces. The load AF2, and other forces, can be absorbed by the M-shaped structure 870. The loads AF3 and AF4 may be mitigated by a combination of the deformation of the jack cutout 1011 and the compressing of the respective exterior wall of the outer container 830.

[0138] FIG. 29 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the packaging system 800 with a medium size article packaged within. The U-shaped structure 1001b is illustrated in the folded state along with the support tab 1005a deployed from the U-shaped structure 1001a. As the article experiences load AF1, the impact support panel 1003b may buckle, crush, and/or bend to absorb forces. The support tab 1005a can help retain the impact support panel 1003b in the illustrated orientation, so as to absorb the forces and can also aid in the mitigation of the forces by buckling, crushing, and/or bending by itself or in conjunction with the impact support panel 1003b. The load AF2, and other forces, can be absorbed by the M-shaped structure 870. The loads AF3 and AF4 can be absorbed by a combination of the deformation of the jack cutout 1011 and the compressing of the respective exterior wall of the outer container 830.

[0139] FIG. 30 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the packaging system 800 with a larger sized article packaged within. In this configuration, the U-shaped structure 1001a is in the folded state along with the support tab 1005b deployed from the U-shaped structure 1001b. As the article experiences load AF1, the impact support panel 1003a may buckle, crush, and/or bend to absorb the forces. The support tab 1005b can be configured to help retain the impact support panel 1003a in the illustrated orientation and to absorb the forces and can also aid in the absorption the forces by buckling, crushing, and/or bending by itself or in conjunction with the impact support panel 1003a. The load AF2, and other forces, can be absorbed by the M-shaped structure 870. The loads AF3 and AF4 can also be absorbed by a combination of the deformation of the jack cutout 1011 and the compressing of the respective exterior wall of the outer container 830. As such, the top is configured to be foldable into three different configurations which limit the enclosed interior space to three different heights, respectively and thus can be used for three different sizes of articles.

[0140] FIGS. 26 and 31 illustrate a modification of the M-shaped structure 870 which has been modified to create additional impact support features for articles with greater weigh requirements. Cutline 1009 (FIG. 26) may be added to the M-shape structure 870 to create the cradle tab 1010 on either side of the structure.

[0141] FIG. 31 illustrates the deployed state of the cradle tab 1010. When the article experiences forces in the AF5 and AF6 directions, the M-shaped structure 870 moves in the direction of the force which may cause the cradle tab 1010 to contact the outer container 830 and buckle, crush, and/or bend to absorb the forces. Adjusting the dimension of the cradle tab 1010 may result in the ability to adjust the forces that the packaging system 800 can absorb.

[0142] While several embodiments are presented in the foregoing detailed description, a vast number of variations exist. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiments. Various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by any claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.