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Title:
PRODUCT PACKAGING WITH COLLAPSIBLE PROTECTIVE LID
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2006/130468
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
A product packaging system (10) is provided including a receptacle (14) having an opening (20) to a compartment (22) and a collapsible cover (18) that may be configured to enclose product components (100) within the receptacle. In some embodiments, the collapsible cover takes the form of a folded panel configured to extend across one or more compartments of the receptacle.

Inventors:
MARKS MICHELLE (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2006/020451
Publication Date:
December 07, 2006
Filing Date:
May 24, 2006
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
MATTEL INC (US)
MARKS MICHELLE (US)
International Classes:
B65D43/14
Domestic Patent References:
WO2003094823A1
Foreign References:
GB437438A
US1364277A
US2023242A
US2167691A
EP0056755A1
US6244439B1
US4441625A
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PAUL, Phaedra, E. (P.C. 200 Pacific Building, 520 S.W. Yamhill Stree, Portland OR, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:

I CLAIM:

1. A packaging system comprising:

a receptacle having at least one opening to a compartment; and

a collapsible panel coupled to the receptacle at a first location and adapted to

move between an open configuration, in which the panel is collapsed substantially

adjacent the first location, and a closed configuration, in which the panel is extended

across the at least one opening and removably coupled to the receptacle at a second

location.

2. The packaging system of claim I 5 wherein the receptacle includes multiple

compartments each having an opening.

3. The packaging system of claim 2, wherein the openings are located on one side

of the receptacle.

4. The packaging system of claim 2, further comprising multiple collapsible

panels adapted to extend across the openings to the multiple compartments.

5. The packaging system of claim 2, wherein the collapsible panel is adapted to

incrementally extend across the multiple openings.

6. The packaging system of claim 2, wherein the multiple compartments are

separated by one or more removable inserts.

7. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes a drawer.

8. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a fastening mechanism

adapted to removably couple the collapsible panel to the receptacle at the second

location.

9. The packaging system of claim I 5 wherein the collapsible panel is configured

to fold.

10. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the collapsible panel is biased to the

open configuration.

11. The packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a disposable cover

adapted to enclose the receptacle and the panel.

12. A packaging system comprising:

a receptacle having at least one compartment with an opening; and

a multi-segmented panel coupled to the receptacle at a first side and adapted to

move between an open configuration in which the opening is accessible and the panel

is folded and a closed configuration in which the panel is extended across the opening

and removably coupled to the receptacle at a second side.

13. The packaging system of claim 12, further comprising a fastening mechanism

adapted to removably couple the panel to the receptacle at the second side.

14. The packaging system of claim 13, wherein the fastening mechanism includes a

hook-and-loop closure.

15. The packaging system of claim 12, further comprising a handle coupled to the

receptacle.

16. The packaging system of claim 12, wherein the panel is integrally formed with

a portion of the receptacle.

17. A packaging system comprising:

a box with an opening;

a Hd integrally formed with a first portion of the box and having multiple

segments, the lid being adapted to extend across the opening and removably couple to

a second portion of the box; and

a disposable cover adapted to enclose the box and the lid.

18. The packaging system of claim 17, further comprising a fastening mechanism

adapted to removably couple the lid to the box along the second portion.

19. The packaging system of claim 17, wherein the lid is creased between the

multiple segments and the segments are configured to fold against one another in

alternating directions.

20. The packaging system of claim 17, wherein the lid is adapted to incrementally

extend across the opening.

21. A product system comprising:

a toy; and

a packaging system configured to receive the toy and including:

a box with an opening;

a lid integrally formed with a first portion of the box and having

multiple segments, the lid being adapted to extend across the opening and

removably couple to a second portion of the box; and

a disposable cover adapted to enclose the box and the lid.

22. A method of converting a receptacle to a storage container comprising:

providing a receptacle having at least one compartment with an opening;

providing a multi- segmented panel; and

coupling the panel to the receptacle at a first side such that the panel is adapted

to move between an open configuration in which the opening is accessible and the

panel is folded and a closed configuration in which the panel is extended across the

opening and removably coupled to the receptacle at a second side.

23. A packaging system comprising:

a means for storing a product having at least one opening to a product

compartment; and

a means for enclosing the product compartment coupled to the means for

storing and adapted to move between an open configuration, in which the product

compartment is accessible, and a closed configuration, in which the product

compartment is not accessible.

Description:

PRODUCT PACKAGING WITH COLLAPSIBLE PROTECTIVE LID

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S.

Provisional Patent Application No. 60/686,655 entitled "PRODUCT PACKAGING

WITH COLLAPSIBLE PROTECTIVE LID," filed June 1, 2005, the disclosure of

which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background

[0002] The present disclosure relates to product packaging, and more specifically

to packaging that may continue to be useful to a consumer to protect and store the

enclosed product after it has been purchased. Although numerous packaging designs

are available for product shipment and retail display, the utility of these packaging

configurations is typically exhausted once the product is purchased. Examples of

packaging for product shipment and retail display are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos.

4,411,382, 4,813,382, 5,855,499, 6,012,842, the disclosures of which are incorporated

herein by reference.

Summary

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a product packaging system

that protects and stores a product after the product has been purchased by a consumer.

More specifically, it relates to packaging that includes a collapsible portion that may

be configured to enclose a product within the packaging.

[0004] The advantages of the disclosed packaging system may be understood

more readily after a consideration of the drawings and the Detailed Description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a packaging system including a disposable

cover and a receptacle having a protective cover configured to fold.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the receptacle of Fig. 1 showing the

protective cover in an open configuration.

[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates the protective cover of Fig. 2 being extended across

openings of compartments in the receptacle.

[0008] Fig. 4 illustrates coupling of the protective cover of Fig. 3 to the

receptacle.

[0009] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the receptacle of Fig. 1 showing the

protective cover in a closed configuration.

[0010] Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a receptacle having a protective cover

configured to roll.

[0011] Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a receptacle having a protective cover

configured to slide.

Detailed Description

[0012] Product packaging systems may be configured to protect and store

enclosed products after the products have been purchased. Referring to Fig. 1,

products and their components 100 may be placed in packaging system 10 for

transport, storage, and display. Products 100 may include any consumer product. In

the illustrative example shown in Fig. 1, product 100 includes a doll 102 and

accessories 104 appropriate for a doll. The disclosed packaging system 10 may be

configured to enclose any product that a consumer may wish to protect from trauma,

environmental factors, and other sources of damage. Packaging system 10 may

provide a way of keeping the product components in one location to guard against

loss.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, product 100 may be marketed and sold in product

packaging system 10. Packaging system 10 may include a primary or disposable

cover 12, such as a plastic cover, that protects the product and other packaging

components during shipment and retail display until a consumer has purchased the

product. Disposable cover 12 may slide over a product receptacle 14 that houses

product 100. Disposable cover 12 may provide a surface to affix labels 16 for

advertisements and pricing information.

[0014] A consumer may wish to retain a way of enclosing the product in its

packaging after disposable cover 12 has been discarded. Consequently, packaging

system 10 may include a secondary cover 18 that acts in cooperation with product

receptacle 14 to form a storage system. Secondary cover 18 may function in place of

the disposable cover for continued or additional shipment or display, long-term

storage, or short-term storage, such as by providing a suitable location for a child to

place his or her toys so that the child's room appears tidy.

[0015] Receptacle 14 may take the form of a box or other suitable storage

structure. The receptacle may be formed of any suitable material, including, but not

limited to cardboard, metal, plastic, and the like.

[0016] Receptacle 14 may include at least one opening 20. Opening 20 may

provide access to a compartment 22. A receptacle may include a plurality of

compartments and a plurality of corresponding openings. The openings to multiple

compartments may be on one or more sides of the receptacles. In the exemplary

receptacle shown in Figs. 1-3, the openings are located on the front of the receptacle.

However, in the example shown in Fig. 6, openings 20 pass through the front and right

sides of the receptacle. Some compartments may have openings on different sides of

the receptacle relative to the other compartment openings.

[0017] As illustrated in Fig. 2, receptacle 14 may include a variety of dividers 24

that separate the receptacle into two or more compartments 22. For example, dividers

24 may include one or more drawers 26 and other inserts 28, such as shelving inserts,

that may be removable. In some versions of the packaging system, the dividers may

be integrally formed with receptacle 14.

[0018] Compartments 22 may be configured to house one or more products

and/or product components, such as a toy 102 and the accompanying toy accessories

104. Toy 102 and accessories 104 may be in the form of a gun and ammunition, a car

and trim or wheel options, a soldier and weapons, a figure and accessories, a doll and

clothing, and the like. Packaging system 10 may be decorative or include other

features that relate to the enclosed product. For example, where the toy is a doll as

shown in Figs. 1-5, packaging system 10 resembles a closet or wardrobe configured to

store a doll and doll clothing.

[0019] Receptacle 14 may include a handle 30 of any configuration suitable for

grasping by a consumer. Handle 30 may be integrally or separately formed with other

portions of the receptacle. The handle may extend from any suitable location on the

receptacle, such as from the top, the left side, or the right side.

[0020] Secondary cover 18 may take any suitable form that extends across an

opening 20 for any one or more of compartments 22. For example, secondary cover

18 may take the form of one or more collapsible panels that extend across openings 20

in the receptacle to take the place of the disposable cover. In configurations in which

receptacle 14 resembles a box, protective cover 18 may form a lid to the box. The

secondary cover may be unattached to the receptacle, attached at one or more

locations to the receptacle, or integrally formed with a portion of the receptacle.

[0021] Secondary cover 18 may be coupled to the receptacle at a first, or anchor,

location 32. The secondary cover may move between an open configuration or

orientation and a closed configuration or orientation, in which the secondary cover is

coupled to the receptacle at a second, or attachment, location 34. In the open

configuration, the secondary cover may be collapsed substantially adjacent the first

location with the opening fully accessible. In the closed configuration, the secondary

cover may be extended across one or more of the compartment openings. Where

secondary cover 18 is a lid to a box, the lid may be stored on any appropriate surface,

such as a rear surface of receptacle 14.

[0022] In the illustrative example shown in Figs. 2-5, secondary cover 18 may be

configured to extend across or otherwise enclose any combination of compartments

22. For example, a single panel may be configured to extend across an entire side of

the packaging, such as that shown in Figs. 2-5. In some examples of packaging

system 10, the secondary cover may be configured to extend incrementally, such as

halfway across a side of the package, thereby only enclosing one of compartments 22.

In such a configuration, a consumer may continue to use the product components

stored in the uncovered compartments while still protecting the remainder of the

product components.

[0023] As previously noted, secondary cover 18 may be collapsible and/or multi-

segmented. An illustrative example of such a configuration is shown in Figs. 2-5. As

shown, secondary cover 18 may be a collapsible panel 36 configured to fold in an

accordion-like fashion, similar to that of a closet door, to enclose, and thereby protect,

a product housed within the receptacle. Collapsible panel 36 may have creases 38 to

facilitate folding of the panel into these accordion fold sections.

[0024] Secondary cover 18 may be a flexible structure, such as by folds, joints, or

an elastic border. The secondary cover may be formed of any suitable material,

including, but not limited to cardboard, metal, plastic, elastic materials, and the like.

In some configurations, the secondary cover is opaque, transparent, or decorated with

artistic renderings.

[0025] As illustrated in Figs. 2-5, receptacle 14 may take the form of a box with

secondary cover 18 taking the form of a lid. The lid may be coupled to a first side of

the box and have accordion folds. The lid may be creased between the multiple

segments so that the segments are configured to fold against one another in alternating

directions. The lid may further be configured to removably couple to a second side of

the box and move between a closed orientation in which the lid is extended across the

opening and an open orientation, approximately perpendicular to the closed

orientation, in which the lid is collapsed and stored against the first side of the box.

[0026] Secondary cover 18 may be permanently coupled to a portion of the

packaging or may be completely detachable, although it is preferred that the panel be

permanently joined to prevent loss or damage of the cover. As illustrated in Fig. 4,

secondary cover 18 may include fastening mechanisms 40 to removably couple the

panel to the receptacle at the second location, and thereby secure the panel across the

opening of one or more compartments. Fastening mechanisms 40 may be configured

to retain secondary cover 18 in an open position, a closed position, an intermediate

attachment location, to couple secondary cover 18 to receptacle 14 at anchor location

32, or any combination thereof.

[0027] Fastening mechanisms 40 may include chemical adhesives, mechanical

fasteners, including but not limited to clasps, snaps, and insert tabs, or a combination

thereof. As shown in the example of Fig. 4, the fastening mechanism consists of

several sections of hook-and-loop closure type fasteners 42, namely, pieces of Velcro,

that mate to an edge of the packaging opposite the edge from which the panel extends.

Fastening mechanisms 40 may therefore retain secondary cover 18 in the closed

configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0028] In some configurations, secondary cover 18 may roll around itself, stretch,

telescope, or provide for any other suitable method of decreasing its size when in the

open configuration. For example, in the configuration shown in Fig. 6, secondary

cover 18 takes the form of a collapsible panel 36' that is configured to roll. Anchor

location 32 may therefore include a dowel or other support structure for panel 36 ' .

Springs or other biasing mechanisms may be mounted at the anchor location to bias

the panel to the open configuration.

[0029] Receptacle 14 may include openings 20 on two or more sides, such as the

front and the right side of the receptacle. In the configuration shown in Fig. 6,

fastening mechanisms 40 take the form of hooks 44 that are received by catches 46.

Any suitable quantity of hooks and catches may be provided. Catches 46 may be

provided at several locations, such as along a front edge opposite anchor location 32

and along a rear edge at attachment location 34.

[0030] In one example, the configuration of the receptacle can be configured by

the user after purchase. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, removable inserts 28 may be

placed across a variety of shelf supports 48 to provide a compartment configuration

that meets a consumer's needs.

[0031] In some versions of the packaging system, secondary cover 18 may be

configured to incrementally extend across multiple openings. For example, as shown

in Fig. 7, secondary cover 18 may take the form of a collapsible panel 36" configured

to slide. The panel may slide on rails 50 or any other suitable retaining structure.

More than one secondary cover may be provided so that separate compartments within

receptacle 14 have separate secondary covers or cover combinations. Multiple

collapsible panels may therefore extend across openings to multiple compartments as

shown in Fig. 7.

[0032] Panels 36" may include handles 52 to assist a consumer in manipulating

the panels to access the compartments. As shown in the exemplary configuration of

Fig. 7, handles 52 may take the form of detents in which a consumer rests his or her

finger to slide the panels.

[0033] The collapsible panel may be biased to a particular configuration. For

example, elastic strips may connect the edges of the folded sections so that the

collapsible panel is biased to the open configuration. Panels that are retained as a roll,

such as previously discussed with reference to Fig. 6, may include springs to bias the

panel to the open configuration in which the panel remains rolled around a dowel or

other support structure.

[0034] Although the present invention has been shown and described with

reference to the foregoing operational principles and preferred embodiments, it will be

apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made

without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention is

intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. The subject

matter of the present invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and

subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties

disclosed herein. Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations

of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through

presentation of claims in a subsequent application.