Support structure for delivery container

Abstract

Delivering items to users by a delivery organization, or for transporting items purchased at a merchant location, comprises a delivery container assembly. The delivery container assembly is utilized to deliver non-standard items that are not suitable for a standard paper bag. The delivery container assembly includes an outer paper bag. The paper bag may optionally include integrated handles for transporting the delivery container assembly. A rigid support structure is placed inside the bag to support the bag, prevent rupturing of the bag, prevent overturning of the bag, and/or to keep the bag in an open position. The support structure may be composed of a rigid cardboard or other stiff, yet pliable, material. In certain examples, the bag and the support structure may be composed of one or more recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard, cellulose, or other suitable materials.

1 . A container assembly to contain items, comprising:
 a bag comprising a bag bottom surface and four bag side walls, the bag being constructed of pliable material; and   a structural support comprising a structural support bottom surface and four structural support side walls, the structural support being constructed of a material that is more rigid than the pliable material of the bag,   wherein the structural support is positioned inside the bag such that an exterior of the structural support bottom surface is in contact with an interior of the bag bottom surface, and   wherein the structural support sidewalls are one-third to one-half as tall as the bag sidewalls.   
     
     
         2 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising handles integrated with the bag for transporting the bag. 
     
     
         3 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is opened substantially to the maximum volume of the bag by the structural support. 
     
     
         4 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the structural support is constructed of corrugated cardboard. 
     
     
         5 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the structural support is constructed of a water-resistant material. 
     
     
         6 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the structural support is placed into the bag before items are placed in the bag. 
     
     
         7 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein an open top of the bag is sealed closed after the items are added to the bag. 
     
     
         8 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is constructed of a plastic material. 
     
     
         9 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the structural support comprises a waterproof liner inside a perimeter of the structural support. 
     
     
         10 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the structural support is adhered to an inside surface of the bag. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the structural support is a five-sided box without a top section. 
     
     
         13 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cardboard of which the structural support is constructed is selected to be capable of transporting non-standard items. 
     
     
         14 . The container assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the non-standard items comprise items that are one or more of heavier than a standard item or sharper than a standard item. 
     
     
         15 . The container assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the non-standard items comprise items that are prone to rolling. 
     
     
         16 . The container assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the four structural support side walls are in contact with the four bag side walls. 
     
     
         17 . A method to assemble and pack a delivery container, comprising:
 receiving one or more items that do not pack well in a paper bag;   selecting an appropriately sized delivery bag forming a bottom surface and four sidewalls;   selecting a structural support comprising a structural support bottom surface and four structural support side walls that is constructed of a rigid material capable of transporting the one or more items, wherein the structural support side walls are one-third to one-half as tall as the delivery bag sidewalls,   positioning the structural support inside the delivery bag, the structural support being positioned such that the structural support bottom surface is in contact with the delivery bag bottom surface; and   depositing the one or more of items in the delivery bag for transportation.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising sealing the bag after the one or more items are placed into the delivery bag. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the delivery bag is opened substantially to the maximum volume of the delivery bag by the structural support. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the structural support is constructed of corrugated cardboard. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the corrugated cardboard of which the structural support is constructed is selected to be capable of transporting non-standard items.