FULL SUSPENSION E-COMMERCE SHIPPING BOX

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63/574,981 filed Apr. 5, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a shipping package assembly, for example, a suspension shipping package that includes a box and a platform within the box, which permits displacement of an article support surface relative to an interior of the box. Protective packaging devices are often used to protect goods from shocks and impacts during shipping or transportation. For example, when transporting articles that are relatively fragile, it is often desirable to cushion the article inside a box to protect the article from a physical impact with the inner walls of the box that might be caused by shocks imparted to the box during loading, transit, and/or unloading. Typically, some additional structure is used to keep the article from moving uncontrollably within the box, such as paper or plastic packing material. The contents to be packaged are suspended within the box so as to be spaced from at least some of the walls of the box, thus protecting the contents from other foreign objects which may impact or compromise the outer walls of the box.

Thus, there is a need for a suspension package assembly that does not utilize separate suspension or retention devices like air pillows, crumped paper, and plastic retention devices like Korrvu or foam peanuts that is a sustainable solution that can be placed in curbside recycling.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a full suspension shipping box used in eCommerce to deliver goods to a consumer. In an embodiment, the box is configured to suspend contents on a platform to prevent damage to the contents during shipping. The contents could be any item suitable for shipping. An embodiment of the invention is specifically created as a solution for the transport of items such as cosmetics or beauty products which vary in size and shape. The items are suspended by corrugated features incorporated into the shipping box, eliminating the need for separate suspension or retention devices like air pillows, crumped paper, and plastic retention devices like Korrvu or foam peanuts. The full suspension eCommerce shipping box of the present invention is a sustainable solution as the entire package is made of corrugated cardboard which can be placed in curbside recycling.

Also of importance is the desired appearance of the box. The desire is to present the package so that when opened the contents appear like a hand-wrapped gift to elevate the prestige of the packaging. The configuration of the box of the present invention puts the contents wrapped in tissue paper onto a pedestal suspension platform. The upper tensioners appear to be dust flaps (which are common features in boxes) however they are deployed in a different orientation by being folded inward so that they can act as two separate upper tensioners.

In an embodiment, a suspension shipping package for preventing damage to contents held therein comprises a box having a top, a right side flap, a left side flap, a front flap, a bottom, a right side wall, a left side wall, a rear side wall, and a reduced front wall; and a suspension platform with a top surface for supporting contents placed thereon, a bottom surface, a folded right arm, a folded left arm, and a rear flap, the folded right arm and the folded left arm extending from the bottom surface of the suspension platform acting as springs to provide upward tension to the suspension platform, wherein the right side flap and the left side flap are folded inward and are deployed as upper spring-loaded tensioners to support the suspension platform.

In an embodiment, the suspension shipping package further comprises two wings configured to suspend different height items placed on the suspension platform.

In an embodiment, the folded right arm is folded in a z-shaped configuration and the folded left arm is folded in a z-shaped configuration.

In an embodiment, the suspension platform has one end connect to the box to create a lever to facilitate suspension of the contents placed thereon.

In an embodiment, the suspension platform is separate from the box.

In an embodiment, the box has a roll end lock front (RELF).

In an embodiment, the suspension shipping package is formed from a single piece of material.

In an embodiment, the material is stamp-cut and includes fold-lines for assembly of the shipping package by folding along the fold-lines.

In an embodiment, the material of the suspension shipping package is a corrugated fiber.

In an embodiment, the material of the suspension shipping package is compostable.

In an embodiment, the material of the suspension shipping package is curbside recyclable.

In an embodiment, the material of the suspension shipping package is repulpable.

In an embodiment, the material of the suspension shipping package includes at least one of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, cellulose, and postconsumer paper.

In an embodiment, the suspension configuration of the box provides at least the following key features:

1. The box has a bottom suspension platform that acts as a spring; there are folded arms beneath the platform that provide upward tension or a springiness to the platform. These arms maybe z-folded or folded in other orientations that provide springiness to the platform.

2. Items placed on top of the suspension platform are suspended between the platform top and two wing tensioners at the top. The wings at the top look like dust flaps but they instead are folded inward and are deployed as upper spring-loaded tensioners. There are two wings that act to suspend different height items on the platform.

3. The seams on the box are covered when closed by moving the box folds outward.

These as well as still further features, objects and benefits of the invention will now become clear upon a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the present invention disclosed in the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the box in accordance with the present invention shown in an open position with a suspension platform in an extended position;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the box of FIG. 1 shown in an open position with the suspension platform partially seated;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the box of FIG. 1 in the open position with the suspension platform fully seated;

FIG. 4 is a blank of the flat of the box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the box of FIG. 1 shown empty with the suspension platform in a seated position;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the box of FIG. 1 shown with the suspension platform partially raised;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the box of FIG. 1 shown with the suspension platform fully raised;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an open box of FIG. 1 with contents placed on the suspension platform;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an example of contents to be placed in the box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the contents of FIG. 9 being wrapped in tissue;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of contents wrapped in tissue and secured with an adhesive tape;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the box of FIG. 1 with the contents of FIG. 9 wrapped in tissue placed on the suspension platform of the box;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the box of FIG. 1 with a closed top to contain the contents therein;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the box of FIG. 1 and an example of contents placed on the suspension platform of the box;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the box of FIG. 1 and an example of contents placed on the suspension platform of the box;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the box of FIG. 1 and an example of contents wrapped in tissue and secured with an adhesive tape placed on the suspension platform;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the box of FIG. 1 and contents wrapped in tissue showing the results after a drop sequence;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a pack out of contents in the box after a drop sequence;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a pack out of contents in the box after a drop sequence;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the box of FIG. 1 with the top in the closed position;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged isolated view of a seam of the top cover and a side of the box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of an embodiment of overlap creases to cover a seam of the box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is top plan view of a box with an embodiment of overlap creases to cover a seam of the top cover and a side;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a box in accordance with the present invention in the open position with a suspension platform fully seated;

FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of the box in FIG. 24 shown in an open position with the suspension platform in an extended position;

FIG. 26 is a blank of the flat of the box of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a side perspective view of the box of FIG. 24 shown empty with the suspension platform in a seated position;

FIG. 28 is a top front perspective view of the suspension platform of the box of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a blank of the flat of suspension platform of the box of FIG. 24; and

FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of the suspension platform of the box of FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components, concentrations, applications and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the attachment of a first feature and a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first feature and the second feature are attached in direct contact and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be positioned between the first feature and the second feature, such that the first feature and the second feature may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the present invention may be practiced. It will be apparent, however, to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, an embodiment of a box 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown having a top 102, a right side flap 104, a left side flap 106, a front flap 110, a bottom 120, a right side wall 122, a left side wall 124, a rear side wall 126, and a reduced front wall 128. Box 100 has a suspension platform 130 with a top surface 132, a bottom surface 134, a z-folded right arm 136, a z-folded left arm 138, and a rear flap 140. Suspension platform 130 acts as a spring in that z-folded arms 136, 138 provide upward tension or a springiness to platform 130. Arms 136,138 maybe z-folded or folded in other orientations that provide springiness to suspension platform 130.

Right side flap 104 and left side flap 106 look like dust flaps but they instead are folded inward and are deployed as upper spring-loaded tensioners. Preferably, there are two wings that act to suspend different height items placed on suspension platform 130. Suspension platform 130 having one end connect to box 100 creates a lever configuration to facilitate suspension on contents placed thereon.

As shown in FIG. 4, box 100 can be formed from a single-piece blank of a suitable material such a corrugated fiber. The blank is stamp-cut and remains as a single piece and fold lines are formed such that the blank can be folded into the configuration of the box 100 in accordance with the present invention. In this configuration, suspension platform 130 remains attached to the remainder of box 100. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 28, suspension platform 330 can be separate from the remainder of box 100.

Referring to FIGS. 8-16, contents 170 are placed on suspension platform 130 and can be wrapped in tissue 180 and secured with tape 190 if desired. Contents 170 fit within box 100 and are held within the interior of box 100 spaced apart from bottom 120 of box 100 and spaced apart from top 102 of box 100. In this manner, the contents are protected from any direct impact to box 100 that may be incurred during shipping and handling of box 100.

Referring to FIGS. 17-19, the results are shown of a drop sequence of box 100 filled with contents 170 wrapped in tissue 180 secured with tape 190. The contents were not damaged by the drops of box 100 with only minimal tearing occurred to the tissue paper wrapping the contents.

Referring to FIGS. 20-23, box 100 has seams 160 at the juncture of top 102 and side walls 122, 124 forming a gap. In another embodiment, overlapping seam 162 is created by adding overlap creases to cover the gap between top 102 and side walls 122, 124.

Referring to FIGS. 24-25, another embodiment of box 200 is shown. Box 200 has a top 202, a right side flap 204, a left side flap 206, a front flap 210, a bottom 220, a right side wall 222, a left side wall 224, a rear side wall 226, a reduced front wall 228, a wing tensioner 250, and a wing tensioner 252. Box 200 includes a suspension platform 230 having a top surface 232, a bottom surface 234, a z-folded arm 236, and a z-folded arm 238. Z-folded arms 236, 238 provide upward tension or a springiness to platform 230. Arms 236,238 maybe z-folded or folded in other orientations that provide springiness to suspension platform 230.

Wing tensioner 250 and wing tensioner 252 are deployed as upper spring-loaded tensioners. Preferably, there are two wing tensioners that act to suspend different height items placed on suspension platform 230. In this embodiment, wing tensioners 250, 252 are wider, providing pressure across the entire top of box 200 and creates two doors that can include print with branding and other graphics behind and on the doors. Box 200 in one embodiment is a roll end lock front (RELF) having a type of closure that does not require using an adhesive as different customers may prefer different versions of box closures.

Referring to FIGS. 28-30, another embodiment of a suspension platform 330 is shown. Suspension platform 330 has a top surface 332, a bottom surface 334, a z-folded arm 336, and a z-folded arm 338. Arms 336, 338 maybe z-folded or folded in other orientations that provide springiness to suspension platform 330. Suspension platform 330 is a separate component that may be used to suspend contents within a conventional box such as a mailer box having a corresponding size and shape. Suspension platform 330 provides desired protections to contents supported on the platform 330 within a box.

The materials of the containers of the present invention are not required to be separated from one another to be recycled in the mainstream. Materials used include, for example cardboard, corrugated cardboard, and cellulose with at least a portion of the materials preferably being made from postconsumer paper. The container in accordance with the present invention was specifically designed to ensure the repulpability of the packaging.

The foregoing outlines features of several examples or embodiments so that those of ordinary skill in the art may better understand various aspects of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of various examples or embodiments introduced herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art should also realise that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Various operations of examples or embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all the operations are described should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some examples or embodiments.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”. Also, unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first element and a second element generally correspond to element A and element B or two different or two identical elements or the same element.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others of ordinary skill in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure comprises all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above-described features (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such features are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any features which performs the specified function of the described features (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the broad scope of the disclosure.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein.