Packaging container

Abstract

A packaging container 20 for housing an object such as a plant or flowers comprises an outer protective enclosure 22 and a support structure 24 arranged within the enclosure and configured to support

Description

The invention relates to a packaging container, a method of using a packaging container, a packaging blank, and a method of assembling a packaging container from a packaging blank. Packaging containers are used to store and transport objects. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaging container for housing an object, the packaging container comprising: an outer protective enclosure; a support structure arranged within the outer protective enclosure, wherein the support structure is configured to, in use, support the object; wherein the outer protective enclosure and support structure are assembled from a same packaging blank. The support structure may be configured to define a cavity within the support structure, the cavity for supporting the object. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaging container for housing an object, the packaging container comprising: an outer protective enclosure; a support structure arranged within the outer protective enclosure, wherein the support structure is configured to define a cavity within the support structure, the cavity for supporting the object. The cavity may come in a variety of shapes. For example, the cavity is a tapered cavity. The tapered cavity provides a suitable shape for stably supporting the object. The tapered cavity may be, but is not limited to, a conical, frustoconical, pyramidal or frustopyramidal cavity. The packaging container may include a hydration, preservation or nutrient medium inside the cavity. Preferably the hydration, preservation or nutrient medium is a hydration, preservation or nutrient gel. The use of a hydration, preservation or nutrient medium is particularly beneficial for storing or transporting live objects, such as plants and flowers, so that the live object stays fresh throughout the period of storage or transportation. The packaging container may include a media holder inside the cavity, wherein the media holder may be configured to hold the hydration, preservation or nutrient medium. The media holder may be in the form of an insert that is inserted into the cavity. Preferably the media holder is made of a waterproof or water-resistant material. Alternatively or additionally, the packaging container may include a sponge or foam member inside the cavity, the sponge or foam member for supporting the object. The sponge or foam member inside the cavity provides more stable support to the object. The location of the cavity inside the packaging container may vary. For example, the cavity may be arranged at or adjacent to a first end of the packaging container and away from an opposite, second end of the packaging container. In such embodiments in which the cavity is a tapered cavity, the tapered cavity may be configured to taper in a direction from the second end to the first end of the packaging container. An opening may be formed at or adjacent to the second end of the packaging container, the opening permitting access to an interior of the cavity. Such an opening may be used to permit entry of the object into the cavity. Such an opening may also be used as a viewing window to view the contents of the interior of the cavity, such as the object. In embodiments of the invention, the packaging container may include a product receptacle arranged within the outer protective enclosure, the product receptable for receiving a product. The product receptacle is preferably, but not necessarily, integral to the support structure. In such embodiments, the product receptacle may also assembled from the aforementioned same packaging blank. In embodiments of the invention employing the use of a cavity within the support structure, the product receptacle may be shaped to define a wall of the cavity. Preferably the product receptacle is shaped to define the wall of the cavity so that, in use, the object and product are located on opposite sides of the wall of the cavity. The product receptacle may be used to store a product that complements the object supported by the support structure. For example, the product receptacle may be configured for receiving a card, printed material, or merchandise. The outer protective enclosure may come in a variety of shapes and have a variety of features as long as the support structure can be arranged within the outer protective enclosure. The outer protective enclosure may be in the form of a walled or framed enclosure. The outer protective enclosure may comprise at least one sidewall and at least one end wall. The outer protective enclosure may comprise at least three side walls and / or two end walls. The shape of the outer protective enclosure may be selected to improve packing and stacking efficiency. Preferably the outer protective enclosure is in the form of a triangular prism, such as a right angle triangular prism or a equilateral triangular prism. In embodiments of the invention, the outer protective enclosure may include an access panel operable to access an interior of the outer protective enclosure. In such embodiments employing the use of a product receptacle, the access panel may be arranged to cover the product receptacle so as to, in use, retain the product in the product receptacle. In further embodiments of the invention, the packaging container may include a closure element configured to retain the packaging container in a closed state. In such embodiments, the access panel may include the closure element. The closure element may be or may include an adhesive configured to adhere to the outer protective enclosure and thereby retain the packaging container in a closed state. In still further embodiments of the invention, the packaging container may include an access element operable to open the packaging container. The access element may be, for example, a tearable perforation element (e.g. a perforation line, a perforation tab or a perforation strip) of the outer protective enclosure. Alternatively the access element may be a fastener such as a zipper. The access element may be located at or adjacent to an edge of the access panel. In embodiments of the invention, the packaging container may include: a securing member that is attached or integral to the support structure; and a slot formed in the outer protective enclosure, wherein the securing member is received by the slot. The securing member is preferably, but not limited to, a securing tab. In further embodiments of the invention, the securing member may be attached or integral to the product receptacle. In embodiments in which the securing member is integral to the product receptacle and in which the product receptacle is integral to the support structure, the securing member may also be assembled from the aforementioned same packaging blank. In still further embodiments of the invention, the securing member may be shaped as a carrying handle. The carrying handle may be received by the slot so as to be accessible from an exterior of the outer protective enclosure. This enables the securing member to provide a dual function of securing the position of the support structure relative to the outer protective structure as well as providing a handle for carrying the packaging container. In a preferred embodiment of the first or second aspect of the invention, the support structure may be configured to define a tapered cavity within the support structure, the tapered cavity for supporting the object, the packaging container may further include a hydration, preservation or nutrient medium inside the tapered cavity, the packaging container may further include a product receptacle arranged within the outer protective enclosure, the product receptable for receiving a product. The packaging container of the invention may be used to house a variety of objects. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the packaging container is configured for housing a flower, a flower bouquet, a plant, or a plant bouquet. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaging blank configurable to assemble at least part of a packaging container according to any one of the first and second aspects of the invention and their embodiments. There are many different ways of forming at least part of the packaging container from the packaging blank. In a non-limiting exemplary way, the packaging black may be foldable to assemble at least part of the packaging container. The material of the packaging blank may vary. For example, the packaging blank is partially or wholly comprised of cardboard, corrugated board or plastic. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using a packaging container according to any one of the first and second aspects of the invention and their embodiments, the method comprising the step of arranging an object to be supported by the support structure and inside the outer protective enclosure. The features and advantages of the preceding aspects of the invention and their embodiments apply mutatis mutandis to the fourth aspect of the invention and its embodiments. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a packaging container from a packaging blank, the packaging container according to any one of the first and second aspects of the invention and their embodiments, the packaging blank according to any one of the third aspect of the invention and its embodiments, the method comprising the steps of assembling an outer protective enclosure and a support structure of the packaging container from the packaging blank, wherein the support structure is arranged within the outer protective enclosure, wherein the support structure is configured to, in use, support the object. The features and advantages of the preceding aspects of the invention and their embodiments apply mutatis mutandis to the fifth aspect of the invention and its embodiments. It will be appreciated that the use of the terms "first" and "second", and the like, in this patent specification is merely intended to help distinguish between similar features, and is not intended to indicate the relative importance of one feature over another feature, unless otherwise specified. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, and the claims and / or the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and all features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim orfile any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a packaging container according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a packaging container of Figure 1 in an open state; Figure 3 shows the packaging container of Figure 1 in another open state; and Figure 4 shows a packaging blank from which the packaging container of Figure 1 can be assembled. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic form in the interests of clarity and conciseness. It will be appreciated that every embodiment is not pictured and that embodiments which are not included in the figures will nonetheless fall within the scope of the claims. The following embodiments of the invention are described with reference to a packaging container for housing a flower. It will be appreciated that the following embodiments of the invention apply mutatis mutandis to other types of packaging containers and other types of objects to be housed. A packaging container according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3 and is designated generally by the reference numeral 20. In use, the packaging container 20 is used to house a flower. The packaging container 20 comprises an outer protective enclosure 22, a support structure 24 and a product receptacle 26. The outer protective enclosure 22 is in the shape of an equilateral triangular prism. In other embodiments of the invention, the outer protective enclosure 22 may take another shape, such as a cylinder or another polyhedron. The outer protective enclosure 22 comprises three sidewalls 28 and two end walls 30. The three sidewalls 28 together define a tube with an equilateral triangular cross-section, while the two end walls 30 are arranged to close off opposite ends of the tube. Each end wall 30 also has an equilateral triangular cross-section. The end walls 30 are preferably inset from the respective ends of the tube to provide support to the sidewalls 28 and thereby enhance the rigidity of the outer protective enclosure 22. In other embodiments of the invention, the end walls 30 may be located at the respective ends of the tube, without any inset. The support structure 24 is arranged within the outer protective enclosure 22. The support structure 24 defines a tapered cavity 32 within the support structure 24, the cavity 32 for supporting the object. In the embodiment shown, the tapered cavity 32 has a frustopyramidal shape. In other embodiments, the tapered cavity 32 may have a different shape, such as a conical, frustoconical or pyramidal cavity 32. The support structure 24 is positioned at a first end 34 of the packaging container 20 so that the tapered cavity 32 is arranged at or adjacent to the first end 34 of the packaging container 20 and away from an opposite, second end 36 of the packaging container 20. As a result, the tapered cavity 32 is configured to taper in a direction from the second end 36 to the first end 34 of the packaging container 20. As a result of the support structure 24 being positioned at the first end 34 of the packaging container 20, an opening 38 is formed at or adjacent to the second end 36 of the packaging container 20. The opening 38 serves two purposes: firstly, it permits access to an interior of the tapered cavity 32 for insertion of the flower into the tapered cavity 32, and secondly, it can be used as a viewing window to view the flower inserted inside the tapered cavity 32. The packaging container 20 further includes a hydration gel stored inside the tapered cavity 32. In other embodiments, the hydration gel may be replaced by another hydration medium, a preservation medium or a nutrient medium. The packaging container 20 may include a media holder inside the tapered cavity 32, wherein the media holder holds the hydration gel. The media holder acts to prevent the hydration gel from seeping into the walls of the support structure 24 and packaging container 20. In this case, the media holder may be in the form of a plastic or biodegradable insert. Figure 2 shows the product receptacle 26 that forms a concave recess that is arranged within the outer protective enclosure 22. In use, the product receptable is used to receive and store a product that complements the flower inside the tapered cavity 32. For example, the product may be a card, a letter, chocolates, sweets, printed material, promotional material and so on. The product receptacle 26 is integral to the support structure 24. Specifically, the support structure 24 is shaped to form the product receptacle 26 which defines a wall of the tapered cavity 32 so that, in use, the flower and product are located on opposite sides of the wall of the tapered cavity 32. One of the sidewalls 28 of the outer protective enclosure 22 is configured as an access panel 28 that is operable to access an interior of the outer protective enclosure 22. When the sidewalls 28 of the packaging container 20 form the tube with the equilateral triangular cross-section, the access panel 28 is arranged to cover the product receptacle 26 so as to, in use, retain the product in the product receptacle 26. The access panel 28 includes a closure element in the form of a flap 40 extending along part or whole of its length between the two ends of the tube. The flap 40 includes an adhesive 42 applied on a surface thereof. The provision of the adhesive 42 permits the flap to be adhered to another sidewall 28 of the outer protective enclosure 22 so as to form the tube with the equilateral triangular cross-section and thereby retain the packaging container 20 in a closed state. In this way the contents of the packaging container 20 are securely stored inside the packaging container 20. The access panel 28 also includes an access element in the form of a tearable perforation strip 44. The perforation strip 44 is located adjacent to an edge of the access panel 28 and extends along a length of the access panel 28 between the two ends of the tube. In use, the perforation strip 44 may be torn to permit the access panel 28 to be opened in order to access the contents of the packaging container 20. The packaging container 20 further includes a securing tab 46 and a slot 48. The securing tab 46 is integral to the product receptacle 26. The slot 48 is formed in an edge separating the access panel 28 and another sidewall 28 of the outer protective enclosure 22. When the sidewalls 28 of the packaging container 20 form the tube with the equilateral triangular cross-section, the securing tab 46 is received by the slot 48, which helps to secure the position of the support structure 24 inside the outer protective enclosure 22. In addition, the securing tab 46 is shaped as a carrying handle that projects through the slot 48 so as to be accessible from an exterior of the outer protective enclosure 22. This allows the carrying handle to be used to carry the packaging container 20. As shown in Figure 3, the end wall 30 at the second end 36 of the packaging container 20 may be opened to provide better access to the contents of the packaging container 20. Preferably the packaging container 20 of the invention is assembled from a one-piece packaging blank 50. Figure 4 shows an exemplary one-piece packaging blank 50 from which the packaging container 20 of Figures 1 to 3 can be assembled by folding. Fold lines in the packaging blank 50 may be in the form of creases, grooves, clefts, ridges, perforations, corrugations or visible marks on the packaging blank 50. The packaging blank 50 comprises three rectangular panels 52a, 52b, 52c arranged side-by-side in a row and divided by fold lines. The three rectangular panels 52 define the three sidewalls 28 of the outer protective enclosure 22. One end rectangular panel 52a defines the access panel 28 of the outer protective enclosure 22. The one end rectangular panel 52a and the intermediate rectangular panel 52b define an edge therebetween in which the slot 48 is formed. A first end of the other end rectangular panel 52c is attached to one side of a support structure panel 54 that defines the support structure 24, while a second end of the other end rectangular panel 52c is attached to a triangular panel 56a that defines one of the end walls 30 of the outer protective enclosure 22. The securing tab 46 projects from the other side of the support structure panel 54. The support structure panel 54 is also attached to another triangular panel 56b that defines one of the end walls 30 of the outer protective enclosure 22. The triangular panels 56a, 56b include locking tabs 58 that are receivable by corresponding slots 60 in the rectangular panels 52a, 52b, 52c. The packaging container 20 is assembled by folding in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 4 and inserting the securing tab 46 and locking tabs 58 through their corresponding slots. In this way, the outer protective enclosure 22 and support structure 24, including the product receptacle 26 and the securing tab 46, are assembled from the same one-piece packaging blank 50. The securing tab 46 and locking tabs 58 not only enable speedy assembly of the packaging container 20 but also enhance the rigidity of the assembled packaging container 20. In other embodiments of the invention, the locking tabs 58 may be omitted. It will be appreciated that the features of the packaging container 20 may be arranged in different positions in the packaging blank 50 and are not limited to the positions depicted in Figure 4. In use, the hydration gel is inserted into the tapered cavity 32, and the stem and / or roots of the flower is inserted into the hydration gel. A suitable product may be stored inside the product receptacle 26. The tapered shape of the cavity 32 helps to stably support and protect the flower during storage and transportation. In addition, the securing tab provides additional rigidity to the support structure 24 to maintain the shape of the cavity 32 and product receptacle 26. The hydration gel helps to keep the flower fresh throughout the period of storage or transportation. After inserting the desired contents into the packaging container 20, the access panel 28 is closed and adhered to another sidewall 28 of the outer protective enclosure 22 prior to storage or transportation. After the desired period of storage or transportation, the contents of the packaging container 20 are accessed by tearing along the perforation strip 44 to open the access panel 28. The material of the packaging blank 50 may vary. For example, the packaging blank 50 may be partially or wholly comprised of cardboard, corrugated board or plastic. The corrugated board may have a wide range of flute types and board grades. The packaging blank 50 may have a kraft finish or a printable surface on one or both sides. The length and / or width of each of the sidewalls 28 and end walls 30, particularly along the dash-dash lines shown in Figures 1 to 3, may vary to increase or decrease the overall size of the packaging container 20. The dimensions of other features of the packaging container 20 may increase or decrease correspondingly. Alternatively or additionally, the packaging container 20 may include a sponge member, a foam member, a paper insert or a cardboard insert inside the tapered cavity 32 in order to provide more stable support to the flower. The listing or discussion of an apparently prior published document or apparently prior published information in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. Preferences and options for a given aspect, feature or parameter of the invention should, unless the context indicated otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, features and parameters of the invention.

Claims

1. A packaging container for housing an object, the packaging container comprising:an outer protective enclosure;a support structure arranged within the outer protective enclosure, wherein the support structure is configured to, in use, support the object;wherein the outer protective enclosure and support structure are assembled from a same packaging blank.

2. A packaging container according to Claim 1, wherein the support structure is configured to define a cavity within the support structure, the cavity for supporting the object.

3. A packaging container for housing an object, the packaging container comprising:an outer protective enclosure;a support structure arranged within the outer protective enclosure, wherein the support structure is configured to define a cavity within the support structure, the cavity for supporting the object.

4. A packaging container according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the cavity is a tapered cavity.

5. A packaging container according to Claim 4, wherein the tapered cavity is a conical, frustoconical, pyramidal or frustopyramidal cavity.

6. A packaging container according to any one of Claims 2 to 5 including a hydration, preservation or nutrient medium inside the cavity.

7. A packaging container according to Claim 6, wherein the hydration or nutrient medium is a hydration, preservation or nutrient gel.

8. A packaging container according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 including a media holder inside the cavity, wherein the media holder is configured to hold the hydration, preservation or nutrient medium.

9. A packaging container according to any one of Claims 2 to 8 including a sponge or foam member inside the cavity, the sponge or foam member for supporting the object.

10. A packaging container according to any one of Claims 2 to 9, wherein the cavity is arranged at or adjacent to a first end of the packaging container and away from an opposite, second end of the packaging container.

11. A packaging container according to Claim 10 when dependent from Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the tapered cavity is configured to taper in a direction from the second end to the first end of the packaging container.

12. A packaging container according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein an opening is formed at or adjacent to the second end of the packaging container, the opening permitting access to an interior of the cavity.

13. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims including a product receptacle arranged within the outer protective enclosure, the product receptable for receiving a product.

14. A packaging container according to Claim 13, wherein the product receptacle is integral to the support structure.

15. A packaging container according to Claim 13 or Claim 14 when dependent from any one of Claims 2 to 12, wherein the product receptacle is shaped to define a wall of the cavity so that, in use, the object and product are located on opposite sides of the wall of the cavity.

16. A packaging container according to any one of Claims 13 to 15, wherein the product receptacle is configured for receiving a card, printed material, or merchandise.

17. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer protective enclosure is in the form of a walled or framed enclosure.

18. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer protective enclosure comprises at least one sidewall and at least one end wall.

19. A packaging container according to Claim 18, wherein the outer protective enclosure comprises at least three side walls and / or two end walls.

20. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer protective enclosure is in the form of a triangular prism.

21. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer protective enclosure includes an access panel operable to access an interior of the outer protective enclosure.

22. A packaging container according to Claim 21 when dependent from any one of Claims 13 to 16, wherein the access panel is arranged to cover the product receptacle so as to, in use, retain the product in the product receptacle.

23. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims including a closure element configured to retain the packaging container in a closed state.

24. A packaging container according to Claim 23 when dependent on Claim 21, wherein the access panel includes the closure element.

25. A packaging container according to Claim 23 or Claim 24, wherein the closure element is or includes an adhesive configured to adhere to the outer protective enclosure and thereby retain the packaging container in a closed state.

26. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims including an access element operable to open the packaging container.

27. A packaging container according to Claim 26, wherein the access element is a tearable perforation element of the outer protective enclosure.

28. A packaging container according to Claim 26 or Claim 27 when dependent from Claim 21, wherein the access element is located at or adjacent to an edge of the access panel.

29. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims including: a securing member that is attached or integral to the support structure; and a slot formed in the outer protective enclosure, wherein the securing member is received by the slot.

30. A packaging container according to Claim 29, wherein the securing member is attached or integral to the product receptacle.

31. A packaging container according to Claim 29 or Claim 30, wherein the securing member is shaped as a carrying handle, wherein the carrying handle is received by the slot so as to be accessible from an exterior of the outer protective enclosure.

32. A packaging container according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the support structure is configured to define a tapered cavity within the support structure, the tapered cavity for supporting the object, the packaging container further including a hydration or nutrient medium inside the tapered cavity, the packaging container further including a product receptacle arranged within the outer protective enclosure, the product receptable for receiving a product.

33. A packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging container is configured for housing a flower, a flower bouquet, a plant, or a plant bouquet.

34. A packaging blank configurable to assemble at least part of a packaging container according to any one of the preceding claims.

35. A packaging blank according to Claim 34, wherein the packaging black is foldable to assemble at least part of the packaging container.

36. A packaging blank according to Claim 34 or Claim 35, wherein the packaging blank is partially or wholly comprised of cardboard, corrugated board or plastic.

37. A method of using a packaging container according to any one of Claims 1 to 33, the method comprising the step of arranging an object to be supported by the support structure and inside the outer protective enclosure.

38. A method of assembling a packaging container from a packaging blank, the packaging container according to any one of Claims 1 to 33, the packaging blank according to any one of Claims 34 to 36, the method comprising the steps of assembling an outer protective enclosure and a support structure of the packaging container from the packaging blank, wherein the support structure is arranged within the outer protective enclosure, wherein the support structure is configured to, in use, support the object.

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