Set of packaging for appliances

Description

1 / 71 “APPLIANCE PACKAGING KIT” CONTEXT OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure generally refers to a packaging set for a household appliance and, more specifically, to a paper and wood-based packaging set for a household appliance. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a packaging set for household appliances includes a base tray assembly configured to receive the bottom of a household appliance. The base tray assembly includes a base tray with a bottom panel and side walls extending from the bottom panel. A perimeter support is provided on the bottom panel. The perimeter support is formed by support plates stacked one on top of the other. The perimeter support defines locating openings and a central opening. A lid tray is configured to be provided over the top of a household appliance. Corner supports extend between the base tray and the lid tray.

[0003] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a packaging assembly for a household appliance includes a base tray assembly configured to receive a bottom part of a household appliance. The base tray assembly includes a base tray that includes a bottom panel and side walls extending from the bottom panel. A perimeter support extends adjacent to the side walls. The perimeter support is formed by support plates stacked one on top of the other. A lid tray assembly is configured to receive the top part of the household appliance. The lid tray assembly includes a lid tray that includes a top panel and side walls extending from the top panel. The lid tray defines a channel, and a cross gusset is disposed within the channel.

[0004] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a packaging set for household appliances includes a base tray assembly configured to receive a bottom part of a household appliance, where the tray assembly Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 7 / 119 2 / 71 base includes a base tray having a bottom panel and side walls extending from the bottom panel and a base support layer disposed on the bottom panel and extending along each of the side walls. The base support layer defines locating openings and notches at the corners. The base tray assembly also includes a lower vertical guard formed by vertically oriented support panels. The lower vertical guard is positioned on the base support layer. A lid tray is configured to be disposed over the top of the appliance. A top guard is attached to an inner surface of the lid tray. Corner supports extend between the base tray and the lid tray.

[0005] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method of packaging a household appliance includes forming a base tray from a blank base, forming a perimeter support with multiple layers of at least one of support plates and support panels. The perimeter support defines a central opening. The method also includes positioning the perimeter support on the base tray, positioning a household appliance on the perimeter support, positioning corner supports on the base tray and along the appliance, positioning a cross brace to extend between two of the corner supports, and positioning a lid tray over the appliance.

[0006] These and other features, advantages, and objectives of the present disclosure will be better understood and considered by those skilled in the art by reference to the following descriptive report, the claims, and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a packaged set of household appliances including a horizontal axis appliance, according to this disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 is a partially exploded side perspective view of a packaged set of household appliances including a vertical axis appliance, according to this disclosure; Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 8 / 119 3 / 71

[0010] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of a packaging assembly, according to this disclosure;

[0011] Figure 4 is a partially exploded side perspective view of a packaging assembly with support features, according to this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a packaging assembly having a lid tray assembly, a base tray assembly and corner supports, according to this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 6 is a side perspective view of a packaging assembly, according to this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 7 is a side perspective view of a base tray assembly with a base tray and a perimeter support, according to this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 8 is a top plan view of a base tray assembly with a base tray and a perimeter support, according to this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of a base tray assembly, according to this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 10 is a top plan view of a blank base for forming a base tray of a packaging assembly, according to this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 11 is a partially exploded side perspective view of a base tray assembly with a base tray and a perimeter support formed by four support sections, according to this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 12 is a partially exploded side perspective view of a perimeter support with four support sections formed by support plates, according to this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the base tray assembly of Figure 8, taken along line XI-XI, according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 14 is a side perspective view of a tray assembly. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 9 / 119 4 / 71 base with multiple support sections, according to this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 15 is a top plan view of a base tray assembly with multiple support sections, according to the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 16 is a side perspective view of a base tray assembly with multiple support sections and vertical support plates, according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 17 is a top plan view of a base tray assembly with multiple support sections and vertical support plates, according to the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 18 is a side perspective view of a base tray assembly including a base tray, a perimeter support and crossbars, according to the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 19 is a partially exploded side perspective view of a base tray assembly including a base tray, a perimeter support, crossbars and bottom supports, according to the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 20 is a side perspective view of a base tray assembly with a perimeter support, a base support layer and vertical supports, according to the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 21 is a side perspective view of a base tray assembly with a base support layer and vertical supports, according to the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 22 is a side perspective view of a base tray assembly with a base support layer and vertical supports, according to the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 23 is a side elevation view of a household appliance positioned on a base tray assembly, according to the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 24 is a side perspective view of a corner support with an inner layer and an outer layer, according to the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 25 is a side perspective view of a corner bracket with Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 10 / 119 5 / 71 an internal pocket, according to the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 26 is a side perspective view of the opposite corner support that defines receiving cutouts and internal cavities, according to the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 27 is an enlarged partial view of a corner support that defines a receiving cutout and an internal cavity in the corner support, according to the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 28 is a side perspective view of a corner support with a locking feature that defines a receiving channel, according to the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 29 is a side perspective view of a corner support that defines an upper recess region, according to the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 30 is a partial top perspective view of a corner support with multiple layers folded on each side, according to the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 31 is a side perspective view of a corner support that defines a receiving channel and with a flap configured to extend over the receiving channel, according to the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 32 is a partial side perspective view of a corner bracket with an alignment feature, according to the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 33 is a top plan view of a blank piece to form a bent corner support, according to this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 34 is a side perspective view of corner supports with multiple layers and recesses, according to the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 35 is a top plan view of a blank lid to form a lid tray of a packaging assembly, according to this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 36 is a bottom perspective view of a top cover assembly including a top cover, cross braces and top guards, according to this disclosure; Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 11 / 119 6 / 71

[0044] Figure 37 is a partial side perspective view of a lid tray assembly including a lid tray defining a channel and a cross reinforcement positioned in the channel, according to the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 38 is a partially exploded side perspective view of a lid tray assembly including a lid tray defining a channel and a cross reinforcement to be positioned in the channel, according to the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 39 is a partial side elevation view of a lid tray assembly including a lid tray defining a channel and a cross reinforcement positioned in the channel, according to the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 40 is a partial bottom perspective view of a lid tray defining a channel and a cross brace positioned in the channel and a corner support between the cross brace and the lid tray, according to the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 41 is a top plan view of a blank lid to form a lid tray with a channel of a packaging assembly, according to the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 42 is a bottom plan view of a lid tray assembly with top supports defining recesses, according to the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 43 is a side perspective view in cross-section of a lid tray assembly with upper supports defining recesses, according to the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 44 is a side perspective view of opposing corner supports that define internal pockets to receive a cross reinforcement that extends between the opposing corner supports, according to the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 45 is an enlarged partial view of a corner support with a cross reinforcement positioned inside an inner pocket, according to the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 46 is a partial side perspective view of a set of Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 12 / 119 7 / 71 packaging with transverse reinforcements that extend supported by locking features of opposing corner supports, according to this disclosure;

[0054] Figure 47 is a partial side perspective view and partially exploded view of a cross bracing and a corner support with a locking feature to receive the cross bracing, according to the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 48 is a partial side perspective view of corner supports defining upper recess regions and a cross bracing positioned in the upper recess regions, according to the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 49 is a partial side perspective view of a transverse reinforcement positioned in an upper recess region of a corner support, according to the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 50 is a side perspective view of a packaging assembly with transverse reinforcements extending and supported by receiving channels of opposite corner supports, according to the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 51 is a partial side perspective view of a transverse reinforcement positioned in a receiving channel of a corner support, according to the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 52 is a partial side perspective view of a corner support that defines a raised recess to receive protruding components of a household appliance, according to this disclosure;

[0060] Figure 53 is a side perspective view of a packaging assembly including a shrink film, according to this disclosure;

[0061] Figure 54 is a side perspective view of a packaging assembly including strips, according to this disclosure;

[0062] Figure 55 is a side perspective view of a packaging assembly including strips and a ghost-shaped outer envelope, according to this disclosure;

[0063] Figure 56 is an exploded side perspective view of a packing assembly including transverse reinforcements supported between opposite corner positions, an outer envelope configured to be positioned over the supports of Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 13 / 119 8 / 71 corner and strips configured to be positioned around the outer envelope and a base tray assembly, as per this disclosure; and

[0064] Figure 57 is a flow diagram of a packaging method for a household appliance, according to the present disclosure.

[0065] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale; the emphasis is on illustrating the principles described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The embodiments illustrated herein reside mainly in combinations of method steps and household appliance components related to a packaging assembly for a household appliance. Consequently, the household appliance components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only the specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who have the benefit of the description contained herein. Furthermore, similar numbers in the description and in the drawings represent similar elements.

[0067] For the purposes of description in this document, the terms top, bottom, right, left, rear, front, vertical, horizontal and derivatives shall refer to the disclosure as oriented in Figure 1. Unless otherwise indicated, the term front refers to the surface of the element nearest to the intended observer, and the term rear refers to the surface of the element farthest from the intended observer. However, it should be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the descriptive report below are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the modalities disclosed here should not be considered limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 14 / 119 9 / 71

[0068] The terms including, comprises, including, or any other variation thereof, are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or appliance comprising a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or appliance. An element preceded by includes a... does not, without further restriction, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or appliance comprising the element.

[0069] With reference to Figures 1 to 57, the reference numeral 10 generally designates a packing set 10 for an appliance 12, and the packing set 10 includes a base tray assembly 14 configured to receive a bottom 16 of the appliance 12. The base tray assembly 14 includes a base tray 18 with a bottom panel 20 and side walls 22a to 22d extending from the bottom panel 20. The side walls 22a to 22d may be collectively referred to herein as side walls 22. The base tray assembly 14 also includes a perimeter support 24 disposed on the bottom panel 20. The perimeter support 24 is formed by support plates 26 stacked one on top of the other. Perimeter support 24 defines location openings 28, including location openings 28a to 28d and a central opening 30.The packaging set 10 also includes a lid tray 32 configured to be placed over a top 34 of the appliance 12 and corner supports 36, including corner supports 36a to 36d, extending between the base tray assembly 14 and the lid tray 32.

[0070] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the packaging assembly 10 is configured to be arranged around the appliance 12 to protect and support the appliance 12 during transportation and shipping processes. The packaging assembly 10 includes the base tray assembly 14 with the base tray 18 and the perimeter support 24. The bottom 16 of the appliance 12 is configured to be arranged inside the base tray 18 and the perimeter support 24. A lid tray assembly 50 is configured to be arranged over the part Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 15 / 119 10 / 71 upper 34 of the appliance 12. The packaging assembly 10 may also include at least one support feature 52 which, in certain respects, may be part of the lid tray assembly 50 or, alternatively, may be a separate component extending between two opposing corner supports 36. The corner supports 36 are positioned on the base tray assembly 14 and extend along the corners of the appliance 12 to the lid tray assembly 50. The packaging assembly 10 also includes at least one external retainer 54, such as the illustrated external casing 56, which encloses or retains one or more of the base tray assemblies 14, lid tray 50, corner supports 36, support 52 and appliance 12 in relative position to each other. The external retainer 54 can help keep the packaging assembly 10 in position relative to the appliance 12.

[0071] The packaging assembly 10 may have different configurations, such as different shapes or sizes, based on the appliance 12. The appliance 12 in the configuration illustrated in Figure 1 is a horizontal shaft washer, while the appliance illustrated in Figure 2 is a vertical shaft washer. However, it is anticipated that the packaging assembly 10 may be used for a variety of appliances 12, including front-loading or horizontal shaft washers, top-loading or vertical shaft washers, combination washer-dryers, dryers, other laundry appliances, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, countertop kitchen appliances and / or other domestic and commercial appliances.

[0072] Referring again to Figures 1 to 6, the combination of packaging assembly 10 and appliance 12 can be called packaged appliance assembly 60. Various aspects of packaging assembly 10 may have different configurations to protect against different loads and forces that may act on packaged appliance assembly 60 during transportation and shipping processes. For example, after the completion of a manufacturing process on appliance 12, appliance 12 is packaged in packaging assembly 10. Generally, a forklift with clamps moves the appliance assembly. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 16 / 119 11 / 71 packaged 60, and several sets of packaged 60 appliances are stacked on top of each other. Each configuration disclosed here absorbs sufficient load from the movement and stacking of the packaged 60 appliance set during the transportation and shipping processes.

[0073] The lid tray assembly 50, the base tray assembly 14, the corner supports 36 and the support feature 52, as well as additional bottom protectors 62, 64, 66 and the base support layer 68 which may be included in the packaging assembly 10 (for example, generally in the base tray assembly 14), are constructed of wood and / or paper-based materials such as corrugated or grooved cardboard, honeycomb layer or board, cardboard, corner board, wood blocks, molded paper layers or combinations thereof. Consequently, the packaging assembly 10 includes mainly or entirely wood and paper-based materials and does not include any components that are formed partially or entirely with expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0074] Referring to Figures 7 to 23, the base tray assembly 14 generally includes at least the base tray 18 and one or more of the perimeter supports 24, the bottom protectors 62, 64, 66 and the base support layer 68. The base tray 18 is formed to have the bottom panel 20 and the side walls 22 extending from the bottom panel 20 to define the interior of the base tray 18. The base tray 18 includes four side walls 22a to 22d, forming a generally square or rectangular shape. The first and second side walls 22a, 22b oppose each other and are illustrated as the front and back walls. The third and fourth side walls 22c, 22d oppose each other and extend between the first and second side walls 22a, 22b. The third and fourth side walls 22c, 22d are illustrated as sides of the base tray 18.However, base tray 18 can be used with the first and second side walls 22a, 22b as side walls and the third and fourth side walls 22c, 22d as front and back walls without departing from the teachings contained herein.

[0075] The first and second side walls 22a, 22b generally have a consistent height relative to the bottom panel 20. In comparison, the third and fourth Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 17 / 119 12 / 71 side walls 22c, 22d can each define a cutout 70, 72 that extends from one of their top edges toward the bottom panel 20, as illustrated in Figures 7 to 19. In such examples, each of the third and fourth side walls 22c, 22d defines at least two heights relative to the bottom panel 20. In the configuration illustrated in Figures 7 to 19, the third side wall 22c has a different configuration from the fourth side wall 22d. The third side wall 22c has the single cutout 70, which is off-center and defined closer to the second side wall 22b than to the first side wall 22a. The cutout 70 can be defined from a location aligned with a front edge of the central opening 30 defined by the perimeter support 24 to a location aligned with the locating openings 28c, 28d near the second side wall 22b.Other configurations of the 70 cutout and / or the third side wall 22c are contemplated without departing from the teachings contained herein.

[0076] The fourth side wall 22d includes cutout 72, which is an elongated central cutout 72 defined between two projections 80, 82. The central cutout 72 may extend further than cutout 70 of the third side wall 22c, extending from a location aligned with location openings 28a, 28b near the first side wall 22a to a location aligned with location openings 28c, 28d near the second side wall 22b. The height of the fourth side wall 22d at central cutout 72 may generally be the same as the height of the third side wall 22c at cutout 70.

[0077] The outer portions 84, 86 of the fourth side wall 22d have a height that is equal to or similar to the third side wall 22c outside the cutout 70. Between the outer portions 84, 86 and the central cutout 72, the fourth side wall 22d defines the projections 80, 82, respectively. The projections 80, 82 extend to a greater height than the outer portions 84, 86. The projections 80 and 82 each have a rounded outer corner at the outer portions 84 and 86, respectively, and a sharp inner corner at the central cutout 72. The first projection 80 is generally longer than the second projection 82. The projections 80, 82 may extend to a height substantially similar to the height of the first and second side walls 22a, Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 18 / 119 13 / 71 22b. Other configurations of the fourth lateral wall 22d are contemplated without departing from the teachings contained herein.

[0078] Furthermore, the third side wall 22c and the fourth side wall 22d may have the same configuration without departing from the teachings contained herein. It is also contemplated that all four side walls 22a to 22b may have consistent height, as the configurations illustrated in Figures 20 to 22.

[0079] Referring again to Figure 10, the base tray 18 is formed from the folding of a blank base 90. In several respects, the blank base 90 is a grooved C-groove card. The blank base 90 includes a central portion 92, which forms the bottom panel 20, and four side portions 94a to 94d, which form the side walls 22, respectively. The first and second side portions 94a, 94b each have an outer section 102, 104 and an inner section 106, 108, respectively. Each inner section 106, 108 is separated from the central portion 92 by a respective first fold line 110, 112 and separated from the outer section 102, 104 by a respective second fold line 114, 116. The first and second side portions 94a, 94b are configured to fold on the first fold lines 110, 112 to extend perpendicularly to the central portion 92.The outer sections 102, 104 are configured to fold inwards, along the second fold lines 114, 116, to extend parallel to the inner sections 106, 108. The tabs 118, 120 defined by the outer sections 102, 104 are arranged in openings 122, 124 defined near the first fold lines 110, 112, respectively, to retain the first and second side portions 94a, 94b as the first and second side walls 22a, 22b.

[0080] The third and fourth lateral portions 94c, 94d are also similarly formed to each other. The third lateral portion 94c includes a central section 130 and opposing lateral wings 132, 134, where the opposing lateral wings 132, 134 are separated from the central section 130 by fold lines 136, 138, respectively. Similarly, the fourth lateral portion 94d includes a central section 142 and opposing lateral wings 144, 146, where the opposing lateral wings 144, 146 are separated from the central section 142 by fold lines 148, 150, respectively. The central sections 130, 142 are Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 19 / 119 14 / 71 configured to fold along the respective fold lines 154, 156 to extend perpendicularly to the central portion 92. The side wings 132, 134 of the third side portion 94c fold to extend towards the fourth side portion 94d, and the side wings 144, 146 of the fourth side portion 94d fold to extend towards the third side portion 94c.

[0081] The front side wings 132, 146 are arranged between the outer section 102 and the inner section 106 of the first side portion 94a, while the rear side wings 134, 146 are arranged between the outer section 104 and the inner section 108 of the second side portion 94b. The third and fourth side portions 94c, 94d are configured to fold into the third and fourth side walls 22c, 22d. The fitting of the tabs 118, 120 into the openings 122, 124 retains the first and second side portions 94a, 94b in the folded configuration, which consequently retains the third and fourth side portions 94c, 94d in the folded configuration to form the base tray 18.

[0082] Referring again to Figures 7 to 13, the perimeter support 24 is arranged on the lower panel 20 inside the base tray 18. The perimeter support 24 extends along each side wall 22 of the base tray 18. The base tray 18 generally forms a square shape, and the perimeter support 24 forms a smaller square shape abutting each side wall 22.

[0083] In the illustrated configuration, the perimeter support 24 is generally formed in four support sections 170, 172, 174, 176 that collectively define the central opening 30. Each of the four support sections 170, 172, 174, 176 is formed by multiple support plates 26 stacked on top of each other. The support plates 26 are generally grooved plates or portions of a grooved panel that are arranged horizontally and stacked in a vertical arrangement to form a lower damping layer for the bottom 16 of the appliance 12. The support plates 26 may be separate panels that are cut into separate support plates 26, stacked on top of each other and coupled. Alternatively, the support plates 26 may be parts of a single panel that is folded multiple times to form layers of support plates 26 in the configuration. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 20 / 119 15 / 71 stacked vertically. Each section 170, 172, 174, 176 is formed by multiple layers of support plates 26 to provide the damping effect for the appliance 12. In a non-limiting example, each section 170, 172, 174, 176 includes six layers of support plates 26 to provide damping to the appliance 12, while balancing the overall height of the packaged appliance assembly 60.

[0084] The first and second support sections 170, 172 are illustrated as front and rear sections of the perimeter support 24. In the illustrated configuration, the first support section 170 has a greater depth than the second support section 172, which is advantageous for certain appliance configurations 12, such as the exemplary horizontal shaft washer. In such examples, the packing assembly 10 for the horizontal shaft washer has a deeper front support section 170 than the rear support section 172 due to the configuration and location of an appliance door (see, for example, Figure 16). This configuration provides additional space in front of the packing assembly 10 to position the appliance door between the base tray assembly 14 and the lid tray assembly 50, reducing protruding components.

[0085] Each of the first and second support sections 170, 172 defines two locating openings 28, which are arranged near the corners of the base tray 18. In this way, the perimeter support 24 has defined four locating openings 28 at its corners. The locating openings 28 are configured to receive the feet of the appliance 12 to reduce the front-to-back and side-to-side movement of the appliance 12 when mounted in the packing assembly 10. The locating openings 28 generally extend through each layer of the first and second support sections 170, 172 (i.e., through each support plate 26). However, it is foreseen that some of the support plates 26 may define the locating openings 28, while others, such as the lower support plates 26 in the first and second support sections 170, 172, do not define the locating openings 28.Location openings 28 generally define a circular or oblong shape based on the shape of the appliance feet 12. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 21 / 119 16 / 71

[0086] The first support section 170 also defines receiving openings 180. Receiving openings 180 are illustrated as rectangular or square openings 180, but other shapes are contemplated. In several aspects, the appliance 12 may have protrusions that extend downwards near the front of the appliance 12. In such examples, the protrusions may be susceptible to deformation or damage when pressed against other components. Consequently, receiving openings 180 are configured to receive such protrusions to reduce or prevent damage to these protrusions during transport and shipping processes. Receiving openings 180 may be discrete openings, may be extensions of the locating openings 28, or combinations thereof.Similar to the location openings 28, the receiving openings 180 may extend through each layer of the first support section 170 (i.e., each support plate 26) or extend through some of the support plates 26 without departing from the teachings contained herein. The shape, size, and location of the receiving openings 180 may differ depending on the appliance 12.

[0087] Referring again to Figures 7 to 13, each of the first and second support sections 170, 172 defines corner notches 182 at its outer corners. The corner notches 182 can be defined along two adjacent and intersecting edges to form an L-shaped recess region along the outer corners of the first and second support sections 170, 172. The recess regions are positioned adjacent to the corners of the base tray 18 to define L-shaped receiving spaces between the perimeter support 24 and the base tray 18. The outer corners of the first and second support sections 170, 172 defined by the corner notches 182 can be sharp or rounded without departing from the teachings contained herein. The size and shape of the corner notches 182 may depend on the configuration of the corner supports 36.

[0088] The first support section 170 extends along the first side wall 22a, as well as the third side wall 22c to the fourth side wall 22d of the base tray 18. The second support section 172 extends along the second side wall 22b, as well as the third side wall 22c to the fourth Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 22 / 119 17 / 71 side wall 22d of base tray 18. The third and fourth support sections 174, 176 are configured to extend between the first and second support sections 170, 172. Thus, the third support section 174 extends along the third side wall 22c and from the first support section 170 to the second support section 172. The fourth support section 176 extends along the fourth side wall 22d and from the first support section 170 to the second support section 172. The third and fourth support sections 174, 176 can be coupled to the first and second support sections 170, 172 by interference fit, adhesive, clamps, or other coupling methods.

[0089] The four support sections 170, 172, 174, 176 of the perimeter support 24 are configured to define the central opening 30. Based on the configuration of the four support sections 170, 172, 174, 176, the central opening 30 generally has a square or rectangular shape. The central opening 30 provides space between the base tray 18 and the bottom 16 of the appliance 12. This configuration also uses less material to maximize manufacturing efficiency and material use efficiency to form the packaging assembly 10, as well as to decrease the weight of the packaged appliance assembly 60. Based on the different depths of the first and second support sections 170, 172, the central opening 30 can be set off-center, closer to the rear side wall 22b of the base tray 18.

[0090] In several examples, each support section 170, 172, 174, 176 of the perimeter support 24 has the same number of support plates 26 of the same thickness to define a generally coplanar top surface to support the appliance 12. In a non-limiting example, the perimeter support 24 includes about six layers of support plates 26. A combined height of the support plates 26 or a height of the perimeter support 24 is less than a height of the side walls 22 of the base tray 18, including the heights defined in the cutouts 70, 72, as illustrated in Figure 13. Consequently, the height of the side walls 22 in the cutouts 70, 72 is greater than the height of the perimeter support 24 to assist in retaining the appliance 12 in the base tray assembly 14. The Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 23 / 119 18 / 71 side walls 22 help reduce or prevent movement of the appliance 12 when positioned on the base tray assembly 14.

[0091] Depending on various aspects, the support sections 170, 172, 174, 176 may have different numbers of support plates 26 and / or be formed with support plates 26 of different thicknesses. In such examples, the perimeter support 24 may not be uniform on all sides. This configuration may be advantageous when the bottom 16 of the appliance 12 is on different planes. For example, the number of support plates 26 may vary in each support section 170, 172, 174, 176 so that each one rests against a portion of the bottom 16 of the appliance 12 along different planes and at different heights. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of some or all of the support plates 26 in the different support sections 170, 172, 174, 176 may have different thicknesses to provide damping support for an irregular bottom geometry of the appliance 12.Regardless of whether the bottom 16 of the appliance 12 is uniform, irregular, or a combination of both, the perimeter support rests against the bottom of the appliance 12 to provide a cushioning effect.

[0092] Having four separate support sections 170, 172, 174, 176 for the perimeter support 24 allows for different directions of grooves in the different support sections 170, 172, 174, 176 to increase the support and rigidity of the perimeter support 24. In several respects, the perimeter support 24 is formed by grooved support plates 26. The grooves for each section 170, 172, 174, 176 extend along a longitudinal extent of the support plates 26. In this way, the grooves of the first and second support sections 170, 172, indicated by arrow 190, are parallel to each other and to the first and second side walls 22a, 22b of the base tray 18, and the grooves of the third and fourth support sections 174, 176, indicated by arrow 192, are parallel to each other and to the third and fourth side walls 22c, 22d of the base tray 18.

[0093] The grooves of the third and fourth support sections 174, 176 are generally perpendicular to the grooves of the first and second support sections 170, 172. These grooves in both directions 190, 192 assist in resisting multiple clamping forces. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 24 / 119 19 / 71 directions in the base tray assembly 14 and increase the protection of the appliance 12. Corrugated or grooved cardboard is stronger in the direction of the grooves and resists damage during the securing of the packaged appliance assembly 60. Although the perimeter support 24 is illustrated as four sections 170, 172, 174, 176, it is foreseen that the perimeter support 24 can be formed by support plates 26 that include the four sections 170, 172, 174, 176 as a single or unitary component, without departing from the teachings contained herein.

[0094] The size of various aspects of the packing assembly 10 may differ depending on the appliance 12. Here are given exemplary sizes for packing the horizontal shaft washer. For example, each support plate 26 has a thickness A in a range between about 3 mm and about 10 mm. Generally, the perimeter support 24 is formed by about five or six support plates 26, resulting in a thickness B in a range between about 15 mm and about 60 mm. The first and second support sections 170, 172 have an inner length C in a range between about 650 mm and about 750 mm and an outer length D between the corner notches 182 in a range between about 425 mm and about 525 mm. The third and fourth support sections 174, 176 have a length E of (i.e., between the first and second support sections 170, 172) in a range between about 325 mm and about 425 mm, and a width F in a range between about 75 mm and about 175 mm.The central opening 30 has a length G between the first and second support sections 170, 172 in a range between approximately 400 mm and approximately 500 mm, and a width H between the third and fourth support sections 174, 176 in a range between approximately 325 mm and approximately 425 mm.

[0095] Referring again to Figures 14 and 15, an additional or alternative configuration of the perimeter support 24 is illustrated, which is formed by four support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 that collectively define the central opening 30, similar to the configuration illustrated in Figures 11 to 13. Each of the support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 is formed by multiple support plates 26 stacked on top of each other. The support plates 26 are generally grooved plates or portions of grooved panels, such as B-groove, C-groove and / or B / C-groove plates, which Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 25 / 119 20 / 71 are arranged horizontally and stacked in a vertical arrangement to form a lower cushioning layer for the bottom 16 of the appliance 12. The support plates 26 can be separate plates 26 coupled together (e.g., glued) or a single panel that is bent to form layers of plates 26.

[0096] Each support section 200, 202, 204, 206 is formed by multiple layers of support plates 26 to provide the damping effect for the appliance 12. Similar to the configuration in Figures 11 to 13, the first and second support sections 200, 202 are illustrated as front and rear sections, and the third and fourth support sections 204, 206 are illustrated as side sections. The front support section 200 has greater depth and width than the rear support section 202. This configuration provides additional space and support for the front of the appliance 12. For example, for appliances 12 with front doors (e.g., horizontal shaft washers, dryers, etc.), the additional space allows the door to be positioned between the base tray assembly 14 and the lid tray 32, reducing protruding components and increasing the protection of the appliance 12.

[0097] The first support section 200 extends along the first side wall 22a of the base tray 18 between the third side wall 22c and the fourth side wall 22d. As illustrated, the first support section 200 is spaced from the third and fourth side walls 22c, 22d to assist in defining the corner notches 210, including corner notches 210a to 210d, as described herein. The second support section 202 extends parallel to the first support section 200 and close to the second side wall 22b of the base tray 18. The second support section 202 is generally spaced from the second side wall 22b, the third side wall 22c, and the fourth side wall 22d. In this way, the second support section 202 cannot touch any of the side walls 22 of the base tray 18.

[0098] Referring again to Figures 14 and 15, the third and fourth support sections 204, 206 are configured to extend between the first support section 200 and the second side wall 22b of the base tray 18. The third support section 204 Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 26 / 119 21 / 71 extends along the third side wall 22c from the first support section 200 to the second side wall 22b. The fourth support section 206 extends parallel to the third support section 204 and from the first support section 200 to the second side wall 22b. Consequently, each of the first, third, and fourth support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 engages at least one side wall 22 of the base tray assembly 14, assisting in retaining the perimeter support 24 in a selected position on the base tray 18.

[0099] The four support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 are configured to define the central opening 30, which is illustrated with a rectangular shape. The central opening 30 provides space between the base tray 18 and the bottom 16 of the appliance 12 and uses less material for the perimeter support 24. Less material in the packaging assembly 10 can be advantageous to reduce the overall weight of the packaged appliance assembly 60 for the shipping process.

[0100] Referring again to Figures 14 and 15, the support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 can be positioned on the base tray 18 in a way that retains the support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 in position relative to each other and to the base tray 18, such as with an interference fit and / or interlock. In the illustrated configuration, the first support section 200 defines the first and second receiving recesses 216, 218. The receiving recesses 216, 218 are defined by an inner edge (i.e., oriented towards the second side wall 22b when positioned on the base tray 18) and extend to the outer side edges of the first support section 200, respectively.

[0101] The third support section 204 engages the first support section 200 in the first receiving recess 216, and the fourth support section 206 engages the first support section 200 in the second receiving recess 218. The widths of the receiving recesses 216, 218 and the space between the first support section 200 and the side walls 22c, 22d, respectively, generally correspond to the widths of the third and fourth support sections 204, 206, forming an interlocking fit to reduce the movement of the third and fourth support sections 204, 206. Furthermore, the third and fourth support sections 204, 206 extend and Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 27 / 119 22 / 71 engage with the second side wall 22b, which helps reduce movement in each of the first, third, and fourth support sections 200, 204, 206.

[0102] Furthermore, the second support section 202 extends between and engages the third support section 204 and the fourth support section 206. Generally, the second support section 202 engages the third and fourth support sections 204, 206 in an interference fit, which reduces the movement of each of the second, third, and fourth support sections 202, 204, 206. The engagements between the support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 and the side walls 22 assist in retaining the support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 in position, which is advantageous for forming various features, such as locating openings 220.

[0103] Referring again to Figures 14 and 15, perimeter support 24 defines location openings 220, including location openings 220a to 220d, near the corners of the base tray 18 to receive the feet of the appliance 12. Location openings 220 generally extend through each layer (i.e., each support plate 26) of perimeter support 24; however, it is foreseen that some of the support plates 26 may define location openings 220, while others may not (e.g., forming recesses in perimeter support 24). Front location openings 220a, 220b are defined at an interface between the first support section 200 and the third support section 204 and an interface between the first support section 200 and the fourth support section 206, respectively.

[0104] The first support section 200 defines a locating cutout 222 on the inner edge in each receiving recess 216, 218. The third and fourth support sections 204, 206 each define a coupling locating cutout 224, 226, which is configured to couple to one of the locating cutouts 222 of the first support section 200 to define the locating openings 220. The locating cutouts 222 and the corresponding locating cutouts 224, 226 are generally semicircular or semioval in shape to define circular or oblong locating openings 220a, 220b. The interlocking engagement between support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 assists in maintaining alignment between the Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 28 / 119 23 / 71 first support section 200 and the third and fourth support sections 204, 206, which is advantageous for forming and maintaining the front locating openings 220a, 220b. The rear locating openings 220c, 220d are defined by the third and fourth support sections 204, 206, respectively, close to an interface with the second support section 202.

[0105] Perimeter support 24 also defines corner notches 210 along its outer corners. For front corner notches 210a, 210b, the first support section 200 has a width smaller than the width between the third and fourth side walls 22c, 22d and defines recess regions adjacent to the front side wall 22a and the outer side edges. Furthermore, the first support section 200 defines an angled edge between the outer side edge and the edge in the front recess region to define the generally L-shaped corner notches 210a, 210b. In addition, the third and fourth support sections 204, 206 also partially form the front corner notches 210a, 210b based on the smaller width of the first support section 200.The front corner notches 210a, 210b can be defined along two or three adjacent and intersecting edges to form L-shaped recess regions and, consequently, L-shaped reception spaces.

[0106] The third and fourth support sections 204, 206 define L-shaped recess regions along adjacent outer edges to form the rear L-shaped corner notches 210c, 210d. The recess regions of the first, third, and fourth support sections 200, 204, 206 are positioned at the corners to form the L-shaped receiving spaces to receive the corner supports 36 between the perimeter support 24 and the corners of the base tray 18. The outer corners of the support sections 200, 204, 206 defined by the corner notches 210 may be sharpened or rounded without departing from the teachings contained herein. The size and shape of the corner notches 210 may depend on the configuration of the corner supports 36. For example, the L-shaped corner notches 210 illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 may be larger to accommodate larger and / or thicker corner supports 36 compared to the configuration in Figures 15. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 29 / 119 24 / 71 to 13.

[0107] Referring again to Figures 14 and 15, each of the support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 in the illustrated configuration also defines additional cutouts or recesses 230 along the inner edges, which form extensions of the central opening 30. These recesses 230 can be advantageous for receiving features that project from the appliance 12. The recesses 230 can have different sizes or shapes or be in different locations, which may depend on the configuration of the appliance 12.

[0108] Support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 may not have the same number of support plates 26, having different thicknesses to support the appliance 12. For example, the first support section 200 may include seven layers of support plates 26, while the second, third, and fourth support sections 202, 204, 206 include six layers of support plates 26. This configuration provides a greater thickness at the front of the base tray assembly 14 to provide more support for appliances 12 that have greater weight at the front of the appliance 12. In addition, the increased thickness of the first support section 200 compared to the second support section 202 assists in counterbalancing the appliance 12 and accounting for the stacking load of multiple stacked packaged appliance assemblies 60.

[0109] The side walls 22 of the base tray 18 may have different heights to accommodate the increased thickness of the perimeter support 24 and to support the appliance 12. For example, with a thicker perimeter support 24, or at least a part of the perimeter support 24 having an increased thickness, the side walls 22 may have an increased height to extend beyond the thicker perimeter support 24 (for example, as illustrated in Figure 54 compared with Figure 55).

[0110] Similar to the configuration in Figures 7 to 13, the configuration illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 having four separate support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 allows different directions of splines in different support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 to increase the support and stiffness of the perimeter support 24. In several Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 30 / 119 25 / 71 aspects, each of the support sections 200, 202, 204, 206 is formed of grooved support plates 26 with the grooves extending along a lateral extension of the support plates 26 (for example, in the shorter direction of the support sections 200, 202, 204, 206). The grooves in the first and second support sections 200, 202, indicated by arrow 240, are parallel to each other and to the third and fourth side walls 22c, 22d of the base tray 18.

[0111] Similarly, the grooves of the third and fourth support sections 204, 206, indicated by arrow 242, are parallel to each other and to the first and second side walls 22a, 22b of the base tray 18. Thus, the grooves on the first and second support sections 200, 202 extend in a front-to-back direction, and the grooves on the third and fourth support sections 204, 206 extend in a side-to-side direction, normal to the grooves on the first and second support sections 200, 202, which is opposite to the configuration in Figures 7 to 13. The two different directions of grooves 240 and 242 assist in resisting clamping forces in multiple directions to increase the protection of the appliance 12. In addition, the groove extending in the shorter direction of the support plates 26 can increase the strength and rigidity of the support plates. 26 and, consequently, the perimeter support 24.

[0112] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, an additional or alternative configuration of the perimeter support 24 is illustrated, which is substantially similar to the perimeter support 24 illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 with additional vertical components interconnected with the third and fourth support sections 204, 206. The third and fourth support sections 204, 206 define external cutouts 250, which extend from the outer edges of the support sections 204, 206 adjacent to the respective side wall 22c, 22d and extend towards the central opening 30. In the illustrated configuration, each of the third and fourth support sections 204, 206 includes two external cutouts 250.

[0113] Vertically oriented support plates 252 are arranged within the outer cutouts 250. Generally, vertical support plates 252 are formed similarly to horizontally arranged support plates 26, being Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 31 / 119 26 / 71 generally corrugated plates with B, C and / or B / C grooves. The vertical support plates 252 are arranged in a stacked configuration laterally within the outer cutouts 250. The vertical support plates 252 have a height that is generally equal to the thickness of the third and fourth support sections 204, 206, so that the vertical support plates 252 are generally aligned or level with an upper support plate 26 of the support sections 204, 206. In this way, the vertical support plates 252 generally do not extend substantially above the third and fourth support sections 204, 206 to maintain a generally flat surface to support the bottom 16 of the appliance 12.

[0114] The vertical support plates 252 define or include the grooves, indicated by arrow 256, which extend vertically upward from the lower panel 20 of the base tray 18. The vertically extending groove acts as a support for vertical compression and load, which helps to reduce the horizontal compression of the perimeter support 24 by the weight of the appliance 12 and / or by additional stacked packaged appliance sets 60.

[0115] Compared to the configuration illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the configuration illustrated in Figures 16 and 17 may have fewer layers of support plates 26 in the perimeter support 24 due to the additional support provided by the vertical support plates 252. For example, the first support section 200 may include five layers of support plates 26 and the second, third and fourth support sections 202, 204, 206 may include four layers of support plates 26. Generally, there are two fewer layers of support plate 26 compared to the configuration in Figures 14 and 15, which may reduce the weight of the packaging assembly 10 and reduce the materials used, while providing similar or equal support for the appliance 12.The perimeter support 24 without the vertical support plates 252, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, may have a greater number of layers of plates 26 in the perimeter support 24 to increase the resistance to vertical compression that may occur by the appliance 12 or sets of stacked packaged appliances 60.

[0116] Referring again to Figures 14 to 17, the first support section 200 Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 32 / 119 27 / 71 in these configurations includes at least one additional layer of support plate 26 compared to the other three support sections 202, 204, 206. This can be advantageous for certain types of appliances 12, such as dryers. For example, dryers may have more weight on the front of the appliance 12 compared to the back or the back of the appliance 12. The additional layers of support plate 26 in the first support section 200 provide additional support for the heavier front of the appliance 12. The configuration of the appliance 12, such as weight, door position, etc., may affect the thickness and shape of the support sections 200, 202, 204, 206.

[0117] Referring again to Figures 18 and 19, an alternative configuration of the base tray assembly 14 is illustrated, which includes the perimeter support 24 and crossbeams 300a, 300b, 300c, collectively referred to herein as crossbeams 300. The perimeter support 24 includes multiple layers of support panels 302 arranged horizontally, stacked vertically on top of each other and coupled to provide bottom cushioning. The support panels 302 are generally grooved plates that are glued or otherwise coupled. The support panels 302 extend along each of the four side walls 22 of the base tray 18 when positioned on the bottom panel 20 and may define a generally square shape. Support panels 302 include first and second portions 304, 306, which are generally front and rear portions, and third and fourth portions 308, 310, forming side portions that extend between the front and rear portions.Portions 304, 306, 308, and 310 of support panels 302 define the central opening 30, which generally has a square shape.

[0118] The first and second portions 304, 306 each define the locating openings 28 that extend through some or all of the layers of the support panels 302. The locating openings 28 are arranged near the corners of the base tray 18. The width of the outer edges of the first and second portions 304, 306 is less than the width defined by the side edges of the third and fourth portions 308, 310 to define the corner notches 182. The first portion 304 may also define receiving openings 180. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 33 / 119 28 / 71

[0119] The lateral portions 308, 310 of the perimeter support 24 define alternating receiving notches 312 and projections 314. The projections 314 are configured to abut or be arranged adjacent to the third and fourth lateral walls 22c, 22d of the base tray 18. The receiving notches 312 extend inward from the outer lateral edges, to the lateral portions 308, 310 and towards the central opening 30. Each of the receiving notches 312 may have a generally similar configuration and are separated from the central opening 30 by insertion sections 316 of the perimeter support 24.

[0120] The receiving notches 312 and the insertion sections 316 form an interlocking engagement with the crossbars 300. Generally, there are three crossbars 300a to 300c in the base tray assembly 14. Each crossbar 300 is formed by multiple support plates 318, normally constructed of corrugated or honeycomb cardboard. The support plates 318 are arranged vertically and stacked laterally relative to each other. In this way, the edges of each support plate 318 rest against the bottom 16 of the appliance 12, supporting a load from the appliance 12. In several respects, the perimeter support 24 includes about five support panels 302, while each crossbar 300 includes about 10 support plates 318. The support plates 318 can be glued or coupled together to form the crossbars 300.

[0121] Each of the crossbars 300 includes external retaining features 320, which extend through the receiving notches 312 and above the perimeter support 24 to assist in limiting the lateral movement of the appliance 12. The crossbars 300 also define two grooves 322, 324 to receive the insertion sections 316 of the perimeter support 24. In this way, the crossbars 300 are generally arranged in the receiving notches 312, extend below the insertion sections 316, and extend through the central opening 30 to form the interlocking engagement with the perimeter support 24. The vertically oriented support plates 318 assist in absorbing the load of the appliance 12, while the horizontally oriented support panels 302 provide cushioning for the appliance 12. In addition, the support plates 318 They resist deformation, increasing rigidity. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 34 / 119 29 / 71 structural base tray assembly 14.

[0122] The base tray assembly 14 may also include additional bottom guards 62, 64, which are generally positioned in front of and behind the appliance 12 adjacent to the first and second side walls 22a, 22b. This positioning helps reduce or prevent the front-to-back movement of the appliance 12. The bottom guards 62, 64 are configured to be arranged on the perimeter support 24 and may have different configurations based on location and appliance 12. For example, the front bottom guard 62 is illustrated with an arched inner surface, while the second bottom guard 64 includes a linear inner surface. Generally, the additional lower protectors 62, 64 are formed or constructed as honeycomb-shaped plate protectors 62, 64. In a non-limiting example, the honeycomb plate protectors 62, 64 have a cell size of about 10 mm and a thickness of about 15 mm.The additional lower protectors 62, 64 can be used with the base tray assembly 14, as illustrated in Figures 7 to 13, the base tray assembly 14, as illustrated in Figures 14 to 17, and the base tray assembly 14, as illustrated in Figures 18 and 19.

[0123] Referring to Figures 20 to 22, an alternative configuration of the base tray assembly 14 is illustrated, which includes the base support layer 68. The base tray 18 can be formed in a similar manner to that described for the configurations illustrated in Figures 7 to 19. Additionally or alternatively, the base tray 18 can include internal tabs 330 that are positioned and / or coupled to the base support layer 68 and / or to the perimeter support 24, as illustrated in Figure 20.

[0124] The base support layer 68 is generally positioned on the lower panel 20 of the base tray 18. The base support layer 68 generally extends along each of the side walls 22a to 22d, forming a generally continuous surface in a space defined by the base tray 18. The base support layer 68 is generally constructed of a single layer of honeycomb or multiple layers of honeycomb stacked vertically on top of each other. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 35 / 119 30 / 71 The honeycomb layer(s) can provide additional force absorption and greater cushioning in the base tray assembly 14.

[0125] Base support layer 68 defines location openings 332, including location openings 332a to 332d, near the corners of base tray 18 to receive the feet of the appliance 12. Location openings 332 may extend through base support layer 68 to base tray 18 or partially through base support layer 68 (e.g., forming recesses in base support layer 68).

[0126] In addition, base support layer 68 also defines corner notches 334 along the outer corners. Corner notches 334, including corner notches 334a to 334d, are generally formed by intersecting recesses on the side edges of base support layer 68, respectively. Consequently, corner notches 334 form “L” shapes, which aids in refining the L-shaped receiving spaces between base tray 18 and base support layer 68 for corner supports 36.

[0127] In the example illustrated in Figure 20, the base support layer 68 forms a generally continuous layer on the lower panel 20. The base tray assembly 14 also includes the perimeter support 24, which is positioned on top of the base support layer 68. The perimeter support 24 is formed by four support sections 336, 338, 340, 342 forming the central opening 30 exposing the base support layer 68. Similar to the configurations illustrated in relation to Figures 7 to 19, the support sections 336, 338, 340, 342 extend along the respective side wall 22a to 22d of the base tray 18. The first and second support sections 336, 338 are illustrated as front and rear sections, and the third and fourth support sections 340, 342 are illustrated as side sections. In certain respects, the first and second support sections 336, 338 are mirror images of each other, and the third and fourth support sections 340, 342 are mirror images of each other.The configuration of each support section 336, 338, 340, 342 may be the same, may be different, or may consist of different combinations of corresponding components without departing from the teachings contained herein. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 36 / 119 31 / 71

[0128] Each support section 336, 338, 340, 342 is generally constructed of one or more layers of support plates 26. The support plates 26 may be a grooved plate, such as plates with B groove, C groove and / or B / C groove, which are arranged horizontally and stacked in a vertical arrangement to form the lower damping layer for the bottom 16 of the appliance 12. Additionally or alternatively, the support plates 26 may be honeycomb plates. Generally, the support sections 336, 338, 340, 342 extend along the respective side wall 22a to 22d and may not cover or impede the locating openings 332 or the corner notches 334 of the base support layer 68.

[0129] The support sections 336, 338, 340, 342 of the perimeter support 24 include additional cutouts or recesses 350 along the inner edges, which may form extensions of the central opening 30 defined by the perimeter support 24. These recesses 350 may be in each layer of the support plate 26 to form a recess 350 through the perimeter support 24 to the base support layer 68 and / or in some of the layers of the support plates 26 so that the recess 350 does not extend fully to the base support layer 68. The recesses 350 may be advantageous for receiving features that project from the appliance 12. The recesses 350 may have different sizes or shapes and may differ in location or quantity depending on the configuration of the appliance 12.

[0130] Perimeter support 24 is positioned on base support layer 68. In this way, perimeter support 24 and base support layer 68 form the lower damping of the appliance 12. Perimeter support 24 can be adhered or otherwise coupled to base support layer 68. Additionally or alternatively, support sections 336, 338, 340, 342 can be positioned around locating openings 332 and corner notches 334 to engage opposite side walls 22, respectively, to assist in retaining the position of support sections 336, 338, 340, 342 relative to base tray 18 and base support layer 68.

[0131] Additionally or alternatively, in the example illustrated in Figure 20, the tray Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 37 / 119 32 / 71 base 18 includes inner tabs 330 that extend towards the center of the base tray assembly 14. These inner tabs 330 extend over the base support layer 68 and / or the perimeter support 24. The inner tabs 330 can be coupled to the base support layer 68 and / or the perimeter support 24 to further secure the components of the base tray assembly 14 together.

[0132] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the perimeter support 24 may be omitted and the base tray assembly 14 may include the base tray 18 and the base support layer 68. This configuration may provide a generally flat surface to support the bottom 16 of the appliance 12. The base support layer 68 may include additional cutouts or openings 354 to receive protruding components of the appliance 12. The number, size and arrangement of these openings 354 may differ depending on the appliance 12. The openings 354 may provide support for components or may provide space for components. Consequently, the openings 354 may extend partially or completely through the base support layer 68.

[0133] Referring again to Figures 20 to 23, the base tray assembly 14 may include lower vertical protectors 66, which may have a variety of configurations and sizes. The number, arrangement, size, and shape of the lower vertical protectors 66 may depend on the configuration of the appliance 12. Generally, the lower vertical protectors 66 may be used to provide additional support and fill gaps or spaces between the appliance 12 and the base tray assembly 14. For example, the bottom 16 of the appliance 12 may have openings, recesses, or vents to accommodate or access internal components. These lower vertical protectors 66 may be used to partially or substantially fill the spaces within the appliance 12 to provide additional support during the transportation process.The lower vertical protectors 66 can also be used to provide additional support to the internal components of the appliance 12.

[0134] The lower vertical guards 66 can be formed by one or more Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 38 / 119 33 / 71 support panels 356. Support panels 356 can be constructed of ribbed or honeycomb-patterned board. Additionally, the vertical arrangement can provide support panels 356 with the ribbed or honeycomb pattern arranged in a vertical direction, which can help resist or reduce compression of the base tray assembly 14.

[0135] Support panels 356 can be stacked laterally in a manner similar to the crossbeams 300 described in relation to Figures 18 and 19. Support panels 356 can be cut to form the selected shape and size and can be glued or otherwise coupled. Lower vertical protectors 66 can also be adhered or coupled to the base support layer 68. In certain respects, the base support layer 68 may include openings 354 to receive the lower vertical protectors 66.

[0136] Referring again to Figure 23, appliance 12 can be configured to be positioned in the base tray assembly 14 and supported by the perimeter support 24, the base support layer 68 and / or the crossbars 300. In several respects, as illustrated in Figure 23, appliance 12 is positioned off-center in the base tray assembly 14 to provide additional space in front of appliance 12 for structures such as doors. When the door is on top of appliance 12, appliance 12 can be more centered in the base tray assembly 14.

[0137] Referring again to Figures 3, 4 and 6, as well as Figures 24 to 34, corner supports 36 extend vertically from the base tray assembly 14 and along the corners of the appliance 12. As disclosed herein, perimeter support 24 defines corner notches 182, 210 and / or base support layer 68 defines corner notches 334. Corner notches 182, 210, 334 define the receiving spaces between perimeter support 24 and / or base support layer 68 and the base tray 18 at each corner of the base tray assembly 14. The configuration and size of the receiving spaces, as well as the configuration and size of corner notches 182, 210, 334, can be based on the size and configuration of corner supports 36. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 39 / 119 34 / 71

[0138] Corner supports 36 may have a variety of configurations, which may be based on the configuration of the lid tray 32, the configuration and / or position of the support feature 52 used in the packaging assembly 10 and / or the type of appliance 12. Generally, corner supports 36 each define an “L” shape to extend along the adjacent side walls 22 of the base tray 18 and the corners of the appliance 12. Corner supports 36 are generally positioned on the bottom panel 20 of the base tray 18. In several respects, a first side 360 ​​of each corner support 36 may have a length between about 85 mm and about 150 mm, while a second side 362 has a length between about 50 mm and about 125 mm.The first 360 side is generally the front side of the front corner brackets 36a, 36b that extend along the front of the appliance 12, and the rear side of the rear corner brackets 36c, 36d that extend along the back of the appliance 12. The second 362 sides extend along the side panels of the appliance 12. The specific size of the corner brackets 36 may also depend on the appliance 12 in the packaged appliance set 60.

[0139] In the example illustrated in Figure 24, the corner supports 36 can be configured as multilayer corner support posts 366 that are constructed of multiple layers 368, 370. The outer layer 368 of each corner support post 366 can generally be constructed of an angle plate, forming an “L” shape. One or more inner layers 370 can be a single component formed in an “L” shape or multiple components or parts arranged adjacent to each other to form an “L” shape. The inner layers 370 are generally honeycomb-shaped panels, which are positioned adjacent to each other to form an “L” shape.

[0140] As illustrated in Figure 24, the inner layers 370 of the corner supports 330 each include a first panel 370a on the first side 360, extending along a front or rear surface of the appliance 12, and a second panel 370b on the second side 362, extending along a side surface of the appliance 12. The first panels 370a may have a Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 40 / 119 35 / 71 height less than the height of the outer layer of angle plate 368. Furthermore, the second panels 370b of the inner layers 370 may have a height that is generally similar to or equal to the height of the outer layer of angle plate 368. The first shorter panels 370a of the inner layers 370 form an upper recess 374 in each corner support 330, allowing for the placement and retention of the support features 52, as described herein. Generally, corner supports 330 (i.e., corner supports 36a, 36c) on one side of the appliance 12 may be mirror images of corner supports 330 (i.e., corner supports 36b, 36d) on the opposite side of the appliance 12, providing upper recesses 372 arranged relative to each other to receive support features 52 along the front and / or rear of the appliance 12.

[0141] In the example illustrated in Figure 25, each of the corner supports 36 defines a general “L” shape. The corner supports 36 can be configured as layered corner supports 376 which are generally constructed of molded papers, providing multiple layers of stacked and coupled paper. The layered corner supports 376 define external recesses 378 and an internal pocket 380. The internal pocket 380 can have a depth between about 10 mm and about 20 mm. Corner brackets 376 (i.e., corner brackets 36a, 36c) on one side of appliance 12 can be mirror images of corner brackets 376 (i.e., corner brackets 36b, 36d) on the opposite side of appliance 12 by aligning the inner pockets 344 on the opposite corner brackets 376. The inner pockets 344 of two corner brackets 376, usually the rear corner brackets 36c, 36d, are configured to receive the support feature 52, as described further in this document.This configuration allows the support feature 52 to rest against the corner supports 36c, 36d, which can increase the overall rigidity of the packaged appliance 60.

[0142] In the example illustrated in Figures 26 and 27, the corner supports 36 can be configured as retaining corner supports 400 and include an outer layer 402, an inner layer 404 and an intermediate layer 406 between them. The outer layer 402 and the inner layer 404 are constructed of angled plates, Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 41 / 119 36 / 71 forming an L-shaped configuration with an L-shaped gap between the two layers 402, 404. The inner layer's angle plate 404 is generally smaller than the outer layer's angle plate 402 to fit into the outer layer 402. The intermediate layer 406 is constructed of honeycomb-shaped panels 406a, 406b, generally oriented as a side panel 406a and a back panel 406b abutting each other to fill the L-shaped gap. Generally, the two honeycomb panels 406a, 406b are sandwiched between the outer and inner layers 402, 404. The corner supports 400, 402, 404, 406 of the corner supports are coupled, generally by means of an adhesive.

[0143] The front corner supports 400 (i.e., corner supports 36a, 36b) are generally mirror images of each other, while the rear corner supports 400 (i.e., corner supports 36c, 36d) are mirror images of each other. In the illustrated configuration, the rear sides 360 of the rear corner supports 36c, 36d are configured to receive the support feature 52. For example, each outer layer 402 defines a receiving cutout 408 on its rear 360. The receiving cutouts 408 are aligned with each other to receive the support feature 52, which extends across the rear of the appliance 12, as described further below. The front sides 360 of the front corner supports 36a, 36b can also be configured to receive the support feature 52 without departing from the teachings described herein.

[0144] Furthermore, the rear sides 360 of the corner supports 36c, 36d define an internal cavity 410 in the intermediate layer 406. The internal cavity 410 is defined between the outer and inner layers 402, 404 by a space between portions of the rear panel 406b of the intermediate layer 406. In this way, a first portion of the rear panel 406b of the intermediate layer 406 can extend from the top of the respective corner support 400 to a central location, and a second portion of the rear panel 406b can extend from the central location to the bottom of the corner support 36. The two portions of the rear panel 406b for each rear corner support 36c, 36d are spaced from each other to define the internal cavities 410 in the corner supports 36c, 36d. The two portions of the rear panel are considered to be Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 42 / 119 37 / 71 406b of the intermediate layer 406 are separate panels or may be a single panel with a cutout defining the internal cavity 410 without departing from the teachings contained herein.

[0145] As illustrated in Figure 27, the receiving cutouts 408 define a first height and the internal cavities 410 define a second, higher height. Thus, the upper parts of the receiving cutout 408 and the upper parts of the internal cavities 410 are aligned, while the lower parts of the internal cavities 410 are lower than the lower edges of the receiving cutouts 408 to form a receiving pocket to retain the support feature 52.

[0146] Referring to Figure 28, in the illustrated configuration, the corner supports 36 are configured as locking corner supports 430, including front corner supports 430, 430a, 430b and rear corner supports 430c, 430d, which include at least one locking feature 432. As illustrated, the corner support 430 includes two locking features 432, which are arranged at two heights along the corner support 430. Each corner support 430 may have one, two, or multiple locking features 432 based on the number of support features 52 to be used in the packing assembly 10. The locking features 432 are attached to both sides 360, 362 of the L-shaped corner support 430, generally on an inner side of the corner supports 430 at the curve or junction between the two sides. 360, 362. Each of the locking features 432 defines a receive channel 434 configured to receive one end of the support feature 52.Thus, the locking feature 432 provides a component on the corner supports 430 to secure and fasten the support feature 52 at selected heights between the opposing corner supports 430.

[0147] Locking features 432 are constructed of the same or similar material as corner supports 430 and are generally attached to corner support 430. In certain respects, corner supports 430 and locking features 432 may be constructed of corrugated cardboard. In such examples, corner supports 430 are generally constructed with three layers of B / C grooved boards that are glued together. The groove extends along a height of the corner supports. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 43 / 119 38 / 71 430, indicated by arrow 436, which is advantageous for increasing the rigidity and strength of the packing assembly 10 against compression and vertical forces. In examples where the corner supports 430 are constructed of corrugated cardboard, the locking features 432 are also constructed of multiple layers of corrugated cardboard glued together and to the corner support 430.

[0148] In additional or alternative examples, corner supports 430 and locking features 432 are constructed with honeycomb-shaped panels. Each honeycomb-shaped corner support 430 is constructed with three layers, including two outer paper layers and a central paper layer. Depending on the packaging assembly configuration 10, honeycomb-shaped corner supports 430 may have varying mass, density, or weights of outer and central paper (e.g., grams per square meter (GSM)) and varying core sizes. The honeycomb-shaped panels are folded or coupled to form an “L” shape. For example, in certain aspects, each corner support 430 may be formed from a single honeycomb-shaped panel that is folded to form an “L” shape, which may maximize efficiency in the manufacturing process.Alternatively, corner supports 430 can be formed from multiple honeycomb panels cut and glued together. Locking features 432 are constructed with one or more honeycomb-shaped panels glued together and attached to corner supports 430 at the junction between the two sides 360, 362 of the corner supports 430.

[0149] For the configuration of the corner supports 430 disclosed in Figure 28, for both ribbed panel and honeycomb panel constructions, the corner supports 430 are configured to support up to six stacking layers of packaged appliance sets 60. Furthermore, the thickness of the corner supports 430 may be different or altered based on the appliance configuration 12, the number of stacked packaged appliance sets 60, the transport distance, etc.

[0150] In the configurations illustrated in Figures 29 to 33, the corner supports 36 are configured as bent corner supports 450, like the corner supports Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 44 / 119 39 / 71 front 450a, 450b, constructed of folded corrugated cardboard to form multiple layers of corrugated cardboard on each side 360, 362 of the “L” shape. The corrugated cardboard may be three- or five-layer corrugated. The folded corner supports 450 may have multiple configurations based on the position of the support feature 52 and various features on the corner supports 36. Each folded corner support 450 may be similarly formed by folding a support plate 452, such as the exemplary support plate 452 in Figure 33, to form the two sides 360, 362.

[0151] The first 360 side, which extends along the front or back of the appliance 12, is generally longer and thicker compared to the second 362 side, which extends along the side of the appliance 12. This configuration is advantageous for the longer and thicker first 360 side to support the support feature 52. Generally, the first 360 side of the corner support 450 has three folds to form four layers of board, and the second 362 side has two folds to form three layers of board.

[0152] Using the blank support 452 in Figure 33 as an example, the folded corner supports 450 are formed from a generally rectangular blank 452 with multiple parallel fold lines 454-464 and multiple cutouts 466-480. Each fold line 454-464 can be a single line or multiple adjacent lines, which can be advantageous for different folds (e.g., higher degree of fold, fold around additional layers, etc.). Furthermore, although described here as fold lines 454-464, each fold line 454-464 can be a fold line, a perforation line, or a combination thereof.

[0153] The blank support 452 includes a corner fold line 458, which is used to form the corner of the corner support 450. Because the two sides 360 and 362 of the corner support 450 have different lengths and / or thicknesses, the corner fold line 458 is usually off-center on the blank part 452. On a first side of the corner fold line 458, illustrated as the left side, the blank sheet 452 includes three portions 482, 484, 486 and two fold lines 454, 456. On a second side of the corner fold line 458, illustrated as the right side, the blank sheet Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 45 / 119 40 / 71 452 includes four portions 488, 490, 492, 494 and three fold lines 460, 462, 464. The first portion 482, on the outermost side, is folded along fold line 454 to extend over the second portion 484. The second portion 484 is then folded in the same direction along fold line 456 so that the first portion 482 is positioned between the second and third portions 484, 486.

[0154] Similarly, the fourth portion 488, on the opposite outer side, is folded along fold line 460 to extend over and touch the fifth portion 490. The fifth portion 490 is folded along fold line 462 in the same direction, so that the fourth portion 488 is positioned between the fifth and sixth portions 490, 492. The sixth portion 492 is then folded along fold line 464 in the same direction, so that the fourth and fifth portions 488, 490 are positioned between the sixth and seventh portions 492, 494. The blank sheet 452 is folded along corner line 458 to form an “L” shape with three portions 482, 484, 486 folded to form three layers on one side 362 and four portions 488, 490, 492, 494 folded to form four layers on the first side 360. Consequently, the outer portions 482, 488 become inner layers when folded, and the inner portions 486, 494 become outer layers when folded.

[0155] The blank part 452 also includes several cutouts 466-480 that align when portions 482-494 are folded to form corner support features 450. In the example illustrated in Figure 33, the blank part 452 includes two alignment cutouts 466, 468, with the first alignment cutout 466 set in the first portion 482 and the second alignment cutout 468 set in the second and third portions 484, 486. When the three portions 482, 484, 486 are folded, the alignment cutouts 466, 468 align with each other to form an alignment feature 500, as illustrated in Figure 32. A similar configuration of cutouts can be used to form a recessed top region 502 for the support feature 52, as illustrated in Figure 29.

[0156] The blank piece 452 also includes two receiving cutouts 470, 472, which include the first receiving cutout 470 defined by the seventh portion 494 and the second receiving cutout 472 defined by the fourth and fifth portions 488, Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 46 / 119 41 / 71 490 and extending to an outer edge of the fourth portion 488. When the fourth portion 488 is folded over the fifth portion 490, the second receiving cutout 472 is folded over itself. The folded second receiving cutout 472 is aligned with the first receiving cutout 470 when the sixth portion 492 is folded over the seventh portion 494. Consequently, three portions 488, 490, 494 having receiving cutouts 470, 472 are aligned to form a receiving channel 434, as illustrated in Figure 31, with the sixth portion 482 forming an outer wall of a receiving channel 504, not including a coupling cutout. The seventh portion 494 also includes a tab 506 that extends to the first receiving cutout 470, which is advantageous for securing the support feature 52, as described herein.

[0157] The blank piece 452 illustrated in Figure 33 also includes upper relief cutouts 474, 476 and lower relief cutouts 478, 480. The first upper and lower relief cutouts 474-480 are defined by the fourth and fifth portions 488, 490 on the fold line 460, and the second upper and lower relief cutouts 474-480 are defined on the sixth portion 442 on the fold line 464. When portions 488-494 are folded to form the first side 360, the first upper and lower relief cutouts 474, 478 are aligned with the second upper and lower relief cutouts 476, 480, respectively, to form relief recesses 510, 512 (Figure 52) with the seventh portion 494 forming an outer wall for the recesses. Relief figures 510, 512, not including a corresponding cutout.In this configuration, the receiving channel 504 extends into the corner support 450 from the outside, while the relief recesses 510, 512 extend into the corner support 450 from the inside.

[0158] Referring to Figure 34, an additional or alternative configuration of corner supports 36 is illustrated with the corner supports 36 configured as layered corner supports 520, including four layered corner supports 520a to 520d. Similar to the folded corner supports 450 in Figures 29 to 33, the layered corner supports 520 can be formed from multiple layers of board, such as fluted or corrugated board. The layered corner support 520 can Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 47 / 119 42 / 71 can be bent in a similar manner to bent corner supports 450 to form the layers and / or may consist of several plates stacked laterally and coupled together. In non-limiting examples, each layered corner support 520 may include one or more L-shaped bent plates and multiple flat or planar plates coupled to the sides of the L-shaped plate(s) to form the layers.

[0159] Layered board helps create a more robust structure for stacking packaged appliance assemblies 60. Layered corner supports 520 are generally constructed of corrugated cardboard with grooves in the direction indicated by arrow 522. The groove 522 extends in a vertical direction, which helps reduce or absorb stacking force or stacking load on the packaged appliance assembly 60. The direction of grooves 522 can help make the packaging assembly 10 self-supporting.

[0160] Layered boards may have a variety of 524 cutouts in various locations to accommodate components. The 524 cutouts may be aligned to form holes or may be offset to form recesses. Cutouts may be advantageous for supporting and / or providing space for appliance components, such as a drain hose, as well as for reducing or avoiding interference with engineered components.

[0161] Layered corner supports 520 can have any number and layout of cutouts 524, and the cutouts 524 can have any shape or size. In this way, layered corner supports 520 can be customized based on the appliance configuration 12. In other words, the location, size, number, and shape of the cutouts 524 can be changed or adjusted based on the appliance 12, including product shapes such as perimeters, hoses, pipes, etc.

[0162] With reference now to Figures 29 to 32 and 34, the folded corner support 450 and the layered corner support 520 may have a variety of features for aligning, locating and supporting components of the packaging assembly 10 and / or the appliance 12. The corner supports 450 may have recessed regions Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 48 / 119 43 / 71 upper 502, as illustrated in Figure 29, the receiving channels 504, as illustrated in Figure 31, to support the support feature 52 as described herein. The folded corner supports 450 and the layered corner supports 520 may also include the alignment feature 500 on their underside which assists in the proper alignment of the corner supports 450, 520 on the base tray 18. For example, when the corner supports 450 define the receiving channels 504 that support the support feature 52, the corner supports 450 have a specific arrangement to allow the support feature 52 to extend between two opposing corner supports 450. The layered corner supports 520 may also define the receiving channels 504 without departing from the teachings contained herein. The 500 alignment feature assists in aligning the 450 and 520 corner supports during assembly to increase efficiency in the manufacturing process.In addition, the folded corner supports 450 and the layered corner supports 520 may include features for supporting appliance components 12, such as the raised recesses 510, 512 (Figure 52).

[0163] With reference to Figures 35 to 43, the packing assembly 10 includes the lid tray 32 with a top panel 600, which is configured to extend over the top 34 of the appliance 12, and side walls 602, including side walls 602a to 602d, extending vertically from the top panel 600. The side walls 602 are configured to extend towards the base tray assembly 14 to define an interior of the lid tray 32. The side walls 602 can each extend the same distance from the top panel 600.

[0164] The lid tray 32 illustrated in Figure 36 is generally formed from a blank lid 610, as illustrated in Figure 25. The lid plate 610 that forms the lid tray 32 may be similar to the blank base 90 that forms the base tray 18 (see Figure 10) and may similarly be corrugated cardboard with C-groove. The blank lid 610 includes a central portion 612, which forms the top panel 600, and four side portions 614a to 614d, which form the side walls 602a to 602d. The first and second side portions 614a, 614b have, Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 49 / 119 44 / 71 each, an outer section 620, 622 and an inner section 624, 626, respectively. Each inner section 624, 626 is separated from the central portion 612 by a respective first fold line 628, 630 and separated from the outer section 620, 622 by a respective second fold line 632, 634.

[0165] The first and second side portions 614a, 614b are configured to fold on the first fold lines 628, 630 to extend perpendicularly to the central portion 612. The outer sections 620, 622 are configured to fold inwards, parallel to the inner sections 624, 626 along the second fold lines 632, 634 to extend parallel to the inner sections 624, 626. The tabs 636, 638 defined by the outer sections 620, 622 are arranged in openings 640, 642 defined near the first fold lines 628, 630 to retain the side portions 614a, 614b as the first and second side walls 22a, 22b, respectively.

[0166] The third and fourth lateral portions 614c, 614d are also formed similarly to each other. The third lateral portion 614c includes a central section 650 and opposing lateral wings 652, 654, where the opposing lateral wings 652, 654 are separated from the central section 650 by fold lines 656, 658, respectively. Similarly, the fourth lateral portion 614d includes a central section 670 and opposing lateral wings 672, 674, where the opposing lateral wings 672, 674 are separated from the central section 670 by fold lines 676, 678, respectively. The central sections 650, 670 are configured to fold along the respective fold lines 680, 682 to extend perpendicularly to the central portion 612. The side wings 652, 654 of the third side portion 614c extend towards the fourth side portion 614d, and the side wings 672, 674 of the fourth side portion 614d extend towards the third side portion 614d.

[0167] Side wings 652, 672 are arranged between the outer section 620 and the inner section 624 of the first side portion 614a, while the opposite side wings 654, 672 are arranged between the outer section 622 and the inner section 626 of the second side portion 614b. The third and fourth side portions 614c, 614d are configured to fold into the third and fourth side walls 22c, 22d. The engagement of the flaps 636, 638 Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 50 / 119 45 / 71 in openings 640, 642 maintains the first and second side portions 614a, 614b in the folded configuration, which consequently maintains the third and fourth side portions 614c, 614d in the folded configuration to form the lid tray 32. It is foreseen that the blank base 90 (Figure 10) and the blank lid 610 may also have different configurations.

[0168] Referring again to Figure 4 and also to Figure 36, in several respects, the lid tray assembly 50 includes the lid tray 32 and the support features 52. In the illustrated configuration, the support features 52 include two transverse reinforcements 700, 702 and a top protector 704. The transverse reinforcements 700, 702 generally extend along an inner surface 710 on the front and rear edges of the top panel 600. Depending on the positioning of the lid tray 32, the first and rear edges may be adjacent to the first and second side walls 602a, 602b or to the third and fourth side walls 602c, 602d. The transverse reinforcements 700, 702 are generally constructed or formed from blocks of wood that are attached to the lid tray 32, for example, by means of adhesive.

[0169] The top protector 704 may be a single component or multiple components coupled to one of the transverse reinforcements 700 by means of stapling or adhesive. The top protector 704 is generally constructed of corrugated cardboard. For example, as illustrated, the lid tray assembly 50 includes two top protectors 704 spaced apart from each other, each formed from a folded or rolled piece of corrugated cardboard.

[0170] Generally, this lid tray assembly 50 is used with the corner supports 36 illustrated in Figure 24. Consequently, when the lid tray assembly 50 is positioned on the corner supports 36, the transverse reinforcements 700, 702 are positioned within the upper recesses 372 formed by the corner supports 36 (see Figure 4) and the upper protector 704 extends adjacent to the appliance 12, limiting or reducing the front-to-back movement of the appliance 12. The transverse reinforcements 700, 702 provide rigidity and strength to the upper part of the packaging assembly 10 to resist the Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 51 / 119 46 / 71 clamping forces.

[0171] With reference to Figures 37 to 41, in a non-limiting alternative configuration, the lid tray 32 may define a channel 720 to receive the support feature 52, which is configured as a cross reinforcement 722. As illustrated in Figures 37 and 38, the channel 720 is accessible from an area above the lid tray 32 for efficient insertion and removal of the cross reinforcement 722 in the channel 720. Consequently, the cross reinforcement 722 may be added to or removed from the lid tray 32 when the lid tray 32 is removed from the appliance 12 or when positioned on the appliance 12.

[0172] The cover tray 32 defining channel 720, as illustrated in Figures 36 to 40, may be formed by a blank cover 728, illustrated in Figure 41, which may have differences in the rear side wings 654, 674 and in the second side portion 614b compared to the blank cover 728 illustrated in Figure 34. The blank cover 728 may be corrugated cardboard with C-type grooves. For example, as illustrated in Figure 41, the side wings 654, 674 by channel 720 are generally longer to extend closer to or overlap the opposite side wing 654, 674 when the side wings 654, 674 are folded. In addition, fold lines 658, 678 for folding side wings 654, 674 are defined in addition to a more internal fold line 730 to form channel 720.

[0173] As illustrated in Figure 41, the second side portion 614b is also longer, with multiple fold lines 730, 732, 734, 750, 752, 754 to form channel 720 and the second side wall 602b. The second side portion 614b is initially folded along the innermost fold line 730 to extend perpendicularly to the central portion 612 in the same direction that the side wall 22b ultimately extends. The second side portion 614b is then folded into a first channel fold line 732 to extend parallel to and away from the central portion 612, and a second channel fold line 734 to extend again perpendicularly to the central portion 612 in an opposite direction (e.g., towards the top panel 600). This fold along the fold lines 730, 732, 734 forms the U-shaped channel 720. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 52 / 119 47 / 71

[0174] The second side portion 614b is then folded along two fold lines of the side wall 750, 752 to fold outwards and then again in the first direction (i.e., away from the top panel 600), thus forming the side wall 602b. The outer section 622 of the second side portion 614b is folded along a more outer fold line 754 to extend inwards and towards the portion defined between the fold lines of the side wall 750, 752. The portion between the fold lines of the side wall 750, 752 defines the openings 756. The second side portion 614b includes the tabs 638 for insertion into the openings 756, keeping the second side portion 614b in the folded configuration. The second lateral portion 614b extends along opposite surfaces of the rear side wings 654, 674, enclosing the side wings 654, 674 between the outer section 622 and an outer portion of the folded side wall 602b.The second folded side portion 614b retains the third and fourth folded side walls 602c, 602d, the channel 720 and the second side wall 602b in the folded configurations.

[0175] This configuration of the lid tray 32 provides the channel 720, which extends inward from an outer surface 760 of the lid tray 32 to below the side walls 602. The cross reinforcement 722 is positioned within the channel 720 on the outer surface 760, extending from the third side wall 602c to the fourth side wall 602d, along the second side wall 602b and the outer surface 760 of the top panel 600 to the bottom of the channel 720 beyond the distance of the side walls 602.

[0176] The cross reinforcement 722 is made of paper-based materials. The cross reinforcement 722 resists clamping forces and is fitted inside the lid tray 32. The cross reinforcement 722 can define any geometric cross-sectional shape, such as a lemniscate shape, as illustrated, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, etc. Generally, as illustrated in Figure 37, the cross reinforcement 722 extends along the rear side wall 602b of the lid tray 32. Furthermore, the nested positioning of the cross reinforcement 722 does not substantially increase the overall size of the packaging envelope (e.g., the packaged appliance set 60), allowing the same Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 53 / 119 48 / 71 number of sets of packaged household appliances 60 are stacked on top of each other in shipping containers. The cross reinforcement 722 can also be constructed as a wooden block without departing from the teachings contained herein.

[0177] The lid tray 32 defining channel 720 is generally used with the corner supports 36 illustrated in Figure 25. As illustrated in Figure 39, the cross reinforcement 722 may extend beyond the outer edges of channel 720 into defined spaces between the second side portion 614b and the rear side wings 654, 674, respectively. The ends of the cross reinforcement 722 are generally spaced from the side wings 654, 674 of the side walls 602c, 602d to form receiving spaces for the upper parts of the corner supports 36. The cross reinforcement 722 extends into the inner pockets 344 to abut the corner supports 36c, 36d and provides additional support and rigidity to the packing assembly 10, without interfering with the positioning of the lid tray 32.

[0178] With reference to Figures 42 and 43, an additional or alternative configuration of the lid tray assembly 50 is illustrated. The lid tray assembly 50 includes the lid tray 32, which can be formed similarly to the lid tray 32 illustrated in Figures 35 and 36. The lid tray assembly 50 also includes an upper guard 770 coupled to the inner surface 710 of the top panel 600 in a space defined by the side walls 602. The upper guard 770 may substantially or partially fill the space defined by the side walls 602 of the lid tray 32. Generally, the side walls 602 extend a greater distance from the inner surface 710 compared to the upper guard 770.

[0179] The top guard 770 is generally formed by one or more layers of honeycomb board. The honeycomb board can provide greater structure and cushioning in the top 34 of the appliance 12. In the illustrated configuration, the top guard 770 defines recesses 774, which can be advantageous for housing accessory-type components or receiving components projecting from the top. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 54 / 119 49 / 71 of the appliance 12. Additionally or alternatively, recesses 774 can increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process.

[0180] The top guard 770 can be advantageous for providing additional protection for the top 34 of the appliance 12, as well as for filling the space between the lid tray assembly 50 and the appliance 12 when the appliance 12 does not include a flat top surface. For example, when the appliance 12 is a top-loading washing machine, the top-loading washing machine usually includes a control panel that projects upwards from the top 34 of the washing machine. The top guard 770 can assist in filling the space adjacent to the control panel between the lid tray 32 and the top 34 of the washing machine. The top guard 770 is usually spaced at least one side wall 602 away to accommodate components projecting between the side wall 602 and the top guard 770.For example, the top guard 770 can be supported on the upper door of the washing machine and the control panel can extend between the top guard 770 and the side wall 602 towards the lid tray 32. The inner surface 710 of the lid tray 32 can also define additional recesses to accommodate components and / or the shape of the appliance 12.

[0181] Depending on the configuration of appliance 12, the top protector 770 may be centrally located on the lid tray or may be off-center relative to the lid tray 32. A space may be defined between the top protector 770 and at least one of the side walls 602. A portion or components extending upwards from the top 34 of appliance 12 may extend into the space between the top protector 770 and the lid tray 32. The lid tray assembly 50 illustrated in Figures 42 and 43 may help to create a flat surface on top of the packaged appliance assembly 60. The flat surface may be advantageous for stacking multiple packaged appliance assemblies 60 on top of each other. In addition, the honeycomb material of the top protector 770 may also increase the resistance to permanent deformation of the packaging assembly 10.

[0182] With reference now to Figures 4, 24, -29 and 31, as well as Figures 44 to Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 55 / 119 50 / 71 51, the support feature 52 is supported by two opposing corner supports 36. In this way, the corner supports 36 are constructed of, or include features to support, opposite ends of the support feature 52, with the corner supports 36 being constructed of paper-based materials. In several examples, the support feature 52 is configured as a cross reinforcement 778, which is usually constructed as a block of wood. The cross reinforcement 778 can also be constructed of paper similar to the cross reinforcement 722, without departing from the teachings described herein. The cross reinforcement 778 and the position of the cross reinforcement 778 can be used to prevent and resist the clamping force against the packaged appliance assembly 60.

[0183] The cross reinforcement 778 can be supported at the upper ends of the corner supports 36, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 48, or along the height of the corner supports 36, as illustrated in Figures 44, 46 and 50. The specific height along the corner supports 36 can be based on the configuration of the appliance 12 or other components of the packaging assembly 10. For example, the cross reinforcement 778 can be in an upper region of the corner supports 36, as illustrated in Figure 46, or more centrally located, as illustrated in Figures 44 and 50. A more centralized location of the cross reinforcement 778 along the height of the corner supports 36 can be advantageous for providing fixing support and protecting the side panels of the appliance 12.

[0184] Still referring to Figures 4 and 24, the first panels 370a of the inner layers 370 of the corner supports 36 may have a height less than the height of the outer layer of the corner board 368, forming the upper recesses 372. The support feature 52 is positioned on the inner layers 370 of the opposite corner supports 36, abutting the outer layer of the corner board 368. Generally, the height difference between the inner layers 370 and the outer layers 368 is substantially equal to the height of the support feature 52, allowing the support feature 52 to be fitted to the top of the corner supports 36 without substantially increasing the overall height of the corner supports 36 and, consequently, the packaged appliance assembly 60. The layers Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 56 / 119 51 / 71 outer 368 and the second panels 370a of the inner layers 370 form a pocket to receive the support feature 52 and maintain the position of the support feature 52.

[0185] With reference to Figures 44 and 45, the support feature 52 can be coupled to the corner supports 36 and be centrally located along the height of the appliance 12. The cross reinforcement 778 is coupled to opposing corner supports 36, illustrated as retaining corner supports 400. Normally, the support feature 778 is coupled to the rear corner supports 36c, 36d; however, the corner supports 36 can be arranged so that the support feature 778 extends along a side, a front, a rear, or several locations of the appliance 12. Furthermore, it is foreseen that the support feature 778 can be used with any configuration of the lid tray 32 disclosed herein.

[0186] Corner supports 36c, 36d define receiving cutouts 408, which open into the inner cavities 410 of corner supports 36c, 36d. The cross reinforcement 778 can be inserted through the smaller receiving cutouts 408 and lowered to be positioned in the second portions of the back panels 406b of the intermediate layers 406. This recessed or nested configuration assists in maintaining the support feature 778 in position. In each back corner support 36c, 36d, there is a retaining wall 780 which is formed by a portion of the outer layer 402 that extends from the bottom of the inner cavity 410 to the lower edge of the receiving cutout 408, respectively. The retaining walls 780 assist in retaining the cross reinforcement 778 in the inner cavities 410 during the fastening process.

[0187] In addition, the outer layers 402 of the rear corner supports 36c, 36d can be configured to have a lip 782 extending from a corner of the respective corner support 36c, 36d to the respective receiving cutout 408. Generally, the wooden cross bracing 778 is a machined piece with sharper edges. These sharper edges can cause damage to various configurations of the outer retainer 54 placed along the corner supports 36. The lips 782 on the outer layers 402 serve as a barrier between the cross bracing 778 and the outer retainer 54 to reduce damage to the outer retainer 54 during processes. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 57 / 119 52 / 71 transport and shipping.

[0188] Referring again to Figure 28, as well as Figures 46 and 47, the transverse reinforcement 778 can be supported by the locking features 432 of the opposing corner supports 430. The front corner supports 430a and 430b are mirror images of each other, and the rear corner supports 430c and 430d are mirror images of each other. The locking features 432 of the front corner supports 430a, 430b and the rear corner supports 430c, 430d are illustrated at the same heights or at similar heights and may be at different heights to have transverse reinforcements 778 at different heights of the appliance 12 at the front and rear.

[0189] This configuration allows the first cross bracing 778 to extend between the front corner supports 430a, 430b, and the second cross bracing 778 to extend between the rear corner supports 430c, 430d. The cross bracings 778 are generally arranged in an upper region of the corner supports 430, which allows the cross bracings 778 to be arranged at the same or similar height and above a front door appliance door 12.

[0190] The ends of the cross bracings 778 are positioned within the receiving channels 434 of the locking devices 432 and held in place. This may cover the ends of the wooden cross bracings 778, which may reduce or prevent damage to certain configurations of the outer retainer 54, similar to the configuration illustrated in Figures 44 and 45.The lid tray 32 can be positioned at the upper ends of the corner supports 430 without the transverse reinforcements 778 affecting the fit of the lid tray 32. Furthermore, the transverse reinforcements 778 can extend between the second sides 362 of the opposite corner supports 430, providing additional support against clamping forces without increasing the width of the packaged appliance assembly 60.

[0191] Referring again to Figure 29, as well as Figures 48 and 49, the transverse reinforcement 778 can be supported in the upper recess regions 502 of the opposing bent corner supports 450. The front corner supports 36 are illustrated and the rear corner supports 36 can have a configuration Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 58 / 119 53 / 71 similar or may not include the upper recessed regions 502. The first sides 360 of the corner supports 36 have a lower height than the heights of the second sides 362. To form the upper recessed regions 502, the four portions 488-494 of the blank support 452 (Figure 33) define a continuous cutout up to the corner fold 458, forming the height difference in the folded configuration. The height difference between the first side 360 ​​and the second side 362 is substantially equal to the height of the cross brace 778 to fit the cross brace 778 into the upper recessed region 502 without interfering with the positioning of the lid tray 32 or increasing the height of the packaged appliance assembly 60, similar to the configuration illustrated in Figure 4.

[0192] In the configuration illustrated in Figures 48 and 49, the transverse reinforcement 778 is generally aligned or level with the upper surfaces of the second sides 362 of the corner supports 450 and a front surface of the first sides 360 so as not to project substantially forward or upward from the corner supports 36. The transverse reinforcement 778 is configured to abut the second sides 362 of the corner supports 450 to assist in aligning the transverse reinforcement 778 with the front surface of the corner supports 36. Furthermore, the transverse reinforcement 778 generally extends to an interface between the first and third portions 482, 486, but may extend to be level with an outer surface of the corner supports 36 without departing from the teachings contained herein.The slightly smaller width of the transverse reinforcement 778 in relation to the width between the outer surfaces of the second sides 362 of the corner supports 36 may be advantageous for maintaining the size of the packaged appliance assembly 60 with tolerance for slight variation in the transverse reinforcement 778 during manufacturing.

[0193] Referring to Figure 31, as well as Figures 50 and 51, the transverse reinforcement 778 can be supported and retained in the receiving channels 504 in the folded corner supports 450. The front corner supports 450a, 450b are illustrated, and the rear corner supports 450 may support a second transverse reinforcement 778 or may not include the receiving channels 504. The receiving channels 504 are arranged in an upper central portion of the corner supports 450 to Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 59 / 119 54 / 71 appliance configurations 12 where the door is in front of the appliance 12. This positioning of the cross reinforcement 778 allows the cross reinforcement 778 to extend over the door. The cross reinforcement 778 can be positioned at any height or at multiple heights without departing from the instructions contained herein.

[0194] The front corner supports 450a and 450b are mirror images of each other to receive opposite ends of the cross reinforcement 778. In the illustrated configuration, the receiving channels 504 extend from the outer surface of the first sides 360 of the corner supports 450 and towards the appliance 12. The tabs 506 extend from the seventh portion 494, which is the outermost layer of the first side 360 ​​of the corner supports 450, and act as a closing and retaining tab 506 for the cross reinforcement 778. In the illustrated configuration, a bend line 784 for tab 506 is above tab 506, so that tab 506 extends downwards over the receiving channel 504. However, it is foreseen that the bend line 784 is positioned below tab 506, so that tab 506 extend upwards over the 504 reception channel.A distal edge of tab 506 can fit into the receiving cutout 472 of the seventh portion 494 to keep tab 506 in a closed state over the transverse reinforcement 778.

[0195] The tabs 506 are folded away from the receiving channels 504 to provide greater access to the receiving channels 504. The ends of the cross reinforcement 778 are positioned in the receiving channels 504 to abut the sixth portion 492 which acts as inner walls for the receiving channel 504 between the cross reinforcement 778 and the appliance 12. The end of the cross reinforcement 778 may also abut the second sides 362 of the corner supports 450a, 450b to be fully positioned within the receiving channels 504. The second sides 362 and / or the corners of the corner supports 450 may form a buffer between the wooden cross reinforcement 778 and the outer retainer 54, similar to the lip 782 in Figure 45. The tabs 506 may then be folded over the cross reinforcement 778 to assist in retaining the cross reinforcement 778 in the channels. reception 504. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 60 / 119 55 / 71

[0196] The seventh portion 494, which defines the tab 506 on one side of the receiving cutout 472, may also define a cutout extension 786 on an opposite side of the receiving cutout 472 compared to the tab 506. This cutout extension 786 extends from the receiving cutout 472 to define an opening with an increased height at its center. The cutout extension 786 extends below the receiving cutout 470 of the fourth and fifth portions 488, 490, forming a recessed region on the outer surface of the corner support 450. The recessed portion provides additional space, which may be advantageous for maneuvering the end of the cross reinforcement 778 into and out of the receiving channel 504.

[0197] Referring now to Figure 52, appliance 12 may have protruding components 788, such as transport screws extending from appliance 12 in Figure 52, which is illustrated as the back of a horizontal shaft washer. Protruding components 788 may be more susceptible to damage during the shipping process. In several respects, the corner supports 450 define the raised recesses 510, 512 to receive these protruding components 788. The protruding components 788 are arranged within the raised recesses 510, 512, with additional protection being provided by the seventh portion 494 of the corner support 450 which forms an outer wall extending over the protruding components 788. This allows at least one portion 494 or one layer of the corrugated cardboard that forms the corner support 450 to remain over the protruding components 788 to aid in protecting these protruding components 788 during the shipping process.

[0198] Referring again to Figure 1, as well as Figures 53 to 56, the packaging assembly 10 may include one or more external retainers 54 depending on a variety of factors, including the configuration of other components of the packaging assembly 10, the shipping process, the shipping distance, the appliance 12, etc. The external retainers 54 are configured to hold the other components of the packaging assembly 10 in position relative to each other and to the appliance 12 during the shipping process. Certain configurations of the external retainer 54 may also protect or cover the sides of the Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 61 / 119 56 / 71 appliance 12 between the corner supports 36. Each configuration of the external retainer 54 can be used to hold the packaged appliance assembly 60 together as a single unit for transport.

[0199] As illustrated in Figure 1, the packaging assembly 10 includes the lid tray assembly 50, the base tray assembly 14, the corner supports 36, and the outer retainer 54, which is configured as the outer cover 56. The outer cover 56 may be a bag-like component or a wrap that encloses the lid tray 32, the base tray assembly 14, the corner supports 36, and the appliance 12. The outer cover 56 may partially or completely enclose the appliance 12 and the other components of the packaging assembly 10. The outer cover 56 may be made of plastic or paper.

[0200] As illustrated in Figure 53, the outer retainer 54 may be a stretch film 804. The stretch film 804 may extend over at least part of the lid tray assembly 50, over the corner supports 36 and the sides of the appliance 12, and over at least part of the base tray assembly 14. Parts of the lid tray assembly 50 and the base tray 18 may remain exposed outside the stretch film 804, which may maximize manufacturing efficiency and reduce materials used when covering all sides of the appliance 12 with the packaging assembly 10. The stretch film 804 may form an envelope around the appliance 12 and the other components of the packaging assembly 10. The stretch film 804 may be constructed of a plastic material, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and may have a thickness of about 80 µm.

[0201] With reference to Figure 54, additionally or alternatively, the packing assembly 10 may include one or more strips 806 that form the outer retainer 54. In such examples, the sides of the appliance 12 may be exposed between the corner supports 36, or the strips 806 may be used in combination with another outer retainer 54. The strips 806 generally extend over the lid tray assembly 50, parallel to the corner supports 36 along the front of the appliance 12, under the base tray 18 and along the rear of the appliance 12 to enclose the appliance 12 and other components of the Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 62-119 57 / 71 Packing set of 10 to maintain the position of the components of the packing set of 10 as a single unit.

[0202] The packaging assembly 10 may include one 806 strip, two 806 strips as illustrated, or multiple 806 strips. Furthermore, in the illustrated configuration, the 806 strips are parallel to each other. It is also contemplated that when multiple 806 strips are used, the 806 strips may be arranged in a perpendicular or crosswise configuration. In such examples, at least one 806 strip extends along the front and rear of the appliance 12, while at least one additional 806 strip extends along the sides of the appliance 12. The 806 strips may be constructed of plastic materials such as polyphenylene ether (EPI) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0203] With reference to Figures 55 and 56, in certain respects the external retainer 54 can replace the use of the lid tray assembly 50. It is considered that both can be used together without departing from the teachings contained herein. In instances where the outer retainer 54 replaces the lid tray assembly 50, the outer retainer 54 is configured as a lid envelope 808, which extends over the top of the appliance 12, over the corner supports 36 and the side of the appliance 12, and up to the base tray assembly 14. The lid envelope 808 may extend along part or all of the side walls 22 of the base tray 18. The lid envelope 808 generally has an open bottom 810 to fit like a glove over the appliance 12 and the other components of the packing assembly 10 and closing tabs 812 at an opposite end that are configured to fold over to cover the top of the appliance 12.The lid envelope 808 is generally constructed of corrugated cardboard with B / C grooves. The strips 806 can be used with the lid envelope 808, extending around the lid envelope 808 and the base tray assembly 14 to hold the components together and form a single unit for transport. This configuration can provide additional protection to the sides of the appliance 12 that are arranged inside the interior of the lid envelope 808. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 63 / 119 58 / 71

[0204] Various types or configurations of the external retainer 54 can be used in combination with each other. For example, the stretch film 804 can be used with the strips 806, which can be advantageous to prevent slight slippage of the components of the packaging assembly 10 relative to each other during the transport process. In such examples, the strips 806 can be positioned on the outside of the stretch film 804 or can be on the inside of the stretch film 804 without departing from the teachings contained herein.

[0205] Referring again to Figures 1 to 56, the lid tray assembly 50 and / or the outer retainer 54 are configured to protect the top 34 of the appliance 12, as well as to provide a dust cover. The outer surface 760 of the lid tray 32 or an outer surface of the outer retainer 54, such as the lid envelope 808, can also be used to display information or graphics, such as graph handling. The lid tray 32 can also support the support feature 52.

[0206] The packaging assembly 10 includes one or more support features 52, including one or more of the cross supports 700, 702, 722, 778, to protect the appliance 12 from clamping forces. In addition, the crossbars 700, 702, 722, 778 are usually integrated into other components of the packaging assembly 10, such as the lid tray 32 or the corner supports 36. During transport and storage in warehouses, forklifts with clamps are frequently used to move the packaged appliance assemblies 60. Sometimes, the forklifts with clamps move several stacked packaged appliance assemblies 60 at once, and other times, a single packaged appliance assemblies 60 is moved at once. However, the clamping force remains consistent regardless of the number of 60 packaged appliance sets being moved, resulting in higher clamping pressures.To reduce the clamping loads that reach the appliance 12, the support feature 52 is included in the packing set 10. Furthermore, the length of the support features 700, 702, 722, 778 can be adjusted to regulate the force that is transferred to the packing set 10 relative to the appliance. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 64 / 119 59 / 71 12.

[0207] Referring to Figure 57, as well as Figures 1 to 56, a method 850 of packaging the appliance 12 is illustrated. In step 852, the base tray 18 is formed. The blank base 90 is cut in the specific configuration to form the base tray 18. The blank base 90 is then folded to form the side walls 22 and retain the base tray 18 in the folded configuration.

[0208] In step 854, the perimeter support 24 is formed. The support plates 26, the support panels 302 and / or the support plates 318 are cut into the specific configuration. The various layers are stacked on top of each other and coupled in the stacked arrangement to form the perimeter support 24. In various configurations, the perimeter support 24 is formed in four sections 170, 172, 174, 176, four sections 200, 202, 204, 206 or four sections 336, 338, 340, 342 which are formed by multiple layers of the support plates 26. The multiple layers for each section 170-176, 200-206, 336-342 can be formed from multiple separate components or from a single component that is bent to form the layers.

[0209] In additional or alternative configurations, the perimeter support 24 is formed by multiple larger support panels 302. The support panels 302 can be arranged one on top of the other to provide multiple layers. In such examples, the crossbeams 300 can also be formed. The support plates 318 are stacked laterally and coupled together. The laterally stacked support plates 318 that form the crossbeams 300 are then interconnected with the perimeter support 24. In step 854, the base support layer 68 and / or the vertical protectors 66 can be formed.

[0210] In step 856, perimeter support 24 and / or crossbars 300 are positioned on base tray 18. In examples with the four sections 170-176, 200-206, 336-342, the four sections 170-176, 200-206, 336-342 of perimeter support 24 can be arranged separately or coupled and then positioned on base tray 18.

[0211] In examples with crossbars 300, the crossbars 300 can be placed on base tray 18 and perimeter support 24 can be placed on top of the crossbars 300. Alternatively, the crossbars 300 can be coupled to the perimeter support. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 65 / 119 60 / 71 and the single unit can be placed in the base tray 18. In examples with vertical support plates 252, the vertical support plates 252 can be arranged in the outer cutouts 250 before or after the support sections 204, 206 are positioned in the base tray 18. The perimeter support 24 is positioned so that the locating openings 28 are arranged in the corners of the base tray 18. The position of the perimeter support 24 can also affect the positioning of the central opening 30 in relation to the center of the base tray 18.

[0212] In examples with vertical protectors 66, support panels 356 can be cut and stacked sideways to form the selected shape and size. Vertical protectors 66 can be positioned or coupled to perimeter support 24 and / or base support layer 68.

[0213] In step 858, the appliance 12 is positioned on the base tray assembly 14. In this way, the lower part 16 of the appliance 12 can be positioned on the perimeter support 24, the base support layer 68 and / or the crossbars 300. The appliance 12 can also be positioned on the vertical protectors 66. The perimeter support 24 and / or the base support layer 68 are configured to cushion the appliance 12. In several examples, the feet of the appliance 12 are positioned in the locating openings 28, 220, 332. In certain aspects, the protrusions of the appliance 12 are inserted into the receiving openings 180 defined by the perimeter support 24. The feet of the appliance 12 are generally spaced from the lower panel 20 by the perimeter support. 24 to reduce or avoid damage to the feet.

[0214] In step 860, in configurations with additional bottom guards 62, 64, the bottom guards 62, 64 can be positioned between the side walls 22 of the base tray 18 and the appliance 12. Generally, the bottom guards 62, 64 are positioned along the first and second side walls 22a, 22b and on the perimeter support 24.

[0215] In step 862, corner supports 36 are formed and positioned around the appliance 12. Corner supports 36 can be formed by coupling the inner and outer layers 368, 370 (see Figure 24), through Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 66 / 119 61 / 71 of the paper layer formation (see Figure 25) as by means of a mandrel and a forming tool, coupling three layers 402, 404, 406 and forming the receiving cutouts 408 and internal cavities 410 (see Figures 26 and 27), adhering layers of corrugated or honeycomb cardboard panels and the locking features 432 together (see Figure 28), folding the corrugated cardboard with and forming the upper recess regions 502 (see Figure 29) or the receiving channels 504 (see Figure 31) and / or adhering layers of corrugated cardboard and forming recesses 774 (Figure 34). Corner supports 36 are positioned within the receiving spaces defined between perimeter support 24 and / or base support layer 68 and side walls 22 of base tray 18.The receiving spaces are generally sized and shaped to engage the corner supports 36 and hold the corner supports 36 in position, reducing movement relative to the base tray assembly 14. Consequently, the corner supports 36 can be coupled to the base tray assembly 14 in an interference fit. The corner supports 36 extend along the corners of the appliance 12. The corner supports 36 can be positioned on the base tray 18 in any order.

[0216] In step 864, the lid tray 32 is formed. The blank lid 610 or the blank lid 728 is cut to the specific configuration and bent to form the side walls 602 and / or the channel 720. In step 864, the top guard 770 can be formed and attached to the lid tray 32. In step 866, one or more support features 52 are added to the packing assembly 10. The support feature 52 is positioned to extend between two corner supports 36. In certain aspects, the support features 700, 702 are attached to opposite edges of the lid tray 32, and the top guard 704 is attached to the crossbar 700 to be positioned in front of the appliance 12.

[0217] In additional or alternative aspects, the crossbar 702 is positioned within the channel 720 of the lid tray 32, resting against the inner pocket 380 of the opposing corner supports 36. In other non-limiting examples, the cross reinforcement 778 is coupled to the corner supports 36, for example, by being inserted through the cutouts. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 67 / 119 62 / 71 receiving 408 in the opposite corner supports 36 and positioned in the internal cavities 410, positioned in the upper recesses 372, positioned in the locking features 432, positioned in the upper recess regions 502 and / or positioned in the receiving channels 504. In step 866, the upper guards 704 can also be attached to the cover tray 32. The upper guards 704 can be used with or without the crossbars 700, 702 in the cover tray 32, and can be used in combination with different configurations of the cover tray 32 and / or the support feature 52.

[0218] In step 868, the lid tray 32 is positioned on the appliance 12. The side walls 602 are configured to extend along the sides of the appliance 12 and over the tops of the corner supports 36. The corner supports 36 are configured to rest against the top panel 600 of the lid tray 32. In this way, the crossbars 700, 702, 722, 778 and the top guard 704 do not substantially interfere with the engagement between the corner supports 36 and the lid tray 32. In examples with the two support features 700, 702, 778 (see Figures 25 and 48), as the lid tray 32 is positioned on the top 34 of the appliance 12, the crossbars 700, 702, 778 are positioned inside the upper recesses 372 or upper recess regions 502 formed by corner supports 36. In such examples, the upper protector 704 can also engage the appliance 12.

[0219] In step 870, the outer retainer 54 is positioned around the appliance 12 and the assembled components of the packaging assembly 10. The outer retainer 54 may have a variety of configurations, such as strips 806, an outer plastic wrap (e.g., the outer coating 56 or the stretch film 804) or an outer box (e.g., the lid envelope 808), formed of corrugated or honeycomb-shaped plates. The outer retainer 54 may be advantageous for keeping the components of the packaging assembly 10 together as a single unit and in a contact relationship with the appliance 12, as well as reducing the movement of the packaging assembly 10 and the appliance 12 relative to each other. The packaged appliance assembly 60 may then be Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 68 / 119 63 / 71 transported for shipment or storage. Steps 852-870 of method 850 may be repeated, omitted, duplicated, performed in any order, performed simultaneously, etc., without departing from the teachings contained herein.

[0220] Referring again to Figures 1 to 57, for each of the configurations described herein, the components of the packing assembly 10, including the base tray assembly 14, the lid tray 32, the support feature 52, the additional lower and upper protectors 62, 64, 66, 704, 770 and the corner supports 36, are each constructed of wood-based or paper-based materials. Generally, these materials include wood blocks, cardboard, corrugated or grooved cardboard, angle boards, honeycomb boards or panels, etc. The various components constructed from corrugated cardboard or honeycomb panels can be built using one or more sheets or panels cut to form the various features in the components.Paper-based material may have ripples, striations, honeycomb, other repeating patterns, or other mosaic patterns. The 10-package set is free of any EPS material. Similarly, the 60-package appliance set does not include any EPS material or any additional EPS-based components.

[0221] In addition, packaged appliance sets 60 include features for supporting and retaining cross support features 52 on the lid tray 32 or between corner supports 36, where the lid tray 32, corner supports 36 and support feature 52 are constructed of paper-based or wood-based materials. Additionally, paper-based and non-EPS corner supports 36 may retain a more central support feature 52 along the height of the appliance 12.

[0222] The stacked layers of the perimeter support 24 provide a damping effect to the appliance 12, without significantly increasing the side of the packaged appliance assembly 60. In several examples, the perimeter support 24 has four sections 170-176, 200-206, 336-342, where the construction and arrangement of the support plates 26 are designed to withstand transport forces, arranging the grooves in specific directions 240, 242. Furthermore, in configurations with the crossbars 300, the vertical support plates 252, the vertical protectors 66 or the Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 69 / 119 64 / 71 support panels 356, these features are used to absorb loads and forces, such as downward forces from the appliance 12 or additional stacked appliance sets 60.

[0223] Corner receiving spaces provide an area for inserting corner supports 36 and maintaining proper alignment of the corner supports 36. Corner supports 36 assist in absorbing the stacking load on the overall packaged appliance 60 and protect the appliance 12 at the front and rear. When angled, the corner plates (e.g., the outer layer 368 of corner supports 36 in Figure 24 and / or the outer layer 402 and inner layer 404 of corner supports 36 in Figure 26) assist in absorbing the stacking load, and the honeycomb layers 370, 406 of corner supports 36 assist in absorbing the stacking load and / or protecting the surfaces of the appliance 12. The vertical ribs 436 of certain configurations of corner supports 36 can similarly absorb the stacking load.Furthermore, the locating openings 28, 220, 332 provide proper alignment of the appliance 12 with the base tray assembly 14. Additionally, the base tray 18 helps secure the appliance 12 to the perimeter support 24 and absorb any initial forces.

[0224] The lid tray 32 assists in securing the overall assembly and absorbing initial forces. The transverse reinforcements 700, 702, 722, 778 are configured to absorb compression load during securing, which may result from trucks used to move the product within the distribution network. The additional top guard 704 can help reduce machine tilt while the packaged appliance assembly 60 is tilted, particularly reducing forward and backward tilt. Furthermore, the packaging assembly 10 disclosed here maintains an overall size for the packaged appliance assembly 60, allowing for consistent stacking with multiple containers during the shipping process.

[0225] Several components of the packaging set 10 and the appliance 12 are illustrated and described here. These combinations are merely examples. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 70 / 119 65 / 71It is foreseen that any combination of the components described herein may be used individually or in combination with one another. Furthermore, the various components of the packaging assembly 10 may be used with any configuration of the appliance 12 without departing from the teachings contained herein.

[0226] The use of the present device may provide a variety of advantages. For example, the packaging assembly 10 may be constructed with environmentally friendly materials such as wood-based and / or paper-based materials, omitting any EPS-based components. Furthermore, the packaging assembly 10 may provide greater protection to the appliance 12 during the shipping process compared to conventional EPS designs. In addition, the packaging assembly 10 may be used for a variety of appliances 12. Furthermore, the various components of the packaging assembly 10 may be constructed in certain geometries and sizes based on the appliance 12 to be protected.Furthermore, the base tray assembly 14 includes multiple layers of support plates 26, support panels 302 and / or the base support layer 68, which assist in cushioning the appliance 12 and absorbing load during the shipping process. Additionally, the packaging assembly 10 includes the support feature 52 for protection against clamping forces, maintaining the size of the packaged appliance assembly 60, which can also be supported along the height of the appliance 12 by the corner supports 36. Additional benefits or advantages may be obtained and / or achieved.

[0227] The device disclosed here is summarized in the following paragraphs and characterized by combinations of any and all aspects described herein.

[0228] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a packaging set for household appliances includes a base tray assembly configured to receive a bottom part of a household appliance. The base tray assembly includes a base tray with a bottom panel and side walls extending from the bottom panel. A perimeter support is provided on the bottom panel. The perimeter support is formed by support plates stacked one on top of the other. The perimeter support defines locating openings and a central opening. A Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 71 / 119 The 66 / 71 lid tray is configured to be placed on top of an appliance. Corner supports extend between the base tray and the lid tray.

[0229] According to another aspect, each of the base tray, lid tray and corner support assemblies are constructed of paper-based materials.

[0230] According to another aspect, each of the base tray, lid tray and corner support assemblies are constructed of corrugated cardboard.

[0231] According to another aspect, a packaging set is free of expanded polystyrene.

[0232] According to another aspect, location openings are defined in the corners of a perimeter support to receive the feet of a household appliance.

[0233] According to another aspect, a base tray assembly also includes crossbars. A perimeter support defines receiving notches. The crossbars are positioned in the receiving notches and below the perimeter support.

[0234] According to another aspect, each crossbar is formed by support plates arranged in a side-stacked configuration.

[0235] According to another aspect, a perimeter support has a height lower than the height of the side walls of a base tray.

[0236] According to another aspect, a perimeter support defines corner notches. The corner supports are arranged in a receiving space defined between the corner notches and the side walls of a base tray.

[0237] According to another aspect, a lid tray includes a top panel and side walls that extend from the top panel. The lid tray defines a channel along one of the side walls.

[0238] According to another aspect, a crossbeam is placed inside a channel.

[0239] According to another aspect, a tray is constructed of paper-based material.

[0240] According to another aspect, the corner supports include a first corner support and a second corner support, and a crossbar extends between and is supported by the first and second corner supports. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 72 / 119 67 / 71

[0241] According to another aspect, the first and second corner supports each define a receiving cutout and a receiving cavity for receiving opposite ends of a crossbar.

[0242] According to another aspect, the first and second corner supports each include an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer has a greater height than the inner layer to define an upper recess to receive opposite ends of a crossbar.

[0243] According to another aspect, the first and second corner supports each define an upper recess region to receive opposite ends of a crossbar.

[0244] According to another aspect, the first and second corner supports each define a receiving channel along a height of the first and second corner supports, respectively, to receive opposite ends of a crossbar.

[0245] According to another aspect, the first and second corner supports each include a tab configured to extend over a receiving channel to retain a cross reinforcement in the receiving channel.

[0246] According to another aspect, the first and second corner supports each include a locking feature that defines a receiving channel to receive opposite ends of a crossbar.

[0247] According to another aspect, the locking features are arranged at a junction between the first and second sides of the first and second corner supports, respectively.

[0248] According to another aspect, an upper protector is attached to an inner surface of a lid tray.

[0249] According to another aspect, a space is defined between a top protector and a side wall of a lid tray to receive a portion that extends upwards from a household appliance.

[0250] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a packaging set for a household appliance includes a base tray set. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 73-119 68 / 71 configured to receive the bottom part of a household appliance. The base tray assembly includes a base tray comprising a bottom panel and side walls extending from the bottom panel. A perimeter support extends adjacent to the side walls. The perimeter support is formed by support plates stacked one on top of the other. A lid tray assembly is configured to receive the top part of the household appliance. The lid tray assembly includes a lid tray comprising a top panel and side walls extending from the top panel. The lid tray defines a channel, and a cross reinforcement is disposed within the channel.

[0251] According to another aspect, corner supports extend between a base tray assembly and a lid tray assembly.

[0252] According to another aspect, a base tray assembly and a lid tray assembly are constructed of paper-based materials.

[0253] According to another aspect, a transverse reinforcement has a greater height than the height of the side walls of a lid tray.

[0254] According to another aspect, a packaging assembly for household appliances includes a base tray assembly configured to receive a bottom part of a household appliance, wherein the base tray assembly includes a base tray having a bottom panel and side walls extending from the bottom panel and a base support layer disposed on the bottom panel and extending along each of the side walls. The base support layer defines locating openings and notches at the corners. The base tray assembly also includes a lower vertical protector formed by vertically oriented support panels. The lower vertical protector is positioned on the base support layer. A lid tray is configured to be disposed over the top of the household appliance. A top protector is attached to an inner surface of the lid tray. Corner supports extend between the base tray and the lid tray.

[0255] According to another aspect, a top protector defines recesses.

[0256] According to another aspect, a space is defined between an upper protector Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 74 / 119 69 / 71 and a side wall of a lid tray to receive a portion that extends vertically from the top of a household appliance.

[0257] According to another aspect, a perimeter support is positioned on a base support layer.

[0258] According to another aspect, the corner supports are formed by layers of corrugated cardboard.

[0259] According to another aspect, corner supports define recesses to provide space for protruding components of a household appliance.

[0260] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method of packaging a household appliance includes forming a base tray from a blank base, forming a perimeter support with multiple layers of at least one of support plates and support panels. The perimeter support defines a central opening. The method also includes positioning the perimeter support on the base tray, positioning a household appliance on the perimeter support, positioning corner supports on the base tray and along the appliance, positioning a cross support to extend between two of the corner supports, and positioning a lid tray over the appliance.

[0261] According to another aspect, a cross-reinforcement placement step includes positioning the cross-reinforcement in a channel defined by a cover tray.

[0262] According to another aspect, a step in positioning a cross reinforcement includes coupling the cross reinforcement to two corner supports.

[0263] According to another aspect, one method involves positioning an external retainer around a lid tray, an appliance and a base tray.

[0264] It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the construction of the disclosure described and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described in this document. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 75 / 119 70 / 71

[0265] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term coupled (in all its forms, pair, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to each other. This joining may be stationary or movable in nature. This joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being formed integrally as a single unitary body between themselves or with the two components. This joining may be permanent in nature or removable or liberable in nature, unless otherwise indicated.

[0266] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the disclosure elements, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are merely illustrative. Although only some embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily realize that many modifications are possible (for example, variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, types of paper of different quality, type of groove for corrugated cardboard, etc.) without materially departing from the new teachings and advantages of the subject matter addressed.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed; the operation of interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied; the length or width of structures and / or members or connectors or other system elements may be varied; the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between elements may be varied. It should be noted that the system elements and / or assemblies may be constructed from a wide variety of materials providing sufficient strength or durability, in a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Consequently, all such modifications should be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary modalities without departing from the... Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 76 / 119 71 / 71 spirit of the present innovations.

[0267] It will be understood that any processes or steps described within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Petition 870250105727, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 77 / 119

Claims

1 / 8 CLAIMS 1. Packaging assembly for household appliances, characterized by comprising: a base tray assembly configured to receive a lower part of a household appliance, the base tray assembly including: a base tray having a lower panel and side walls extending from the lower panel; and a perimeter support disposed on the lower panel, wherein the perimeter support is formed by support plates stacked one upon the other, and wherein the perimeter support defines locating holes and a central opening; a cover tray configured to be disposed over the top of the household appliance; and corner supports extending between the base tray and the cover tray.

2. Packaging set for household appliances, characterized by comprising: a base tray set configured to receive the bottom of a household appliance, the base tray set including: a base tray having a bottom panel and side walls extending from the bottom panel; and a support arranged on the bottom panel, wherein the support is formed by support plates stacked one on top of the other; a cover tray configured to be placed over the top of the household appliance; first and second corner supports extending between the base tray and the cover tray, wherein each of the first and second corner supports defines a receiving space;and in transverse reinforcement having a first end extending into the receiving space of the first corner support and a second end extending into the receiving space of the second corner support.

3. Packaging assembly for household appliances, characterized by comprising: a base tray assembly configured to receive a lower part of a household appliance, the base tray assembly including: a base tray having a lower panel and side walls extending from the lower panel; and a perimeter support disposed on the lower panel, wherein the perimeter support is formed by support plates stacked one on top of the other, and wherein the perimeter support defines locating holes and a central opening; a cover tray assembly configured to be disposed over a top part of the household appliance, wherein the cover tray assembly includes: a cover tray; and a top protector attached to an inner surface of the cover tray, wherein a space is defined between the top protector and a side wall of the cover tray to receive a portion extending upwards from the household appliance;and corner supports that extend between the base tray and the cover tray.

4. Household appliance packaging set, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the base tray, cover tray and corner support sets are constructed of paper-based materials.

5. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each set of the base tray, cover tray and corner supports are constructed of corrugated cardboard.

6. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said packaging set (Petition 870250105728, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p. 8 / 22 3 / 8) for the appliance is free of expanded polystyrene.

7. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the locating holes are defined in the corners of the perimeter support to fit the feet of the household appliance.

8. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the base tray set further includes: crossbars, in which the perimeter support defines fitting notches, and in which the crossbars are positioned in the fitting notches and below the perimeter support.

9. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the crossbars are each formed of support plates arranged in a side-stacked configuration.

10. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the perimeter support has a height less than the height of the side walls of the base tray.

11. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the perimeter support defines corner notches and in that the corner supports are arranged in a defined recess space between the corner notches and the side walls of the base tray.

12. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cover tray includes a top panel and side walls extending from the top panel, and in which the cover tray defines a channel along one of the side walls.

13. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to claim 12, characterized by a transverse reinforcement being disposed within the channel. Petition 870250105728, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 9 / 22 4 / 8 14. Packaging set for household appliances, according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the cross reinforcement is constructed of paper-based material.

15. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further characterized by comprising: a cross strap, wherein the corner supports include a first corner support and a second corner support, and wherein the cross reinforcement extends between and is supported by the first and second corner supports.

16. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to claim 15, characterized in that the first and second corner supports each define a fitting cutout and a fitting cavity for fitting opposite ends of the cross reinforcement.

17. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to claim 15, characterized in that the first and second corner supports each include an inner layer and an outer layer, and wherein the outer layer has a greater height than the inner layer to define an upper recess to fit opposite ends of the cross reinforcement.

18. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to claim 15, characterized in that the first and second corner supports each define an upper recessed region to fit opposite ends of the transverse reinforcement.

19. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to claim 15, characterized in that the first and second corner supports each define a fitting channel along a height of the first and second corner supports, respectively, to fit opposite ends of the cross reinforcement.

20. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to claim 19, characterized in that the first and second corner supports each include a tab configured to extend over the docking channel to retain the cross reinforcement in the docking channel. Petition 870250105728, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 10 / 22 5 / 8 21. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to claim 15, characterized in that the first and second corner supports each include a locking feature that defines a fitting channel for fitting opposite ends of the cross reinforcement.

22. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to claim 21, characterized in that the locking features are arranged at a junction between the first and second sides of the first and second corner supports, respectively.

23. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or 15 to 22, characterized by further comprising: an upper protector attached to an inner surface of the cover tray.

24. Packaging set for household appliances, according to claim 23, characterized by a space being defined between the top protector and a side wall of the cover tray to accommodate a portion that extends upwards from the household appliance.

25. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the corner supports are constructed of layers of corrugated board that define vertical grooves, and in which at least one of the corner supports defines a cutout in at least one layer of corrugated board to receive a household appliance component.

26. Household appliance packaging assembly, characterized by comprising: a base tray assembly configured to fit a lower part of said household appliance, the base tray assembly including: a base tray including a lower panel and side walls extending from the lower panel; and a perimeter support extending adjacent to the side walls, the perimeter support being formed by support plates stacked one on top of the other; and a cover tray assembly configured to fit an upper part of said household appliance, the cover tray assembly including: a cover tray including a top panel and side walls extending from the top panel, where the cover tray defines a channel; and a transverse reinforcement disposed within the channel.

27. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to claim 26, further characterized by comprising: corner supports extending between the base tray assembly and the cover tray assembly.

28. Packaging set for household appliances, according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the base tray assembly and the cover tray assembly are constructed of paper-based materials.

29. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the transverse reinforcement has a height greater than the height of the side walls of the cover tray.

30. Packaging set for household appliances, characterized by comprising: a base tray assembly configured to fit the bottom of a household appliance, the base tray assembly including: a base tray having a bottom panel and side walls extending from the bottom panel; a base support layer disposed on the bottom panel and extending along each of the side walls, wherein the base support layer defines locating holes and corner notches; and a lower vertical protector formed of vertically oriented support panels, wherein the lower vertical protector is positioned on the base support layer; Petition 870250105728, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, p.12 / 22 7 / 8 a cover tray configured to be placed over the top of the appliance; a top guard attached to an inner surface of the cover tray; and corner supports that extend between the base tray and the cover tray.

31. Packaging set for household appliances, according to claim 30, characterized by the upper protector having recesses.

32. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to claim 30 or 31, characterized by a space being defined between the top protector and a side wall of the cover tray to accommodate a portion extending vertically from the top of the household appliance.

33. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized by further comprising: a perimeter support positioned on the base support layer.

34. Packaging set for household appliances, according to any one of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that the corner supports are formed of layers of corrugated cardboard.

35. Packaging assembly for household appliances, according to any one of claims 30 to 34, characterized in that the corner supports define recesses to provide space for protruding components of the household appliance.

36. Method of packaging a household appliance, characterized by comprising: forming a base tray from a raw base; forming a perimeter support having multiple layers of at least one of the following support plates and support panels, the perimeter support defining a central opening; positioning the perimeter support on the base tray; positioning the household appliance on the perimeter support; Petition 870250105728, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, page 13 / 22 8 / 8 positioning corner supports on the base tray and along the household appliance; positioning a transverse reinforcement to extend between two of the corner supports; and positioning a cover tray over the household appliance.

37. Method according to claim 36, characterized in that the step of positioning the transverse reinforcement includes: positioning the transverse reinforcement in a channel defined by the cover tray.

38. Method according to claim 36, characterized in that the step of positioning the transverse reinforcement includes: coupling the transverse reinforcement to the two corner supports.

39. Method, according to any one of claims 36 to 38, characterized by further comprising: positioning an external retainer over the cover tray, the appliance and the base tray. Petition 870250105728, dated 11 / 18 / 2025, pp. 14 / 22

Images