Packaging with lay-flat flaps
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsMatthew MUNDT, Bartley K. ANDRE
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A package for an item is disclosed. The package includes an outer box and a first insert panel. The outer box includes a base panel and a first flap extending from the base panel. The first flap is configured to open and close the package. The first insert panel is disposed within the outer box. The first insert panel has a first end attached to the first flap and a second end disposed over the base panel. The first insert panel is configured to support an item within the package. The first insert panel is configured to move relative to the base panel when the first flap is opened. The first insert panel is configured to keep the first flap in an open position by friction between the first insert panel and the base panel.
Claims20
A package comprising:
- an outer box having a base panel and a first flap extending from the base panel, the first flap configured to open and close the package;
- and
- a first insert panel disposed within the outer box, the first insert panel having a first end attached to the first flap and a second end disposed over the base panel, the first insert panel configured to support an item within the package,
- wherein the first insert panel is configured to move relative to the base panel when the first flap is opened, and
- wherein the first insert panel is configured to keep the first flap in an open position by friction between the first insert panel and the base panel.
A package comprising:
- an outer box having a base panel;
- and
- two insert panels disposed over the base panel and attached to the outer box,
- wherein the two insert panels move relative to the base panel when the package transitions between a first position wherein the package is closed and a second position wherein the package is open, and
- wherein there is a larger gap between the two insert panels in the second position than in the first position.
A method of packaging a product, the method comprising:
- placing an item across a gap between two movable panels of a package, wherein each of the panels forms a linkage with a flap of the package, and wherein the flaps of the package are open;
- and
- reducing the gap by moving the panels toward each other by closing the flaps of the package,
- wherein the weight of the item contributes to maintaining the flaps in a closed position, by contributing to a frictional force between the movable panels and a base panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.