U.S. patent application number 13/447759 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-17 for packaging for stacks of imaging material.
The applicant listed for this patent is Arunkumar Madanagopal, Morad M Samii. Invention is credited to Arunkumar Madanagopal, Morad M Samii.
Application Number | 20130270128 13/447759 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49324112 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130270128 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Samii; Morad M ; et
al. |
October 17, 2013 |
PACKAGING FOR STACKS OF IMAGING MATERIAL
Abstract
Described herein is a package assembly for stacks of imaging
material. The packaging assembly comprises a master carton that
retains stacks of imaging material and a separation access band.
The separation access band separates the stacks from one another
within the master carton.
Inventors: |
Samii; Morad M; (La Jolla,
CA) ; Madanagopal; Arunkumar; (San Diego,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samii; Morad M
Madanagopal; Arunkumar |
La Jolla
San Diego |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49324112 |
Appl. No.: |
13/447759 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/215 ;
206/499; 206/585; 53/443; 53/458; 53/472 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 25/143 20130101;
B65B 5/10 20130101; B65B 61/207 20130101; B65D 85/62 20130101; B65D
57/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/215 ;
206/499; 206/585; 53/443; 53/458; 53/472 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/62 20060101
B65D085/62; B65B 5/08 20060101 B65B005/08; B65B 35/30 20060101
B65B035/30; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A packaging assembly, comprising: a master carton that retains a
plurality of stacks comprising imaging material; and a separation
access band having a first end and a second end that separates at
least one stack of the plurality of stacks from one another, the
separation access band comprising a plurality of folds forming a
plurality of pockets that separate the plurality of stacks within
the master carton.
2. The packaging assembly of claim 1, the first end of the
separation access band being connected to a first rigid surface of
the master carton and the second end of the separation access band
being connected to a second rigid surface of the master carton that
is substantially opposite to the first rigid surface.
3. The packaging assembly of claim 2, the first rigid surface
comprising a top portion of the master carton, the top portion
comprising at least one flap that rotationally hinges along a side
wall of the master carton and is connected to the first end of the
separation access band.
4. The packaging assembly of claim 2, the separation access band
comprising a protective film or corrugated paper that substantially
secures the plurality of stacks from vibration and shock, each
stack of the plurality of stacks comprising a plurality of sheet
substrate that comprises the imaging material.
5. The packaging assembly of claim 1, the separation access band
transversely extending across a top surface and a bottom surface of
the at least one stack of the plurality of stacks to form a zigzag
pattern within the master carton.
6. A master carton, comprising: a first rigid surface; a second
rigid surface substantially opposite to the first rigid surface; a
separation access band comprising a first end, a second end
opposite the first end, and a protection layer that separates
stacks of imaging material from one another between the first rigid
surface and the second rigid surface, the protection layer
comprising at least one fold that orients the separation access
band in a zigzag pattern to separate the stacks from one
another.
7. The master carton of claim 6, the first rigid surface comprising
a top surface having at least one flap with a rotational hinge
portion connected along a side wall of the master carton and that
is attached to the first end of the separation access band.
8. The master carton of claim 7, the second end of the separation
access band being attached to the second rigid surface that
comprises a bottom surface.
9. The master carton of claim 8, the protection layer comprises a
first fold that is proximate to the first end and a second fold
that is proximate to the second end of the separation access band,
the first fold and the second fold being located on a same side of
the master carton as the first wall.
10. The master carton of claim 1, the at least one fold of the
protection layer forming a plurality of pockets that separate the
stacks from one another within the master carton, the protection
layer comprising a continuous sheet of film material or corrugated
paper that transversely extends along a top surface and a bottom
surface of the stacks.
11. A method for manufacturing a packaging assembly, comprising:
positioning, by a packaging assembly device operated by at least
one processor to execute instructions stored in a memory, a stack
of a plurality of stacks of imaging media with a separation access
band; positioning an additional stack of imaging media above the
stack of imaging media; and traversing the separation access band
across a top surface and a bottom surface of the stack of imaging
media and the additional stack of imaging media respectively.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: erecting a master
carton comprising a top rigid surface around the plurality of
stacks of imaging media; and attaching a first end of the
separation access band to the top rigid surface and attaching a
second end of the separation access band to a bottom rigid surface
of the master carton.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: forming a plurality
of folds along the separation access band to further form pockets
that separate and secure the plurality of stacks of imaging media
from one another.
14. The method of claim 11, the positioning the stack of imaging
media comprising positioning the stack of imaging media in a first
direction, and the positioning the additional stack of imaging
media comprises positioning the additional stack of imaging media
in a second direction that substantially opposes the first
direction.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: attaching a first
end of the separation access band to a flap of the top rigid
surface that provides access to and provides a top closure to the
master carton; and generating a fold at the first end attached to
the flap that enables the separation access band that traverses a
top surface of the plurality of stacks to partially lift in
response to the flap being opened.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Imaging systems use print media for receiving ink droplets
or toner particles to create a printed image. The print media
includes stacks of sheet substrate or continuous print web media
that are cut, packaged and distributed for use according to
specific standards. The packaging used to transport large
quantities of cut-sheet print media for printing can generate a
great amount of packaging material waste. During shipping, the
packaging secures the print media from being damaged, and further
enables handling and loading upon arrival at a destination.
[0002] Sheet substrates, such as white sheets of paper, composite
materials, or film substrates, are commonly cut in A/A4-sized
photocopy or other custom formats, and then, transported in boxes,
in which each box contains five to ten paper bundles or reams. The
reams are further wrapped in individual paper wrappings and/or
films, which are known as ream wraps. Each ream package can
contain, for example, 500 A/A4-sized sheets or other custom sized
sheets. However, one of the difficulties with ream packaging is the
relatively large amounts of paper, composite, film, or media used
to transport sheet substrate to desktop printers, faxes and
photocopiers. In addition, access to the ream packages is not very
efficient when multiple ream packages are being removed and being
disposed of.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that manufactures a
packaging assembly in accordance with various aspects of
embodiments disclosed.
[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates an example packaging assembly in
accordance with various aspects of embodiments disclosed.
[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates an example packaging assembly in
accordance with various aspects of embodiments disclosed.
[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a ream wrapped stack of
imaging media in accordance with prior art.
[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of an example packaging assembly
in accordance with various embodiments disclosed.
[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a flow diagram showing an
example of a non-limiting embodiment for manufacturing a packaging
assembly in accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0009] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a flow diagram showing
an example of a non-limiting embodiment for manufacturing a
packaging assembly in accordance with various aspects described
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] One or more implementations of the present disclosure are
described with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like
reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.
Packaging helps to keep stacks integral and aid in separating a
convenient amount of imaging media. For example, moisture, dust,
vibration, or shock could be detrimental to the stacks of imaging
media, and impede subsequent use of the material for a
customer.
[0011] Imaging media, such as sheets of paper, composite or
translucent film, for example, allow for transferring ink jet
droplets or toner particles to create, copy, or recreate a
multitude of various images (e.g., textual images, graphic images,
captured images such as photo images, symbols, etc.). The volume of
imaging media used throughout the world is large enough that some
international standard bodies have created recommendations for
units to be used in packaging for shipment and transportation of
the imaging media. For example, one ream is considered equal to 20
quires, which, in turn, is equal to 500 sheets of paper. Because of
certain standards, recommendations, as well as the hazards
mentioned, the dimensions of stacks of imaging media have
influenced the design of the cartons carrying the stacks. The
master cartons, for example, can tightly package the stacks of
imaging media. Each stack can include multiple sheets of paper
(e.g., 500 sheets or some other number of sheets). For users that
only load a few stacks at a time into printer systems or printer
trays, the tight packaging is not as burdensome to entities that
can load larger amounts and the amount of ream wrap material left
over from each stack is not as large. Therefore, an efficient
packaging assembly is desirable that enables ease in accessing the
stacks of imaging media or imaging material, while also reducing
waste generated from transporting the imaging media from
origination to a consumption and use destination point.
[0012] Aspects of examples for some embodiments discussed below
relate to packaging assemblies, master cartons and manufacturing
packaging assemblies. For example, a packaging assembly includes a
master carton that secures stacks of imaging media, such as sheet
substrate, composite, translucent substrate, and/or other similar
imaging material that allows for printing on the surfaces. A
separation access band provides a single layer of a pre-printed
easy separation and access band (e.g., a separation access band)
that separates the stacks of imaging media from one another and
further offers protection from hazards (e.g., vibration,
disorientation, etc.) during transport and storage at a
destination.
[0013] Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is an example of a high
level block diagram of a system 100 that manufactures a packaging
assembly in accordance with various embodiments that are disclosed.
In one example configuration, the system 100 comprises a computing
and control device 102 to implement assembly of a packaging
assembly controls. The computing and control device 102 includes at
least one processing unit 104 and memory 106. Example computing
devices include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server
computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,
consumer electronics, mini computers, mainframe computers,
distributed computing environments that include any of the above
systems or devices, and the like. A memory 106 can be volatile
(e.g., RAM), non-volatile (e.g., ROM, flash memory, etc.) or some
combination of the two. This configuration is illustrated as an
example by dashed line 108.
[0014] The computing and control device 102 can include additional
features and/or functionality. For example, device 102 can also
include additional storage 110 (e.g., removable and/or
non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic storage,
optical storage, and the like. Computer readable instructions to
implement manufacture of packaging assemblies including a master
carton and separation access band for stacks of imaging media can
be stored in storage 110. Storage 110 can also store other computer
readable instructions to implement an operating system, an
application program, and the like. Computer readable instructions
can be loaded in memory 106 for execution by processing unit 104,
for example.
[0015] The term "computer readable media" as used herein includes
non-transitory computer readable storage media and communication
media. Computer readable storage media includes volatile and
nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any
method or technology for storage of information such as computer
readable instructions or other data. Memory 106 and storage 110 are
examples of computer readable storage media. Computer readable
storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile
Disks (DVDs) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic
tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or
any other medium, which can be used to store the desired
information and can be accessed by the computing and control device
102. Any such computer readable storage media can be part of
computing and control device 102.
[0016] Device 102 can also include communication component(s) 116
that allows computing and control device 102 to communicate with
other devices, such as a ream packaging assembly device or a
sheeter device 120 for manufacturing a package assembly 130 with a
PLC or assembly language. Communication component(s) 116 can
include, but is not limited to, a modem, a Network Interface Card
(NIC), an integrated network interface, a radio frequency
transmitter/receiver, an infrared port, a USB connection, or other
interfaces for connecting computing and control device 102 to other
computing devices and controllers. Communication component(s) 116
can include a wired connection or a wireless connection.
Communication component (s) 116 can transmit and/or receive
communication data and media.
[0017] Computing and control device 102 can include input device(s)
112 such as keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input
device, infrared cameras, video input devices, and/or any other
input device. Output device(s) 114 such as one or more displays,
speakers, printers, and/or any other output device can also be
included with computing and control device 102.
[0018] Storage devices utilized to store computer readable
instructions can be distributed across a network. For example, the
packaging assembly device 120 accessible via a network, a wired
connection, or a wireless connection can store computer readable
instructions to implement manufacture of a package assembly 130.
The assembly device 120 can access computing and control device 102
and download a part or all of the computer readable instructions
for execution of methods, which are discussed in further detail
infra.
[0019] In one example of an embodiment, the ream packaging assembly
device 120 is coupled to an assembly out-feed 122 that carries a
discharge ream stream 124 from the sheeter device 120 having
multiple stacks of imaging media, such with stacks of sheets of
substrate. A diverter actuator 128 diverts each stack, such as a
diverted stack 126 downstream until the diverted stack 126 reaches
a separator 132. The separator 132 separates even and odd stacks of
imaging media into two different directions, such as with an arm or
a platen (not shown). For example, a first stack of imaging media
134 is separated into an even direction and a second stack of
imaging media is separated into an odd direction. An odd stack of
imaging media 142 is then translated into the packaging assembly
130 by the odd actuator 138, while an even stack of imaging media
144 is translated into the packaging assembly 130.
[0020] The packaging assembly 130 represents the final product of
the system 100 where stacks of imaging material produced by the
sheeter device 120 are positioned alongside (e.g., above and below)
one another to form a plurality of stacks (e.g., five stacks, ten
stacks, etc.). The plurality of stack of imaging material are
secured with a separation access band (not shown), which is further
discussed below. After the stacking process is complete, a
packaging controller 150 controls the erection of a master carton
(e.g., a corrugated cardboard or other rigid barrier material)
around the plurality of stacks to generate a final product or
master packaging assembly that is ready for shipping and/or
distribution, after palletization.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the packaging assembly 130
in accordance with aspects of various embodiments disclosed. The
packaging assembly 130 includes a master carton 202, a separation
access band 204 and stacks 206 (e.g., reams) of a plurality of
stacks 208 comprising imaging media. The packaging assembly is
illustrated from a three dimensional perspective viewed from a
frontal view 210 of the master carton 202 without a front side as
designated by a dashed perimeter line 212 indicating where a front
side of the master carton 202 is located.
[0022] Imaging media can include printable sheet substrates of
paper and/or film for receiving images generated by the transfer of
toner, ink or other image forming substance. The stacks 206 of the
plurality of stacks 208 include imaging media. The master carton
202 comprises various rigid surfaces forming a container structure
that supports the plurality of stacks 208 of imaging media. For
example, the master carton 202 includes a first rigid compound
surface 214 and a second rigid surface 216. FIG. 2 illustrates the
first rigid surface 214 and the second rigid surface as
respectively comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, in
which the bottom surface provides structural support underneath the
bottom surfaces of the plurality of stacks 208, such as for
transport. Additionally, the first rigid surface 214 and the second
rigid surface 216 can comprise side surfaces, such as a left side
and right side of the master carton 202, front and back surfaces
(not shown).
[0023] Although the master carton 202 is illustrated as a cube or
box shape as an example, other geometries are also envisioned that
are not exactly a cube or box, such as rectangular and other shapes
that can retain the plurality of stacks 208. The first rigid
surface 214 and the second rigid surface are substantially opposite
to one another. For example, in a closed state where the master
carton 202 is not opened on any side the first rigid surface 214
faces substantially opposite to the second rigid surface. The first
rigid surface 214 and the second rigid surface 216 are rigid enough
to structurally support the plurality of stacks 208 within the
master carton 202.
[0024] Rigid is a relative term as used herein that can include
semi-rigidness (i.e., not devoid of flexibility), and is meant to
define a stiff surface, a stiff plane and/or a stiff area of the
master carton 202, in which can or cannot be devoid of all
flexibility. For example, the first rigid surface 214, the second
rigid surface 216 and/or the master carton 202 can be rigid to
provide structure with materials such as paper, cardboard,
corrugated cardboard or other materials having polymers, in which
each can be rigid by being completely rigid or semi-rigid with
flexibility enough to not break under a pressure or a weight. The
master carton 202 further includes a first side wall 218 on the
right side and a second side wall 220 on the left side, which can
also be rigid to structurally support the master carton 202.
[0025] The packaging assembly 130 further includes the separation
access band 204 that separates the stacks 206 from one another. For
example, the stacks 206 are divided by the separation access band
204 so that the stacks 206 can comprise a predetermined number of
sheet substrates as imaging material (e.g., 500 sheets, 480 sheets
or some other required number of sheets), in which the stacks are
at least partially distinguished from one another by the separation
access band 204. In one example, the separation access band 204
secures the different stacks to separate and secure the stacks
together. The separation access band 204 can span at least the
width of each stack and/or be a band of material that is smaller
than the width of each stack of imaging material. The separation
access band further comprises a pre-printed band that provides easy
access to each stack of imaging media in the plurality of stacks
208.
[0026] The separation access band 204 at least partially extends
transversely across a top and bottom surface of at least one stack
of the plurality of stacks 208. For example, the separation access
band 204 can form a pocket 222 for respective stacks of imaging
material. The pocket 222 can extend over the entire top and bottom
surface of at least one stack or partially extend over the top and
bottom surfaces of at least one stack 206 of the plurality of
stacks 208.
[0027] In one example of an embodiment, the pockets 222 of the
separation access band 204 are formed with folds, such as a fold
224. The folds 224 can be formed at various angles, which can be
uniform throughout the folds 224 of the separation access band 204,
can be a diversity of different angles throughout the band 204, or
have no sharp angles (e.g., without crease or fold) to form the
pockets with a continuous smooth layer. For example, although each
fold 224 of the separation access band 204 is illustrated at a
perpendicular or ninety-degree angle, other angles are also
envisioned that can form the pockets 222, in which each pocket of
the separation access band 204 securely retains each stack 206
within the master carton 202.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example of
aspects of packaging assembly 130 in accordance with various
embodiments disclosed. The master carton 202 of the packaging
assembly 130 includes at least one flap 302 that is illustrated in
a partially open position and forms a top rigid surface of the
master carton 202.
[0029] In one example, the separation access band 204 wraps around
the top and bottom surfaces of the stacks 206 of imaging media in a
zigzag pattern 308. For example, the separation access band 204 at
least partially ribbons across a top surface 306 and a bottom
surface 304 of each stack 206. The separation access band 204 thus
secures each stack of image media from vibration and shock during
loading, delivery and storage before being used for printing. In
addition, the separation access band 204 reduces the amount of
material (e.g., paper) used for securing the plurality of stacks
208 in the master carton 202 because ream wrap is no longer needed.
In addition, the packaging assembly 130 manufacturing processes
inherently increase the process throughput, in speed since excess
packaging is substantially eliminated. Although five stacks 206 of
imaging media are illustrated, more or less stacks of imaging media
can be within the master carton 202 and wrapped with the separation
access band 204.
[0030] In another example of an embodiment, the separation access
band 204 has a first end 310 and a second end 312. The second end
312 attaches at the bottom of the master carton at the second rigid
surface 216. The separation access band 204 also attaches at the
top surface of the master carton with the first end 310 at the flap
302. For example, the first end 310 and the second end 312 are
attached by an adhesive material, such as a mechanical or chemical
adhesive (e.g., glue, tape, etc.), at an endpoint or at an end
portion, in which the first end 310 and the second end 312
respectively comprise a lifting mechanism for the stacks.
[0031] In one embodiment, the first end 310 of the separation
access band 204 is removable so that at delivery destination or at
a time of use the first end 310 can be pulled off to expose a top
stack 314 of imaging media. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates the
flap 302 in an open position, which is different from FIG. 2 where
the top rigid surface 214 is in a closed position without exposing
the flap 302. When the flap 302 is opened and at least partially in
an open position the first end 310 is also exposed.
[0032] Additionally, in another embodiment, for example, the first
end 316 is attached to the flap 302 so that a top portion 316 of
the separation access band 204 is at least partially lifted up. The
lifted up top portion 316 thus is not substantially parallel to the
plurality of stacks 208, which enables a user to grab hold of the
separation access band 204 to separate the first end 310 from the
flap 302. The flap 302 includes a rotational hinge portion 318 that
allows the flap to open and close by rotationally hinging around
the side wall 218, for example.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a ream package wrap assembly 400 of prior
art for comparison to aspects of embodiments illustrated in FIG. 5
below. The ream package wrap assembly 400 has a ream wrap 402 that
encases a stack of sheet paper (not shown) inside the ream wrap
402.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of example embodiments of
packaging assembly 130 with the plurality of stacks 208 of imaging
media and the separation access band 204 that surrounds the stacks
of the plurality of stacks 208 in a zigzag pattern. The separation
access band 204 comprises a composite, paper or a film material
that retains and secures the plurality of stacks 208 within a
master carton (not shown).
[0035] Instead of using ream package wrap to secure the stacks of
imaging media, the separation access band secures, separates and
divides the stacks 206 from one another. Consequently, the use of
packaging material is reduced, and the time for packaging and
shipping stacks of imaging media is shortened. Furthermore, the
separation access band 204 allows the user to lift the stack 206
for convenient access.
[0036] FIG. 5 further illustrates manufacturing acts according to
various embodiments disclosed herein. The packaging assembly 130
includes stacks of imaging media (e.g., sheet substrate) in the
plurality of stacks 208 that comprise no ream wrap compared to FIG.
4. The separation access band 204 secures the stacks of imaging
material and protects from possible vibration damage, and the ream
wrap packaging waste can be eliminated.
[0037] At least one stack of the plurality of stacks 208 is
positioned in a first direction 502 and at least one other stack in
a second direction 504, such as with packaging assembly device. For
example, a bottom stack 506 is positioned in the first direction
502 over the separation access band 204. The bottom stack 506 is
then decremented in height, such as with a lowering table (not
shown). A second stack 508 is positioned in the second direction
504 that is approximately opposite with respect to the first
direction 502. A third stack 510 is then moved in the first
direction 502, a fourth stack is moved in the second direction 504
and a fifth stack 514 is moved in the first direction 502. With
each positioning of the stacks located above the bottom stack 506,
the separation access band 204 is moved across the top of the lower
stack and traverses the bottom of the stack being positioned. For
example, the second stack 508 is used to move the separation access
band 204 across a top surface 520 while the second stack 508 is
being positioned from the second direction 504. Additionally, as
the second stack 508 is positioned, the separation access band 204
is traversed across the top surface 520 and a bottom surface 522 of
the second stack 508. The process continues similarly until the
third stack 510, the fourth stack 512 and the fifth stack 514 are
in position and the separation access band 204 is configured in a
zigzag pattern that secures the stacks from vibration damage or
disorientation.
[0038] As stated above, embodiments of the present disclosure are
not limited to five stacks of imaging material and other numbers of
a plurality of stack of imaging material or imaging media are also
envisioned (e.g., more than five or less than five in number).
[0039] In another example of embodiments disclosed, the separation
access band 204 is approximately symmetrical on a bottom half 516
and a top half 518. For example, the separation access band 204 has
the first end 310 and the second end 312 that respectively attach
proximate to the same side wall of the master carton. Therefore,
for each package assembly 130 that is manufactured some package
assemblies can have both ends of the separation access band 204
proximate to the one side while other packaging assemblies can have
both ends of the separation access band 204 attached proximately to
another side.
[0040] The separation access band 204 includes a first fold 524
that is proximately located to the first end 310 and a second fold
526 that is proximate to the second end 312. The first fold 524 and
the second fold 526 in another example are located on a same side
(e.g., the first wall 218 of the master carton 202 of FIG. 3), such
that the bottom half 516 and the top half 518 of the separation
access band can be approximately symmetrical. Alternatively, the
first end 310 and the second end 312 are not symmetrical and either
end or end portion of the separation access band 204 can be
attached to the master carton 202 proximate to opposite side
flaps.
[0041] While the methods described within this disclosure are
illustrated in and described herein as a series of acts or events,
it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts
or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. For
example, some acts can occur in different orders and/or
concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated
and/or described herein.
[0042] An example methodology 600 for implementing a method for
manufacturing a packaging assembly is illustrated in FIG. 6. At
602, a packaging assembly device operated by at least one processor
to execute instructions stored in a memory positions a stack of a
plurality of stacks of imaging media with a separation access band.
For example, a first or bottom stack of imaging media (e.g., sheets
of substrate, paper, etc.) is positioned with the separation access
band so that the first stack has the separation access band
traverse across a bottom of the stack.
[0043] At 604, an additional stack of imaging media is positioned
above the stack of imaging media. At 606, the separation access
band is traversed across a top surface and a bottom surface of the
stack of imaging media and the additional stack of imaging media
respectively. For example, while the additional stack is positioned
on top of or above the stack underneath, the additional stack is
rigid enough to also concurrently traverse the separation access
band 204 over the top surface of the first stack and the bottom
surface of the additional or second stack of imaging material.
Therefore, the separation access band zigzags around the bottoms
and tops of each stack of imaging material to secure the stacks in
place and protect from shock and vibration within a master
carton.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates aspects of examples of further
embodiments of a method for manufacturing a packaging assembly
disclosed herein. At 702, a stack of imaging media is positioned
with a separation access band (e.g., a film, corrugated paper,
ribbon, and other flexible materials) for securing a plurality of
stacks of imaging medium. At 704, an additional stack of imaging
media is positioned above the first stack of imaging media. At 706,
the separation access band is traversed across a bottom surface of
the additional stack of imaging media. At 708, a decision is made
whether the stack is complete. If the answer is negative (e.g.,
no), then the method 700 flows to 704 and an additional stack of
imaging media is position above the first stack of imaging media.
Any number of stacks of imaging media is thus able to be positioned
above the first stack at the bottom of a plurality of stacks. The
method 700 flows again to 706 where the separation access band is
traversed across a bottom surface of the additional stack of
imaging material, which forms a zigzag pattern among the plurality
of stacks.
[0045] If the answer to the decision at 708 is positive (e.g.,
yes), then a master carton is erected around the plurality of
stacks of imaging media. The master carton includes a top rigid
surface and a bottom rigid surface, in which the first stack is
placed on top with the separation access band. At 712, a first end
of the separation access band is attached to the top rigid surface.
Further, a second end of the separation access band can be attached
to a bottom rigid surface of the master carton.
[0046] In one example of an embodiment, a plurality of folds are
formed along the separation access band to further form pockets
that separate and secure the plurality of stacks of imaging media
from one another. In another embodiment, positioning the stack of
imaging media comprises positioning the stack of imaging media in a
first direction, and positioning the additional stack of imaging
media comprises positioning the additional stack of imaging media
in a second direction that substantially opposes the first
direction. For example, each stack of imaging material is
positioned in a different direction than the stack beneath so that
the stacks are used to move the separation access band in a zigzag
fashion that ribbons across the surfaces of each stack and secures
the plurality of stacks of imaging medium tightly.
[0047] In another embodiment, a first end of the separation access
band is attached to a flap of the top rigid surface that provides
access to the master carton. The top surface of the master carton
can have one or more flaps, which form a top closure or top opening
to the master carton. In one example, a fold is generated at the
first end attached to the flap that enables the separation access
band that traverses a top surface of the plurality of stacks to
partially lift in response to the flap being opened. A person is
thus able to pull the top portion of the separation access band or
peal it off the flap to reveal the top stack of imaging media.
[0048] Many variations and modifications can be made to the
above-described examples. All such modifications and variations are
intended to be included herein within the scope of the disclosure
and protected by the following claims. It will be noted that the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
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