MARKS MICHELLE (US)
WO2003094823A1 |
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US2023242A | ||||
US2167691A | ||||
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US6244439B1 | ||||
US4441625A |
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. |
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.
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