Packaging system and method

Abstract

A method and system for packaging a plurality of bottles in an efficient, compact package that maximizes the useable space in the storage and shipping of materials, such as beverages. Each pair of bottles in the package may be arranged in a mated configuration to form a space-conserving block. A holding sleeve may be used to maintain the pair of bottles in the mated configuration, while securing the blocks of the package together. The blocks are arranged and maintained together in an outer housing (e.g., a box) in a manner substantially free of dead space.

1 . A system for packaging bottles, each bottle having a neck and a base having a groove, comprising: 
 at least two bottles having a geometry that allows the bottles to mate with each other, the geometry of each bottle being configured such that the groove of one bottle mates with the neck of a corresponding bottle when arranged in a mated configuration,    wherein the bottles in the mated configuration form a block having a plurality of substantially flat side surfaces.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of blocks arranged such that the substantially flat side surfaces of adjacent blocks are in flush contact with one another.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the mated configuration comprises arranging a pair of bottles in a reverse orientation.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the neck comprises at least one substantially flat side.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a holding sleeve including at least one holding sleeve segment configured to secure each pair of bottles in the mated configuration.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the holding sleeve includes a plurality of holding sleeve segments comprising: 
 an aperture configured to secure a neck of a first bottle of a block; and    a carved-out portion configured to secure a neck of a second bottle of the block.    
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the holding sleeve comprises a plurality of holding sleeve segments configured to maintain a plurality of blocks in a secure arrangement.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the plurality of holding sleeve segments is detachable.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a housing configured to enclose the plurality of bottles in the mated configuration.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the holding sleeve comprises at least one notch on its outer side surface, the at least one notch configured to fit into a corresponding hole in a side wall of the housing.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the housing is configured to enclose a plurality of horizontally-oriented blocks arranged in a vertical stack.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the housing comprises an access point configured to allow access to the blocks.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one bottle comprises a water bottle.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one bottle comprises a wine bottle.  
   
   
       15 . A method of packaging bottles, each bottle having a neck and a base having a groove, comprising the steps of: 
 disposing a first load of the bottles in a housing; and    arranging a second load of the bottles in a mated configuration with the first load of bottles such that the neck of each of the bottles mates with a groove of a corresponding bottle, wherein each pair of bottles in the mated configuration forms a block having a plurality of substantially flat surfaces.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the block comprises a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of arranging a plurality of blocks such that the substantially flat side surfaces of adjacent blocks are in flush contact with one another.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of mounting a holding sleeve over the first load of bottles such that each neck of the first load of bottles is secured by a corresponding aperture of the holding sleeve.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the neck of each bottle in the second load is secured by a corresponding carved-out portion of the holding sleeve.  
   
   
       20 . A system for packaging bottles, each bottle having a neck and a base having a groove, comprising: 
 at least two bottles having a geometry that allows the bottles to mate with each other, the geometry of each bottle being configured such that the groove of one bottle mates with the neck of a corresponding bottle when arranged in a mated configuration, wherein the bottles in the mated configuration form a block having a plurality of substantially flat side surfaces; and    a housing configured to store the block.