Packaging containers and associated systems and packaging methods

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12459727-B2
Application number	US-202118013702-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 30, 2021
Priority date	Jun 30, 2020
Publication date	Nov 4, 2025
Grant date	Nov 4, 2025

Abstract

Provided is a packaging container including a plurality of sidewall panels. The plurality of sidewall panels may include at least a first sidewall panel and a second sidewall panel connected to the first sidewall panel along a predefined corner fold line. The packaging container may further include a push-in feature located on the predefined corner fold line. The push-in feature may be movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. A tear-away piece may be located on at least one sidewall panel of the plurality of sidewall panels. The packaging container may include a top wall defined by a plurality of top panels. In an example, the packaging container includes a bottom wall defined by a plurality of bottom panels. In an example, the packaging container includes an insert. The packaging container may house a potted plant.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A packaging container comprising:
a plurality of sidewall panels that define an internal volume, the plurality of sidewall panels comprising at least a first sidewall panel and a second sidewall panel connected to the first sidewall panel along a predefined corner fold line; a push-in feature located on the predefined corner fold line, wherein the push-in feature is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration; and a tear-away piece located on at least one sidewall panel of the plurality of sidewall panels, wherein the tear-away piece is defined by at least one predefined tear-away line that extends to the push-in feature.

2 . The packaging container of claim 1 wherein the push-in feature comprises a first push-in panel and a second push-in panel.

3 . The packaging container of claim 2 wherein the first push-in panel is substantially aligned with the first sidewall panel and the second push-in panel is substantially aligned with the second sidewall panel when the push-in feature is in the first configuration.

4 . The packaging container of claim 2 wherein the push-in feature extends into the internal volume when the push-in feature is in the second configuration.

5 . The packaging container of claim 1 wherein the push-in feature is defined by a first horizonal cut and a second horizonal cut spanning a portion of the first sidewall panel and a portion of the second sidewall panel, the predefined corner fold line, and a first push-in fold line and a second push-in fold line disposed on either side of the predefined corner fold line and between the first horizonal cut and second horizontal cut.

6 . The packaging container of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sidewall panels comprise a top portion that defines a top opening.

7 . The packaging container of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sidewall panels comprise a bottom portion that defines a bottom opening.

8 . The packaging container of claim 1 comprising a bottom wall defined by a plurality of bottom panels.

9 . The packaging container of claim 8 wherein the bottom wall is coated with a water-resistant coating.

10 . The packaging container of claim 1 comprising a bottom tray.

11 . The packaging container of claim 10 wherein the bottom tray is coated with a water-resistant coating.

12 . The packaging container of claim 1 comprising a top wall defined by a plurality of top panels.

13 . The packaging container of claim 12 wherein the top wall is flat.

14 . The packaging container of claim 12 wherein the top wall is gabled.

15 . The packaging container of claim 1 comprising an insert.

16 . The packaging container of claim 15 wherein the insert is coated with a water-resistant coating.

17 . The packaging container of claim 15 wherein the insert is configured to hold a potted plant.

18 . A system comprising:
a potted plant; and the packaging container of claim 1 .

19 . The system of claim 18 comprising elastic bands wrapped around the potted plant.

20 . The system of claim 18 comprising a sleeve wrapped around the potted plant.

Assignees

• Westrock Shared Services Llc

Inventors

• Couture David G

Classifications

• B65D5/563

  Laminated linings; Coatings · CPC title

• B65D5/542

  the lines of weakness being provided in the container body · CPC title

• B65D5/5038

  Tray-like elements formed by folding a blank and presenting openings or recesses (without external box B65D71/72; external face of container provided with opening for receiving object in display position B65D5/5286) · CPC title

• B65D5/5007

  formed by inwardly protruding of folded parts of the body · CPC title

• B65D5/328

  and the tubular body parts being alligned axially to form a container · CPC title