Packaging for light fixtures

Abstract

A light fixture packaging container includes a first segment including a first main panel, a second main panel, and a retention section. The retention section includes first openings positioned to receive light fixtures therethrough. The container further includes a second segment including a first main panel, a second main panel, and a retention section. The retention section includes second openings positioned to receive the light fixtures therethrough. The first segment and the second segment define a cavity. The retention section of the first segment extends into the cavity toward the first main panel of the second segment from the first and second main panels of the first segment. The retention section of the second segment extends into the cavity toward the first main panel of the first segment from the first and second main panels of the second segment.

Description

[0001] Packaging for light fixtures

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to lighting related solutions, and in particular to a packaging for light fixtures.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Packaging and transporting light fixtures can sometimes be challenging. For example, some light fixtures, such as linear light fixtures, are often packaged individually and stacked on pallets for bulk transportation. For example, after light fixtures are individually packaged, multiple packaged light fixtures are then placed into a master container that is placed on a pallet. Because each light fixture needs to be securely packaged to prevent damage, a large amount of packaging material may sometimes be required for secure packaging. Packaging light fixtures individually can be time-consuming and labor intensive. In addition, the unpacking of individual light fixtures can be time-consuming. Thus, a solution that simplifies packing and unpacking some types of light fixtures may be desirable.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure relates generally to lighting related solutions, and in particular to a packaging for light fixtures. In an example embodiment, a light fixture packaging container includes a first segment including a first main panel of the first segment, a second main panel of the first segment, and a retention section of the first segment. The retention section of the first segment comprises first openings that are positioned to receive light fixtures therethrough. The light fixture packaging container further includes a second segment including a first main panel of the second segment, a second main panel of the second segment, and a retention section of the second segment. The retention section of the second segment comprises second openings that are positioned to receive the light fixtures therethrough. The first segment and the second segment define a cavity therebetween. The retention section of the first segment extends into the cavity toward the first main panel of the second segment from the first main panel of the first segment and from the second main panel of the first segment. The retention section of the second segment extends into the cavity toward the first main panel of the first segment from the first main panel of the second segment and from the second main panel of the second segment.

[0008] In another example embodiment, a light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly includes light fixtures and a light fixture packaging container. The light fixture packaging container includes a first segment including a first main panel of the first segment, a second main panel of the first segment, and a retention section of the first segment. The retention section of the first segment comprises first openings, and the light fixtures extend through the first openings. The light fixture packaging container further includes a second segment including a first main panel of the second segment, a second main panel of the second segment, and a retention section of the second segment. The retention section of the second segment comprises second openings, and the light fixtures extend through the second openings. The first segment and the second segment define a cavity therebetween. The retention section of the first segment extends into the cavity toward the first main panel of the second segment from the first main panel of the first segment and from the second main panel of the first segment. The retention section of the second segment extends into the cavity toward the first main panel of the first segment from the first main panel of the second segment and from the second main panel of the second segment. These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0011] Figs. 1 A and IB illustrate different views of a light fixture packaging container according to an example embodiment;

[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates the A-A cross-section of the light fixture packaging container shown in Fig. 1 A according to an example embodiment;

[0013] Figs. 3 A and 3B illustrate different views of a segment of the light fixture packaging container of Figs. 1A and IB according to an example embodiment;

[0014] Figs. 4-6 illustrate different close-up views portions of a retention section of the segment shown in Figs. 3 A and 3B according to an example embodiment;

[0015] Figs. 7A-7C illustrate different views of a segment of the light fixture packaging container of Figs. 1A and IB according to an example embodiment; Fig. 8 illustrates a close-up view of a retention section of the segment shown in Fig. 7C according to an example embodiment;

[0016] Figs. 9A-9C illustrate close-up views of portions of the retention section shown in FIG. 8 according to an example embodiment;

[0017] Fig. 10 illustrates a plan view of a blank that can be used to make the segments of the light fixture packaging container of Figs. 1 A and IB according to an example embodiment;

[0018] Fig. 11 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the blank shown in Fig. 10 according to an example embodiment;

[0019] Fig. 12 illustrates a light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly according to an example embodiment;

[0020] Figs. 13 A and 13B illustrate different views of the light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly of Fig. 12 according to an example embodiment;

[0021] Fig. 14 illustrates the light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly of Figs. 13 A and 13B with a segment of the light fixture packaging container omitted for illustrate purposes according to an example embodiment;

[0022] Fig. 15 illustrates a close-up view of light fixtures extending through openings in the retention section of the segment shown in Fig. 14 according to an example embodiment;

[0023] Fig. 16 illustrates the light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly of Figs. 13 A and 13B with a segment of the light fixture packaging container omitted for illustrate purposes according to an example embodiment;

[0024] Fig. 17 illustrates a close-up view of light fixtures extending through openings in the retention section of the segment shown in Fig. 16 according to an example embodiment; and

[0025] Fig. 18 illustrates the light fixture packaging container of Figs. 1A and IB adjusted to have a different height according to an example embodiment.

[0026] The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or placements may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the figures, the same reference numerals used in different figures may designate like or corresponding and not necessarily identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] In the following paragraphs, particular embodiments will be described in further detail by way of example with reference to the figures. In the description, well known components, methods, and / or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the embodiments is not to suggest that all embodiments must include the referenced feature(s).

[0028] FIGS. 1 A and IB illustrate different views of a light fixture packaging container 100 according to an example embodiment, and FIG. 2 illustrates the A-A crosssection of the light fixture packaging container 100 shown in FIG. 1 A according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the light fixture packaging container 100 may include a first segment 102 and a second segment 104. The first segment 102 and the second segment 104 may define a cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100. For example, light fixtures may be placed in the cavity 122. To illustrate, the light fixture packaging container 100 may be used to package, for example, linear luminaires for transportation and / or storage. The first segment 102 may include a first main panel 106, a second main panel 108, and a retention section 110. The second segment 104 may include a first main panel 126, a second main panel 128, and a retention section 116.

[0029] In some example embodiments, the retention section 110 of the first segment 102 may be connected to the first main panel 106 and to the second main panel 108 and may extend toward the second segment 104 and into the cavity 122 from the first main panel 106 and the second main panel 108. The retention section 110 may include subsections that are connected to each other at a fold line thereby forming a V-shape. To illustrate, one subsection of the retention section 110 may be connected to the first main panel 106 at a fold line and may be folded at the fold line into the cavity 122 relative to the first main panel 106. Another subsection of the retention section 110 may be connected to the second main panel 108 at another fold line and may be folded at the fold line into the cavity 122 relative to the second main panel 108. The subsections of the retention section 110 may be connected to each other at a fold line distal from the first main panel 106 and the second main panel 108 and inside the cavity 122 thereby forming a V-shape cross-section.

[0030] In some example embodiments, the retention section 110 includes openings for light fixtures to extend therethrough. For example, the subsections of the retention section 110 may include corresponding openings such that light fixtures extend through respective openings of the first subsection and corresponding openings of the second subsection. To illustrate, one light fixture may extend through an opening in the first subsection of the retention section 110 and through a corresponding opening in the second subsection of the retention section 110, and another light fixture may extend through another opening in the first subsection of the retention section 110 and through another corresponding opening in the second subsection of the retention section 110.

[0031] In some example embodiments, the first main panel 106 may include an access panel 202. The access panel 202 may extend from the first main panel 106. For example, the access panel 202 may be connected to the first main panel 106 at a fold line 222 and may be folded at the fold line 222 toward the second segment 104 to close off the cavity 122 at an access end side 226 of the light fixture packaging container 100. The access panel 202 may include an attachment section 204 that can be glued, stapled, and / or otherwise securely attached to the second segment 104 of the light fixture packaging container 100. The access panel 202 may also include a space 216 between separator sections 218 and 220. For example, padding material may be placed in the space 216 to provide padding to light fixtures contained in the light fixture packaging container 100. To illustrate, honeycomb pads and / or another padding material, such as paper void filler, may be used as padding material that is placed in the space 216. The separator sections 218, 220 may be spaced from each other such that end portions (e.g., end caps) of light fixtures can fit in the space 216 and come in contact with padding material in the space 216. Alternatively, the space 216 may be sized to accommodate padding material regardless of whether the end portions of light fixtures can fit in the space 216. Alternatively, no padding material may be placed in the space 216.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the first segment 102 may include a lateral side panel 130 and a lateral side panel 132. The lateral side panel 130 may extend out from the first main panel 106, and the lateral side panel 132 may extend out from the second main panel 108. To illustrate, the lateral side panel 130 may be connected to the first main panel 106 and may be folded at a fold line to close off the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 at a first lateral side 134 of the light fixture packaging container 100 along a length of the first main panel 106. The lateral side panel 132 may be connected to the second main panel 108 and may be folded at a fold line to close off the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 at the first lateral side 134 of the light fixture packaging container 100 along a length of the second main panel 108.

[0033] As described above, in some example embodiments, the second segment 104 includes the first main panel 126, the second main panel 128, and the retention section 116. The retention section 116 of the second segment 104 may be connected to the first main panel 126 and to the second main panel 128 and may extend toward the first segment 102 and into the cavity 122 from the first main panel 126 and the second main panel 128. The retention section 116 may include subsections that are connected to each other at a fold line thereby forming a V-shape. To illustrate, one subsection of the retention section 116 may be connected to the first main panel 126 at a fold line and may be folded at the fold line into the cavity 122 relative to the first main panel 126. Another subsection of the retention section 116 may be connected to the second main panel 128 at another fold line and may be folded at the fold line into the cavity 122 relative to the second main panel 128. The subsections of the retention section 116 may be connected to each other at a fold line distal from the first main panel 126 and the second main panel 128 and inside the cavity 122 thereby forming a V- shape cross-section.

[0034] In some example embodiments, the retention section 116 includes openings for light fixtures to extend therethrough. For example, the subsections of the retention section 116 may include corresponding openings such that light fixtures extend through respective openings of the first subsection and corresponding openings of the second subsection. To illustrate, one light fixture may extend through an opening in the first subsection of the retention section 116 and through a corresponding opening in the second subsection of the retention section 116, and another light fixture may extend through another opening in the first subsection of the retention section 116 and through another corresponding opening in the second subsection of the retention section 116.

[0035] In some example embodiments, the first main panel 126 may include an access panel 118. The access panel 118 may extend from the first main panel 126. For example, the access panel 118 may be connected to the first main panel 126 at a fold line 224 and may be folded at the fold line 224 toward the first segment 102 to close off the cavity 122 at an access end side 228 of the light fixture packaging container 100. The access panel 118 may include an attachment section 120 that can be glued, stapled, and / or otherwise securely attached to the first segment 102 of the light fixture packaging container 100. The access panel 118 may also include a space 210 between separator sections 212 and 214. For example, padding material may be placed in the space 210 to provide padding to light fixtures contained in the light fixture packaging container 100. To illustrate, honeycomb pads and / or another padding material, such as paper void filler, may be used as padding material that is placed in the space 210. The separator sections 212, 214 may be spaced from each other such that end portions (e.g., end caps) of light fixtures can fit in the space 210 and come in contact with padding material in the space 210. Alternatively, the space 210 may be sized to accommodate padding material regardless of whether the end portions of light fixtures can fit in the space 210. Alternatively, no padding material may be placed in the space 210.

[0036] In some example embodiments, the second segment 104 may include a first lateral side panel 112 and a second lateral side panel 114. The first lateral side panel 112 may extend out from the first main panel 126, and the second lateral side panel 114 may extend out from the second main panel 128. To illustrate, the first lateral side panel 112 may be connected to the first main panel 126 and may be folded at a fold line to close off the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 at a second lateral side 124 of the light fixture packaging container 100 along a length of the first main panel 126. The second lateral side panel 114 may be connected to the second main panel 128 and may be folded at a fold line to close off the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 at the second lateral side 124 of the light fixture packaging container 100 along a length of the second main panel 128.

[0037] In some example embodiments, the height H of the light fixture packaging container 100 may be adjusted to accommodate, for example, multiple light fixtures that may some variations in size. For example, different light fixtures of the same type may have small variations in length due to, for example, component size variations and / or manufacturing related discrepancies as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. The height adjustability of the light fixture packaging container 100 can enable packaging multiple light fixtures of slightly varying height (e.g., variation of 0.5 inch or 1 inch). In general, the height H of the light fixture packaging container 100 may be adjusted by adjusting the sizes of the separation SI between the first main panel 126 and the second main panel 128 and the separation S2 between the first main panel 106 and the second main panel 108.

[0038] In some example embodiments, the first segment 102 and the second segment 104 may be made from a respective blank such as a flat cardboard blank. For example, the first segment 102 and the second segment 104 may each be made from a respective single corrugated cardboard blank by folding different sections of the blank at fold lines. The same type of blank may be used to make the first segment 102 and the second segment 104, where one instance of a blank is used to make the first segment 102 and another instance of the blank is used to make the second segment 104. To illustrate, the first segment 102 and the second segment 104 may correspond to each other with the exception of being inversely oriented with respect to each other and folding directions of some sections and panels. For example, the first main panel 106 of the first segment 102 may correspond to the first main panel 126 of the second segment 104. The second main panel 126 of the first segment 102 may correspond to the second main panel 128 of the second segment 104. The retention section 110 of the first segment 102 may correspond to the retention section 116 of the second segment 104. The access panel 202 of the first segment 102 may correspond to the access panel 118 of the second segment 104. After the first segment 102 and the second segment 104 are made individually from a respective blank, the segments 102, 104 can be pulled together and the attachment section 204 may be glued, stapled, and / or otherwise securely attached to the second main panel 128 of the second segment 104. The access panel 118 may be glued, stapled, and / or otherwise securely attached to the second main panel 108 to close off the cavity 122 at the access end side 228 after light fixtures are placed in the cavity 122.

[0039] In some example embodiments, a light fixture that is packaged in the light fixture packaging container 100 may extend through an opening in the first subsection of the retention section 110 of the first segment 102, an opening in the second subsection of the retention section 110 of the first segment 102, an opening in the first subsection of the retention section 116 of the second segment 104, and an opening in the second subsection of the retention section 116 of the second segment 104. The retention sections 110, 116 may serve to retain the light fixtures extending through the openings of the retention sections 110, 116 in place. The retention sections 110, 116 may be located relative to each other such that light fixtures extending through the openings of the retention sections 110, 116 do not become excessively slanted or unintendedly slide out of the openings. For example, the retention section 110 may be located relatively proximal to the access end side 228 of the light fixture packaging container 100, and the retention section 116 may be located relatively proximal to the access end side 226 of the light fixture packaging container 100 that is an opposite side from the access end side 228. The retention sections 110, 116 may also be located relative to each other to restrict the movements of light fixtures extending through the openings of the retention sections 110, 116 such that adjacent light fixtures do not come in contact with each other.

[0040] By using the light fixture packaging container 100, multiple light fixtures, such as linear light fixtures, can be packaged in the same container without the need for the separate packaging of individual light fixtures that requires subsequent packaging of the individually packaged light fixtures. In general, the use of the light fixture packaging container 100 may reduce the time and cost associated with packaging multiple light fixtures. The V-shaped cross-section of the retention sections 110, 116 can provide extra grip to restrain movements of light fixtures packaged in the light fixture packaging container 100. The adjustability of the height H of the light fixture packaging container 100 may enable packaging light fixtures that may have slight variations in length resulting from, for example, manufacturing process and / or component variations. In general, the light fixture packaging container 100 may be designed to have dimensions that enable the light fixture packaging container 100 to be used for packaging a set of relatively small (e.g., short and / or narrow) light fixtures, a set of relatively large (e.g., long and / or wide), and a set of light fixtures that have sizes therebetween.

[0041] In some alternative embodiments, the light fixture packaging container 100 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the relative sizes of the different sections and panels of the first segment 102 and the second segment 104 may be different than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the retention sections 110, 116 may extend into the cavity 122 less or more than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the retention sections 110, 116 may each be located higher or lower than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0042] FIGS. 3 A and 3B illustrate different views of the first segment 102 of the light fixture packaging container 100 of FIGS. 1 A and IB according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 A-3B, in some example embodiments, the first segment 102 includes the first main panel 106, the second main panel 108, and the retention section 110. The first segment 102 may further include the access panel 202, the lateral side panels 130, 132, and an attachment panel 306. The access panel 202 may extend from the first main panel 106 and may be folded inward at the fold line 224 toward the second segment 104. The access panel 202 may be connected to the first main panel 106 at the fold line 224 that is on the access end side 226 of the light fixture packaging container 100. For example, the access panel 202 may be folded at the fold line 222, and the attachment section 204 may be glued and / or stapled to the second main panel 128 of the second segment 104. As described above, the access panel 202 may include separator sections 218, 220 that bound the space 216 that may be, for example, filled with a padding material.

[0043] The lateral side panel 130 may extend out from the first main panel 106 and may be folded inward at a fold line 302 toward the second segment 104. For example, the lateral side panel 130 may be connected to the first main panel 106 at the fold line 302 that is on the first lateral side 134 of the light fixture packaging container 100. The lateral side panel 132 may extend out from the second main panel 108 and may be folded inward at a fold line 304 toward the second segment 104. For example, the lateral side panel 132 may be connected to the second main panel 108 at the fold line 304 that is on the first lateral side 134 of the light fixture packaging container 100.

[0044] In some example embodiments, the lateral side panel 130 may include attachment tabs 308, 310, and the lateral side panel 132 may include an attachment tab 312. The attachment tabs 308, 310, 312 may be inserted in respective attachment slots of the second segment 104 to retain the lateral side panels 130, 132 attached to the second segment 104 at the first lateral side 134 of the light fixture packaging container 100. To illustrate, the lateral side panel 130 may be folded at the fold line 302 and the attachment tabs 308, 310 (more clearly shown in Fig. 3 A) may be inserted in respective attachment slots of the second segment 104 to close off the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 at the first lateral side 134 of the light fixture packaging container 100 along the length of the first main panel 106. The lateral side panel 132 may be folded at the fold line 304 and the attachment tab 312 may be inserted in an attachment slot of the second segment 104 to close off the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 at the first lateral side 134 of the light fixture packaging container 100 along the length of the second main panel 108.

[0045] In some example embodiments, the attachment panel 306 may extend out from the first main panel 106. For example, the attachment panel 306 may be connected to the first main panel 106 at a fold line 336 and may be folded inward at the fold line 336 to the position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The attachment panel 306 may include attachment slots 314, 316, 318 that are positioned to receive respective locking tabs of extending out from the lateral side panels 112, 114 of the second segment 104. To illustrate, locking tabs extending out from the lateral side panels 112, 114 of the second segment 104 may be inserted in the attachment slots 314, 316, 318 such that the lateral side panels 112, 114 close off the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 at the second lateral side 124 of the light fixture packaging container 100 along the length of the first main panel 106.

[0046] In some example embodiments, the retention section 110 of the first segment 102 includes subsections 326, 328. The subsection 326 may extend inward from the first main panel 106 toward the second segment 104, and the subsection 326 may extend inward from the second main panel 108 toward the second segment 104. The subsections 326, 328 may be connected to each other at a fold line 338 thereby forming a V-shaped cross-section of the retention section 110. To illustrate, the subsections 326, 328 are connected to each other at the fold line 338 and spaced from each other by the separation S2 at the first main panel 106 and the second main panel 108. The size of the separation S2 may be changed to change the height of the first segment 102. For example, the separation S2 may be increased to form a wider V-shape than shown. As another example, the separation S2 may be decreased to form a narrower V-shape than shown. To be clear, the separation S2 may be decreased such that the subsections 326, 328 overlap each other essentially reducing the separation S2 to zero.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the subsections 326, 328 may each include multiple openings that are each sized to receive a respective light fixture therethrough. For example, the subsection 328 may include openings 330, 332, 334, 342 as well as other openings, and the subsection 326 may include openings, such as an opening 340, that are aligned with the openings of the subsection 328 to receive the light fixtures therethrough. For example, the opening 340 in the subsection 326 is aligned with the opening 342 in the subsection 328.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments, the first segment 102 may include more or fewer attachment tabs than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the attachment tabs 308, 310, 312 may be at different locations and / or may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the first segment 102 may include more or fewer attachment slots than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the attachment slots 314, 316, 318 may be at different locations and / or may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the subsections 326, 328 of the retention section 110 may each include more or fewer openings than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In general, the relative sizes of the first main panel 106 and the second main panel 108 may be different than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate different close-up views portions of the retention section 110 of the first segment 102 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 A-6, in some example embodiments, the retention section 110 includes the subsections 326, 328. The subsection 326 is connected to the first main panel 106 at a fold line 522 and may be folded inward at the fold line 522 toward the first main panel 126 of the second segment 104 to the position shown, for example, in FIG. 2. The attachment panel 306 may be folded at the fold line 336 relative to the first main panel 106. The subsection 328 may be connected to the second main panel 108 at a fold line 418 and may be folded inward at the fold line 418 toward the first main panel 126 of the second segment 104 to the position shown, for example, in FIG. 2. The subsections 326, 328 may be connected to each other at the fold line 338 distal from the first main panel 106 and the second main panel 108.

[0050] In some example embodiments, the length of the subsection 326 between the first main panel 106 (i.e., at the fold line 522) and the fold line 338 may be different from the length of the subsection 328 between the second main panel 108 (i.e., at the fold line 418) and the fold line 338. For example, the length of the subsection 326 may be more than the length of the subsection 328. Alternatively, the length of the subsection 326 may be less than the length of the subsection 328. In some alternative embodiments, the length of the subsection 326 and the length of the subsection 328 may be exactly or approximately equal to each other.

[0051] In some example embodiments, the subsection 326 may include openings, such as openings 402, 510, 520, and the subsection 328 may include openings, such as openings 330, 332, 334. For example, each opening of the subsection 326 may be aligned with a corresponding opening of the subsection 328 such that a light fixture can extend through an opening of the subsection 326 and through an aligned / corresponding opening of the subsection 328. For example, the opening 402 of the subsection 326 may be aligned with the opening 330 of the subsection 328. As another example, the opening 510 of the subsection 326 may be aligned with the opening 332 of the subsection 328. As another example, the opening 520 of the subsection 326 may be aligned with the opening 334 of the subsection 328.

[0052] In some example embodiments, the openings of the subsection 326 may be separated from adjacent openings of the subsection 326 by respective separation sections of the subsection 326, and the openings of the subsection 328 may be separated from adjacent openings of the subsection 328 by respective separation sections of the subsection 328. For example, the opening 330 of the subsection 328 may be separated from the opening 332 of the subsection 328 by a separation section 420. As another example, the opening 332 may be separated from the opening 334 of the subsection 328 by a separation section 422. In general, the separation sections in the subsections 326, 328 may be wide enough to prevent light fixtures extending through adjacent openings of each one of the subsections 326, 328 from colliding with each other near the openings.

[0053] In some example embodiments, the subsection 326 may include push-through flaps that are located at perimeters of the openings of the subsection 326. In general, the push-through flaps may provide additional grip to restrain the movement of lighting fixtures that extend through the openings of the subsection 326, 328. For example, the subsection 326 may include push-through flaps 404, 406, 408, 410 extending out from a perimeter 414 of the opening 402. For example, the push-through flaps 404, 406, 408, 410 may extend from the perimeter 414 of the opening 402 away from the subsection 328. To illustrate, the push- through flaps 404, 406, 408, 410 may initially extend out to substantially cover the opening 402 and may be subsequently pushed down to the positions shown, for example, in FIG. 4 to receive a light fixture therethrough from above in the orientation shown, for example, in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the push-through flaps 404, 406, 408, 410 may initially extend out to substantially cover the opening 402 and may be subsequently pushed down to the positions shown, for example, in FIG. 4 by a light fixture that extends through the opening 402 of the subsection 326 and the opening 330 of the subsection 328 from above. The subsection 326 may include other push-through flaps including push-through flaps 604, 606, 608, 610 extending out from a perimeter of the opening 510.

[0054] In some example embodiments, the subsection 328 may include push-through flaps that are located at perimeters of the openings of the subsection 328. For example, the subsection 328 may include push-through flaps 502, 504, 506, 508 extending out from a perimeter 416 of the opening 330. For example, the push-through flaps 502, 504, 506, 508 may extend from the perimeter 416 of the opening 330 toward the subsection 328. Indeed, one or more of the push-through flaps 502, 504, 506, 508 may extend into the opening 402 of the subsection 326. The push-through flaps 502, 504, 506, 508 may initially extend out to substantially cover the opening 330 and may be subsequently pushed down to the positions shown, for example, in FIG. 5 to receive a light fixture therethrough from above in the orientation shown, for example, in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the push-through flaps 502, 504, 506, 508 may initially extend out to substantially cover the opening 330 and may be subsequently pushed down to the positions shown, for example, in FIG. 5 by a light fixture that extends through the opening 330 from above. The subsection 328 may include other push-through flaps including push-through flaps 512, 514, 516, 518 extending out from a perimeter of the opening 332.

[0055] In some alternative embodiments, the openings of the subsections 326, 328 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the push-through flaps of the subsections 326, 328 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, more or fewer than four push-through flaps may be at each opening of the subsections 326, 328 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the push-through flaps of the subsections 326, 328 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0056] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate different views of the segment 104 of the light fixture packaging container 100 of FIGS. 1 A and IB according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 A-2 and 7A-7C, in some example embodiments, the second segment 104 includes the first main panel 126, the second main panel 128, and the retention section 116. The second segment 104 may further include the access panel 118, the lateral side panels 112, 114, and an attachment panel 708. The access panel 118 may be connected to the first main panel 126 at the fold line 224 that is on the access end side 226 of the light fixture packaging container 100. The access panel 118 may extend from the first main panel 126 and may be folded inward (i.e., toward the first segment 102) at the fold line 224. For example, after light fixtures are placed in the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100, the access panel 118 may be folded at the fold line 224, and the attachment section 120 may be glued and / or stapled to the second main panel 108 of the first segment 102.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the lateral side panel 112 may extend out from the first main panel 126 and may be folded inward at a fold line 726 toward the second segment 104. For example, the lateral side panel 112 may be connected to the first main panel 126 at the fold line 726 that is on the second lateral side 124 of the light fixture packaging container 100. The lateral side panel 114 may extend out from the second main panel 128 and may be folded inward at a fold line 730 toward the first segment 102. For example, the lateral side panel 114 may be connected to the second main panel 128 at the fold line 730 that is on the second lateral side 124 of the light fixture packaging container 100.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the lateral side panel 112 may include attachment tabs 702, 704, and the lateral side panel 114 may include an attachment tab 706. The attachment tabs 702, 704, 706 may each be inserted in a respective attachment slot of the attachment slots 314, 316, 318 of the first segment 102 to retain the lateral side panels 112, 114 attached to the first segment 102 at the second lateral side 124 of the light fixture packaging container 100. To illustrate, the lateral side panel 112 may be folded at the fold line 726 and the attachment tabs 702, 704 may be inserted in the attachment slots 314, 316, respectively, of the first segment 102 to close off the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 at the second lateral side 124 of the light fixture packaging container 100 along the length of the first main panel 126. The lateral side panel 114 may be folded at the fold line 730 and the attachment tab 706 may be inserted in the attachment slot 318 of the first segment 102 to close off the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 at the second lateral side 124 of the light fixture packaging container 100 along the length of the second main panel 128.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the attachment panel 708 may extend out from the first main panel 126. For example, the attachment panel 708 may be connected to the first main panel 126 at a fold line 728 and may be folded inward (i.e., toward the first segment 102) at the fold line 728 to the position shown, for example, in FIG. 7 A. The attachment panel 708 may include attachment slots 710, 712, 714 that are each positioned to receive a respective one of the locking tabs 308, 310, 312 of extending out from the lateral side panels 130, 132 of the first segment 102. To illustrate, locking tabs 312, 310, 308 extending out from the lateral side panels 132, 130, respectively, of the first segment 102 may be inserted in the attachment slots 710, 712, 714, respectively, such that the lateral side panels 130, 132 close off the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 at the first lateral side 134 of the light fixture packaging container 100 along the length of the first main panel 126.

[0060] In some example embodiments, the retention section 116 of the second segment 104 includes subsections 716, 718. The subsection 716 may extend inward (i.e., toward the first segment 102) from the first main panel 126, and the subsection 718 may extend inward (i.e., toward the first segment 102) from the second main panel 128. The subsections 716, 718 may be connected to each other at a fold line 732 thereby forming a V- shaped cross-section of the retention section 116. To illustrate, the subsections 716, 718 are connected to each other at the fold line 732 and spaced from each other by the separation SI at the first main panel 126 and the second main panel 128. The size of the separation SI may be changed to change the height of the second segment 104. For example, the separation SI may be increased to form a wider V-shape than shown. As another example, the separation SI may be decreased to form a narrower V-shape than shown. To be clear, the separation SI may be decreased such that the subsections 716, 718 overlap each other essentially reducing the separation SI to zero.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the subsections 716, 718 may each include multiple openings that are each sized to receive a respective light fixture therethrough. For example, the subsection 718 may include openings 720, 722, 734, 736 as well as other openings, and the subsection 716 may include openings aligned with the openings of the subsection 718 to receive the light fixtures therethrough. In some alternative embodiments, the second segment 104 may include more or fewer attachment tabs than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the attachment tabs 702, 704, 706 may be at different locations and / or may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the second segment 104 may include more or fewer attachment slots than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the attachment slots 710, 712, 714 may be at different locations and / or may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the subsections 716, 718 of the retention section 116 may each include more or fewer openings than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In general, the relative sizes of the first main panel 126 and the second main panel 128 may be different than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up view of the retention section 116 of the second segment 104 shown in FIG. 7C according to an example embodiment, and FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate close-up views of portions of the retention section 116 shown in FIG. 8 according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 A-2, 7A-9C, in some example embodiments, the retention section 116 includes the subsections 716, 718. The subsection 716 may be connected to the first main panel 126 at a fold line 814 and may be folded inward (i.e., toward the first main panel 106 of the first segment 102) at the fold line 814 to the position shown, for example, in FIG. 2. The subsection 718 may be connected to the second main panel 128 at a fold line 812 and may be folded inward (i.e., toward the first main panel 106 of the first segment 102) at the fold line 418 to the position shown, for example, in FIG. 2. The subsections 716, 718 may be connected to each other at the fold line 732 distal from the first main panel 126 and the second main panel 128.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the length of the subsection 716 between the first main panel 126 (i.e., at the fold line 814) and the fold line 732 may be different from the length of the subsection 718 between the second main panel 128 (i.e., at the fold line 812) and the fold line 732. For example, the length of the subsection 716 may be more than the length of the subsection 718. Alternatively, the length of the subsection 716 may be less than the length of the subsection 718. In some alternative embodiments, the length of the subsection 716 and the length of the subsection 718 may be exactly or approximately equal to each other. In some example embodiments, the subsection 716 may include openings, such as openings 720, 722, 902, and the subsection 718 may include openings, such as openings 724, 810, 816, 818, 820. For example, each opening of the subsection 716 may be aligned with a corresponding opening of the subsection 718 such that a light fixture can extend through an opening of the subsection 716 and through an aligned / corresponding opening of the subsection 718. For example, the opening 720 of the subsection 716 may be aligned with the opening 724 of the subsection 718. As another example, the opening 722 of the subsection 716 may be aligned with the opening 810 of the subsection 718. As another example, the opening 902 of the subsection 716 may be aligned with the opening 816 of the subsection 718. As yet another example, the opening 734 of the subsection 716 may be aligned with the opening 818 of the subsection 718.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the openings of the subsection 716 may be separated from adjacent openings of the subsection 716 by respective separation sections of the subsection 716, and the openings of the subsection 718 may be separated from adjacent openings of the subsection 718 by respective separation sections of the subsection 718. For example, the opening 720 of the subsection 718 may be separated from the opening 722 of the subsection 718 by a separation section 908. As another example, the opening 722 may be separated from the opening 902 of the subsection 718 by a separation section 910. In general, the separation sections in the subsections 716, 718 may be wide enough to prevent light fixtures extending through adjacent openings of each one of the subsections 716, 718 from colliding with each other near the openings.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the subsection 716 may include push-through flaps that are located at perimeters of the openings of the subsection 716, and the subsection 718 may include push-through flaps that are located at perimeters of the openings of the subsection 718. In general, the push-through flaps may provide additional grip to restrain the movement of lighting fixtures that extend through the openings of the subsection 716, 718. For example, the subsection 716 may include push-through flaps 802, 804, 806, 808 extending out from a perimeter 904 of the opening 720. The push-through flaps 802, 804, 806, 808 may extend from the perimeter 904 of the opening 720 toward the subsection 718. To illustrate, the push-through flaps 802, 804, 806, 808 may initially extend out to substantially cover the opening 720 and may be subsequently pushed down to the positions shown, for example, in FIG. 8 to receive a light fixture therethrough from above in the orientation shown, for example, in FIG. 8. Alternatively, the push-through flaps 802, 804, 806, 808 may initially extend out to substantially cover the opening 720 and may be subsequently pushed down to the positions shown, for example, in FIG. 8 by a light fixture that extends through the opening 720 of the subsection 716 and the opening 724 of the subsection 718 from above. The subsection 716 may include other push-through flaps such as, for example, push-through flaps including a push-through flap 906 extending out from a perimeter 912 of the opening 722. The subsection 716 may include other push-through flaps such as, for example, push-through flaps including a push-through flap 914 extending out from a perimeter of the opening 902.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the subsection 718 may include push-through flaps 916, 918, 920, 922 extending out from a perimeter 938 of the opening 724. The subsection 718 may also include other push-through flaps such as, for example, push-through flaps 930, 932, 934, 936 extending out from a perimeter of the opening 810 and push-through flaps extending out from a perimeter of the opening 816.

[0067] In some alternative embodiments, the openings of the subsections 716, 718 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the push-through flaps of the subsections 716, 718 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, more or fewer than four push-through flaps may be at each opening of the subsections 716, 718 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the push-through flaps of the subsections 716, 718 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of a blank 1000 that can be used to make the segments 102, 104 of the light fixture packaging container of FIGS. 1 A and IB according to an example embodiment, and FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the blank 1000 shown in FIG. 10 according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the blank 1000 may be a flat blank made from cardboard. For example, the blank 1000 may be made from a corrugated cardboard.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 A-l 1, in some example embodiments, the blank 1000 may include a first main panel 1002, a second main panel 1004, a retention section 1006, an access panel 1008, lateral side panels 1010, 1012, and an attachment panel 1054. The first main panel 1002 may correspond to the first main panel 106 of the first segment 102 and to the first main panel 126 of the second segment 104. The second main panel 1004 may correspond to the second main panel 108 of the first segment 102 and to the second main panel 128 of the second segment 104. The retention section 1006 may correspond to the retention section 110 of the first segment 102 and to the retention section 116 of the second segment 104. The access panel 1008 may correspond to the access panel 202 of the first segment 102 and to the access panel 118 of the second segment 104. The lateral side panels 1010, 1012 may correspond to the lateral side panels 130, 132 of the first segment 102, respectively, and to the lateral side panels 112, 114, respectively, of the second segment 104. The attachment panel 1054 may correspond to the attachment panel 306 of the first segment 102 and to the attachment panel 708 of the second segment 104. To be clear, the folding directions (e.g., into the page and out of the page in reference to the plan view of FIG. 10) of different sections and panels of the blank 1000 may be different when making the first segment 102 from the blank 1000 and when making the second segment 104 from the blank 1000 as can be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

[0070] To illustrate, the retention section 1006 may be folded at a fold line 1044 with respect to the first main panel 1002 and at a fold line 1042 with respect to the second main panel 1004. For example, the fold line 1044 may correspond to the fold line 522 of the first main segment 102 and to the fold line 814 of the first main segment 104. The fold line 1042 may correspond to the fold line 418 of the first main segment 102 and to the fold line 812 of the first main segment 104. The retention section 1006 may also be folded at a fold line 1048 separating subsections 1014, 1016. The subsections 1014, 1016 may correspond to the subsections 326, 328, respectively, of the first segment 102 and to the subsections 716, 718, respectively, of the second segment 104. The subsections 1014, 1016 may be folded with respect to each other at a fold line 1048 corresponding to the fold line 338 of the first segment 102 and to the fold line 732 of the second segment 104.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the access panel 1008 may be folded at a fold line 1046 corresponding to the fold line 222 of the first segment 102 and to the fold line 224 of the second segment 104. The access panel 1008 may be folded at a fold line 1056, where a section 1058 on one side of the fold line 1056 corresponds to the attachment section 204 of the access panel 202 of the first segment 102 and to the attachment section 120 of the access panel 118 of the second segment 104. The access panel 1008 may also be folded at fold lines 1060, 1062, 1064 resulting in a separator section that corresponds to the separator section 218 of the access panel 202 of the first segment 102 and to the separator section 212 of the access panel 118 of the second segment 104. The access panel 1008 may also be folded at fold lines 1066, 1068, 1070 resulting in a separator section that corresponds to the separator section 220 of the access panel 202 of the first segment 102 and to the separator section 214 of the access panel 118 of the second segment 104. In some example embodiments, the lateral side panel 1010 may be folded at a fold line 1050, and the lateral side panel 1012 may be folded at a fold line 1052. The blank 1000 may include attachment tabs 1018, 1020 that extend out from the lateral side panel 1010. For example, the attachment tabs 1018, 1020 may correspond to the attachment tabs 308, 310, respectively, of the first segment 102 and to the attachment tabs 702, 704, respectively, of the second segment 104. The blank 1000 may also include an attachment tab 1022 that extends out from the lateral side panel 1012. For example, the attachment tab 1022 may correspond to the attachment tab 312 of the first segment 102 and to the attachment tab 706 of the second segment 104.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the attachment panel 1054 may be folded at a fold line 1072, and the blank 1000 may include attachment slots 1024, 1026, 1028 formed in the attachment panel 1054. For example, the attachment slots 1024, 1026, 1028 may correspond to the attachment slots 314, 316, 318, respectively, of the first segment 102 and to the attachment slots 714, 712, 710, respectively, of the second segment 104.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the blank 1000 may include push-through flaps in the subsection 1014 of the retention section 1006. For example, the subsection 1014 may include multiple push-through flaps, including push-through flaps 1030, 1032, 1034. The push-through flaps of the subsection 1014 may correspond to the push-through flaps of the subsections 326, 716. For example, the push-through flaps 1030 may correspond to the push-through flaps 404, 406, 408, 410 extending from the perimeter 414 of the opening 402 of the subsection 326 of the first segment 102. To illustrate, the push-through flaps 1030 may include individual push-through flaps 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118 that are each attached to a perimeter 1126 of a covered opening 1128 that is covered by the push-through flaps 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118. The push-through flaps 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118 may be separated from each other by slits 1120 and can be pushed out while remaining attached to the perimeter 1126 of the covered opening 1128. To illustrate, the push-through flaps 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118 may correspond to the push-through flaps 404, 406, 408, 410, respectively, at the opening 402 of the subsection 326 of the first segment 102 and to the push-through flaps 802, 804, 806, 808, respectively, at the opening 720 of the subsection 716 of the second segment 104.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the blank 1000 may include push-through flaps in the subsection 1016 of the retention section 1006. For example, the subsection 1016 may include multiple push-through flaps, including push-through flaps 1036, 1038, 1040. The push-through flaps of the subsection 1016 may correspond to the push-through flaps of the subsections 328, 718. For example, the push-through flaps 1036 may correspond to the push-through flaps 502, 504, 506, 508 extending from the perimeter 416 of the opening 330 of the subsection 328 of the first segment 102. To illustrate, the push-through flaps 1036 may include individual push-through flaps 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108 that are each attached to a perimeter 1122 of a covered opening 1124 that is covered by the push-through flaps 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108. The push-through flaps 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108 may be separated from each other by slits 1110 and can be pushed out while remaining attached to the perimeter 1122 of the covered opening 1124. To illustrate, the push-through flaps 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108 may correspond to the push-through flaps 502, 504, 506, 508, respectively, at the opening 330 of the subsection 328 of the first segment 102 and to the push-through flaps 916, 918, 920, 922, respectively, at the opening 724 of the subsection 718 of the second segment 104.

[0075] In some alternative embodiments, the blank 1000 may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the blank 1000 may include more or fewer fold lines than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the blank 1000 may include other sections / panels than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the blank 1000 may include more or fewer groups of push-through flaps and corresponding covered openings than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the more or fewer push-through flaps may be at each covered opening of the retention section 1006 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the push-through flaps of the retention section 1006 may have different shapes than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0076] FIG. 12 illustrates a light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly 1200 according to an example embodiment, and FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrates different views of the light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly 1200 of FIG. 12 according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 A-13B, in some example embodiments, the light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly 1200 includes the light fixture packaging container 100 and light fixtures placed in the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100. For example, light fixtures, including light fixtures 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, are contained in the light fixture packaging container 100. For example, the light fixtures contained in the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 may be linear light fixtures. A portion of the light fixtures contained in the light fixture packaging container 100 may be visible at the extension section 110 of the first segment 102 between the first main panel 106 and the second main panel 108, and another portion of the light fixtures may be visible at the extension section 116 of the second segment 104 between the first main panel 126 and the second main panel 128.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the access panel 118 may be left open (as shown in FIGS. 1 A, IB, and 12), and the light fixtures may be inserted into the cavity 122 of the light fixture packaging container 100 through the opening at the access end side 228 of the light fixture packaging container 100. After the light fixtures are placed in the cavity 122, the access panel 118 may be closed and glued, stapled, and / or otherwise securely attached to the second main panel 108. The light fixtures may be, for example, linear light fixtures that each extend through corresponding openings in the extension sections 110, 116.

[0078] To illustrate, FIG. 14 illustrates the light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly 1200 of FIGS. 13A and 13B with the second segment 104 of the light fixture packaging container 100 omitted for illustrate purposes according to an example embodiment, and FIG. 15 illustrates a close-up view of the light fixtures extending through openings in the retention section 110 of the first segment 102 shown in FIG. 14 according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1A-15, in some example embodiments, the light fixtures, such as the light fixtures 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, are positioned on a padding material 1402 that may be in the space 216 (more clearly shown in FIG. 2). The light fixture 1202 may extend through respective openings in the subsections 326, 328 of the retention section 110 proximal to the lateral side panels 130, 132 of the first segment 102.

[0079] In general, each one of the light fixtures, including the light fixtures 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, extend through respective openings in the subsections 326, 328. For example, the light fixture 1206 may extend through the opening 402 in the subsection 326 and through the opening 330 in the subsection 328 proximal to the attachment panel 306 of the first segment 102. The push-through flaps at the openings of the retention section 110 may provide additional grip to restrain movements of the light fixtures positioned extending through the openings. To illustrate, the push-through flaps, including the push-through flap 406 at the opening 402 of the subsection 326, may provide additional grip to restrain the movement of the light fixture 1206. The push-through flaps, including the push-through flap 504 at the opening 330 of the subsection 328, may provide additional grip to restrain the movement of the light fixture 1206. As another example, the light fixture 1208 may extend through the opening 510 (more clearly shown in FIG. 5) in the subsection 326 and through the opening 332 (more clearly shown in FIG. 3B) in the subsection 328. The other light fixtures packaged in the light fixture packaging container 100 may extend through respective openings in the subsections 326, 328 in the same manner as described with respect to the light fixtures 1206, 1208. As yet another example, the light fixture 1202 may extend through the opening 340 (more clearly shown in FIG. 3B) in the subsection 326 and through the opening 342 (more clearly shown in FIG. 3B) in the subsection 328. The other light fixtures packaged in the light fixture packaging container 100 may extend through respective openings in the subsections 326, 328 in the same manner as described with respect to the light fixtures 1202, 1206, 1208.

[0080] In some example embodiments, end portions of the light fixtures, such as the end cap 1502 of the light fixture 1206, at one end of the light fixtures may be positioned in the space 210 (more clearly shown in FIG. 2) of the access panel 118 when the access panel 118 is closed as shown, for example, in FIGS. 13A and 13B. For example, the end portions may be positioned against a padding material that may be placed in the space 210.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the light fixtures extending through respective openings in the subsections 326, 328 of the retention section 110 of the first segment 102 may extend through respective openings of the retention section 116 of the second segment 104. To illustrate, FIG. 16 illustrates the light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly 1200 of FIGS. 13A and 13B with the first segment 102 of the light fixture packaging container 100 omitted for illustrate purposes according to an example embodiment, and FIG. 17 illustrates a close-up view of light fixtures extending through openings in the retention section 116 of the second segment 104 shown in FIG. 16 according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 A- 17, in some example embodiments, each one of the light fixtures, including the light fixtures 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, extend through respective openings in the subsections 326, 328 and in the subsections 716, 718. For example, the light fixture 1206 may extend through the opening 402 in the subsection 326 and through the opening 330 in the subsection 328 of the retention section 110 as well as through the opening 734 in the subsection 716 and through the opening 818 in the subsection 718 of the retention section 116. As another example, the light fixture 1208 may extend through the opening 510 in the subsection 326 and through the opening 332 in the subsection 328 of the retention section 110 as well as through the opening 820 in the subsection 716 and through the opening 736 in the subsection 718 of the retention section 116. As yet another example, the light fixture 1202 may extend through the opening 340 in the subsection 326 and through the opening 342 in the subsection 328 of the retention section 110 as well as through the opening 720 in the subsection 716 and through the opening 724 in the subsection 718 of the retention section 116. The other light fixtures packaged in the light fixture packaging container 100 may extend through respective openings in the same manner as described with respect to the light fixtures 1202, 1206, 1208.

[0082] In some example embodiments, end portions of the light fixtures, such as the end cap 1702 of the light fixture 1202, at one end of the light fixtures may be positioned in the space 216 (more clearly shown in FIG. 2) of the access panel 202. For example, the end portions may be positioned against a padding material that may be placed in the space 216. When the access panel 118 is closed as shown, for example, in FIG. 16, end portions of the light fixtures, such as the end cap 1502 of the light fixture 1206, at one end of the light fixtures may be positioned in the space 210 (more clearly shown in FIG. 2) of the access panel 118.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the adjustability of the height H of the light fixture packaging container 100 may enable packaging light fixtures that may have slight variations in length resulting from, for example, manufacturing process and / or component variations. For example, FIG. 18 illustrates the light fixture packaging container 100 of FIGS. 1 A and IB adjusted to have a different height H than shown in FIGS. 1 A and IB according to an example embodiment. For example, in FIG. 18, the size of the separation S2 between the first main panel 106 and the second main panel 108 shown in FIG. 2 is effectively zero. In FIG. 18, the size of the separation SI between the first main panel 126 and the second main panel 128 shown in FIG. 1 A is also effectively zero.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 1A-18, using the light fixture packaging container 100, multiple light fixtures, such as linear light fixtures, can be packaged in the same container without the need for the separate packaging of individual light fixtures that requires subsequent packaging of the individually packaged light fixtures. Multiple light fixture packaging containers 100 may be stacked side by side and or on top of each other on a pallet for storage and / or transportation. In general, the use of the light fixture packaging container 100 may reduce the time and cost associated with packaging multiple light fixtures. The adjustability of the height H of the light fixture packaging container 100 may enable packaging light fixtures that may have slight variations in length resulting from, for example, manufacturing process and / or component variations. In general, the light fixture packaging container 100 may be designed to have dimensions that enable the light fixture packaging container 100 to be used for packaging a set of relatively small (e.g., short and / or narrow) light fixtures, a set of relatively large (e.g., long and / or wide), a set of light fixtures that have sizes therebetween, while accommodating slight variations in size within each set of light fixtures.

[0085] In some alternative embodiments, the light fixture packaging container 100 may be sized to support more or fewer light fixtures that may have different sizes than the size of the light fixtures shown, for example, in FIG. 14 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, different types of light fixtures than shown, for example, in FIG. 14 may be packaged in the light fixture packaging container 100 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0086] Although particular embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features, elements, and / or steps may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A light fixture packaging container (100), comprising: a first segment (102) comprising a first main panel (106) of the first segment, a second main panel (108) of the first segment, and a retention section (110) of the first segment, wherein the retention section of the first segment comprises first openings (330, 332, 340, 342, 402, 510) that are positioned to receive light fixtures (1202, 1204,1206, 1208) therethrough; and a second segment (104) comprising a first main panel (126) of the second segment, a second main panel (128) of the second segment, and a retention section (116) of the second segment, wherein the retention section (116) of the second segment comprises second openings (720, 724, 734, 736, 818, 820) that are positioned to receive the light fixtures therethrough, wherein the first segment (102) and the second segment (104) define a cavity (122) therebetween, wherein the retention section (110) of the first segment extends into the cavity toward the first main panel (126) of the second segment from the first main panel (106) of the first segment and from the second main panel (108) of the first segment, and wherein the retention section of the second segment extends into the cavity toward the first main panel (106) of the first segment from the first main panel (126) of the second segment and from the second main panel (128) of the second segment.

2. The light fixture packaging container of Claim 1, wherein the retention section (110) of the first segment comprises a first subsection (326) and a second subsection (328), wherein the first subsection (326) extends into the cavity (122) from the first main panel (106) of the first segment, wherein the second subsection (328) that extends into the cavity from the second main panel (108) of the first segment, wherein the retention section (116) of the second segment comprises a third subsection (716) and a fourth subsection (718), wherein the third subsection (716) extends into the cavity (122) from the first main panel (126) of the second segment, and wherein the fourth subsection (718) that extends into the cavity from the second main panel (128) of the second segment.

3. The light fixture packaging container of Claim 2, wherein the first subsection (326) and the second subsection (328) are connected to each other at a first fold line (338) such that a cross-section of the retention section of the first segment is V-shaped and wherein the third subsection (716) and the fourth subsection (718) are connected to each other at a second fold line (732) such that a cross-section of the retention section of the second segment is V-shaped.

4. The light fixture packaging container of Claim 3, wherein a length of the first subsection (326) from the first main panel (106) of the first segment to the first fold line (338) is different from a length of the second subsection from the second main panel of the first segment to the first fold line (338).

5. The light fixture packaging container of Claim 2, wherein the first subsection (326) comprises a first opening (340, 402) of the first openings, wherein the second subsection (328) comprises a second opening (342, 330) of the first openings, wherein the third subsection (716) comprises a first opening (720, 734) of the second openings, wherein the fourth subsection (718) comprises a second opening (724, 818) of the second openings, wherein the first opening (340, 402) of the first openings, the second opening (342, 330) of the first openings, the first opening (720, 734) of the second openings, and the second opening (724, 818) of the second openings are positioned to receive a light fixture (1204, 1206) of the light fixtures therethrough.

6. The light fixture packaging container of Claim 5, wherein the first subsection (326) comprises a third opening (510) of the first openings, wherein the second subsection (328) comprises a fourth opening (332) of the first openings, wherein the third subsection (716) comprises a third opening (736) of the second openings, wherein the fourth subsection (718) comprises a fourth opening (820) of the second openings, wherein the third opening (510) of the first openings, the fourth opening (332) of the first openings, the third opening (736) of the second openings, and the fourth opening (820) of the second openings are positioned to receive a second light fixture (1208) of the light fixtures therethrough.

7. The light fixture packaging container of Claim 5, wherein the first subsection (326) comprises first push-through flaps (404, 406, 408, 410, 604, 606, 608, 610) that extend out at perimeters of the first openings (402, 510) and wherein the second subsection (328)comprises second push-through flaps (502, 504, 506, 508, 512, 514, 516, 518) that extend out at perimeters of the second openings (330, 332).

8. The light fixture packaging container of Claim 1, wherein the first main panel (106) of the first segment, the second main panel (108) of the first segment, and the retention section (110) of the first segment together are made from a first single corrugated cardboard blank (1000) and the first main panel (126) of the second segment, the second main panel (128) of the second segment, and the retention section (116) of the second segment together are made from a second single corrugated cardboard blank (1000)9. The light fixture packaging container of Claim 8, wherein the first segment (102) further comprises a first access panel (202) that extends from the first main panel (106) of the first segment, wherein the first access panel (118) is moveable to close off the cavity at a first access end side of the light fixture packaging container, wherein the second segment (104) further comprises a second access panel (118) that extends from the first main panel (126) of the second segment, wherein the second access panel (118) is moveable to close off the cavity at a second access end side of the light fixture packaging container.

10. The light fixture packaging container of Claim 9, wherein the first segment (102) further comprises a first lateral side panel (130) and a second lateral side panel (132), wherein the first lateral side panel (130) extends from the first main panel (106) of the first segment, wherein the second lateral side panel (132) extends from the second main panel (108) of the first segment, wherein the first lateral side panel (130) and the second lateral side panel (132) are attachable to an attachment panel (708) extending from the first main panel (126) of the second segment to close off the cavity at a first side of the light fixture packaging container 100.

11. A light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly (1200), comprising: light fixtures (1202, 1204, 1126, 1128); and a light fixture packaging container (100) comprising: a first segment (102) comprising a first main panel (106) of the first segment, a second main panel (108) of the first segment, and a retention section (110) of the first segment, wherein the retention section (110) of the first segment comprises first openings(330, 332, 340, 342, 402, 510) and wherein the light fixtures (1202, 1204,1206, 1208) extend through the first openings; and a second segment (104) comprising a first main panel (126) of the second segment, a second main panel (128) of the second segment, and a retention section (116) of the second segment, wherein the retention section of the second segment comprises second openings (720, 724, 734, 736, 818, 820), wherein the light fixtures (1202, 1204,1206, 1208) extend through the second openings, wherein the first segment (102) and the second segment (104) define a cavity (122) therebetween, wherein the retention section (110) of the first segment extends into the cavity toward the first main panel (126) of the second segment from the first main panel (106) of the first segment and from the second main panel (108) of the first segment, and wherein the retention section of the second segment extends into the cavity toward the first main panel (106) of the first segment from the first main panel (126) of the second segment and from the second main panel (128) of the second segment.

12. The light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly of Claim 11, wherein the retention section (110) of the first segment comprises a first subsection (326) and a second subsection (328), wherein the first subsection (326) extends into the cavity (122) from the first main panel (106) of the first segment, wherein the second subsection (328) that extends into the cavity from the second main panel (108) of the first segment, wherein the retention section (116) of the second segment comprises a third subsection (716) and a fourth subsection (718), wherein the third subsection (716) extends into the cavity (122) from the first main panel (126) of the second segment, and wherein the fourth subsection (718) that extends into the cavity from the second main panel (128) of the second segment.

13. The light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly of Claim 12, wherein the first subsection (326) and the second subsection (328) are connected to each other at a first fold line (338) such that a cross-section of the retention section (110) of the first segment is V-shaped and wherein the third subsection (716) and the fourth subsection (718) are connected to each other at a second fold line (732) such that a cross-section of the retention section (116) of the second segment is V-shaped.

14. The light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly of Claim 12, wherein the first subsection (326) comprises a first opening (340, 402) of the first openings, wherein the second subsection (328) comprises a second opening (342, 330) of the firstopenings, wherein the third subsection (716) comprises a first opening (720, 734) of the second openings, wherein the fourth subsection (718) comprises a second opening (724, 818) of the second openings, wherein a light fixture (1204, 1206) of the light fixtures therethrough extends through the first opening (340, 402) of the first openings, the second opening (342, 330) of the first openings, the first opening (720, 734) of the second openings, and the second opening (724, 818) of the second openings.

15. The light fixture packaging container and light fixtures assembly of Claim 11, wherein the first main panel (106) of the first segment, the second main panel (108) of the first segment, and the retention section (110) of the first segment together are made from a first single corrugated cardboard blank (1000) and the first main panel (126) of the second segment, the second main panel (128) of the second segment, and the retention section (116) of the second segment together are made from a second single corrugated cardboard blank (1000).

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